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Events post #330: The Second War of Night, Part XXII: The Hammer of the Dawn
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9/6/2022 at 0:57
Anonymous
Everyone
The Second War of Night, Part XXII: The Hammer of the Dawn
Prior to Damariel's enforced sabbatical in Rewh'va, the Plane of Spirit, the Unbound God made His Order aware of His intentions to beseech the Angelic Triad for aid in the war against Ohlsana, recommending they do the same. Making mention of an ancient pact, Truth reluctantly took His leave, urging them to seek counsel from Exarch Berrad. Some weeks later, at the end of a city-wide meeting in the Court of Truth to discuss the Beacon's direction, the Exarch provided.
Details of an ancient pact followed, made between Idar Karif and the representatives of Spirit. Much of this long-forgotten accord centred itself around the summoning of angels and reaffirming their shared commitment to eradicating darkness. Too though, there was a segment specifically discussing the matter of Intervention, providing instructions on how to beseech the Triad for aid in times most dire. Requiring no less than seven Luminaries, the supplicants were to consume only manna, supplemented with bread and water, and not sully themselves with intoxicants for one full week in advance of the ritual. Further details followed, including a provision in the event that the Holy Eye of Dawn (the sun) was blinded, requiring the construction of a large bonfire, the burning of sage, and the searing out of the supplicants' own eyes by their angels before making a solemn prayer.
So educated, Enorian quickly got to work, constructing a new sanctum atop the sanctuary of the Akkari. There they raised a mighty pyre and, under the expert guidance of Dhie Roux Aquila, prepared themselves for the rite to come. Sryaen, Kalena, Xavin, Rhesk, Melantha, Annerissa, and Roux themself would be the seven, and each dutifully garbed themselves in white ritual robes and made their way to the pyre.
The group joined hands and formed a circle around the burning flames while Rasani and Benedicto stood sentinel over the faithful, and Exarch Berrad stood in observance alongside several others. Roux cast sage into the fire and the air became infused with its herbaceous scent. Then, the seven supplicants looked solemnly to their angels and, in the absence of the Holy Eye, obscured and concealed as it is behind the dark star of Irgech, they commanded their spiritual servants to sear out their eyes.
Blinded to the point that not even their mind's eye could guide them, the seven held tightly to each other's hands, valiantly suppressing fear or panic as they each stepped boldly, valorously, into the flames of the pyre. Though the pyre crackled and its flames swelled to greater proportions, the faith of the supplicants was rewarded and they none of them were harmed. Relieved, they called out earnest prayers and zealous exhortations, beseeching the Triad to answer their plea.
As the ritual reached a conclusion and the faithful waited, hoping and praying for success, a coruscating pillar of aurulent flame surged into the air over Enorian and spilled outwards, anointing the city in the hallowed radiance of the holy light. Visions struck the seven, hazy imagery dispersing and reforming in what little remained of their scorched mind's eyes. They saw three figures presiding over a landscape of pure, untainted spirit, rolling dunes of white and gold surrounding vast cities, each a geometric marvel of perfect, pristine order. Though the Triad did not speak, their mere presence was an inspirational marvel, eldritch and unknowable; each stood quiescent, sombre, faceless save for a dozen eyes irised in rich cobalt, their forms, neither humanoid nor recognisable, but utterly alien, surrounded by six wings of light and fire and terror.
When the conflagration finally waned, it dissipated into errant wisps of bright luminescence, drifting upon the air with heavenly splendour as they illuminated the streets from within. The terms of the ancient accord fulfilled, a mantle of renewed faith, renewed zeal, renewed purpose settled over Enorian, the fruits of their recent labours bequeathing upon them a new moniker. No more would they be known as the Beacon of Light, but instead the Hammer of Dawn, embodying the wrath of the holy light.
Though the sun above strained in captivity behind the repugnant star of the everdark, drifting rays spiralled in brilliant helicals across the sky, and the nearby flames took on a flaxen hue, rich and regal. From everywhere and nowhere resounded the tolling of heavenly bells, their voices singing hosannas of the holy light. For minutes they rang, until a flash of unfathomably bright light followed in their wake, transcending sight and sense to bring its truth to all the faithful who stood ready to receive it. Angelic and resplendent, a messenger of the Holy Triad now stood before them, wearing a soft expression of absolute serenity. Exarch Berrad immediately fell to his knees and the others followed suit, the supplicants still blind and senseless.
When at last it spoke, its voice resounded as if it were an angelic choir all by itself, kindly informing that the prayers of the faithful had been answered. Regarding Sryaen and the others with compassion, the aura of refulgence surrounding the being swelled to fill the chamber, bathing all present in cleansing, healing warmth. Sight returned to the seven and many of them blinked away tears as the world, and the angelic projection before them, came into full focus.
Waiting patiently for them to adjust, the messenger informed them that the Triad, known equally as the Three, the Honoured Issue, and the Accordants, held close council with "Lanos Divine", fixated on war with the Primordial Black. All present were reassured by knowledge of Damariel's safety and the angel pressed on, speaking of the Unbound Lord's plea to the Sacred Three for aid and of His deep care for the safety of His faithful. Comforted somewhat, many asked what answer they should be prepared to receive, and the messenger produced a scroll written in golden filigree script. Intoning loudly, it informed them that the Accord of Old would hold, and that the request for aid would not go unanswered. The Septet had passed the test of faith, and, bolstered by the pleas of Lanos, the messenger promised that the Three who steward in Her stead - referring again to the Triad, stewards of Rewh'va in the name of Dejaani - would not allow the city to fall.
While Exarch Berrad dwelt inwardly on the words, his spirits lifted by talk of Dejaani, the Sacred Flame, the messenger turned their eyes to regard the darkened skyscape, becoming sad, and furious. Responding to heartfelt requests that the Triad provide a means to destroy Irgech's dark star, it explained that Irgech - that which blinds the Eye - was on the Prime plane in flesh and in blood and in shadow, and that for the Triad to enter Prime in a similar fashion would bring terrible harm to Rewh'va. It continued to explain that itself was a projected presence, not a physical manifestation, and that the Triad would exert their minds in the same way to bring them aid.
Despite their chagrin at Irgech's continued survival, the group welcomed whatever aid would come, still kneeling reverently before the angelic messenger. Gesturing in the direction of the Grand Flame, the being's wings swept up to surround its body before it spoke again. It told them of the holy light now anointing the whole city, reaffirming that the fallen one, the Djinn that is not, would not be allowed to conquer their home, glittering sparks now visible from every point of the sprawling city.
As the being began to flicker and fade, its humanoid presence shifting to reveal one far more strange and ill-proportioned, Benedicto enquired as to the possibility of renewing the accord made between Idar and the Triad, a pact which, ostensibly, was to be renewed and renegotiated every seven years. Gently correcting him on some of the details, the messenger smiled, informing him that the Three, Nyasia, Ael'mael, and Ubarin, had expressed a wish to accept the request. Turning then to Exarch Berrad, it announced the the Voice of Nyasia, the Inquisitor of the Host, had been chosen to discuss the terms once the war was ended. Berrad instantly bowed low, grateful beyond words for the honour.
The final question came from Roux Aquila, who sought a way to channel spirit through their angel companions to drive away the rot tainting the land. A look of profound empathy decorating its waning features, the messenger stated that the taint of the Dark Fundamental was not easily scoured. The Primals, as it called them, would risk destroying themselves with the volume of spirit it would require to do so. With parting promises to seek counsel from the Triad, and to inform Lanos Divine of the faithful's valour and resolve, the messenger's form faded even further then, transforming into something utterly other, a mass of wings and eyes and azure pupils, shapeless and obtuse. Even its voice deterioriated, swiftly declining from the sacred chime of havenly bells to something grating and morose. With its departure, the nearby pyre blazed brighter, the gathered faithful a mixture of hopeful resignation, cleaving fast to their faith.
When next yet another incursion sallied out of Isalemei's commandpost, murderous shadowspawn bent on carnage and violence, they met something they did not expect. As they entered the city, the sacred light bathing the Hammer in its radiance became enlivened, striking mercilessly at beast and spinner and horror and burning them to ash.
Some weeks later, inspired and motivated by the renewed faith and vigour present in Enorian, the Maelstrom informed them that they would no longer be waiting for the Shadow to strike, no longer reacting to its invasions. Urging them to prepare for war, Slyphe informed them of Their intent to lay siege to Isalemei's camp, and to amass fusebombs and soldiers plenty for when the time arrived...
Penned by my hand on Quensday, the 12th of Slyphian, in the year 504 MA.
Anonymous
Everyone
The Second War of Night, Part XXII: The Hammer of the Dawn
Prior to Damariel's enforced sabbatical in Rewh'va, the Plane of Spirit, the Unbound God made His Order aware of His intentions to beseech the Angelic Triad for aid in the war against Ohlsana, recommending they do the same. Making mention of an ancient pact, Truth reluctantly took His leave, urging them to seek counsel from Exarch Berrad. Some weeks later, at the end of a city-wide meeting in the Court of Truth to discuss the Beacon's direction, the Exarch provided.
Details of an ancient pact followed, made between Idar Karif and the representatives of Spirit. Much of this long-forgotten accord centred itself around the summoning of angels and reaffirming their shared commitment to eradicating darkness. Too though, there was a segment specifically discussing the matter of Intervention, providing instructions on how to beseech the Triad for aid in times most dire. Requiring no less than seven Luminaries, the supplicants were to consume only manna, supplemented with bread and water, and not sully themselves with intoxicants for one full week in advance of the ritual. Further details followed, including a provision in the event that the Holy Eye of Dawn (the sun) was blinded, requiring the construction of a large bonfire, the burning of sage, and the searing out of the supplicants' own eyes by their angels before making a solemn prayer.
So educated, Enorian quickly got to work, constructing a new sanctum atop the sanctuary of the Akkari. There they raised a mighty pyre and, under the expert guidance of Dhie Roux Aquila, prepared themselves for the rite to come. Sryaen, Kalena, Xavin, Rhesk, Melantha, Annerissa, and Roux themself would be the seven, and each dutifully garbed themselves in white ritual robes and made their way to the pyre.
The group joined hands and formed a circle around the burning flames while Rasani and Benedicto stood sentinel over the faithful, and Exarch Berrad stood in observance alongside several others. Roux cast sage into the fire and the air became infused with its herbaceous scent. Then, the seven supplicants looked solemnly to their angels and, in the absence of the Holy Eye, obscured and concealed as it is behind the dark star of Irgech, they commanded their spiritual servants to sear out their eyes.
Blinded to the point that not even their mind's eye could guide them, the seven held tightly to each other's hands, valiantly suppressing fear or panic as they each stepped boldly, valorously, into the flames of the pyre. Though the pyre crackled and its flames swelled to greater proportions, the faith of the supplicants was rewarded and they none of them were harmed. Relieved, they called out earnest prayers and zealous exhortations, beseeching the Triad to answer their plea.
As the ritual reached a conclusion and the faithful waited, hoping and praying for success, a coruscating pillar of aurulent flame surged into the air over Enorian and spilled outwards, anointing the city in the hallowed radiance of the holy light. Visions struck the seven, hazy imagery dispersing and reforming in what little remained of their scorched mind's eyes. They saw three figures presiding over a landscape of pure, untainted spirit, rolling dunes of white and gold surrounding vast cities, each a geometric marvel of perfect, pristine order. Though the Triad did not speak, their mere presence was an inspirational marvel, eldritch and unknowable; each stood quiescent, sombre, faceless save for a dozen eyes irised in rich cobalt, their forms, neither humanoid nor recognisable, but utterly alien, surrounded by six wings of light and fire and terror.
When the conflagration finally waned, it dissipated into errant wisps of bright luminescence, drifting upon the air with heavenly splendour as they illuminated the streets from within. The terms of the ancient accord fulfilled, a mantle of renewed faith, renewed zeal, renewed purpose settled over Enorian, the fruits of their recent labours bequeathing upon them a new moniker. No more would they be known as the Beacon of Light, but instead the Hammer of Dawn, embodying the wrath of the holy light.
Though the sun above strained in captivity behind the repugnant star of the everdark, drifting rays spiralled in brilliant helicals across the sky, and the nearby flames took on a flaxen hue, rich and regal. From everywhere and nowhere resounded the tolling of heavenly bells, their voices singing hosannas of the holy light. For minutes they rang, until a flash of unfathomably bright light followed in their wake, transcending sight and sense to bring its truth to all the faithful who stood ready to receive it. Angelic and resplendent, a messenger of the Holy Triad now stood before them, wearing a soft expression of absolute serenity. Exarch Berrad immediately fell to his knees and the others followed suit, the supplicants still blind and senseless.
When at last it spoke, its voice resounded as if it were an angelic choir all by itself, kindly informing that the prayers of the faithful had been answered. Regarding Sryaen and the others with compassion, the aura of refulgence surrounding the being swelled to fill the chamber, bathing all present in cleansing, healing warmth. Sight returned to the seven and many of them blinked away tears as the world, and the angelic projection before them, came into full focus.
Waiting patiently for them to adjust, the messenger informed them that the Triad, known equally as the Three, the Honoured Issue, and the Accordants, held close council with "Lanos Divine", fixated on war with the Primordial Black. All present were reassured by knowledge of Damariel's safety and the angel pressed on, speaking of the Unbound Lord's plea to the Sacred Three for aid and of His deep care for the safety of His faithful. Comforted somewhat, many asked what answer they should be prepared to receive, and the messenger produced a scroll written in golden filigree script. Intoning loudly, it informed them that the Accord of Old would hold, and that the request for aid would not go unanswered. The Septet had passed the test of faith, and, bolstered by the pleas of Lanos, the messenger promised that the Three who steward in Her stead - referring again to the Triad, stewards of Rewh'va in the name of Dejaani - would not allow the city to fall.
While Exarch Berrad dwelt inwardly on the words, his spirits lifted by talk of Dejaani, the Sacred Flame, the messenger turned their eyes to regard the darkened skyscape, becoming sad, and furious. Responding to heartfelt requests that the Triad provide a means to destroy Irgech's dark star, it explained that Irgech - that which blinds the Eye - was on the Prime plane in flesh and in blood and in shadow, and that for the Triad to enter Prime in a similar fashion would bring terrible harm to Rewh'va. It continued to explain that itself was a projected presence, not a physical manifestation, and that the Triad would exert their minds in the same way to bring them aid.
Despite their chagrin at Irgech's continued survival, the group welcomed whatever aid would come, still kneeling reverently before the angelic messenger. Gesturing in the direction of the Grand Flame, the being's wings swept up to surround its body before it spoke again. It told them of the holy light now anointing the whole city, reaffirming that the fallen one, the Djinn that is not, would not be allowed to conquer their home, glittering sparks now visible from every point of the sprawling city.
As the being began to flicker and fade, its humanoid presence shifting to reveal one far more strange and ill-proportioned, Benedicto enquired as to the possibility of renewing the accord made between Idar and the Triad, a pact which, ostensibly, was to be renewed and renegotiated every seven years. Gently correcting him on some of the details, the messenger smiled, informing him that the Three, Nyasia, Ael'mael, and Ubarin, had expressed a wish to accept the request. Turning then to Exarch Berrad, it announced the the Voice of Nyasia, the Inquisitor of the Host, had been chosen to discuss the terms once the war was ended. Berrad instantly bowed low, grateful beyond words for the honour.
The final question came from Roux Aquila, who sought a way to channel spirit through their angel companions to drive away the rot tainting the land. A look of profound empathy decorating its waning features, the messenger stated that the taint of the Dark Fundamental was not easily scoured. The Primals, as it called them, would risk destroying themselves with the volume of spirit it would require to do so. With parting promises to seek counsel from the Triad, and to inform Lanos Divine of the faithful's valour and resolve, the messenger's form faded even further then, transforming into something utterly other, a mass of wings and eyes and azure pupils, shapeless and obtuse. Even its voice deterioriated, swiftly declining from the sacred chime of havenly bells to something grating and morose. With its departure, the nearby pyre blazed brighter, the gathered faithful a mixture of hopeful resignation, cleaving fast to their faith.
When next yet another incursion sallied out of Isalemei's commandpost, murderous shadowspawn bent on carnage and violence, they met something they did not expect. As they entered the city, the sacred light bathing the Hammer in its radiance became enlivened, striking mercilessly at beast and spinner and horror and burning them to ash.
Some weeks later, inspired and motivated by the renewed faith and vigour present in Enorian, the Maelstrom informed them that they would no longer be waiting for the Shadow to strike, no longer reacting to its invasions. Urging them to prepare for war, Slyphe informed them of Their intent to lay siege to Isalemei's camp, and to amass fusebombs and soldiers plenty for when the time arrived...
Penned by my hand on Quensday, the 12th of Slyphian, in the year 504 MA.
1