Jade and Cattle - Aidan's Prelude Log

[leticia]

Brian says "As befits your title, Hunter Ascendant in the Burning Wastes, you have been, well, hunting and surviving in the hot sands north and east of the Matchstick City of Creation-- Gem. Neither the Blue Silk Raiders nor the Dune People have bothered you past your first few encounters with them; though the Dune People are master ambushers, they flee before you like rats under the eyes of a hawk. The desert is yours. A few times, representatives of the Cult of the Illuminated have tried to recruit you. Though their philosophy is similar to your own, you have not joined them yet. You have a strange uneasiness about them that you cannot, quite, put into words. Mostly, though, you have not found your Circle, and you believe in your heart of hearts that time and fate will do the job-- and not that which is under the hand of the suspiciously humble Sidereal 'servants' of the Cult."

Brian says "Recently, your nightmares have been increasing-- almost to the point where you have considered seeking out the mountain fortress of the Cult simply for some advice or healing. You dream of a mighty warrior, flame burning from his eyes and the center of his forehead. You know this warrior; you are certain that you do. You cannot place the name, simply that he was a friend, and ally, and a boon battle-companion. But the warrior, as he stands now, is somehow enchained; great, black, twisting thorns, unnatural to his fiery presence that wrap around his chakra centers and pierce his flesh. His torment is almost unbearable for you to watch in your dreams."

Brian says "The desert, though, is a relief to you. Your patron shines during the day, and at night, when restlessness keeps you wandering, it is cool, and calm, and alive in a way no non-desert-dweller could possibly understand. It is your place, and you are master there."

Brian says "Tonight, however, your sojourn is broken. Off in the distance you hear a great scream of pain and agony, followed by an immense explosion; a burning radiance of flame that lights up the night sky. It is not far from where you are, though over several large dunes so you cannot, quite, make out what the problem is."

Aidan strides quickly towards the explosion. Not quite running, but with the unhurried jog of someone who strives for efficiency of motion.

Brian says "Do you make any preparations on the way?"

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Yes, I want to make preparations, since I assume that I can do scene charms at this point?"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Yup."

As he runs, Aidan shimmers for a moment, becoming translucent briefly before returning to his normal, solid appearance.

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Flow Like Blood from Personal."

As you travel over the dunes towards the burning, an oddly acrid smoke obscures part of the pyre. You hear screams of rage and an awful, hissing, screeching noise of frustration as well. Your running brings you closer, closer, and as you grow closer you can see some strange, hideous black bulk raised up against the sky, looming over the source of the fire. It darts and bobs at the flame, periodically whipping its tail around to strike. Once it a while it rears back and hurls a glob of something you can't quite identify, though it makes an awful steam where it connects with the ground. So far, the flame appears to be avoiding the strikes, but its light is flickering.

Aidan steps closer to the dark thing of the night pulling his hood back to reveal his face and shouting, "Cease your attacks now, I command it!" He then leans forward, rising up on the balls of his feet as his hands begin to move in the patterns of the Hungry Raptor kata.

<<OOC>> Aidan says "still using personal for the Form."

As the ribbons of your Essence flare out from your body, trailing along your arms like feathers, you crest the final dune. Before you is a scene of awe and horror.

The first combatant is the source of the fire. A tall, birdlike being composed of pure flame with long, burning eagle's wings and tailfeathers, sharp glowing claws, the head of an enraged raptor, and the body of a well-toned man. His eyes are a deep, glowing purple, though tinged with pain. He wears a simple kilt made of interwoven strands of purple and red fire, as well as orichalcum sandals. His muscular body is fit and toned, with a timeless look about it that shows no age, only the awe-inspiring majesty of a phoenix in battle panoply. Most strikingly, he has eight burning arms, each wielding a fiery sword! Unfortunately, one of his wings has a terrible, gaping hole in the fire, with some strange, green substance dripping down from it and mixing with his blood and flames.

The other combatant is the one you spied previously. This one is a terror, a horror from the pits of Malfeas or the chaos of the Wyld. Made of black, corroded iron, it is a monstrous centipede, at least in the base form; heavy iron plates form ing the segments along its body, with two great antennae sticking out of its fierce, malevolent head-- but, though twisted and distorted, it is the face of a -human-. More fitting to a hungry cannibal than a noble warrior, but then again, it's not like he has a pretty body. Twisted but razor-sharp mandibles surround a maw laden with teeth and dripping acid which drools down onto the sand below, melting it. At the back of its one-hundred-and-fifty-foot-long body is a long, twitching poison stinger, upon the tip of which has beaded a glob of the same green substance as is corrupting the noble phoenix-being's wing. The terrible beast moves swiftly, and somehow, silently, save for a hungry, foul hissing.

Neither, at the moment, are paying much attention to you. Despite the multiple arms, the phoenix-being is pinned down beneath multiple attacks from the monster, concentrating on trying to defend himself from the lighting quick strikes and periodically cut around the beast's defenses-- but he's losing ground, pain slowing his motions.

"From Malfeas you came, and to Malfeas I shall return you, beast of darkness!" Aidan breaks into a run, gathering his strength and Essence as he charges down the leeward side of the dune.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Initiative first."

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 1d10 + 9 for init: 10

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 1d10 + 10 for init: 14

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 1d10 + 10 for init: 19

Halfway down, Aidan crouches briefly and leaps, seeming almost to fly for a moment, before crashing down upon the head of the metallic beast. His hands flash with Essence as he delivers two strikes with his razor claws, nearly faster than the eye can follow.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Okay, order of chops is Aidan, Murantru Ota, Mukade."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Alright. Splitting your action pool or using Two Talon Strike?"

<<OOC>> Aidan says "I was thinking Wingstorm and hold one for defense, actually. Until I see what he's got."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "6 motes buys two extra actions."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Alrighty. You get a 2-die stunt, which means you can get 4 of your non-committed motes (scene-longs are also committed for the length of the scene) back, or 1 willpower."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "I'll take the essence."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Okay. Roll Accuracy totals-- the one in the parentheses after the slash-- plus 2."

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 22 dice: <1 1 2 2 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 10> for 10 successes.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 22 dice: <1 1 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 10> for 9 successes.

Mukade moves with an unearthly speed. His thick iron body curls and coils much like a snake's, the segments expanding and retracting as the foul thing moves to escape your righteous wrath.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 20 dice: <3 3 3 4 5 5 5 5 6 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 9> for 11 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Whiff. Ota's turn."

Murantru Ota looks up as Mukade's attention is diverted. His beak drops in a half-pained, half-grateful smile-- but he is quick to exploit the opening you give. While Mukade's attention is distracted, he screams a battle cry and whips two of his eight swords against the side of the beast, trying to bite their flaming length into its awful hide. But his movements are slowed by the poison; what was once a great warrior is now merely trying to survive under the weighty onus of Mukade's assaults.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 11 dice: <3 3 3 4 4 8 8 9 9 10 10> for 8 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 11 dice: <1 1 2 5 5 7 7 7 8 9 10> for 7 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 19 dice: <1 2 2 2 3 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 8 8 8 10> for 6 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 18 dice: <1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 9> for 7 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 6 damage dice: <3 6 6 7 8 9> for 3 successes.

Murantru Ota's burning blade digs deeply into Mukade's pitted hide-- but only deeply for the blade. The monstrous thing is still huge and overwhelming, and barely hurt.

Mukade rears angrily and flexes his segmented body, thrashing around to attack you both. His stinger comes high and around, like some foul barbarian's envenomed spear as it crashes towards your head. Unto Ota, who besmirched Mukade's hide and pride, the mandibles fall, seeking to bite and crush the burning Garda's fire out.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 13 dice: <1 1 4 4 5 5 5 6 8 10 10 10 10> for 9 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "That's the attack on you. Suck it. :P"

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 12 dice: <1 1 1 3 3 3 4 5 8 10 10 10> for 7 successes.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 18 dice: <1 2 3 3 3 3 4 5 5 5 7 7 8 8 9 9 9 9> for 8 successes.

<<OOC>> Leti says "...Damn."

<<OOC>> Brian may have misjudged the combat. What's your Soak again? Also, make a Stamina + Resistance roll; I -highly- suggest you spend a Willpower to channel conviction with it.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Actually, you still have an action and may use a full Defense parry.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 22 dice: <1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 6 6 6 6 7 8 8 8 8 10 10 10 10> for 13 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian laughs.

<<OOC>> Leti says "Of course."

Ota brings his swords back around. In pain though he may be, the bird-man is a master fencer, and he has a plethora of blades with which to bodily wedge the demon centipede's mandibles apart.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 17 dice: <1 1 2 2 4 5 6 7 7 7 8 8 9 9 9 9 10> for 11 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Diceroller is apparently favoring the wounded, poisoned, NPC. :P"

Mukade's bag of tricks isn't over yet. As it is pushed back from crushing the Garda between its mandibles, the horrible thing brings a segment around, trying to slash him with a claw. The Garda still has those blazing swords, though, and with the monster distracted by you, has more focus to his defense.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 14 dice: <1 2 2 3 5 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 10> for 10 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 16 dice: <2 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 7 9 9 9> for 7 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 9 damage dice: <3 3 4 4 6 6 6 8 10> for 2 successes.

It is not enough. The clawed blow sends Murantru Ota reeling back, blood and fire streaming from his bare chest.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Next round!"

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 1d10 + 9 for init: 16

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 1d10 + 10 for init: 11

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 1d10 + 10 for init: 12

Mukade presses the attack on both of you. Just as he weakened the mighty Garda bird with his toxic stinger, so, too, does he seek to impale you and melt the flesh from its bones. The tail stinger whips again, barely suppressed by your last defense, the poisoned pike aiming straight for your abdomen with breathtaking speed. Ota is similarly spared nothing now, mandible and claw raised to extinguish the phoenix's light forever. The mandibles snap down again, hoping not to evade the parrying pyre-blades, but to overwhelm them and snap through to the wounded phoenix while another claw swipe heads just behind it in the creature's savage writhing.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 13 dice: <2 2 2 2 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 10> for 7 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "That's on you."

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 12 dice: <1 1 1 4 6 6 6 6 7 9 10 10> for 6 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 14 dice: <1 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 7 7 9 10 10 10> for 9 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 17 dice: <1 2 2 3 4 4 5 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 9 10> for 7 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 16 dice: <1 1 2 3 3 4 4 4 6 8 8 8 9 9 9 10> for 8 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 9 dice: <1 2 2 4 8 9 9 10 10> for 7 successes.

<<OOC>> Aidan says "I'll just go with Flow for now."

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 18 dice: <1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 5 5 7 8 8 9 9 10 10> for 9 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "You're clear!"

Ota is holding, but failing quickly. His blades whip back the monstrous thing's mandibles once more, and almost manage to deflect the blades as well, his multiple arms moving in a beautiful, peacock-tail-like array of flickering flame. But once more, the poison-cursed pain in his blood slows his movements. But now another has come to challenge Mukade, and the phoenix feels he need not sacrifice to drive the attack back. He rolls with the force of the blow, tumbling through the sand athletically and rearing back on his sandals, unharmed!

<<OOC>> Brian says "Ota has defaulted to a dodge, and has no actions this turn, so it's just you."

Aidan sees the terrible stinger coming for him, but sidesteps it easily, allowing it to strike the ground in his place. "Beast of Malfeas! You shall not evade me so easily this time!" His eyes narrow in concentration as the motions of the foul Mukade seem to slow; he searches for a weakness in the pattern of movement and stillness. Seeing his opportunity, he explodes into motion with a burst of Essence that leaves afterimages on the vision of the other combatants. Like a hawk diving from above to strike his prey he moves, fists flying faster than the eye can follow, leaving traces of pure Essence in the air.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Nice! 3 die stunt!"

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Prey-Harvesting Stance"

<<OOC>> Brian says "So +6 essence or +1 WP ba-- I figured."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "taking the WP"

<<OOC>> Brian says "You have 5 total attacks, each with +4 damage."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "and taking this one from Peripheral, I wanna start fluxing a little so he knows what's coming for him."

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 23 dice: <1 2 2 3 4 4 4 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 10 10 10 10 10> for 18 successes.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 23 dice: <1 1 1 2 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 10> for 11 successes.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 23 dice: <1 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 8 9 10 10> for 11 successes.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 23 dice: <1 1 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 6 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 10 10> for 11 successes.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 23 dice: <1 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 5 7 9 9 9 10 10 10> for 10 successes.

Aidan's Caste mark burns into its magnificent brilliance, opening a radiant sunbeam in the dark of night.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Yipes. Nice."

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 18 dice: <1 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 6 7 8 10> for 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian ... cry.

<<OOC>> Aidan says "18 on the first. That's gonna leave a mark."

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 17 dice: <1 1 3 4 5 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 10 10> for 13 successes.

<<OOC>> Leti cackles.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 16 dice: <1 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 8 9 9 10> for 5 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 15 dice: <1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 6 6 7 10 10> for 5 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 14 dice: <1 1 2 2 4 4 5 6 6 6 6 8 9 10> for 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Jesus christ. Okay, what's your base damage rating?"

<<OOC>> Aidan says "13 LP, +4 charm, +14 over-sux"

<<OOC>> Brian says "... CRY."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "so +14, whiff, +6, +6, +6?"

<<OOC>> Brian says "13 + 4 +14 = 31-20 (most of his armor is stamina) for 11 dice of damage on the first one. 8 less on each subsequent; minimum your essence. So 11, 4, 4, 4."

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 11 damage dice: <1 2 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10> for 3 successes.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 4 damage dice: <1 1 7 9> for 2 successes.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 4 damage dice: <2 3 4 6> for 0 successes.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 4 damage dice: <3 7 8 9> for 3 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian is going to go cry in the corner for a minute while he figures out the - ah, fire poison is Allen's claws. You just get anti-demon/ghost/ walking dead boost damage. Since he's Wyld-tainted, not ACTUALLY demonic, it doesn't count. So you only do 8 levels of damage while I go cry.

Mukade writhes to try and evade your attacks-- but he's gone too far attacking Ota! The obscene mutant can't move fast enough in time and great lengths of his corrupted body are open to your mighty attacks! The creature screams in pain and rage as your razor claws rake across his iron hide. Deep rents tear from your talon-like attacks, your burning essence-boosted slashes cutting open the megacentipede and exposing the black, oozing blood beneath. The beastly giant thrashes and rolls again, this time in unexpected pain!

<<OOC>> Brian says "Anyway, initiative again. >_<"

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 1d10 + 8 for init: 11

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 1d10 + 10 for init: 12

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 1d10 + 10 for init: 16

<<OOC>> Brian says "Order is Aidan, Ota, Mukade."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Thought about doing a massive Essence dump, but PHS worked so well last time I'll just hit it again."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Sigh. >_< If it's peripheral again, you'll be igniting an essence bonfire visible for miles around as your battle aura."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Be sure to integrate that into your pose."

Aidan regards his bleeding opponent with a thinly veiled contempt. In a quiet, controlled voice he speaks, "And thus will the light of Sol Invictus always drive away the darkness. Take this message to your masters, The Hunter ascends again in these lands, and justice comes for the wicked." Bright flashes of Essence come into being again as The Hunter's hands move faster than the eye can follow, raining blow after blow upon the stricken beast, seeking to exploit the weaknesses exposed by his last strike.

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Personal this time, no sense in alarming the natives. He knows who brings his end, that is enough."

<<OOC>> Brian says "2 die stunt. 4 motes or 1 WP back."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "taking the WP again."

<<OOC>> Brian says "You sure? Ok."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Roll 'em."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "And yes, I want to take the WP. PHS uses WP for each activation, and Gemstone increases Essence regen. WP is the more precious resource, aside from conserving personal so I don't flux."

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 22 dice: <1 2 2 2 2 3 4 4 4 4 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 9 9 10> for 8 successes.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 22 dice: <1 1 2 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 7 7 7 7 8 8 9 10 10> for 11 successes.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 22 dice: <1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9> for 6 successes.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 22 dice: <1 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 7 7 7 8 8 9 9 9 10> for 11 successes.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 22 dice: <1 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 9 9 10 10> for 13 successes.

Mukade concentrates fully on you, whipping its massive body around like a cracked strip of rawhide-- fifty yards long. Great furrows are drawn in the sand as the black beast tries to rise up above your attacks, pulling the main segments of its body back to evade your strike while trying to crash down upon you itself.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 17 dice: <1 1 1 2 4 5 6 6 6 6 6 7 9 9 9 10 10> for 8 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 16 dice: <1 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 5 5 6 8 8 9 9 10> for 6 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 15 dice: <1 2 3 5 5 5 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 10 10> for 11 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 14 dice: <1 2 2 2 3 4 4 5 7 7 8 9 10 10> for 8 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 13 dice: <1 1 2 2 2 3 3 5 5 6 6 8 8> for 2 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "First one dodged. Second one hits at +5 successes. Third dodged. Fourth hits at 3 successes. Last hits at 11 successes."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "13+4+11 = 28, -20 = 8 dice. The others will be essence minimum."

<<OOC>> Brian says "13 + 4 + 5 - 20 = 2 (4); 13 + 4 + 3 -20 = 0 (4), and -- yes."

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 4 damage dice: <2 4 6 8> for 1 success.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 4 damage dice: <1 2 2 7> for 1 success.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 8 damage dice: <3 4 4 4 5 7 8 8> for 3 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "At least the damage dice don't love you."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Not so's you'd notice, no. Although 3 on 4 dice in the first round wasn't bad."

<<OOC>> Brian hates. And hopes the damn stinger gets you this round. How in god's name did you manage to get him down ANOTHER penalty level? >_<

With that, you open more long strips of the beast's hide, curling black iron falling to the sands below as Mukade's howls grow larger still. Ota sees his chance and takes it. The eight-armed Garda Bird dives at at the rear of the wounded beast, slashing his blazing swords for Mukade's side in a blur of blades, whirling and cutting in an attempt to destroy the beast once and for all.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 9 dice: <1 1 3 4 5 6 8 9 9> for 3 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 9 dice: <1 1 1 2 4 6 7 10 10> for 5 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 8 dice: <2 3 4 4 5 5 7 10> for 3 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 8 dice: <1 3 3 5 5 6 6 7> for 1 success.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 11 dice: <1 2 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 8> for 1 success.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 10 dice: <1 3 5 7 8 8 9 9 10 10> for 9 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 9 dice: <1 1 2 4 7 8 10 10 10> for 8 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 8 dice: <1 2 4 6 6 10 10 10> for 6 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 6 damage dice: <1 2 2 7 7 8> for 3 successes.

<<OOC>> Leti says "..."

<<OOC>> Leti says "...1 on 11 dice."

<<OOC>> Brian says "YEAH."

<<OOC>> Brian says ">_<"

<<OOC>> Aidan says "followed by 9 on 10 dice"

<<OOC>> Leti says "And 8 on 9."

<<OOC>> Leti says "However, also, 1 on 8. :p"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Not that it -helps- much, anyway. SIGH. anyway..."

Success! One of Ota's blades cuts through the thick metal monster's carapace and drives deep into a wedge segment! But now Mukade has recovered enough to once more exact his terrible toll upon you both. Ota has unfortunately positioned himself perfectly for a stinger-slash, and the giant beast cuts back and down seeking his blood once more. You fall under the barrage of hating mandibles and deadly claws as Mukade tries to eliminate the most dangerous of his foes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Splitting both claw and bite dice pools to get 2 attacks each on you."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Stinger first; no split."

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 11 dice: <1 1 2 2 4 5 6 7 7 7 10> for 5 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 17 dice: <1 1 2 2 2 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 8 9 9 10 10> for 8 successes.

Mukade's diving stinger is no match for the Garda bird's deft blades though-- Murantru Ota blocks easily!

<<OOC>> Brian says "Bites."

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 8 dice: <1 3 6 8 9 9 10 10> for 7 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 7 dice: <1 2 3 5 8 9 9> for 3 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Claws."

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 10 dice: <1 3 5 6 7 7 8 9 10 10> for 8 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 9 dice: <3 5 7 8 8 9 9 10 10> for 9 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "That's it."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "I still have Flow Like Blood, 18 dice dodge against all of these, yes?"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Yup!"

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 18 dice: <1 1 2 2 3 4 4 4 5 6 8 8 9 9 10 10 10 10> for 12 successes.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 18 dice: <1 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 9 9 10 10> for 6 successes.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 18 dice: <1 1 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 8 9 10> for 9 successes.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 18 dice: <1 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 6 6 6 6 9 9 10> for 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "One gets through; this is going to hurt."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Yeah."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "4 Sux on 18. Karma blows."

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 16 damage dice: <1 1 2 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 7 8 9 9> for 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "4 health levels. >_<"

<<OOC>> Leti says "...YEAH, hurt. O_O"

<<OOC>> Brian says "That fills you out at -1, right?"

<<OOC>> Aidan says "True."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Pose dodging the two bites and the first claw, then being hit by the last."

Aidan leaps quickly to the side as the monster attempts to close in for the kill, easily dodging his first attempts. The Hunter moves with deadly grace, jumping enormous distances only to land and quickly jump again as the beast tries to follow. Unfortunately, the beast is quicker still, and possesses a phenomenal size and reach. The monster's final swing of a claw connects painfully as the Dawn tries to maneuver back into position to attack.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Right-o. Initiative!"

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 1d10 + 7 for init: 16

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 1d10 + 10 for init: 16

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 1d10 + 9 for init: 10

<<OOC>> Brian says "Okay, order is Ota, Mukade, you. :P Give me a sec, I need to change statins."

Enheartened by your valiant attack and Mukade's failing speed, Murantru Ota leaps upon the foul thing's back, his swords curling into the air and then DOWN as he stabs four burning brands into an already-opened wound-- four blades kept at the ready in case of attack.

But the Mukade has grown wary now as well; in addition to rolling off to the side to try and throw Ota from his back, Mukade flicks the stinger forward like a rapier of his own, trying to bat the swords away before they can pierce his hide.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 9 dice: <1 2 4 4 5 6 8 10 10> for 5 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 9 dice: <2 2 3 4 5 7 7 8 9> for 4 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 8 dice: <1 2 5 5 6 6 7 9> for 2 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 8 dice: <2 3 4 6 7 7 9 10> for 5 successes.

<<DICE>&gt; Brian rolls 16 dice: <1 1 2 2 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 8 8> for 3 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 9 dice: <1 1 1 6 6 6 7 8 9> for 3 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 15 dice: <1 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 10> for 7 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 8 dice: <3 5 5 7 8 9 9 10> for 6 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 14 dice: <2 2 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 8 8 8 9 10> for 7 successes.

<<OOC>> Aidan says "I'd hate to try to actually roll that many dice on a tabletop, though."

<<OOC>> Brian says "I wouldn't! I enjoy it very much. ^_^"

Unfortunately, there's some life left in the the battered horror; he sends Ota flying off to one side!

Mukade dives forward now that he's dislodged his unwanted passenger, raging with hatred, pain, and the desperate need to survive. Biting and clawing, the fierce thing spends its last trying to destroy the architect of its humiliation and wounding.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Bites."

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 7 dice: <3 4 6 8 8 9 10> for 5 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 6 dice: <2 3 3 6 6 6> for 0 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Claws."

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 9 dice: <2 4 4 5 5 6 7 8 10> for 4 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 8 dice: <3 3 4 5 6 6 7 9> for 2 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Pose your dodge first so that I can award stunt, please. :)"

Aidan's Essence flickers to life again as he moves with the massive beast's attacks. Not leaping this time, only stepping just far enough to stay out of range of the grasping claws; trying to entice the beast into errors borne of frustration.

<<OOC>> Brian says "2 points. 4 motes back; I think you're at full WP at the moment?"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Roll 'em. 3 in a row."

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 19 dice: <1 2 3 3 3 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 7 7 8 8 8 9> for 6 successes.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 19 dice: <1 1 1 3 3 4 5 7 7 7 7 8 8 9 9 9 9 10 10> for 14 successes.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 19 dice: <1 1 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 9 9 9 9 10 10 10> for 12 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Total whiff. ;) Your move."

<<OOC>> Leti says "Nice."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "+10 sux over his last two. Not even *close*."

Aidan realizes that for all his swiftness, it will take something else to penetrate the thick metallic hide of Mukade deeply enough to end this fight. He slows his movements as he dodges beast's deadly claws again, gathering Essence to power what he hopes will be a final attack. His anima flares quickly to full brightness, as the image of a great Hawk spreads its wings above him, sheltering him and guiding his strength. Deadly Essences surrounds his hands as he pours all of his strength into ending this foul monster's existence, once and for all. Once, twice, thrice the deadly blows rain down towards the head of Mukade, seeking his destruction.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Man, I'm hungry. Wingstorm?"

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Nope. Splitting 3 ways and buying +11 dice to each."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Eagle Eye Strike"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Nice. Improve the-- +11 dice each? You have 33 motes left?"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Improve the stunt to a 3-dice and get 2 motes back, btw."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Only 27 motes, with the Gemstone. And yes."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Oh, right, the gemstone. Jesus. ._>"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Roll it."

<<OOC>> Leti says "You optimized him. :p"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Shush, wench!"

<<OOC>> Leti says "Make me. :p"

<<OOC>> Aidan says "20+11+3-??"

<<OOC>> Brian says "20 + 11 + 3 -1 (wound penalty) -3 (dice pool split)."

<<OOC>> Brian says "so 30, 29, 28."

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 30 dice: <1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 7 8 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10> for 22 successes.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 29 dice: <1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 10 10 10 10 10> for 20 successes.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 28 dice: <1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 10 10 10> for 13 successes.

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Blame Liu for that one. I stole the inspiration from her 45-essence-in-one-round barrage of flying knives. :D"

Mukade pauses for a second only to comprehend the horror that is coming its way. It screams in fear and panic and inverts itself, rolling backwards over its own body to try and position all of its claws to block your assault.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 13 dice: <2 2 3 3 3 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 10> for 4 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 8 dice: <1 2 5 7 8 9 10 10> for 7 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 12 dice: <2 2 3 4 4 4 5 7 7 8 8 9> for 5 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 7 dice: <4 7 8 8 8 9 10> for 7 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 11 dice: <1 2 2 4 6 6 7 7 8 8 8> for 5 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 6 dice: <2 4 4 6 7 8> for 2 successes.

<<OOC>> Leti says "You realize we're all going to die in actual combat because he's going to be using this to gauge our capability, right? :p"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Hooboy. Net 11 successes on the first; net 8 on the second, net 6 on the last."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Something like that, yeah."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "I don't think I have the +4 on this, though, so 13+11-20=4?"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Right. So four on each shot."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Mukade has some *serious* defense."

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 4 damage dice: <1 4 8 10> for 2 successes.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 4 damage dice: <2 8 9 10> for 3 successes.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 4 damage dice: <1 5 8 8> for 2 successes.

<<OOC>> Aidan is very glad he bought Essence 4.

<<OOC>> Brian says "7 successes, huh? *laughs*"

<<OOC>> Brian says "That is precisely 1 more than is needed to kill him. In what, 4, 5 rounds? >_< 12-15 second has past!"

<<OOC>> Aidan says "I rolled 22 sux on attack and only made 2 health levels in damage. He was still a formidable opponent. You just *don't* want to challenge a Solar in his specialty, especially when there's an unrepentant Munchkin at the helm. :D"

The great Mukade, Black-Iron Centipede, fails now. It could not evade the Hawk; it could not block the Talons. With a huge, groaning crash the rolled-up form collapses, the thunderous crash sending a wave of sand up and shockwaves through the ground. Its iron-plate hide screams as it runs against itself, a final defiance before the light goes out in the twisted being's eyes. The black blood of the beast runs cold out onto the sand, forming a perverted, befouled oasis.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Roll Dex + Athletics -1."

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 3 dice: <4 5 7> for 1 success.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 8 dice: <1 1 7 7 8 8 9 10> for 7 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Nice. Pose easily avoiding the shockwave."

Murantru Ota is toppled by the shockwave of the crashing Mukade, falling to his knees and thence to the ground. His wings, wounded and healed, wrap around himself and the fire goes out, save from atop his head as his human form falls away, the swords disappearing. What is left is a handsome purple-and-gold plumed peacock with a pheasant's head and a comb haloed with flame. A huge rent is still torn in his wing, and he crouched low to the earth, sheltering himself with his tail and his good wing.

The shockwave of the beast's fall throws The Hunter violently into the air. But he rolls easily with the blow, performing a graceful reverse flip before landing lightly a short distance away, crouched on toes and fingertips, still ready for more.

<<OOC>> Brian says "And out of combat time. Your move."

Aidan stands up tall, smoothing out his simple robes and checking himself for any other injuries. Those ribs are going to ache a bit in the morning, but no permanent harm was done. He addresses the flaming Murantru Ota. "It appears that I came at an auspicious time, good sir. Might I inquire the identity of a fellow Fighter-Against-Darkness?"

<<OOC>> Aidan says "I should have asked, would I know this guy (or his type) for any reason?"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Hmm. Give me an Int + Lore or Occult roll."

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 4 dice: <2 3 4 8> for 1 success.

<<OOC>> Brian says "It's okay, I'm nearly done."

<<OOC>> Brian says "You recognize this guy as a Garda Bird-- one of the most powerful non-draconic elementals in existence. Noble beings of truth, honor, and wisdom, and this one seems even more powerful than most."

Murantru Ota's voice is cultured and beautiful, but there is a tortured, ragged edge to it. "I am called Murantru Ota, O Sword of Heaven," he whispers. "And you do me great honor, as well as a great service. Would that I could repay it now with aught other than my friendship-- and a request, a plea."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Probably won't change my pose, that much. Aside from a bit more respect, so just run with it...."

<<OOC>> Brian says "BTW, give yourself the backgrounds Ally 4 (Murantru Ota), and Reputation 2. For free. :P"

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Whee!"

"I seek to bring honor to all those who strive to bring light back to this darkened world, it was the least I could do. I thank you for your offer of friendship, and I offer you mine in return. Speak now of your plea, if it is within my power, I shall grant it."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Reputation is usually a DragonBlooded thing. How does it apply here?"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Basically, Ota is going to spread news of your deed throughout the South. You're Known, now, and not just as an Anathema."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Okay."

Murantru Ota's beautiful tailfeathers flutter slowly behind him, involuntary spasms of pain still poetic in the grace of the wounded being. "Know, Bronze Tiger, that I am one of three founders of the Court of the Orderly Flame. We seek to bring--" He pauses and keens, a heartrending sound-- "We seek to bring order to the Court of Seasons, or at least, the Season of the South, the Court of Fire. More than that, we are dedicated to the memory of the honorable Swan Dragon, to his ideals of justice, righteousness, and order."

The Garda Bird closes his eyes tightly, then reopens them after a moment has passed. "Recently, it was made known to one of our members that Swan Dragon, once censor of the South before his disappearance, and replaced by the hateful Wong Berok, is still alive! Four of your kindred already race to his side-- but they do so at the behest of the war-god of the South, Ahlat, and I trust him only warily. Loyal to the Celestial Order he may be, but his actions are not always upright, and in the past, he subtly clashed with our master. Should Swan Dragon come completely under his eye during his recovery from whatever has held him, it might increase Ahlat's power enormously, at the expense of righteousness."

He shudders, feathers sparking. "I had meant to meet the four Solars who sailed to his aid at the Lap; once I knew that master Swan was alive and in the south, I spoke to an oracle whose secrets I must keep, even from those who would know me best, and with her words, I was able to learn his location. But now..." He lets out a long, breathing sigh. "Now I must die, for the Black-Iron Centipede's poison races through my body and I cannot purge it with flame alone. Fear not, brave Lightbringer; my kind is privileged to live, and die, and be reborn as we are. I will return to Creation in a mere nine days hence-- but that nine days may be far too long. Had Mukade slain me, my mission surely would have been wasted." Once more, the pain passes through Murantru Ota's iron will and he lets out a terribly beautiful keen of pain. "I pass this burden, and the speed of fire, on to you, O Chosen of the Unconquered Sun. Speak your name to me, and I shall give you my blessing."

<<OOC>> Brian says "BTW, to make it clear-- he's not saying Ahlat is evil, in fact he's emphasizing that he's a good god. Just that he's got ... personal interests."

"My name is Aidan, honored lord, and I shall endeavor to take up this burden that you lay before me, that you might pass beyond this world with a clear mind."

Murantru Ota lets out one last sigh and breathes, "So be it. Race against the rising of your master, Aidan, Child of Dawn! May fire bring wings to your step!" he screams, and is suddenly immolated in a burst of fire. The bonfire which raises up then rivals your own for brilliance, and in a matter of seconds, he is burnt away, leaving nothing but fine ash. But you feel... light. Energetic. Full of power -- and flame.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Basically, you run FAST. You'll get to the Lap when everyone else does."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Sweet."

Aidan bounces on the balls of his feet once, as if testing the power of the elemental's blessing. Finding it stronger than he expected, he smiles, then takes off at a dead run in the direction of the Lap, stretching his already long stride out into leaps and bounds, flying faster than the wind across the burning sands of the desert.