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]

[ it was definitely the collaborative effort between the two of them that made this entire affair go very smoothly. kaeya allowed liem to figure out the logistics while he supported with modifications wherever it was needed, but it's just like he said earlier: he barely had to do anything. it almost feels like he was just there for moral support, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

plus, it sounds like liem appreciated the praise, so he wants the man to feel good about his efforts. he knows that what liem orchestrated will help their allies should anything unexpected come up. (little did they know, it'll also help those who aren't looking to stay behind...) ]

It depends on your definition of busy.

[ when they reach the specific point that was marked on liem's map, he waits for the other to lead the way as he keeps talking. ]

I always left the paperwork until the very last minute, but I want to say that it did keep me occupied whenever the Knights of Favonius didn't have many missions to work through. However, Mondstadt was a very peaceful city, so making sure that our recruits were given their proper uniforms made up most of my duties.

[ there's a fondness in his tone that's difficult to miss, the smile on his face merely adding to it. ]

[sterngaze]

[Kaeya's mention of avoiding paperwork makes a smile tug at Liem's mouth; in all worlds, it seems, paperwork ends up being a chore. He happens to be someone who finds chores soothing, but he quite understands how Kaeya might not feel the same way.]

Ah… so it wasn't the most scintillating duty, is what you mean.

[Dull, peaceful work is always better than strife and hardship, but he can't deny that challenging work is more to his preference. The walls always start to close in on him when he spends too long at a stretch sifting through desk work; that's been true since he was young, but of late his restlessness at such times has become downright intolerable.

When they reach the first location on the map, a boxy-looking chapel built of all black stone, he heads around the side to an entrance that opens away from the street itself. Shouldering the heavy wooden door open, he pauses to hold it for his companion before going inside.]

What kind of work did your order do, then?

[subsist]

[ when liem puts it that way, kaeya can't help but laugh. it's true that being a quartermaster was hardly interesting when conflict hadn't befallen mondstadt before... well, he knows that it was a good thing, because not every nation could be so lucky and blessed with a peaceful atmosphere.

(and despite what he says, kaeya did take his job seriously. the paperwork he put off was the ones for future things, but the ones that were more dire were always squared away before the deadline.) ]

We did everything that one would expect from a Knights' order. Peacekeeping, scouting, expeditions, and the like.

[ kaeya keeps the list going while he enters the church, explaining every minute detail that may or may not have been necessary. he even tells liem about how he was the cavalry captain with no cavalry, because their grandmaster took them with him to a grand expedition that kaeya never saw them return from. (all because he ended up here, anyway.) ]

There were also times when we had to get our... hands dirty, so working for the Kenoma is not entirely new territory to me, I suppose.

[sterngaze]

[Their stop in the church demands only a little of their time, and not an overwhelming amount of attention. Liem listens to Keaya as they head inside to where the appropriate supplies have been dropped off. A quick inventory is all it takes to ensure that the relevant goods are all accounted for and accessible, and after a brief conference with an attending acolyte, they've addressed everything they need to at this stop.]

We all have our own skills to bring to bear, [Liem says as they emerge back into the sunlight, squinting behind the dark barrier of his lenses. He accepts this less-than-savoury admission with equanimity, knowing full well that knightly orders can differ substantially in their codes of conduct. Not every knight can (or should) be a paladin.]

My work back home sometimes [—read: often—] involved dirtying my hands as well. A sadly relevant area of experience to have here, as I am coming to find.

[subsist]

[ once they're business with this particular location is done, kaeya follows liem back into the sunlight. it's such a beautiful day and yet... he knows a part of it is ruined by the events that have been planned for later tonight. it isn't really something either of them can do anything about. ]

We're fighting someone else's war, after all.

[ at least it sounds like liem has found the role he needed to fill in for the kenoma. he's glad for that much. ]

Now, if I recall correctly... our next destination shouldn't be too far away, yes?

[sterngaze]

Well… it's our war now.

[Thinking of the conflict they were in as the Regent's war was part of what had gotten Liem in trouble to begin with. It had encouraged him to set himself apart from that conflict, to see parts of it as beneath him. But he doesn't have the luxury of thinking that way anymore. He never did, really—he just hadn't been willing to acknowledge that until the Regent had forced him to see it.

Looking down the road, he orients himself and nods, thinking of the other stops they're meant to visit on their route. The next one is just a short walk away—which is by design, of course. The whole point is for at least one of these locations to be quickly accessible to the Kenoma wherever in the city they might be.]

It shouldn't take too long to head there, yes.

[He adjusts the wide brim of his hat to shade his eyes a bit better and sets his feet back into motion, his pace brisk despite the morning's climbing temperature.]

I wonder what lies in store for us, once this business is concluded. [He hesitates, then adds,] I don't know if the Regent considers their point from last month made, or if our hunt for dissidents is to be redoubled.

[subsist]

[ when liem claims that it's their war now, that gives kaeya some food for thought. it wasn't like he tried to consider it as beneath him in any way, but more so that he lacked any personal stakes beyond the promise of having a hand in forming the new world that will be born after this one meets its end. perhaps it is wrong of him to continue to think that he isn't a part of this, when the fact that he is willing to fight and die for the cause proves the exact opposite.

when he smiles this time, it's almost unreadable, but the certainty is there regardless. ]

You're right. It is our war now.

[ now, colour kaeya impressed that liem planned out these drop points so perfectly. this is exactly what he would have done if he'd been in charge of the entire operation, but knowing that he can rely on liem for this, it's a welcome relief.

not that it's a feeling that lasts long given the next topic that was brought up. kaeya waits until they reach the proper location before sharing his thoughts. ]

We were unsuccessful in capturing all of our targets, so I have no doubts that the resistance effort hasn't yet been completely snuffed out. As for whether or not the Regent will want us to continue to look for dissidents, it wouldn't hurt to take the initiative on it.

[ after all, he doubts the pleroma are going to wait for them before they make their next move. ]

Is that something you're looking to do?

[sterngaze]

[When they reach the next supply location, Liem applies himself to making sure that everything there is in order, and after long enough of this it seems like he might just be dodging Kaeya’s question. His expression is tense and preoccupied as he looks over the assorted equipment, as if with indecision. But eventually, he does answer.]

I think I might have to.

[He’s not wholly responsible for the Kenoma’s partial failure in Venera, of course; Barnaby contributed too, and there was some amount of bad luck involved. But regardless of his own responsibility for what happened there, he feels duty-bound to make up for his part in it.]

That’s where my skills lie: Finding people. Following trails. Digging up information. I would be remiss not to contribute.

[His tone is carefully balanced, free of any resignation or distaste—but it’s notably free of pride, as well. As much as this task needs to be tackled by someone, he finds no joy in the prospect of being the one to do it. But that’s usual for his work, even if it’s been some months since he committed to pursuing it.]

[subsist]

[ kaeya doesn't really see it as dodging so much as carefully considering one's options. he assists with checking the supplies where liem isn't already there, only pausing when the other begins to speak up. it makes him curious that liem puts it that way — that he might have to do it, and it makes him raise an eyebrow. ]

You sound uncertain. [ he doesn't mean anything bad by it; mostly curious, really. ] Are you offering to take up this task because you have the relevant skills or...

[ a beat. ]

Out of obligation?

[sterngaze]

[The nature of Kaeya’s question makes Liem frown very briefly—how else is he meant to feel about a task like that?—and then he looks back at the other man with a matching query in his expression, as though questioning how the answer isn’t already obvious.]

It’s both.

[Of course he feels obligated to use the skills he’s actually honed and developed. Of course he wouldn’t feel right hobbling himself by serving the Kenoma only in ways that anyone capable of wielding a bow might do just as easily. It’s been made abundantly clear that none of them can simply sit on their hands if they expect to make any progress at all towards their goal, and in a way, that’s what he feels like he’d be doing if he didn’t try to correct the mistakes he’s made.]

I feel obligated to use the skills available to me to contribute in the way I’m most able. That’s not strange, I would think, for someone with an intact sense of duty. Isn’t it the same for you?

[subsist]

[ liem's answer is exactly the one he expected to get. after all, he understands where he's coming from. it's part of why he offered to help the other aion with keeping track of the supplies since it's what he used to do and it'll provide their allies the support they need should any curious circumstances arise.

he can only shrug though, when the question is turned towards him. ]

It's not strange at all. I was merely curious. [ ... ] I do believe it's a good idea, to seek out all budding rebels before they manage to band together. Easier to handle them when they're still working alone, hm?

[ he's going to ignore that sinking feeling in his gut. what's the point in worrying about such things, anyway? can they really afford to wait for the regent to send them out again when they already know venera has the beginnings of a rebel network? they can't leave them alone for too long. ]

[sterngaze]

[Hearing that Kaeya views pursuing the rebels as a good idea doesn't soothe the quiet dread that has been nesting in Liem's heart ever since he began considering this particular problem. He'll have more names to add to the list stamped over his soul, more lives to weigh it down. It's not that he doesn't believe in the necessity of such a task, or of its ultimate righteousness—but he's still responsible for all the people he catches, still responsible for their ultimate fates. He's never been able to divest himself of the guilt that comes along with that.]

We certainly don't want them growing any bolder, [he agrees.] And I…

[Liem frowns, pausing in the midst of counting through a container of water bottles.]

I don't want that duty to fall to the others again. It was hard on some of them.

[And when it came down to it, it was better for him to take care of such things than to confront younger and gentler souls with that burden.]

[subsist]

... There were some who struggled with it more than others.

[ barnaby comes to mind almost immediately. kaeya, himself, found himself wavering at certain points, but ultimately knew that it was something that needed to be done. it's hard to say if liem offering to take that duty upon himself is either foolish or honourable. maybe it's both. ]

You're volunteering yourself to shoulder a heavy burden. Will you be alright?

[ is he planning on doing it all by himself? ]

[sterngaze]

[In a way, Liem supposes that every single one of the Kenoma aions agreed, when they accepted their new purpose, to do whatever it would take to bring about the end of existence. They are, all of them, entropy's chosen ones, and as such, they out of all others cannot shy away from the darker natures of their roles. By the time they succeed, the death of the entire cosmos will be on their shoulders.

But it's still gruelling to bring death so ruthlessly to those who are fighting for a better life. Maybe it is foolish to try to spare the others of his sect the need for such a thing, but sometimes that wish is all that allows him to keep moving in the face of his own hardships.]

I'll be cautious. And the Regent already has Horosians looking into such matters; I'll hardly be shouldering it by myself.

[He straightens some imperceptible skew in the set of his hat, and says briskly,] But I prefer to keep busy.