Dawn of the Third age/IC Logs/Session 19
Session Start (Anshu:#celestialdeliberative): Fri Feb 04 11:31:25 2011 -0700
[11:31] *** Anshu has joined #celestialdeliberative
[11:31] *** Topic on #celestialdeliberative is: Exalted 2nd: Dawn of the Third Age / IC Channel
[11:31] *** Topic set by dakkareth (6 hours ago at 5:27 AM)
[11:31] *** ChanServ sets mode +q Anshu
[11:31] *** ChanServ sets mode +o Anshu
[11:50] *** dakkareth is now known as Nomoe_Hideaki9
[11:51] *** Nomoe_Hideaki9 is now known as Nomoe_Hideaki
[12:11] *** Bright_Snow has joined #celestialdeliberative
[12:40] <Bright_Snow> Now some distance away from the Abyssals and circling them at speed. Snow glances through the mist and refractions of her own creation. Turning sharply as the winds of the sandstorm summoned by Brazen buffet through the cyclone she has created, she changes her direction towards the Abyssals for another bout of blows, before retreating once more. Knowing that fighting like this was less a battle and more
[12:41] <Nomoe_Hideaki> As usual Hideaki takes refuge in projecting unassailable arrogance. There is nothing in Creation or outside that can touch the adamantine ramparts of his ego.
[12:41] <Nomoe_Hideaki> Not Abyssals outnumbering him, not the Neverborn showing visions of death for all he cares for, not even the slightly undignified arrival through the mad vortex of nothingness.
[12:41] <Nomoe_Hideaki> His lips curl in a cold sneer at the Moonshadow's words. "You can try ... If you think a reason could exist not to extinguish all of you."
[12:53] <Bright_Snow> For all their speak of voids and nothingness, Snow still darts about unheeded and unseen. The mist which had settled in the eye of the storm she had created, suddenly moves as she charges through, the incandescnet light and last dying smoke from the fire hiding her presence more effectively than any lurking in shadows could have done.
[13:00] <Bright_Snow> For a second the sand thinkens, not appreciably but noticably for those being observant as a lance comes speeding out of the storm striking those nearest her mate. Once, Twice and then stilled as the fury of the storm passes on. The Moonshadow speaker the first struck and thrown back slightly by the force of the blow in a wave of sand.
[13:06] * Nomoe_Hideaki stands still as a statue as he feels more than sees Bright Snow's attacks in passing. He certainly wouldn't want her for an enemy.
[13:13] <~Anshu> The excited anticipation of the Neverborn warns the Moonshadow of Snow's attack, and she takes a skipping step through the unnatural fog, evading the deadly blow.
[13:17] <~Anshu> The Midnight, however, seems not so lucky, the Lunar's lance-head cutting deep into his side. Scarlet blood runs down his side, and he coughs a gurgling, red-specked laugh. "Did you think it would be that simple?"
[13:17] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "You could, of course, surrender," Nomoe points out conversationally.
[13:17] <~Anshu> His wound begins to heal before your eyes.
[13:20] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "If nothing else it would save you some pain and annoyance before your inevitable defeat," he adds after a moment, sneering at the Midnight's unpleasant-looking technique.
[13:21] <Bright_Snow> Snow retreats back into the Storm, her laughter the only reply to the Midnight
[13:28] <~Anshu> The Daybreak kneels down beside the oasis, his anima flaring a black, diseased-smelling miasma as he caresses the surface of the water, a dark chant in Old Ream issuing from his mouth.
[13:36] <~Anshu> But the sound is soon drowned out, as the Midnight takes a large breath and then unleashes a literally piercing banshee's scream aimed at Nomoe's heart.
[13:39] * Nomoe_Hideaki closes his eyes briefly, listening for the fading echoes of the bells that sounded to signal Heaven witnessing his oath. No illusions and artifice of death can sway him from his course, no voice of the enemy get close to his ice-armored heart.
[13:40] <Nomoe_Hideaki> The unseen force of the Midnight's scream passes through him without resistance - and without effect.
[13:45] <Nomoe_Hideaki> As he ignored his attack Nomoe ignores the Midnight himself. Moving with supernal speed (if not quite as fast as Bright Snow) he glides forward and using the miasma of the Daybreak's anima for a stepping stone catapults himself high into the air.
[13:47] *** Bright_Snow has quit IRC: Ping timeout
[13:49] <Nomoe_Hideaki> There he floats for a moment, his hair and elaborate silk robes fluttering behind him, before dropping down on the sorcerer like a diving hawk.
[13:49] <Nomoe_Hideaki> Driving his knee into the man's back with terrible force is only the beginning of his dance of violence that ends with Nomoe reaching for the Abyssal's neck with the same crushing hands that already killed his comrade in arms.
[13:53] *** Virgil has joined #celestialdeliberative
[13:54] *** Virgil is now known as Bright_Snow
[13:57] <~Anshu> There's a flash of essence from the Daybreak's heart, and his flesh transmutes itself to solid soulsteel, the voices issuing from it joining his in reciting the ongoing incantation. To those observing through Essence sight, though the nature of the essence used is Void-aspected, its pattern is reminiscent of some of Ruby's abilities.
[14:09] <Nomoe_Hideaki> Actinic bright sparks spray everwhere as fingers hard as orichalcum close around flesh of solid soulsteel and crush with terrible strength. No one of the two magical materials proves the victor however, the soulsteel does not give even but a single millimeter.
[14:09] <Nomoe_Hideaki> But the terrible screetching as the unholy substance is subjected to the distilled force of Ignis Divine's condemnation drowns out the sorcerer's words, interrupting his artifice.
[14:11] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "Please do stay," Nomoe says with cold formality. "I would like to finish the conversation I began just now."
[14:16] <~Anshu> The Moonshadow grimaces. "Since Havoc and Plagues have given the game away, I suppose there's no point in keeping quiet about it any longer. The First and Forsaken Lion has a new master and new allies. Woid joins to Void, and the Engine of Extinction whispers his forbidden knowledge in the backs of our minds now, and with it the Lion is stronger than ever. Kill us if you like. Our minds and souls are promised to the Void's service, and we will return to triumph over you."
[14:17] <~Anshu> Our minds and souls are promised to the Void's service, and we will return to triumph over you."
[14:20] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "Fascinating," Nomoe nods, believing not one word of the rhethoric but noting the possible intel. "It will be interesting to see that."
[14:25] <Nomoe_Hideaki> If anything his utter certainty seems to grow stronger. His victory is inevitable and she will suffer for ever doubting it.
[14:31] <Nomoe_Hideaki> It is perhaps telling that he doesn't even notice his enemy's technique successfully eroding his sanity.
[14:44] <Wandering> There is a noise in undergrowth nearby as something charges out into the melee a low scaly shape it snarls as it moves and then leaps forwards claws out streached towards the Midnight it lunges towards the deathknights head with one claw and then spins and slashes low in a backhand with the other "You smell of death" it hisses softly.
[14:56] <~Anshu> The first attack is easily dodged by the Midnight, he steps backwards, disappearing into the fog before the second swipe can land.
[14:58] <Bright_Snow> As another individual, an unknown individual but one Snow recognises as using moonsilver, joins the fight Snow's attentions turn to the final remaining foeL: The Moonshadow. With an echoing roar she charges, levelling the lance flat as the wind howls in response. Suddenly every grain of sand in the air is pointing the same way, all a dagger aimed at the Moonshadow'ss heart. She steams past thrusting twic
[15:00] <Bright_Snow> She steams past thrusting twice and just as it seems she disappears into the night once again, something wet and sticky strikes the woman, dragging them off into the storm.
[15:03] * Nomoe_Hideaki raises an eyebrow as a reptilian hybrid creature storms out of the flickering silvery fog all around. "Well, we did put up part illumination so I guess it's natural for guests to show up," he muses quietly. */Where did that one come from?/*
[15:04] <Bright_Snow> */ Who knows, but I'm thankful for... /* there is a moment of examination as she dashes past */... her help/*
[15:14] <~Anshu> The Moonshadow's eyes widen as her magic utterly fails to harm the Lunar, and quickly dissolves into black smoke, reappearing a few yards away.
[15:33] *** Bright_Snow has quit IRC: Ping timeout
[15:37] * Nomoe_Hideaki examines the struggling Abyssal in his hand as one would a particularly ugly insect. The pale skin of his arm takes on the golden sheen of the sun metal as he redoubles the strength of his squeezing fingers.
[15:37] <Nomoe_Hideaki> With an expression of distaste he finally shrugs and turns to the Midnight instead. "You choose the path of suffering?" He grins viciously.
[15:37] <Nomoe_Hideaki> And the metallic sparks and screeching are joined by flying sand and squelching sounds as Nomoe begins to - using the Daybreak as a hammer - beat the Abyssal into the ground, workmanlike as one would with a wooden post.
[15:38] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "You will excuse me," he bows respectfully toward the newly arrived Lunar once he is finished. "I believe I had a prior claim."
[15:38] *** Bright_Snow has joined #celestialdeliberative
[15:47] <Bright_Snow> From somewhere out in the storm, there comes the sounds of bones crunching and flesh being ripped asunder
[15:48] <~Anshu> Before Nomoe begins, the Midnight looks up at him with equanimity. "I am the only one of us who is immortal. If I die, it is because I choose it, and should you end this flesh, I will be reborn in my master's dreams and made whole. Even you, mighty Solar, will die at last, while I shall exist as long as it pleases me to do so, and as long as there is a world to exist in."
[15:48] <Nomoe_Hideaki> *malicious satisfaction at the fate at Bright Snow's hands of the one who tried to put herself above him*
[15:54] <Nomoe_Hideaki> "Is that so?" Nomoe looks at the man sharply, but without showing how unnerving the Abyssal's quiet certainty and insane acceptance is to him. "Interesting." He inclines his head by a fraction, perhaps even to indicate a small measure of respect? "We shall see about that at our next meeting then."
[15:56] <Nomoe_Hideaki> Once the Midnight is no more he lifts the instrument of his death into the air and opens his hand. In an explosion of white and golden light the remaining Daybreak is blasted to ash.
[15:59] <Nomoe_Hideaki> *a faint impression of unnerving words said, uneasy contemplation quickly suppressed through strength of will*
[16:02] * Bright_Snow wearing her true form, strides out of the mist as the storm begins to disperse. Only her hands are stained with any blood, black with the Abyssal's hearts and turgid blood. * all that comes from her at the moment is satisfaction*
[16:03] <Nomoe_Hideaki> That matter completed Nomoe turns away from the scant remains of the five Abyssals. His silken robes shimmer and waver for a moment and when they are done no marks of blood, ash, or dust remain.
[16:04] <Wandering> Wandering looks intrigued by the Abyssals words "Immortalitly? Is such a thing even possible" she gives herself a quick shake "You'd be the Solar I was sent to help. Something about a Plague?" she turns to face Nomoe
[16:06] <Bright_Snow> As her battle lust wears off and her emotions begin to grow less bestial, her gaze settles on Nomoe. */ some anger fills the bond. /*
[16:06] <Nomoe_Hideaki> To the Lunar he bows a second time, more formally now. "Lady Steward, in the name of our host I believe I would be amiss if I did not welcome you to his domain. My name is Nomoe Hideaki, and if you are here to reinforce Deliberative efforts against the Lion then you are indeed in the right place."
[16:07] <Nomoe_Hideaki> *a mental impression of a inquiring look*
[16:08] <Bright_Snow> Striding up to him, ignoring Wandering for the moment a torrent of emotion is unleashed. A combination of worry, fury, old emotional pain and oddly a little ;ust from the more bestial part of her brain still calming flow.
[16:08] <Wandering> "A pleasure to meet you Nomoe-san" Wandering nodded "But where are my manners" her form shifts like water becoming that of a tall women dressed in traveling clothers. "I'm Wandering"
[16:08] <Bright_Snow> With a flick of one hand she lightly slaps him. a bloody handprint marking his face. "Do not do that to me again Deliberator."
[16:09] <Bright_Snow> */ It is clear that his jumping into the portal, against her express advice at the time, caused her a remarkable amount of worry /*
[16:23] <Nomoe_Hideaki> Turning to Bright Snow as she arrives Nomoe bows his head apologetically. *regret at acting thoughtlessly and making her worry /I'm sorry .../* - and then she slaps him. In front of a fellow Deliberator, no less.
[16:27] <Nomoe_Hideaki> Although his preternaturally void expression doesn't change even in the slightest the bond registers surprise, then understanding of the gesture and acknowledgment in quick succession ... for an infinitesimal moment. Then there is a feeling as if the solid ground underneath cracks and shatters, explodes in a maelstrom of an unreasoning fury so titanic no mortal soul could contain it.
[16:31] <Nomoe_Hideaki> Slowly, very slowly Nomoe lifts his hand to his cheeck then looks at the fingers that come away bloody. *Divine wrath consumes all. No one does this to Nomoe Hideaki! No one offers him insult and comes away without losing all that is dear to them, without suffering worse than any soul in living history ever has before! No, not even his mate. Really, she should have known better. Now he will have to ..
[16:35] <Nomoe_Hideaki> There is a flare of essence, like that signifying the use of a combo - but muted, aborted. *a torrent of icy flame held back by merely human, unExalted hands ... it cannot last, not for long.* The bond goes dead, closed completely. Stiffly Nomoe turns to the other Lunar. "Deliberator, you must excuse me. Important matters require my attention."
[16:36] <Nomoe_Hideaki> There is a thunderclap then, sand blasting everywhere, and Nomoe is gone.
[16:36] * Bright_Snow steps back, her shock at his wordless reaction down their bond quite evident. Even as he begins though, her eyes narrow. The serpent bracelet at her wrist moves, sliding down already into her palm thus far taking no shape but readying none the less and then Nomoe withdraws to her confusion.
[16:39] <Wandering> Wandering cocks her head inqusitivly and holds it for a moment "Of course-" she cuts off as the Solar leaves and the other Lunar "It would seem like its just us then" she commented dryly
[16:40] <Wandering> She reaches down to her belt and pulls off the groud and takes a long drink before offering it "Drink? So whats happened around here?"
[16:41] * Bright_Snow nods slowly. "I must apologise for my mate. He is not normally like that."
[16:42] <Bright_Snow> Accepting the drink, she smiles. "Plague... caused by these. She points to the Abyssal's. One of their hearts in one hand and the flask in the other."
[16:45] <Wandering> "Plague and not natural? Must be something if you can not handle it by yourselves" she shrugs "Should we wait for you mate to return? Or do we have somewhere else to talk"
[16:46] <Bright_Snow> */ Her rage vanishes replaced with confusion and a fraction of hurt. Before she too clamps down on the bond... /*
[16:47] <Bright_Snow> "Here is as good as any." She glances around. "Though perhaps somewhere further away from the bodies."
[16:54] <Wandering> "As you wish" Wandering led the other Lunar away from the bodies "What is your name by the way? I'm don't recognize you"
[16:59] <Bright_Snow> At the mention of her name, Snow pauses, the drink half way to her lips. Looking nervous she smiles, "Which one?" She asks with a slightly nervous laugh, "I have many." Pausing she studies the new lunar, noting the Full Moon, tattooed to her kinsmans brow. "Better instead if we state which part of the pact we are affiliated with, if any."
[17:00] <Bright_Snow> There is impression that Snow would not normally be this honest, an honesty caused no doubt by how shaken the disagreement with her mate has left her.
[17:04] <Wandering> "The Pact? Well I claim membership of the Crossroads Society" she looks thoughtful "Through I do not follow Raksi, Crazy Bitch that she is"
[17:07] <Bright_Snow> She smiles, a little relieved. "Then I will answer honestly, as both I and he have no real dealing with those of the Society, so I should be safe enough. And if I am not... well", she shrugs implying some course of distasteful action that she would not doubt take anyway. "I am Bright Snow. I claim membership in the Winding Path"
[17:10] <Wandering> "Wandering Drunken Scholar" she offered her hand "And feel free to drink as much as you need there is always more where that came from"
[17:13] <Bright_Snow> After a long swig, Snow hands the flask back. A slight look of embaressment flickering across her face as she notices the black bloody hand print she has left on the flask.
[17:14] <Bright_Snow> "So what brings you out to Gem then?"
[17:16] <Wandering> "I was working nearby, when I recived a message that you require aid" Wandering smiles "Since I'm the best damn healer there is. I came to help"
[17:19] * Bright_Snow gives an amused and somewhat condescending snort. "Admirable to be so talented. But is it not better to leave the mortals to overcome their own trials?"
[17:20] <Wandering> "I suppose you would think that but what good are these gifts if I do not use them? It was what I was before and it is what I am now, just better since Luna's gift"
[17:23] <Bright_Snow> She purses her lips. "That sounds like the Deliberative. IF you make them dependant on us, they fail. You breed into them dependance in us." She glances at Wandering seriously, "Our talents can be used elsewhere but if none with power interfere are we not taking away all responsability for our charges? You should know this better than most."
[17:25] <Bright_Snow> Her tone is calm. She has argued this many times, round the fires of the Pact, in the halls of the Deliberative, and in a dozen places in between.
[17:25] <Bright_Snow> Those who will be convinced will, those who won't will never learn.
[17:26] <Wandering> "Perhaps you have a point, but I do not take everything from them. I teach as well as treat" she takes a long drink "But I do not believe that Luna gave us these abilites and expect us not to use them"
[17:27] <Wandering> "Besides I do not linger long anywhere for them to become dependent on me, too much to see and learn"
[17:31] <Bright_Snow> "I never claimed that I refused to use my gifts, just that doing so as blatently and as..." she seems to struggle with the word she is looking for. "The others, they build societies with themselves as the pillar. Gem is the latest of these travesties..." She stops to consider something.
[17:32] <Bright_Snow> "Though we shall see how resilient a society that Brazen has fashioned with his recent actions." She shrugs, "But most of the Solars are similar. Forever making themselves the centre of their own societies."
[17:33] *** Nomoe_Hideaki is now known as dakkareth
[17:35] <Wandering> "That is a fault I've heard often" she shrugs "It seems to be who they are or at least who the sun pics"
[17:37] <Bright_Snow> "I imagine it has to do with that, yes. A level of ego we do not possess. At leasst to the same degree." She gestures back towards the city. "Perhaps we should have this discussion somewhere more comfortable. I imagine we will end up talking awhile."
[17:38] *** dakkareth is now known as dak|away
[17:40] <Bright_Snow> As the two march towards the city, chatting away a question echoes back over the sandy battlefield. "Do you know anyway to preserve this?" The lunar can be seen to indicate the Moonshadow's heart.
[17:46] *** Wandering has left #celestialdeliberative
[17:47] *** Bright_Snow has quit IRC: Ping timeout
Session Close (#celestialdeliberative): Fri Feb 04 17:51:49 2011 -0700
