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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
Is leaving really what's best?
(No, a voice whispers at the back of his mind. Of course not. What is he thinking, abandoning his duties out of selfish cowardice? His obligations are here, where he belongs. What is he doing, even thinking about fleeing like a spooked dog, tail tucked between legs?
He's supposed to endure. Heartache, pain, fear -- he's supposed to endure it all.) ]
-- need to do. [ Whether it was intentional or not, that concrete suggestion from Gray helps calibrate his thoughts and ground him, offering a foothold to keep his thoughts from spiraling out of control. Gen closes his eyes as he tries to focus. ] Before we leave.
[ Because they're leaving. He's leaving Achamoth. ]
... that guy, Liem. He mentioned hiding supplies around. We should grab one. [ His shoulders are still squared with tension, each word forced out halting, but at least Gen's voice sounds a little more level when he speaks again. The pallor of his face has yet to subside, but some of that characteristic, sharp focus has returned to his gaze when he looks Gray over once more. Her injuries look grisly even with the bandages on; he's not sure how they look under the layers of bloodied fabric. ] He mentioned first aid supplies and water. I think it takes a few days for people to -- [ revive ] -- wake up, too. So food. Supplies in general. Then we can find someplace quiet to do the teleportation thing.
[ Focus, he tries to remind himself. He needs to focus on what must be done which, right here, right now, is preparing to leave. There's the scrape of his bootsole against the ground once more, but this time it's not to back off -- Gen makes to step past Gray and lead her back out of the alleyway onto the main streets. Forcing himself to move forward. He'd passed by a general store on the way here, he thinks, and it should be good to pilfer some things from. He pauses only to glance at his jacket still bundled in Gray's arms. ]
Can you carry him for now? [ Keep him safe. ]
no subject
Yes. I'll protect him, no matter what.
[ There isn't a single person who will be able to pry this shard out of her hands without permission, be it Regent or Sanctifier. Though it would behoove her to know who exactly would be trying to do the prying, so she asks, ]
Do you know what happened to him?
no subject
Barnaby. [ -- is what he finally offers at a low mutter, voice kept low and flat. At his side, his hand clenches to a pale-knuckled fist. ] Barnaby killed him. I heard fighting, and when I reached them, Eustace was already dead. I told Barnaby I was going to take the shard to the revival room.
[ But he hadn't.
Because the thought of Eustace ending up like Barnaby -- fundamentally compromised, memories of a precious person gouged out with surgical precision, left mangled and warped -- makes him feel sick to the stomach. Death would be preferable. Gen swallows thickly, then jerks his head for Gray to follow as he turns down a side street, where a sign indicates a general store just up ahead. ]
He's been fucked up ever since we got back from Venera. But ... I didn't think it was this bad. Should've known.
no subject
No...
[ The word slips out, but she doesn't doubt Gen's account. He sounds very sure, and very bitter about it. ]
I knew he seemed a little strange, but I didn't think... Why would he do that?
[ She continues to follow along numbly, having no choice but to keep moving forward. ]
no subject
Gen looks away once more as he stalks towards the closed general store, peering in through the darkened window. The door is locked and the interior is unmanned; no doubt its owner hadn't seen fit to try and keep a place this small operating amidst the chaos of this day. ]
They did something to his shard. [ His answer is followed by a fruitless rattle at the doorknob. No dice, of course. And while he could just bash it open with his mace, he doesn't want to draw too much attention. Nor does he want to take too much time. He frowns as he stares down at the bottom of the doorframe right before his boots. ] It's ... it's like they injected something in there. And it fucked with his memories, too. I never liked him much anyway, but now I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him.
[ His words had petered off with a slow exhale, and he closes his eyes in concentration for a moment. Then there's the quiet crack of the ground beneath the door's bulk shifting, exerting just enough pressure to twist it in place until the door's lock pops open and a hinge breaks. Gen exhales heavily as he opens his eyes -- forcing fine movements like that with his magic is always more exhausting than fighting with it -- before shouldering the door open and jerking his head to indicate Gray should follow inside. They should move fast. ]
no subject
She's jostled from her shock by Gen's display of magic(?), which is just a different kind of shock. But she follows him into the general store without comment, sending a silent apology to the owner of the store. Eustace's safety is the more important than lawfulness right now.
Once inside, she takes automatic stock of what they'll need for their time away from civilization. Having been put in charge of packing for hikes and trips with her mentor in the past, she actually has a fair idea of what they'll need, but first she looks for something more suitable to house Eustace's shard in. Ultimately she grabs a matchbox, shakes a few matches out, and uses the freed space as a bed for the shard. It's crude, but the matchsticks will be soft and double as a cushion.
Next, she reveals the small birdcage she always keeps concealed in her cloak with its hidden passenger: a box with an elaborately carved face and pattern. Gray speaks to it like it's the most natural thing in the world. ]
Add, watch Mr. Eustace's shard for now.
[ The box's faceted face shifts into an impish grin, its parts moving and sliding like something out of a CG movie. Add cries out, ]
Hey, idiot Gray! When did I ask for a roommate?!
[ She ignores Add's rowdy voice and pokes him once so that he'll know what's coming if he causes any more fuss, then places the matchstick box on top of his flat head. When she closes the door to the birdcage, both boxes sit snugly inside. ]