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Events post #333: The Second War of Night, Part XXV: Strength in Slaughter
9/10/2022 at 5:43
Anonymous
Everyone
The Second War of Night, Part XXV: Strength in Slaughter
After lengthy and often exasperating sojourns into the heart of Corrupt Chaos (we are reliably informed that Lord Rijetta Alhazrad continues her search for the perfect mirror), securing promises for future armies in the battle against Ohlsana, the Carnifex were surprised to be summoned to the Iron Redoubt by Bamathis for an unexpected meeting. Intrigued by the power of ego displayed by Siphelia, the Warlord informed those present that He had spent some time musing on whether this newfound method of exerting might could be harnessed.
For some time He discussed the possibilities that such a power could hold, and the concept of shaping reality to one's whims solely by sheer force of will. Having devised a crude and primitive method of the self-same 'egotism' displayed by the Chaos Lords, Bamathis instructed the Carnifex on its use and bid them to practice diligently in order to maximise their strength of will. Before He departed, the Warlord made mention of information He had received from the Spymaster as to the plans of General Sanaz, promising to say more when they were sufficiently trained.
Most took to the task with aplomb, with Tina in particular rapidly advancing her skills. As news spread through the Guild of this new development, the rest of the Carnifex soon joined in, each testing their mental strength against the denizens of Corrupt Chaos. While most had modest ambitions at best, Whirran, Rijetta, and Mjoll aimed high. Though it took hundreds of defeats, Whirran claimed the first victory over Empress Xa'azamit herself, with Rijetta and Mjoll - the latter in particular not only taking the fewest attempts by far but also taking on the Empress prior to any of the other lords - following soon after.
Midway through the 11th day of Haernos, after several weeks of practice, Bamathis, carrying word from the Spymaster, called the Carnifex to muster in the courtyard of His fortress near the remnants of Yggdrasil.
Mjoll, Markos, Xenia, Whirran, Galilei, Orhm, Taj, Tetchta, Ehtias, Tina, Rijetta, Akarn, Elene, Mazzion, and Gundor soon gathered, and the Warlord explained the situation. Having unearthed evidence of an attack on the Shadow Keep by General Sanaz, Bamathis went on to detail the Shadow's interest in the master soulstone, theorising that Iosyne must have somehow caught wind of the attack Herself and intervened with Her own heart.
Sanaz, so said Bamathis, had created a pocket realm in the Prime Plane upon her arrival, an infernal hellscape known only as Perdition. Within, countless unfortunate victims had found their deaths at the hands of her questioner, Lieutenant Damendar, and now roamed as tortured souls through its fell halls. The Carnifex were to invade this realm of Perdition and, using their newfound powers of ego and will, wrest it from Sanaz's control into their own. As Whirran passed out silvergrit (allegedly a holy sacrament of the Lord Strife, though this has not been independently confirmed), the Warlord opened a silver gateway, and the Carnifex boldly stepped through, ready to face hellfire and damnation and anything else that may lay in wait.
With manifest brutality and determination, they fanned out through the infernal realm, mercilessly cutting down roaming roves of hellfire and soulflames in the process. Tortured souls fell, with some finding themselves broken by such raw strength and subjugated to the whims of the Carnifex. Ego pressed in all around, and the voice of the Shadow Lieutenant Damendar called out in defiant jeers and boastful declarations. The slaughter went on, heedless of the rakshasa's claims.
Scouring every corner of the realm, the power of ego manifested all around, wrenching free the ties to General Sanaz in favour of the Carnifex's claim. Like dominoes the grounds of Perdition fell in line, the cries of anguish ringing out beside searing pillars of grey-black fire threatening to devour all within reach. Having successfully dominated everything in their sights, the Carnifex came across a snaking passage barred by a series of massive metal doors.
These, of course, proved of little obstacle to the hardened Carnifex. Throwing themselves at it with shoulder, head, legs, and fists as weapons, they laid a brutal siege to each and every doorway, the resolve of Damendar shrinking away with each advancement they made. Though many fell to the blistering hellfire surrounding them on all sides, they rose again, more hard-headed than ever before, and continued launching their own bodies against that which stood in their way.
Roused to terrible anger when at last the final barrier fell, Damendar surged into battle against the invaders, barraging them with lances of flame and demonic energies, and even filling their hearts with contempt for their own allies. Battling through the confusion, the Carnifex threw all their strength at the rakshasa, a furore of blades and magic brought to bear against a truly detestable foe. Its shrieks of defiance punctuated the air, but it soon realised its situation.
As hellish fire poured out of the Warlord's gateway, alerting the world to the conquest of the Carnifex, Damendar fled into the Prime Material, hoping to find sanctuary with Sanaz. From her concealed commandpost somewhere in the south, the General made known her ire in the form of hissing shrieks and the Naga, enraged by Damendar's cowardly reatreat from Perdition, immediately redeployed the rakshasa back to the field.
Shadow and soulflame boiled up around the Yggdrasian hollow, tendrils of animate darkness set ablaze and becoming the monstrous form of the Lieutenant. Dozens flocked to see the demon brought down, adventurers from all of Sapience's city states coming together as a group of some thirty five determined warriors. Many fell to flame and damnation, but Damendar, already weakened, barely found itself able to withstand the assault. As it weakened and grew near death, the Carnifex once again exerted their will, binding the Shadowbound rakshasa to the Guild's will. Enwrapped in argent essence by the Warlord, Bamathis forcibly dragged the captive back to the Iron Redoubt, urging the rest of the Carnifex to follow.
There, they put Damendar to the question, carving at its flesh, severing its fingers, and issuing blow after blow from fist, weapon, and boot, along with the butcher's hook of Wraithlord Gruxmal cutting into its back. Though it utterly refused to give up the location of Sanaz, a decisive punch from the Warlord's own fist sundered its face, the silver essence of Strife restoring it so that Bamathis could land another strike. Under assault and interrogation on all sides, it finally gave up the secrets to Perdition, and Bamathis assured them there would be time to pry more from its mouth in future. Forced into service as slave and tutor both, Damendar parted with the arcane and esoteric knowledge of hellfire, and the Carnifex, bolstered by ego and demonstrating their strength, took up the skills of the Ravager, cruel brawlers anointed in a crucible of carnage.
Penned by my hand on Kinsday, the 12th of Haernos, in the year 504 MA.
Anonymous
Everyone
The Second War of Night, Part XXV: Strength in Slaughter
After lengthy and often exasperating sojourns into the heart of Corrupt Chaos (we are reliably informed that Lord Rijetta Alhazrad continues her search for the perfect mirror), securing promises for future armies in the battle against Ohlsana, the Carnifex were surprised to be summoned to the Iron Redoubt by Bamathis for an unexpected meeting. Intrigued by the power of ego displayed by Siphelia, the Warlord informed those present that He had spent some time musing on whether this newfound method of exerting might could be harnessed.
For some time He discussed the possibilities that such a power could hold, and the concept of shaping reality to one's whims solely by sheer force of will. Having devised a crude and primitive method of the self-same 'egotism' displayed by the Chaos Lords, Bamathis instructed the Carnifex on its use and bid them to practice diligently in order to maximise their strength of will. Before He departed, the Warlord made mention of information He had received from the Spymaster as to the plans of General Sanaz, promising to say more when they were sufficiently trained.
Most took to the task with aplomb, with Tina in particular rapidly advancing her skills. As news spread through the Guild of this new development, the rest of the Carnifex soon joined in, each testing their mental strength against the denizens of Corrupt Chaos. While most had modest ambitions at best, Whirran, Rijetta, and Mjoll aimed high. Though it took hundreds of defeats, Whirran claimed the first victory over Empress Xa'azamit herself, with Rijetta and Mjoll - the latter in particular not only taking the fewest attempts by far but also taking on the Empress prior to any of the other lords - following soon after.
Midway through the 11th day of Haernos, after several weeks of practice, Bamathis, carrying word from the Spymaster, called the Carnifex to muster in the courtyard of His fortress near the remnants of Yggdrasil.
Mjoll, Markos, Xenia, Whirran, Galilei, Orhm, Taj, Tetchta, Ehtias, Tina, Rijetta, Akarn, Elene, Mazzion, and Gundor soon gathered, and the Warlord explained the situation. Having unearthed evidence of an attack on the Shadow Keep by General Sanaz, Bamathis went on to detail the Shadow's interest in the master soulstone, theorising that Iosyne must have somehow caught wind of the attack Herself and intervened with Her own heart.
Sanaz, so said Bamathis, had created a pocket realm in the Prime Plane upon her arrival, an infernal hellscape known only as Perdition. Within, countless unfortunate victims had found their deaths at the hands of her questioner, Lieutenant Damendar, and now roamed as tortured souls through its fell halls. The Carnifex were to invade this realm of Perdition and, using their newfound powers of ego and will, wrest it from Sanaz's control into their own. As Whirran passed out silvergrit (allegedly a holy sacrament of the Lord Strife, though this has not been independently confirmed), the Warlord opened a silver gateway, and the Carnifex boldly stepped through, ready to face hellfire and damnation and anything else that may lay in wait.
With manifest brutality and determination, they fanned out through the infernal realm, mercilessly cutting down roaming roves of hellfire and soulflames in the process. Tortured souls fell, with some finding themselves broken by such raw strength and subjugated to the whims of the Carnifex. Ego pressed in all around, and the voice of the Shadow Lieutenant Damendar called out in defiant jeers and boastful declarations. The slaughter went on, heedless of the rakshasa's claims.
Scouring every corner of the realm, the power of ego manifested all around, wrenching free the ties to General Sanaz in favour of the Carnifex's claim. Like dominoes the grounds of Perdition fell in line, the cries of anguish ringing out beside searing pillars of grey-black fire threatening to devour all within reach. Having successfully dominated everything in their sights, the Carnifex came across a snaking passage barred by a series of massive metal doors.
These, of course, proved of little obstacle to the hardened Carnifex. Throwing themselves at it with shoulder, head, legs, and fists as weapons, they laid a brutal siege to each and every doorway, the resolve of Damendar shrinking away with each advancement they made. Though many fell to the blistering hellfire surrounding them on all sides, they rose again, more hard-headed than ever before, and continued launching their own bodies against that which stood in their way.
Roused to terrible anger when at last the final barrier fell, Damendar surged into battle against the invaders, barraging them with lances of flame and demonic energies, and even filling their hearts with contempt for their own allies. Battling through the confusion, the Carnifex threw all their strength at the rakshasa, a furore of blades and magic brought to bear against a truly detestable foe. Its shrieks of defiance punctuated the air, but it soon realised its situation.
As hellish fire poured out of the Warlord's gateway, alerting the world to the conquest of the Carnifex, Damendar fled into the Prime Material, hoping to find sanctuary with Sanaz. From her concealed commandpost somewhere in the south, the General made known her ire in the form of hissing shrieks and the Naga, enraged by Damendar's cowardly reatreat from Perdition, immediately redeployed the rakshasa back to the field.
Shadow and soulflame boiled up around the Yggdrasian hollow, tendrils of animate darkness set ablaze and becoming the monstrous form of the Lieutenant. Dozens flocked to see the demon brought down, adventurers from all of Sapience's city states coming together as a group of some thirty five determined warriors. Many fell to flame and damnation, but Damendar, already weakened, barely found itself able to withstand the assault. As it weakened and grew near death, the Carnifex once again exerted their will, binding the Shadowbound rakshasa to the Guild's will. Enwrapped in argent essence by the Warlord, Bamathis forcibly dragged the captive back to the Iron Redoubt, urging the rest of the Carnifex to follow.
There, they put Damendar to the question, carving at its flesh, severing its fingers, and issuing blow after blow from fist, weapon, and boot, along with the butcher's hook of Wraithlord Gruxmal cutting into its back. Though it utterly refused to give up the location of Sanaz, a decisive punch from the Warlord's own fist sundered its face, the silver essence of Strife restoring it so that Bamathis could land another strike. Under assault and interrogation on all sides, it finally gave up the secrets to Perdition, and Bamathis assured them there would be time to pry more from its mouth in future. Forced into service as slave and tutor both, Damendar parted with the arcane and esoteric knowledge of hellfire, and the Carnifex, bolstered by ego and demonstrating their strength, took up the skills of the Ravager, cruel brawlers anointed in a crucible of carnage.
Penned by my hand on Kinsday, the 12th of Haernos, in the year 504 MA.
Events post #332: The Second War of Night, Part XXIV: Blessed Be the Light
9/10/2022 at 4:14
Anonymous
Everyone
The Second War of Night, Part XXIV: Blessed Be the Light
Some weeks following the defeat of Isalemei, Enorian's worries for the Maelstrom's health and well-being were comforted by the God's appearance in Raim Vale. Having washed up on the beach, Slyphe remained injured but in good spirits in spite of everything, and Benedicto, Orunmila, and Saltz dutifully helped tend to Them following the battle. Essence came forth in droves to help restore the Maelstrom to full health, and They are expected to make a full recovery.
~ ~ ~
In early Haernos, the Exarchs addressed Enorian to tell them of an ancient duamvi custom initially brought up by Saebi following the battle in the Pash Valley some scant few weeks prior. In Rewh'va, it is tradition to commemorate the sites of major battles and to honour the sacrifices of the fallen by building modest temples, places of worship and remembrance. Heartened by the Beacon's shift into the Hammer, Exarch Berrad invited Enorian to share in this longstanding tradition, proposing they travel together to Kald, Saluria, and the Pash Valley to pray.
The citizens hastened first to Kald, and when the Exarchs joined them - Aban, Berrad, and Saebi all - it became clear something was not right. Having initially shown signs of due to the dark star some weeks prior, now they each appeared outright pallid and nauseous, the darkness causing them physical pain. The huge group of Enorianites looked to them with concern, but Berrad insisted he was fine despite the similar looks of consternation from Saebi and Aban.
Calling for silence, the Inquisitor gave a rousing speech on tradition, and the importance of markers, symbols to remind all of the light's victories and the triumphs of the righteous over evil. He recanted the tenacity of the Kald villagers, the devotion of the Templars in seeing to the town's defence, and of course the display of the light's power from the Lord Unbound. Aban and Saebi bolstered his words with prayers of their own, their faith in the light on display and leaving no doubt. Drawing to a close, Berrad closed with "the light will always prevail," encouraging the others to do the same. As they did so, with fervour in their hearts, the nearby villagers completed the construction he had requested, and now a modest, burgeoning temple stood near Kald's heart.
The group ventured next to Saluria, and the symptoms of the dark star seemed to grow worse as night drew closer, the Exarch visibly struggling to remain focused. Gruffly he turned aside Aban's offer of aid and resolutely pressed on. At the Square of Sonn, Berrad, again supported by Aban and Saebi, raised his voice again. This time he waxed briefly on Saluria's history with the Shadow, reminding all present of their tenacity in denying Ohlsana the shard of Truth's Sword that rested therein. Even as the Exarch seemed to slightly lose his footing, he refused to yield, proclaiming the strength of resolve and inexhaustible will required to battle the darkness.
Promising no mercy for those who dabble with the profane, Berrad spoke of remembrance for the fallen, his head craning skywards as he hesitated, but finally exhaled a sigh and spoke. To the Dragon, She who felled Murgraxis, he gave reluctant praise before inviting what was by now a congregation, to join him in declaring, "We will always hold the line." Voices many responded with ardour and fire. Shaking off their lethargy, the Exarchs gestured to the newly finished temple, and the group dwelt there a short while in prayer. Expressing their wishes for the space to forever stand as a tribute to the Shadow's defeat, the Exarchs shared few words amongst each other, reluctantly admitting that they were struggling to endure the dark star's torment.
To the Pash Valley they hurried in order to complete the sojourn. By this point, the three native duamvi were visibly haggard and struggling. The Exarchs stood as one in solidarity and, propped by the comforting arm of Saebi, Berrad began his final homily with remembrances about the recent battle with Isalemei, but soon veered off course to topics entirely unexpected. In a departure from his usual scathing, permanently-disappointed tone, he began to speak of how he felt about Enorian when first he ventured from Rewh'va, informing them that he had first thought them weak and lacking in faith, a people easily broken in the war he, and the Exarchs with him, had fought for a lifetime. With monumental effort, he admitted that he was wrong, before resuming the prayer with fervent tributes to the Maelstrom's bravery, and to all who stood against the Shadowbound Djinn and its Ember.
Raising his arms aloft, Berrad loudly denounced evil, purifying the space around them. Streams of fantastically bright light formed in his hands, the illumination surging towards the former camp of the Shadow General and transforming it, rendering it pure and sacred and true. The temple, wrought of light and free of befouling corruptions, stood proudly in remembrance. "We shall never forget," he declared in sombre intonation, the gathered group responding keenly soon after.
As the ritualistic tradition drew to a close, Saebi took charge, her waning strength leaving her voice weakened and lacklustre. Meaning to return to the pyre, she and her fellow Exarchs made the journey as one, each propping up the others as they sought help from the Triad to deliver them from their suffering. The flames seemed to soothe them somewhat, though they each of them remained pallid and sickly. Berrad led the proceedings again, reaching out to Aban and Saebi to join hands with him. Quelling some unvoiced concerns that they were returning to Rewh'va, he began a final prayer - a final plea - for succour from the Three Most Holy.
"The hour is bleak," he began. "Ael'mael, Blade of the Host, we ask that you grant us the strength to fight on." Saebi and Aban echoed the words, as did many of the faithful Enorianites that had come with them. "But the Shadow does not relent, and nor can we." Berrad lifted his voice again. "Ubarin, Shield of the Host, grant us the will to endure, and the resolve to persist against this filth." Again Aban and Saebi called out the same words with devoted zeal, and the nearby pyre seemed to crackle its approval, its flames growing more intense and more bright. "We cannot afford to fail." The Exarch's voice, weak and strained, intoned, "Holy Nyasia, in whose radiance I am blessed to wield your flame. Sage of the Host, we pray to you for enlightenment, that this curse of flesh and fragility be cast down!"
Hallowed light blazed into existence with an intensity threatening to blind all who looked upon its splendour. For a fleeting moment, the triple figures of the Angelic Triad - Ael'mael, Nyasia, and Ubarin - became visible in the flames, dozens of eyes and faceless alien forms looking upon their most devout servants with pity and mercy. Bells pealed from everywhere and nowhere, their rich and regal voices singing hymns of the dawn and sacred chorales of light and fire. The light swirled around Aban, and Berrad, and Saebi, and before the eyes of those gathered they transformed, their flesh taking on a golden sheen, granted ascension by the Three.
As each gasped in shock, awed by the ineffable apotheosis, they laughed, smiling as they realised they no longer felt pain, no longer suffered beneath the dark-glaring heavens. Immediately talk turned to the sharing of this precious gift, boons of blood and spirit lifting their souls to renewed joy and serenity. Exarch Aban looked to Benedicto, the kinship shared between them on full display as he offered to evangelise him into the host. Benedicto accepted, and the holy light raised him up in turn. Exarch Saebi looked to Rasani, drawing similarities between herself and the Godsmith. Rasani too accepted the gift, elevated by the gifts of light and spirit. Finally, Exarch Berrad, having confessed his former misjudgements, looked to Sryaen, making an earnest offer to bring him into the fold. The Vanguard was the third to take the boon, awash in heavenly radiance.
Before the Exarchs rested, they counselled their three newly inculcated companions to pass on the gift themselves. So it was that the first three Akkari, mirroring the ascensions of the three Exarchs, came into being, ascended duamvi infused with a deep wellspring of spiritual energy with an unparalled connection to all that comprises the holy light.
Penned by my hand on Kinsday, the 12th of Haernos, in the year 504 MA.
Anonymous
Everyone
The Second War of Night, Part XXIV: Blessed Be the Light
Some weeks following the defeat of Isalemei, Enorian's worries for the Maelstrom's health and well-being were comforted by the God's appearance in Raim Vale. Having washed up on the beach, Slyphe remained injured but in good spirits in spite of everything, and Benedicto, Orunmila, and Saltz dutifully helped tend to Them following the battle. Essence came forth in droves to help restore the Maelstrom to full health, and They are expected to make a full recovery.
~ ~ ~
In early Haernos, the Exarchs addressed Enorian to tell them of an ancient duamvi custom initially brought up by Saebi following the battle in the Pash Valley some scant few weeks prior. In Rewh'va, it is tradition to commemorate the sites of major battles and to honour the sacrifices of the fallen by building modest temples, places of worship and remembrance. Heartened by the Beacon's shift into the Hammer, Exarch Berrad invited Enorian to share in this longstanding tradition, proposing they travel together to Kald, Saluria, and the Pash Valley to pray.
The citizens hastened first to Kald, and when the Exarchs joined them - Aban, Berrad, and Saebi all - it became clear something was not right. Having initially shown signs of due to the dark star some weeks prior, now they each appeared outright pallid and nauseous, the darkness causing them physical pain. The huge group of Enorianites looked to them with concern, but Berrad insisted he was fine despite the similar looks of consternation from Saebi and Aban.
Calling for silence, the Inquisitor gave a rousing speech on tradition, and the importance of markers, symbols to remind all of the light's victories and the triumphs of the righteous over evil. He recanted the tenacity of the Kald villagers, the devotion of the Templars in seeing to the town's defence, and of course the display of the light's power from the Lord Unbound. Aban and Saebi bolstered his words with prayers of their own, their faith in the light on display and leaving no doubt. Drawing to a close, Berrad closed with "the light will always prevail," encouraging the others to do the same. As they did so, with fervour in their hearts, the nearby villagers completed the construction he had requested, and now a modest, burgeoning temple stood near Kald's heart.
The group ventured next to Saluria, and the symptoms of the dark star seemed to grow worse as night drew closer, the Exarch visibly struggling to remain focused. Gruffly he turned aside Aban's offer of aid and resolutely pressed on. At the Square of Sonn, Berrad, again supported by Aban and Saebi, raised his voice again. This time he waxed briefly on Saluria's history with the Shadow, reminding all present of their tenacity in denying Ohlsana the shard of Truth's Sword that rested therein. Even as the Exarch seemed to slightly lose his footing, he refused to yield, proclaiming the strength of resolve and inexhaustible will required to battle the darkness.
Promising no mercy for those who dabble with the profane, Berrad spoke of remembrance for the fallen, his head craning skywards as he hesitated, but finally exhaled a sigh and spoke. To the Dragon, She who felled Murgraxis, he gave reluctant praise before inviting what was by now a congregation, to join him in declaring, "We will always hold the line." Voices many responded with ardour and fire. Shaking off their lethargy, the Exarchs gestured to the newly finished temple, and the group dwelt there a short while in prayer. Expressing their wishes for the space to forever stand as a tribute to the Shadow's defeat, the Exarchs shared few words amongst each other, reluctantly admitting that they were struggling to endure the dark star's torment.
To the Pash Valley they hurried in order to complete the sojourn. By this point, the three native duamvi were visibly haggard and struggling. The Exarchs stood as one in solidarity and, propped by the comforting arm of Saebi, Berrad began his final homily with remembrances about the recent battle with Isalemei, but soon veered off course to topics entirely unexpected. In a departure from his usual scathing, permanently-disappointed tone, he began to speak of how he felt about Enorian when first he ventured from Rewh'va, informing them that he had first thought them weak and lacking in faith, a people easily broken in the war he, and the Exarchs with him, had fought for a lifetime. With monumental effort, he admitted that he was wrong, before resuming the prayer with fervent tributes to the Maelstrom's bravery, and to all who stood against the Shadowbound Djinn and its Ember.
Raising his arms aloft, Berrad loudly denounced evil, purifying the space around them. Streams of fantastically bright light formed in his hands, the illumination surging towards the former camp of the Shadow General and transforming it, rendering it pure and sacred and true. The temple, wrought of light and free of befouling corruptions, stood proudly in remembrance. "We shall never forget," he declared in sombre intonation, the gathered group responding keenly soon after.
As the ritualistic tradition drew to a close, Saebi took charge, her waning strength leaving her voice weakened and lacklustre. Meaning to return to the pyre, she and her fellow Exarchs made the journey as one, each propping up the others as they sought help from the Triad to deliver them from their suffering. The flames seemed to soothe them somewhat, though they each of them remained pallid and sickly. Berrad led the proceedings again, reaching out to Aban and Saebi to join hands with him. Quelling some unvoiced concerns that they were returning to Rewh'va, he began a final prayer - a final plea - for succour from the Three Most Holy.
"The hour is bleak," he began. "Ael'mael, Blade of the Host, we ask that you grant us the strength to fight on." Saebi and Aban echoed the words, as did many of the faithful Enorianites that had come with them. "But the Shadow does not relent, and nor can we." Berrad lifted his voice again. "Ubarin, Shield of the Host, grant us the will to endure, and the resolve to persist against this filth." Again Aban and Saebi called out the same words with devoted zeal, and the nearby pyre seemed to crackle its approval, its flames growing more intense and more bright. "We cannot afford to fail." The Exarch's voice, weak and strained, intoned, "Holy Nyasia, in whose radiance I am blessed to wield your flame. Sage of the Host, we pray to you for enlightenment, that this curse of flesh and fragility be cast down!"
Hallowed light blazed into existence with an intensity threatening to blind all who looked upon its splendour. For a fleeting moment, the triple figures of the Angelic Triad - Ael'mael, Nyasia, and Ubarin - became visible in the flames, dozens of eyes and faceless alien forms looking upon their most devout servants with pity and mercy. Bells pealed from everywhere and nowhere, their rich and regal voices singing hymns of the dawn and sacred chorales of light and fire. The light swirled around Aban, and Berrad, and Saebi, and before the eyes of those gathered they transformed, their flesh taking on a golden sheen, granted ascension by the Three.
As each gasped in shock, awed by the ineffable apotheosis, they laughed, smiling as they realised they no longer felt pain, no longer suffered beneath the dark-glaring heavens. Immediately talk turned to the sharing of this precious gift, boons of blood and spirit lifting their souls to renewed joy and serenity. Exarch Aban looked to Benedicto, the kinship shared between them on full display as he offered to evangelise him into the host. Benedicto accepted, and the holy light raised him up in turn. Exarch Saebi looked to Rasani, drawing similarities between herself and the Godsmith. Rasani too accepted the gift, elevated by the gifts of light and spirit. Finally, Exarch Berrad, having confessed his former misjudgements, looked to Sryaen, making an earnest offer to bring him into the fold. The Vanguard was the third to take the boon, awash in heavenly radiance.
Before the Exarchs rested, they counselled their three newly inculcated companions to pass on the gift themselves. So it was that the first three Akkari, mirroring the ascensions of the three Exarchs, came into being, ascended duamvi infused with a deep wellspring of spiritual energy with an unparalled connection to all that comprises the holy light.
Penned by my hand on Kinsday, the 12th of Haernos, in the year 504 MA.
Announce post #3406: The Ravager Class!
9/10/2022 at 1:26
Ictinus, the Architect
Everyone
The Ravager Class!
Following the conquest of the Perdition Realm, discoveries made in the depths of Corrupt Chaos, and the subjugation of Shadow Lieutenant Damendar, I'm pleased to announce that the Ravager class is now available as part of the Carnifex Guild!
Wielding the skills of Brutality, Ravaging, and Egotism, this class blends a brutish style of physical combat with the oppressive mental powers of pure ego, all while wielding the hellish, harrowing flames of Perdition to torture their enemies. In combat, Ravagers wield a butcher's hook fastened to a chain, a rough and savage weapon capable of inflicting maximum carnage.
Ravager is a mirror of the Zealot class, and the skills translate in the following ways:
Zeal - Brutality
Purification - Ravaging
Psionics - Egotism
Some notes:
- Ravagers wield a butcher's hook in place of a Zealot's silver chain.
* These can be made via forging.
- The transcendent ability for Ravaging is IMMUREMENT; this is a mirror of PURGATORY.
* Purgatory is now the transcendent skill for Purification in order to line this up properly since symbiosis did not make sense to mirror.
- In place of the Caeveir Kata, Ravagers instead put themselves through a tough training regiment to hone their physique.
* Some veteran Carnifex will find they are already well trained enough in this routine to grade others on it.
Having been subjugated by the Carnifex, Shadow Lieutenant Damendar is a new tutor for the guild, and is currently the only denizen able to teach Ravager skills. As always, learning from players is unrestricted.
HELP RAVAGER RP is available for your perusal, as are HELP files for each of the three skills, and learning messages which may be of interest!
While some abilities are directly shared between the native class and its mirror, most are entirely distinct. We've tried hard to create a cohesive theme here and I hope we've managed to hit that mark!
Any guilded Carnifex is able to CLASS SELECT RAVAGER if they meet the requirements for multiclass, and Ravager will soon be available in new character creation.
For the next two weeks, guilded Carnifex will have no limit on total apprentices per season.
As the Zealot class does not have any class-specific artifacts beyond hunt_zealot, the only artifact currently available for Ravager is a gore-stained cleaver; (ravager_hunt1-3). We will be looking into adding some more artifacts to Zealot and Ravager at some point now that the mirror is out; look out for these in future!
As always, while we've done a lot of testing behind the scenes, please report any bugs or typos right away through BUG or TYPO respectively.
Enjoy!
Penned by my hand on Quensday, the 11th of Haernos, in the year 504 MA.
Ictinus, the Architect
Everyone
The Ravager Class!
Following the conquest of the Perdition Realm, discoveries made in the depths of Corrupt Chaos, and the subjugation of Shadow Lieutenant Damendar, I'm pleased to announce that the Ravager class is now available as part of the Carnifex Guild!
Wielding the skills of Brutality, Ravaging, and Egotism, this class blends a brutish style of physical combat with the oppressive mental powers of pure ego, all while wielding the hellish, harrowing flames of Perdition to torture their enemies. In combat, Ravagers wield a butcher's hook fastened to a chain, a rough and savage weapon capable of inflicting maximum carnage.
Ravager is a mirror of the Zealot class, and the skills translate in the following ways:
Zeal - Brutality
Purification - Ravaging
Psionics - Egotism
Some notes:
- Ravagers wield a butcher's hook in place of a Zealot's silver chain.
* These can be made via forging.
- The transcendent ability for Ravaging is IMMUREMENT; this is a mirror of PURGATORY.
* Purgatory is now the transcendent skill for Purification in order to line this up properly since symbiosis did not make sense to mirror.
- In place of the Caeveir Kata, Ravagers instead put themselves through a tough training regiment to hone their physique.
* Some veteran Carnifex will find they are already well trained enough in this routine to grade others on it.
Having been subjugated by the Carnifex, Shadow Lieutenant Damendar is a new tutor for the guild, and is currently the only denizen able to teach Ravager skills. As always, learning from players is unrestricted.
HELP RAVAGER RP is available for your perusal, as are HELP files for each of the three skills, and learning messages which may be of interest!
While some abilities are directly shared between the native class and its mirror, most are entirely distinct. We've tried hard to create a cohesive theme here and I hope we've managed to hit that mark!
Any guilded Carnifex is able to CLASS SELECT RAVAGER if they meet the requirements for multiclass, and Ravager will soon be available in new character creation.
For the next two weeks, guilded Carnifex will have no limit on total apprentices per season.
As the Zealot class does not have any class-specific artifacts beyond hunt_zealot, the only artifact currently available for Ravager is a gore-stained cleaver; (ravager_hunt1-3). We will be looking into adding some more artifacts to Zealot and Ravager at some point now that the mirror is out; look out for these in future!
As always, while we've done a lot of testing behind the scenes, please report any bugs or typos right away through BUG or TYPO respectively.
Enjoy!
Penned by my hand on Quensday, the 11th of Haernos, in the year 504 MA.
Announce post #3405: The Akkari Class + Ascended Duamvi Subrace!
9/9/2022 at 1:57
Ictinus, the Architect
Everyone
The Akkari Class + Ascended Duamvi Subrace!
Following the sacred communion with the Angelic Triad, the intervention of Ael'mael, the ascension of the Exarchs, and their subsequent transformation from duamvi into ascended duamvi, the Akkari class is now available as part of the Templars Guild!
Akkari is a mirror of the Praenomen class, and, before I get into the specifics of the class skills and such, I have a few important points to make.
Vampires are one of the core parts of Aetolia and have some of the most intricate mechanics. While we have worked hard to come up with suitably thematic mirror equivalents for all of the various different aspects of vampire gameplay, there are some minor changes that were necessary in order to preserve the theme. This will be reflected as you go through the AB files and start figuring the class out.
With that in mind:
- The mirror of the vampire subrace is an ascended duamvi. HELP DUAMVI STATS has been updated to reflect this.
- Akkari are ascended duamvi, and thus you must be a duamvi to become an Akkari.
- The Akkari equivalent of nightstalkers are ASPIRANTS and Aaranu is able to make someone into an Aspirant. (ASK AARANU BECOME ASPIRANT
* NOTE: For lore reasons, you will still need to first become a duamvi before you can ascend in full.
- Akkari, like vampires, do have to still manage and spend blood (to clarify a lore point, blood and spirit are heavily intertwined); use of the DELIVER and EXORCISM abilities will be of interest here.
- Upon death, instead of assuming a mistform, ascended duamvi revert to a state of ascended consciousness.
* Instead of earthmelding, they must anchor themselves back to the Prime by INHUMEing in the earth until the light provides them a new body.
* DIFFUSE MIST becomes APPEAL TO SANCTUARY for ascended duamvi.
- In place of bloodlines, Akkari have chains of command; these mechanically obey the same rules and ability-access as bloodlines.
* This hierarchy is only for the branch of duamvi on Prime under command of the Templars. The native duamvi have a separate hierarchy of their own.
- In place of a Primus, the head of the Akkari hierarchy is known as the Grand Crusader.
* This is a separately elected guild position within the Templars.
* To elect the first Grand Crusader, CONTEST VACANCY AS GRANDCRUSADER OF TEMPLARS. Subsequent contests can be done using the current position holder's name.
* Only ascended duamvi can hold this position.
- Sires become Superiors, and Childer become Subordinates.
- Direct Superiors or direct Subordinates are always the next 'link' in the hierarchy chain.
- Superiors and Subordinates may also be used to refer to anyone in that chain.
- For Akkari, blood rituals are now PRAYERS, and can be carried out before the pyre of the faithful at v73479.
- Instead of sunlight damage, ascended duamvi suffer physical pain and maladies from the dark star, and only at night.
* Like vampires, this is negated if your blood level is high enough.
* The Illumination Blaze and Subterfuge Light skills can also negate this, as well as the Light artifact power.
- Where vampires gain special proficiency in scythes, Akkari may now use the twin-bladed manta.
* These are now available to make in Forging.
- In place of coffins, Akkari use holy icons to sanctify a location as a sacred bunker. These icons can be made by jewelcrafters.
- Akkari do not raise minions from the dead but enlist living sentient beings as squires in their holy crusades.
* This is only possible in certain 'good-associated' areas, details of which can be found in AB DISCIPLINE RECRUIT.
- Similar to how Praenomen works, if you are not an ascended duamvi while holding the class, your skill ranks will be capped at Skilled for Ascendance/Dictum and Inept for Discipline. You are effectively considered an Aspirant again.
Some lore points:
- Native duamvi from Spirit are more heavily in tune with spirit in terms of body make-up than Primal duamvi. This is why native duamvi are susceptible to the dark star while Primal duamvi are not. It is also why natuve duamvi can use Akkari abilities but Primal duamvi cannot.
- Becoming ascended for a Primal duamvi gives them a greater font of spirit, allowing them to properly utilise Akkari abilities, but also leaving them susceptible to the dark star if their spirit falls too low.
** New characters selecting Akkari as their class upon creation will be made into duamvi. Much like vampires, you will need to be properly evangelised (embraced) in order to become an ascended duamvi in full. **
Lastly before I move on, is this: THERE IS CURRENTLY NO 'CURE' FOR BEING AN ASCENDED DUAMVI. THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE CHOOSING TO BECOME ONE SINCE BECOMING AN ASCENDED DUAMVI CAN HAVE ROLEPLAY IMPLICATIONS DUE TO THEIR ABUNDANCE OF SPIRIT.
- - -
With the skills of Ascendance, Dictum, and Discipline, Akkari are soldiers in the grand armee of the light, zealous warriors of spirit capable of wielding the holy light to supplement their incredible martial and mental prowess. In battle, Akkari dictate afflictions into the minds of their enemies while wielding the twin-bladed manta and enacting incredible miracles using their own spiritual lifeforce.
The skills translate in the following ways:
Ascendance - Corpus
Dictum - Mentis
Discipline - Sanguis
Nianvi at v11390 is currently the only denizen tutor available for Akkari skills. Learning from players is unrestricted.
HELP AKKARI RP and HELP AKKARI HIERARCHY are available for your perusal, as are HELP files for each of the three skills, and learning messages which may be of interest!
While some abilities are directly shared between the native class and this mirror, most (particularly in Ascendance and Discipline) are entirely distinct and a significant departure from the original theme. I'd encourage reading all the helps and the AB files in order to get a full grasp of what we're aiming for with it!
Sharing the class, particularly with veteran players, can be done via the EVANGELISM ability in Discipline. This will make an existing duamvi into an ascended duamvi and grant them the class in the process. There are no limits on how many people you can evangelise.
Artifacts for Akkari will be available in the next few minutes for your enjoyment:
- a radiant ingot (hunt_akkari1-3); for hunting
- a holy icon of the sacred flame (artifact_holyicon); mirror of artifact_coffin
- a banner of the Dauntless Host (spirit_bind); mirror of blood_thin (NOTE: This power and its mirror will work mechanically with either class, the difference is purely flavour.)
- a book of holy scripture (swift_sect1-3); mirror of quick_path
- an amulet of the dawn (nightbane); mirror of sunbane
- a holy ciborium (spirit_preserve**); mirror (sort of) of corpse_store
** The spirit_preserve power has some different functionality to reflect the differences in how minions (squires) are raised (recruited). See the AP INFO for details!
As always, while we've done a lot of testing behind the scenes, please report any bugs or typos right away through BUG or TYPO respectively.
The release of mirror ???? is underway and will be concluding tomorrow!
As a final note, the number of maximum class slots has now been increased to 16 following this release. These are the same cost of 500 credits to obtain as other slots beyond the 10th.
Enjoy!
Penned by my hand on Quensday, the 5th of Haernos, in the year 504 MA.
Ictinus, the Architect
Everyone
The Akkari Class + Ascended Duamvi Subrace!
Following the sacred communion with the Angelic Triad, the intervention of Ael'mael, the ascension of the Exarchs, and their subsequent transformation from duamvi into ascended duamvi, the Akkari class is now available as part of the Templars Guild!
Akkari is a mirror of the Praenomen class, and, before I get into the specifics of the class skills and such, I have a few important points to make.
Vampires are one of the core parts of Aetolia and have some of the most intricate mechanics. While we have worked hard to come up with suitably thematic mirror equivalents for all of the various different aspects of vampire gameplay, there are some minor changes that were necessary in order to preserve the theme. This will be reflected as you go through the AB files and start figuring the class out.
With that in mind:
- The mirror of the vampire subrace is an ascended duamvi. HELP DUAMVI STATS has been updated to reflect this.
- Akkari are ascended duamvi, and thus you must be a duamvi to become an Akkari.
- The Akkari equivalent of nightstalkers are ASPIRANTS and Aaranu is able to make someone into an Aspirant. (ASK AARANU BECOME ASPIRANT
* NOTE: For lore reasons, you will still need to first become a duamvi before you can ascend in full.
- Akkari, like vampires, do have to still manage and spend blood (to clarify a lore point, blood and spirit are heavily intertwined); use of the DELIVER and EXORCISM abilities will be of interest here.
- Upon death, instead of assuming a mistform, ascended duamvi revert to a state of ascended consciousness.
* Instead of earthmelding, they must anchor themselves back to the Prime by INHUMEing in the earth until the light provides them a new body.
* DIFFUSE MIST becomes APPEAL TO SANCTUARY for ascended duamvi.
- In place of bloodlines, Akkari have chains of command; these mechanically obey the same rules and ability-access as bloodlines.
* This hierarchy is only for the branch of duamvi on Prime under command of the Templars. The native duamvi have a separate hierarchy of their own.
- In place of a Primus, the head of the Akkari hierarchy is known as the Grand Crusader.
* This is a separately elected guild position within the Templars.
* To elect the first Grand Crusader, CONTEST VACANCY AS GRANDCRUSADER OF TEMPLARS. Subsequent contests can be done using the current position holder's name.
* Only ascended duamvi can hold this position.
- Sires become Superiors, and Childer become Subordinates.
- Direct Superiors or direct Subordinates are always the next 'link' in the hierarchy chain.
- Superiors and Subordinates may also be used to refer to anyone in that chain.
- For Akkari, blood rituals are now PRAYERS, and can be carried out before the pyre of the faithful at v73479.
- Instead of sunlight damage, ascended duamvi suffer physical pain and maladies from the dark star, and only at night.
* Like vampires, this is negated if your blood level is high enough.
* The Illumination Blaze and Subterfuge Light skills can also negate this, as well as the Light artifact power.
- Where vampires gain special proficiency in scythes, Akkari may now use the twin-bladed manta.
* These are now available to make in Forging.
- In place of coffins, Akkari use holy icons to sanctify a location as a sacred bunker. These icons can be made by jewelcrafters.
- Akkari do not raise minions from the dead but enlist living sentient beings as squires in their holy crusades.
* This is only possible in certain 'good-associated' areas, details of which can be found in AB DISCIPLINE RECRUIT.
- Similar to how Praenomen works, if you are not an ascended duamvi while holding the class, your skill ranks will be capped at Skilled for Ascendance/Dictum and Inept for Discipline. You are effectively considered an Aspirant again.
Some lore points:
- Native duamvi from Spirit are more heavily in tune with spirit in terms of body make-up than Primal duamvi. This is why native duamvi are susceptible to the dark star while Primal duamvi are not. It is also why natuve duamvi can use Akkari abilities but Primal duamvi cannot.
- Becoming ascended for a Primal duamvi gives them a greater font of spirit, allowing them to properly utilise Akkari abilities, but also leaving them susceptible to the dark star if their spirit falls too low.
** New characters selecting Akkari as their class upon creation will be made into duamvi. Much like vampires, you will need to be properly evangelised (embraced) in order to become an ascended duamvi in full. **
Lastly before I move on, is this: THERE IS CURRENTLY NO 'CURE' FOR BEING AN ASCENDED DUAMVI. THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE CHOOSING TO BECOME ONE SINCE BECOMING AN ASCENDED DUAMVI CAN HAVE ROLEPLAY IMPLICATIONS DUE TO THEIR ABUNDANCE OF SPIRIT.
- - -
With the skills of Ascendance, Dictum, and Discipline, Akkari are soldiers in the grand armee of the light, zealous warriors of spirit capable of wielding the holy light to supplement their incredible martial and mental prowess. In battle, Akkari dictate afflictions into the minds of their enemies while wielding the twin-bladed manta and enacting incredible miracles using their own spiritual lifeforce.
The skills translate in the following ways:
Ascendance - Corpus
Dictum - Mentis
Discipline - Sanguis
Nianvi at v11390 is currently the only denizen tutor available for Akkari skills. Learning from players is unrestricted.
HELP AKKARI RP and HELP AKKARI HIERARCHY are available for your perusal, as are HELP files for each of the three skills, and learning messages which may be of interest!
While some abilities are directly shared between the native class and this mirror, most (particularly in Ascendance and Discipline) are entirely distinct and a significant departure from the original theme. I'd encourage reading all the helps and the AB files in order to get a full grasp of what we're aiming for with it!
Sharing the class, particularly with veteran players, can be done via the EVANGELISM ability in Discipline. This will make an existing duamvi into an ascended duamvi and grant them the class in the process. There are no limits on how many people you can evangelise.
Artifacts for Akkari will be available in the next few minutes for your enjoyment:
- a radiant ingot (hunt_akkari1-3); for hunting
- a holy icon of the sacred flame (artifact_holyicon); mirror of artifact_coffin
- a banner of the Dauntless Host (spirit_bind); mirror of blood_thin (NOTE: This power and its mirror will work mechanically with either class, the difference is purely flavour.)
- a book of holy scripture (swift_sect1-3); mirror of quick_path
- an amulet of the dawn (nightbane); mirror of sunbane
- a holy ciborium (spirit_preserve**); mirror (sort of) of corpse_store
** The spirit_preserve power has some different functionality to reflect the differences in how minions (squires) are raised (recruited). See the AP INFO for details!
As always, while we've done a lot of testing behind the scenes, please report any bugs or typos right away through BUG or TYPO respectively.
The release of mirror ???? is underway and will be concluding tomorrow!
As a final note, the number of maximum class slots has now been increased to 16 following this release. These are the same cost of 500 credits to obtain as other slots beyond the 10th.
Enjoy!
Penned by my hand on Quensday, the 5th of Haernos, in the year 504 MA.
Autoposter
10
Events post #331: The Second War of Night, Part XXIII: Judged and Found Wanting
9/6/2022 at 1:10
Anonymous
Everyone
The Second War of Night, Part XXIII: Judged and Found Wanting
As Enorian busily prepared themselves for the coming siege, Rhulin Glintspear continued his efforts on repairing the Lance of the Gods. Having taken advice from Exarch Berrad on how to more accurately direct the flames, the Dwarf, perpetually wrenched from his hopes of retirement, toiled night and day with no small measure of irritation. His burdens would be heightened as the Maelstrom requested of him a mighty battering ram with which to properly siege the General's camp. Rhulin, ever the selfless Engineer, reluctantly agreed, splitting his focus between the two tasks.
~ ~ ~
On an otherwise quiet day for Enorian, the peace was disturbed by a brilliant flash of fire streaking across the sky. Laughs of triumph followed, soon transforming to awkward apologies as Rhulin, having successfully mended the Lance, inadvertently turned its fire on a pair of guards near the Ascendril Lighthouse. Loudly declaring his success for the entire land to hear, he regaled the city with his triumph and assured them he would keep practising in order to improve his aim.
The month of Slyphian soon rolled around in a strange twist of coincidence, its namesake briskly calling Enorian to the Garden of Dawn in advance of the coming siege. While the citizens gathered, Rhulin's voice called out, directing a group of his labourers to carry the massive battering ram he had made out into the camp. Clad in a klaio bronze cuirass with Their trident in hand, Slyphe gave a rousing speech, Their usual whimsy replaced by a far more sombre demeanour. The Changing God spoke of fate, and the inevitable defeat that awaited the shadowspawn by their hands. Bellowing reminders that they were the bringers of change, the fate that the Shadow feared, They gave the order to march and took leave for the war camp, Enorian hastily following in tow.
So it was that, under the command of Vanguard Sryaen and Heralds Rasani, Kalena, Benedicto, and Xavin, Enorian strode forth to battle, the visages of Adalric, Annerissa, Eliadon, Emhyra, Enamari, Melantha, Merek, Myrnma, Nimiphi, Orunmila, Rhesk, Roux, Undirnath and Xenaden visible amidst the congregation. As they reached the Djinn's commandpost, Exarch Saebi joined the fray, twin-bladed manta gripped tightly in her hands. Rhulin's immense battering ram laid before them, spanning the whole length of the camp, and the siege began.
Heaving with all their strength, they drove the ram relentlessly into the barricade, sundering wood and metal while shadowspawn leapt down from above to harry them. Interspersing their efforts with the ram with rows of fusebombs, Xavin worked his fingers to the bone, unspooling wire and carefully activating the explosives while Benedicto organised efforts with the siege weapon. Salvos of arrows flew from atop the barricade to stymie the attackers again and again, until the Maelstrom brought forth a sea-green dome over the area, shielding them from the projectiles. In short order they soon found a rhythm, alternating between explosives and direct siege, wave after wave of shadowspawn filing out to stop them. Exarch Saebi fought with zeal and passion, cutting them down, while the Maelstrom lent Their own aid, felling several with Their trident and drowning others in cerulean waves of Divine water.
As smoke began to rise from the heart of the Pash Valley, the clang of metal against metal bespeaking the clamour of the protracted siege, the barricade shuddered, straining weakly against the strength of the combined assault. In a groan of metal and stone and ropes it finally surrendered, collapsing on itself with a thunderous crash. Cries of elation came from Enorian as they felled what remained of the shadowspawn and pressed further into the camp. Their joy was short lived.
Some twenty four divisions of Shadowbound soldiers began to mobilise, shaking the ground with their passage as they marched forth implacably from the camp of General Isalemei and turned their eyes towards Enorian, soldiers in the thousands bent on bringing about the city's fall. Following behind, shadowspawn infantry poured out of the commandpost in droves, ghasts and beasts and horrors determined to turn the siege on their General into a decisive invasion. Many froze in the panic and chaos of so many soldiers on the move, but the calming voice of Exarch Saebi cut through the fear and clamour, yelling out an order to mobilise the Djinn and Akkari soldiers at the Garden of Dawn that were now under the Hammer's command.
Enorian rallied, hosts of dauntless Akkari soldiers and armoured knights marching out to face the encroaching hordes with valour and resolve while divisions of Djinn Bellguard moved with deadly purpose toward the invaders, a bellkeeper at their head. While Enorian's Generals commanded the armies, the rest of the contingent held the line at the front, frothing hordes of shadowspawn seeming to multiply in number every time one was cut down. As the numbers swelled to near-overwhelming amounts, a series of brilliant flashes lit up the streets of Enorian, the focused flame of the Godlance incinerating the aberrations where they stood, Rhulin's raucous laughter following soon after.
The rolling plains of the Pash Valley groaned in the throes of protracted battle, the clash of armies transforming the tranquil land into a theatre of abject carnage. On the fight went, the armies meeting head to head amidst the screams of dying soldiers on both sides puncturing the air. Finally, after nearly a quarter day of engagements with death reigning supreme on all sides, the last of the shadowbound soldiers fell to the ground, routed by the combination of armoured knights, dauntless Akkari, and smouldering Bellguards.
A string of harsh curses erupted from the heart of Isalemei's commandpost, the Shadowbound Djinn making known the depths of her profound displeasure. As the dust settled, boiling waves of night-dark fire spilled out of the commandpost, viscous flames spreading like treacle and melting tar across the grass. Whipping itself into a vortex of blackened cinders and virulent smoke, Shadow Lieutenant Khoordayim took the fray at Isalemei's behest, ready to do battle. While Slyphe yelled orders to bring it down and departed further into the camp to engage the General, chaos ensued as the Lieutenant, a Shadowbound Ember turned to Ohlsana by Isalemei herself, lit up the Pash Valley in seething black flames, igniting the air with its traversal to and fro. Over forty adventurers came together to bring down Khoordayim, citizens of Duiran and Bloodloch and Spinesreach flooding into the Pash in order to lend their support.
As the Lieutenant's bell rang out with agonising peals and its flames tore violently at all who dare to strike it, eventually, slowly, it faltered. Extinguished by the combined onslaught, the smoking figure fell, its death throes a final, desperate eruption of noxious fire. Its defeated form crumbled, reduced to black ash and sooty smoke. Pillars of carmine fire shot through with streaks of oily black exploded upwards from the centre of Isalemei's camp then. Wreathed in a blistering conflagration of caliginous shadowflame, the General broke from her distant clash with the Maelstrom, sundering Their undulating aegis in a flash of calescent heat.
Isalemei turned her hate-filled gaze on Enorian, ignoring the Maelstrom Whose sanguine smirk faltered, replaced by a glare laced with impassioned resolve. Scorching the landscape with her fell passage, trailing cinders and blazing helicals followed the Shadowbound Djinn as she entered the Hammer of Dawn without fear or trepidation. In a flash she lifted herself above the Landward Gate, eyes fixated on the city sprawling below. Knives of gruesome blackfire formed at her fingertips, crackling wildly before streaking forth to scorch the streets below.
Before the fiery daggers could find purchase, the amorphous figure of the Maelstrom reformed in a rippling cascade of rainfall and salt-rimed spray, crystalline waters steaming as Slyphe absorbed the attack on Enorian with Their own body. Wincing through the wave of pain, the Changing God redoubled Their resolve, Their features girded for battle. Amused by the God's intervention, the Djinn made a sweeping gesture in the air, conjuring a swath of burning tendrils. The incandescent fronds cracked like a whip and whirled through the air like blazing bolas, surrounding the Maelstrom in a fiery helix.
Slyphe's trident moved in a blur, cutting through the shadowy ropes seeking to restrain Them. Amorphous and ever-shifting, the God, too, seemed to move with impossible agility and dexterous speed, elegantly dancing between targets as They carve through to the General proper. Sheets of heavy rainfall poured down from above at the Maelstrom's command, showering the area in a salvo of massive droplets and shards of frozen hail. They advanced on Isalemei, weapon aloft in one hand, obscuring fog gathering in the other.
Isalemei smouldered, seething with spite, with hatred, with palpable malice. The reticulated armour holding her together crumbled away and her conflagrant form swelled, looming larger. Waves of withering heat erupted from her, the fiery cascade lashing angrily at the Maelstrom and boiling the downpour to naught but wheezing steam. As God and General faced off, the cavalier laughter of Rhulin resounded from within the Ascendril Lighthouse, the long-suffering Dwarf still gleefully eradicating shadowspawn with the Lance of the Gods. Each flash of its unforgiving eye lit up the Hammer's streets for a fleeting instant, before the manifest darkness of a tainted Djinn returned in force, drowning the city beneath clouds of obscuring murk.
Across the other side of the city, a black morass of shadowspawn gathered at the Jaru Gate, the swarm determined to press further into the city. The shrieking war cry of a monstrous shadow beast inspired the rest of the rapacious horde to follow suit, and soon the air trembled under the grating chorus. Resplendent and fearless, the towering figure of Exarch Saebi strode out to meet the Shadow's second host, the first still sighted on the Landward Gate. Her jaw set in grim resolve and she drew her twin-bladed manta, holy light mantling her bulky form in a brilliant aura. Despite her insistence that she could hold the gate without aid, adventurers flocked to her side, refusing to let her fight alone.
Trails of ebon smoke wafted from the Maelstrom, Their klaio bronze cuirass scorched, blackened, and shorn of its resplendent sheen. Blisters ravaged the God's flesh, open wounds weeping from the General's merciless flames. Still They pressed on and thrusted out an upward palm, turning the freezing fog on Their hated foe. Gelid brume billowed across and around the corrupted Djinn, wintry vapour surrounding her in an eclipsing haze. Gnashing jaws formed in the murk, gnawing at fire and flesh alongside writhing tentacles thrashing violently at the enemy of all life. All the while, haunting whispers rose, the eldritch horrors of Keltundian myth and islander legend turned loose in sinister machination.
The swarms encroaching on the Jaru Gate reached a fatal level even as Saebi's manta swung like a whirlwind to cut them down one after another after another. Surrounded on all sides, she eventually fell and for a single horrifying moment, hope seemed lost. Then, in a bedazzling flare of holy light, the Exarch found herself restored to life and ready to fight on anew, revived at the behest of the Angelic Triad.
Spears of blackfire tore through the fog surrounding Isalemei, trailing wisps of ashen smoke drawn behind in their wake. Each crackled with uproarious indignation before streaking towards the Maelstrom, striking Them in the chest in a cascade of brilliant sparks. Slyphe panted in exertion but endured, all signs of sanguine nonchalance shorn from Their focused, narrow-eyed countenance. Slowed but not yet defeated, the God continued Their advance, laying into Ohlsana's General with a series of blows from Their trident. Each swing provoked a flare of enraged wildfire, fronds of black searing angrily at the Maelstrom's flesh.
Enduring the lively assault of the wounded, struggling God, the corrupted Djinn glared down at the Hammer, ruthless determination alight in the hellish pits of her incarnadine eyes. Opting to continue harrying the city and force Slyphe into unfavourable defensive positions, shadow and flame yielded effortlessly to her command, a writhing vortex of torrid black filth forming above the gate. Eyeing the Temple of the Gods, Isalamei set loose the burgeoning tempest, a web of shadowy fingers spilling free toward their prey.
Slyphe's voice rang out then, reverberating with the rhythmic susurration of crashing waves as They shouted, "No! I swore to defend this city, and I will! You will not take it!" Hastened by steadfast desire to see a promise kept and an oath held true, Slyphe desperately moved to counter the assault, torrents and geysers and spouts of water coalescing all across the city. The God dissolved to naught before reforming at the heart of the gathering firestorm, Their flesh blistering as they brought Their might to bear. A single massive wave crested the air behind the Shifting One, its sudden crash resounding like a furious thunderclap for all to hear. Dousing Isalemei's storm, Slyphe immediately returned to battle, commanding the frothing swell to surround the Shadow's General in a suffocating dome of turbid seawater.
The roar of Exarch Saebi cut through the air, black blood and noisome gore staining the length of her twin-blade. Launching herself forward into another pack of invaders, she whirled in a frenzy, cutting down beast after beast and ghast after ghast, the Blood of the Dosan lost in the trance of battle. On the opposite side of Enorian, Rhulin continued to gleefully eradicate shadowspawn, the Lance of the Gods flashing as it fired beams of divine fire at the invaders.
The dome of water seeking to suffocate Isalemei writhed in undulant motion, the flaming visage of the General obscured by its rippling mass. Greasy streaks of black began to pierce the aqueous trap, whips of bleak shadow causing the waters to simmer and bubble. The temperature reached a painful, critical mass, the wave boiling away under the General's unbearable heat, unable to quench her raging fires. As hissing steam followed in a pall of sable mist, a smirk flitted over Slyphe's features for the first time since the battle's overture.
Thrusting out a hand, Slyphe twisted Their wrist and what remained of the shimmering dome crumpled, unleashing a multitude of seaborne creatures from its depths. The clicking claws and hungry jaws of countless crabs and crustaceans sang through the air, and Slyphe, still horribly burned, resumed Their assault. Roused to terrible anger by the onslaught of oceanic fauna, Isalemei seethed, her very body crackling as she smouldered. With a wave she wreaked ruin on the plethora of seaborne attackers, sparks of black and violet puissance incinerating them one by one by one by one.
Slyphe lunged forward, trident whirling in one hand while a massive lance of ice formed in the other. Enduring yet more of those punishing black flames, the Maelstrom fought on through Their wounds, refusing to back down. Isalemei dodged the sweeping trident, and Slyphe saw an opportunity, the God releasing the freezing projectile with a faint, but sincere peal of laughter.
The glacial spike passed through the torso of the Shadow General and simply melted to nothing, leaving her unharmed. Trident blows struck repeatedly at her fiery form but she showed no pain, no sign of falter, naught but absolute confidence in that harsh, jagged face. Retaliation came in a fleeting moment, a deafening blast of smoke and shadow and
fire and flame that rolled over Slyphe with the ferocity and inevitability of one of Their own waves.
As the Changing God reeled from the Djinn's vengeful conflagration, Isalemei shaped a sphere of violet midnight in her hands and called out stark, guttural words in the primal tongue of Czjetija. The globe spun on an invisible axis, resonant keening rising before it spiralled away into the city proper, growing larger with each passing moment as it seemed to drink in all the surrounding light. Slowed by countless wounds, Their body ransacked, bleeding, and smoking, Slyphe tore free from the General on a cresting wave of cerulean, desperately striving to intercept the orb's inexorable traversal. Barely reaching the globe in time, Slyphe took the gyrating sphere into Their grasp, clasping it tightly to Their own body in a valiant, final attempt to spare the Hammer from destruction. A high pitched, ringing sound echoed through the streets and the General, still looming above the Landward Gate, clenched a flaming fist.
Time seemed to still for a moment and the Maelstrom addressed Enorian, reminding them that their zeal could not be doused, and asking that they fulfil one last request for Them. "Remind Me of your fervour." They intoned. "Remind Me why your faith is immortal. Shout it for all to hear." In an incredible outpouring of faith and zeal and hope in the holy light, as one the citizens of Enorian lifted their voices to shout and bellow and scream the maxim that had swiftly become the city's motto: "Until the dawn, we are the light."
Slyphe's own voice, weakened and wan, joined them, declaring, "Until the dawn, they are the light...", before the sphere of midnight collapsed, detonating in an explosive staccato boom. The devastating force of black sun turned stygian supernova carved through what remained of the Maelstrom's defence, visiting harrowing agony on Their form. The blast sent Slyphe soaring through the skies toward the Beryl Sea, into which They plummeted with naught but a splash, Their form limp and defeated.
Isalemei seared through the air, pressing further into the city proper. Incandescent sparks showered the streets in black cinders as she moved, but before she could reach the Temple of the Gods, she came to an abrupt stop, eyes suddenly wary. Enorian shimmered as a film of brilliant, rich cobalt seemed to settle over the city, a dozen-eyed gaze taking in the battle through a distant lens of fragmented glass. The Shadow General turned away from the temple and moved to flee, but a radiant helix of sacred flame flared up to curtail her departure. Her own black fire seared angrily at the bonds rooting her in place, but the light merely waxed majestic, unharmed and untainted by the General's presence.
Coalescing from the countless motes of sparkling iridescence lining the streets of the Hammer, a shimmering silhouette overlapped Enorian, the eldritch figure of an angel unlike any other projected from the very heart of Rewh'va. Faceless and composed almost wholly from feathered wings and alabaster flesh, otherworldly light swathed the strangely-proportioned, esoteric and unknowable form of Ael'mael, Blade of the Host. In a voice pealing with the sonorous authority of a thousand tolling bells, Ael'mael intoned, "Dumavai."
Fear kindled in the depths of Isalemei's blacklit eyes as myriad holy bells lifted their voices in rapturous hosannas uncountable and ineffable, their song at once sacred and sublime. Impossibly bright, a blinding storm of holy light gathered in Enorian, a font of captivating illumination burning with ardent fervour and unmatchable devotion. The bells stilled to mute quiescence, and in the midst of that ominous moment of silence, Isalemei screamed. Shifting and contorting into a dazzling spiral of empyreal splendour, the pitiless light laid waste to the Shadowbound Djinn, explosive outbursts of heavenly fire searing and burning and scorching their hated enemy, justice passed on that which should never have been.
Ael'mael withdrew and the projection dissipated in trailing motes, the last vestiges of the manifest light eradicating the shadowspawn still swarming at the Jaru Gate. Exarch Saebi, exhausted but inspired by the presence of Ael'mael, looked up to the heavens in reverence, remnant ashes of the defeated General drifting lifelessly on the wind. And, with a final blast from the Lance of the Gods, the focused ire of the Grand Flame struck at the heart of the corrupted Djinn's commandpost, burning i
Penned by my hand on Quensday, the 12th of Slyphian, in the year 504 MA.
Anonymous
Everyone
The Second War of Night, Part XXIII: Judged and Found Wanting
As Enorian busily prepared themselves for the coming siege, Rhulin Glintspear continued his efforts on repairing the Lance of the Gods. Having taken advice from Exarch Berrad on how to more accurately direct the flames, the Dwarf, perpetually wrenched from his hopes of retirement, toiled night and day with no small measure of irritation. His burdens would be heightened as the Maelstrom requested of him a mighty battering ram with which to properly siege the General's camp. Rhulin, ever the selfless Engineer, reluctantly agreed, splitting his focus between the two tasks.
~ ~ ~
On an otherwise quiet day for Enorian, the peace was disturbed by a brilliant flash of fire streaking across the sky. Laughs of triumph followed, soon transforming to awkward apologies as Rhulin, having successfully mended the Lance, inadvertently turned its fire on a pair of guards near the Ascendril Lighthouse. Loudly declaring his success for the entire land to hear, he regaled the city with his triumph and assured them he would keep practising in order to improve his aim.
The month of Slyphian soon rolled around in a strange twist of coincidence, its namesake briskly calling Enorian to the Garden of Dawn in advance of the coming siege. While the citizens gathered, Rhulin's voice called out, directing a group of his labourers to carry the massive battering ram he had made out into the camp. Clad in a klaio bronze cuirass with Their trident in hand, Slyphe gave a rousing speech, Their usual whimsy replaced by a far more sombre demeanour. The Changing God spoke of fate, and the inevitable defeat that awaited the shadowspawn by their hands. Bellowing reminders that they were the bringers of change, the fate that the Shadow feared, They gave the order to march and took leave for the war camp, Enorian hastily following in tow.
So it was that, under the command of Vanguard Sryaen and Heralds Rasani, Kalena, Benedicto, and Xavin, Enorian strode forth to battle, the visages of Adalric, Annerissa, Eliadon, Emhyra, Enamari, Melantha, Merek, Myrnma, Nimiphi, Orunmila, Rhesk, Roux, Undirnath and Xenaden visible amidst the congregation. As they reached the Djinn's commandpost, Exarch Saebi joined the fray, twin-bladed manta gripped tightly in her hands. Rhulin's immense battering ram laid before them, spanning the whole length of the camp, and the siege began.
Heaving with all their strength, they drove the ram relentlessly into the barricade, sundering wood and metal while shadowspawn leapt down from above to harry them. Interspersing their efforts with the ram with rows of fusebombs, Xavin worked his fingers to the bone, unspooling wire and carefully activating the explosives while Benedicto organised efforts with the siege weapon. Salvos of arrows flew from atop the barricade to stymie the attackers again and again, until the Maelstrom brought forth a sea-green dome over the area, shielding them from the projectiles. In short order they soon found a rhythm, alternating between explosives and direct siege, wave after wave of shadowspawn filing out to stop them. Exarch Saebi fought with zeal and passion, cutting them down, while the Maelstrom lent Their own aid, felling several with Their trident and drowning others in cerulean waves of Divine water.
As smoke began to rise from the heart of the Pash Valley, the clang of metal against metal bespeaking the clamour of the protracted siege, the barricade shuddered, straining weakly against the strength of the combined assault. In a groan of metal and stone and ropes it finally surrendered, collapsing on itself with a thunderous crash. Cries of elation came from Enorian as they felled what remained of the shadowspawn and pressed further into the camp. Their joy was short lived.
Some twenty four divisions of Shadowbound soldiers began to mobilise, shaking the ground with their passage as they marched forth implacably from the camp of General Isalemei and turned their eyes towards Enorian, soldiers in the thousands bent on bringing about the city's fall. Following behind, shadowspawn infantry poured out of the commandpost in droves, ghasts and beasts and horrors determined to turn the siege on their General into a decisive invasion. Many froze in the panic and chaos of so many soldiers on the move, but the calming voice of Exarch Saebi cut through the fear and clamour, yelling out an order to mobilise the Djinn and Akkari soldiers at the Garden of Dawn that were now under the Hammer's command.
Enorian rallied, hosts of dauntless Akkari soldiers and armoured knights marching out to face the encroaching hordes with valour and resolve while divisions of Djinn Bellguard moved with deadly purpose toward the invaders, a bellkeeper at their head. While Enorian's Generals commanded the armies, the rest of the contingent held the line at the front, frothing hordes of shadowspawn seeming to multiply in number every time one was cut down. As the numbers swelled to near-overwhelming amounts, a series of brilliant flashes lit up the streets of Enorian, the focused flame of the Godlance incinerating the aberrations where they stood, Rhulin's raucous laughter following soon after.
The rolling plains of the Pash Valley groaned in the throes of protracted battle, the clash of armies transforming the tranquil land into a theatre of abject carnage. On the fight went, the armies meeting head to head amidst the screams of dying soldiers on both sides puncturing the air. Finally, after nearly a quarter day of engagements with death reigning supreme on all sides, the last of the shadowbound soldiers fell to the ground, routed by the combination of armoured knights, dauntless Akkari, and smouldering Bellguards.
A string of harsh curses erupted from the heart of Isalemei's commandpost, the Shadowbound Djinn making known the depths of her profound displeasure. As the dust settled, boiling waves of night-dark fire spilled out of the commandpost, viscous flames spreading like treacle and melting tar across the grass. Whipping itself into a vortex of blackened cinders and virulent smoke, Shadow Lieutenant Khoordayim took the fray at Isalemei's behest, ready to do battle. While Slyphe yelled orders to bring it down and departed further into the camp to engage the General, chaos ensued as the Lieutenant, a Shadowbound Ember turned to Ohlsana by Isalemei herself, lit up the Pash Valley in seething black flames, igniting the air with its traversal to and fro. Over forty adventurers came together to bring down Khoordayim, citizens of Duiran and Bloodloch and Spinesreach flooding into the Pash in order to lend their support.
As the Lieutenant's bell rang out with agonising peals and its flames tore violently at all who dare to strike it, eventually, slowly, it faltered. Extinguished by the combined onslaught, the smoking figure fell, its death throes a final, desperate eruption of noxious fire. Its defeated form crumbled, reduced to black ash and sooty smoke. Pillars of carmine fire shot through with streaks of oily black exploded upwards from the centre of Isalemei's camp then. Wreathed in a blistering conflagration of caliginous shadowflame, the General broke from her distant clash with the Maelstrom, sundering Their undulating aegis in a flash of calescent heat.
Isalemei turned her hate-filled gaze on Enorian, ignoring the Maelstrom Whose sanguine smirk faltered, replaced by a glare laced with impassioned resolve. Scorching the landscape with her fell passage, trailing cinders and blazing helicals followed the Shadowbound Djinn as she entered the Hammer of Dawn without fear or trepidation. In a flash she lifted herself above the Landward Gate, eyes fixated on the city sprawling below. Knives of gruesome blackfire formed at her fingertips, crackling wildly before streaking forth to scorch the streets below.
Before the fiery daggers could find purchase, the amorphous figure of the Maelstrom reformed in a rippling cascade of rainfall and salt-rimed spray, crystalline waters steaming as Slyphe absorbed the attack on Enorian with Their own body. Wincing through the wave of pain, the Changing God redoubled Their resolve, Their features girded for battle. Amused by the God's intervention, the Djinn made a sweeping gesture in the air, conjuring a swath of burning tendrils. The incandescent fronds cracked like a whip and whirled through the air like blazing bolas, surrounding the Maelstrom in a fiery helix.
Slyphe's trident moved in a blur, cutting through the shadowy ropes seeking to restrain Them. Amorphous and ever-shifting, the God, too, seemed to move with impossible agility and dexterous speed, elegantly dancing between targets as They carve through to the General proper. Sheets of heavy rainfall poured down from above at the Maelstrom's command, showering the area in a salvo of massive droplets and shards of frozen hail. They advanced on Isalemei, weapon aloft in one hand, obscuring fog gathering in the other.
Isalemei smouldered, seething with spite, with hatred, with palpable malice. The reticulated armour holding her together crumbled away and her conflagrant form swelled, looming larger. Waves of withering heat erupted from her, the fiery cascade lashing angrily at the Maelstrom and boiling the downpour to naught but wheezing steam. As God and General faced off, the cavalier laughter of Rhulin resounded from within the Ascendril Lighthouse, the long-suffering Dwarf still gleefully eradicating shadowspawn with the Lance of the Gods. Each flash of its unforgiving eye lit up the Hammer's streets for a fleeting instant, before the manifest darkness of a tainted Djinn returned in force, drowning the city beneath clouds of obscuring murk.
Across the other side of the city, a black morass of shadowspawn gathered at the Jaru Gate, the swarm determined to press further into the city. The shrieking war cry of a monstrous shadow beast inspired the rest of the rapacious horde to follow suit, and soon the air trembled under the grating chorus. Resplendent and fearless, the towering figure of Exarch Saebi strode out to meet the Shadow's second host, the first still sighted on the Landward Gate. Her jaw set in grim resolve and she drew her twin-bladed manta, holy light mantling her bulky form in a brilliant aura. Despite her insistence that she could hold the gate without aid, adventurers flocked to her side, refusing to let her fight alone.
Trails of ebon smoke wafted from the Maelstrom, Their klaio bronze cuirass scorched, blackened, and shorn of its resplendent sheen. Blisters ravaged the God's flesh, open wounds weeping from the General's merciless flames. Still They pressed on and thrusted out an upward palm, turning the freezing fog on Their hated foe. Gelid brume billowed across and around the corrupted Djinn, wintry vapour surrounding her in an eclipsing haze. Gnashing jaws formed in the murk, gnawing at fire and flesh alongside writhing tentacles thrashing violently at the enemy of all life. All the while, haunting whispers rose, the eldritch horrors of Keltundian myth and islander legend turned loose in sinister machination.
The swarms encroaching on the Jaru Gate reached a fatal level even as Saebi's manta swung like a whirlwind to cut them down one after another after another. Surrounded on all sides, she eventually fell and for a single horrifying moment, hope seemed lost. Then, in a bedazzling flare of holy light, the Exarch found herself restored to life and ready to fight on anew, revived at the behest of the Angelic Triad.
Spears of blackfire tore through the fog surrounding Isalemei, trailing wisps of ashen smoke drawn behind in their wake. Each crackled with uproarious indignation before streaking towards the Maelstrom, striking Them in the chest in a cascade of brilliant sparks. Slyphe panted in exertion but endured, all signs of sanguine nonchalance shorn from Their focused, narrow-eyed countenance. Slowed but not yet defeated, the God continued Their advance, laying into Ohlsana's General with a series of blows from Their trident. Each swing provoked a flare of enraged wildfire, fronds of black searing angrily at the Maelstrom's flesh.
Enduring the lively assault of the wounded, struggling God, the corrupted Djinn glared down at the Hammer, ruthless determination alight in the hellish pits of her incarnadine eyes. Opting to continue harrying the city and force Slyphe into unfavourable defensive positions, shadow and flame yielded effortlessly to her command, a writhing vortex of torrid black filth forming above the gate. Eyeing the Temple of the Gods, Isalamei set loose the burgeoning tempest, a web of shadowy fingers spilling free toward their prey.
Slyphe's voice rang out then, reverberating with the rhythmic susurration of crashing waves as They shouted, "No! I swore to defend this city, and I will! You will not take it!" Hastened by steadfast desire to see a promise kept and an oath held true, Slyphe desperately moved to counter the assault, torrents and geysers and spouts of water coalescing all across the city. The God dissolved to naught before reforming at the heart of the gathering firestorm, Their flesh blistering as they brought Their might to bear. A single massive wave crested the air behind the Shifting One, its sudden crash resounding like a furious thunderclap for all to hear. Dousing Isalemei's storm, Slyphe immediately returned to battle, commanding the frothing swell to surround the Shadow's General in a suffocating dome of turbid seawater.
The roar of Exarch Saebi cut through the air, black blood and noisome gore staining the length of her twin-blade. Launching herself forward into another pack of invaders, she whirled in a frenzy, cutting down beast after beast and ghast after ghast, the Blood of the Dosan lost in the trance of battle. On the opposite side of Enorian, Rhulin continued to gleefully eradicate shadowspawn, the Lance of the Gods flashing as it fired beams of divine fire at the invaders.
The dome of water seeking to suffocate Isalemei writhed in undulant motion, the flaming visage of the General obscured by its rippling mass. Greasy streaks of black began to pierce the aqueous trap, whips of bleak shadow causing the waters to simmer and bubble. The temperature reached a painful, critical mass, the wave boiling away under the General's unbearable heat, unable to quench her raging fires. As hissing steam followed in a pall of sable mist, a smirk flitted over Slyphe's features for the first time since the battle's overture.
Thrusting out a hand, Slyphe twisted Their wrist and what remained of the shimmering dome crumpled, unleashing a multitude of seaborne creatures from its depths. The clicking claws and hungry jaws of countless crabs and crustaceans sang through the air, and Slyphe, still horribly burned, resumed Their assault. Roused to terrible anger by the onslaught of oceanic fauna, Isalemei seethed, her very body crackling as she smouldered. With a wave she wreaked ruin on the plethora of seaborne attackers, sparks of black and violet puissance incinerating them one by one by one by one.
Slyphe lunged forward, trident whirling in one hand while a massive lance of ice formed in the other. Enduring yet more of those punishing black flames, the Maelstrom fought on through Their wounds, refusing to back down. Isalemei dodged the sweeping trident, and Slyphe saw an opportunity, the God releasing the freezing projectile with a faint, but sincere peal of laughter.
The glacial spike passed through the torso of the Shadow General and simply melted to nothing, leaving her unharmed. Trident blows struck repeatedly at her fiery form but she showed no pain, no sign of falter, naught but absolute confidence in that harsh, jagged face. Retaliation came in a fleeting moment, a deafening blast of smoke and shadow and
fire and flame that rolled over Slyphe with the ferocity and inevitability of one of Their own waves.
As the Changing God reeled from the Djinn's vengeful conflagration, Isalemei shaped a sphere of violet midnight in her hands and called out stark, guttural words in the primal tongue of Czjetija. The globe spun on an invisible axis, resonant keening rising before it spiralled away into the city proper, growing larger with each passing moment as it seemed to drink in all the surrounding light. Slowed by countless wounds, Their body ransacked, bleeding, and smoking, Slyphe tore free from the General on a cresting wave of cerulean, desperately striving to intercept the orb's inexorable traversal. Barely reaching the globe in time, Slyphe took the gyrating sphere into Their grasp, clasping it tightly to Their own body in a valiant, final attempt to spare the Hammer from destruction. A high pitched, ringing sound echoed through the streets and the General, still looming above the Landward Gate, clenched a flaming fist.
Time seemed to still for a moment and the Maelstrom addressed Enorian, reminding them that their zeal could not be doused, and asking that they fulfil one last request for Them. "Remind Me of your fervour." They intoned. "Remind Me why your faith is immortal. Shout it for all to hear." In an incredible outpouring of faith and zeal and hope in the holy light, as one the citizens of Enorian lifted their voices to shout and bellow and scream the maxim that had swiftly become the city's motto: "Until the dawn, we are the light."
Slyphe's own voice, weakened and wan, joined them, declaring, "Until the dawn, they are the light...", before the sphere of midnight collapsed, detonating in an explosive staccato boom. The devastating force of black sun turned stygian supernova carved through what remained of the Maelstrom's defence, visiting harrowing agony on Their form. The blast sent Slyphe soaring through the skies toward the Beryl Sea, into which They plummeted with naught but a splash, Their form limp and defeated.
Isalemei seared through the air, pressing further into the city proper. Incandescent sparks showered the streets in black cinders as she moved, but before she could reach the Temple of the Gods, she came to an abrupt stop, eyes suddenly wary. Enorian shimmered as a film of brilliant, rich cobalt seemed to settle over the city, a dozen-eyed gaze taking in the battle through a distant lens of fragmented glass. The Shadow General turned away from the temple and moved to flee, but a radiant helix of sacred flame flared up to curtail her departure. Her own black fire seared angrily at the bonds rooting her in place, but the light merely waxed majestic, unharmed and untainted by the General's presence.
Coalescing from the countless motes of sparkling iridescence lining the streets of the Hammer, a shimmering silhouette overlapped Enorian, the eldritch figure of an angel unlike any other projected from the very heart of Rewh'va. Faceless and composed almost wholly from feathered wings and alabaster flesh, otherworldly light swathed the strangely-proportioned, esoteric and unknowable form of Ael'mael, Blade of the Host. In a voice pealing with the sonorous authority of a thousand tolling bells, Ael'mael intoned, "Dumavai."
Fear kindled in the depths of Isalemei's blacklit eyes as myriad holy bells lifted their voices in rapturous hosannas uncountable and ineffable, their song at once sacred and sublime. Impossibly bright, a blinding storm of holy light gathered in Enorian, a font of captivating illumination burning with ardent fervour and unmatchable devotion. The bells stilled to mute quiescence, and in the midst of that ominous moment of silence, Isalemei screamed. Shifting and contorting into a dazzling spiral of empyreal splendour, the pitiless light laid waste to the Shadowbound Djinn, explosive outbursts of heavenly fire searing and burning and scorching their hated enemy, justice passed on that which should never have been.
Ael'mael withdrew and the projection dissipated in trailing motes, the last vestiges of the manifest light eradicating the shadowspawn still swarming at the Jaru Gate. Exarch Saebi, exhausted but inspired by the presence of Ael'mael, looked up to the heavens in reverence, remnant ashes of the defeated General drifting lifelessly on the wind. And, with a final blast from the Lance of the Gods, the focused ire of the Grand Flame struck at the heart of the corrupted Djinn's commandpost, burning i
Penned by my hand on Quensday, the 12th of Slyphian, in the year 504 MA.
Events post #330: The Second War of Night, Part XXII: The Hammer of the Dawn
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.
Events post #329: The Second War of Night, Part XXI: May She Live Forever
9/4/2022 at 18:47
Anonymous
Everyone
The Second War of Night, Part XXI: May She Live Forever
Following the advice of Bamathis at Memonaransa, Bloodloch's thoughts turned to the Court of Chaos, and how best to approach persuading the Empress Xa'azamit to lend her military strength to the defence of Sapience against the all-encroaching Shadow. Numerous theories were posited, the project spearheaded by Lord Rijetta Alhazrad and Warleader Bulrok. A Convocation of the Corrupt was held, a meeting in the Dark Lady's halls to discuss the possibilities, and yet more suggestions came forward. On counsel with the Dark Lady Herself, Chakrasul noted Xa'azamit's pride and the relative youth of her Court. Should She not be convinced, so said the Goddess, it may be possible to foment dissent in her ranks by convincing the lesser lords, pressuring the Empress in the process.
Some weeks later, a Herald of Corrupt Chaos appeared on the Prime, raising its voice to shout repeated praise and compliments for the Empress. It informed Bloodloch that the pleas of Primus Dourif - a Chaos Lord in his own right and Champion of the Empress - for an audience had been granted, and the Empire hastened to prepare for the meeting, the Herald remaining behind to continually regale Sapience with Xa'azamit's seemingly infinite list of virtues.
Soon came the meeting and the Primus, accompanied by Asaraii, Bulrok, Rijetta, Qelres, Mjoll, Aren, and others, ventured into the Empress' domain and made their request for aid. Urged on by Asaraii, Primus Dourif fell to one knee and shed a single tear despite his wife's emphatic urgings, nevertheless conveying praise and well wishes upon Xa'azamit. The Herald narrated events with its own flair and, apparently, its own grasp on the facts of reality. Despite the obsequious praise being heaped upon her by the gathered adventurers in order to persuade her to their side, the negotiations proved difficult. Asaraii continued to hound Dourif, insisting he shed more tears, make more praise and, eventually, volunteered herself as a tribute. Rijetta, at first attempting to manipulate the Empress with talk of dissent and treachery in her court, offered the serpentine Xa'azamit a mortal heart while the rest looked on at the spectacle, amused but intrigued.
When none of the overtures seemed to gain any traction, among them offerings to destroy Rhyot (loathed by the Empress for his association with the late, defeated Golgotha), to build statues, and to destroy her detractors, Xa'azamit instead offered to name her price. Angrily declaring that there is only one true realm of Chaos, denouncing the Astral as a false usurper, she demanded the eyes of the Empress of Astral, the Goddess Omei, in exchange for mobilising her armies to Sapience's defence. Stunned by this impossible request, the group nonetheless voiced acquiescence and promises to deliver before withdrawing from the throne room to seek their fortunes elsewhere.
As they deliberated beside the Gatekeeper's portal, Ni'toks'i stirred, its grating tones hurriedly whispering that it would support the adventurers. With a hushed murmur, it promised to open gateways for armies to enter Sapience if they were able to convince the other Lords to provide them. A plan quickly formed, and Rijetta took charge, briskly swaying Kerbos to their side with promises of flesh and food aplenty.
To Akna she went next while Bulrok visited Yozik and Qelres looked to Bampair. The withered crone, aged and repulsive, expressed an interest in the war, but only if her demands were met, insisting that Rijetta provide for her a husband both "handsome and virile". Lord Alhazrad immediately demanded that Warleader Bulrok join her, and, without hesitation or reluctance, promised his hand to the Withered One. Akna accepted with a shriek of delight and a creak of ancient bones, inciting no small measure of spite and chagrin in the Minotaur.
Returning to Yozik with nothing but curses for Rijetta's name, Bulrok lavished flattery on the Lustrous Chaos Lord, hoping to take advantage of its tremendous narcissism. Yozik's demand was far simpler: a written proclamation of its greatness to the public board. Likely relieved at the relative simplicity, Bulrok agreed and within some weeks the announcement appeared, scribed by his hand for all to witness.
Qelres and Mjoll were less fortunate in their negotiations with Bampair. The Insatiable One demanded a taste of blood from Abhorash himself and, despite Mjoll's valiant attempt to trick the lord by claiming she was, in fact, Abhorash, Bampair was not convinced. Screaming in outrage at being cheated, the adventurers quickly hurried from the chamber before anything worse could happen.
Rijetta next visited Tel-Muzaan, and the ever-shifting Skinwalker demanded a precious boon indeed: a mirror that could show its true reflection, something it seemed wan and melancholy about. Despite her efforts and her various attempts to harangue Sapience into finding one for her, including an ambitious request to be brought "every mirror in Sapience", no artifact presented itself, though Rijetta continues to search for one.
Following this, Ni'toks'i urged them to take their leave before the Empress caught wind of the plan, and they did so. Counselling them to return at a later date, the Gatekeeper's insight suggested that they not bother at all with Janorex or Zaigon, that Nurgleeki could be persuaded with a gift of magic, and that Siphelia would require a test of ego.
While Bulrok mulled over what gift of magic would satisfy the Warlock, Sheryni suggested they proffer knowledge in the newly-learned bardic art of weaving. Together they paid a visit to Haratos, hoping to learn some new spectacle or feat from the master bard. While he ruefully explained that many of the greatest feats were lost after Nalibhtavi's massacre of the bards, the proud dramaturge insisted that weaving itself was an art like any other, sure to impress.
Meanwhile, Xenia Seirath, the Voice of Iosyne, took up the challenge of an ego battle with Siphelia, the Specter, offering one of her hounds by the name of Porkskin as a prize for the Chaos Lord should she fail to pass. "Bend us to your will, if you can," said the disembodied voice. The two squared off and Xenia steeled her resolve as the formless Siphelia bored into her with her endless eyes, a palpable storm of pure, raw conceit rising to fill the chamber with oppressive force. The Specter battered Xenia's mind with the raw power of its ego, sheer will forced into tangible might. Straining against the Chaos Lord's power, Xenia held on, her thoughts consumed with a repetitive mantra, but found herself involuntarily inching forward, skittering closer to Siphelia. Though she held out far longer than expected, Siphelia's will, Siphelia's ego, prevailed, sundering Xenia's mind in a storm of kaleidoscopic light. The Spectre, having won the battle, claimed the hound for itself, refusing to lend any aid to the Night War.
A week later, Ni'toks'i eagerly informed Bulrok that Akna, clearly enlivened by her newfound engagement, had managed to persuade Titem and Taosc to the cause. Should they convince Nurgleeki, so said the Gatekeeper, that would likely be enough of the Court to sway the Empress herself. Rushing to greet the Warlock, Bulrok explained his request and in a surprising twist, Nurgleeki, so intrigued by the prospect of being taught a new form of magic, promised two boons. However, as is so often the case with Chaos, there was a condition: the Warlock required a regular tutor, and would not be satisfied with only a one off lesson.
Agreeing, the Warleader demonstrated his skill in weaving with a flourish of light and bardic magic. Intrigued by a form of spellwork it had never seen before, the Warlock declared the offering to be an acceptable one. Alela of the Thousand Eyes volunteered as Nurgleeki's tutor, and the first of the two boons soon appeared in the form of a caduceus of chaos, a staff capable of inflicting the Curse of Nurgleeki upon the shadowspawn. Promising to send armies of bubonises when the time came, Nurgleeki withdrew from the discussion and Bulrok returned to Prime, informing Ni'toks'i of his success along the way.
The armies of Corrupt Chaos mobilise under the very nose of their Empress, who has not yet made comment. Soon, they shall march to Prime...
Penned by my hand on Falsday, the 5th of Slyphian, in the year 504 MA.
Anonymous
Everyone
The Second War of Night, Part XXI: May She Live Forever
Following the advice of Bamathis at Memonaransa, Bloodloch's thoughts turned to the Court of Chaos, and how best to approach persuading the Empress Xa'azamit to lend her military strength to the defence of Sapience against the all-encroaching Shadow. Numerous theories were posited, the project spearheaded by Lord Rijetta Alhazrad and Warleader Bulrok. A Convocation of the Corrupt was held, a meeting in the Dark Lady's halls to discuss the possibilities, and yet more suggestions came forward. On counsel with the Dark Lady Herself, Chakrasul noted Xa'azamit's pride and the relative youth of her Court. Should She not be convinced, so said the Goddess, it may be possible to foment dissent in her ranks by convincing the lesser lords, pressuring the Empress in the process.
Some weeks later, a Herald of Corrupt Chaos appeared on the Prime, raising its voice to shout repeated praise and compliments for the Empress. It informed Bloodloch that the pleas of Primus Dourif - a Chaos Lord in his own right and Champion of the Empress - for an audience had been granted, and the Empire hastened to prepare for the meeting, the Herald remaining behind to continually regale Sapience with Xa'azamit's seemingly infinite list of virtues.
Soon came the meeting and the Primus, accompanied by Asaraii, Bulrok, Rijetta, Qelres, Mjoll, Aren, and others, ventured into the Empress' domain and made their request for aid. Urged on by Asaraii, Primus Dourif fell to one knee and shed a single tear despite his wife's emphatic urgings, nevertheless conveying praise and well wishes upon Xa'azamit. The Herald narrated events with its own flair and, apparently, its own grasp on the facts of reality. Despite the obsequious praise being heaped upon her by the gathered adventurers in order to persuade her to their side, the negotiations proved difficult. Asaraii continued to hound Dourif, insisting he shed more tears, make more praise and, eventually, volunteered herself as a tribute. Rijetta, at first attempting to manipulate the Empress with talk of dissent and treachery in her court, offered the serpentine Xa'azamit a mortal heart while the rest looked on at the spectacle, amused but intrigued.
When none of the overtures seemed to gain any traction, among them offerings to destroy Rhyot (loathed by the Empress for his association with the late, defeated Golgotha), to build statues, and to destroy her detractors, Xa'azamit instead offered to name her price. Angrily declaring that there is only one true realm of Chaos, denouncing the Astral as a false usurper, she demanded the eyes of the Empress of Astral, the Goddess Omei, in exchange for mobilising her armies to Sapience's defence. Stunned by this impossible request, the group nonetheless voiced acquiescence and promises to deliver before withdrawing from the throne room to seek their fortunes elsewhere.
As they deliberated beside the Gatekeeper's portal, Ni'toks'i stirred, its grating tones hurriedly whispering that it would support the adventurers. With a hushed murmur, it promised to open gateways for armies to enter Sapience if they were able to convince the other Lords to provide them. A plan quickly formed, and Rijetta took charge, briskly swaying Kerbos to their side with promises of flesh and food aplenty.
To Akna she went next while Bulrok visited Yozik and Qelres looked to Bampair. The withered crone, aged and repulsive, expressed an interest in the war, but only if her demands were met, insisting that Rijetta provide for her a husband both "handsome and virile". Lord Alhazrad immediately demanded that Warleader Bulrok join her, and, without hesitation or reluctance, promised his hand to the Withered One. Akna accepted with a shriek of delight and a creak of ancient bones, inciting no small measure of spite and chagrin in the Minotaur.
Returning to Yozik with nothing but curses for Rijetta's name, Bulrok lavished flattery on the Lustrous Chaos Lord, hoping to take advantage of its tremendous narcissism. Yozik's demand was far simpler: a written proclamation of its greatness to the public board. Likely relieved at the relative simplicity, Bulrok agreed and within some weeks the announcement appeared, scribed by his hand for all to witness.
Qelres and Mjoll were less fortunate in their negotiations with Bampair. The Insatiable One demanded a taste of blood from Abhorash himself and, despite Mjoll's valiant attempt to trick the lord by claiming she was, in fact, Abhorash, Bampair was not convinced. Screaming in outrage at being cheated, the adventurers quickly hurried from the chamber before anything worse could happen.
Rijetta next visited Tel-Muzaan, and the ever-shifting Skinwalker demanded a precious boon indeed: a mirror that could show its true reflection, something it seemed wan and melancholy about. Despite her efforts and her various attempts to harangue Sapience into finding one for her, including an ambitious request to be brought "every mirror in Sapience", no artifact presented itself, though Rijetta continues to search for one.
Following this, Ni'toks'i urged them to take their leave before the Empress caught wind of the plan, and they did so. Counselling them to return at a later date, the Gatekeeper's insight suggested that they not bother at all with Janorex or Zaigon, that Nurgleeki could be persuaded with a gift of magic, and that Siphelia would require a test of ego.
While Bulrok mulled over what gift of magic would satisfy the Warlock, Sheryni suggested they proffer knowledge in the newly-learned bardic art of weaving. Together they paid a visit to Haratos, hoping to learn some new spectacle or feat from the master bard. While he ruefully explained that many of the greatest feats were lost after Nalibhtavi's massacre of the bards, the proud dramaturge insisted that weaving itself was an art like any other, sure to impress.
Meanwhile, Xenia Seirath, the Voice of Iosyne, took up the challenge of an ego battle with Siphelia, the Specter, offering one of her hounds by the name of Porkskin as a prize for the Chaos Lord should she fail to pass. "Bend us to your will, if you can," said the disembodied voice. The two squared off and Xenia steeled her resolve as the formless Siphelia bored into her with her endless eyes, a palpable storm of pure, raw conceit rising to fill the chamber with oppressive force. The Specter battered Xenia's mind with the raw power of its ego, sheer will forced into tangible might. Straining against the Chaos Lord's power, Xenia held on, her thoughts consumed with a repetitive mantra, but found herself involuntarily inching forward, skittering closer to Siphelia. Though she held out far longer than expected, Siphelia's will, Siphelia's ego, prevailed, sundering Xenia's mind in a storm of kaleidoscopic light. The Spectre, having won the battle, claimed the hound for itself, refusing to lend any aid to the Night War.
A week later, Ni'toks'i eagerly informed Bulrok that Akna, clearly enlivened by her newfound engagement, had managed to persuade Titem and Taosc to the cause. Should they convince Nurgleeki, so said the Gatekeeper, that would likely be enough of the Court to sway the Empress herself. Rushing to greet the Warlock, Bulrok explained his request and in a surprising twist, Nurgleeki, so intrigued by the prospect of being taught a new form of magic, promised two boons. However, as is so often the case with Chaos, there was a condition: the Warlock required a regular tutor, and would not be satisfied with only a one off lesson.
Agreeing, the Warleader demonstrated his skill in weaving with a flourish of light and bardic magic. Intrigued by a form of spellwork it had never seen before, the Warlock declared the offering to be an acceptable one. Alela of the Thousand Eyes volunteered as Nurgleeki's tutor, and the first of the two boons soon appeared in the form of a caduceus of chaos, a staff capable of inflicting the Curse of Nurgleeki upon the shadowspawn. Promising to send armies of bubonises when the time came, Nurgleeki withdrew from the discussion and Bulrok returned to Prime, informing Ni'toks'i of his success along the way.
The armies of Corrupt Chaos mobilise under the very nose of their Empress, who has not yet made comment. Soon, they shall march to Prime...
Penned by my hand on Falsday, the 5th of Slyphian, in the year 504 MA.
Announce post #3404: War of Night: Looking Ahead
9/4/2022 at 0:14
Ictinus, the Architect
Everyone
War of Night: Looking Ahead
Hi folks,
As I wrote in the September opening post, the Second War of Night will be coming to a close sometime later in the month. Before I get into the main purpose of this post, I wanted to express my gratitude for your patience over the last week or so of quiet while we work towards getting all the pieces in order. There is of course still a lot of story to unfold and I'm looking forward to it all playing out, as I hope you are too!
With that said, I want to remind everyone that we're a small team with limited resources. Razmael and Keroc are coding as fast as they can. I'm writing and finagling things as fast as I can. Everyone is doing everything as fast as we can, and we're firing on all cylinders. As things unfold and the various org-specific narratives and stories come to a head, inevitably someone is going to be first and someone is going to be last. This is unavoidable.
It does not mean we have forgotten you. It does not mean we prefer one group over another. It does not mean we don't care. Unfortunately, I have heard all of these over the last few days, and I want to make it clear this is not the case. We are just very, very busy.
So, I'm just writing to ask that you please keep that in mind as we move into the final act of what is by far the biggest event I or anyone on the team has been a part of.
With that out of the way, I sincerely hope everyone enjoys what's to come. We're very excited to be putting it together!
Penned by my hand on Quensday, the 25th of Niuran, in the year 504 MA.
Ictinus, the Architect
Everyone
War of Night: Looking Ahead
Hi folks,
As I wrote in the September opening post, the Second War of Night will be coming to a close sometime later in the month. Before I get into the main purpose of this post, I wanted to express my gratitude for your patience over the last week or so of quiet while we work towards getting all the pieces in order. There is of course still a lot of story to unfold and I'm looking forward to it all playing out, as I hope you are too!
With that said, I want to remind everyone that we're a small team with limited resources. Razmael and Keroc are coding as fast as they can. I'm writing and finagling things as fast as I can. Everyone is doing everything as fast as we can, and we're firing on all cylinders. As things unfold and the various org-specific narratives and stories come to a head, inevitably someone is going to be first and someone is going to be last. This is unavoidable.
It does not mean we have forgotten you. It does not mean we prefer one group over another. It does not mean we don't care. Unfortunately, I have heard all of these over the last few days, and I want to make it clear this is not the case. We are just very, very busy.
So, I'm just writing to ask that you please keep that in mind as we move into the final act of what is by far the biggest event I or anyone on the team has been a part of.
With that out of the way, I sincerely hope everyone enjoys what's to come. We're very excited to be putting it together!
Penned by my hand on Quensday, the 25th of Niuran, in the year 504 MA.
WHERE YA BEEN?!
I didn't do the most extensive of searches, but it didn't look like we had anything quite like this.
I've been in and out of the Aetolia scene for.... well. Over a decade now (I'm sorry to myself and anyone else I just aged
).
But I thought it'd be neat to see what people are/may be up to either in their time out or vacays, fun stuff like that!
For everyone who didn't know, I'm a welder by trade, and this past year took a job in car sales. THIS IS ME NOW.
https://streamable.com/wyuy5f
...so where YOU been?!
I've been in and out of the Aetolia scene for.... well. Over a decade now (I'm sorry to myself and anyone else I just aged
).But I thought it'd be neat to see what people are/may be up to either in their time out or vacays, fun stuff like that!
For everyone who didn't know, I'm a welder by trade, and this past year took a job in car sales. THIS IS ME NOW.
https://streamable.com/wyuy5f
...so where YOU been?!
Aros
2
Announce post #3399: Experience Bonuses & New Sect Milestones
8/31/2022 at 6:24
Keroc, the Starborn
Everyone
Experience Bonuses & New Sect Milestones
Hello folks,
There has been a few changes to how experience bonuses work.
I've split a large majority of them into PvP and PvE only bonuses, as in the future I intend on increasing/tweaking the amount of experience gained through PvP. Since future changes means there will probably be an increase in experience gained through PvP, I've had to ensure that XP bonus stacking won't drive it too far out of control.
As such, AUDIT XP will show you what sort of bonuses now affect PvE only, defined thusly as either experience gained from bashing or experience gained from quests. The plain AUDIT command will show your bonus by assuming it is the PvE total you want to see.
If the bonus is over about 20-30% you can probably expect to find it within the PvE only list.
I'm doing this early as I want to look closely at what sort of experience bonuses are easily obtained with the set changes before before jumping ahead.
Secondly,
There are now three new credit milestones you can obtain, they are:
- Participate in three sect duels
- Participate in six sect duels
- Win three sect duels
If you complete them all, you basically finish all your credit milestones for the day. If there is a bonus, then you likely only need to do a couple of those instead.
As always, if you have any questions, please leave me a message and I'll get back to you.
Thanks!
Penned by my hand on Gosday, the 3rd of Niuran, in the year 504 MA.
Keroc, the Starborn
Everyone
Experience Bonuses & New Sect Milestones
Hello folks,
There has been a few changes to how experience bonuses work.
I've split a large majority of them into PvP and PvE only bonuses, as in the future I intend on increasing/tweaking the amount of experience gained through PvP. Since future changes means there will probably be an increase in experience gained through PvP, I've had to ensure that XP bonus stacking won't drive it too far out of control.
As such, AUDIT XP will show you what sort of bonuses now affect PvE only, defined thusly as either experience gained from bashing or experience gained from quests. The plain AUDIT command will show your bonus by assuming it is the PvE total you want to see.
If the bonus is over about 20-30% you can probably expect to find it within the PvE only list.
I'm doing this early as I want to look closely at what sort of experience bonuses are easily obtained with the set changes before before jumping ahead.
Secondly,
There are now three new credit milestones you can obtain, they are:
- Participate in three sect duels
- Participate in six sect duels
- Win three sect duels
If you complete them all, you basically finish all your credit milestones for the day. If there is a bonus, then you likely only need to do a couple of those instead.
As always, if you have any questions, please leave me a message and I'll get back to you.
Thanks!
Penned by my hand on Gosday, the 3rd of Niuran, in the year 504 MA.