Invasion from within: Beziar

[Ress]

Calibration 1,

* Kahn got up from her slumped over stance and got to her feet, her face no longer flushed with exhaustion. She looked over at the horde, then at the people of the air*

" So you are saying you need sneak attacks from multiple angles? Well that is what Lunars do best! I will take the initiative with the People of the Air!"

* Kahn closed her eyes, took a deep breath and soon sprouted two large, white, angelic wings. Kahn then took to the skies with her retinue of winged troops.*

" Ha! and that is why Creation knows of Lunars and not Sidereals!"

*Crimson Falling Snow and 63 of the people of the water disappeared into nothingness, as if they had never been there in the first place, leaving Dal with One Road, Valerian Root, Quie-Ra and 62 People of the Water... over all, a very competent fighting force!*

( Dal & 62 PoW:0
Kahn & 125 PoA:0
Crimson Falling Snow & 63 PoW:0
One Road:1
Valerian Root: 2
Quie Ra: 2
Horde: 2)

(Magnitude: 2
Drill: 2
Endurance:6
Might: 2+2
Close Combat Damage: +3
Armor: +4; Mobility -1, Hardness 8
Morale: 3P)

[Dal'Lumen]

Calibration 1



*Dal nodded as everyone took their positions, and turned to his troop of warriors. He realized they may not yet fully understand River speak, and he had not had time to learn the language of the ancients, but he spoke with confidence that they would understand anyway.*

"Put your backs to the Manse doors, retreat the wounded and exhausted into the manse if the fight drags on... We hold from the stairs between the gate to the door crescent formation, Don't give them a single step! Quie-Ra, is it not fitting that we fight shoulder to shoulder in the same place we 'met'?

You, Valerian Root, and One Road fight in front of the crescent, they will come for us, and when they try to pile in around us they will be gnashed and mauled by the churning blades of our warrior friends!"

*Dal raised his blades to the friends around him and strode out and stood in front of the crescent that blockaded the manse gateway, he was not directly in the line, but rather a couple strides toward the open middle, lined up with the people of water 4 rows from the two tips of the crescent. This allowed him the greatest mobility to fight as a martial artist, as he was not a as useful as a rank and file soldier. He began to do what appeared to be an intricate dancing Kata, his majestic presence illuminated the faces of his soldiers, and burned away the encroaching shadows of calibration, while challenging and terrifying any that would dare to confront him. His blades and Chain sang out in their chiming harmonic vibrations with every move of the champion of Beziar. As the hoard began spilling in from the surrounding city Dal finished his Kata by clashing his swords together, causing a flash that spread even further over the area, briefly revealing the tide of dark beings that came.*

"Come on then, you want us? COME AND GET US!"


*As the tide descended Dal hooked his huge J Daiklaives around swaths of enemies hurtling them back behind him with each swing, feeding the hungry blades of his allied water people. He was like a massive rock formation on a beach, dividing the tide, and sending it weakened to an impenetrable wall of stone. When the masses started piling in, and the density of his enemies increased he began using the direct cutting power of his swords, slashing several that came within reach, while also spinning his long chain in a wide area around him, flattening enemies to their backs or outright disseminating entire demon bodies, sending limbs and bits through the air.*

*He looked out into the masses of wicked faces, and saw that they had effectively piled in around the entrance of the manse. Like the roaring of a lion Dal yelled out above the cacophony of inhuman voices.*

"CRIMSON FALLING SNOW... KAHN ... NOW! Come, send them back to their masters in a torrent of their own blood!"

*It was strange to Dal that such things could escape his mouth, but it seemed to make him feel better none the less. He maintained this mocking tough guy attitude, mostly to embolden the troops.*

"Hold the line! I have no desire to mop my floor!"



{8 5 7 5 SXS Attacks}-4 DV



(Note: Stat Totals

Base Defense: 7DV, 12PDV, 8 Hardness, 15 L/B Soak

Special Defense: 1 Valor Roll/ enemy attack or, -2WP, -3d Enemy attack pool. +3 dodge Dice

Offense: Dal attacks Pierce, +5 Raw Damage

[Ress]

Calibration, 1

* As dal and his army of glistening, black armored troops cut through waves of demons, Kahn and her winged retinue dive bombed along with Dal's army, making a pincer to help create a pathway through the chaos.

Crimson Falling Snow and her army reappeared right within the fray, as if they had been fighting there the whole time. A tingle could be felt through the battlefield, as if something just warped reality. The weapons of her people of the sea now glowed a crimson red, emblazoned with the symbol of the maiden of battles.

One Road raised his blades to the ready, then charged into the fray, digging his daiklaives into the wall of demons, just to scoop out bile and go back for more.

Valerian Root twirled out through the crowd, passing claw and blade, axe and mace until he arrived at the giant, mutant blood ape monster.*

" How about you and I have a private dance?"

* dozens of blood apes circled around the two, cutting them off from the war. The monster grinned a toothy grin as his three arms brought their weapons to the ready. The mutated Erymanthoi began by swinging his axe low, attempting to cut the dragon-blooded off at the knees, but Valerian root backflipped over it. The demon followed with his sword across his chest, but Valerian Root knelt low, getting out of its way... but the mace caught the dragon on the chin, sending him back many yards.

The demon horde chattered as they watched the exalt slide across the ground. When he got to his feet, he spit a long stream of blood. Valerian Root squared his stance as a green iridescent smoke coiled around him. Valerian Root's clothes and effects began fusing to his body, which quickly grew into the form of what could only be described as a 'wyld touched lesser elemental dragon of wood.'

The Valerian Root Chimera swam through the air and flung the demon into the air, before ramming his horns into the beast's stomach, then followed up by striking his tail downward onto the demon, crashing him into the ground. Four thorned vines came off Valerian's back, which he used to lash the stunned and frightened demon.

Quie was almost unable to take in what he was seeing, but gathered himself up all the same, swinging both spear and sword through the sea of shaken demons

Despite having their morale shaken from the assault and surprise attack by monsters, the demons jumped forth and attacked, coming down upon Snow and her crimson crew, mostly because they couldn't hit the fliers and were too scared to attack*


Dal-0
Kahn-0
Snow-0
One Road-1
Quie Ra-2
horde-2
Valerian Root-3

[Dal'Lumen]

Calibration 1



*When Dal had cut down everything that got close enough and effectively created a circle of dead demons around him, the rest that had been flung into his troupe were nearly torn to shreds. The demons that now hesitated to come to him were now faced with a cyclone of Orichalcum spinning in their direction. Dals chains whipped out and swept at the legs of the hoard, leg bones and exoskeletons crackled and shattered as swaths were brought low and before they had even hit the ground he was above them hacking their fellow demons into chum burying them under a pile of their fallen.*

"See the fear in their eyes, this battle is already won, cut them down to the last, for the honor of our gods! Prepare yourselves, in this moment we take back our city!"


*Dal stood in the clearing he had made and raised the "Law" in his right hand above his head, holding it long enough for it's burning light to shine across the churning mob, before dropping it with the murderous punctuation of the heads mans axe. This act indicating that the warriors at his back protecting the doors of the manse should charge and crush the enemy with overwhelming force.*

"Charge!"





{7 SxS sweep 8 SxS 7 SxS sword attacks}

[Ress]

Calibration 1,

* With Dal bringing in the loin, both Snow and Kahn brought their prongs in to pinch the demon horde to the makeshift arena that Valerian Root fought their leader within. Black, white and blue anima banners shot icy cold blasts of essence which tore up the demons that dared get too close.

With her essence almost completely depleted, Kahn relied on her natural strength and coordination with the winged exalts around her.

Snow was still running strong, her anima banner casting its glow over the battlefield and dampening the fates of their enemies to ultimately fall in battle.*

* One Road continued to slough through the gore and mess caused by those around him, catching any remaining demons in the chaos before they could launch a counter attack.*

*As the onslaught continued, the morale of the oncoming horde broke, causing the tide to rapidly recede, leaving their dead, wounded, and tripped to die.*

* In the sky, Valerian Root tossed the husk of the large mutant demon to the side, where it fell to the ground harmlessly. The draconian form of Valerian Root began to glow softly as the shimmering cloud returned, causing him to lower to the ground. The Scion's form soon returned to its original form, where he continued to dance as he did before, as if nothing had happened*

Though not nearly as many, the horde of demons was still a threat should they escape, but just as it seemed they were to escape, their bodies stretched and contorted, their eyes rolling back into their heads as their mouths opened wide, letting out a loud, reverberating scream. The sound was infectious, causing all demon's who heard it to also stop in their tracks and join in the otherworldly shriek. Within a matter of moments, the bodies of the demons dispersed, until they were nothing more than a cloud of motes.*

[Dal'Lumen]

Calibration 1



*Dal had just finished cleaving a demon up the middle of it's body when the army began to howl. Not trusting this new development, he went right on slicing through demons when at the last moment his blade sliced nothing but the air sending a spray of the blood that had collected on his blade and the mist of motes billowing away from him. He looked around to his companions and whipped his other blade downward, relieving it of the corrupted blood as well.*

"Well fought warriors! Do not drop your guard..."

*Dal glared around, searching for any new horror that might besiege them...* {Wits + awareness 4sxs}

"Rest up and hydrate yourselves, stay alert, we move out to provide relief to the citizens shortly!"

*Dal motioned to everyone to join up on him, after he had collected a few of the group.*

"We are victorious for now, but I do not trust such an abrupt end to battle. Rest for now, but we need to go investigate the city, and help where we can. You have all honored this Empire. Is there anything anybody has to say before we move out?

[Ress]

Calibration, 1

* The People of the air and people of the see nodded their acknowledgment at Dal's words, translated through the combined efforts of One Road and Crimson Fallen Snow. Switching to defensive, the teams split up and began carefully combing the city, making sure that there were no more monsters in the city.

Kahn's wings receded back into her body as she lowered herself down next to Dal and One Road. Snow, Valerian Root, Quie-Ra and Scales came in close when Dal beckoned them.*

{Kahn} "I don't trust that either... What was that sound? I have never heard anything like that, and why would demons do that to one another?"

*Kahn sat down on Scales, who lowered herself to accommodate.*

{Quie-Ra} " I have heard stories about things like this... its a sound made by a dying fetich soul during The Primordial War. Only a few gods in Yu-Shan can perform it, but the legends say that anyone who has heard it, can one day perform it."

* Quie-Ra banished his essence spear, then sank his sword into the ground, having no sheath to set his new and very deadly weapon in*

{One Road} "That was 'The Demon Wracking Shout'?

* One Road fixed his turbin as he looked back at Crimson Falling Snow, whos eyes were large like dinner plates and looked more like a starry eyed fan girl than a hardened war master*

{Snow} " Are you kidding?! Do you know how valuable I will be to my devision if I had 'The Shout'?"

* As Dal scanned around for monsters, he could pick up the distinct sound of the guitar being played from about a hundred feet away, which got louder as the player came closer. In the dim light of the setting moon and the blaring bonfire of a hundred animas, the outline of a musician could be seen walking to the group, his bright blue shirt and hakima adorned with beads and hanging feathers now making him a hard target to miss.*

[Dal'Lumen]

Calibration 1



*Dals eyes slid over his companions faces, he had brushed off that strange urge he had felt when he heard the shout as some sort of startle reflex. He knew now there was something deeper to it than that. He rubbed his jaw and throat as he wondered, but his attention was quickly drawn to the approaching stranger.*

"You there! Hold!"

*Dal held his swords out on either side and slowly walked out toward the colorful stranger.*

"Who are you, what sort of music man wanders through the streets during a battle?"

[Ress]

Calibration 1,

* The musician stopped, adjusting his guitar strap so that his instrument now lay across his back. He put his hands up with his palms facing Dal, showing that he was not a threat*

{?} " I mean you no harm!... and by the feel of it, you and I are caste brothers."

* The musician tapped his forehead, where a golden disk adorned, pouring golden sunlight before him as his anima banner flickered and billowed like a heat-less yellow flame.
The strange man had a white cloth tied over his face so that only his eyes were covered. He was not a tall man, standing at no taller than 5' 5", now noticeably a native to the far north. His long white hair was decorated by beads and numerous large bird feathers, all tied by leather bands.*

{?}"I am the kind of musician who's voice holds the light of The Unconquered Sun, harnessed both to bring joy to the innocent, or agony to the wicked. Please forgive me... I smelled a friend of mine over here and thought he was in trouble."

* He lowered a hand to point to one of Dal's blades, knowing they were there even without the benefit of sight*

" There! His scent lingers on your weapons... but you did not harm him, because I smell lots of blood... but not the blood of a fellow Solar. He must have handled your weapons very recently, but is no longer anywhere near here..."

* noticing he had lost himself in his thoughts, he snapped himself back into reality and put both his hands back up. He bowed to Dal, keeping both hands where he could see him*

{?} " My name is Heiron, but friends call me Heir. I am a stranger to these lands, but my friend and I sought respite here until Calibration's end... but it seems we settled right where the trouble lay. What is going on here?"

*Kahn stepped back up, still trying to look big and tough even though she was tired and depleted of her essence.Even still, her cool silver anima banner glowed around her, causing her tattoos to come alive with their almost bio-luminescent glow.*

{Kahn} "I don't trust him, Admiral. His story sounds 'too perfect'... and I make it a point to trust nobody until I can see into their eyes!"

*Heir snickered as he tapped his temples with his index and middle fingers*

{Heir} "Then you may have to check all the jars in The Hislanti League, because I lost those years ago."

* Snow's demeanor changed back into that of the battle maiden as Dal closed in on Heir, her crimson anima mingling with Kahn's, making a sort of purple between them.*

{Snow} " So it was you that sounded 'The Demon Wracking Shout'? I must say, I am impressed... and I am familiar with your work, Heiron. You don't remember me, but I used to listen to your performances in Diamond Hearth, before you Exalted. I trust you... and I am sure One Road here can vouch for you as well"

* One Road put his daiklaives back into the sheathes on his back, finding no use for them at the moment. With a sigh, he rolled his eyes and shook his head, putting both hands on his hips as he scolded Crimson Snow*

{One Road} "Just because my perview is travel, does not mean I know about everyone who's decided to take a long trip... I have mainly been to The West and The South"

(TBC)

[Dal'Lumen]

Calibration 1



"your caution is noted Kahn..."

*Dal flicked his two huge swords a little to emphasize the point. However, he lowered the blades and hooked them to his bloodied golden sash.*

"Trust, vigilantly.
I regret to welcome you to my city under siege Heiron, you have my gratitude that your shouting saved us from a longer battle. We might have time to breathe. I'm sorry to say that there were no other Solars here, as their help would have been welcome... Though that's not to say that his handiwork did not come when it was most needed, your friend has some great skill in the forge does he not? My blades still echo the forge."

*Dal debated divulging more information about the situation, and would suffice to answer bluntly, and unexpectedly.*

"I am Ashen Wind, The Admiral Dal'Lumen of Beziare... These demons come to collect on a debt owed by my father. Their masters will be disappointed to find that my sister is not up for trade."

*Dal smiled, having fearlessly said his birth name to a stranger for the first time in years.*

"Forgive me, but as you can..." *He hesitated as he realized 'see' might not be appreciated.*

"understand, there is still much work to be done before this war is over. You're welcome to stay in Beziare as long as you desire after we have cleaned up this mess."

*He turned and descended upon one road like a dark pillar obscuring the sun.*

"On that note, You and I have something to discuss..."

[Ress]

Calibration 1,

* Heir motioned to speak, but when he felt the intensity of Dal’s words, he stopped himself and continued to observe. He was a stranger in these lands after all and felt it best be ‘seen’ and not heard… at least for now*

“We have something to discuss?” * One Road said indignantly, not appreciating the way he was being spoken to right now*

“What are we discussing? Is it the fact that I have watched over you for years? Is that what the problem is? Because I don’t remember hearing so much as a ‘thank you’ for it, and now you are haranguing me for something? I can hear it in your voice ‘Ashen Wind’”

* As One Road spoke, the brands of the demon Lilaine began to faintly glow on her skin, but he soon realized what was going on and calmed down, causing the marks to die back down. He hung his head for a moment, then heaved a sigh and returned to Dal’s gaze*

“ Please forgive me… it seems the demon’s hooks went much deeper than I expected. Though the transformative effects will last forever… the emotional control will disappear.”

* One Road fixed his sash, turban and face covering before returning to their conversation*

“ Now then… what was it you wanted to talk about?”

* Without a sound, Kahn began checking her skin, looking for any remaining marks that the demon may have left, fearing that the prolonged contact may have marked her deeper. When she discovered little change to her physical being, she calmed down, letting the thought pass over her*

* Behind them, Valerian Root continued his endless dance, not minding that he was bruised and his clothing scuffed and soiled*

[Dal'Lumen]

Calibration 1



*Dals face heated when One Road began her rant, his world was shattered, his family lost, and life was simply surviving endless labor and violence. What kind of cruelty is it to watch someone go through that when they have the power to change it.

He breathed and let himself remember that his own mind was effected, not by demons, but by adrenaline and intense stress. He closed his eyes a moment and began to speak again to One Road in a slow, measured voice.*

"I suppose despite the demons influence on you, you speak painful truth. To go through what I did, and survive, I would have to be lucky or someone had to be looking out for me. Forgive that I may not seem grateful; those years...
I felt cursed, and only the eyes of my masters 'watching over me'.

As I said, we have some catching up to do... Starting with what you know about this attack. What deal did my father make?! Why is my sister involved? Why will you not let me see her and protect her!?"

*Dal felt his pulse rising again... He gritted his teeth and tried not to speak out of anger.*

"Please... Have I not waited long enough, have I not suffered enough to know? I must see that she is safe for myself."



{8 SXS charisma roll}

[Ress]

Calibration 1,

* One Road nodded as Dal spoke; keeping his emotions hidden behind his face veil. He paused for a few seconds, and then replied, speaking calmly and choosing his words carefully. A slow wind blew behind them, sending his sash fluttering in it*

<One Road> “ You want to know what I know? Well you already do… this attack is just as much a surprise to me as it is to you. I had no prior information of an invasion, otherwise I would have informed Ress, and had him deploy the Empire’s Warstriders to stanch the attack.

As we speak, my associates are looking over the major pulse areas of the empire.”

*Crimson Falling Snow chimed in behind One Road, throwing in her two cents*

<Snow> I was helping in Aranea, but before I could get any momentum, that Bear Lunar and his mad Earth Aspects had taken care of the whole problem... not enough fun to go around, I guess.”

* A growl came from One Road’s throat, at Snow’s comment, but she did not bother turning around to answer*

“ There is nothing ‘fun’ about this murderous mess that has befallen us…”

* One Road was silent once more as his thoughts raced. He had heard Dal’s questions, but was not sure how to answer them appropriately*

< One Road> “ So you want to know about your father?... it’s a fair question. I do not have all the details, but I know the gist of it.
In short, your father made a deal with a demon known as ‘The Equitable Trader’.

He traded away his future second born so he might escape his service in the Linowan guard. Unfortunately for him, he was not specific, and received his pay in cowrie, but your father was a smart man and managed a ride to The West, where he started his business.
Equally smart, your father had only planned to have only one child, thus escaping the deal he had made, but fate always has its way, and so your sister was born.

On the terrible day your father’s crew mutinied, it was because The Equitable Trader had made a deal with his first mate, to give him everything if his due was retrieved… but your sister was scooped up by one of my associates before they could abduct her to Malfeas, so your father’s life became forfeit.

But that caused that contract to become void… there is no reason he, or any other infernal being, should want your sister, and besides… there is no way they can find her, not where I put her.
And as for seeing your sister… please don’t ask me again…”

* One Road turned around, placing a hand on the smooth outer wall of the Manse and braced to it. He looked up at Snow, who nodded back*

<One Road> “ Because I don’t think I can bring myself to keep telling you no any longer, but no good can come from bring you two back together… not this soon, at least"

* Feeling the growing tension from Dal, both Sidereals and the now seething Kahn, Heir stepped forward and placed a hand on Dal’s shoulder*

<Heir>“I understand your sorrow, Ashen Wind. I too lost my family in one violent act… the same one that took my eyes.
I feel a pain in my heart every day for them, but I know they are forever alive in our ancestral hunting ground.

Do not fear, your family that passed are in your hunting ground. I would imagine it’s a land of forests floating atop the waves…”

* Realizing he had once again ran off on a tangent, Heir stopped and roped himself back in, returning to the point he was making*

<Heir>“ But rejoice that your sister is fine and healthy!… is that not the most important part? And He said himself, ‘Not yet’, which tells me that you will meet, and much sooner than you might think! Just have faith in the path The Unconquered Sun and Luna have put you on.”

* The mentioning of ‘Luna” was all it took for Kahn to lose her composure completely. In an instant, she grew into her giant warform and lifted One road over her head, looking him dead in the eye as she growled and bared her teeth, flecking foam down the sides of her feline mouth*

<Kahn> “ This is Bullshit! Luna gives us the power to forge our own path, and I refuse to believe that anything can get between the bonds of family, and if it does, I will rend it limb from limb and throw it to The Wind Masters! Now I have grown tired of your half truths, Traitor Exalt! I know what you did in the first age, and I do not buy your lines. Tell Dal’ Lumen where his sister is RIGHT NOW, or I will wring you out like a sponge!”

* Just as quick, Crimson Falling Snow was upon Kahn, pressing her Daiklaive to Kahn’s enormous back*

<Snow> “Harm one hair on his head and I will make you sorry you ever Exalted”

* The sound of metal on metal rang out as Que-Ra unsheathed his Daiklaive, pressing its tip to the back of Snow’s neck*

<Que-Ra>“And if you harm one hair on HER, I’ll make YOU sorry that you ever Exalted… This blade was once Balestrom, The Thief of Ages... Care to see what kind of power it holds?”

* Kahn snorted, unafraid of Snow’s threat, but impressed by the actions of Que-Ra*

< Kahn> “ Really, field god? I didn’t know you cared”

<Que-Ra> “Of course I do… I have deep loyalties to your past self too!”

[Dal'Lumen]

Calibration 1



"Am I to understand that we do not have enough enemies to fight on this day?"

*Dal walked over and placed his right hand on Kahns arm, and his left on Snows blade, and with his eyes he weighed down Quie-Ras Daiklaive. He was not nearly satisfied with Roads answers, which only brought up more questions and pain. He wanted to fly into a rage himself, and rend the earth and sky apart to find his sister and ensure the last member of his family was safe. His recent months as a monk had certainly given him gifts of patience and a clear mind, else he would not be able to bring himself to defuse the situation unfolding before him.*

"If you know what they did in the past, then you know that our essence may be far from innocent either... I am stunned by your empathy for the plight of my family, but please Kahn, we cannot hope to attain peace in our world, or within ourselves if we only solve our problems with violence."

*He looked up at Kahn, kindly.*

"Rest yourself tigress, battle has set a fire in your mind, there are still more sinister foes to the bonds of family."

*He continued looking around at everyone, waiting for them to relax themselves. Though his questions were far from finished.*



{4 Sxs calming everyone down }

[Ress]

Calibration 1,

<Kahn> “Hmmm….”

* As asked, Kahn set One Road down. Snow and Que-Ra soon followed. Kahn’s body shrank back down to her human form, her moonsilver tattoos now glowing faintly from the use of newly revived essence.*

<Kahn> “I still think you are a coward and a thief for not allowing family to reunite… in my culture, family is sacred, and we do not take kindly to folks tearing them apart.”

<Snow> “You know nothing of what you speak, miss ‘Red Talons’. You assume far too much to make such bold, sweeping…!”

* Just as Snow’s emotions began to rise high, One Road raised her hand, stopping her in mid sentence*

<One Road> “ No… I deserve that and more, Snow... I do have a lot to answer for, and I fear my sense of duty is failing me.”

<?> “You know what this means if you ‘let the cat out of the bag’ right?... are you willing to risk it?”

* As if from nowhere, the voice of a man was heard. Slow and calm, as if just woken up from a nap. It was moments after that the form of an eastern man, wearing farmers attire and a straw hat could be seen,lounging down at One Road’s feet, his arms folded behind his head, cradling himself as he relaxed, despite the dire tone of the area*

<One Road> “ Yes… I know full well the dangers... what else would you like to know, Dal' Lumen?”

*Now sure how to react to the situation, Heir began playing an upbeat tune on his guitar, just incase he needed to call upon its power to help calm the situation down*