![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
Entry tags:
- !event,
- #dionys,
- #innocence,
- #xishen,
- abel nightroad: martyr,
- amos burton: lover,
- anduin wrynn: sovereign,
- barnaby brooks jr: lover,
- bruno madrigal: martyr,
- ciel: martyr,
- claude von riegan: seeker,
- dorothea arnault: celebrant,
- emet-selch: champion,
- estinien wyrmblood: firebrand,
- eustace: firebrand,
- father paul hill: martyr,
- han sooyoung: artisan,
- himeka sui: wanderer,
- howl: celebrant,
- jayce talis: visionary,
- jonathan crane: sovereign,
- kaeya alberich: lover,
- kim dokja: martyr,
- koriel xii (dextera): lover,
- kotetsu t. kaburagi: champion,
- liem talbott: champion,
- majorita: firebrand,
- makoto ("m"): firebrand,
- meteion: innocent,
- rand al'thor: martyr,
- ryunosuke naruhodo: champion,
- sebastian michaelis: celebrant,
- tartaglia (childe): firebrand,
- wrathion: seeker
EVENT #6: BY HEAVEN OR HELL
By Heaven or Hell
THE BURNING
Achamoth, as it turns out, is no stranger to public killings... the burning of two Pleroma, however? That's special. Abel and Himeka's upcoming execution date seems to be regarded by the city's populace as something akin to a holiday, with the upper crust of the social stratum fighting for positions of prominence in the festivities, including the best possible seats. It's been decades since any Pleroma have been brought to heel in Achamoth, and it would only be prudent to place yourself at the forefront of this exciting new trend. There's a sense of pageantry to it: ritualized ceremonies, public sermons, and strange religious 'décor' are all part of the process.The city is in the throes of these preparations when the two Pleroma captives are finally brought to a central square not far from the Citadel's front gates. Two burning pyres have been set up for them, about ten feet apart. While Abel and Himeka's bodies are chained to their stakes, their shards will be handed off to Silco, Ciel, and Makoto to be brought along separately. The set up of the execution is thus: while their bodies are ravaged by flames, their shards will be bound to an altar in advance of the pyre. Via a kind of alchemical 'fuse', the pyre being lit will trigger a reaction that will gradually result in a explosion on the altar just large enough to destroy the shard in turn. The shards will be bound in position with a series of jewelry-like metal prongs that could be pried away, but would take some time to do carefully.
As the Pleroma make it to the city, the sun will be setting on the 17th of Firaseri, with the execution about to be underway. The pyres will not yet have been lit, but are fully prepared. All Kenoma will be called upon to guard the city, with the warning that the Pleroma are mounting a raid to rescue their imprisoned comrades. For Kenoma both new and old, it's a time to test your mettle. Those that defend Achamoth valiantly can expect to be rewarded.
INNOCENCE ON FIRE
The city of Achamoth looms ahead, a seat of power in Horos in every fashion. It sprawls outwards, claiming the lands around it in a lazy confidence. The spires of the city grow up and up like a mountain, dragging the eye towards the Citadel. The walls that surround it are modest in height as if offering a challenge to any foolish enough to attempt to climb them. Who would? The Regent's eye is ever-present and the guard towers that line it like beaded pearls on a string are reminders that nothing goes in or out of the city without notice. Openings in the towers and the walls threaten the use of projectiles while dark, shimmering crystals float above with the quiet hum of protective magics. Only a fool would breach these borders.Initially, getting into the city unmolested will be a considerable struggle for the Pleroma. It's military is robust, its fortifications solid, and even without the Kenoma's added resistance, the sheer numbers could be considered insurmountable. Stealth could get them some of the way, but its sentries are watchful, and immigration is strictly controlled. With faith alone driving the Pleroma towards their goal it's fortunate, then, that something is there to answer their call.
Estinien will feel the presence of the Innocence Entity rise up in him again, and this time it is offering him a choice. He may utilize its power to save the ones he loves, while risking both the brutality of the Regent's defenses and the threat to his own soul by channeling such power. It will stand with him against the darkness, it says, if it is truly his will. Emboldened by the power of the Firebrand and his love for his comrades, it is no surprise that he accepts.
Light will flood the sky above Achamoth, an ethereal aura combatting the encroach of the night. From a great miasma of wings and flame, a colossal dragon emerges, coiling above the city skyline. Its luminescence rains down upon the city, and all Achamites exposed to it will be enchanted into finding the idea of committing acts of violence unthinkable, at least so long as no violence is brought against them in turn. With much of Achamoth's defenses having lost the will to fight, only the Kenoma will stand in the Pleroma's way as they penetrate the city, making their way to Abel and Himeka's pyres.
As the Pleroma forge ahead, this draconic being that was once Estinien Wyrmblood will guard from the skies, drawing the attention of the Kenoma towards it and it threatens to bear its might against the Citadel itself. Fortunately for the Kenoma guarding the city, they will know that the Regent has a plan. All they must do is hold off the beast long enough for the Regent to wield their own strength in turn. The battle against this creature will take place here, with combat rules being explain in this OOC post.
As the power of the Innocent washes over Achamoth, those of its Legacy, or those marked by its Promise or Touch, will hear it speak on the winds in a chorus of voices:
Aions of this new dawn... I have honored your choice... fight... if you will... and I will follow...
FIREBRAND RISING
Beneath the moon of Firaseri, however, the Innocent isn't the only force at play. Firebrands of both sects will find themselves spurred on by a rush of Legacy-based power, as if inspired by the tumultuous environment of an anti-authoritarian raid. How precisely this manifests will depend on which side they are fighting for.❖ PLEROMA
The Firebrands among the Pleroma raiders will feel a sense of vindication and rightness come over them, set as they are to challenge the Regent's rule. Their powers will be amplified during the battle, and those that witness them and are inspired may find their performance boosted. The nature of these enhancements is fairly flexible. For the Firebrands, the use of their regular skills and abilities may be amplified beyond normal boundaries, whereas those following in their wake may find themselves with usual endurance that allows them to push their their usual limits.
❖ KENOMA
The Firebrands of the Kenoma's inspiration is more complicated in nature, given their roll in defending Achamoth's status quo. However, they will find themselves bolstered while facing the pacifying might of the Innocence Entity. Firebrands will experience a natural resistance against any Innocence based attacks that would stop them from fighting, and will be able to use this blessing to rally NPCs that would otherwise be rendered useless to their cause, in defiance of the entity's command for peace. In general, they will see a boost in strength while fighting the raid boss in particular, unable to be deterred from their goals.
In general, all Firebrands will feel untethered by their regular inhibitions, fighting for their desires at all costs. Abilities intended to bind them or control their will, will be largely ineffective, and they will find shields both physical and magical particularly easy to break through.
QUESTIONS
Q: What is the best way for Pleroma to travel to Achamoth?
A: Akua and Estinien are both setting up portals from Godsblood to the outskirts of Achamoth from which to begin mounting the assault. Caitlyn will be providing a back-up in the case either of those portals go down.
Q: Can my character make use of the chaos and try to raid the Citadel?
A: They can try but there will be mod rolls involved for any attempts. NPCs inside the Citadel will not be affected the same way the NPCs outside in main area will be. We do not want it to seem like the Citadel is defenseless otherwise.
Q: If Kenoma cause damage to the city during the raid, how will the Regent feel? Will there be consequences?
A: It should try to be avoided, but the Regent will understand if there is collateral damage in battle as long as they aren't being careless about it.
Q: Is the "no-combat aura" completely incapacitating NPCs?
A: No, it is only stopping them from aggressing the Pleroma. If they or their property are attacked they will defend themselves, and are otherwise operating with a normal level of cognizance. Kenoma Aions can order them out of the area to avoid being hurt if necessary.
BOSS BATTLE:
Q: I would like my character to take part in the battle but want to limit the outcomes in a way that isn't too devastating. Is that possible?
A: We think in that case we would basically only be acknowledging the possibilities between the "The attack either misses, is ineffective, or it triggers a counter attack from the boss." and "The attack hits with moderate effectiveness, as determined by the nature of their action." range. So, you can't get taken out, but you also can only deal moderate hits at best. You could still trigger a counter attack from the boss, but the damage taken from that is more flexible and free form than the 1-5% zone. If you make an attack with this restriction just add a little OOC note to your initial attack tag.
Q: How can a support character engage in the combat?
A: If your character is providing support, you may team up with an attacker to submit a "group attack". This means that your character is putting their effort towards supporting that attacker character that round, and will not be able to submit their own separate action. In exchange, that attack will receive two mod rolls instead of one, and the attack itself will be based on the more favorable of the two rolls. (Sort of like rolling with an advantage in modern D&D.) We will make as many rolls as there there are character combining their effort and select the best of them.
If any character rolls in the 1-5% zone they will still be taken out, however. Click the link above for more information.
Q: Can my character take a hit for another character after a mod roll?
A: We would be willing to accept this in the case of the defender taking the hit for the attacker, which would mean that if it's a 1-5%, they would be taken out in the attacker's stead.
A: Akua and Estinien are both setting up portals from Godsblood to the outskirts of Achamoth from which to begin mounting the assault. Caitlyn will be providing a back-up in the case either of those portals go down.
Q: Can my character make use of the chaos and try to raid the Citadel?
A: They can try but there will be mod rolls involved for any attempts. NPCs inside the Citadel will not be affected the same way the NPCs outside in main area will be. We do not want it to seem like the Citadel is defenseless otherwise.
Q: If Kenoma cause damage to the city during the raid, how will the Regent feel? Will there be consequences?
A: It should try to be avoided, but the Regent will understand if there is collateral damage in battle as long as they aren't being careless about it.
Q: Is the "no-combat aura" completely incapacitating NPCs?
A: No, it is only stopping them from aggressing the Pleroma. If they or their property are attacked they will defend themselves, and are otherwise operating with a normal level of cognizance. Kenoma Aions can order them out of the area to avoid being hurt if necessary.
BOSS BATTLE:
Q: I would like my character to take part in the battle but want to limit the outcomes in a way that isn't too devastating. Is that possible?
A: We think in that case we would basically only be acknowledging the possibilities between the "The attack either misses, is ineffective, or it triggers a counter attack from the boss." and "The attack hits with moderate effectiveness, as determined by the nature of their action." range. So, you can't get taken out, but you also can only deal moderate hits at best. You could still trigger a counter attack from the boss, but the damage taken from that is more flexible and free form than the 1-5% zone. If you make an attack with this restriction just add a little OOC note to your initial attack tag.
Q: How can a support character engage in the combat?
A: If your character is providing support, you may team up with an attacker to submit a "group attack". This means that your character is putting their effort towards supporting that attacker character that round, and will not be able to submit their own separate action. In exchange, that attack will receive two mod rolls instead of one, and the attack itself will be based on the more favorable of the two rolls. (Sort of like rolling with an advantage in modern D&D.) We will make as many rolls as there there are character combining their effort and select the best of them.
If any character rolls in the 1-5% zone they will still be taken out, however. Click the link above for more information.
Q: Can my character take a hit for another character after a mod roll?
A: We would be willing to accept this in the case of the defender taking the hit for the attacker, which would mean that if it's a 1-5%, they would be taken out in the attacker's stead.
no subject
Ahehe, well... I mean, isn't this a little too chaotic right now to be hanging around here? I know you wanna beat the bad guys, but aren't you the one who would be telling me we need to pull back until we have a plan?
[ Why does Kotetsu feel like he's in Barnaby's role instead of... well, Barnaby. He's going to tug again to try and get his partner to come along already. ]
no subject
What if his memories really are out of his control again, as happened with Maverick? His heart seizes in his chest, and he can't hide the flicker of uncertainty and suspicion that darts across his expression.
Nonetheless, he decides to play along. If this man is a Pleroma, and also someone who might have answers about his missing memories, there are two advantages to trying to get what he can out of him before he attacks. So he moves his feet again, to follow along to wherever the man decides to lead them.]
The 'bad guys'? You mean the ones holding the prisoners hostage?
no subject
[ Kotetsu doesn't notice any further subtle hints something is wrong with Barnaby, except of course for the fact he's talking and dressing really weirdly. So he definitely doesn't pick up on the other suddenly deciding to play along. Maybe he didn't just get here, afterall? Maybe he's gotten too deep into this fantasy-LARP-but-not gig and forgotten things from home? Is that even a thing? Are their brains going to devolve back to not primitive times (lucky for Kotetsu his can't devolve much more or it wouldn't be a brain anymore.)]
Come on, how long have you been here, anyway? This really isn't like you... [ well... maybe a little bit but it's a Barnaby from a long time ago back when they hated each other. ]
no subject
[He complains before he can stop himself, wondering if this man really thinks he's that dense. Or, it seems, is just that dense himself. Ah, but Barnaby's supposed to be playing along, which means... being nice? Probably? So he'll keep those uncharitable comments to himself, before the man gets too suspicious.]
I've been here for four months-- [Now to gamble and see if the name Gen gave him is correct or not,] --Kotetsu. And as you've probably guessed, I've been separated from the others for a while, so I don't know anything about what the overall plan is.
[None of that is... strictly a lie. But he's testing the waters on just how much this so-called partner of his trusts him, and how much information he's willing to just give away.]
no subject
Oh, yeah okay. It all makes sense now. Well, obviously the plan is to rescue Himeka and... [ give him a moment... okay he remembers now ] ...Abel. They're gonna be okay. That's all this is though. We need to just get outta here now so their dragoon pal up there can also get out, too, since he's just making himself a major distraction to the other side's... uh, hm... you know what I mean, what we are now that begins with an A. Them.
[ a soft sigh is let out now as he rubs the side of his head with a slightly annoyed look. ] Man, at least Himeka-chan has a Japanese name, but these other ones are tougher to remember.
no subject
We're in Achamoth. [How did he work with this man before without nursing a permanent headache? But what he's more interested in is that the only plan is to rescue the prisoners. All this effort, just for two people, not a committed strike against the Kenoma...
Or perhaps the other Pleroma just don't trust this dimwitted man not to blab their secrets, so he was kept in the dark about the finer details. He's guessing that's all he knows, at any rate, so he changes tack.]
So the Pleroma are the heroes and the Kenoma are the villains. Is that how you see it?
no subject
[ Kotetsu says it so sunny and matter of fall, like there's no room for question. In his mind and heart, it's true. People who hurt other people like trying to burn them at the stake are villains that the world needs to be petted from. No one has a right to take another's life regardless of what they do. They didn't create that life — there's no debate in them having any right in ending it.
He glances over his shoulder towards Barnaby, his expression suddenly pretty unemotional, like they're talking about the weather. ]
This is black and white, Bunny. The bad guys here are obvious, it's not really a matter of opinion.
[ at least for today, but he doesn't say that part on purpose. As far as the Pleroma doing things other than directly rescuing the execution is for... that's very very morally gray and what they are are not heroes in the slightest. He's not here to try and make Barnaby understand what he means though. If this is his Barnaby in his right mind, he doesn't need to explain himself after everything they've been through. ]
no subject
[He looks at Kotetsu with open disgust, his hands balling into fists; what he's saying is only reinforcing everything the Regent showed him. People only care about others when it's convenient, and turn a blind eye to the suffering of those who don't matter to them. Even the Pleroma, who supposedly believe in preserving life above all, put their own first. It's an unfixable trait of human nature, one that can only be swept away with the Regent's solution.
Yet when he had been locked away earlier in the month, he had spent countless hours, what had felt like months, years, obsessing over the gaps in his memories. He wondered what had been so significant it could leave him feeling so empty and grief-stricken. And now he's met the source of those memories, he can only be bitterly disappointed, that whatever he had lost amounted to... this.]
... Keep your short-sighted morality to yourself. If you were ever my partner, it's small wonder I left the hero business for good.
no subject
He knew it. He wishes he could be just as oblivious as he had been the first time this happened.
His chest hurts, even as he rolls his shoulders slowly. It's obvious there's a problem more than ever if Barnaby just takes be what he said at face value and then throws it back in his face like that. It's not... or of character for a version of Barnaby a long time ago, necessarily ... but how far has he regressed?
Instead of argue with the other on the nitpicky details — because Barnaby would know more than anyone that he doesn't tolerate those Pleroma that act like that, either. He can't stop them in this case, but he definitely doesn't approve of their methods. He's tried before to do the talking and imploring and pleading to get the other to remember things, but... you don't forget the results, even if you will do it all over again to get the person important to you back to themselves. he swallows back his feelings turning around fully to face the other. ]
So, not only have you lost some of your memories— because you don't even actually know who I am, do you? — but they've been altered, too. You never quit being a hero for good, Bunny. Who told you this? And who gave you my name?
no subject
Before, when Maverick had tampered with his memories and a contradiction arose, there was an aching pressure in his skull, a flash of confusion -- clarity -- as real memories would war with illusory ones to return to the surface. But here, there's... nothing. No return of his senses, no realisation, nothing to suggest his memories were altered.
Like the hole in his soul itself, they're just gone. He takes an involuntary step back, a hand on his chest, where his damaged shard sits over his heart. Like maybe he wants to run, put some distance between himself and this man. But that wars with both his desire to understand what he lost, and most of all, his desire to remain loyal to the Regent's wishes.]
Come with me. [He says, instead, something frantic in the way he searches Kotetsu's gaze, like something might help him remember.] Come back to the Citadel, and we can talk about everything there.
[And if he doesn't come back willingly... Well. There are other ways this can end.]
no subject
As much as Kotetsu seems to have the upper hand suddenly, Barnaby's request is further surprising. Before the other didn't even want to hear it, before he was so sure he remembered things as they were there was no option to talk, really. But now, he wants to talk?
...At the Citadel. Kotetsu slowly glances up to the monstrous structure that oversees Achamoth at its center. It doesn't even look like a place that holds much invitation for anything— not even a funeral.
Kotetsu makes a face before looking back to Barnaby. Still, saying an outright 'no' to Barnaby with him looking at him like that is hard. There's apprehension in his body language, like he knows the answer he's supposed to give here but he really doesn't want to. Or maybe it's the other way around? Does Kotetsu himself even know? ]
Ahhh, yeaaahhhh.....uh... [ he sucks air in through his teeth in that I really don't know if that's a programer move right now before offering a hopeful compromise. Or, at least he's hoping it will be a comprise. ]
I just don't think that's really the best place to chat this kind of thing out. You deserve a more calming atmosphere so we can sort through what happened to you better. How about a park in a nearby town or why don't you come back with me? Or even just go halfway with me. [ like away from the final boss mission location. ]
—I'm definitely going to help you. [ no mistake should be made here. ] I just can't do it in there. Please understand, okay?
no subject
[That's more important than figuring out who his partner is, who he is, isn't it? Ultimately none of his problems will matter in the end, anyway. He has to carry out his duty.]
And if you insist on siding with the Pleroma, [He looks back down at Kotetsu,] I'm bringing you back by force.
[Just letting him walk away so they can talk later is out of the question. He doesn't know what kind of NEXT power Kotetsu has, but he'll soon find out, the blue glow of his own Hundred Power manifesting as he activates it.
He's giving Kotetsu one last chance to change his mind before he attacks. What will it be?]
no subject
Whoa—okay, okay! Sorry, wrong button pushed there! We don't need to get angry over any of that.
... Just a question, though. Even if I go back with you willingly, I'm still going to be treated like a Pleroma, right? I mean... you might not use force, but I'm finding it hard to believe I'm going to be treated as a guest just for walking back with you.
[ Delay, delay, delay. Getting his ass kicked here by Barnaby's NEXT ability is not his idea of a good time even on a good day. ]
no subject
[Or defectors who refuse to submit. Barnaby might be strung up out there with Abel and Himeka now if he had. Or perhaps just locked away forever, if it spared the Regent the embarrassment of disloyalty in their ranks becoming public knowledge.
But he did submit, and here's here now. Maybe Kotetsu can be talked into seeing things the same way, so he'll accept his attempt to stall for time for now.]
If you go before the Regent and swear to reject the Pleroma, they won't harm you. You can join our ranks, and then you can tell me everything.