Jade and Cattle, 3/24

[leticia]

Brian says "In the background, ladies and gentlemen, is the soundtrack to the original Conan the Barbarian movie. No matter what you believe about present-day Arnold, Conan, in both the original form and the movie form (not counting Destroyer), is one of the greatest defining members of the Epic Fantasy genre. If you have not heard the soundtrack to the original movie, I highly suggest you find it where ever you can; it is the sort of soundtrack that -forces- epic into the scene. Strong percussion, strong brass, and a deep, pounding theme."

Brian says "As the string instruments play up, the wind carries the Circle's ship into the Lap's harbor. The entire city is held in the lap of a mountainous statue; a titan left in meditative repose as the city sits there like a treasured game board. It is familiar to Liu; she was here before when Fate first fouled her idyllic circus life."

Brian says "To the South of the city but coming north rapidly is a rising column of flame. The last of Ota's spell drives Aidan on; he can feel the powerful Garda Bird's Essence beginning to fail as he comes in sight of his destination, leaping over the dunes as casually as the Circle's ship crests the waves of the calm harbor."

Brian says "The ship's anchor is down and the Captain bows respectfully to the Circle. "We have made dock, my lords and ladies. Welcome to the Lap.""

<<OOC>> Brian says "Everyone pose in, including Aidan; you're heading north towards the docks, since you know from Ota that the Circle is coming in by ship."

Phoenix Maiden nods to the captain and favors him with a smile. "Thank you. I am glad it was an uneventful voyage this time."

Liu stands at the ship rail with Midnight-With-Stars, who's up from the hold to debark. Her mood is pensive as the wind from the ocean brushes strands of her hair out of her braids. She fingers the knives in her belt thoughtfully, and is quiet.

Diamond Borealis seems anxious to depart the ship. He inhales the smell of the city, smiling he gives the captain a pat on the shoulder. "Thank you, Captain." He saunters down the gangplank, feet thudding on the planks, making a little leap of the last few feet. He lands solidly and tilts his hat back, looking toward the pillar of flame. He glances around the dock. "Damn it. That doesn't look good." He points toward it, indicating the sight for the rest of the group.

Kanfi bows slightly in response, offering his own friendly smile as well. "Captain, you have our gratitude for a job well beyond the call of duty." He motions Seven forward and the brass man follows him off the ship, somehow managing to convey HIS sincere gratitude for finally having solid ground beneath his feet without saying a word.

The flames rising from the south begin to fade away, and a human figure can be seen within. He leaps easily over tall dunes, speeding towards the harbor. The last of the flames fade away as he reaches the docks, and he stops for a moment to smooth down his robes, and assure that his cowl is secure over his head.

The Captain nods smartly to both Phoenix and Diamond. He smiles slightly at Kanfi. "Thank you, of course, sir. I need to go prepare the ship for your return voyage," he says before heading back onto the ship to take care of port business. Liu, you seem to remember that the Old Man was found near the 'navel' of the sitting titan, towards the center of town-- but all of you see the column of flame swirl over the cowled figure's head and then disappear in a burst that suspiciously resembles a firebird.

Brian says "Oh, Circle-- are you guys openly carrying your orichalcum gear?"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden is highly unlikely to be.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Covered, now..."

Phoenix Maiden starts at the form the final licks of flame take, her eyebrows rising. She peers to her companions, and quietly asks, "What do you think of that?"

Diamond Borealis follows the path of Aidan's parabola. He snugs his hat down lower as the flames fade. Rugged vest and shirt concealing his breastplate, Grendel's Claw covered in tatterdemalion cloth. He reaches back to touch the haft, then scratches his stubbly chin. "I think we need to go look and find out what that is. Too much to hope we've stumbled on Swan Dragon this quickly, but by Ligier, whoever that was might be a good place to start." He looks around to the others, to get their thoughts on the matter.

Liu mounts Midnight-With-Stars in a smooth leap and nudges him with a knee down the gangplank. The Girl and Her Horse move protectively to the flank of her Circle-mates, looking directly and intently at the new-comer that Phoenix Maiden has indicated. People with fire clinging to them are likely to be people her Circle needs deal with, these days.

<<OOC>> Liu says "No, Liu's klaives are tucked under the flaps of saddle bags, not out in the open."

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis assumes Aidan is in a different part of the docks, not directly near us, yes?

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Relatively close to you."

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Kanfi has his skycutter under Seven's cloak, because he's too small to conceal it himself."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "I had reason to believe that I would be arriving at about the same time as someone I was supposed to meet."

Brian [to Aidan]: You see several of the figures from your nightmares-- the ones who, in your dreams, you needed to help, but failed. A noble woman, proud and strong, surrounded by shadows she cannot see; a young man, beautiful and friendly, whose heart is the target of many daggers; a lithe young woman who can hunt through the darkness-- and never see what creeps behind in her own footsteps-- and a powerful sorcerer, blind to the tendrils created by his own power.

<<OOC>> Brian loves the combination of nightmares and generic, non-merit Exalted past life trauma. ;P

<<OOC>> Kanfi is perfectly happy with his past life! It was only partially traumatic.

Phoenix Maiden nods to Diamond. "Definitely." She touches the long wrapped pole leaning over her shoulder. "Let's investigate." She starts towards the unknown man, quietly asking Liu, "Does he look like the man with the pillows?"

Kanfi tosses another grin to the captain before heading off with his fellows, hopefully fighting won't be a necessity yet. Even firey people can be reasoned with.

Aidan strides confidently towards the group on the docks, hands coming free of his robes to pull the hood back from his face. The radiant sun of the Dawn is clearly visible on his forehead as though tattooed, though it does not glow. The glint of gold can be seen on his hands briefly before he folds the sleeves of his robe back over them.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Oh, we have a subtle Dawn."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Subtle is against my religion, I'm afraid."

Liu shakes her head sadly, looking off towards where she met the Holy Man, "No, he was an old man." She turns Midnight-With-Stars towards the now-less-fiery stranger.

Diamond Borealis inclines his head without a word, following PM's lead. One hand rests on the satchel tossed across his torso. The other is hooked by the thumb in his belt. He surveys the man as he moves forward. When he spots the golden disk, he lets out a low, soft whistle. Then he grins. "There's a man after my own heart." Said loud enough for Aidan to hear.

Phoenix Maiden slows. Her voice is soft as she exclaims, "Oh," in a tone of enlightenment. She continues forward, raising her voice a little so this Dawn can hear her clearly. "Greetings."

Kanfi rolls his eyes and puts a hand out to restrain his over-anxious, and none-too-pleased automaton. So much for subtlety. They could hope this meant he was friend, instead of foe, though, and he lengthened his strides a little to draw himself to his sister's side.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Psh. Seven's already in love with one of the Deceivers; what's a Forsaken more or less? :p"

Aidan says "Greetings to you as well, fair maiden. My name is Aidan, and I have been brought to this place to aid you in your quest. And receive your aid in kind for my own."

Liu looks to catch Diamond's eyes, and watches Phoenix Maiden's posture, in receiving this new Chosen. Her eyes and posture are wary, but no more wary than they've ever been upon having someone walk up out of the desert to say he is here to help them.

Diamond Borealis lets his eyes glide around the docks, none too worried about their own ship, but others that might be around. He steps over beside of Midnight-With-Stars, planting a hand on the horses front flank, just forward of Liu. "Aidan. I don't know if it's a pleasure or not, yet. But I'm can't say I'm disappointed at running across a Sword of Heaven. I'm Diamond Borealis." He narrows his eyes slightly, to judge if his name has any impact on this new Solar.

Phoenix Maiden inclines her head. "I am Phoenix Maiden of the Unfettered Sky," she says in introduction. "And I believe we have the same patron." She eyes the castemark briefly, before continuing. "It would be a good thing to aid a brother, but I fear we are bound to a task of some urgency, and any aid must come within the constraints of that." She says the last in a rising, questioning tone, encouraging more details as to this 'quest.'"

Kanfi sucks in a breath, and bites back his annoyance. Why does everyone want them to go on quests? Or, more precisely, why do people want HIM to come on quests? But he refuses to let the thought show on his face for more than an instant. His standard pleasant smile replaces it quickly and he spreads his hands, as though to prove his complete harmlessness. He steps forward and bows, a quick, polite bow. "And I am Kanfi Makuri. Perhaps this is not the best of places to be discussing these matters. Let us find some place to sit down for a few moment. Have, after all," he adds, looking at his companions, "only just arrived. Maybe we should find a place to eat and talk." All this talk of their mutual patron makes him... a little uneasy, to be honest.

Aidan says "It may be that your task and mine shall overlap, and we shall both profit by giving aid. This is what I was led to believe." He listens as Kanfi speaks, and then nods. "It is likely that Kanfi is correct, however. I take no pleasure in cities, and so I shall trust your greater wisdom. Lead where you will."

Phoenix Maiden glances at Kanfi and raises an eyebrow. He's the world traveler; she'd go wandering around like a lost tourist if SHE tried to find a place.

Liu pipes up, "I remember a smallish tavern, and it's on the way to where I'd like to start looking..." She trails off in mid-sentence and looks away towards the Navel, gesturing with one slender hand. She looks back, and blushes. "I am Liu, by the way. I don't have anything more interesting to say than that." She is a teenage girl, thin and supple, and well poised on the back of her huge black stallion.

Phoenix Maiden smiles up at Liu. "That's right; you know the city better than the rest of us." She shrugs. "Care to show us where?"

Diamond Borealis returns Liu's look, then back to Aidan. He shrugs slightly, and takes a breath. "Sol, old buddy, I hope you sent this guy to help us." A muttered prayer of sorts to his patron. "Lead the way, youngster. You're the one who knows this place." Midnight gets a last stroke of his mane. He keeps a wary eye on Aidan, but otherwise complies with Phoenix and Kanfi's decision to include him.

Kanfi breaks into a wide grin, turning back to pat Liu's shoulder. One thing the world traveler has learned? You should almost always let the native lead. "Will they take pause at a group of our... size?" He motions around.

Brian [to Liu]: They probably won't balk at six plus horse.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Well, the other option is to give him the cold shoulder and have him possibly tag along after us being no less obvious, so. :p"

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis is just crusty. :)

Liu grins back at Kanfi, whose smiles are always so infectious. "Just keep your hands off the barmaids. They won't pay us any mind." She heels Midnight-with-Stars on. "This way. Not too far."

Aidan pauses a moment to cover his head again, not wishing to attract too much attention too soon. He turns to follow where the others lead him.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Does anyone have Surprise Anticipation Method?"

<<OOC>> Liu says "I do!"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Hmm. Everyone give me Perception + Awareness rolls; may not be necessary."

<<OOC>> Liu says "SAM - saving the asses of Night Caste since the First Age."

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 1d7 <3> for 3 total.

<<DICE>> Phoenix Maiden rolls 5 dice: <2 3 5 6 8> for 1 success.

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

<<OOC>> Brian says "Those of you with toys allies may roll for them too."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden wants a toy. Will have to pick up some cute little godblood somewhere or something.

<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 6 dice: <1 2 3 3 9 9> for 2 successes.

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

<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 8 dice: <1 3 4 6 6 7 7 8> for 3 successes.

<<OOC>> Liu says "And for the horsey...."

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "The second was for Seven."

<<DICE>> Liu rolls 7 dice: <1 2 2 2 2 10 10> for 4 successes.

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 7 dice: <1 3 4 5 6 8 10> for 3 successes.

The seven of you begin the long walk through the city towards the tavern, and the navel of the Lap. The streets are odd, today; not as many people out in the streets. Liu, you have a nervous, itching feeling on your spine the whole way there-- like your Surprise Anticipation Method -wants- to go off, but there is nothing for it. As the tavern, the Honest Waterfowl's Lucky Nest, comes into view, Liu, you are almost CERTAIN that you are being tracked. Diamond, Aidan, Seven, and Midnight are having ugly feelings as well as the shadow of the Lap casts over you while the Sun begins his afternoon descent on the other side of the mountainous Sleeper.

"Liu." Diamond asks softly. "Is the proprietor going to freak if I walk in with Bronze skin?" He didn't successfully raid Solar tombs and First Age ruins as a mortal by not paying attention to those feelings. "Because I'm starting to get a hinky feeling." He says that loud enough for the rest to hear.

Phoenix Maiden blinks at Diamond and shifts her grip on the cloth-wrapped shaft of her spear, reassuring herself that it's to hand. "Perhaps, if something's going to happen, we should avoid closed places?"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "...Anyhow, I can't see how bronze skin'd be worse than Seven. ;p"

Liu whickers softly at Midnight-With-Stars, making soothing noises at him while glancing behind her. "Yes, I feel it too," she says softly to Diamond. "I suppose it's a matter of whether you want to deal with the tavern staff becoming upset, or whatever knife is about to sink into our lungs." She shakes her head hard, as if to shake the feeling off of her her head. "It's a bad feeling, but nothing's happening... yet."

Aidan says "I have a less than savory feeling as well. Darkness is coming quickly, in perhaps more way than one."

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 1d6 <6> for 6 total.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 1d5 <4> for 4 total.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 1d4 <4> for 4 total.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 1d3 <3> for 3 total.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 1d2 <2> for 2 total.

Seven nods gravely, and steps a little bit closer to his master. If he was human, he'd be tensing up. "Step carefully, Dark and Foul Lord."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Is anyone activating any Charms this round?"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Hoom. Sure. Let's activate VSS."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Personal, I take it?"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Dyah."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "I thought about popping FLB, but decided against it. Which might be a mistake, but *shrug*. I can handle it."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Maybe it should be Fivefold Bulwark from me, but, eh, that's a reflexive, and VSS is not..."

<<OOC>> Kanfi is gonna use FLB. Spent Way Too Much XP to get it, after all.

<<OOC>> Liu says "Hey, sure. How about Flow Like Blood! Yeah!"

Diamond Borealis holds up his lantern, the flame there dancing without any apparent source of fuel. He peers around at the deepening darkness. "Nothing yet. Let's not take chances." Taking a moment he hooks it back on a loop on his belt, letting it sway at his side opposite his bag. He starts to chant the familiar words of Invulnerable Skin of Bronze. Even the whispered words of power sound like faint, far away gongs going off.

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis is starting his ISB spell.

Kanfi glances up at his infatuated brass soldier and lets his lips twitch upward, thankful for the warning. He flickers oddly in the light, skin glinting, as though he'd gone insubstantial for a moment and dust motes dancing in the dying sun could be seen through him.

Brian says "You can all feel it now, the shuddering, heavy weight of eyes across you. Those of you who have been Hunted before remember it well; it is the feeling of predators stalking you once more. There's nothing -obvious- yet-- though it is strange. People are drifting -away- from the tavern, not starting the drinks to cool off in the afternoon. In fact-- it doesn't even look like the tavern is open. The suspicious emptying of the area continues as you talk-- but then you see someone beginning to walk towards you, about thirty yards away. A tall, old man with a long, dishevelled pure-white beard, bird's-nest hair, and a tense, almost paranoid look in his eyes."

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Personal, by the way."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Next round now?"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Yes."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "I'm waiting for someone else to pose first, as I'm not at all sure what to do about a strange old man with white hair...."

As the spell completes, Essence shines brightly on his forehead, spiraling around him and leaving his skin the same hue as the Brass soldier so dedicated to Kanfi. Diamond takes in a breath as the glittering motes dissipate. He watches the man approaching down the road. "Liu...Is he the one that gave you that pillow?"

<<OOC>> Liu says "He is, right?"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Quite."

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Uhm... I assume I have Shurtimu Ji strapped to my back. Is it reacting?"

Brian [to Kanfi]: Oh, hells. YES. It's about to jump out of its strap, jangling and vibrating against your back as it tries to _tug_ you towards the old man.

Liu leaps off of Midnight-With-Stars, and takes a faltering step towards the old man before remembering to hold her place. "Grandfather, are you well?" She gives a curt nod to Diamond, not looking at him, and calls out again to the old man. "Do you remember me?"

<<OOC>> Liu says "I wanted to put on Unsurpassed Celestial Grace at the end of that pose, but was not able to work it in. Do you want to let me do that now, or do you want me to wait till next round of posing?"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Consider it done if you used Personal for it. Did you?"

Phoenix Maiden watches the old man with her own paranoia - perceivable only in the way her hands shift on the concealed spear for reassurance; activating quiet Essence flows around her from the Essence of her own being to guide her spear in defense.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden is using Fivefold Bulwark, and fondling her spear. ;p

Brian says "Okay -stop-, right now, all poses in progress as Liu begins the run towards the old man. I need to know what Charms you are doing, and what actions you are taking AS Liu starts moving."

Brian says "Liu, your SAM is about to go off."

Kanfi presses his hand to the sword, concerned. Is this... the man they came to find? He takes a step forward but won't let the sword pull him closer, not yet.

Brian says "You may either spend one point and act as you will, no Charms, or trigger your Combo for 1 mote and 1 willpower, and have your Charms available."

Aidan glances over at Diamond watching with a bit of awe as the Bronze envelops him. "And so it begins." He reaches up to pull his cowl back from his face again, before reaching down and pulling each sleeve of his robe up to his elbow, exposing the ornate golden bracers that cover each forearm, and the golden claws extending from the back of his hands. His skin shimmers for a moment, as the light of the sun shines out from his center, before settling back down to normal.

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Flow Like Blood, personal."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Oh dear. A really subtle Dawn."

<<OOC>> Liu says "No, I'll trigger the combo, because I was trying to figure out how to work the Charm she should be putting up in, and it didn't seem right to do it while she was running towards him. One personal and 1 wp then?"

Brian says "In a split-second after Liu leaves Midnight and begins to move towards the old man, the entire frontpiece of the tavern explodes, the brick and mortar flying everywhere. You hear voices rising in fury-- no, not voices, roars, the roars of dragons in fury and and triumph; one red, fiery figure raising above the smoke and debris, another blue shot-through with thunder and lightning. The first thing to emerge from the devastation is a HAILSTORM of glowing blue discs running through the air. They circle and spin and tumble towards Diamond Borealis, Phoenix Maiden, Aidan, and Kanfi, each screaming through the air as their essence-shapes form razor edges; shortly on the heels of the bursting missiles are a pair of arrows whistling to seek for Liu's throat."

Brian says "Rolling arrows first."

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 12 dice: <1 1 2 4 6 6 6 8 9 9 9 10> for 6 successes.

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

Brian says "Order of next are the infinite jade chakrams shooting at Diamond, then PM, then Aidan, then Kanfi. Kanfi, in addition to FLB, Seven can stunt trying to knock them out of the air."

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 14 dice: <1 2 2 5 5 6 7 8 8 8 9 9 10 10> for 10 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 14 dice: <1 1 2 2 3 3 4 6 7 8 8 9 9 9> for 6 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 14 dice: <1 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 7 7 8 10> for 6 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 14 dice: <1 2 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 6 6 6 10 10> for 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Liu says "Heh, maybe I should have used the perfect. I had intended to survive the first round. ;-)"

<<OOC>> Brian says "You will."

Brian says "Everyone except Diamond stunt your defenses."

Brian says "Diamond, please make a Wits + Awareness roll, diff 3. If successful, you can stunt defaulting to a dodge or parry."

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

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Ha!"

Brian says "You're good. :)"

Phoenix Maiden's spear - even covered in binding cloth for such 'stealth' as that provides - is always ready; she has not yet processed what the disks are as her feet move over the rough surface of the road in a strong stance, the subtle flows of Essence she laid around her spear guiding it and her body to immediate defense.

<<OOC>> Brian says "2 point stunt, PM; you may take back one of the Willpower spent."

<<DICE>> Phoenix Maiden rolls 16 dice: <1 1 2 2 3 5 6 6 7 7 7 8 9 9 9 9> for 8 successes.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Yeah 12 successes total. :)"

Liu's hair prickles at the back of her neck as she moves towards the Holy Man, and she instantly bends backwards into a bridge, grasping the cobblestone firmly with her slender fingers and toes, maximizing her purchase to spring back into action.

Perhaps it is the intimacy of manipulating the raw essence of creation that is Sorcery that alerts Diamond. But as a brick from the facade flies past he turns, whirling backwards in a spinning leap, his hand going to the haft of Grendel's claw. A single tug and it breaks lose from the leather thong holding it to his back, the rags around it flying around him in a gentler explosion. The motion knocks the lantern from his hip, in what seems a mistake of haste at first. But as the metal structure crashes to the ground and the flame within it leaps in front of Diamond to aid in his defense, it becomes clear that it was intentional. The light of the Virtuous Guardian of Flame is reflected in the metal of Grendel's claw as he sweeps it in a wide arc to defend himself from the assault. The last of the rags catch fire and evaporate in smoke.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Another 2 point stunt, Liu; you may also take back one of the Willpower points you've spent on Persistents."

Brian [to Diamond Borealis]: Also, 2 point stunt.

Brian says "Willpower available. ;)"

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

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

<<OOC>> Brian says "Diamond: Okay, you only have to get over 7 successes; you may spend willpower to channel Conviction or Valor."

Kanfi bites back a yelp-- his body knows what to do, even as his mind is still processing the sudden attack. He jumps toward Seven, not to dodge behind his 'protector, but to grab his skycutter, sweeping the automaton's cloak back in a swirl of fabric, and swinging the large blade in an arch, its leopard spot-pattern glinting in the fading sunlight as it comes down into a defensive position.

<<OOC>> Brian says "2 point stunt to Kanfi!"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Your willpower for FLB is back. :)"

Aidan glances up at the tavern as it explodes, seeing the flares of elemental essence. "Foolish dragons, when will they learn not to challenge the Hunter?" He moves, faster than a blink, attempting to evade the incoming missiles.

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 12 dice: <1 1 2 4 5 6 6 6 7 8 8 10> for 5 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "What's your hardness, Diamond?"

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

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "12B/6L"

<<OOC>> Brian says "And total soak?"

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "20/12"

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 20 dice: <1 1 1 2 3 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 8 9 9 9> for 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Oh for bleep's sake."

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

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

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 3 damage dice: <1 1 2> for 0 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 3 damage dice: <1 2 10> for 1 success.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 3 damage dice: <3 4 5> for 0 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "So, Diamond, Aidan, you each only take two health levels."

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "One second. I forgot something."

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "I can use my Anima."

<<OOC>> Brian says "... oh, right. Yup!"

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 3 dice: <1 1 8> for 1 success.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Only one damage level, then."

Brian says "In a flash, Phoenix Maiden's spear turns aside the phantom chakrams, splashing them to either side of her body, their cutting edges dissipating as they chew up nearby buildings. Liu is simply not _there_ as the arrowtips bite into the cobblestones of the street, their straight path no match for the limber acrobat as she vaults around them as easily as she might move on the flying trapeze. Diamond's powerful axe flashes through the air, and deflects the majority of the incoming blades, but two impact upon his bronze body, knocking him back slightly and tearing at his clothes. Kanfi is the desert wind brought to life, whirling away from the oncoming razors and pulling his mighty skycutter away from his guardian. Aidan's luck is not with him this time, or perhaps it is a kharmic balance for fighting the Mukade; he evades all but one of the scything Chakram-forms, and it slices a long cut across his torso.

As the smoke clears, three figures step forward, two remaining behind in the rubble. At the lead is a tall, broad-shouldered man with a hawklike nose and harsh look wearing a stout black jade helm and a simple, unadorned suit of black jade armor-- unadorned save for the long jade bracers marked with the sigils of the Water Dragon kata texts. Similarly constructed razor claws grace his wrists, and his body is poised in the wide stance of a Water Dragon master. "It is time to DIE, Anathema," the first figure roars as he leaps towards the injured Aidan. Beside him, one figure is a tall, handsome woman wearing long red silk robes decorated in elegant calligraphy-- texts of Hesiesh. Around her is a raging inferno pulsing from her center; spinning fire dragons run through her anima. She is unarmored save for long 'battle sleeves' over each of her arms made from two linked red jade bracers, but she bears a matched pair of red jade daiklaives-- hungry, burning brands to match Liu's heavenly pair. She rushes out silently towards Liu, driving her blades before her as she leaps gracefully over the rubble. Her companion to the other side of the frontrunner simply walks THROUGH the rubble; you cannot see him, but he is wearing a massive suit of white jade armor enameled over marble and ebony and raw stone, a great dome of a helmet and two dark eye-guards masking all features of whomever is is within this Most Resolute Armor of the Earth Dragon. He wields a great hunk of white jade, a goremaul as he steps towards Phoenix Maiden.

Finally, in the back, you see two figures. The first is there only briefly; a short woman clad in blue jade armor and wielding a still-humming jade chakram; it is almost glowing cerulean in her hand. Her aura certainly is, a thunderstorm and whirlwind woven together by writhing air dragons. In a flash of smoke she disappears, her form mostly fading. Furthest back is the archer-- the powerbow is green jade, but not much else can be seen except for an elaborate helmet carved with abstract designs; the archer is mostly hidden behind an upturned table."

Brian says "Once you're done reading, roll for initiative."

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 1d10 + 18 for init: 26

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 1d10 + 20 for init: 23

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 1d10 + 19 for init: 20

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 1d10 + 14 for init: 21

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 1d10 + 14 for init: 23

<<DICE>> Phoenix Maiden rolls 1d10 + 18 for init: 22

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 1d10 + 13 for init: 19

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

<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 1d10 + 9 for init: 18

<<DICE>> Liu rolls 1d10 + 9 for init: 12

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Maybe 7 or MWS are slower? :)"

<<DICE>> Liu rolls 1d10 + 8 for init: 18

<<OOC>> Liu says "He's a good horse."

<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 1d10 + 17 for init: 20

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "That was Seven's."

Brian says "Order is Deled (Black Jade), Uradhi (Red Jade), Monsa (Green Jade), Phoenix Maiden, Austara (Blue Jade), Bauzaid (White ade), Diamond, Aidan, Kanfi, Midnight, Seven, Liu."

Brian says "Peleps Deled's eyes are full of rage and fanatic hatred. Believing the wounded Dawn to be the weaker member of the group, he leaps towards Aidan, his own razor claws spread wide to represent the arcing waves of the Water Dragon crashing in upon his Forsaken target. As he lands in front of the dawn, his razor claws blur, striking again and again."

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 11 dice: <1 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 5 6 10> for 2 successes.

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

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

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden admires the dice.

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

<<OOC>> Brian ... LOOKS at the dice.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Aidan, stunt your FLB dodge."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "They're apologizing for that dodge roll. :p"

Aidan dodges with casual grace, taunting the Water-blood in front of him. "You really think you are a match for me, upstart?"

<<OOC>> Brian says "1 point stunt. You've got no free essence to take back; roll the four dodges. >_>"

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 19 dice: <1 4 4 4 4 5 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 10 10 10> for 14 successes.

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 19 dice: <1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 9 9> for 10 successes.

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

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 19 dice: <1 1 1 2 2 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 8 9 10> for 8 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "See, now they love you. :P"

Brian says "Sesus Aradhi, for her part, is less vicious than the Hunt's harrier-leader, but no less impassioned. Her graceful jump has taken her in front of the nimble Liu, blades flickering and sparking towards the fair Night, her burning anima running down the edge of the blades as she cuts."

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 15 dice: <3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 8 10 10> for 5 successes.

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

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 13 dice: <1 2 2 4 4 5 6 7 7 7 7 9 10> for 7 successes.

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

<<OOC>> Brian says "Liu, stunt your dodge, please."

Liu weaves and capers away from each stroke of the Fire Warrior's swords, her muscled limbs bending away in angles and measures not quite believable.

<<OOC>> Brian says "2 point stunt, Liu; you can get the other WP back."

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

<<DICE>> Liu rolls 18 dice: <1 2 2 3 4 4 4 5 5 6 8 8 9 9 9 10 10 10> for 11 successes.

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

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

<<OOC>> Brian says "Liu, you may default to a parry on the first strike or take the damage."

<<OOC>> Brian says "... Or, I'm an idiot."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Do you have a Parry-use Charm you can use there?"

<<OOC>> Liu says "Nope, swords are in saddlebag too :("

<<OOC>> Brian says "... Augh."

<<OOC>> Liu says "I could totally catch the knives out of the air and throw them at her! Honest!"

<<OOC>> Brian says "You can default to a martial arts parry, though. Dex + Martial Arts + Stunt (3) + Defense for First (2)."

<<OOC>> Brian says "And as a part of that parry, I'll allow a free move to Midnight to pull your swords; just pose it."

As the swords get a bit too close for comfort, Liu flips backwards onto her hands and claps the heels of her dexterous feet around the first sword, then twists her hips sharply, angling it into the path of the second sword as it comes down. She kicks away and continues flipping backwards to Midnight-With-Stars, reaching swiftly into his saddlebags to win her own orichalcum daiklaives into her hands.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Perfectly. :) Roll your parry."

<<DICE>> Liu rolls 13 dice: <1 2 2 3 3 4 5 7 7 7 9 9 10> for 7 successes.

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Neat trick. Hi, I seem to have forgotten my weapon, mind if I borrow yours for a moment?"

Brian says "Between the combination of her incredible grace and her unbound reflexes, Liu agilely avoids Uradhi's attempt to extinguish her by smacking the Fire-Blooded's own daiklaives together! Two more arrows whistle out from behind the table, the Wood Dragon monk firing to try and damage the Brass Legionnaire and Kanfi before they can do any real damage."

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

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

<<OOC>> Brian says "First shot on Kanfi, second on Seven."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Kanfi, you may pose your FLB defense; will Seven be wait. Never mind."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Don't bother having Seven defend; that'll bounce off his Hardness. Just defend yourself. :)"

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Kay."

Kanfi catches the movement of the slender shaft out of the corner of his eye, and spares himself a moment to grimace-- never a dull moment, right? Right. "Can't we talk about this like civilised people?" he wants to know, as he spins the sky cutter forward to deflect the arrows from his path, intent on heading TOWARDS the archer.

<<OOC>> Brian laughs.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Two die stunt. :) Dodge it!"

<<OOC>> Brian says "But, uh-- next time, actually dodge, not parry with a thrown weapon. :P I'm letting it go 'cos of Cool. ^^"

<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 10 dice: <2 2 2 2 3 5 5 6 8 10> for 3 successes.

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Sorry, boss."

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

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Silly Waterblood gets to live a turn longer than he should."

<<OOC>> Brian says "You may also either have Seven activate his Charm to defend YOU, or default to a parry personally (you'd've already stunted it, but it would mean no action for you) to get rid of the last success."

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "... Two, I think. He's not wearing armor. And I think Seven may activate his Charm."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Alrighty. Roll just Seven's Conviction +2."

<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 6 dice: <2 2 5 6 9 10> for 3 successes.

Despite the whirl of Kanfi's skycutter, the bolt almost passes his guard-- just in time for Seven to move with preternatural speed, literally grabbing the arrow out of midair and snapping it in his bronze hand!

Phoenix Maiden's face is impassive, save for eyes roaring with heat, golden irises aflame with anger at the wanton destruction and foolish violence perpetrated without cause by these Dragon-blooded hypocrites. She straightens; her bearing is imperious, glorious, majestic, terrible, the pose of a wrathful Zenith, of a Pillar of the Sun. The butt of her spear cracks into the paving stones with a abrupt ring, planted before her with both hands beneath the lump where the Hearthstone setting lies concealed; a brief tug on the right corner drops the winding sheet, unveiling the orichalcum of her deadly spear, which gleams in the sudden blaze of her castemark. Her voice, as she whispers one dismissive word, cuts sharp through the shocking illusion of silence ringing where the thunder of the explosion has faded. "Fool."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "And that's TaoG, 5 and 5 out of each, so, shiny castemark."

<<OOC>> Brian says "No action then? Right. Nifty. Heh. I need to not let you go so long... :P"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "...I can't do anything else, can I? It's a Simple."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Yup."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Right. No action. :p"

Brian says "Actually, Austara's action is taken up Shrouding the Body and Mind, so she's skipped..."

Brian says "Seven's turn, Kanfi."

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

Seven gives the monks a rather... resigned look, despite his bland expression. Of course he'd rather be fighting the horrible Anathema, but he can't just leave Kanfi there to face his doom alone. He's just so delicate. So Seven puts himself between the archer-monk and his master, calling out "You will not hurt him! For the Beloved Betrayer of All That Is Holy!" And launches himself at the fighter taking aim at his beloved corrupter.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Okay, Seven's on his way to the archer... Time for Bauzaid."

Brian says "Mnemon Bauzaid's stone form, merged with the craggy Resolute Armor, moves with unexpected and sudden speed. His voice rumbles from within the armor-- the mouthpiece actually moving as though he were a part of it, "Face the righteousness of the Immaculate Dragons, Blasphemous scum-- I dedicate your blood to their purity!" he cries as the arc of the goremaul comes crashing for Phoenix Maiden's stern countenance."

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

<<OOC>> Brian says "Roll parry; you're considered to have your stunt already."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "So is that the 2 from before?"

<<OOC>> Brian nods.

<<DICE>> Phoenix Maiden rolls 16 dice: <1 1 1 2 2 3 5 5 5 6 7 8 9 9 10 10> for 8 successes.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Yeah. 12 successes to 3. :p"

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis snorts, points, and laughs.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "I like to call this little combination of scenelong Charms "Sure, I have no Essence left, but it's not like you can touch me.""

Brian says "Of course, the purity of the Unconquered _Sun_ takes some precedence in this matter, the dancing tip of the Phoenix Maiden's spear slashing the heavy goremaul aside, the last of its covering falling off in tatters. Diamond's turn."

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "So, who is closer to me? Deled or Bauzaid?"

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 1d2 <2> for 2 total.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Deled."

Diamond Borealis eyes blaze as he sees the Immaculates reveal themselves. "You dragon turds are about to learn a lesson that isn't in that worthless filth you call a holy book." He glances once at the blood running down his bronzed arm. It reaches his elbow and holds there a moment. He leaps into the air and at his apex the drop of blood falls toward the ground. The Grimcleaver in his hand spins at one side and then the other as he pulls his legs up. As the blood falls, lengthening as gravity tugs upon it, Diamond descends as well. The golden blade of Grendel's Claw bites repeatedly at the Water Dragon, falling against him as that drop of blood hits the ground. The axe strikes five times, the same number of splatters caused by the drop of the Copper Spider's blood. The flame follows him; a thin pillar of fire that guards Diamond's back.

<<OOC>> Brian says "... Yipes. 3 point stunt."

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis will take Essence back.

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "And, splitting actions obviously."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Figured."

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "So, let's see...11,10,9,8,7? Right?"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Yup."

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 11 dice: <2 4 4 5 6 6 6 7 7 8 10> for 5 successes.

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

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 9 dice: <1 3 4 4 4 5 8 8 8> for 3 successes.

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

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 7 dice: <1 2 3 4 7 8 8> for 3 successes.

Brian says "Deled has only a split second to react as the enraged Diamond's grimcleaver falls upon him, the Claw splitting the air light the Spear of Sol Invictus upon a cursed land. The grim Huntsman twists one razor-claw clad arm up into a mudra gesture, and pulls the other one back to his chest, an explosion of water curling out from him and then rushing in like a riptide."

Brian says "Bottomless depths defense."

Brian says "Your damage is 1 on all 5 strikes, but he's not defending against any."

Brian says "Mainly because doing so would require 10 essence. >_> Stupid out-of-Element surcharge. >_>"

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Code for Damage dice?"

<<OOC>> Brian says "+roll/exd"

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 1 damage die: <4> for 0 successes.

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 1 damage die: <8> for 1 success.

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 1 damage die: <10> for 1 success.

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 1 damage die: <5> for 0 successes.

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 1 damage die: <7> for 1 success.

Brian says "Despite the awe-inspiring might of the grimcleaver, most of its terrible force is sucked into the whirlpool of Deled's Essence. Not nearly enough to deflect the power of the enraged Lawgiver, though-- not nearly enough. Deled is forced back by the slashes, knocked away from the Dawn. Aidan's turn."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "I'm going to go ahead and activate my Form, although I'm half tempted to just explode into an attack and finish faster. Peripheral, to light up the mark."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Alrighty. Pose it in."

Aidan raises his voice to be heard clearly above the rising din of combat. "Today, young Dragons, I shall teach you the first of many lessons that the Hawk taught me when I was learning to Hunt. Never Hunt that which is stronger than you, for the Hunter may easily become the Hunted." Aidan raises one hand as though readying to strike, crouching and raising up on his toes as his caste-mark flares to life. Bright lines of Essence leap into being around him, invigorating him and strengthening his hands. He reaches one hand forward and beckons to the Exalt that tried to strike him. "Come and learn, Dragons, and pray to whatever you hold sacred that you survive the lesson."

Brian says "Nice! Kanfiturn."

Kanfi glances around, checking to make sure his companions are holding his own before taking off, keeping pace with Seven for a few steps. A chunk of rubble-- probably bit of the tavern wall-- landed in front of him, and hes grins cheerfully, using it to springboard himself up into the air. His braids halo out around him, shards of rainbow sparking out from the beads and gathering in his hands, coalescing into the shining golden glow of Sol Invictus' chosen, and wrapping itself around his wide, curved blade.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Oooooh. Very nice! 2 point stunt-- combo, right? What are you activating and how much?"

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "My flying Death from Above combo. XD Precision of the Striking Raptor, Joint-Wounding Attack, Reed in the Wind, Shadow Over Water. Not that I need those last two with FLB up."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Always nice to have them available."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Cool. You get 1 WP or 4 motes back after the combo. How much are you spending on Precision?"

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Probably use four motes of essence on PSR..."

Brian says "As Seven charges, Cynis Monsa looks up-- and _through_ the table, sensing the harsh challenge of Kanfi's scything Skycutter. She dives to the side, trying to avoid the deadly blade."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Okay, roll Dex + Thrown + Accuracy of the Skycutter + 6; you're going to be -2 successes for her cover, though."

<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 15 dice: <1 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 10> for 6 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 13 dice: <1 2 2 2 4 4 5 6 6 8 8 8 9> for 4 successes.

Brian says "The table explodes as the skycutter slashes through it-- but Monsa has just barely managed to scramble out and over the chairs beside it. Unfortunately, that leaves her right under Seven's gaze for next turn... Midnight's turn."

Midnight-With-Stars rears with a squealing whinny, his hooves coming down to strike sparks against the pavement. His eyes flash a dark iridescent rainbow glow, his nostrils snort steam, and silvery sheen over his body makes the specks on his flanks seem to light up like the bright Stars of the Night sky for just a brief moment. He lunges forward, flinty-diamond hard hooves crashing towards the Fire-Aspect with murderous intent. ((Principle of Motion))

<<OOC>> Brian says "2 point stunt."

<<OOC>> Brian says "+1 for hoof stomp, + 2 for the stunt, +1 for the accuracy of his hooves. So Dex + Brawl + 4."

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

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Good Horsey!"

<<OOC>> Liu says "He's a good horse."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "H'ray for the Horsey!"

Brian says "Sesus Aradhi notices the enraged stallion barely in time. What she had thought was just a mere riding beast she now knows is a twisted servant of the Wretched she wishes to slay. The fire of her anima and Form wrap around her though, and she flickers once more, sliding to one side with the speed of a spark."

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

<<OOC>> Brian says "Unfortunately, she gets 5 autosuccesses to dodge."

<<OOC>> Liu says "Ah well. It'll just make him ill-tempered, which is all to the good."

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Shouldn't that count as a surprise attack? Or does the charm she used negate that?"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Hmm, I'll bite."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Roll MwS's Dex + Stealth."

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

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

<<OOC>> Brian says "No go."

Brian says "Aradhi's fire-born speed sends her bursting past the potent horse's flashing hooves, her swords now pointing at both the Night and her surprising steed."

Brian says "Next round, initiative."

<<DICE>> Phoenix Maiden rolls 1d10 + 18 for init: 19

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 1d10 + 18 for init: 28

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 1d10 + 10 for init: 13

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Bah! These dice they do not love me enough!"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden offers the dice cookies.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 1d10 + 20 for init: 21

<<OOC>> Brian says "HEY. Stop offering them cookies when I'm about to roll!"

<<OOC>> Aidan says "You'd think with a Dex 6 I'd be a bit quicker..."

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 1d10 + 19 for init: 25

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 1d10 + 14 for init: 16

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 1d10 + 14 for init: 15

<<DICE>> Liu rolls 1d10 + 12 for init: 14

<<OOC>> Liu says "And for the horse:"

<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 1d10 + 9 for init: 11

<<DICE>> Liu rolls 1d10 + 8 for init: 16

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis is going to use Swift Slice. 4 motes.

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "and for Seven..."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Alrighty."

<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 1d10 + 17 for init: 18

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 1d10 + 21 for init: 24

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Init dice are just spiteful tonight."

<<OOC>> Brian spanks the initiative dice and sends them to bed with no supper; they love no one.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Maybe they like that, Brian. :p"

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis doesn't say a word. Not one.

Brian says "Order this time is Deled, Bauzaid, Diamond, Uradhi, PM, Seven, Midnight, Austara, Monsa, Liu, Aidan, Kanfi."

Brian says "Deled shakes his helmeted head arrogantly, despite Diamond's vicious attacks. "Though I be beset by the creatures of darkness, within me is the Exaltation of the Dragons themselves. You cannot stand against their might, polluted by-blows of demons-- Feel Clutching Talons of the Enraged Water Dragon!" he shouts, turning on Aidan and Diamond in a barrage of attacks. His razor claws reach out, rippling essence-water extending from his eyes and transforming into claws that "shadow" his strikes as they reach out to claw the life and soul from both champions."

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Sidel thinks these guys are idiots. He disowns them from dragon-blood. And he's got legendary breeding, so he can do that. XD"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Isn't Sidel off being harassed for his legendary sperm?"

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "... Yes. ;_; The only evil he recognizes is his wife."

<<OOC>> Brian says "First and third strikes against Aidan, Second and Fourth against Diamond; Diamond, your Fire Shield works here of course. Boys, please stunt your defenses."

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

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 16 dice: <1 2 2 2 4 5 5 7 8 8 8 9 9 9 10 10> for 11 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 15 dice: <2 2 4 4 5 5 7 8 8 9 9 9 10 10 10> for 12 successes.

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

<<OOC>> Brian says "Well, thankfully, that 12 success will be post-hopping dodge; only the 9 one counts."

Diamond Borealis does not look impressed. The slender flame becomes an immense sword of fire that whirls around to confront the water of the dragon. Where they cross, steam hisses into the air, briefly obscuring the scene before the wind carries it away. The puzzle pieces of his aura, which glow brightly now above him shift and change, interlocking in mimicry of the essence fueled elements that battle between Solar and Dragon-blooded, fighting a proxy war for them.

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis also wants to channel Conviction.

<<OOC>> Brian says "2 point stunt to the Virtuous Flame Guardian; you may do so, and indeed take back the willpower, if you wish."

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Done."

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 14 dice: <3 4 4 5 6 7 8 8 8 9 9 9 10 10> for 11 successes.

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 14 dice: <1 1 1 2 2 2 4 4 5 6 7 8 8 9> for 4 successes.

Aidan sees the Water Exalt reaching out to strike him with great fury. "It is time for your second lesson then, Oh Glorious Water Dragon." His voice takes on a mocking tone. "The best way not to be struck, is to be somewhere else when the blow lands." With those words, Aidan *leaps*, arcing far over the head of the attacking Dragon-blooded, performing an easy lay-out somersault before landing softly, many yards away.

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

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Also, depending on how long those claws are, Deled takes 4L damage for the first one."

<<OOC>> Brian says ""Not very"."

<<OOC>> Brian says "... Nnngh."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Sec."

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 4 dice: <3 4 5 5> for 0 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 12 dice: <1 1 1 1 4 4 5 6 7 7 8 8> for 4 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 16 dice: <1 1 3 3 4 4 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 10 10> for 9 successes.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "O_O"

<<OOC>> Brian says "I forgot to enact wound penalties."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Brian, 2 point dodge stunt."

<<OOC>> Brian just rerolled the relevant ones, so the Guardian parried both.

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "So does he take 8L? : )"

<<OOC>> Brian says "It should impact off the armor, then, but I'm going to rule he takes an HL anyway."

<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 19 dice: <1 1 1 1 2 3 3 4 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10> for 11 successes.

Brian says "The claws reach... and find nothing but air. The talons grasp and slash towards where Aidan once stood, but the Hunter has flown beyond their reach. Enraged, the other two claw-pairs reach for Borealis-- but the spinning sword averts one, and then the other, cutting them back and raking fire across the Water-blood's arms. Steam rises from his anima as it interacts with the burning Guardian's Virtuous retort, and wincing, Deled pulls back one of his claws in pain."

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

Brian says "Bauzaid grunts heavily through the armor. This is not going well for the servants of the Immaculate Dragons. Sacrificing his own mobility, he darts his Armor towards Phoenix Maiden, bringing the goremaul up and around her-- not striking for her at first, but attempting to slash under her guard then up to pin her against his body."

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

<<OOC>> Brian stares at the dice. BAD dice. That's his signature move!

<<OOC>> Brian says "There. :P"

<<OOC>> Brian says "You only have to defend against 6 successes. >_< I need to remember your TAoG more."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden whistles innocently. It's good to be the Zenith.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "It would help if I'd ever used it in battle before. :p"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Bauzaid is attempting a Boulder-Crushing Grasp Clinch on you, PM; you may stunt your parry as normal."

Phoenix Maiden lifts the butt of her spear from the cracked paving tiles; the blade leans back over her shoulder, and, as the heavily armored Dragon-Blooded encroaches on her, she does the unexpected and takes a step towards him; the butt of the spear leads, slamming with all her forward force - and his - towards the offending arm.

<<OOC>> Brian says "2 point stunt. Roll 'em."

<<DICE>> Phoenix Maiden rolls 16 dice: <1 1 1 2 3 3 5 5 5 5 5 7 8 8 8 10> for 6 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Of course, you only need 2- right. >_<"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "..Marf. Silly dice. Oh well. Still 4 to spare. :p"

Brian says "Bauzaid's bull rush fails; perhaps some day, if he survives (or reincarnates auspiciously) he will learn that it is foolish to bull rush a Bull of the Sun. Nevertheless, for now, the tactic is unlearned, and it is Diamond's turn to act."

"This Spider bites, my foolish, wet-brained friend." Diamond retorts to Deled as he retreats, his skin singed by the Virtuous Guardian of Flame. The blade slips back to a thin pillar, swiveling out of the Solar's way. He strides forward, swinging Grendel's Claw back in forth in a deadly, sinuous motion, spelling out the Old Realm character for 'claw'. "It is now time that I wash my Claw in your blood, instead of water." He makes a short hopping spin and lashes out again, five more strokes aimed at the enemy Dragon in a flurry.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Sweet. 2-pointer; roll 'em. Also, damn you for keeping on with the five attacks. :P"

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 10 dice: <1 3 3 5 6 7 7 7 7 10> for 6 successes.

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 9 dice: <2 2 4 5 5 5 8 10 10> for 5 successes.

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 8 dice: <1 1 1 3 6 8 8 8> for 3 successes.

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 7 dice: <1 2 2 2 7 8 9> for 3 successes.

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 6 dice: <1 2 3 5 6 9> for 1 success.

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis will take back the essence, BTW.

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "And thank you. :)"

<<OOC>> Brian says "He's going to BDD again; let me pose it while you roll 5 1 damage attacks."

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 1 damage die: <10> for 1 success.

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 1 damage die: <10> for 1 success.

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 1 damage die: <2> for 0 successes.

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 1 damage die: <7> for 1 success.

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 1 damage die: <7> for 1 success.

Brian says ""You are nothing, Unclean! Your dark masters will not avail you this time!" screams Deled as he once more moves his hands into the gesture summoning the Bottomless Depths to drain off the Twilight's fury. His anima-dragons snap and claw at Diamond's Axe-blades... but to no avail. Deled grunts as the thick head bites in four times, only bouncing off the black jade once."

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Yeah, well, I ain't the one bleeding like a stuck pig. :)"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden cackles.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Right, who's next... Uradhi, right."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "That BDD thing is unfortunate, because he's probably going to do the same to me if I try to end him."

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Yeah, but he's taken 8HL."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "But at best, I can only do 5 more."

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "If he has Essence for it."

Brian says "Uradhi nods once to her opponents and gives a slight smile-- a smile that does not reach either the fire crackling around her or the rage in her eyes. She leaps towards Liu and Midnight, crimson blades weaving in and out as she somersaults through the air, cutting swiftly at horse and mistress."

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 15 dice: <3 3 3 3 3 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 8 9> for 5 successes.

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

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 13 dice: <1 1 1 1 3 4 5 5 5 7 8 9 10> for 5 successes.

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 12 dice: <2 3 3 5 5 5 7 7 8 9 9 9> for 6 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Liu, the 5 and 8 are yours, and the 5 and 6 are Midnight's. Pose your defenses together, please, for the stunt."

Liu cocks her head to the side, watching the Dragon-Blood's advance, and thinks back to her circus days... then flows her body deftly after the motion of her head, snake-like and faster than the eyes can follow, flowing away from the strike and leaving the Terrestrial barreling down on her horse - who, knowing this schtick from years of practice, rears up daintily and raises one leg after the other to let the woman simply slide past, his motions somehow mocking her ridiculous efforts.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Niiice. 2 point stunt, and signature style for Liu, of course. :)"

<<OOC>> Liu says "Liu first"

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

<<DICE>> Liu rolls 18 dice: <1 4 4 5 5 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10> for 14 successes.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden yays that roll. :)

<<OOC>> Brian says "Nice, complete whiff."

<<DICE>> Liu rolls 10 dice: <1 1 1 2 4 4 4 6 7 8> for 2 successes.

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

<<OOC>> Liu says "oh noes"

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Ohhh. HOrsey. : ("

<<OOC>> Brian says "why is it the horse that always gets stabbed? >_<"

<<OOC>> Liu says "Well, he's large."

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

Brian says "Although Uradhi's skill is virtually unsurpassed for one of her kind, she is no match for the grace granted to a Chosen of the Night. Her blade simply cannot find purchase on Liu, flitting through the air and taking nothing. Her speed is sufficient to stab deeply into Midnight's fore-shoulder, but the stoic stallion utters not a whinny, knocking away the second blow with clashing hooves."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Midnight takes 3 damage."

<<OOC>> Brian says "We'll pause after this round; Stage 2 is about to happen anyway."

Brian says "PM's turn."

[Log editor's note: Continued in next post.]