Family Circle, yada, yada, Prologue 3.

[leticia]

Yasutora has been having odd dreams for weeks; the sun rises over the plate of Creation, and from where it rises, a broad circle of gold spreads out, as if his caste mark is branded on the surface of the land; The dream bears a sense of rightness, but not inevitability; he awakes feeling the need to bring it to pass - though not sure what 'it' is.

Sometimes, though, the mark is not golden, but black; the growth is slower, and he wakes with the feeling that this /must not be/. The dreams have led him to begin traveling east, then North; it is a long journey and longer for needing to avoid places where he would find himself embattled for his armor.

Yoru has been fleeing nightmares, haunted in his sleep by the faces of people he's killed. The fact that the Realm has sent a couple investigators to poke around his old haunts and look into the rapidly spreading local rumors of Anathema probably doesn't hurt, either. Traveling north along the coast, he outruns his reputation, and stops to enjoy a small seaside town with excellent taverns and a fine local vintage of wine.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "As the story opens..."

Yoru is currently enjoying the classy atmosphere of a local brothel and tavern. The wine is lovely and the women are cheap. As he lounges at a table...

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "He rolls perception + Awareness, please."

<<DICE>> Yoru rolled 1 1 2 6 7 8 10 on 7d10: 4 successes.

... he notices that there are a couple men at the next table over; the room isn't too busy - the evening hasn't brought in the locals from their work yet, so only long-term visitors and travelers are taking leisure here at the moment. This being a brothel, customers are not a particularly unusual sight, but most of them don't have barky skin, or hair like vines - and even less of them have the ruddy skin and hair of a Fire Aspected Dragon Blood. They are talking quietly, but Yoru can hear most of what they're saying.

"Seen near here, they say" one of them says.

His companion grunts, picks at his meal, and shrugs. "Definitely Anathema?"

The first answers, "Yeah. They're sure."

They seem to come to an agreement about finding the Anathema, and dealing with him, and go back to finishing their meal.

Yoru looks at the odd Fire Aspected Dragon Blood as much as anyone else in the place might. He knows that not looking can be as dangerous as being too interested. Taking a final gulp of his wine he looks about for some companionship for the night, hoping it will be easier to slip out the back.

The women are largely idle right now; while some are gone, enjoying their leisure hour, a few of them are more enterprising and hanging around hoping for some early fish to bite. Most of them are, however, watching the Dragon-blooded almost predatorily, thinking greater payment might be theirs from more important customers.

<<OOC>> Yoru says, "So how many are there?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Two - the Wood-Aspect and the Fire-Aspect."

Yoru will walk up to one of the women that doesn't look so star-struck by the Dragon-blooded. "Might you have some time for some fun, or are you after bigger fish as well?"

The woman shrugs. "Big fish bite hard sometimes." She covers a flash of bitterness with a practiced smile that comes out far harder than she probably intends. "A bird in the hand is nice, too."

Yoru grins warmly. "But big fish on the hunt may not have time for such wondrous pleasures that such as you could offer and while some wait, their birds might fly away."

The woman chuckles and nods. "Could happen. Could happen indeed that some might wind up with no bird at all because they wanted one too rich for them."

Yoru chuckles softly and nods. "Perhaps we could discuss birds and flights of fancy in a more private setting."

The whore nods agreeably and goes to leads Yoru off to her little room. The Dragon-blooded don't seem to notice his departure.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "I assume Yoru will be doing his sneaking out the back after?"

<<OOC>> Yoru nods. "I'll ask some questions about why the DB might be around during the 'pillow talk' phase."

The woman doesn't know anything much about the dragon-bloods; they came into town, apparently asked a couple questions of some of the residents - who have, apparently, been unwilling to say what those conversation consisted of and more than a little nervous since - and then arrived at the tavern.

Yoru nods and will mention they are probably hunting down Anathema, or some artifact of the Old Realm, or some other such important task. He will look at her reaction to such notions.

The woman shivers at the idea of Anathema. "Pox take them all," she says. "All Exalts and powers; Anathema, Outlaw Dragon-blooded, even the blasted self-righteous ones of the cursed Realm and gods. The best we get from any of them is protection from the rest." She looks around nervously after saying that, and doesn't want to talk about the subject anymore.

Yoru nods and lets the subject drop. After all is said and done he shall slip out the back and think on which way to go now.

It's early evening when Yoru sneaks out the back; the brothel doesn't appear to be surrounded by a legion of the Realm's finest Anathema hunters, or, really, any at all.

The locals are starting to stir out in search of an evening's remedy to tedium. If any stories will pass - to the dragonblooded, or about them - this is when it would start.

Yoru will head to wherever he stabled his horse and think on things. He takes the long way, listening to any gossip on the way that relates to the Dragon-blooded.

Near the stables where his horse is lodged, Yoru starts hearing the rumors that there are Anathema hunters in town. A lot of the gossip is focussed on old stories of the destructiveness of battles of Exalts, and hoping that the Anathema isn't found here.

Yoru will wander over to a group or two of those and nod. He also adds into the mix, "I heard there was some strangeness to the west of here." or "I wonder if this is about that guy over in <a town to the west>. They said he did strange things." Maybe the misinformation will lead those bastards astray as he heads in a different direction.

Yoru will then get ready to head out of town as it is getting too hot for him.

Rumors spreading, there seems to be no impediment to leaving town; few people are trickling through the gates right now, so beyond the walls, there's no one to see where he goes.

<<OOC>> Yoru has no idea where to go mind you. "I'm guessing I'm on the south shore of the inner sea somewhere?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "More slightly east of it, but still far south of the Yanaze river."

<<OOC>> Yoru will just head in the direction of the next town then I guess.

Yoru's departure from town seems to stir no excitement; the night is dark, and it is unlikely he will encounter anyone. Few people like to leave the shelter of walls at night, particularly alone. As he heads into the brush and shrub that serves the local towns as forest for firewood, the gleam of the end of sunlight reflects off something golden somewhere in the distance.

<<OOC>> Yoru says, "Can I figure out what it is at this distance?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "It is hard to distinguish; there is a great deal of foliage and stunted scrub between you and it; whatever it is, it seems to be as wide as it is tall, from the distribution of glimpses."

<<OOC>> Yoru shall head that way to get a closer look, becoming stealthy when I get near.

<<OOC>> Yoru will of course leave the horse in a (hopefully) safe spot while doing this.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Going to use Charms, or just sneak?"

<<OOC>> Yoru says, "Just sneak."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Dex + Stealth roll?"

<<DICE>> Yoru rolled 3 4 6 6 7 8 9 10 10 on 9d10: 7 successes.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Sneaky!"

<<OOC>> Yoru pets the dice. "That's good dice. Good boys, there'll be treats for you later."

<<OOC>> Storyteller has Yasutora make his Awareness roll now. :)

<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolled 2 2 3 5 5 9 10 on 7d10: 3 successes.

As Yoru gets closer... it appears, perhaps, to be humanoid in form, albeit in a kneeling position - and huge, around 6 feet tall - and that's in a kneeling position, still in the last light of the day.

<<OOC>> Yoru says, "Do I recognize him/her/it at all?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "At the moment? No; the light is getting bad and it's hard to identify from here more than the outline of a kneeling figure."

<<OOC>> Yoru will wait and see what it does then.

Sado Yasutora rises from his evening prayers, the Farewell to the Twilight. As always, he addresses his lord Sol Invictus in armor, as befits a servant of a martial deity, and as he rises, steam hisses out of the essence-driven pneumatic drives of the Unyielding Bastion of the Tower of the Sun's pseudomusculature system, the great golden plates interlocking as the fins rearrange themselves into an auspicious arrangement to vent the increased expenditure of inherent energy. As the brilliant, multicolored twilight shimmers off the gold-on-white of the Orichalcum plates over White Jade support, the entire giant assemblage moves with a quiet, steady assurance-- not grace, but certainly not the clumsiness the massive armor might appear to imply-- stylized pectoral and abdominal plates seeming to be moving almost like the hide of some exotic beast. The prayer-rune etchings over the armor begin to glow to life, the burning red traveling from the hard tread of the armor's thick boots up and across the both sides of the chests and over each arms, traveling in a straight stripe up on each arm to the shoulder, where the shoulder blades form secondary, broader essence fans. Interlocks snap down on his right arm, latching on the solid and reliably mass of the oddly-inscribed Shield of the Righteous; Yasutora clenches his fist, feeling the magical "nerves" trigger the internal motors. His left arm raises his handmade tower shield, good, ordinary steel inscribed with prayers to Sol Invictus for his aid in battle. The shining visor of his swept-back full-face shimmering helmet lights as Yasutora quietly whispers a second prayer, this time to the little god of Unyielding Bastion, his breath filtering through the rebreather/mouthguard in a not-quite audible puff.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Okay, a note, Yoru: It is highly unlikely anyone but a Solar would be running around with quite that much Orichalcum on. Also, now more like 10+ feet tall. (Yes, Brian?)"

<<OOC>> Yoru doubts he's ever heard of the Realm employing such armor.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Damn straight. If it was Jade, it might be out of Lookshy, but this? This is definitely NOT."

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "Yup., 10'+ ish, shining around like a torch in just the twilight."

Yoru blinks and wows silently at the armor. Figuring that such a thing isn't being run by those hunting him he steps forward. "That is quite the piece of armor you have there, tall fellow."

Sado Yasutora turns around slowly as he hears the voice and inclines his head in a polite greeting. "Thank you," the giant rumbles, his pleasant voice carried quite well through the armor. "I am Sado Yasutora; you are welcome here," he continues. "In a moment, firewood."

Yoru is a man of perhaps six feet tall. He is light brown in color, hinting at mixed heritage. His hair is black and lanky and is kept at shoulder length. Black eyes peer out above a blunt nose and a thin line of a mouth. He is clean-shaven. He is also almost never without his long brimmed, black hat upon his head. He tends to wear dark clothing and an overcoat atop it all. This tends to hide how thick or thin he actually is. A chain is worn as a belt and he has soft soled boots upon his feet.

"I am Yoru," replies the one who stepped from the shadows. He seems a bit at a loss for words being confronted by the monstrosity.

Sado Yasutora sets down his hefty shield, leaning it against a tree, as he begins to gather the firewood collected earlier. "There are some rations in my sack," he says, indicating a nearby leather bag, "And some deer I hunted earlier. My fire's hospitality is open to you," he continues, setting up the firewood and using his flint and steel to get it going. Wordlessly, he begins to prepare the deer with a large knife; despite the heft of the huge smashfist, its fingers are oddly dexterous.

Yoru nods. "I have a horse not far from here with my possessions. And I thank you for the hospitality. I shall return in a moment." He returns to his horse to lead the animal back to the campfire.

The horse is a little alarmed by the large thing, but no more so than horses usually are by the unknown; when the armor neither pursues nor eats it, it settles down.

"You pray to Sol Invictus," Yoru comments when he returns. "There are those in town who are hunting such that are chosen by him."

Sado Yasutora sets the deer to cooking and sits by the fire on a great stone. He goes still for a moment, and then there is a great hissing as the front orichalcum plates move back and the white jade recedes, allowing him to pull his own fairly huge arms out of the even larger ones of the armor-- yet halfway in so he can return at need. Inside the armor, Yasutora is hardly less huge-- a 9' tall, but young-faced man with light brown skin and chocolate-brown eyes, and plain brown hair that is worn in a wild, wavy style half-covering his face. He is immensely muscular and fit in appearance. "An unfortunate thing," he says quietly. "But my voice will not be stilled."

Yoru grins and nods. "Actually, I thought they might be hunting me." He lifts his hat upwards so that the gold of his permanent caste mark can be visible for a moment. Once he is sure Sado has seen it Yoru settles the hat back in place.

Sado Yasutora bows deeply in his seat to Yoru. "Then you are thrice welcome at my fire, brother," he says, his calm voice carrying even more of the warmth beneath. He carves the deer up carefully and offers the first choice portion to Yoru.

Yoru accepts gratefully and bows in return to Sado. "It is good to meet another of the sun chosen." He reaches into his saddle bags and produces a skin of wine and offers it to the giant golden boy. It isn't as good as that back in town, but it is passable.

<<OOC>> Storyteller | Yoru: Plus, you're a shinier, bigger target.

<<OOC>> Yoru whistles innocently.

Sado Yasutora coughs a bit. He's a bit young for wine, but unwilling to refuse the sharing of the fire, so he takes a swig-- despite his mass, he coughs again, unused to the fire of alcoholic beverages. "We are not meant to be alone. I head into the East, north of here; darkness requires light there."

Sado Yasutora passes the skin back to Yoru.

Yoru takes the wine back and takes a small swig. "It isn't the best I admit," he offers in way of apology though he does look at the man's youthful appearance again. "I am headed... well, away from those I have made angry."

Sado Yasutora 's calm aplomb is lost in a momentary flash of embarrassment. "No, it is good, just my first drink." He gives a slight smile. "I would be grateful for your company on the road and in battle, Iron Wolf," he says earnestly in that even tone of his.

Yoru smiles and grins. Slight mirth tinges his voice as he says, "The first is always a shock." Nodding mostly to himself he adds, "It would be a pleasure to accompany you on your journey."

Sado Yasutora extends his broad hand out across the fire to Yoru, silently offering him the first bonds of Circle.

Yoru extends his hand across the fire to complete the first bonds of Circle.

<<OOC>> Storyteller would like per + awa rolls from both. ^^ I now begin to understand why Brian asks for so many! They're fun! ;)

<<DICE>> Yoru rolled 4 5 9 9 9 10 10 on 7d10: 7 successes.

<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolled 1 4 9 on 3d10: 1 success.

Yoru hears rustling, like someone coming through the heavy scrub in a zigzagging path.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Yasutora, alas, hears nothing. :p"

Yoru's head swivels towards the sound. "Someone is approaching," he whispers across the fire, backing away from the light.

Sado Yasutora pulls back into his armor with a nod. "I hope I will have to get another deer," he says quietly as his arms slide into the pseudomusculature jade and the orichalcum plates seal shut over their Kukla-scale bases, the armor's visor and runes lighting up once more.

<<OOC>> Yoru .oO(Do we look like we came straight from Full Metal Alchemist?)

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora laughs.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "Probably."

<<OOC>> Storyteller CACKLES.

<<OOC>> Allen says, "...XD"

<<OOC>> Storyteller is going to have to recolor a picture of Al and Ed now... >_>

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "Now that I've got the starmetal harmonics back on, can I make another roll, or is it moot?"

Yoru calls out, "We know you are there, do you come to share our fire?"

Sado Yasutora closes his eyes as he rises, new plates locking into place-- in this case, 'plates' of Essence as he calls upon the Eight Steel Soul Harmony, just in case it is not warmth and food their visitor desires. His free arm rests easily on the tower shield, but does not take it up; he stands like a statue, but not a warlike one.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "Using personal essence for this one."

The rustling continues, and now that he has the benefit his armor, Yasutora can hear it, as well; the path of approach does not seem to be direct, but unfocused, not on a direct heading but zigging and zagging - if still in the general direction. Whoever it is making no attempt to be quiet; they're still a ways away, but moving. When Yoru calls out; the crashing pauses for a long moment.

Sado Yasutora says "Peace is welcome at our fire; will you share the warmth?"

Storyteller will take an additional awa + per roll now, please. ^^

<<DICE>> Yoru rolled 2 3 6 8 8 9 10 on 7d10: 5 successes.

When the unknown visitor approaches, it's much slower.

<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolled 2 5 6 6 7 8 8 on 7d10: 3 successes.

Listening closely, both Solars can hear... other rustling off, in the distance - not heading directly this way.

<<OOC>> Yoru says, "Can I guess how far away?"

They're a good ways away; about 200 feet or so, to either side; approximately parallel to the approach of the first rustling.

The nearer rustling, which is now heading directly towards you, resolves into a boy - he looks younger than Yasutora by far, but since he seems slightly malnourished, he could be older - particularly considering the Zenith's stature. His eyes widen immensely as he stares at the golden giant, and he takes a deep breath and opens his mouth...

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Hrm. Dex + Wits; non-standard, but hey, it's the most appropriate thing, really."

<<DICE>> Yoru rolled 1 2 2 3 5 6 9 9 on 8d10: 2 successes.

<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolled 1 1 2 6 7 8 10 on 7d10: 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Yoru idly ponders dragging Sado to a brother to 'make a man out of him'.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora hates you all. Lovingly. :P

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "A brother? =P"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Dude."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "He doesn't swing that way. ;p"

<<OOC>> Yoru says, "brothel"

<<OOC>> Yoru hangs his head in shame.

Yasutora's reactions are fast; he has time to observe that the boy is starting to shout - and there other people beating the brush around... and didn't Yoru say something about hunters? And there he is in his golden armor...

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "You can take an action before he shouts. Pick one!"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "...the kid, by the way, looks entirely normal and unarmed."

Sado Yasutora bows to the child, kneeling. He holds out his dinner-- only barely started, making slow, careful movements so as not to further startle the boy. "You are -welcome- here," he says softly, letting his voice carry his heart and calmness, hoping to at least calm the child so he won't be hit in the rush he is sure to come.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "Can I make a Cha + Pre roll to try and ... I dunno, confuse or at least calm him?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Yes."

<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolled 3 4 5 5 7 10 on 6d10: 3 successes.

The boy's eyes bug out; the shout diminishes into something of a squeak as he stares at Yasutora.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Yoru, you can act now."

Yoru looks like he was about to leap at the child and quiet him somehow, but seeing how that is now taken care of he merely settles back down from the balls of his feet. He looks in the direction of the other noises and asks the boy. "Do you have friends out there?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "You too, Yasutora. Consider yourselves posing normally until I say otherwise. :)"

Sado Yasutora holds the haunch out for the child-- it's cooling now, but well-prepared otherwise. He concentrates for a moment while doing so, though, letting the last prayer, the last transformation of his battle-meditation lock into place. He knows the tactics of the Wyld Hunt, and is certain the poor kid (kid, when he's scarcely younger than Yasutora!) is bait. As the last Charm activates with his personal essence, his body becomes as his armor, taking on the impenetrable, unbreakable qualities of the Orichalcum Body Meditation, his personal Eight Steel Souls harmonizing with those of the Unyielding Bastion.

The boy's eyes flick to Yoru as he speaks; he starts, seeming to not have noticed the Night until then, but his gaze is drawn back to what he seems to regard as the terrible spectre of Yasutora. "Y...y...you're t...the d...d...dem...." His voice breaks, climbing squeaky. "Don't kill me!" he begs.

Sado Yasutora speaks quietly, "By the Sun and the Four Armaments, you are safe here," he says, quietly determined to make sure that once the fighting starts, his massive body will be between the kid and any oncoming fire.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "Which, in fact, he intends to do, if he can-- if shots start firing, he'll try to interpose his body between the kid and any potential crossfire."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Aww."

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora is an armored badass of an Exalted with two of the most potent sub-5 armor-compatible Charms in the world. The kid is a mortal. Yasutora is NOT letting him get hurt while there is Essence in his veins.

"They said you'd kill us all," the boy says, still clearly frightened, though Yasutora's Charisma - and repetition of assurance - seems to be taking hold.

Sado Yasutora says "We will not."

The kid looks sideways at Yoru, and squeaks, "Are you with him too?"

Yoru hmphs softly at being ignored and exerts his will to charge up Ebon Shadow form (Personal Essence) while the others talk. When he is addressed he looks at the child and nods. "I am sharing the fire, food, and hospitality of this kind soul."

<<OOC>> Storyteller giggles. Well, you don't look as blatantly Anathema!

<<OOC>> Yoru says, "Until I disappear."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Well, then you don't look like anything."

<<OOC>> Allen says, "We're just going to be a stand-out group, aren't we?"

<<OOC>> Allen says, "Stunningly gorgeous Green Cove, Sado, and Allen."

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora is a ten foot tall walking gold statue.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Well. There's the golden giant, Allen the Unusual (KA 4), and Green Cove the perfect 10. :p"

<<OOC>> Allen says, "XD Yeah."

<<OOC>> Yoru is just the Disturbing guy who fades into the background... literally.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "All the kids are definitely ...unique, and the adults both have Permanent Castemark. One has Disturbing."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "...if people /aren't/ looking, something's wrong. :p"

<<OOC>> Allen says, "...wow. XD"

The rustlings to the sides have moved on, past your fire; the boy that burst into the campfire is standing there still, his fright slowly soothing away despite everything he 'knows' about Anathema. "...He's a ..." the boy pauses, swallows, and finishes telling Yoru, "...a demon! You /shouldn't trust him/!"

Sado Yasutora is a kind-hearted boy, and doesn't take the comment to heart. He reaches around in his travelsack to find more rations for the kid to take back. He can supply Yoru and himself off the land; this kid might not see regular food all that often.

"If he were a demon, I likely would already be dead, dear boy," comments Yoru. He nods to the food and adds, "I have eaten from it and am fine."

The boy tells Yoru, "The Exalted from the Realm said he's a demon and told us to find him! They said if they were going to save us, we could at least make ourselves useful. And they..." his voice trails off. "I'm supposed to shout." He seems confused.

Yoru continues to speak in his usual soft, calm voice. "Are they the ones that are blundering about in the forest being loud enough to alert a deaf man?" A smirk toys with the sides of his lips.

Sado Yasutora looks at Yoru. "He could be hurt-- or his family, if he doesn't," he says with a slight touch of worry.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora has a Plan. Get the kid out of the firelight, get the shield up, and then have him yell. Let's see how these Dynasts do when not hiding behind small children.

The kid shakes his head slowly. "Those are..." he stops to think, and points north. "Mouse." He points south. "Swiftly Swimming."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Ah, Solar Charisma."

Yoru says "So are your, ah, 'saviors' close by?"

Sado Yasutora 's eyes flash behind his adamant visor, as he hoists up the tower shield. "My friend," he tells the boy, "I do not wish you to have trouble with the Realm." He looks back to Yoru. "I believe we should greet them as unwelcome guests-- if our new friend here will step away from the firelight first, so as to be safe."

The boy nods slightly. "I... think so. They said they would be in earshot and they would come when we yelled." He looks over his shoulder at the now mostly quiet shrub forest. "...and whoever found him... you..." he stares at Sado, "...would probably die but it would be a brave sacrifice and..." he swallows, "...save our families."

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "During the combat, I'd like to keep an eye on him anyway. Is there enough light left, or do I need to turn on Essence Sight?"

Yoru hrms and shrugs. "Perhaps it is best if you left this clearing before yelling out where we are..."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "The sun has set, but it's not fully dark. I'd say you're working under... Full Moon in open terrain conditions; the shrubs here aren't that dense."

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "Alrighty. Good enough."

The boy looks confused. "You want me to shout? Are you going to kill me when I do?"

Sado Yasutora shakes his head. "No. It would be best if you ran for safety, though."

Yoru sighs and shakes his head. "No no no, but you have a job to do. We merely don't want you to be around when things get ugly."

The boy looks at both Exalts as if they're mad, but gathers breath again, tentatively gathering to shout.

With a quick exhalation, he lifts his voice, breaking with a combination of nerves and puberty, and shouts, "He's here! Right here!" When nothing immediately strikes him dead, he bolts into the scrub beyond the campfire.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Okay, just to refresh me: What scenelongs do you all have active?"

Sado Yasutora moves between the nearest source of sound in the woods and the kid, shield at the ready. Once the kid bolts, he takes a brawler's stance, legs wide and centered with the hefty boots dug into the turf, knees crouched, tower shield in front, and the Shield of the Righteous at the ready.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "Eight Steel Soul Harmony and Orichalcum Body Meditation. Both customs. ESSH combines my sources of hardness; OBM gives me Sta + Res (10) Hardness and +StaL/B."

<<OOC>> Yoru has Ebon Shadow active at the moment, and I'm about to activate Hidden Death using Personal, even though it will drain a ton from me.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "You both can have one action before the DBs get here; they are not immediately on this kid's trail; if you just want to wait, that's good too. :)"

Yoru steps back away from the firelight as the boy starts to gather breath. A second later and the shadows reach out to envelop the Night, concealing him from view. A few more steps are taken away from where he was last seen in case anyone was watching.

There are sounds of running in the woods, coming rapidly towards your campfire.

A moment later, the ruddy-faced man from the brothel bursts in to the campfire; he is, apparently, alone. Naturally enough, he does not notice Yoru; he grimly swings forward the great reaver daiklave he carries. "I am here to send you to your death, demon," he declares.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Init time! ^^"

<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolled 8 for initiative (4 on die, +4 bonus).

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora >-. Slow.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 18 for initiative (9 on die, +9 bonus).

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 23 for initiative (7 on die, +16 bonus).

<<OOC>> Yoru says, "For Hidden Death? 24 periph."

<<OOC>> Yoru chooses chains at only +5. Ah *nod* Sorry, looking up chains at same time.

<<DICE>> Yoru rolled 20 for initiative (2 on die, +18 bonus).

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Guy with Reaver, Yoru, Someone, Sado."

<<OOC>> Yoru says, "Rate would be roughly 6 going by -3 init/+1 rate"

The Fire-Aspected hunter strides forward grimly, his attention focussed on his intended prey. The huge and vicious blade lashes out and back, testing blows aimed at discovering the mettle of the Anathema; the fading twilight glow reflects from his swiftly moving blade, persistence of vision hanging a cross in the air as he completes his strike.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora isn't going to defend against the guy unless he gets a huge number of successes. Remember to subtract one of his successes for the tower shield. :)

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 2 2 3 3 5 7 8 9 9 9 9 10 on 12d10: 8 successes.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "7 net? Not too bad. Soak is 33L, with 23 Hardness."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "No defense? *checks base damage*"

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "Nope."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Nope; impacted on the surface. ^^"

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 1 1 2 3 4 4 6 7 7 8 10 on 11d10: 5 successes.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "...Yeah, and same. :p"

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora shall pose reaction, then, but not his action yet.

Sado Yasutora simply stares forward as the Fire-blood's sword impacts against the Bastion's golden surface-- and nothing. Not even a tremor, or a twitch, even from the second assault, as the Eight Steel Souls align to disregard the Dynast's pitiful attempts.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Go for it, Yoru!"

<<OOC>> Yoru will attack Mr Fire-Aspect only three times. So dex+MA -3, -4, -5 right?

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Well, if you stunt, plus whatever stunt bonus."

Yoru puts a hand to his 'belt' and charges the chain, whipping it out and lengthening the lightning chains to five feet. Sadly the flair of the flailing links is lost behind his all concealing cloak of shadows. The slight clinking of metal whistling in the air as Yoru whips the chains above his head will be all the warning the Dragon-blooded has as the Night lashes out with his chain. The links come down from above and whip around to lash from above once more before whirling around Yoru to strike with the horizon.

<<OOC>> Yoru says, "2 personal to 'charge'"

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "Hee hee. I take the shots, Yoru does the smitey."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "The two of you DO make a terribly effective team, I'm afraid. :p"

<<OOC>> Yoru waits to hear on stunt bonus if any.

<<OOC>> SarielDi has disconnected.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "2 dice; you get the 2 back and 2 of Peripheral. ^^"

<<DICE>> Yoru rolled 3 4 6 6 7 8 10 10 on 8d10: 6 successes.

<<DICE>> Yoru rolled 2 2 3 5 6 6 9 on 7d10: 1 success.

<<DICE>> Yoru rolled 6 7 7 8 9 10 on 6d10: 6 successes.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 1 2 3 4 4 7 8 8 9 10 10 on 11d10: 8 successes.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 1 1 2 3 4 6 6 8 9 9 10 on 11d10: 5 successes.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 1 1 1 1 2 3 5 6 8 9 10 on 11d10: 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "O_o"

<<OOC>> Yoru sniffs.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "Well, look at it this way: Either those are Immaculate defenses, in which case he's burning Essence, or those are Portentous Comet Deflecting Mode, and the bugger just spent -3- WP."

<<OOC>> Yoru says, "And I did hit him the last time at least."

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "Not if those were PCDMs. They only need one success-- they're limited perfects that don't work against sorcery attacks or charm-enhanced ones. But, er, he's only got so many willpower."

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "... And I intend to punch it out of him. >_>"

<<OOC>> Yoru will just whip him, whip him good.

<<OOC>> Allen says, "I'm headed to bed. ;) Night, all."

Something warns the Dragon-blooded, and sparks of Essence streak from his weapon, deflecting the blows.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Okay... Someone's turn. ^^"

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 1 3 3 4 5 7 7 9 9 10 on 10d10: 6 successes.

An arrow hisses out of the shadows of twilight, aiming - approximately - for Yoru.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 2 2 2 3 7 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 10 10 on 15d10: 13 successes.

<<OOC>> Yoru eeks.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "...Woah. Which actually gets 3 successes. :p"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "well, this isn't going to kill him and it's not likely to happen again. :p That was incredible dieluck."

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 8 10 10 on 3d10: 3 successes.

<<OOC>> Yoru does intend to buy it swiftly. "So no dodge at all?

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "...The dice like your enemy, Yoru. :p"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Nothing. You take three lethal health levels."

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "My turn yet?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Yep!"

Sado Yasutora steps forward, eyes hardening behind their adamant shield. He cannot yet see the foe that has dared to reach out and strike his friend, but he will not permit such blasphemy to stand. First, though, to wear down the opponent's defenses. The Shield of the Righteous comes up and another hiss of steam escapes the pseudomusculature-- as a golden blur flickers through the firelight, a series of eight wild punches swinging directly at the Fire-blood.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "Splitting for eight attacks. With a 2-dot stunt, that's 5 to start with and 4 thereafter, and with three, that's 6, 5, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4. All shots will be bashing."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Two die stunt, yes sir. :p"

<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolled 1 2 3 3 8 on 5d10: 1 success.

<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolled 6 8 9 10 on 4d10: 4 successes.

<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolled 2 4 5 10 on 4d10: 2 successes.

<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolled 2 5 5 6 on 4d10: Failure.

<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolled 2 2 5 9 on 4d10: 1 success.

<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolled 4 6 6 10 on 4d10: 2 successes.

<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolled 1 1 4 10 on 4d10: 2 successes.

<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolled 3 4 6 7 on 4d10: 1 success.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "So he's only got to defend against 7, and only 1 serious. So the question is... How much Essence does he have? :P"

<<OOC>> Storyteller hrms.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora also takes back 1 willpower.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Well, he's already blown ... Oooh, he'll be into peripheral here! :p"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "...this poor guy. :p"

<<OOC>> Storyteller oh wells and spends the Essence.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 5 6 10 10 on 4d10: 4 successes.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 3 4 5 6 6 7 on 6d10: 1 success.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "...Ouch, he says. :p"

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 6 9 9 9 on 4d10: 3 successes.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 2 5 9 10 on 4d10: 3 successes.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 4 4 7 8 on 4d10: 2 successes.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 1 3 5 8 on 4d10: 1 success.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 1 1 8 9 on 4d10: 2 successes.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "So you hit twice."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "And he is now all Fire Glowy..."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Burny things!"

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "My base damage is 15B."

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "+3 that first time and +1 the other, I think, so 18B and 16B minus his bashing soak."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "7 and 5. And yes, +3 and +1."

<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolled 1 4 6 8 8 9 9 on 7d10: 4 successes.

<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolled 3 4 7 8 9 on 5d10: 3 successes.

Twisting this way and that, even the speed of a child of Hesiesh can not evade the entire flurry of blows; two of Yasutora's powerful blows slam into him even as he avoids others; he's still up and fighting, though, at the end of the flurry, if looking a bit dinged.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Init!"

<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolled 12 for initiative (8 on die, +4 bonus).

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora wow! Actually broke 10!

<<DICE>> Yoru rolled 20 for initiative (2 on die, +18 bonus).

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 19 for initiative (10 on die, +9 bonus).

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 16 for initiative (1 on die, +15 bonus).

<<OOC>> Yoru says, "So chain is now 12 feet long or so, rate is 4."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Yoru, Someone, Fire DB, Sado"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Go for it, Yoru."

<<OOC>> Yoru hopes he can figure out where the arrows came from.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "They came from thata way *points*. You can give me a per+awa roll with... Hrm. Difficulty 4, to try to see where, exactly; you're looking for someone who's not too bad at concealment who doesn't WANT to be seen and you're looking from firelight into twilight shadow."

<<DICE>> Yoru rolled 1 1 3 3 4 7 9 on 7d10: 2 successes.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Nothing, I'm afraid. Scrub and stunted trees, brush."

<<OOC>> Yoru says, "Into the trees I go then."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Heading Thata General Direction?"

<<OOC>> Yoru nods. Holding off attacking until I see something, and keeping a dodge roll handy :)

<<OOC>> Yoru will just move off into the woods in that direction to the left of that general direction. So hopefully not direct line of fire.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 1 2 5 5 on 4d10: BOTCH!

Yoru glances in the direction of the annoying arrows and growls. He slips into the woods near where the bolts of pain came from and will hunt the hiding Dragon-blooded bastard.

Yoru can easily spot the man from the tavern - the Wood-blooded, not the Fire - he has a long bow and an intent expression as he peers through the branches of the tree he waits in towards the fire.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Well, can spot when he gets close."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "He's just about at that 48 foot point - this is also about the limit of clear sight of the campfire area."

<<OOC>> Yoru shall attack then. Only once, with feet, while swinging from my chain. Lethal damage.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Go ahead and give me a stunt... Note that a kick attack != a chain attack, so you'll have slightly higher Accuracy, but lower damage (and Bashing, by default, unless you have a Charm for lethal."

Yoru catches sight of the enemy and whips his chain out to wrap around a overhanging treelimb. Pushing off from the ground he swings in an arc to come at the Terrestrial Exalts head, feet flashing out in a deadly kick.

<<OOC>> Yoru does have a charm for lethal. Ebon Shadow allows me to use lethal for any hand/feet/sai/chain attack.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Ah, right; forgot you had that one up. ^^;"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Okay; so 2 die stunt. I think you have a base accuracy of 10, so if you're splitting to save a turn for defense, that's 10 dice for your attack."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Martial arts 5.... Dex 4, right. 10. Kick has 1 accuracy. :)"

<<OOC>> Storyteller pokes the Wood. The Wood does NOT have 'never get surprised' Charm.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Go ahead and roll?"

<<DICE>> Yoru rolled 2 3 6 7 7 10 10 on 7d10: 6 successes.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Hoom. Okay, Damage (base kick damage is 3B, only, lethal, so, 5L) + 2."

<<OOC>> Yoru says, "So 7 again?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Dya."

<<OOC>> Storyteller decides to give no awareness roll or dodge at all, because of the botch.

<<DICE>> Yoru rolled 1 2 3 5 7 10 10 on 7d10: 3 successes.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 1 3 4 6 7 on 5d10: 1 success.

As Yoru's kick connects he spins with the motion and kicks off with the other leg, not intending to do damage, and swings back to land against a tree a little ways away. He smirks as he watches the Wood reel from his blow.

The Wood Exalt is completely unprepared for the fierce impact of Yoru's foot; he loses his balance and tumbles from his perch to the ground, catching at the branch to right himself, so manages to land on his feet, shaken, but not further injured.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "...and is now Wood Exalt's turn."

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 1 3 4 6 7 8 on 6d10: 2 successes.

The Wood-Aspected Dragon Blood looks from side to side, trying to find his attacker, fruitlessly. He moves back further from the fire, about another 20 feet, and crouches into a defensive position, scanning the woods carefully.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Other DB..."

Though two of Yasutora's powerful blows landed, the man facing him still stands, bruised, but not broken. He snarls, and the giant blade flashes in the firelight, as much from his blazing anima as from the suddenly insignificant campfire. With all his force behind it, he slams the weapon towards his giant enemy, one clean blow trying to break through a flaw in the massive armor.

<<OOC>> Yoru says, "Oh, did I get any essence back from my last stunt?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Umm. Well, if you took a wp last round, you get 1 Essence back this time, so you're just down the 5 Personal for Ebon Shadow Form and the 12 for Hidden Death, which can't be regained until you release them."

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "You could also take a WP back, since those aren't committed."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Yeah. If you want Essence, you can only get one 1, though. :)"

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 2 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 10 10 on 14d10: 11 successes.

<<OOC>> Yoru will take the WP.

<<OOC>> Storyteller peers at Yasutora; gonna defend?

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "Not with a dodge; give me a sec to write up the pose; I'm using Iron Kettle Body to get another 9 Lethal Soak and 8 Hardness, bringing it up to 42/31."

Sado Yasutora stands forward as the Dynast summons the fire of his rage. But the heart of the Sun lives in Yasutora, a more ancient and potent flame yet. Essence flows through the combined Bastion/Yasutora entity, reinforcing the structure and stabilizing it with yet a third set of Steel Souls forming an impossible barrier against the oncoming force-- all without motion from the young giant.

Sado Yasutora's castemark begins to glint inside of his helm, giving an odd golden flicker occasionally running up and down over his visor.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "2 motes of personal, 1 of periph."

Even with all the force he can muster, the Fire Aspect's sword slides off Yasutora's armor without so much as a scratch.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "And it's Yasutora's turn!"

Sado Yasutora shakes his head sadly, the swept-back crest moving from side to side. "Mercy is a virtue," he says calmly, and steps forward, slugging the Shield of the Righteous under and up, moving the huge block of orichalcum like a battering ram into the Dynast's stomach.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "Splitting three times but not taking the other actions just yet."

<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolled 1 4 4 5 6 7 9 10 on 8d10: 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Bashing or Lethal?"

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 1 2 3 7 10 on 5d10: 3 successes.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "And ya hit."

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "Bashing, of course. :)"

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "So 16B before soak."

Moving the full bonfire-glory of his anima, the Dragon-blood warrior tries to evade, but the motions of the golden giant bear the force of inexorability.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "-12."

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "So flat 4 my minimum. :)"

<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolled 1 4 5 9 on 4d10: 1 success.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "How much -would- it have been, for essence regeneration purposes? Also, is the guy still standing"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "He's not down yet."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "2 die."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "This guy? Is durable. :p You know, for someone who's not Sado. :p"

Sado Yasutora silently continues the assault, his huge hand having tested the mettle of the Terrestrial's Jade, it now seeks to crack through to break the Dragon-Blooded beneath.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora WILL take his stunt dice here; glad they stick. >_<

<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolled 1 2 2 3 4 5 8 9 10 on 9d10: 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora eyes the dice, who like the number 4.

<<OOC>> Storyteller counts the DB's Essence.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 1 4 6 7 7 on 5d10: 2 successes.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "...Right. You get 5 dice, I think."

<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolled 2 2 3 10 10 on 5d10: 2 successes.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "Only 2 damage. I take it he's still standing? :P"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "He is. =P"

<<OOC>> Yoru says, "Fall you stupid DB! ;)"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "He is also now in full +16 mote Anima bannerness."

Sado Yasutora finishes the combination with a body-shuddering open-hand strike, passing his mighty smashfist through the burning aura of the Terrestrial to crash against him once again.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora is glad for his hardness. No anima ping! :P

<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolled 2 3 3 4 5 9 9 10 on 8d10: 4 successes.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 2 5 7 10 on 4d10: 3 successes.

<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolled 6 7 8 10 on 4d10: 3 successes.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "W00t. 3 damage that time."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "BUT YES, HE'S STILL STANDING! =P"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "...barely. :p"

<<OOC>> Yoru whispers to the Fire Aspect, "This is where you fall down."

Though his anima burns even brighter, the DB fails to avoid even one of Yasutora's forceful blows; badly battered, he yet retains the fortitude to face his despised enemy, the fire of his anima flaring in his eyes as well.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Init for next round?"

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 11 for initiative (3 on die, +8 bonus).

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 20 for initiative (6 on die, +14 bonus).

<<DICE>> Yoru rolled 23 for initiative (5 on die, +18 bonus).

<<OOC>> Yoru keeps his chain the same, except for turning Lethal damage on.

<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolled 8 for initiative (4 on die, +4 bonus).

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Yoru, Fire, Wood, Yasutora. ^^;"

<<OOC>> Yoru shall attack twice and keep one for parry later if needed.

With a flick of his wrist, Yoru dislodges the lightning chain from the overhanging branch. The second he is free Yoru pushes off from his arbory perch and falls to the ground, rolling into a crouch to soften the fall. Springing up he launches himself towards the Wood aspect Exalt. The chain springs to life with crackling energy as the metal whistle through the air directed by Yoru's expert hand in an overhead arc, followed by a swirl of the links resulting in a slap. Slashing at his foe with the lethal links Yoru calls out, "The Sublime Vengeance of Sun at Night shall end your tyranny!"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Yeaaaah, I'm going to give that 3 dice... :)"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "You can get your last wp back or the 1 Essence."

<<OOC>> Yoru smiles and shall take the other WP. Nightmares make it troublesome otherwise.

<<DICE>> Yoru rolled 6 6 6 8 8 8 8 9 on 8d10: 5 successes.

<<DICE>> Yoru rolled 4 4 4 4 5 5 10 on 7d10: 2 successes.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 2 4 5 5 7 9 on 6d10: 2 successes.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 2 2 3 7 9 10 on 6d10: 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Storyteller treating this like 'attack from behind'.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "You get damage - 1 damage dice for the first attack, and miss the second time."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Minimum your Essence, but I think they're the same."

<<DICE>> Yoru rolled 1 2 3 4 5 on 5d10: 0 successes.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Oh well."

The chain whistles through the air; the first blow wraps around the Wood-Exalt's wrist, but he shakes it off without damage; and is warned in time to dance aside from the second.

Grim resolution drives the Fire Exalt to continue his futile assault; the fire of his anima coils around the blade as he strikes, lighting the sky and woods far beyond the last light of the evening.

<<DICE>> Storyteller rolled 2 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 on 12d10: 8 successes.

Sado Yasutora shakes his head once more at the futile struggle of Hesiesh's Chosen in front of him, but otherwise remains as unmoved as the statue he resembles.

The Wood-Aspect turns from side to side, taking one last look for his invisible attacker, then turns and takes to his heels in a full sprint.

<<OOC>> Harle says, "Man, it's got to be really frustrating for the Exalt up against Sado that he can't even dent the darn armour. XD"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Yes. :p"

<<OOC>> Yoru says, "Do I get more points if my KA goes up during play? :D"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Nope. :p But may I point out, you've been invisible the whole time? :p"

<<OOC>> Yoru says, "True."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "He noticed where you were; that doesn't mean he could actually /see your face/ or anything. :p"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "This is why Sado has no KA. :p"

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "No one can see his face through the armor, so when he's out of it, he's just a normal giant. You know, on the rare occasions when he IS out of it. :p"

<<OOC>> Yoru .oO(But his armor is well known. Heh.)

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora 's armor has- yes.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Is Sado's turn."

Sado Yasutora tilts his head slightly so that his visor is directly set to gaze into the Fire-Blood's eyes. With a willful burst of essence, the Solar lets him see the light-- literally, as his castemark leaps into a burning brand. The glittery sheen of the adamant becomes a glowing stripe of gold, alive with fire to match the color of the rest of his helmet. But beyond the visor, the beam of sunlight coalesces into a simple, solid golden disc-- the brand of a Zenith. The radiant light from it is focused from its spot on Yasutora's forehead, light streaming -through- the orichalcum to perfectly target a large circle on the Dragon-Blooded's forehead-- a circle that, in a second, is backed up by another "enlightening moment"-- the empowered FORCE of the Shield of Righteousness slamming towards the center of that circle.

<<OOC>> Storyteller will move it after combat time. :p

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "Spending 2 motes of personal, 6 motes of Periph (for 7 total spent this scene) to activate Precision Punishment for +8 dice. One attack."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "3 dice. ^^"

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "Yayz! 6 motes -back-. :)"

<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolled 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 8 9 9 on 22d10: 5 successes.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "... CRY."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "O_O"

<<OOC>> Yoru says, "Dang, the dice, they do not love Yasutora."

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora grumbles FINE. He doesn't NEED dicelove. That's what he's got the Armor of GOD for.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "I am, however, afraid the DB is out of Essence."

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "At least the bugger can't PCDM this. >_> Magic-assisted and a- WOO!"

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "So base damage 20, at least. Minus, what, 12 soak?"

<<OOC>> Storyteller nods.

<<DICE>> Sado Yasutora rolled 1 2 2 3 4 5 7 8 on 8d10: 2 successes.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora CRY.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "...Dude. Seriously. :p"

This last blow, with the full might of Yasutora and his mighty armor behind it, slams into the DB and slowly topples him to the ground.

Sado Yasutora nods approvingly, leaning down to gently rearrange the terrestrial so his anima won't set the forest on fire while he sleeps it off, the burning Fire-Essence flickering over his golden armor.

"Run as fast as you want, I'll be watching you," Yoru yells after the fleeing Sir Robin, er, Wood Exalt. That said he takes off towards the campfire battle to see how golden boy is handling things. Yoru arrives in time to see the Fire Exalt crumple to the ground. "I see you have things well in hand," he comments, momentarily forgetting that he is still invisible.

Sado Yasutora blinks, following the sound of Yoru's voice. "True Night," he observes. Having heard the yell, he adds, "But we cannot stay here; I cannot hide."

Yoru lets the Hidden Death charm fade from him and returns to Sado's vision. "Agreed. The other ran off, hopefully believing I am dogging his heels. It is probably a good idea to depart on our journey now."

Sado Yasutora nods to Yoru. "I will run beside you," he rumbles, the red-glowing runes etched across the sides of his boots and legs pulsing as they prepare for speed.

Yoru glances at the rune etched boots and hrms. "I am likely to be the slow one here. My horse is not a racehorse, and more for pack." But he nods and grabs the reins to lead his animal away from their camp. "Don't forget to douse the fire," he adds absentmindedly while sneaking a quick drink from his wineskin.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "And the two of you are heading further north and east?"

<<OOC>> Yoru is following the big golden moving target.

Sado Yasutora whispers a prayer to the little god of the flames, sending them back to sleep with a wave of dirt scooped up by the Shield of the Righteous. He shoulders his tower shield and waits patiently for Yoru.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "Yup. I'm following the dreams."

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "If Yasutora gets a chance to check a local map at any point, he will note that the golden mark from his dreams is centered on a small city on the Grey river, a ways south of Nexus..."

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "I hope Yoru has maps."

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora coughs. Yasutora is a sensible lad, but somewhat... direct.

<<OOC>> Storyteller says, "Also, it'd be hard to find someone to sell him a map in that getup. :p"

<<OOC>> Yoru can at least go into town and get a map. I don't stand out as much after all.

<<OOC>> Sado Yasutora says, "Woo. Spending 3 points to get Temperance 2."

Yoru doesn't hold Sado up for long and is soon trotting alongside his packhorse and the golden armor of doom.