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Aion Mods ([personal profile] aionmods) wrote in [community profile] aionlogs2022-08-18 12:17 pm

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.

epiprocta: (14)

[personal profile] epiprocta 2022-08-25 01:29 am (UTC)(link)
[ There are probably at least a few Achamite guards nearby nervously side-eyeing these two big scary Aions standing basically chest-to-chest glowering at each other, so maybe it's for the best that both of them are too absorbed in this ridiculous conversation to notice or care .........

Especially since, if Aggro Chicken is the game, Gen's not about to back off. ]


Not satisfied with just getting all up in that pathetic fuck's business? Gotta stick your nose in mine, too? [ Gen scoffs a derisive noise practically in Joonghyuk's face, maintaining that eye contact as he grits, ] I've killed enough.

[ His delivery would be believable enough for most. There's a wretched conviction to his voice, and he hadn't hesitated before snapping out those words. But a sharp eye might catch the way his hand tightens to a pale-knuckled fist at his side, his shoulders squaring with quiet tension.

It's not a lie per se. Gen really believes he has killed enough people to be prepared to do whatever more it will take to endure his role in this war. But he's not blind to the fact that plenty of other people here are monsters with killcounts that he actively doesn't want to hear about or compare himself to. And he'd bet cold, hard cash that Joonghyuk is probably one of those people, with his demeanor and the creepy confidence he exudes. ]
regression: (pic#15851092)

[personal profile] regression 2022-08-25 05:11 am (UTC)(link)
[ That's right. Not all killers become monsters. Most people would prefer not to keep slaughtering others, but they're forced to. Joonghyuk didn't think much of it, but lifetimes stacked full of killing makes him a monster, doesn't it? The guards may continue to watch their esteemed Aions act as they do.

His eyebrows raise as Gen's performance continues. The level of aggression with a hint of bravado isn't unexpected, but to this degree it's tiring.
]

I did not choose you, so it's wise to assess the combat ability and resolve of allies. [ Pointedly, as if he's unimpressed. ] You can just say you're not worth my time.
epiprocta: (12)

[personal profile] epiprocta 2022-08-31 11:17 pm (UTC)(link)
And did I ask to be chosen by you, asshole?

[ It's not even like he's blind to how badly he's outclassed by some people here. But being told that by this asshole -- who's apparently just betrayed his own old alliance with zero hesitation and now struts around like he owns the place -- is too much to just let slide. A bristling square of the shoulders is all the visual warning Joonghyuk will get before Gen abruptly stomps forth a half-step, closing the meager distance between them as he fists a hand into the other's shirtfront. ]

I've been on this side far longer than you have -- I've played my part far better than you. What d'you think gives you the right to be judging me for anything?
regression: (pic#15851097)

[personal profile] regression 2022-09-01 08:14 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Joonghyuk really is a person who holds no loyalty to ideals aside from his own. He doesn't know what Gen is thinking—it's frustrating, really. He doesn't know what any of the people who look at him with eyes of recognition think. They already have preconceptions of who he is and what he would do without considering he could be different from then. Annoying.

With Gen's next move, Joonghyuk doesn't take a step back. He stands where he is, gaze still locked on the young's man, but his right eye glows an eerie gold. In the next second, his gloved hand wraps around Gen's neck. It's a secure, uncomfortable hold... But not yet suffocating.
]

I'm not here to play a part or impress the Regent. I'm here to get what I want.

[ Rather than seeing himself serving the Regent and the Kenoma, he sees this as work towards a goal. Nothing more, nothing less. It also implies "I will do what I want," in regards to judging. He's a judgmental person—it's how he survived. His thumb purposely brushes over the area above the jugular vein before pressing against his adam's apple. ]

Whatever you remember of the Yoo Joonghyuk from before, forget him. [ Said bitterly with bite: ] We aren't the same.

[ The last Joonghyuk here must have been foolish... From Dokja's reaction, the last Joonghyuk must have been tricked by him, unknowingly fallen to complacency. He cannot forgive that.

Having said all he wanted to say, he lets Gen go, and starts packing his choice of supplies. He intends to leave (without giving any words of farewell) to perch on some tower soon.
]