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

[subsist]

[ a boy who came from a family that was made regents is close enough to being a prince. (that, and he can't exactly take away eustace's #1 bachelor even though the erune has fled the city. will be fleeing the city.)

while kaeya is both smart and skilled, that doesn't help him figure out that something is different about eustace today. it would have been easy enough to unravel the lie if he'd bothered to use true sight, but the erune has proven to be trustworthy and reliable time and time again — especially after their mission at venera not too long ago — so he has no reason to doubt right now. ]

Eustace?

[ the mild relief on his face is unmistakable. one can see the way he relaxes, too. he barely questions eustace's intent when he passes aerith over, convinced that she was safe regardless of whatever nefarious outcome is waiting for her by the end of this. ]

Do be careful on your way back. The Pleroma are seizing the opportunity to make a mess of things out there.

[lockedon]

[ He doesn't let his guard down even when Kaeya's shoulders relax, whole body tense as he carefully takes Aerith and cradles her in his arms. At least there's the very real threat of danger surrounding them to excuse his current rigidity. ]

I saw. I'll keep to safer paths when taking her back.

[ Safer paths for him anyway, away from the Citadel and back towards the Pleroma side. He still barely has an idea what each of the Pleroma are capable of doing and who he ought to be seeking out in case of an emergency, but easier to find the person he needs when he's further away from the Citadel (and the Regent) rather than closer.

Another quick shift of his arms to make sure Aerith is secure and then he's turning around, briefly heading in the direction of the Citadel for about five seconds before he starts swinging around, his pace quickening.

Nothing wrong with that, except he's definitely going In the wrong direction now. ]

[subsist]

[ kaeya appears to believe eustace almost unconditionally, but that's what happens when someone comes to your rescue on more than one occasion. convinced that things were going to be alright, he turns to see where else he'd be needed until he happens to catch the sudden change in where the erune is now headed. that is definitely not where the citadel is located, and now the quickened pace just makes the outcome all the more obvious.

he can't tell which is worse: that he was careless enough to let this happen, or that he trusted eustace in the first place. maybe it's both. maybe it shouldn't surprise him that this situation is what ends up happening whenever he tries to let his guard down around someone.

without wasting another minute, he extends one hand and summons a familiar ice wall to block eustace's path. ]

What are you doing?

[ it's quite obvious what he's doing, but he wants to hear an explanation anyway. maybe he's just wanting his suspicions to be proven wrong. ]

[lockedon]

[ He makes it about five more steps before his path is blocked by a literal wall of ice. Of course things wouldn't be that easy, even if a small part of him had hoped it would. Too late now for regrets though; all he can do is work with what he has, even if the odds are stacked against him.

At least he sounds confident when he answers, even if he doesn't turn around. ]

Back. [ To the Pleroma side, which should be more than obvious even if he doesn't explicitly say so. Though maybe his next words will be explanation enough. ] She can't stay here in Achamoth.

[ Neither can he, but if push comes to shove he'll prioritize her safety over his own. He's already tensing, preparing for the inevitable fight ]

[subsist]

[ the fact that odds are stacked against eustace is exactly why kaeya hasn't tried to use force to stop him. eustace is someone he thought he could rely on, after all, especially with how he took him from harm's way not too long ago. it's not like him to disregard the debts he has yet to pay, but this — this situation is a little bit more complicated than that. ]

And if she goes, you're going with her.

[ not a question since he already knows what the answer is going to be like.

he looks right at eustace, nevermind that the erune has his back turned on him. maybe he can feel how his every move is being watched closely, but that's as far as that goes. ]

I can't let that happen. [ ... ] You should've just walked the other way.

[ out of everyone who had to get involved, why did it have to be you? ]

[lockedon]

[ He doesn't need to answer that, not when Kaeya's already answered that unspoken question himself.

At the time, when he'd exited out of his room in the early hours of the morning to teleport to the Innocent shrine, he hadn't been thinking of all the people whose company he'd come to enjoy in the Citadel. They'd all been ghosts, hazy imprints pushed to the back of his mind by the more pressing need to ensure Abel's safety. Easier to ignore things when they aren't right in front of you.

But now that he's back, now that his companions from before are nearby and tangible, it's surprising how much remorse he feels in the decision he's made. Not because he thinks it's the wrong thing to do, but because it means having to sever the fragile bonds he's made and come to cherish.

Confrontation is inevitable, injury to one of them (or more likely, both) unavoidable, but the least he can do is keep Aerith as much out of this mess as possible. He can't fight while she's still in his arms. Carefully, he kneels back down in order to lay her gently back on the ground, even though doing so gives Kaeya plenty of time to attack. ]

You could. [ It's said while he's still crouched low, the words continuing even as he stands back up and turns around slowly to face Kaeya again. ] Is stopping me what you want to do, or what you think the Regent wants you to do?

[ Not that it matters either way; he doubts a few simple turns of phrase will be enough to sway Kaeya. ]

[subsist]

[ fragile bonds with others are nothing new to kaeya. they're all he's ever had in his life. despite his own wishes, his role as a pawn for khaenri'ah has given him a pretty good reason to refrain from forging such brittle, intimate connections when there's always the risk of having them to sever them when he least expects it. this is a (terrible) habit that he carried with him to here in horos, where no one really knows who he is, but all for different reasons now.

eustace isn't someone he can really consider as a friend, or anything close to that, but there's no denying that what little time he shared with the erune is enough to make this encounter not so easy to deal with. then again, that has been the running trend with the rest of his scuffles thus far, so what's one more?

(he tries not to think about the day they spent at the beach. he doesn't want to know if eustace even plans to keep the seashell after this.)

rather than answering the other's question, he takes the time to manifest a cryo blade in his hand. what he wants never really mattered in moments like this. it's only the outcome, and how he plans on achieving it, no matter the price he has to pay. ]

I'll try to make it quick.

[ well aware that the erune wields a gun, he closes the distance between the two of them almost immediately, opening with a diagonal strike of his blade to use the momentum to spin his entire body around to deliver a kick aimed at eustace's side. he's going to make it difficult for the other to rely on his gun if he gets the first few hits in. ]

[lockedon]

[ If only things could have turned out differently.

He doesn't think that, because he tries not to spend too much time reminiscing on actions that can't be undone, and because there's really no time left to think. Kaeya's words are barely given time to hang in the air before the man himself is approaching, his body a blur as a blade of ice forms in his hand.

Flamek's bulk means that it's harder to withdraw the gun and use it as a counter in situations like this, where speed is of the essence. The rapid onslaught of Kaeya's attack forces him to pull out the daggers sheathed at his waist, crossing them in an X to block the worst of the slash, though it leaves him vulnerable to the foot that connects to his side, and he grunts as pain blossoms in his side.

But pain is nothing new to him by now, and he presses forward without hesitation, both knives angled forward as he cuts upward with one and follows with a mirror movement of the other. He might not have magic on his side but he has over a decade of experience. It'll have to be enough, at least until someone else catches sight of Aerith on the ground and comes to rescue her. ]

[subsist]

[ a decade of experience is nothing inconsequential. it's sure to give eustace the advantage he needs against a magic-wielder like kaeya. at least, it would have been an advantage if the former knight planned on using cryo to counter his moves, but kaeya has spent years training against someone who wielded the power of the gods way before he was ever blessed by the same gift. he's learned how to make up for his disadvantages, supplementing them with a perception so sharp that sometimes his opponents' tricks start to become predictable.

he blocks the first slash from the erune, the dagger's blade sliding across the edge of his sword before the next strike forces him to back away. his main focus right now is to learn as much as he can about how the other intends to fight while leaving him no room to rely on flamek. if eustace ever manages to take flamek out of its holster, he knows that it'll be all over for him, no matter what he does— so he wastes no time in attacking once again.

this time, he steps into eustace's blindside to feint a blow, wanting to bait the other into blocking him from this direction before he vanishes and reappears into the new blindspot, directly to his left. if the other isn't quick enough, this might give him the opening he needs to cut him from the side.

he keeps track of aerith's position in the meantime, noting that she's right behind them for now. if she wakes up in the middle of this, he's going to have to rethink what he wants to accomplish here, but he'll worry about it if it happens. ]

[lockedon]

[ He doesn't like to fight. He never really has. It's a necessity in the dangerous world he's chosen to live in and he's gotten painfully good at it, but there's no joy that hums alongside the adrenaline rushing through his veins and his face is a mask of concentration, a small furrow coming to rest between his brows and his lips pulling down imperceptibly.

The noise around them dims, his field of vision narrowing until it's only Kaeya's movements that fill up most of the space before him. Close range combat has always been a little harder for him than long-range support, even if he's trained extensively in both, and it means he has to apply a little more concentration in this fight than he normally would. Especially given Kaeya's talent in the fields of magical and physical combat both.

The other man moves forward again, appearing and then disappearing. Instead of blocking in place, he throws out one arm, dagger still clutched firmly between his fingers as he sweeps a wide arc around him, pivoting on the ball of one foot to complete the rotation. It's his turn to press forward after that, arms relentless as they slice up and then across, Eustace aiming to get close enough to be able to grab at the fabric of one sleeve and pull Kaeya off-balance. ]

[subsist]

[ that's interesting.

it's all kaeya can think to himself as dodges and blocks the sweeping motions of those daggers, allowing him to be caught in eustace's grasp and be pulled forward. his balance is now off-centred, dangerous given how close they are, but he waves away his sword to free up his fingers just so he can hold onto the erune's arm and keep himself from falling, pulling them even closer to each other for a kiss. ]

—Not bad.

[ they appear to be evenly matched, or as close as they can be. kaeya isn't surprised to realize this because he knows what a formidable fighter eustace is, has seen him in action more than enough times. this just means that if he wants to get any headway, then he can't avoid relying on his cryo forever. he tried, maybe because some part of him doesn't want this to end badly for the other aion, but—

brittle cold frost begins to spread from where he's holding onto the erune, freezing his clothes, his skin, steady and quick. it's playing dirty but he did promise he wasn't going to prolong this fight if he didn't have to. ]