Shadows of the Past Log 7
Brian says, "The last rays of fortunate and blessed golden light wash over the land. The Great Golden Bulls now stand in eternal vigilance over the city. Everyone is greeting their new twins in babbling excitement, praises rolling over your names and the Unconquered Sun's. The Rivers Goddess, now named Light-on-the-Waters, is weeping for joy. The alchemical cows are happy cows. Happy Cows come from the Golden Heart of the Blessed Rivers, which you are all _certain_ is the name of this place. Your visions come to an end all at once, leaving you staggering out of their strange import with new information. And no headache, even, the Unconquered Sun was careful about that this time."
Brian says, "Pose in your responses to the visions, please; the mortals will mostly be asking the tiger warriors to thank you guys and are a little too awed to thank you directly. That was, um. Impressive."
Ashan blinks. Blinkblinkblinks. Shakes his head. Then he smiles wryly up at the heavens. "I appreciate the summary, miladies," he murmurs.
Teyv is annoyed at the interruption, and has now lost his place. He can't remember if he was building a temple or treating the wounded.
Mahir feels a cold shiver run down his spine as the light and heat of the visitation passes away, as the magnitude of that which lies ahead presses down upon him. He gazes west, lost in thought for a moment.
<> Reed says "I can't remember; did we get the elementals to create the glass yet, or have they not arrived?"
Brian [to Teyv]: Roll a quick Intelligence + Lore +1 stunt.
<> Ashan says "They are in transit as I recall."
<> Brian says "Transit got speeded up."
<> Brian says "All that remains is for Teyv is to opent he floodgates."
Two stares off into the distant south for a short while, nodding occasionally and her face taking on steely determination. Suddenly she blinks a few times and turns away from the south to look at her companions.
<> Teyv rolls 11 dice: <1 2 2 3 3 4 5 7 7 7 9> for 4 successes.
Reed remains silent; whether it's because he chooses not to share or was simply passed over is hard to tell. "The elementals have arrived," he says quietly as he slips over to Teyv's side, just in case the distractable sorcerer didn't notice in the light of the Sun's presence. "If your preparations are complete, you should se them to the task so we may leave."
<> Teyv says "I have some stuff ready for building things out of glass once the elementals arrive, if that's what we're ready for."
<> Brian says "Yup. That's what I was about to hit. Do your Twilighty stuff."
Teyv gains his composure, looks around at the assembled crowd of beings, and sets to work.
Teyv says, "Dear workers, exalts, and spirits as you shape and guide the glass, do leave your mark, and the mark of your gods on it. Make the very walls of this cave a blessing to those who died here, and to those who will continue to live here."
Bennu awakens reaching up into the sunlight that embraces this place. The expression of an ecstatic slowly passes from her face as she recovers her senses, and looks reverently around the place made holy by the blessings of her patron -- but she says nothing immediately as she analyzes the message sent to her - the meaning of the beings referenced, the strange permutations which connect them to her and to each other and to the world in which she must act. Too, she contemplates the meaning of the -places- she has seen, and how that connects to her host. She seeks meaning in each aspect of the vision she was granted, a whispered prayer for comprehension and proper interpretation added to the riotous praise of the dual hecatombs as the normal order of Creation reasserts itself.
Teyv moves from one arch to the next, to brace the ceiling and walls of the cave with glass as thick as a man in its thinnest places. The glass takes a wild mix of colors due to the varied minerals and moods of the sand spirits that were melted and formed.
Brian [to Bennu]: Give me Int + Lore or Occult, +3 dot stunt.
<> Brian says "Teyv, since you're multiposing, tell me when you're finished and want your stunt bonus from me, oocly."
Teyv directs the workers, and as the arch comes into shape, he pulls glass stalactites down from the bracing arch and into the flowing water. Hitting the water, steam escapes, and the fragile glass breaks, but eventually by shear mass, the glass flows to the earth beneath the water, forming a great pilar.
Teyv pushes glass over the new river channels, like bridges of ice, but permanent and refractive.
Reed follows closely behind Teyv, carefully not getting in his way and yet close enough to yank him out of trouble should it arrive.
<> Teyv says "That's all that was pre-written."
<> Bennu says "Yeah. Well, at least she's moderately smart!"
<> Bennu says "Lore. XD"
<> Bennu rolls 8 dice: <1 3 4 4 7 8 9 10> for 5 successes.
<> Teyv says "I also had some charms and stuff running to give me bonuses, and you said there would be some kind of special bonus."
Brian [to Teyv]: Damn. Nice prep. Okay. Higher of Int or Dex + Craft. 3-dot stunt, and a +5 situational bonus from the help you've received, the quality of your workers, and the direct blessings flowing through the area. What Charms are you using?
<> Teyv says "I'm not sure, I don't remember what these all do."
<> Teyv says "I'm not sure how many motes I had left. If we had time to rest and recover I'll do 10, but otherwise I probably should only do 5 or so."
<> Brian says "You're at full."
<> Teyv says "OK, then the full 10."
<> Teyv rolls 28 dice: <1 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10> for 16 successes.
<> Brian says "Alrighty!"
<> Bennu says "I am envisioning caves filled with light reflected down like crystalized sunbeams through the adamantized glass pillars..."
<> Mahir says "Thing I don't like about SimpleMU. When I upscroll to look at stuff, it completely stops scrolling to new poses until I manually scroll to the bottom......"
<> Teyv says "Mine is worse, as I'm reading stuff, it jumps to the bottom whenever there's new text."
Brian [to Teyv]: The mighty Jokun obey! They move through molten glass as strong men might through rivers, untouched by it and unstoppable. As the glass comes forth, directed by your mind, it begins to _transform_. This is not mere glass, not even thaumaturgic enchanted glass. This is Adamant, the Sixth Magical Material. Strong and hard as the Orichalcum your arms and armor are traditionally made from, conductive to the blessings of the Sun which you have channeled into them. Light-on-the-Waters' name is true; for as long as this now nigh-invulnerable river heart stands, the reflected glimmerings of light will glow in the very waters themselves, softly, yes, but true, and as true sunlight for when it is necessary. The light won't last much further than the end of the Golden Bulls' warding area, fading softer and softer as it makes its way out. And yet it will be gentle with the fish, warming them and not blinding them. A work of wonder has not been created like this since the First Age, outside of Yu-Shan itself.
Teyv looks at what has been created and is embarrassed. He meant only to brace the temple, not create a wonder. He turns to the workers, regardless of their origin, and says, "if not for you, this would not be, let it be a blessing and to you and your kind for as long as it stands."
<> Two says "Precooked fish"
Brian [to Bennu]: You're pretty sure the "old, retired servant" is the Golden Lord. You've got no clue as to who the 'son' is, nor the 'uncle of your father,' though in context, the son is probably a ... solar, maybe an akuma? Someone who turned to evil in one way or another, and your father is the Unconquered Sun, but... it's hard to work with.
Brian [to Two]: Your companions look healthy and everyone seems to be knowing what they are doing. There's a strong foundation and base here; the work's done.
Brian [to Mahir]: Any reactions to your vision?
Two runs her fingers through her hair, staring at the completed work. After a moment, she shakes her head and grins. "That is amazing. But... won't it be hard to sleep?"
Bennu sighs as she lowers her arms and moves to gather the rest of the Exalted, even Samun; perhaps the others can shed more knowledge on what the Sun revealed.
Brian [to Reed]: Your Solar, is, well, being your Solar. Nice guy, little clueless, gets the job done.
As impressive as Teyv's creation is-- moreso than anything he's ever seen, in fact-- Reed forces himself to remain mostly impassive, with only the faintest hint of a scowl on his face as he stands, arms crossed, at his charge's side. "Release them when your thanks are done," he reminds the sorcerer gently. "Such as these have long memories."
Mahir watches the workings of Teyv and the elementals with a bit of awe, remembering the broken glories of the poorer sections of Chiaroscuro where he spent his youth, and the eternal beauty of the untouched heart of the city. To be able to recreate even a shadow of that glory.... this is why the Lawbringers have returned. Unbidden, his mind lingers on his vision of the agents of Chaos that would seek to undo it all, and his resolves hardens even further.
Brian [to Teyv]: The jokun and llama-yu and others bow low to you. The tallest and rockiest of the jokun, now covered in gold nuggets, bows. "Good to be doing work with a right good craftsmaster again, lord. Haven't had much to challenge the boys and girls with." He grunts, and looks at them. "Maybe they'll put a little BACK into their EFFORT, now that they know what Solars will be expecting!" And then he turns back to bow to you again. "Anything else we can help with, lord?"
<> Mahir says "You can do it, put your back into it?"
Teyv says, "I think that is all for now, yes?" He looks around at the other Solars. "Perhaps we'll meet back here for tea and cakes sometime. Thank you for your work, this outpost against chaos would not have been possible without you.""
Bennu will be attempting to gather all the PCs and Samun as soon as Tevy is done with the elementals, while the visions are fresh.
Two walks to the southern border of the village and looks south, as far as she can.
Brian says, "The Jokun salutes, and roars orders in Old Realm. His mighty team finishes, and begins to trudge deep, deep, deeper down into the sands and away. The llama-yu float around for a bit, before deciding there's way too much water around, and, tracing and making pictures with fire in the air, begin to fly off."
Brian [to Two]: Looking for anything in particular?
Ashan seems almost to materialize at Bennu's side. "We seem to have a clear direction," he says quietly.
<> Two says "No, just... looking. Possibly for sky-high minions of the Wyld with rose swords."
Brian [to Two]: Hmm. Give me a Perception + Awareness + 2 stunt roll. Remember your armor also gives you +2 bonus to awareness rolls.
<> Two rolls 10 dice: <1 2 2 3 3 3 4 6 6 10> for 2 successes.
The corner of Reed's mouth twitches slightly at the thought of eating cakes with elementals, but he says nothing about it. Instead, "I think we are done here," he says after the elementals leave, taking Teyv's elbow to turn him back towards the rest of the group. "Your masters at the Citadel," he continues, stressing the word 'masters' ever so slightly, "Will wish a report."
<> Two ...
Bennu, with Samun trailing behind her, approaches Ashan first. "We must gather all the others. I, at least, was granted a vision I do not understand, and I suspect others were as well. I would not lose any of it to my lack of knowledge."
Brian [to Two]: You can see nothing off in the distance. You have a sense of unease, though; your hands yearn to pull at your swords again. There is threat there-- you are certain of it.
Two continues staring for another moment before turning and heading back to the others. "South."
Ashan nods. "All of you were. Some of what comes is beyond the sight of the Loom, though the raksha invasion is a clear enough sign." His hand strays slightly to touch his sleeve, where a cold iron blade is concealed. "As for the rest...we'll need to pool our knowledge."
Mahir steps into the conversation, "The raksha to the South are merely one step on the path, and possibly not even the greatest threat. Although, after what we've done here today, they will be the most immediate, they will not allow this monument to order to stand unchallenged."
Bennu's face flares with wrath at the mention of the raksha who sent this land's scarring. "Order will be returned," she announces, and nods to Two as he approaches. "You as well," she says. "We must share these visions and see what we all know of them." As Mahir joins them as well, she beckons towards Teyv and Reed. "I understand little of what I was told, but I hope others will see more."
Two idly rubs the pommel of one her weapons. "If they want to challenge us, I am open to that. But they are just dogs unleashed on their master's orders."
Ashan nods to Mahir, faintly wry. "A path is made up of many steps. Ours, I suspect, should be pointed southwest."
Mahir says, "Indeed, that which I was granted also points us West after we beat back the chaos that gathers here."
Reed gently guides the sorcerer over to his fellows. "A rabid dog follows no orders" he replies. "The Wyld cannot be purged, Dawn. It can only be chained."
Bennu nods. "We are all here, now. We have all seen something as a gift from our Patron... patrons. I believe we should share our visions, to better interpret them." She settles down on the ground, sitting crosslegged as she waits for the others to join her. "I will share mine first, if desired. I certainly desire the aid of my companions in interpreting, for it is beyond my knowledge."
<> Bennu says "GM, in the purpose of retelling the vision as clearly as I can, can I just copypaste what you sent me instead of retyping it? =P"
<> Bennu says "Or would I have to roll to be able to duplicate it exactly? =p"
<> Brian laughs. "Oh, sure, go ahead."
Ashan sits down, fluidly assuming a similar position. "That seems wise," he says. "It was given to me to experience your visions, rather than one of my own, but the more minds on a prophecy, the better the chance of interpreting it."
Reed drops to a negligent sprawl on the ground, eyes narrowing slightly at the thought of the Sidereal intruding on his thoughts.
<> Two says "Oh man, this is gonna get spammy."
Two remains standing, hand on pommel.
<> Mahir says "I'll probably summarize mine, instead of copypasta."
Bennu laughs easily. "Be wary, then, wise one, that I do not ask you to just tell all of our visions for us." Not that she seems inclined to do so, for as the others settle in, she begins to recite what she saw, careful to repeat every nuance she can remember.
<> Bennu says ""Bennu, Bennu, Bennu," come the thousand whispers. A tall man of An Teng, outfitted in shining golden armor nods to you. "The lord of your House weeps for his first son. He has ordered the daughter of his Valor to end him, but it is not endings alone that are necessary for the forsaken." The man looks out at the brilliant display of essence from your patron, and sighs happily, feeling some of the same infusion of warmth that you do. "I am but an old retired servant, and your father loves you, daughter of his Conviction well, but it is the Valor he calls upon now. Come, we have much to do." Gesturing with a thick orichalcum sword, the glimmering lord leads you to a kneeling elephant, and up onto its howdah"
<> Bennu says "As the great beast begins to walk off, the lord-- or retired servant, it seems to shift around him constantly-- relates, "Your sister born of Valor has the longest task. Your father's first son, the lion of his Valor, fell far into shadow before he turned against his father and your house, and she is charged, as I said, with him. You will need to see her through that, for he is old in your father's power and deep in his new master's wickedness." The man sheathes his daiklaive and taps a scepter of office thoughtfully against his hand. "It has been said that some of your brothers and sisters have been forced into joining him. I know not how this is so, but I can taste the truth of it. Beware! For as they are turned, they are not twisted, and their strength is as straight even as yours is, filtered through lenses only my opposite number appreciates-- and even she fears them.""
<> Bennu says "The elephant trudges off to the west, covering the ground slowly, yet in a blur. "You and I will meet in the flesh soon enough; when you are done with your business in the south, you and your siblings-of-now are welcome in my house. Necessary, in fact, for there are signs and portents that even Fate has not read. I see them in the mind of your Compassionate brother, and I know this: what comes could be your greatest ally or your greatest foe. Long ago, your father's uncle was a master smith, and it was he who armed your house. But your father's first son, and many others of your siblings, turned against him and his children. Your cousins were blighted, and your father's uncle left. He is returning, and you will need arms-- but what will he think of you? Where has he been? You must consider all of these things, Bennu-of-the-Rebirth, for as your Valorous sister is the Champion of your siblings, you are their Heart and Will. Be prepared to undo the sins of the past, priestess-- and do not deny them. Justice knows only mercy for the repentant, not the defiant.""
<> Bennu says "The elephant either slows or doesn't; in any case, the land is easier to see. Moors and marshes and the good, green, growing kind of swamp that renews and refreshes life at its end, a kind that is too rarely seen in the Age of Sorrows. Rolling hills cover what is not good rice country. "Your Compassionate brother is leading you here-- or somewhere close. I cannot see, for it is hidden save to those who hold the key. You cannot build an army without building their arms and armor, Bennu-of-the-Fiery-Wings, and they are best made where he leads. It is a fortress as well-- neglect not your tactics.""
<> Bennu says "The man-- god of some kind, though you cannot remember his name in the vision-- turns away and sighs. "It is hatred of your father's uncle that draw forth the chaos from the south. They are as plague-bearing rats, and will set all to chaos and rot if you do not stop them. And yet, and yet-- at the gates of bone and the gates of metal comes threat, if the latter may also bring opportunity." He turns and gives you a grave look. "Be swift, Bennu, Pillar-That-Flies. Finish the rats, and visit your father's poor, pensioned servant in his family home. The true test of your destiny lies upon that edge." And then you wake from the light."
Bennu finishes by saying I am sure my host was the Golden Lord. And of course, our Dawn I know." She nods to Two. "The rest... eludes my knowledge. But I am no loremaster."
Two listens intently to the story of the vision. After a moment, she nods.
Mahir listens intently as Bennu describes a vision much more complex and detailed than his own. He, too, is no great Loremaster, but his training as a Deacon has given him a great delight in puzzles and riddles. Rather than search for hidden meanings in each single piece, he begins to build up a catalog in his mind of the links and relationships between the fragments, attempting to relate Bennu's vision to his own.
Brian [to Mahir]: Int + Lore +2.
<> Mahir says "I'm also going to keep trying to search for the links as each new vision gets added in, should I be rolling each fragment, or wait till the end?"
Samun defers Bennu's expectant gaze, with, "I received no vision, my lady, but watching your Circle's great deeds was blessing enough for me." The Dragon-blooded's eyes flick over the top of his veil to the other Solars, and Bennu turns her gaze to the rest of the Circle as well.
Two speaks next!
<> Two copypastas the hell out of this.
<> Two | The Unconquered Sun lifts up his spear and points at you, then further to the south. A wall of golden fire creases over the sky, which opens up, showing a mass of thorns and roses, with threaded, shattered gears, cogs, and springs. It rises up in a gigantic mass, writhing and curling, mightier by far than the enemy at shrine. At the top, on a blooming rose the size of a howdah is a maiden with a hateful, gleeful, blood-red smile and blood-red eyes. She holds a sword up; rosevines and thorns curl up around her and her arm and the sword itself. She raises it, screaming wildly, curses against shape and order as it the mass, followed by a horde, crawls towards Creation.
<> Two | Then Ignis Divine lets out a sigh, and strokes the length of the Godspear with his Laurel. "My son, my son, glorious in battle, but not glorious in his heart. He fell long ago, but did not rest. His mind was against me ere his fall, and I turned my face from him--" and at this, he looks at you, his impossibly handsome face grieved-- "From all of you, for the sins you once held. But as his blood was spilled, his hatred was increased. He has not gone on, my first and fearful son, but remains. As stalks the Rose and Maiden, as comes your enemies with hate, so too comes my son, and he raises the banners of my enemy. For this, I must weep; for the life... the oath... and the heart." Another groan escapes the lips of the most high. "My daughter!" cries Ignis Divine. "I lay this task upon your head. As my firstborn son has forsaken his heritage, as he has turned his blade against our family and our people, you are granted dispensation against him and those of your kin his has enslaved. No curse will fall upon you for their blood, though if mercy can be found then mercy must be used!" he roars, like a thousand trumpets. And then, as his Virtues strain against him and as he turns away, he says quietly, "But for the lion of my war against my makers, this is all that can be mercy: send him on. This will be the work of your lifetime-- and if you fail, it will be Creation's life that follows. Seek the rusted but unbroken gears; you will find aid, there.
Two finishes speaking and turns to look at the south.
<> Two says "My son has learned that trucks roll :D"
Reed lets the two Solars' tales flow across his attention like water, sieving the stream of words for recognizable items. Not everything matches his knowledge, but there's enough for the little barbarian to piece together a meaning. If the Solars can't, well. It's not his fault if their Cult-given education was deficient.
Ashan meditates quietly, recalling his own experience of the vision. Threat and opportunity, the weapons of war, all seem bound up with Bennu's "father's uncle". Instead of relying on his own memory, he chooses to reach for the source of the visions, letting his senses flow into the Tapestry. There, the six visions still reverberate slightly, singing as the strands of Fate vibrate with imagery and meaning. A part of that resonance reaches back, back, deep into the history of Creation itself, until it joins the glorious chorus that is the birth of Ignis Divine. That song is what Ashan seeks; the birth and trials of Ignis Divine, and those by whom he was made and shaped.
Teyv says, "Wait, the gears were a vision, I thought we were attacked by gear mashers. Perhaps I have a vision to relate also. I thought it was real. I should have spent more time in my youth with psychoactives, then I'd be better at this."
Brian [to Ashan]: Int + Occult + 3-dot. :P Damn you.
"You were focused on your construction, no doubt," Reed says gently.
<> Ashan says "Fateful Occult, I'll take my twelve successes and the WP."
<> Teyv says "Let me know when it's my turn, and I'll let loose the spirits of ctrl-v (or middle click in my case)."
Brian [to Teyv]: Unleash away!
Teyv says, "These are the parts of today that don't make much sense to me, so I'm guessing they were a vision."
<> Mahir says "I've got mine re-typed and ready to paste, just... still reading."
Bennu listens solemnly, but those some things are clearly related to her vision, she has no more context for first sons than she did before. Her expectant gaze rests frequently on Ashan and Teyv, hoping the Twilight and the Vizier will know more than she does of the symbols.
Brian [to Ashan]: You have pretty complete knowledge of the one who would call himself the Unconquered Sun's father-- whom the Golden Lord very directly did NOT... and you know which potential uncle has Gears. in his gears. Because he likes gears in his gears, which are in his gears.
<> Ashan says "Also gears. In case we didn't notice a theme."
<> Reed says "And thorns."
<> Bennu says "Gee I wonder what that could all POSSIBLY refer to."
<> Reed says "Every gear has a thorn."
<> Ashan says "I'll assume Ashan is meditating on this roll until everyone's related their vision, if they choose to."
<> Mahir says "Shall I paste? Or was Teyv going next?"
<> Brian says "Sounds fair. Teyv's up right now; Mahir, you can take nextsies."
<> Teyv says "Incoming:"
Teyv speaks, "To the south of you, lie the gearsmashers. They come out of chaos. They infect. They change. They make toxic what was clean, and make health cancerous. They seek to destroy order, hating machines the worse. You can sense them, sense their thorns whispering, clawing. Roses fall all around them, but where they fall, steel rusts and springs unwind. Whatever is order, whatever is logical, whenever discipline lies-- there, they lash with thorns and create strange, unholy corruptions."
Teyv and continues, "They hate you, and they know you-- or who you used to be."
Teyv takes a breath, "To the west, though. Your shard knows the stone you gained from the wrecked freehold. It is a key, not just a display; a key to a laboratory, to a forge-- to a multitude of forges. If the gearsmashers are cancerous chaos, this place is where fire is fed by purity, and tempers all metals and all materials to make great devices. You know, where the ignition stone leads, you once made miracles of design in great multitudes. It was a fortress and a fastness, and you went there to survive the Great Usurpation... but you were found and killed before you could return. This is a home, a safe place, and a place to build strength and infrastructure from."
Teyv looks around, then continues, "Behind all of this-- the coming of the gearsmashers, and the awakening of the Manse, there is a realm of metal and crystal, of smoke and oil, of lightning and steam. Here, thought and order thrive within the World of Logic and the Realm of Builders. It has been sealed away-- an ancient sin, you know that. It has been gone, hidden, and with it, such wonders of industry. Constructs, factories, minds great and small working towards a greater society-- they left, hidden from the sin of the past. But there is a cancer there, a rusting, spreading disease that corrupts and maddens. It is returning to Creation."
Teyv pauses for effect, "It will be here soon."
<> Mahir says "And Mahir is also still accumulating pieces of data I'll make another pose at the end to try to extract what I can from it, although it's going to be little enough next to Teyv and Ashan."
Teyv says with great gravitas, "And it will carry with it salvation... or feast upon the world to fill the hunger gnawing within."
<> Bennu says "That's why Bennu's big on the sharing time. Because damn it, she's not wasting a vision from her patron on her lack of lore. XD"
Two slowly turns to listen to Teyv, watching intently.
<> Brian says "I hope everyone enjoyed their visions and I wasn't being TOO obscure."
The recovered stone, Reed remembers-- the rest of Teyv's vision, although a perfect fit for the man's proclivities, only leaves Reed with a sense of unease and distaste.
<> Mahir says "I'm still not sure about the Rose, but I'm getting most of the rest of the refs, at least OOCly."
<> Brian says "Alrighty. It's a Mahir-turn for visioninging."
<> Bennu says "Yeah. Let's just hope that Ashan and Teyv can make rolls to give us the IC data too, or at least some of it. :)"
Mahir listens intently as each of his circle speaks of their vision. As they all turn to him, he shrugs slightly. "I was granted less than many of you, but I think clearer. I see the same threat that Two spoke of, the Rose and the Maiden and the screaming hordes of Chaos. There will be war, and we shall beat back the chaos that threatens all of Creation at the fringes. But then, to the West, something far more subtle than war. A hollow between two hills, in the midst of a swamp. An empty nothing which hides a fortress. It is ancient, beyond all recorded history, as old as our earliest incarnations. One of us holds the key to it, and it could be a great stronghold from which we could launch great campaigns to restore ancient glories. Or it could be the chink in our armor which allows our enemies to obtain ultimate victory. That which is hidden is also the enemy of our enemy, but I cannot say if that makes it our friend."
<> Brian says "Is Reed intending to share? It wouldn't be out of character not to, of course."
<> Reed says "Reed has nothing to share. The Sun didn't talk to him."
Bennu nods firmly. "And the west also holds An Teng," she says, "Where the Golden Lord has requested our presence. I understand little else, but I believe it would be wise to answer that summons when our deeds here are done." She turns her gaze to Reed. "The Dragon-blooded saw nothing; the Sidereal saw all our visions. You, Chosen of Luna?" she queries. "Have you anything to add?"
<> Bennu is asking IC, feel free to tell her no. :p
<> Teyv says "I'm sure in character, with all my lore 5 and stuff, I've picked up on all of the symbolism and stuff, but OOC of character, it doesn't mean much to me, because I haven't read enough of the background books."
"I have few things," the little Lunar replies, his pale eyes meeting Bennu's gaze from under the shadow of his hood. "And the words of the Sun are not among them." Quick as a flash, he glances over to Teyv, and then back again. "But the tales of you and your sister tug at memory; the memories of the Moon's children run long, even if those of the Sun's do not."
Brian [to Teyv]: Give me a stunt, and I'll give you a roll on 'em, that way I can tell you what your knowledge level is.
<> Reed says "I think I got most of it, but there's only one piece that Reed might logically know of."
Bennu inclines her head to Reed. "I would welcome your knowledge as well, Sorrowful Ivory Reed," she says. "My memory does not extend back... far," she says, with a wry smile.
Mahir silently ponders, now that all of the pieces of the puzzle are exposed, all that remains is to fit them together. He ponders each of the links between the stories in turn. The rose is unfamiliar, but seems linked strongly to enemies already known. Bennu's vision speaks much of family, the father, the uncle, the firstborn son. As he ponders the repeated image of the broken gears, his hand wanders up to caress the soulsteel gear currently powering his armor, wondering if it might be somehow related. He continues silently, staring off into the west, waiting for the relationships to become clearer.
Brian [to Mahir]: Very nice, very nice indeed. Int + Lore + 3 stunt.
<> Reed says "Do you want a roll from me as well?"
Brian [to Reed]: Int + Lore +1 if you desire, si.
<> Mahir says "I have no relevant charms, but I will do WP from the stunt for an autosucc."
<> Mahir rolls 8 dice: <1 2 2 3 7 8 9 9> for 4 successes.
<> Reed rolls 7 dice: <1 2 4 7 7 7 7> for 4 successes.
Brian [to Mahir]: You're sure that the various references to gear-smashing and chaos, etc. are DEFINITELY due to the Fae. The thematics suggest to you that this is some new force, and from the depths of their hatred for order, probably attached to the Balorian Crusade. You need to choke that puppy off before it gets much worse. After that, it's clear that Teyv's ignition gem's manse is important, something all of your past-lives probably remember; quite possibly a Factory Cathedral. Bennu's vision concerned the Golden Lord-- the 'retired servant'-- but the rest didn't make much sense.
Bennu is reminded by Reed's words that her Shard bears its own wisdom, and that she queries too; her mentor, her Shard, her memories bound up in another life. Too recent for ancient truths, still, he saw more of the world than she has. "What did you know?" she asks herself, quietly, unaware she speaks outloud. "What did you see in these seeings?" For there are patterns, and the enemies of Creation return again and again until destroyed, and what she does not know, she may have known when she was someone else - and now the whole pattern is revealed, the vision shared among the Circle made whole.
Teyv sighs and says, "the riddles of the 'gods' frustrate me. I study medicine and craft because there are puzzles and mysteries, but not deceptions. An illness or broken machine has a cause (or many) and a fix (or many), but a broken foot does not present as hay fever. Sometimes a teacher lets his students figure things out on their own, but does a general command with riddles?" Teyv looks to Bennu and Two, pausing just long enough to leave doubt the question is rhetorical. "I think I can see some of what we are being told, but if the gods want to wage war, and for us to fight it, I'd really wish they be more clear."
Brian [to Bennu, Teyv]: Int + Lore rolls on those, + 2 dot stunts each.
Brian [to Reed]: I've got your results but I need a sec; my tower's down, so I'm consulting with my co-gm for /names/.
Two says, "I am a straightforward person. The riddles I think about are how to get the blade of my sword past the defenses of some opponent."
<> Teyv rolls 12 dice: <1 1 3 3 3 6 7 7 7 8 9 10> for 7 successes.
<> Bennu says "I want to use my Past Life for a bonus, yar?"
<> Brian says "Yarr."
<> Bennu says "WP/WP."
<> Bennu rolls 8 dice: <1 2 2 8 8 8 9 9> for 5 successes.
Brian [to Reed]: You're unfamiliar with the 'retired servant', but you get the same info that Mahir did otherwise, and you know who those gear-smasher types are. The Escatic Hospitallers of the Fractured Gear Society, and a bunch of bastards they are. They were fanatic frontliners during the Great Contagion; they were beaten back hard, but every time someone brings a huge upswell of order-- a campaign to unite the South, the eye of Autochthon, major Realm inroads-- it's the poor Stewards who have to go knock them out again. Suicide troops who don't care too much about the shaping combat of their kin, JUST about attacking Creation. They're lead by a weird merger of a behemoth and a noble fae-- the Rose and the Maiden Upon It. They are one entity, clever, vile, FAST, and deadly. They've been able to take out young Lunars in the past, especially with the Behemoth, but elders and strong circles have been able to beat them back. The Behemoth always seems to either escape, or regrow-- it has seeds in the Deep Wyld, they say.
Brian [to Teyv]: You get the information Mahir did, and a bit more. You know who the Golden Lord is; he remains the God of Justice, and at one point, he was the head of the Crimson Panoply of Victory, the gods who work to maintain the fates & destiny forward planning for the House of Battles, under Mars, one of the Incarnae. He retired from that position to become the head of An Teng. You're not sure precisely about the information about the gears, except... there's a stirring, deep in your soul. A thirst for knowledge, and the idea that if you keep on this path, not only will you find your old factory-cathedral, but some revelation of science, something... and then it fades away. You are grimmly aware of one thing, though-- this father's uncle bit probably refers to one of the Primordials, of which most have become Yozis, some, the Exalted killed and made into Neverborn, and three are free: Gaia, Autochthon, and one last Primordial who has never been found.... and presumably hates Creation to this day. Gaia is rumored to spend most of her time wandering the Wyld, called back only by her love for Luna; Autochthon disappeared so long ago all you know about is his Eye, a fabulous device of thaumatechnological masterwork that can shape and re-shape reality around it at the will of its user-- but it's prone to turning on you if you can't master the power well, and nothing is known about the Last missing Primordial, except, well. Creation once belonged to the Primordials, and they more or less all /want it back/.
Brian [to Bennu]: You're also pretty sure that your targets are Fae to the south. Given what the visions sound like, it appears that the Golden Lord, and possibly some other entities, are trying to get you guys to clean up these Fae, and then head West, fast. If the fae are reactions to obsessive order, and there's a probable factory cathedral at the end-- well. Some great wave of Order is coming. And while you are the Lawgiver, you remember grimmly that two of the greatest enemies of the Solars were Cecylyne, the Desert That Is Oppressive Hierarchy, and She Who Lives In Her Name, order so incarnate she has always despised the addition of Free Will to Creation...
Bennu frowns. "Order comes, but not -all- Order serves the good of Creation," she admits, grudgingly. "None the less, the Fae are here -now- and their threat. We should bring our fire to them, and purge Creation of them, before we answer the call of the Golden Lord." With a hopeful look at first Teyv and then Ashan, she adds, "That is all I can discern, even with all the parts before me. And to the ears of those who hold more Lore? What is revealed?"
Ashan opens his eyes; the stars in them stand out vividly blue before dimming. "Many of the Primordials had some hand in the shaping of Ignis Divine," he says, "but three of them more than the rest. The Empyreal Chaos was first among them, and those who aided him were Cytherea, of whom nothing more is known, and Autocthon, the Great Maker. Of these, only Autocthon could be said to be his "uncle" -- and only he remains alive and free, though he has long left Creation. It seems that he may return, and could be an ally or an enemy."
Bennu nods slowly as Ashan speaks, listening.
Two says, "So. First we deal with Chaos. Then we deal with Order. And Chaos is warring because of Order. It seems odd we'd deal with the result and not the cause."
Teyv says, "When healing, you must stop the flow of blood before closing the wound."
Two says, "Or cauterize and deal with both at the same time."
Teyv says, "If you can cauterize the wyld from creation, you have a power beyond mine."
Ashan shrugs, slight and fluid. "In this case, the result is more dangerous than the cause. Of old, Autocthon was an ally to the Chosen, though now, who can say? But the chance exists he could be an ally again. The same can't be said for these raksha."
<> Two says "Given the rolls we've been getting on rituals... I bet we could pull it off."
<> Bennu says "Mmmm. Well, we could probably rebuild part of the old walls in a single small segment, or burn out a single wyld-tainted region..."
<> Brian says "No comment."
<> Bennu says "But I don't think we could in a single fell swoop get ALL the Wyld out of Creation at once. :p"
"The gearsmashers are a force of Chaos," Reed says, "Fae who care nothing for their own lives or those of their kin, only for destruction. They know that their semblances will return to the Wyld upon their deaths, only to be recycled and return to tear once more at the stuff of Creation. Their leader is a fae who perhaps was once honorable, but who long ago gave herself to this purpose. Her mind and form are linked with a great behemoth, and while each alone are formidable together they are terrible." He pauses for a moment, and then shakes his head sadly at Two. "Chaos is its own cause, Solar. If we simply remove the target of the Maiden's wrath, she will focus it on another path and leave a torrent of sadness in her wake. The forces of Order are, by their nature, given to following predictable courses-- if we leave them be, they will simply wait until we arrive."
<> Brian says "muah ha ha."
There's another reason Reed is reluctant to go west, of course, but he keeps it to himself. "There is another possible wrinkle," he says as he shifts closer to Teyv, "If you will condescend to hear it."
Bennu nods solemnly. "Perhaps they do not know caution nor fear," she says. "But I believe we can teach them well. It seems, then, that while some things remain to be discovered, we know our immediate course, my friends."
Bennu arches an eyebrow to Reed. "Your knowledge of the edges of Creation is always welcome," she responds.
Two says, "Even if they do not fear death, we can at least rest a bit while they are sent back to the chaos to reform."
<> Bennu is utterly confident she can teach them fear.
Reed hesitates a moment, as if summoning the courage or will to speak. "Among the oldest memories of the Lunars," he says, "Is a tale of the dark days following the contagion, when the armies of the Wyld descended upon the world. They say that it was not force that opened the doors of Creation to the Fae-- it was treachery that flung them wide, and the name of the one responsible was Lion. I know nothing more than that," he continues, absently shifting even closer to Teyv to touch the hem of his robes. "And it may not be the same man at all. There are a great many lions in the world, after all."
Ashan nods thoughtfully. "From what has been revealed to us," he replies, "it seems this court needs no urging to enter -- but there's a saying in the Bureau: 'There is no coincidence, only tomorrow's labor.' I wouldn't lay odds against us meeting this Lion."
Bennu nods thoughtfully. "Thank you," she says. "That builds into this picture - but I do not believe it changes what we are called to do immediately - drive back the Wyld and teach them the fear they lack."
"If he still exists," Reed replies, "We will perhaps regret the meeting."
Bennu gives Reed a wry smile. "I should not like to find ourselves unprepared in combat with a being from the time of the Contagion. We are yet young in our power. But we must do as the defense of Creation requires."
"The Rose and the Maiden is a formidable opponent herself," Reed warns. "She has killed many of the Moon's younger children, and even those of us who are not young have taken wounds from her thorns. She can be delayed, but we have not yet been able to find and destroy the roots of her power."
Two says, "The defeat of the Lion will likely hurt the resolve of the enemies of creation. What sorts of things can we do to prepare?"
Mahir says, "An ancient and powerful foe, if such still exists from such a time, will require much more strength than we now possess. Strength that we might find in the equally ancient power of the hidden fastness to the west. This is all speculation, however, an immediate enemy demands our attention first. This Maiden and the Rose are here, and now, and must be met and conquered."
Reed shrugs, and spreads an empty hand.
Bennu nods to Reed. "Surely," she says. "Though at least this is a known opponent. We may fail, but I believe we would not be tasked with this if it were likely - it is our calling to succeed and increase the glory of the Sun. His favor is upon us; we can see that with our eyes. We must continue to prove worthy. I can see no other choice than taking the fight to the Wyld."
Ashan nods. "Agreed. And time may be of the essence -- no pun intended -- in this case. I suggest we begin our journey as soon as we may; I'll inform Kether Rock of the change of plans, if need be."
"In the morning," Bennu suggests. "This evening and tonight, we will camp here, and ensure all is done for these people that must be done, that they have at least the beginnings of governance so that the generosity of the Sun does not fall to waste in dispute - for who knows if any of their elders and chiefs have survived? If you would inform our superiors of the situation, Ashan, I would appreciate it. Samun does not know the spells for distant communication, yet."
Two has partially disconnected.
"Change," Reed replies succinctly. "Madness. The favor of Heaven alone is not enough to keep you strong and untwisted by the touch of the Wyld." With a quick, supple motion the Lunar rises to his feet and interposes himself between Teyv and the rest of the Solars, looking up at the taller man. "If this is the path you choose, I will protect you on it. But know that I am only one, and the Wyld is vaster than imagination, and stronger besides. It is my charge to prevent the encroach of Chaos upon the world, and if you should fall, then I must act."
Two has reconnected.
Ashan nods. "I'll take care of it this evening, then, and we'll set out on the morrow."
Mahir has partially disconnected.
Teyv says, "I have a magic horse we can send, perhaps with a soldier or villager, to Kether Rock. If the wyld stands between us and a cathedral factory, then that is the path we must go."
Bennu nods. "A fair concern, Sorrowful Ivory Reed," she agrees. "The Wyld is corrosive and its touch can mar even the Chosen, at least those of us not graced by Luna. But as it is my duty to my troops to see them shielded, I know magics to protect any who share in loyalty to this Circle from its touch. It should protect the Exalted as well as the mortal."
<> Bennu says "At least those iwth an intimacy to the Circle, or Bennu herself, as per the GM."
<> Bennu says "Of course that only applies if I put up the scenelong but I promise not to leave you all stranded. ;)"
<> Brian says "I'll let you keep it up indefinitely for the purposes of this."
<> Bennu says "She intends to be reneweing it any time it drops. Both of them. :p"
Teyv says, "Rest is good for me though. Perhaps in the morning I will have acquired some new talents to aid in our journey."
<> Brian says "So, out of character,t o pool our knowledge: Who has (a) their own way of protecting from the Wyld, (b) an intimacy to Bennu or the Circle, or (c) intend to buy your own relatively soon?"
<> Brian says "Give me an a, b, or c OOCly, please."
<> Two says "I guess I would need to do (c) ..."
Ashan nods to Teyv. "No need ," he says. "I can inform them through the auspices of the Rising Smoke."
<> Ashan says "B! Which is good, because Sidereal shaping defenses still suck even after errata."
"Believe that I will not wish to," Reed says quietly, still looking at Teyv and ignoring Bennu and the others. "But in this, I do not guide my own hand." In a puff of dust and ivory-colored feathers, Reed launches into the air and glides away over the village into the desert beyond.
<> Teyv says "I thought I had some intimacies, but I don't see where they've gone. Perhaps when I fix my combo stuff, I'll have something."
<> Brian says "If you don't have any selected, you can opt to put one in to the Circle now if you wish."
<> Reed says "You have one for me, but I don't recall the others."
<> Two has 4 intimacies.
<> Two lol?
<> Reed says "I'll have to look to be sure. I'm going to buy at least one, but I don't know how many other people I can cover with it."
<> Teyv says "I have some obligations, but I don't know if that is the same."
<> Reed says "Nope."
<> Teyv says "Ah, yes, to Reed and the hospital. Perhaps after all this, I'll have developed one to the circle."
<> Brian says "Okay!"
<> Two does not have any to the circle right now.
<> Brian says "Teyv, up to you. If you do decide to have one, you're effectively protected; if not, you may want to spend some XP getting Integrity Protecting Prana. Which, Two, I would recommend you get."
<> Brian says "It requires Integrity 1, Essence 1, and it'll protect you against the basics of the Wyld and being directly shaped by the Wyld."
<> Mahir says "Catching up.... I'm using an intimacy to the Circle for Wyld defense, and I have Orderborn to sting them in return."
<> Brian says "Alrighty. It'll be a session or two before we reach the Bordermarches, so if you don't have the XP yet, you should be able to get it soon."
Brian says, "So, we're in abstract time here."
<> Reed says "Actually, how long would it take to fly back to Kether Rock?"
Bennu will eventually dismiss herself from the council of war to meet with the villagers' leaders, such as they are, and ensure that they have a functioning system of governance to provide order when the Chosen have left.
Brian says, "What are your plans before you leave, and what are your intentions in terms of -how- you leave? Will you go secret and slow at night? Forced marches to ge to your enemies fast? Etc."
Brian [to Reed]: A few days; you fly fairly fast.
Reed [to Brian]: I fly damn fast, really.
<> Two should have insane XP banked up.
Brian [to Reed]: I was going for alliteration. :)
Reed [to Brian]: I was just wondering if it was possible. Reed may want to talk to one or two people back there without going through the official channels.
Bennu has no intention of exhausting her troops, and their ...somewhat... mortal staminas are likely the limiting factor in their march. She wants to proceed at the fastest pace that will leave them without penalties at their destination. She believes there is no point in stealth, for they have rather tipped their harm here.
Two stays with council of war for a while.
<> Bennu says "And also, before she leaves, see 'make sure villagers have functioning governance'. Order is important. :p"
Brian [to Reed]: Mmm. I think so. You've usually got a general sense of where Teyv is, so you can catch up swiftly. But you'll be out of discussion for their plans for about a week, give or take-- which shall coincidentally be the time between the end of this session and the beginning of the next!
Teyv shall go with Bennu over to the village, to check on those who are healing.
Reed [to Brian]: Hmm. Now, do I trust them to keep him out of trouble?
Brian says, "Ordering the villagers isn't hard. They nearly have Cult at you guys anyway, right down to Reed and Samun, and as Solar Half-Castes, they're pretty predisposed to virtue anyway. Teyv, most of them are pretty healthy from your earlier work and the Sun's. I'm going to rule that with a good stunt, you can auto-succeed on making sure everyone's okay."
Brian [to Reed]: That, I am afraid, your storyteller cannot answer for you.
<> Reed says "I should invest in some of those bent-nail puzzles the next time I'm on the Isle, so I can just drop one in front of him whenever I need some time off."
Brian says, "Alright, Bennu is proposing an open march at night, but not going for zippyspeed. Anyone else have their own hats to throw into the ring on that discussion, or do the Solars have their plns ready?"
Brian chuckles. "He's your Solar."
Two says, "I prefer to wait until morning. Going on a quest at dawn seems more fortuitous."
Ashan spends some time writing that evening, on silk paper with emerald ink (both of which he produced somehow). When he's finished, he burns it, watching the smoke form the glyph of the Rising Smoke.
Brian may have read the 'at night' thing into Bennu's pose and it isn't there, oh well. Checking with her.
Teyv walks through those who are still recoviring, and in his best bedside manner, takes a few minutes to talk to each one, and make sure that they are all on the path to recovery. Even those who are clearly much improved, he spends time with, knowing that just a few words can go a long way to heal invisible emotional wounds. For those that will require more time to fully mend, Teyv makes sure that the local village priests/surgeons/barbers, such as they are, know what to do. In some cases it is more rest, and in others it is less rest, but there is time to pay a bit of personal attention to each.
Brian says, "I'm wrong, apparently. Morning it is, then."
Brian [to Teyv]: Perfect. You have set behind you an -excellent- health and safety setup. They should do well, for mortals.
Brian says, "So, I think I'm going to call this to a close around now. You guys leave in the morning to great fanfare and celebrations from the not-quite-mortals that now inhabit the Golden Heart of the Blessed Rivers, the Tiger-Warrior escort following Bennu's lead perfectly. Four Solars and one Sidereal go south, following visions and portents towards the teeth of chaos; one Lunar goes west and north seeking... well. That is secret to the purpose of that Silverchosen."
Brian says, "5 XP all around."
This entry lives at http://leticia.dreamwidth.org/279526.html - comment either location. Dreamwidth comments:
Brian says, "Pose in your responses to the visions, please; the mortals will mostly be asking the tiger warriors to thank you guys and are a little too awed to thank you directly. That was, um. Impressive."
Ashan blinks. Blinkblinkblinks. Shakes his head. Then he smiles wryly up at the heavens. "I appreciate the summary, miladies," he murmurs.
Teyv is annoyed at the interruption, and has now lost his place. He can't remember if he was building a temple or treating the wounded.
Mahir feels a cold shiver run down his spine as the light and heat of the visitation passes away, as the magnitude of that which lies ahead presses down upon him. He gazes west, lost in thought for a moment.
<> Reed says "I can't remember; did we get the elementals to create the glass yet, or have they not arrived?"
Brian [to Teyv]: Roll a quick Intelligence + Lore +1 stunt.
<> Ashan says "They are in transit as I recall."
<> Brian says "Transit got speeded up."
<> Brian says "All that remains is for Teyv is to opent he floodgates."
Two stares off into the distant south for a short while, nodding occasionally and her face taking on steely determination. Suddenly she blinks a few times and turns away from the south to look at her companions.
<> Teyv rolls 11 dice: <1 2 2 3 3 4 5 7 7 7 9> for 4 successes.
Reed remains silent; whether it's because he chooses not to share or was simply passed over is hard to tell. "The elementals have arrived," he says quietly as he slips over to Teyv's side, just in case the distractable sorcerer didn't notice in the light of the Sun's presence. "If your preparations are complete, you should se them to the task so we may leave."
<> Teyv says "I have some stuff ready for building things out of glass once the elementals arrive, if that's what we're ready for."
<> Brian says "Yup. That's what I was about to hit. Do your Twilighty stuff."
Teyv gains his composure, looks around at the assembled crowd of beings, and sets to work.
Teyv says, "Dear workers, exalts, and spirits as you shape and guide the glass, do leave your mark, and the mark of your gods on it. Make the very walls of this cave a blessing to those who died here, and to those who will continue to live here."
Bennu awakens reaching up into the sunlight that embraces this place. The expression of an ecstatic slowly passes from her face as she recovers her senses, and looks reverently around the place made holy by the blessings of her patron -- but she says nothing immediately as she analyzes the message sent to her - the meaning of the beings referenced, the strange permutations which connect them to her and to each other and to the world in which she must act. Too, she contemplates the meaning of the -places- she has seen, and how that connects to her host. She seeks meaning in each aspect of the vision she was granted, a whispered prayer for comprehension and proper interpretation added to the riotous praise of the dual hecatombs as the normal order of Creation reasserts itself.
Teyv moves from one arch to the next, to brace the ceiling and walls of the cave with glass as thick as a man in its thinnest places. The glass takes a wild mix of colors due to the varied minerals and moods of the sand spirits that were melted and formed.
Brian [to Bennu]: Give me Int + Lore or Occult, +3 dot stunt.
<> Brian says "Teyv, since you're multiposing, tell me when you're finished and want your stunt bonus from me, oocly."
Teyv directs the workers, and as the arch comes into shape, he pulls glass stalactites down from the bracing arch and into the flowing water. Hitting the water, steam escapes, and the fragile glass breaks, but eventually by shear mass, the glass flows to the earth beneath the water, forming a great pilar.
Teyv pushes glass over the new river channels, like bridges of ice, but permanent and refractive.
Reed follows closely behind Teyv, carefully not getting in his way and yet close enough to yank him out of trouble should it arrive.
<> Teyv says "That's all that was pre-written."
<> Bennu says "Yeah. Well, at least she's moderately smart!"
<> Bennu says "Lore. XD"
<> Bennu rolls 8 dice: <1 3 4 4 7 8 9 10> for 5 successes.
<> Teyv says "I also had some charms and stuff running to give me bonuses, and you said there would be some kind of special bonus."
Brian [to Teyv]: Damn. Nice prep. Okay. Higher of Int or Dex + Craft. 3-dot stunt, and a +5 situational bonus from the help you've received, the quality of your workers, and the direct blessings flowing through the area. What Charms are you using?
<> Teyv says "I'm not sure, I don't remember what these all do."
<> Teyv says "I'm not sure how many motes I had left. If we had time to rest and recover I'll do 10, but otherwise I probably should only do 5 or so."
<> Brian says "You're at full."
<> Teyv says "OK, then the full 10."
<> Teyv rolls 28 dice: <1 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10> for 16 successes.
<> Brian says "Alrighty!"
<> Bennu says "I am envisioning caves filled with light reflected down like crystalized sunbeams through the adamantized glass pillars..."
<> Mahir says "Thing I don't like about SimpleMU. When I upscroll to look at stuff, it completely stops scrolling to new poses until I manually scroll to the bottom......"
<> Teyv says "Mine is worse, as I'm reading stuff, it jumps to the bottom whenever there's new text."
Brian [to Teyv]: The mighty Jokun obey! They move through molten glass as strong men might through rivers, untouched by it and unstoppable. As the glass comes forth, directed by your mind, it begins to _transform_. This is not mere glass, not even thaumaturgic enchanted glass. This is Adamant, the Sixth Magical Material. Strong and hard as the Orichalcum your arms and armor are traditionally made from, conductive to the blessings of the Sun which you have channeled into them. Light-on-the-Waters' name is true; for as long as this now nigh-invulnerable river heart stands, the reflected glimmerings of light will glow in the very waters themselves, softly, yes, but true, and as true sunlight for when it is necessary. The light won't last much further than the end of the Golden Bulls' warding area, fading softer and softer as it makes its way out. And yet it will be gentle with the fish, warming them and not blinding them. A work of wonder has not been created like this since the First Age, outside of Yu-Shan itself.
Teyv looks at what has been created and is embarrassed. He meant only to brace the temple, not create a wonder. He turns to the workers, regardless of their origin, and says, "if not for you, this would not be, let it be a blessing and to you and your kind for as long as it stands."
<> Two says "Precooked fish"
Brian [to Bennu]: You're pretty sure the "old, retired servant" is the Golden Lord. You've got no clue as to who the 'son' is, nor the 'uncle of your father,' though in context, the son is probably a ... solar, maybe an akuma? Someone who turned to evil in one way or another, and your father is the Unconquered Sun, but... it's hard to work with.
Brian [to Two]: Your companions look healthy and everyone seems to be knowing what they are doing. There's a strong foundation and base here; the work's done.
Brian [to Mahir]: Any reactions to your vision?
Two runs her fingers through her hair, staring at the completed work. After a moment, she shakes her head and grins. "That is amazing. But... won't it be hard to sleep?"
Bennu sighs as she lowers her arms and moves to gather the rest of the Exalted, even Samun; perhaps the others can shed more knowledge on what the Sun revealed.
Brian [to Reed]: Your Solar, is, well, being your Solar. Nice guy, little clueless, gets the job done.
As impressive as Teyv's creation is-- moreso than anything he's ever seen, in fact-- Reed forces himself to remain mostly impassive, with only the faintest hint of a scowl on his face as he stands, arms crossed, at his charge's side. "Release them when your thanks are done," he reminds the sorcerer gently. "Such as these have long memories."
Mahir watches the workings of Teyv and the elementals with a bit of awe, remembering the broken glories of the poorer sections of Chiaroscuro where he spent his youth, and the eternal beauty of the untouched heart of the city. To be able to recreate even a shadow of that glory.... this is why the Lawbringers have returned. Unbidden, his mind lingers on his vision of the agents of Chaos that would seek to undo it all, and his resolves hardens even further.
Brian [to Teyv]: The jokun and llama-yu and others bow low to you. The tallest and rockiest of the jokun, now covered in gold nuggets, bows. "Good to be doing work with a right good craftsmaster again, lord. Haven't had much to challenge the boys and girls with." He grunts, and looks at them. "Maybe they'll put a little BACK into their EFFORT, now that they know what Solars will be expecting!" And then he turns back to bow to you again. "Anything else we can help with, lord?"
<> Mahir says "You can do it, put your back into it?"
Teyv says, "I think that is all for now, yes?" He looks around at the other Solars. "Perhaps we'll meet back here for tea and cakes sometime. Thank you for your work, this outpost against chaos would not have been possible without you.""
Bennu will be attempting to gather all the PCs and Samun as soon as Tevy is done with the elementals, while the visions are fresh.
Two walks to the southern border of the village and looks south, as far as she can.
Brian says, "The Jokun salutes, and roars orders in Old Realm. His mighty team finishes, and begins to trudge deep, deep, deeper down into the sands and away. The llama-yu float around for a bit, before deciding there's way too much water around, and, tracing and making pictures with fire in the air, begin to fly off."
Brian [to Two]: Looking for anything in particular?
Ashan seems almost to materialize at Bennu's side. "We seem to have a clear direction," he says quietly.
<> Two says "No, just... looking. Possibly for sky-high minions of the Wyld with rose swords."
Brian [to Two]: Hmm. Give me a Perception + Awareness + 2 stunt roll. Remember your armor also gives you +2 bonus to awareness rolls.
<> Two rolls 10 dice: <1 2 2 3 3 3 4 6 6 10> for 2 successes.
The corner of Reed's mouth twitches slightly at the thought of eating cakes with elementals, but he says nothing about it. Instead, "I think we are done here," he says after the elementals leave, taking Teyv's elbow to turn him back towards the rest of the group. "Your masters at the Citadel," he continues, stressing the word 'masters' ever so slightly, "Will wish a report."
<> Two ...
Bennu, with Samun trailing behind her, approaches Ashan first. "We must gather all the others. I, at least, was granted a vision I do not understand, and I suspect others were as well. I would not lose any of it to my lack of knowledge."
Brian [to Two]: You can see nothing off in the distance. You have a sense of unease, though; your hands yearn to pull at your swords again. There is threat there-- you are certain of it.
Two continues staring for another moment before turning and heading back to the others. "South."
Ashan nods. "All of you were. Some of what comes is beyond the sight of the Loom, though the raksha invasion is a clear enough sign." His hand strays slightly to touch his sleeve, where a cold iron blade is concealed. "As for the rest...we'll need to pool our knowledge."
Mahir steps into the conversation, "The raksha to the South are merely one step on the path, and possibly not even the greatest threat. Although, after what we've done here today, they will be the most immediate, they will not allow this monument to order to stand unchallenged."
Bennu's face flares with wrath at the mention of the raksha who sent this land's scarring. "Order will be returned," she announces, and nods to Two as he approaches. "You as well," she says. "We must share these visions and see what we all know of them." As Mahir joins them as well, she beckons towards Teyv and Reed. "I understand little of what I was told, but I hope others will see more."
Two idly rubs the pommel of one her weapons. "If they want to challenge us, I am open to that. But they are just dogs unleashed on their master's orders."
Ashan nods to Mahir, faintly wry. "A path is made up of many steps. Ours, I suspect, should be pointed southwest."
Mahir says, "Indeed, that which I was granted also points us West after we beat back the chaos that gathers here."
Reed gently guides the sorcerer over to his fellows. "A rabid dog follows no orders" he replies. "The Wyld cannot be purged, Dawn. It can only be chained."
Bennu nods. "We are all here, now. We have all seen something as a gift from our Patron... patrons. I believe we should share our visions, to better interpret them." She settles down on the ground, sitting crosslegged as she waits for the others to join her. "I will share mine first, if desired. I certainly desire the aid of my companions in interpreting, for it is beyond my knowledge."
<> Bennu says "GM, in the purpose of retelling the vision as clearly as I can, can I just copypaste what you sent me instead of retyping it? =P"
<> Bennu says "Or would I have to roll to be able to duplicate it exactly? =p"
<> Brian laughs. "Oh, sure, go ahead."
Ashan sits down, fluidly assuming a similar position. "That seems wise," he says. "It was given to me to experience your visions, rather than one of my own, but the more minds on a prophecy, the better the chance of interpreting it."
Reed drops to a negligent sprawl on the ground, eyes narrowing slightly at the thought of the Sidereal intruding on his thoughts.
<> Two says "Oh man, this is gonna get spammy."
Two remains standing, hand on pommel.
<> Mahir says "I'll probably summarize mine, instead of copypasta."
Bennu laughs easily. "Be wary, then, wise one, that I do not ask you to just tell all of our visions for us." Not that she seems inclined to do so, for as the others settle in, she begins to recite what she saw, careful to repeat every nuance she can remember.
<> Bennu says ""Bennu, Bennu, Bennu," come the thousand whispers. A tall man of An Teng, outfitted in shining golden armor nods to you. "The lord of your House weeps for his first son. He has ordered the daughter of his Valor to end him, but it is not endings alone that are necessary for the forsaken." The man looks out at the brilliant display of essence from your patron, and sighs happily, feeling some of the same infusion of warmth that you do. "I am but an old retired servant, and your father loves you, daughter of his Conviction well, but it is the Valor he calls upon now. Come, we have much to do." Gesturing with a thick orichalcum sword, the glimmering lord leads you to a kneeling elephant, and up onto its howdah"
<> Bennu says "As the great beast begins to walk off, the lord-- or retired servant, it seems to shift around him constantly-- relates, "Your sister born of Valor has the longest task. Your father's first son, the lion of his Valor, fell far into shadow before he turned against his father and your house, and she is charged, as I said, with him. You will need to see her through that, for he is old in your father's power and deep in his new master's wickedness." The man sheathes his daiklaive and taps a scepter of office thoughtfully against his hand. "It has been said that some of your brothers and sisters have been forced into joining him. I know not how this is so, but I can taste the truth of it. Beware! For as they are turned, they are not twisted, and their strength is as straight even as yours is, filtered through lenses only my opposite number appreciates-- and even she fears them.""
<> Bennu says "The elephant trudges off to the west, covering the ground slowly, yet in a blur. "You and I will meet in the flesh soon enough; when you are done with your business in the south, you and your siblings-of-now are welcome in my house. Necessary, in fact, for there are signs and portents that even Fate has not read. I see them in the mind of your Compassionate brother, and I know this: what comes could be your greatest ally or your greatest foe. Long ago, your father's uncle was a master smith, and it was he who armed your house. But your father's first son, and many others of your siblings, turned against him and his children. Your cousins were blighted, and your father's uncle left. He is returning, and you will need arms-- but what will he think of you? Where has he been? You must consider all of these things, Bennu-of-the-Rebirth, for as your Valorous sister is the Champion of your siblings, you are their Heart and Will. Be prepared to undo the sins of the past, priestess-- and do not deny them. Justice knows only mercy for the repentant, not the defiant.""
<> Bennu says "The elephant either slows or doesn't; in any case, the land is easier to see. Moors and marshes and the good, green, growing kind of swamp that renews and refreshes life at its end, a kind that is too rarely seen in the Age of Sorrows. Rolling hills cover what is not good rice country. "Your Compassionate brother is leading you here-- or somewhere close. I cannot see, for it is hidden save to those who hold the key. You cannot build an army without building their arms and armor, Bennu-of-the-Fiery-Wings, and they are best made where he leads. It is a fortress as well-- neglect not your tactics.""
<> Bennu says "The man-- god of some kind, though you cannot remember his name in the vision-- turns away and sighs. "It is hatred of your father's uncle that draw forth the chaos from the south. They are as plague-bearing rats, and will set all to chaos and rot if you do not stop them. And yet, and yet-- at the gates of bone and the gates of metal comes threat, if the latter may also bring opportunity." He turns and gives you a grave look. "Be swift, Bennu, Pillar-That-Flies. Finish the rats, and visit your father's poor, pensioned servant in his family home. The true test of your destiny lies upon that edge." And then you wake from the light."
Bennu finishes by saying I am sure my host was the Golden Lord. And of course, our Dawn I know." She nods to Two. "The rest... eludes my knowledge. But I am no loremaster."
Two listens intently to the story of the vision. After a moment, she nods.
Mahir listens intently as Bennu describes a vision much more complex and detailed than his own. He, too, is no great Loremaster, but his training as a Deacon has given him a great delight in puzzles and riddles. Rather than search for hidden meanings in each single piece, he begins to build up a catalog in his mind of the links and relationships between the fragments, attempting to relate Bennu's vision to his own.
Brian [to Mahir]: Int + Lore +2.
<> Mahir says "I'm also going to keep trying to search for the links as each new vision gets added in, should I be rolling each fragment, or wait till the end?"
Samun defers Bennu's expectant gaze, with, "I received no vision, my lady, but watching your Circle's great deeds was blessing enough for me." The Dragon-blooded's eyes flick over the top of his veil to the other Solars, and Bennu turns her gaze to the rest of the Circle as well.
Two speaks next!
<> Two copypastas the hell out of this.
<> Two | The Unconquered Sun lifts up his spear and points at you, then further to the south. A wall of golden fire creases over the sky, which opens up, showing a mass of thorns and roses, with threaded, shattered gears, cogs, and springs. It rises up in a gigantic mass, writhing and curling, mightier by far than the enemy at shrine. At the top, on a blooming rose the size of a howdah is a maiden with a hateful, gleeful, blood-red smile and blood-red eyes. She holds a sword up; rosevines and thorns curl up around her and her arm and the sword itself. She raises it, screaming wildly, curses against shape and order as it the mass, followed by a horde, crawls towards Creation.
<> Two | Then Ignis Divine lets out a sigh, and strokes the length of the Godspear with his Laurel. "My son, my son, glorious in battle, but not glorious in his heart. He fell long ago, but did not rest. His mind was against me ere his fall, and I turned my face from him--" and at this, he looks at you, his impossibly handsome face grieved-- "From all of you, for the sins you once held. But as his blood was spilled, his hatred was increased. He has not gone on, my first and fearful son, but remains. As stalks the Rose and Maiden, as comes your enemies with hate, so too comes my son, and he raises the banners of my enemy. For this, I must weep; for the life... the oath... and the heart." Another groan escapes the lips of the most high. "My daughter!" cries Ignis Divine. "I lay this task upon your head. As my firstborn son has forsaken his heritage, as he has turned his blade against our family and our people, you are granted dispensation against him and those of your kin his has enslaved. No curse will fall upon you for their blood, though if mercy can be found then mercy must be used!" he roars, like a thousand trumpets. And then, as his Virtues strain against him and as he turns away, he says quietly, "But for the lion of my war against my makers, this is all that can be mercy: send him on. This will be the work of your lifetime-- and if you fail, it will be Creation's life that follows. Seek the rusted but unbroken gears; you will find aid, there.
Two finishes speaking and turns to look at the south.
<> Two says "My son has learned that trucks roll :D"
Reed lets the two Solars' tales flow across his attention like water, sieving the stream of words for recognizable items. Not everything matches his knowledge, but there's enough for the little barbarian to piece together a meaning. If the Solars can't, well. It's not his fault if their Cult-given education was deficient.
Ashan meditates quietly, recalling his own experience of the vision. Threat and opportunity, the weapons of war, all seem bound up with Bennu's "father's uncle". Instead of relying on his own memory, he chooses to reach for the source of the visions, letting his senses flow into the Tapestry. There, the six visions still reverberate slightly, singing as the strands of Fate vibrate with imagery and meaning. A part of that resonance reaches back, back, deep into the history of Creation itself, until it joins the glorious chorus that is the birth of Ignis Divine. That song is what Ashan seeks; the birth and trials of Ignis Divine, and those by whom he was made and shaped.
Teyv says, "Wait, the gears were a vision, I thought we were attacked by gear mashers. Perhaps I have a vision to relate also. I thought it was real. I should have spent more time in my youth with psychoactives, then I'd be better at this."
Brian [to Ashan]: Int + Occult + 3-dot. :P Damn you.
"You were focused on your construction, no doubt," Reed says gently.
<> Ashan says "Fateful Occult, I'll take my twelve successes and the WP."
<> Teyv says "Let me know when it's my turn, and I'll let loose the spirits of ctrl-v (or middle click in my case)."
Brian [to Teyv]: Unleash away!
Teyv says, "These are the parts of today that don't make much sense to me, so I'm guessing they were a vision."
<> Mahir says "I've got mine re-typed and ready to paste, just... still reading."
Bennu listens solemnly, but those some things are clearly related to her vision, she has no more context for first sons than she did before. Her expectant gaze rests frequently on Ashan and Teyv, hoping the Twilight and the Vizier will know more than she does of the symbols.
Brian [to Ashan]: You have pretty complete knowledge of the one who would call himself the Unconquered Sun's father-- whom the Golden Lord very directly did NOT... and you know which potential uncle has Gears. in his gears. Because he likes gears in his gears, which are in his gears.
<> Ashan says "Also gears. In case we didn't notice a theme."
<> Reed says "And thorns."
<> Bennu says "Gee I wonder what that could all POSSIBLY refer to."
<> Reed says "Every gear has a thorn."
<> Ashan says "I'll assume Ashan is meditating on this roll until everyone's related their vision, if they choose to."
<> Mahir says "Shall I paste? Or was Teyv going next?"
<> Brian says "Sounds fair. Teyv's up right now; Mahir, you can take nextsies."
<> Teyv says "Incoming:"
Teyv speaks, "To the south of you, lie the gearsmashers. They come out of chaos. They infect. They change. They make toxic what was clean, and make health cancerous. They seek to destroy order, hating machines the worse. You can sense them, sense their thorns whispering, clawing. Roses fall all around them, but where they fall, steel rusts and springs unwind. Whatever is order, whatever is logical, whenever discipline lies-- there, they lash with thorns and create strange, unholy corruptions."
Teyv and continues, "They hate you, and they know you-- or who you used to be."
Teyv takes a breath, "To the west, though. Your shard knows the stone you gained from the wrecked freehold. It is a key, not just a display; a key to a laboratory, to a forge-- to a multitude of forges. If the gearsmashers are cancerous chaos, this place is where fire is fed by purity, and tempers all metals and all materials to make great devices. You know, where the ignition stone leads, you once made miracles of design in great multitudes. It was a fortress and a fastness, and you went there to survive the Great Usurpation... but you were found and killed before you could return. This is a home, a safe place, and a place to build strength and infrastructure from."
Teyv looks around, then continues, "Behind all of this-- the coming of the gearsmashers, and the awakening of the Manse, there is a realm of metal and crystal, of smoke and oil, of lightning and steam. Here, thought and order thrive within the World of Logic and the Realm of Builders. It has been sealed away-- an ancient sin, you know that. It has been gone, hidden, and with it, such wonders of industry. Constructs, factories, minds great and small working towards a greater society-- they left, hidden from the sin of the past. But there is a cancer there, a rusting, spreading disease that corrupts and maddens. It is returning to Creation."
Teyv pauses for effect, "It will be here soon."
<> Mahir says "And Mahir is also still accumulating pieces of data I'll make another pose at the end to try to extract what I can from it, although it's going to be little enough next to Teyv and Ashan."
Teyv says with great gravitas, "And it will carry with it salvation... or feast upon the world to fill the hunger gnawing within."
<> Bennu says "That's why Bennu's big on the sharing time. Because damn it, she's not wasting a vision from her patron on her lack of lore. XD"
Two slowly turns to listen to Teyv, watching intently.
<> Brian says "I hope everyone enjoyed their visions and I wasn't being TOO obscure."
The recovered stone, Reed remembers-- the rest of Teyv's vision, although a perfect fit for the man's proclivities, only leaves Reed with a sense of unease and distaste.
<> Mahir says "I'm still not sure about the Rose, but I'm getting most of the rest of the refs, at least OOCly."
<> Brian says "Alrighty. It's a Mahir-turn for visioninging."
<> Bennu says "Yeah. Let's just hope that Ashan and Teyv can make rolls to give us the IC data too, or at least some of it. :)"
Mahir listens intently as each of his circle speaks of their vision. As they all turn to him, he shrugs slightly. "I was granted less than many of you, but I think clearer. I see the same threat that Two spoke of, the Rose and the Maiden and the screaming hordes of Chaos. There will be war, and we shall beat back the chaos that threatens all of Creation at the fringes. But then, to the West, something far more subtle than war. A hollow between two hills, in the midst of a swamp. An empty nothing which hides a fortress. It is ancient, beyond all recorded history, as old as our earliest incarnations. One of us holds the key to it, and it could be a great stronghold from which we could launch great campaigns to restore ancient glories. Or it could be the chink in our armor which allows our enemies to obtain ultimate victory. That which is hidden is also the enemy of our enemy, but I cannot say if that makes it our friend."
<> Brian says "Is Reed intending to share? It wouldn't be out of character not to, of course."
<> Reed says "Reed has nothing to share. The Sun didn't talk to him."
Bennu nods firmly. "And the west also holds An Teng," she says, "Where the Golden Lord has requested our presence. I understand little else, but I believe it would be wise to answer that summons when our deeds here are done." She turns her gaze to Reed. "The Dragon-blooded saw nothing; the Sidereal saw all our visions. You, Chosen of Luna?" she queries. "Have you anything to add?"
<> Bennu is asking IC, feel free to tell her no. :p
<> Teyv says "I'm sure in character, with all my lore 5 and stuff, I've picked up on all of the symbolism and stuff, but OOC of character, it doesn't mean much to me, because I haven't read enough of the background books."
"I have few things," the little Lunar replies, his pale eyes meeting Bennu's gaze from under the shadow of his hood. "And the words of the Sun are not among them." Quick as a flash, he glances over to Teyv, and then back again. "But the tales of you and your sister tug at memory; the memories of the Moon's children run long, even if those of the Sun's do not."
Brian [to Teyv]: Give me a stunt, and I'll give you a roll on 'em, that way I can tell you what your knowledge level is.
<> Reed says "I think I got most of it, but there's only one piece that Reed might logically know of."
Bennu inclines her head to Reed. "I would welcome your knowledge as well, Sorrowful Ivory Reed," she says. "My memory does not extend back... far," she says, with a wry smile.
Mahir silently ponders, now that all of the pieces of the puzzle are exposed, all that remains is to fit them together. He ponders each of the links between the stories in turn. The rose is unfamiliar, but seems linked strongly to enemies already known. Bennu's vision speaks much of family, the father, the uncle, the firstborn son. As he ponders the repeated image of the broken gears, his hand wanders up to caress the soulsteel gear currently powering his armor, wondering if it might be somehow related. He continues silently, staring off into the west, waiting for the relationships to become clearer.
Brian [to Mahir]: Very nice, very nice indeed. Int + Lore + 3 stunt.
<> Reed says "Do you want a roll from me as well?"
Brian [to Reed]: Int + Lore +1 if you desire, si.
<> Mahir says "I have no relevant charms, but I will do WP from the stunt for an autosucc."
<> Mahir rolls 8 dice: <1 2 2 3 7 8 9 9> for 4 successes.
<> Reed rolls 7 dice: <1 2 4 7 7 7 7> for 4 successes.
Brian [to Mahir]: You're sure that the various references to gear-smashing and chaos, etc. are DEFINITELY due to the Fae. The thematics suggest to you that this is some new force, and from the depths of their hatred for order, probably attached to the Balorian Crusade. You need to choke that puppy off before it gets much worse. After that, it's clear that Teyv's ignition gem's manse is important, something all of your past-lives probably remember; quite possibly a Factory Cathedral. Bennu's vision concerned the Golden Lord-- the 'retired servant'-- but the rest didn't make much sense.
Bennu is reminded by Reed's words that her Shard bears its own wisdom, and that she queries too; her mentor, her Shard, her memories bound up in another life. Too recent for ancient truths, still, he saw more of the world than she has. "What did you know?" she asks herself, quietly, unaware she speaks outloud. "What did you see in these seeings?" For there are patterns, and the enemies of Creation return again and again until destroyed, and what she does not know, she may have known when she was someone else - and now the whole pattern is revealed, the vision shared among the Circle made whole.
Teyv sighs and says, "the riddles of the 'gods' frustrate me. I study medicine and craft because there are puzzles and mysteries, but not deceptions. An illness or broken machine has a cause (or many) and a fix (or many), but a broken foot does not present as hay fever. Sometimes a teacher lets his students figure things out on their own, but does a general command with riddles?" Teyv looks to Bennu and Two, pausing just long enough to leave doubt the question is rhetorical. "I think I can see some of what we are being told, but if the gods want to wage war, and for us to fight it, I'd really wish they be more clear."
Brian [to Bennu, Teyv]: Int + Lore rolls on those, + 2 dot stunts each.
Brian [to Reed]: I've got your results but I need a sec; my tower's down, so I'm consulting with my co-gm for /names/.
Two says, "I am a straightforward person. The riddles I think about are how to get the blade of my sword past the defenses of some opponent."
<> Teyv rolls 12 dice: <1 1 3 3 3 6 7 7 7 8 9 10> for 7 successes.
<> Bennu says "I want to use my Past Life for a bonus, yar?"
<> Brian says "Yarr."
<> Bennu says "WP/WP."
<> Bennu rolls 8 dice: <1 2 2 8 8 8 9 9> for 5 successes.
Brian [to Reed]: You're unfamiliar with the 'retired servant', but you get the same info that Mahir did otherwise, and you know who those gear-smasher types are. The Escatic Hospitallers of the Fractured Gear Society, and a bunch of bastards they are. They were fanatic frontliners during the Great Contagion; they were beaten back hard, but every time someone brings a huge upswell of order-- a campaign to unite the South, the eye of Autochthon, major Realm inroads-- it's the poor Stewards who have to go knock them out again. Suicide troops who don't care too much about the shaping combat of their kin, JUST about attacking Creation. They're lead by a weird merger of a behemoth and a noble fae-- the Rose and the Maiden Upon It. They are one entity, clever, vile, FAST, and deadly. They've been able to take out young Lunars in the past, especially with the Behemoth, but elders and strong circles have been able to beat them back. The Behemoth always seems to either escape, or regrow-- it has seeds in the Deep Wyld, they say.
Brian [to Teyv]: You get the information Mahir did, and a bit more. You know who the Golden Lord is; he remains the God of Justice, and at one point, he was the head of the Crimson Panoply of Victory, the gods who work to maintain the fates & destiny forward planning for the House of Battles, under Mars, one of the Incarnae. He retired from that position to become the head of An Teng. You're not sure precisely about the information about the gears, except... there's a stirring, deep in your soul. A thirst for knowledge, and the idea that if you keep on this path, not only will you find your old factory-cathedral, but some revelation of science, something... and then it fades away. You are grimmly aware of one thing, though-- this father's uncle bit probably refers to one of the Primordials, of which most have become Yozis, some, the Exalted killed and made into Neverborn, and three are free: Gaia, Autochthon, and one last Primordial who has never been found.... and presumably hates Creation to this day. Gaia is rumored to spend most of her time wandering the Wyld, called back only by her love for Luna; Autochthon disappeared so long ago all you know about is his Eye, a fabulous device of thaumatechnological masterwork that can shape and re-shape reality around it at the will of its user-- but it's prone to turning on you if you can't master the power well, and nothing is known about the Last missing Primordial, except, well. Creation once belonged to the Primordials, and they more or less all /want it back/.
Brian [to Bennu]: You're also pretty sure that your targets are Fae to the south. Given what the visions sound like, it appears that the Golden Lord, and possibly some other entities, are trying to get you guys to clean up these Fae, and then head West, fast. If the fae are reactions to obsessive order, and there's a probable factory cathedral at the end-- well. Some great wave of Order is coming. And while you are the Lawgiver, you remember grimmly that two of the greatest enemies of the Solars were Cecylyne, the Desert That Is Oppressive Hierarchy, and She Who Lives In Her Name, order so incarnate she has always despised the addition of Free Will to Creation...
Bennu frowns. "Order comes, but not -all- Order serves the good of Creation," she admits, grudgingly. "None the less, the Fae are here -now- and their threat. We should bring our fire to them, and purge Creation of them, before we answer the call of the Golden Lord." With a hopeful look at first Teyv and then Ashan, she adds, "That is all I can discern, even with all the parts before me. And to the ears of those who hold more Lore? What is revealed?"
Ashan opens his eyes; the stars in them stand out vividly blue before dimming. "Many of the Primordials had some hand in the shaping of Ignis Divine," he says, "but three of them more than the rest. The Empyreal Chaos was first among them, and those who aided him were Cytherea, of whom nothing more is known, and Autocthon, the Great Maker. Of these, only Autocthon could be said to be his "uncle" -- and only he remains alive and free, though he has long left Creation. It seems that he may return, and could be an ally or an enemy."
Bennu nods slowly as Ashan speaks, listening.
Two says, "So. First we deal with Chaos. Then we deal with Order. And Chaos is warring because of Order. It seems odd we'd deal with the result and not the cause."
Teyv says, "When healing, you must stop the flow of blood before closing the wound."
Two says, "Or cauterize and deal with both at the same time."
Teyv says, "If you can cauterize the wyld from creation, you have a power beyond mine."
Ashan shrugs, slight and fluid. "In this case, the result is more dangerous than the cause. Of old, Autocthon was an ally to the Chosen, though now, who can say? But the chance exists he could be an ally again. The same can't be said for these raksha."
<> Two says "Given the rolls we've been getting on rituals... I bet we could pull it off."
<> Bennu says "Mmmm. Well, we could probably rebuild part of the old walls in a single small segment, or burn out a single wyld-tainted region..."
<> Brian says "No comment."
<> Bennu says "But I don't think we could in a single fell swoop get ALL the Wyld out of Creation at once. :p"
"The gearsmashers are a force of Chaos," Reed says, "Fae who care nothing for their own lives or those of their kin, only for destruction. They know that their semblances will return to the Wyld upon their deaths, only to be recycled and return to tear once more at the stuff of Creation. Their leader is a fae who perhaps was once honorable, but who long ago gave herself to this purpose. Her mind and form are linked with a great behemoth, and while each alone are formidable together they are terrible." He pauses for a moment, and then shakes his head sadly at Two. "Chaos is its own cause, Solar. If we simply remove the target of the Maiden's wrath, she will focus it on another path and leave a torrent of sadness in her wake. The forces of Order are, by their nature, given to following predictable courses-- if we leave them be, they will simply wait until we arrive."
<> Brian says "muah ha ha."
There's another reason Reed is reluctant to go west, of course, but he keeps it to himself. "There is another possible wrinkle," he says as he shifts closer to Teyv, "If you will condescend to hear it."
Bennu nods solemnly. "Perhaps they do not know caution nor fear," she says. "But I believe we can teach them well. It seems, then, that while some things remain to be discovered, we know our immediate course, my friends."
Bennu arches an eyebrow to Reed. "Your knowledge of the edges of Creation is always welcome," she responds.
Two says, "Even if they do not fear death, we can at least rest a bit while they are sent back to the chaos to reform."
<> Bennu is utterly confident she can teach them fear.
Reed hesitates a moment, as if summoning the courage or will to speak. "Among the oldest memories of the Lunars," he says, "Is a tale of the dark days following the contagion, when the armies of the Wyld descended upon the world. They say that it was not force that opened the doors of Creation to the Fae-- it was treachery that flung them wide, and the name of the one responsible was Lion. I know nothing more than that," he continues, absently shifting even closer to Teyv to touch the hem of his robes. "And it may not be the same man at all. There are a great many lions in the world, after all."
Ashan nods thoughtfully. "From what has been revealed to us," he replies, "it seems this court needs no urging to enter -- but there's a saying in the Bureau: 'There is no coincidence, only tomorrow's labor.' I wouldn't lay odds against us meeting this Lion."
Bennu nods thoughtfully. "Thank you," she says. "That builds into this picture - but I do not believe it changes what we are called to do immediately - drive back the Wyld and teach them the fear they lack."
"If he still exists," Reed replies, "We will perhaps regret the meeting."
Bennu gives Reed a wry smile. "I should not like to find ourselves unprepared in combat with a being from the time of the Contagion. We are yet young in our power. But we must do as the defense of Creation requires."
"The Rose and the Maiden is a formidable opponent herself," Reed warns. "She has killed many of the Moon's younger children, and even those of us who are not young have taken wounds from her thorns. She can be delayed, but we have not yet been able to find and destroy the roots of her power."
Two says, "The defeat of the Lion will likely hurt the resolve of the enemies of creation. What sorts of things can we do to prepare?"
Mahir says, "An ancient and powerful foe, if such still exists from such a time, will require much more strength than we now possess. Strength that we might find in the equally ancient power of the hidden fastness to the west. This is all speculation, however, an immediate enemy demands our attention first. This Maiden and the Rose are here, and now, and must be met and conquered."
Reed shrugs, and spreads an empty hand.
Bennu nods to Reed. "Surely," she says. "Though at least this is a known opponent. We may fail, but I believe we would not be tasked with this if it were likely - it is our calling to succeed and increase the glory of the Sun. His favor is upon us; we can see that with our eyes. We must continue to prove worthy. I can see no other choice than taking the fight to the Wyld."
Ashan nods. "Agreed. And time may be of the essence -- no pun intended -- in this case. I suggest we begin our journey as soon as we may; I'll inform Kether Rock of the change of plans, if need be."
"In the morning," Bennu suggests. "This evening and tonight, we will camp here, and ensure all is done for these people that must be done, that they have at least the beginnings of governance so that the generosity of the Sun does not fall to waste in dispute - for who knows if any of their elders and chiefs have survived? If you would inform our superiors of the situation, Ashan, I would appreciate it. Samun does not know the spells for distant communication, yet."
Two has partially disconnected.
"Change," Reed replies succinctly. "Madness. The favor of Heaven alone is not enough to keep you strong and untwisted by the touch of the Wyld." With a quick, supple motion the Lunar rises to his feet and interposes himself between Teyv and the rest of the Solars, looking up at the taller man. "If this is the path you choose, I will protect you on it. But know that I am only one, and the Wyld is vaster than imagination, and stronger besides. It is my charge to prevent the encroach of Chaos upon the world, and if you should fall, then I must act."
Two has reconnected.
Ashan nods. "I'll take care of it this evening, then, and we'll set out on the morrow."
Mahir has partially disconnected.
Teyv says, "I have a magic horse we can send, perhaps with a soldier or villager, to Kether Rock. If the wyld stands between us and a cathedral factory, then that is the path we must go."
Bennu nods. "A fair concern, Sorrowful Ivory Reed," she agrees. "The Wyld is corrosive and its touch can mar even the Chosen, at least those of us not graced by Luna. But as it is my duty to my troops to see them shielded, I know magics to protect any who share in loyalty to this Circle from its touch. It should protect the Exalted as well as the mortal."
<> Bennu says "At least those iwth an intimacy to the Circle, or Bennu herself, as per the GM."
<> Bennu says "Of course that only applies if I put up the scenelong but I promise not to leave you all stranded. ;)"
<> Brian says "I'll let you keep it up indefinitely for the purposes of this."
<> Bennu says "She intends to be reneweing it any time it drops. Both of them. :p"
Teyv says, "Rest is good for me though. Perhaps in the morning I will have acquired some new talents to aid in our journey."
<> Brian says "So, out of character,t o pool our knowledge: Who has (a) their own way of protecting from the Wyld, (b) an intimacy to Bennu or the Circle, or (c) intend to buy your own relatively soon?"
<> Brian says "Give me an a, b, or c OOCly, please."
<> Two says "I guess I would need to do (c) ..."
Ashan nods to Teyv. "No need ," he says. "I can inform them through the auspices of the Rising Smoke."
<> Ashan says "B! Which is good, because Sidereal shaping defenses still suck even after errata."
"Believe that I will not wish to," Reed says quietly, still looking at Teyv and ignoring Bennu and the others. "But in this, I do not guide my own hand." In a puff of dust and ivory-colored feathers, Reed launches into the air and glides away over the village into the desert beyond.
<> Teyv says "I thought I had some intimacies, but I don't see where they've gone. Perhaps when I fix my combo stuff, I'll have something."
<> Brian says "If you don't have any selected, you can opt to put one in to the Circle now if you wish."
<> Reed says "You have one for me, but I don't recall the others."
<> Two has 4 intimacies.
<> Two lol?
<> Reed says "I'll have to look to be sure. I'm going to buy at least one, but I don't know how many other people I can cover with it."
<> Teyv says "I have some obligations, but I don't know if that is the same."
<> Reed says "Nope."
<> Teyv says "Ah, yes, to Reed and the hospital. Perhaps after all this, I'll have developed one to the circle."
<> Brian says "Okay!"
<> Two does not have any to the circle right now.
<> Brian says "Teyv, up to you. If you do decide to have one, you're effectively protected; if not, you may want to spend some XP getting Integrity Protecting Prana. Which, Two, I would recommend you get."
<> Brian says "It requires Integrity 1, Essence 1, and it'll protect you against the basics of the Wyld and being directly shaped by the Wyld."
<> Mahir says "Catching up.... I'm using an intimacy to the Circle for Wyld defense, and I have Orderborn to sting them in return."
<> Brian says "Alrighty. It'll be a session or two before we reach the Bordermarches, so if you don't have the XP yet, you should be able to get it soon."
Brian says, "So, we're in abstract time here."
<> Reed says "Actually, how long would it take to fly back to Kether Rock?"
Bennu will eventually dismiss herself from the council of war to meet with the villagers' leaders, such as they are, and ensure that they have a functioning system of governance to provide order when the Chosen have left.
Brian says, "What are your plans before you leave, and what are your intentions in terms of -how- you leave? Will you go secret and slow at night? Forced marches to ge to your enemies fast? Etc."
Brian [to Reed]: A few days; you fly fairly fast.
Reed [to Brian]: I fly damn fast, really.
<> Two should have insane XP banked up.
Brian [to Reed]: I was going for alliteration. :)
Reed [to Brian]: I was just wondering if it was possible. Reed may want to talk to one or two people back there without going through the official channels.
Bennu has no intention of exhausting her troops, and their ...somewhat... mortal staminas are likely the limiting factor in their march. She wants to proceed at the fastest pace that will leave them without penalties at their destination. She believes there is no point in stealth, for they have rather tipped their harm here.
Two stays with council of war for a while.
<> Bennu says "And also, before she leaves, see 'make sure villagers have functioning governance'. Order is important. :p"
Brian [to Reed]: Mmm. I think so. You've usually got a general sense of where Teyv is, so you can catch up swiftly. But you'll be out of discussion for their plans for about a week, give or take-- which shall coincidentally be the time between the end of this session and the beginning of the next!
Teyv shall go with Bennu over to the village, to check on those who are healing.
Reed [to Brian]: Hmm. Now, do I trust them to keep him out of trouble?
Brian says, "Ordering the villagers isn't hard. They nearly have Cult at you guys anyway, right down to Reed and Samun, and as Solar Half-Castes, they're pretty predisposed to virtue anyway. Teyv, most of them are pretty healthy from your earlier work and the Sun's. I'm going to rule that with a good stunt, you can auto-succeed on making sure everyone's okay."
Brian [to Reed]: That, I am afraid, your storyteller cannot answer for you.
<> Reed says "I should invest in some of those bent-nail puzzles the next time I'm on the Isle, so I can just drop one in front of him whenever I need some time off."
Brian says, "Alright, Bennu is proposing an open march at night, but not going for zippyspeed. Anyone else have their own hats to throw into the ring on that discussion, or do the Solars have their plns ready?"
Brian chuckles. "He's your Solar."
Two says, "I prefer to wait until morning. Going on a quest at dawn seems more fortuitous."
Ashan spends some time writing that evening, on silk paper with emerald ink (both of which he produced somehow). When he's finished, he burns it, watching the smoke form the glyph of the Rising Smoke.
Brian may have read the 'at night' thing into Bennu's pose and it isn't there, oh well. Checking with her.
Teyv walks through those who are still recoviring, and in his best bedside manner, takes a few minutes to talk to each one, and make sure that they are all on the path to recovery. Even those who are clearly much improved, he spends time with, knowing that just a few words can go a long way to heal invisible emotional wounds. For those that will require more time to fully mend, Teyv makes sure that the local village priests/surgeons/barbers, such as they are, know what to do. In some cases it is more rest, and in others it is less rest, but there is time to pay a bit of personal attention to each.
Brian says, "I'm wrong, apparently. Morning it is, then."
Brian [to Teyv]: Perfect. You have set behind you an -excellent- health and safety setup. They should do well, for mortals.
Brian says, "So, I think I'm going to call this to a close around now. You guys leave in the morning to great fanfare and celebrations from the not-quite-mortals that now inhabit the Golden Heart of the Blessed Rivers, the Tiger-Warrior escort following Bennu's lead perfectly. Four Solars and one Sidereal go south, following visions and portents towards the teeth of chaos; one Lunar goes west and north seeking... well. That is secret to the purpose of that Silverchosen."
Brian says, "5 XP all around."
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