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

[lifespanned]

[ Misa is pleased by his amicable answer— they've only spoken once or twice, but her opinion of him is a good one, based on her recollection of his thoughtfulness regarding facing even the weaker seeming Pleroma, to now, where he seems serious about preparing the Kenoma as much as they can for the oncoming raid. It's been a topic of importance, as of late— loyalty — and she's happy to see someone taking things as seriously (and enthusiastically) as she does. In turn, she seems relaxed and peppy as ever in his company, crossing her arms and leaning against the side of the building. ]

It'd be easiest that way, right? Looking for walkways and alleys that are obscured...

[ She agrees readily, nodding once. ]

I was thinking of making some kind of set of loops of paths around the city? Like you said, I do want to keep my options open. But, on the other hand, it might be better if I just stay in one high place, too... I can see a lot farther than a normal human can. And since my power comes from my vision... well, let's just say that strategy gave the Pleroma a lot of trouble in Godsblood.

[ Until the very end of the mission, that is, but she's not going to delve into that. In the case of Achamoth, being able to see from someplace high took away the immediate disadvantage of the towering buildings blocking her extended view from the ground - which would open up the possibility for her to help a great number of Kenoma. ]

Or do you think that's too obvious? I guess someone with wings like you might be able to find me too easily.

[ It's said with a good natured little laugh, as though she's not too concerned over the notion. ]

[affal]

( it has been the focus as of late, hasn't it? ever since the Regent had summoned every Aion in horos to their courtroom and given a very clear indication of what they planned to do in the upcoming month, making it painfully obvious to everyone assembled what the Kenoma would be attempting to do and sketching out what the Pleroma would have to do in order to counteract them. it had been so obvious that he had quickly picked up on what he believed was the subtext — the unscrupulous acts of blatant tyranny they were asked to cooperate with were simply tests meant to weed out who wouldn't withstand what the Kenoma (and, by extension, the Regent) would ask of them.

so even before his soul had been made to accept a piece of their essence and it truly became a part of him to mind their solidarity, he had been watchful and wary of it. back then, it had been out of self-interest, in a roundabout way. he hadn't wanted his own safety and effectiveness to be undermined by others who didn't have the steel and the gall to commit some small cruelties as they attempted to close the door on this existence altogether. now, though... he feels differently motivated. there's nothing about the Kenoma that engenders something so foolish as hope in him, but he does for perhaps the first time in his multiple lives sense a feeling of overall togetherness. they endeavor together for the end. it's heroic and tragic in its own twisted sort of way, isn't it? he believes he sees it more and more clearly every day.

since the beginning, misa has seemed to the Kenoma like a linchpin, a staple of security that he felt relatively at ease with. in the absence of outright suspicion, there was instead a faint feeling of camaraderie; if there's a way that he could help with what time and energy he has, he would offer it, and he would ask for nothing more from her than the unspoken sense that she might lend a hand to him should he need it in the future.

it seems to him that she has this well enough in hand, though... he still believes there are certain things he might be able to lend a unique perspective to. there's a faint sense of sharp interest as she mentions her abilities being tied to her preternatural vision, but he keeps his interest chained for now. he nods. )

That depends. Do your abilities give any indication of where they originate from? A beam of light, or the like? ( he doesn't believe he's ever seen them in action. he lifts a hand to his chin. ) ...If I were under attack from an invisible source, it's possible I would search the highest ground, especially if others by my side were attacked by the same. So perhaps we try to find for you a well-hidden place high enough that you have as many clear sight-lines as possible. I will be able to let you know whether or not it is obvious from the air.

( and then they would just have to make sure she had a good escape route, should worse come to worst. )

[lifespanned]

[ For Misa, her endeavors to bring about the ideal world back on Earth had always been something she worked on alone, or only in tandem with one other person. It's a strange feeling, having these allies on her side that are so privy to her ideals, and way more importantly, the lengths to which she would go to achieve them. She's so used to playing the pretty, oblivious, flighty idol, to shove away suspicion from her, to keep others from ever seeing her as competent. But coming here to Horos completely flipped that script; now she knows it's imperative for her to make a name for herself among the Kenoma, if she's to be of any use— if she's to be trusted by any of them. If she's to remain in the Regent's favor. So far, she thinks her competence and devotion have been recognized, if the little instructions she received from their leader are anything to go by.

It's why she feels a closer sense of fellowship with the Kenoma that have made it known they haven't been faltering. It's been pretty clear since the prisoners arrived that there's a divide among the Kenoma— those that would sink, and those that would swim. Yes, she was affected, but she could overcome it, she could swim away from anything that might cause her to stray - because nothing is more important than the Kenoma's mission. She can only hope Makoto thinks the same way, given his detailed advice, his measured responses. ]

Oh, nope! As long as I can see someone, I can do it, and you can't tell. It's like this.

[ Without missing a beat, Makoto may feel the pinky on his right hand begin to stiffen - upon inspection, it's gradually turning to stone. ]

I can get about a whole limb of someone from far away... the closer I am, the more I can do. Even being down a limb is a big trouble in a fight, though, which is why the hiding might be good.

[ And while she does that little demonstration, she clearly means no malice by it - actually, she thinks it would be something of a funny prank to surprise him. ]

If you're really okay with it, let's look around for a good tower, then. You'd be a big help!

[ She suggests, smiling, pointing with her thumb up the stone path of stairs she's already standing upon. ]

[affal]

( among the Kenoma, six individuals walk through achamoth in their preparations for the attack now, secure in the understanding that they were chosen personally by the Regent for a mysterious and important purpose. given that he was told to keep silent on the specifics, makoto would be as quiet as the grave, but when they activated as the teeth of the trap that had been set for their ethereal quarry, he would be excited and comforted to know that there were five others among their number that had done the same as he had. five that he felt he could trust, come what may.

he might not know now that misa counted among them, but since the very beginning, when they were so new to their attunement to the Kenoma that they were still forming personal conceptions of it, she had been willing to bid herself against the escaping Pleroma more than makoto had been willing to. the Regent had used this as a verbal knife in their first meeting, but in reality, he believes he owes much to them — and misa, by extension. that brief acknowledgement and dismissal had lit a fire under him that had galvanized him to where he is now. if he had instead been coddled and cooed over, he likely would have been content to remain where he was, stagnating in his own personal growth.

and there's no place for something like that among them, is there? stagnation is a quality of the Pleroma — if they are to attune further to the Kenoma, they should be ready to change, to warp and to grow, even if it meant they would fall into destruction either before or at the end.

he begins to nod, generally understanding, but as she indicates a demonstration — his shoulders go tense, and he lifts up his hand to observe the sudden, bizarre sensation of rigidity in his hand. at first, the action is sharp, jarring from alarm — the reason is that the sensation of turning to stone is somewhat like that of when he had started to say datenshou's name upon first meeting him, prompted by J. one of the few ways a demon can die a permanent death is to speak the name of a demon that outranks them; their bodies turn to stone, and then they shatter into pieces body and soul. such a sensation carries with it an immediate and forceful feeling of fear for him, then. but he sees rather quickly that it's not quite the same effect, and one of his eyebrows arches as he observes the faint petrification to his hand. he looks up to her with a slight wideness to his eyes, suddenly grasping the strength and tactical power of her ability. )

Yes. Absolutely. ( what an interesting power... ) Is this something you could do before arriving here, or is it something that you've developed since?

( just professional curiosity. the way that powers manifest in Aions, even unbidden or willfully created, is interesting to him, as someone who has never had his own inherent abilities. regardless, he doesn't seem offended by what she'd done. )

Of course. ( he smiles brightly, accompanying her down the path that she indicated. as they walk onward, he folds his wings into his back as to take up less space. ) I've been flying over the city often, as of late. I have a few places I think we can look first, and if they're suitably defensible, you can take your pick.

[lifespanned]

[ She can't help the laugh that bubbles through her lips at his alarmed initial reaction, her hand coming up to cover her mouth a bit. It's always cute and good fun to play small pranks like this, she thinks, so long as they're not harmful - and she begins reverting the petrification as soon as it had come on, once the pair begin their stride up one of the many stone walkways in the city they've both come to call home. She chirps: ]

I learned to do it here. But, if you want to know a secret... [ And it really is one, ] My eyesight was strong before I came here.

[ And why tell Makoto, of all people? Well, as fun as it had been to play at being the normal young adult who came from a standard Earth in her first five months of being in Horos, it's quickly grown old, at least for her time while in the Kenoma's company. She's found it's rather boring holding herself back when it bears no meaningful advantage to her - it's not as if playing innocent could keep her out of the conflict and away from harm, like it usually might. Besides, she has no interest in being on the sidelines. This conflict is something she cares about, intimately, passionately, deeply.

So she doesn't mind, spilling about her eyes, even if it's not the full truth. Makoto can be trusted, at least in matters regarding the Kenoma, she's sure of it. And she'd like it if she were depended on a little more, if she were useful to everyone, so it's paramount to seem reliable. Her eyesight has been strong, so she's used to seeing things from afar, used to the ins and outs that came with long-range vision. That's the message she wants to convey. ]

And yourself? Did you always have those spooky wings and eyes? They look pretty cool. Like a shinigami's or a demon's.

[ There's only genuine curiosity there - the clueless, airheaded sounding sort, like she really has no idea what she's talking about when it comes to the realm of shinigami or demons or what else. She merely folds her hands behind her back as the two walk, content to follow his lead to the places he feels are suitable first. ]