Jade and Cattle semi-log, 1/13/07
Jan. 25th, 2007 05:21 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
leticiaBrian [to Aidan]: Alrighty. So you're headed out of Miriwas to the Round House and the local high priest to start, yes. Any intents along the way?
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Nothing specific, no."
Brian says "The trip is more or less uneventful... in your terms, anyway. There _are_ Legion strike squads patrolling the country side, and the retreating Immaculates, but, well-- they either have the sense not to openly confront you, or such confrontations as you _do_ have are so abrupt as to not be worth mentioning. You have no equals or even challengers among the mortals of the world, and still yet few among the immortal. It does not take you long to reach the Round House."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I'm going to be looking around carefully as I get close, as she said something about siege, and the realm being annoying. But unless someone actually gets in my way, I'll just proceed straight through."
Brian says "As you get closer and closer to Round Rock, it's more frequent. There are even blasted zones in the savannah where great fights took place. Most of it seems to be, unfortunately, elementally related-- huge vines and withered trees, lightning strike aftermaths, burn zones. But as you travel on towards the Round House, more and more often, it's Legionnaire equipment that's left broken on the ground or burnt on pyres. Less Harborhead natives; less dead Brides burnt carefully to avoid _directly_ violating the Law of Heaven even as their way of life is exterminated."
Brian says "Finally, you come to the Round House itself, a mighty-domed temple in the midst of the open savannah. Save for the giant temple itself, circular and soaring towards the sky, there is little to block any sunlight anywhere near it. In fact, there is not a cloud in the sky for miles around the temple, which stands as a huge bastion with a conic roof in white and gold. Once alone, as you draw near, you can see the evidence of fortifications-- and broken fortifications. Some hastily-erected pickets; some stronger stone ramparts. The evidence of a battle is EVERYWHERE; indeed, it seems that the temple's slaves are only now just clearing off some of the corpses from the field, though there are no smoldering fires or elemental maelstroms; the battle is at least a day or more gone."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Can I tell who won? Or should I just assume that the temple won, since it's standing."
Brian [to Aidan]: None of the temple's walls have been breached, and there are broken legion standards being displayed triumphantly along the circle.
Aidan walks boldly towards the front of the temple, making no special effort to hide either his presence, or his nature.
Brian [to Aidan]: ... Nothing over your forehead?
<<OOC>> Aidan says "These people still revere the Unconquered Sun, in theory?"
Brian [to Aidan]: ... It's his freaking temple, dude.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I'll go in with my hood removed, and see how they react to it. :-)"
Brian [to Aidan]: Well, the words flat-out awe comes to mind. The slaves don't come anywhere NEAR you, and some rather inappropriately fall on their feet and begin to shout praises and worship. So do several of the free folk inside, though most simply avert their gaze in awe. At the center of the GIGANTIC temple, though, are the remaining Brides of Ahlat-- fit, strong women with long, VERY bloody spears-- and the High Priest himself, Jadoum, a tall man with gaps in his teeth and gold flecks in his eyes. One of the Brides was saying, "And I say they retreated, and for that, they must be -killed-, Jadoum! Regardless of whether they are your guardsmen, they are still in Harborhead-- under the law of Ahlat!" The High Priest seems to disagree.
Aidan strides directly towards the High Priest and the Brides, raising his voice a bit to be heard, as he approaches. "Even a cowardly ally may be of some use to a cause, but a dead ally serves no purpose other than to frighten the rest of one's allies. A truly powerful ruler leads his allies through respect and honor, not fear.
Brian [to Aidan]: Cha + Presence +2 roll, please.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I really need to buy up some presence soon..."
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 4 dice: <1 6 8 9> for 2 successes.
Brian [to Aidan]: ... You only have a Charisma of 2? o.o
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Yes. Cha 2, Manip 1, App 4. Not my best munchkin moment, but oh well."
Brian [to Aidan]: The Bride-- and several of her unhappy compatriots-- turn angrily with their spears towards you, snarling, "Ahlat despises such fools as would accept cowards and slave-bait among their armies! Who dares say otherwise?"
The Hunter bows gracefully towards the Brides, spreading his arms wide with hands open, and taking care that his sleeves ride up just enough to expose the glint of orichalcum. "My name is Aidan, honored warriors, My Lord Priest.
Brian says "Jadoum gives a big, speckled grin and bows his head respectfully. Some of the Brides look less than enthusiastic about this whole mess and the Bride in question looks somewhat poleaxed. But she recovers. "The Unconquered Sun, too, is a warrior!" she says proudly. "He would not see one of -his- warriors supporting the useless and the weak of will!""
<<OOC>> Aidan player falls over laughing.
<<OOC>> Brian says "She's arrogant and your roll sucked!"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Trying to decide if I want to metaphorically bludgeon her for that comment about Unconquered Sun. You know, ignite the Caste Mark sort of thing."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I'll give her one more try with being reasonable."
Aidan says "Your understanding is limited. A coward that flees from battle is not a warrior, true. And yet might not a use be found for them away from the battlefield? Do we demand that all of our priests be fearless warriors? Or our farmers?"
Brian [to Aidan]: She looks like she's about to spit, but is elbowed by one of the older-looking Brides. Mumbling something about 'those who defy Ahlat will suffer the CONSEQUENCES', she moves out of the way while the elder regards you owlishly. "Matters of temple ... politics... are, of course, internal," she says. "We will not hold the champion from his consultation with the priest-- but remember that we have rites of our own to protect," she tells you pointedly. Shouldering her spear, she leads the delegation of Brides off, leaving you alone with Jadoum-- almost literally, as the regular population of the vast, open temple seems mostly pressed up against the walls.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Well, Ahlat *already* didn't like me very much. Now he's got even more reason. Whoops. :-P"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Maybe! Maybe not."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "What is the proper honorific for a priest here? My lord?"
Brian [to Aidan]: er, 'Priest', is usually pretty good. Some variation to do with the Light or similar might work.
Aidan turns towards the Priest. "Who is it that she was so keen on executing for cowardice?"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Meh, skip it."
Brian says "Jadoum snorts. "Some of our guardsmen made a tactical withdrawal to cover the retreat of priest-thaumaturges holding our elementals on the field. The Brides decided this constituted retreat, and desired to kill them. But that is a matter easily dealt with. Welcome to the Round House, Home of the Unconquered Sun in Harborhead, O Mighty Lawgiver! How can the faithful serve you?""
Aidan says "I am... unsure if you can serve me, honored Priest. But perhaps together we can greater serve the Sun. I feel a great restlessness, as though I am called away from my endeavors towards something more important. I seek guidance from Sol Invictus, and I was told that this is the place where His presence may be felt most strongly."
Brian says, "Jadoum gives you another gap-riddled smile. "In Harborhead, there is no stronger! Come, let us turn to my private chambers and see what we may find for you." He gestures lazily at some of his fellow priests, who begin to take over the administration while he walks over towards an almost imperceptible door along a smaller ring of the outer wall."
Aidan follows.
Brian says "Jadoum leads you into not his private PERSONAL chambers, but a miniature shrine. This one appears to have been much disused until lately; there is a HEAVY lock on the door. Within, you see what the temple without had none of-- friezes, statues, and paintings, all showing the glory of the Unconquered Sun. "You said that you were looking for guidance from the God? There is little I can personally give that you, his Champion, would not have already...""
Aidan says "I am not from this part of Creation, Elder. Even the greatest of hunters may learn something of the way from one who knows the land and its people as closely as I am sure you know them."
Brian says "Jadoum gives a quiet shrug. "I have some small knowledge. What -sort- of guidance are you looking for?""
Aidan says "Therein lies the difficulty. I don't actually know. I know only that I am restless. One would assume, though, that the Unconquered Sun would only ask of me that which I can give, and so I wonder if you perhaps have need of a warrior, or know of another that has need."
Brian [to Aidan]: Make an Intelligence + Occult or Lore roll, please.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 4 dice: <5 7 7 9> for 3 successes.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Heh. Who needs stunts when the diceroller loves you?"
Brian [to Aidan]: You're looking for something to help you unlock your Essence. A catalyst, if you will.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Heh. I knew that as player. I didn't know if I knew that as character, but I guess I do. :-)"
Brian [to Aidan]: It's a difficulty 1 roll at this point, yes. :)
Aidan says "I believe that I have reached a limit in my growth, honored Elder, and I require a way to unlock my potential that I may continue to grow stronger in the service of the Sun."
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 8 dice: <1 1 4 4 5 8 9 10> for 4 successes.
Brian says "Jadoum nods, looking thoughtful. "Your Second Breath is not long enough for you, hey?" he asks. "Do you think that more is necessary, or unfolding?""
Aidan says "Both, I believe. My strength has been growing steadily since the day I awoke, but the growth has slowed of late. And many important things are happening that I am involved in. If events continue to proceed, I am certain that I will need all of the strength that I can obtain if I am to bring victory and glory to the forces of the light."
Brian says "Jadoum frowns. "This is not easy. I take it you do not wish a trip out into the deep desert?""
Aidan chuckles. "It would be a homecoming, Elder. I lived many years of my life out in the burning wastes of the deep desert. If that is where I must go, then I shall go."
Brian says "Jadoum chuckles. "I mean the -deep- desert," he says gently. "The nearest locale that could best serve you, I think, other than the legendary Fires Weeping Pass, is many months away, and you would require further still months of meditation, would you not?""
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 4 dice: <4 6 8 10> for 3 successes.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Do I know it?"
Brian [to Aidan]: The name is vaguely familiar; your teachers mentioned it as a "cursed outcropping, tainted by the Wyld and heretic Anathema cults," high atop one of the shielding mountains of central Harborhead.
Aidan says "Fires Weeping Pass? Would that place serve?"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "If I *do* have to go to the deep desert, maybe I could ask Ota for his travel spell again. :-)"
Brian [to Aidan]: Jadoum frowns again. "Maybe," he admits. "It is, of course, one of the Sacred Spots we are told were once sites of great pilgrimage. It is listed as one of the few Demenses sacred to the energies of the Fourfold Holy Warrior," he says with a reverential bow to the statue of your patron god, "That was never capped, even during the first age, that its power might flow freely. It would certainly seem to fit-- save that no one has ever returned from a pilgrimage there since we were even capable of doing so, in the chaos following the fall of the Shogunate.
Aidan says "Have you any clue as to what has happened to those pilgrims who made the attempt? Any rumor?"
Brian says "Jadoum shakes his head. "No rumor. No sign. Except... the mountains of Fires Weeping Pass were used as a base of operations in this area by the Rain Princes during the Contagion. If any haunt of theirs remained...""
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Wasn't there some connection between Swan Dragon and the Rain Princes?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "That would be the ones who tried stealing his daughter, and -did- kill most of his other daughters and family. And whom he fought against personally during the invasion."
Aidan says "I have other business with the Rain Princes, Elder. I think that perhaps Fires Weeping Pass is precisely that which I am seeking."
Brian says "Jadoum frowns. "Be wary, Champion," he tells you. "If nothing else, Fires Weeping Pass, and the Demesne it holds, have remained both uncapped, and untended, for a long, long time. I can give you one of our pilgrimage maps, of course, but who knows what has transpired there?""
Aidan says "I shall endeavor to uncover the mystery, then. If I should survive, I will send word, or bring it here myself."
Brian [to Aidan]: Your offer is taken with great and profuse thanks, though Jadoum tells you to go on with your quest. They'll send a priest to Miriwas to communicate with Phoenix Maiden, but otherwise they think they can handle themselves for now-- the main thrust of the Realm forces are gathering for control of the capital and to hammer Miriwas for all it's got. They do make sure you have mountaineering gear and supplies for the run, though.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Heh. Who needs mountaineering? I have Dex 6, and I get +2 dice for the claws."
Brian [to Aidan]: they're going to at least try to outfit the avatar of the God-in-War.
Aidan takes the proffered gifts, and thanks the priests for all their efforts, before wandering off to seek Fires Weeping Pass.
<<OOC>> Leti pats.
Brian [to Aidan]: Are you planning on the most direct route to Fires Weeping Pass, or any other errands/targets along the w... well, that works. :)
<<OOC>> Leti shushes now so as not to derail the scene.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Hmmm."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Part of me is tempted to track down the remnants of whatever realm forces were recently attacking the temple, and maybe exterminate them."
Brian [to Aidan]: It is your choice. :)
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I'll roll to track them. If it's in the same general direction, I'll follow the tracks. If it's totally the wrong direction, then go directly to Pass."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "What's the pool for that? Something + Survival?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Perception + Survival, si."
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 7 dice: <5 6 6 7 8 9 9> for 4 successes.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "The usual questions. how many, how strong, which way?"
Brian [to Aidan]: Let's see. Of the attacking thousand or so, it looks like 600, actually, left. Though you can tell that something like 350 of that are injured, and another hundred or so are having to be carried. They're heading northwest towards Kirighast. The mountains that include Fires Weeping Pass are southeast towards the border.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Okay, I'll make a mental note of their location and direction, in case I want to come back here, but Fires Weeping Pass is more important right now than slaughtering a few hundred legionnaires."
Brian [to Aidan]: If it helps, there are still legionnaires in the country where you pass.
<<OOC>> Leti .oO(You mean 'until', right?)
Brian [to Aidan]: Well, to be more grammatically correct, there WERE legionnaires in the country where you passed.
<<OOC>> Aidan giggles.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "There's a few scouting parties that won't be reporting back tonight. But I'll steer clear of large encampments, when possible."
Brian [to Aidan]: They're either elsewhere or reincarnating now, and-- *laughs* Right. Okay. It's not hard for you to make your way to the shielding walls of the southeastern mountains. Strange things are more and more common the further out you go. It's been nearly a thousand years, but the land still remembers when the Fae hordes washed over it and the Wyld came with them. The trees seem to live off heat and sand rather than water and earth. Great rivers of fire off in the far distance, and weird animals that it is hard to tell whether or not they came from the Wyld or are natural inhabitants of land so close to the Pole.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "How far away from my "destination" do I start seeing weird stuff?"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "As soon as it's feasible, I want to activate the Form, and keep it running as I explore. With FLMAS, it only costs 1 mote commitment, if I'm not worried about Anima display. And it does nice things to my defense numbers."
Brian [to Aidan]: Hard to say. It's a hundred miles from where you started, and you do see the mountains growing in the distance. Also, you know the Form only lasts a scene-- about 20 minutes-- right? *chuckles*
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Like I said, as soon as it's feasible, or as soon as I see anything that could be remotely threatening. That's why I asked about distance."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Sounds like "not yet"."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Proceed. :-)"
Brian [to Aidan]: It's not going to be that easy, I'm afraid. *chuckles* Okay, give me a Stamina + Survival roll. Let's see how ... interesting... things are for you in the mountains.
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 3 dice: <3 5 5> for 0 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 6 dice: <1 2 5 6 7 8> for 2 successes.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Actually, assuming I'm in still somewhere in Creation, and my hearthstone is providing Essence, I can run the Form charm all day. Just keep refreshing when it wears off, and I gain enough Essence/hour from the Manse to keep going. I just Flux like crazy. :-)"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "But I won't, yet."
Brian [to Aidan]: Despite being on the edge of the desert, the morning mist and clouds hang heavy over Fires Weeping Pass. There is a smell of water in the air-- like the clear water surrounding a tropical isle, though, not like a storm in the sky.
Aidan continues walking...
Brian [to Aidan]: Climbing, now, going from slight foothills into a harsh, grinding, near-vertical climb. It takes most of the day to make it even halfway up, and by now you're in the mist. It's strange, though-- all water that is NOT the mists starts to evaporate quickly. Indeed, it's hot, but not sauna hot in the mists-- it's like the desert sun is baking all moisture out of the air, but it's decided to hang around and mock you.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Okay, that qualifies as "weird" enough. I'm going to go ahead and bring up the Form, and to hell with the Flux. (Yeah, I'm a bit nervous, but this place hasn't been explored since the Shogunate.)"
Brian <to Aidan> chuckles. "In the interest of fairness, I am forced to ask, "Is that your -final- answer?" in reference to the miles-high colums of solar fire and what was it, a raging inferno-hawk?
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I don't think I get up to Iconic. Since it fades out at the rate of one level per scene."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Meh. You win, and I won't bring it up yet. But if I get pasted by a surprise attack, I'm going to *thbbpbt* at you."
Brian [to Aidan]: It's up to you!
<<OOC>> Leti says "The GM isn't going to kill our Dawn. He'll just get an idea of what the Dawn can do and then kill the rest of us because we're not as tough. :p"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I'm fairly certain that it doesn't go past Bonfire level since it's fading out as fast as I'm bringing it back in. But that's my reading, you're free to rule otherwise. The Essence cost is pretty much nil."
Brian [to Aidan]: Just at the first point, you go to 4-6. It fades to 1-3. You go up to 8-10 (at 9, to be precise), then down to 4-6, then back up to 11-15 (at 12), then back down to 8-10, then up to 16...
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Bah."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Okay."
Brian [to Aidan]: You -can- if you want to, you know. You ARE a Dawn.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Heh. And I've already proven that I suck at subtle."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "But no. I'll wait and see what's waiting for me before I let them all know I'm coming. Wouldn't want to frighten off the prey before I get a chance to feast."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I'll just file this trick away for later, when I want to warn everyone for a couple miles around that death stalks them."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "It amuses me to know that with FLMAS I can totally go Iconic and just *stay* there, for as long as I want. Just to show off."
Brian [to Aidan]: ... Ooohh kay! Well, you're starting to see what happened to other pilgrims on your way up, by the by. Bones that are both glistening with water and bleached dry by the sun are carefully placed over aging bloodstains. Each one is carved, not with rooms, but just gently cut along the edge so that they fit each other -- and so they do. Each bone-assemblage is placed together so that they stand, almost "growing" out of the landscape, delicate curves and graceful spires that drip the boiling mist's condensate into pools that muddy the reddish-brown stains.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Well, that's not very nice to do to a person's bones."
Aidan still with the walking and climbing. And probably will start to check for tracks, too.
Brian [to Aidan]: Actually, they're very artistically arranged! With great attention to detail and lovely aesthetic sense.
Brian [to Aidan]: And speaking of which... one sec.
Brian swears at a not-the-working computer. This may take a moment. >_<
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Kay."
<<OOC>> Aidan waits patiently.
<<OOC>> Aidan idly wonders when we get to part where I hit stuff, and stuff dies.
Brian [to Aidan]: Please give me an Essence + Integrity roll.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Still Ess4 for now, yeah?"
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 7 dice: <1 3 6 6 7 8 10> for 4 successes.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Yup."
Brian [to Aidan]: Okay, now Stamina + Resistance.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 5 dice: <2 5 7 8 10> for 4 successes.
<<OOC>> Brian chuckles. Darn. No mutations.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "*thbpbpbpbttt*"
Brian [to Aidan]: As you head deeper into the mists, and the bones become more frequent (and older) you feel two pressures running against you. The mists themselves seem to flicker and pull at you, but not your flesh-- as though they seek to penetrate your body and tease against the soul within. But the heat-- the heat burns at the flesh without. It is demanding and fierce, unwilling to relent and let you pass. You force your way through, but it only permits you grudgingly; your flesh and essence are nearly one, and that one is Solar. Hazy visions and searing heat will have no hold over you.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Still with the walking. Mists and such won't deter me."
Brian [to Aidan]: Pose it. :P Also, any prep now?
Aidan pauses, feeling the heat and the mists seeking to delay him from his goal. The Hunter pushes through, his body and mind hardened by years of living in the burning wastes of the southern deserts.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "There's still nothing to *hit*, so I'm going to wait."
Brian [to Aidan]: The steepness of the climb evens out and begins to turn into a real pass now, with a path-- well, it was a paved path once. It looks like our bone-carver has found a use for the chips-- to replace pebbles and stones that have worn away over time. Unfortunately, said carver's aesthetics do _not_ seem to involve your patron. There MAY have been shrines to the Unconquered Sun here, but they've mainly been erased by time-- and cuts-- and written over with rather pornographic blasphemies.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Ah. *Now* we're getting to the main event."
Brian [to Aidan]: Want to pause until after dinner, then, or just head straight up?
The Hunter pauses at the start of the path. He quickly executes the fundamental kata of the Hungry Raptor, before kneeling to inspect the ground for any trace of tracks.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 7 dice: <5 6 6 6 8 9 9> for 3 successes.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Perception+Survival."
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 15 dice: <3 4 4 5 5 6 6 6 9 9 9 9 10 10 10> for 10 successes.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Granted, nothing says I would even recognize the tracks of a Wyld-Beast, and demat spirits don't generally leave traces. ;-P"
Brian [to Aidan]: No tracks that you can see.
Aidan walks carefully forward, following the path for now.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Just let me know when I need to add in another casting of Form. I'm not going to let it lapse until I leave here, once it's started. And let me know when to decrement the Flux, if we go that far."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I'm shiny Castemark, no aura yet."
Brian [to Aidan]: Given how things have been going, I'm just going to assume you have it on and your flux sparks always in 11-15, periodically jumping to 16+ when you have to renew.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Alrighty."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I'll assume that whatever attacks does so at the worst point in the cycle, as far as Essence. It's still only 3 motes."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "That also means that I've got full Fear aura and Awe-Inspiring, too."
Brian says "In fact, just as one mote is returning to you and another is used, bringing the burning hawk once more forth-- just as the familiar ribbons of Essence tie talons to your forearms and wings to your soul, lashing out from your bracers-- just as you feel the dawn of your soul light up again a tall and elegant figure steps forth from behind a turn of rock. It is wearing curling and waving arcs of some airy-seeming metal woven together to look like the graceful lines of waves as it stalks forward. A preternaturally beautiful face wearing no helm with dark eyes that are strangely soft and liquid with care-- care for _you_ specifically-- even as the wicked-looking razor claws, twins of your own forged from the same strange steel as the armor are hate and rage incarnate. That exotic face has not the curves of the wave-blessed armor. Instead, it is angular and sharp, like a knife blade across the throat of Creation. Just as your wings take hold, the liquid grace the figure already holds grows stormy, a stalking, arrogant wave of motion that is nevertheless heartbreakingly deft."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "If his Valor is less than 5, I get +2 DV against his attacks. And no matter what, he's -4 dice."
<<OOC>> Brian says "His Valor is, in fact, 5. :)"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Alas, no +DV."
<<OOC>> Brian says "And so are you, as you will see. ^_^ Though he has no fear effect, you're lucky. ^_^"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "What, -dice? That's what Excellencies are for."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I don't even really care that much about the direct effects of the Form. It's all about the passive effects of the PKBs."
Brian [to Aidan]: And Join Battle roll time!
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 9 dice: <4 4 5 5 6 6 6 7 7> for 2 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 7 dice: <2 4 6 7 7 8 10> for 5 successes.
Brian [to Aidan]: You go on Tick 0. The Fantastic Nemesis Prince will retort on Tick 3.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "First order of business is to get the other half of my defenses up, since this guy is *clearly* hostile."
Brian [to Aidan]: Pose and tell me what's up! :)
The Hunter sees his prey, and a smile crosses his features. "Shall we dance, then?" He brings his hands inward, touching fingertips to chest as his form begins to flicker and waver.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Adding Flow Like Blood, Periph."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Next Action, tick 6. You're up."
<Tick 3> The Fantastic Nemesis Prince bows gracefully, like the tide rolling back. "Indeed, wanderer; upon the tides of time!" he declares, and launches himself towards you. His hands lash out like a waterfall, a blur of blades and hatred, each strike like the crashing white foam over rocks as one long leg pushes him off from the turn of rock. The blades of his gossamer razor claws fall through the air towards your throat, a soft and fond look of love on his face as he seeks to bring water to blood.
Brian [to Aidan]: You can stunt defense or let it just be your DV. And, of course, Essence Flow Excellencies.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Is he using any charms that I can see?"
Brian [to Aidan]: Nothing Obvious, except for the fact that water seems to be swirling around him.
Brian [to Aidan]: Sorry, checking the rulebook-- he's doing a magical flurry. You don't know how, though, since it's not obvious.
Essence flickers along the Hunter's claws as he gracefully parries each strike that seeks his blood.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "FLMAS gives me 5 dice for free on 1st MA, to try to boost my Parry DV. 7 dice if I'm allowed to count Precision of Form."
Brian [to Aidan]: Just 5. But remember, this is a magical flurry; you have to raise DV against _each_. Which ones do you intend to do?
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I'll just add one die to each. My Parry DV is 11, minus 1 for my last action, and immune to Onslaught."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I wouldn't even bother, except the FLMAS motes are wasted if I don't."
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 1 die: <3> for 0 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 1 die: <3> for 0 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 1 die: <3> for 0 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 1 die: <10> for 2 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 1 die: <8> for 1 success.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Okay. In that case, I'd suggest you st... unt."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I already posed my defense, kinda hard to go back and stunt after I've already posed?"
<<OOC>> Brian may have missed it-- okay, that'd be a 1-die stunt.
<<OOC>> Brian says "So go back and reroll the first, second, and third; keep the last two. At 2 dice."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "okay."
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 2 dice: <3 10> for 2 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 2 dice: <1 7> for 1 success.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 2 dice: <1 2> for a botch!
<<OOC>> Brian says "Botches don't count here so don't worry."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Okay, your DV is 12, 11, 10, 12, and 11..."
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 24 dice: <1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 9 10> for 6 successes.
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 24 dice: <1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 6 6 7 8 8 8 9 9 9 10 10 10 10> for 15 successes.
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 24 dice: <1 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 7 8 9 9 9 10 10> for 9 successes.
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 24 dice: <1 1 3 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9> for 11 successes.
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 24 dice: <1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 4 4 4 5 6 6 6 6 8 8 8 8 8 9 9> for 7 successes.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Miss, hit, miss, miss, miss."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "And holy crap he's got a lot of dice."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Fae generally do. What they -don't- have are Excellencies."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Soak is 6B / 5L."
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 6 damage dice: <3 3 4 5 8 10> for 2 successes.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Pushes me to -1 wounded."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Nobody makes me bleed my own blood!"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I think it's time to try out the combo."
Brian says "Only one of the graceful wonder's claws rake past the Hunter's defenses-- but it is enough, and the warm smile on the attacking Fae's face gains a pleased twitch while his body slides past the hunter, with both turning around, Aidan's reflexes a second faster than the Fantastic Nemesis Prince's."
Brian [to Aidan]: Check. BTW, he's going on the Tick after you.
The Hunter grunts with pain as his enemy finds a weakness in his parries. He lets the momentum of his last parry carry him a few steps away from the Prince before he turns to face his adversary. Essence flares to life on the Talons of the Golden Hawk as Aidan quickly carves a potent sigil into the very air in front of him. "Before I kill you, I will make sure that you understand the mistake that you just made. Through pain, I will enlighten you." He shoves the completed sigil forward with his outstretched left hand before racing quickly forward again to close with his enemy, his attacks nearly blinding in their speed and the intensity of the Essence that flows from the now-enraged Hunter.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "14 motes, 2 willpower, 5 of the motes from FLMAS, the rest Periph. No motes on 1st MA on the attacks, let's see how much damage I can do with just the Eagle Eyes."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Okay. How many attacks are being made?"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "6."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Ouch, check. Let me pose defense..."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Speed 4, DV -1, right? DV equal to the largest of the flurry, which is a -1 for a standard attack?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Yup. So you'll be at the same DV you were before. Remember you're at -1 wound penalty, and -4 dice from the water-spray, so you're at -3 dice when TMAP is considered, plus stunt. Speaking of which, that's a 2, so you're at a net -1 die."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "My Acc is 25, then and damage is 17LP. Unless damage goes down from Wound as well? I don't think it does, but I've been wrong before."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Taking WP for the stunt. Still got plenty of Essence left."
The Fantastic Nemesis Prince curls back from you like a riptide, a splash of half-real water careening off his aura and splattering at your eyes, trying to blind you with the refracted brilliance of your anima. As he pulls away, the curved edges of his razor claws come up, one for every drop of water in a radiant, glittering blur further distorted by the mid-desert mountain ocean spray, trying to match every strike of your onslaught. His almond-shaped eyes widen in betrayal and hurt, his slash of a mouth saying softly, "All things come in time-- and what pain is there to sacrifice for beauty?"
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 2 dice: <5 7> for 1 success.
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 2 dice: <4 8> for 1 success.
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 2 dice: <1 4> for a botch!
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 2 dice: <2 9> for 1 success.
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 2 dice: <3 5> for 0 successes.
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 2 dice: <1 7> for 1 success.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Yup! *chuckles* Okay. Your first attack is against a DV of 14; your second attack is against a DV of 13; your third attack is against a DV of 11, your fourth attack is against a DV of 11, and your fifth is against a DV of 9, and your sixth is against a DV of 9."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Wheee, onslaught!"
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 25 dice: <1 1 1 2 2 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 10 10 10> for 17 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 25 dice: <1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 5 6 6 6 6 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 10 10> for 13 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 25 dice: <1 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 8 8 9 9 9 9 10> for 12 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 25 dice: <1 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 10> for 12 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 25 dice: <1 1 1 1 2 2 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 7 7 8 9 9 9 10> for 8 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 25 dice: <1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 8 9 10 10 10> for 11 successes.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "5 hits, by my reckoning."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "And, just to add insult to injury, 3rd MA on that one that missed. 8 succs on 25 is crappy."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Bastard. :) Roll 'em."
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 25 dice: <1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 9 9 10 10 10> for 12 successes.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Better."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "4 motes periph for the 3rd."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Soak?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Actually, I note that the second one -doesn't- win. Tie goes to defender."
<<OOC>> Brian says "So that's still 5, unless you wanted to have Thirded it?"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Nah, 13 succs on 25 isn't a bad roll, so it's a bad bet to 3rd that one."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "So that's 20, 18, 18, 20, 19 LP raw damage."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Okay. Essence minimum on... all of them, actually. Roll your Essence on 5 /exd rolls."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Jesus that's a lot of Soak. Even with Piercing?"
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 4 damage dice: <2 3 5 10> for 1 success.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 4 damage dice: <2 2 3 4> for 0 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 4 damage dice: <1 7 8 9> for 3 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 4 damage dice: <3 4 9 10> for 2 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 4 damage dice: <2 6 8 8> for 2 successes.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Yes. Most of his soak is natural."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I repeat, 'Jesus that's a lot of Soak.'"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "8 levels."
Brian says "The Fantastic Nemesis Prince staggers back, the betrayal turning to horror as the harsh-forged orichalcum tears through the watery-- but surprisingly tough-- metal of his armor and leaves several long rakes across his flesh. "What is this? You dare to bring arms against me-- to expose me to the cruelties of Creation-- with my own mastery? An insult of epic proportions," he cries with outrage as his beautifully carved blades draw back to make another wheeling curve of strikes against your body-- fewer in number this time-- with his body sliding under your attack to make a backhanded strike against your chest followed by two swift slashes at your belly, drawing not dust but water from the ground or from the air itself to slick back your robes against your body."
<<OOC>> Brian says "But before he makes his attack roll, what's your Willpower + Integrity + Conviction?"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "7+3+2=12"
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 12 dice: <1 1 2 2 3 3 4 6 6 7 7 8> for 3 successes.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Alrighty. And... one sec..."
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 4 damage dice: <3 4 7 8> for 2 successes.
<<OOC>> Brian says "... Roll Willpower + Essence vs. a difficulty of 2."
<<OOC>> Brian says "And if you BOTCH I will _laugh_. :P"
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 11 dice: <3 4 6 6 7 7 8 8 8 10 10> for 9 successes.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Will 7 over do it?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Fine then. :P He's making a regular 3-attack flurry for his attack. Stunting defense?"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I think I'm going to rub his nose in some "mastery" for a bit."
The Hunter brings his arms in close, across his chest, as he simply *vanishes*, refusing to allow the feeble strikes of his nemesis even an opportunity to find purchase. "I am a Child of the Dawn, chosen of Sol Invictus. Speak not to me of mastery. The mastery of combat is *mine*, from the furthest reaches of the past on into the mists of the future."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Three activations of SSE, since I'm still in combo-space."
<<OOC>> Brian says "... 3 point stunt, if you want to get the motes back. :P Also, you're a bastard. ;)"
<<OOC>> Brian says "What was the Speed of your attack, btw? 5?"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Nothing specific, no."
Brian says "The trip is more or less uneventful... in your terms, anyway. There _are_ Legion strike squads patrolling the country side, and the retreating Immaculates, but, well-- they either have the sense not to openly confront you, or such confrontations as you _do_ have are so abrupt as to not be worth mentioning. You have no equals or even challengers among the mortals of the world, and still yet few among the immortal. It does not take you long to reach the Round House."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I'm going to be looking around carefully as I get close, as she said something about siege, and the realm being annoying. But unless someone actually gets in my way, I'll just proceed straight through."
Brian says "As you get closer and closer to Round Rock, it's more frequent. There are even blasted zones in the savannah where great fights took place. Most of it seems to be, unfortunately, elementally related-- huge vines and withered trees, lightning strike aftermaths, burn zones. But as you travel on towards the Round House, more and more often, it's Legionnaire equipment that's left broken on the ground or burnt on pyres. Less Harborhead natives; less dead Brides burnt carefully to avoid _directly_ violating the Law of Heaven even as their way of life is exterminated."
Brian says "Finally, you come to the Round House itself, a mighty-domed temple in the midst of the open savannah. Save for the giant temple itself, circular and soaring towards the sky, there is little to block any sunlight anywhere near it. In fact, there is not a cloud in the sky for miles around the temple, which stands as a huge bastion with a conic roof in white and gold. Once alone, as you draw near, you can see the evidence of fortifications-- and broken fortifications. Some hastily-erected pickets; some stronger stone ramparts. The evidence of a battle is EVERYWHERE; indeed, it seems that the temple's slaves are only now just clearing off some of the corpses from the field, though there are no smoldering fires or elemental maelstroms; the battle is at least a day or more gone."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Can I tell who won? Or should I just assume that the temple won, since it's standing."
Brian [to Aidan]: None of the temple's walls have been breached, and there are broken legion standards being displayed triumphantly along the circle.
Aidan walks boldly towards the front of the temple, making no special effort to hide either his presence, or his nature.
Brian [to Aidan]: ... Nothing over your forehead?
<<OOC>> Aidan says "These people still revere the Unconquered Sun, in theory?"
Brian [to Aidan]: ... It's his freaking temple, dude.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I'll go in with my hood removed, and see how they react to it. :-)"
Brian [to Aidan]: Well, the words flat-out awe comes to mind. The slaves don't come anywhere NEAR you, and some rather inappropriately fall on their feet and begin to shout praises and worship. So do several of the free folk inside, though most simply avert their gaze in awe. At the center of the GIGANTIC temple, though, are the remaining Brides of Ahlat-- fit, strong women with long, VERY bloody spears-- and the High Priest himself, Jadoum, a tall man with gaps in his teeth and gold flecks in his eyes. One of the Brides was saying, "And I say they retreated, and for that, they must be -killed-, Jadoum! Regardless of whether they are your guardsmen, they are still in Harborhead-- under the law of Ahlat!" The High Priest seems to disagree.
Aidan strides directly towards the High Priest and the Brides, raising his voice a bit to be heard, as he approaches. "Even a cowardly ally may be of some use to a cause, but a dead ally serves no purpose other than to frighten the rest of one's allies. A truly powerful ruler leads his allies through respect and honor, not fear.
Brian [to Aidan]: Cha + Presence +2 roll, please.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I really need to buy up some presence soon..."
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 4 dice: <1 6 8 9> for 2 successes.
Brian [to Aidan]: ... You only have a Charisma of 2? o.o
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Yes. Cha 2, Manip 1, App 4. Not my best munchkin moment, but oh well."
Brian [to Aidan]: The Bride-- and several of her unhappy compatriots-- turn angrily with their spears towards you, snarling, "Ahlat despises such fools as would accept cowards and slave-bait among their armies! Who dares say otherwise?"
The Hunter bows gracefully towards the Brides, spreading his arms wide with hands open, and taking care that his sleeves ride up just enough to expose the glint of orichalcum. "My name is Aidan, honored warriors, My Lord Priest.
Brian says "Jadoum gives a big, speckled grin and bows his head respectfully. Some of the Brides look less than enthusiastic about this whole mess and the Bride in question looks somewhat poleaxed. But she recovers. "The Unconquered Sun, too, is a warrior!" she says proudly. "He would not see one of -his- warriors supporting the useless and the weak of will!""
<<OOC>> Aidan player falls over laughing.
<<OOC>> Brian says "She's arrogant and your roll sucked!"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Trying to decide if I want to metaphorically bludgeon her for that comment about Unconquered Sun. You know, ignite the Caste Mark sort of thing."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I'll give her one more try with being reasonable."
Aidan says "Your understanding is limited. A coward that flees from battle is not a warrior, true. And yet might not a use be found for them away from the battlefield? Do we demand that all of our priests be fearless warriors? Or our farmers?"
Brian [to Aidan]: She looks like she's about to spit, but is elbowed by one of the older-looking Brides. Mumbling something about 'those who defy Ahlat will suffer the CONSEQUENCES', she moves out of the way while the elder regards you owlishly. "Matters of temple ... politics... are, of course, internal," she says. "We will not hold the champion from his consultation with the priest-- but remember that we have rites of our own to protect," she tells you pointedly. Shouldering her spear, she leads the delegation of Brides off, leaving you alone with Jadoum-- almost literally, as the regular population of the vast, open temple seems mostly pressed up against the walls.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Well, Ahlat *already* didn't like me very much. Now he's got even more reason. Whoops. :-P"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Maybe! Maybe not."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "What is the proper honorific for a priest here? My lord?"
Brian [to Aidan]: er, 'Priest', is usually pretty good. Some variation to do with the Light or similar might work.
Aidan turns towards the Priest. "Who is it that she was so keen on executing for cowardice?"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Meh, skip it."
Brian says "Jadoum snorts. "Some of our guardsmen made a tactical withdrawal to cover the retreat of priest-thaumaturges holding our elementals on the field. The Brides decided this constituted retreat, and desired to kill them. But that is a matter easily dealt with. Welcome to the Round House, Home of the Unconquered Sun in Harborhead, O Mighty Lawgiver! How can the faithful serve you?""
Aidan says "I am... unsure if you can serve me, honored Priest. But perhaps together we can greater serve the Sun. I feel a great restlessness, as though I am called away from my endeavors towards something more important. I seek guidance from Sol Invictus, and I was told that this is the place where His presence may be felt most strongly."
Brian says, "Jadoum gives you another gap-riddled smile. "In Harborhead, there is no stronger! Come, let us turn to my private chambers and see what we may find for you." He gestures lazily at some of his fellow priests, who begin to take over the administration while he walks over towards an almost imperceptible door along a smaller ring of the outer wall."
Aidan follows.
Brian says "Jadoum leads you into not his private PERSONAL chambers, but a miniature shrine. This one appears to have been much disused until lately; there is a HEAVY lock on the door. Within, you see what the temple without had none of-- friezes, statues, and paintings, all showing the glory of the Unconquered Sun. "You said that you were looking for guidance from the God? There is little I can personally give that you, his Champion, would not have already...""
Aidan says "I am not from this part of Creation, Elder. Even the greatest of hunters may learn something of the way from one who knows the land and its people as closely as I am sure you know them."
Brian says "Jadoum gives a quiet shrug. "I have some small knowledge. What -sort- of guidance are you looking for?""
Aidan says "Therein lies the difficulty. I don't actually know. I know only that I am restless. One would assume, though, that the Unconquered Sun would only ask of me that which I can give, and so I wonder if you perhaps have need of a warrior, or know of another that has need."
Brian [to Aidan]: Make an Intelligence + Occult or Lore roll, please.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 4 dice: <5 7 7 9> for 3 successes.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Heh. Who needs stunts when the diceroller loves you?"
Brian [to Aidan]: You're looking for something to help you unlock your Essence. A catalyst, if you will.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Heh. I knew that as player. I didn't know if I knew that as character, but I guess I do. :-)"
Brian [to Aidan]: It's a difficulty 1 roll at this point, yes. :)
Aidan says "I believe that I have reached a limit in my growth, honored Elder, and I require a way to unlock my potential that I may continue to grow stronger in the service of the Sun."
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 8 dice: <1 1 4 4 5 8 9 10> for 4 successes.
Brian says "Jadoum nods, looking thoughtful. "Your Second Breath is not long enough for you, hey?" he asks. "Do you think that more is necessary, or unfolding?""
Aidan says "Both, I believe. My strength has been growing steadily since the day I awoke, but the growth has slowed of late. And many important things are happening that I am involved in. If events continue to proceed, I am certain that I will need all of the strength that I can obtain if I am to bring victory and glory to the forces of the light."
Brian says "Jadoum frowns. "This is not easy. I take it you do not wish a trip out into the deep desert?""
Aidan chuckles. "It would be a homecoming, Elder. I lived many years of my life out in the burning wastes of the deep desert. If that is where I must go, then I shall go."
Brian says "Jadoum chuckles. "I mean the -deep- desert," he says gently. "The nearest locale that could best serve you, I think, other than the legendary Fires Weeping Pass, is many months away, and you would require further still months of meditation, would you not?""
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 4 dice: <4 6 8 10> for 3 successes.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Do I know it?"
Brian [to Aidan]: The name is vaguely familiar; your teachers mentioned it as a "cursed outcropping, tainted by the Wyld and heretic Anathema cults," high atop one of the shielding mountains of central Harborhead.
Aidan says "Fires Weeping Pass? Would that place serve?"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "If I *do* have to go to the deep desert, maybe I could ask Ota for his travel spell again. :-)"
Brian [to Aidan]: Jadoum frowns again. "Maybe," he admits. "It is, of course, one of the Sacred Spots we are told were once sites of great pilgrimage. It is listed as one of the few Demenses sacred to the energies of the Fourfold Holy Warrior," he says with a reverential bow to the statue of your patron god, "That was never capped, even during the first age, that its power might flow freely. It would certainly seem to fit-- save that no one has ever returned from a pilgrimage there since we were even capable of doing so, in the chaos following the fall of the Shogunate.
Aidan says "Have you any clue as to what has happened to those pilgrims who made the attempt? Any rumor?"
Brian says "Jadoum shakes his head. "No rumor. No sign. Except... the mountains of Fires Weeping Pass were used as a base of operations in this area by the Rain Princes during the Contagion. If any haunt of theirs remained...""
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Wasn't there some connection between Swan Dragon and the Rain Princes?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "That would be the ones who tried stealing his daughter, and -did- kill most of his other daughters and family. And whom he fought against personally during the invasion."
Aidan says "I have other business with the Rain Princes, Elder. I think that perhaps Fires Weeping Pass is precisely that which I am seeking."
Brian says "Jadoum frowns. "Be wary, Champion," he tells you. "If nothing else, Fires Weeping Pass, and the Demesne it holds, have remained both uncapped, and untended, for a long, long time. I can give you one of our pilgrimage maps, of course, but who knows what has transpired there?""
Aidan says "I shall endeavor to uncover the mystery, then. If I should survive, I will send word, or bring it here myself."
Brian [to Aidan]: Your offer is taken with great and profuse thanks, though Jadoum tells you to go on with your quest. They'll send a priest to Miriwas to communicate with Phoenix Maiden, but otherwise they think they can handle themselves for now-- the main thrust of the Realm forces are gathering for control of the capital and to hammer Miriwas for all it's got. They do make sure you have mountaineering gear and supplies for the run, though.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Heh. Who needs mountaineering? I have Dex 6, and I get +2 dice for the claws."
Brian [to Aidan]: they're going to at least try to outfit the avatar of the God-in-War.
Aidan takes the proffered gifts, and thanks the priests for all their efforts, before wandering off to seek Fires Weeping Pass.
<<OOC>> Leti pats.
Brian [to Aidan]: Are you planning on the most direct route to Fires Weeping Pass, or any other errands/targets along the w... well, that works. :)
<<OOC>> Leti shushes now so as not to derail the scene.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Hmmm."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Part of me is tempted to track down the remnants of whatever realm forces were recently attacking the temple, and maybe exterminate them."
Brian [to Aidan]: It is your choice. :)
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I'll roll to track them. If it's in the same general direction, I'll follow the tracks. If it's totally the wrong direction, then go directly to Pass."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "What's the pool for that? Something + Survival?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Perception + Survival, si."
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 7 dice: <5 6 6 7 8 9 9> for 4 successes.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "The usual questions. how many, how strong, which way?"
Brian [to Aidan]: Let's see. Of the attacking thousand or so, it looks like 600, actually, left. Though you can tell that something like 350 of that are injured, and another hundred or so are having to be carried. They're heading northwest towards Kirighast. The mountains that include Fires Weeping Pass are southeast towards the border.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Okay, I'll make a mental note of their location and direction, in case I want to come back here, but Fires Weeping Pass is more important right now than slaughtering a few hundred legionnaires."
Brian [to Aidan]: If it helps, there are still legionnaires in the country where you pass.
<<OOC>> Leti .oO(You mean 'until', right?)
Brian [to Aidan]: Well, to be more grammatically correct, there WERE legionnaires in the country where you passed.
<<OOC>> Aidan giggles.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "There's a few scouting parties that won't be reporting back tonight. But I'll steer clear of large encampments, when possible."
Brian [to Aidan]: They're either elsewhere or reincarnating now, and-- *laughs* Right. Okay. It's not hard for you to make your way to the shielding walls of the southeastern mountains. Strange things are more and more common the further out you go. It's been nearly a thousand years, but the land still remembers when the Fae hordes washed over it and the Wyld came with them. The trees seem to live off heat and sand rather than water and earth. Great rivers of fire off in the far distance, and weird animals that it is hard to tell whether or not they came from the Wyld or are natural inhabitants of land so close to the Pole.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "How far away from my "destination" do I start seeing weird stuff?"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "As soon as it's feasible, I want to activate the Form, and keep it running as I explore. With FLMAS, it only costs 1 mote commitment, if I'm not worried about Anima display. And it does nice things to my defense numbers."
Brian [to Aidan]: Hard to say. It's a hundred miles from where you started, and you do see the mountains growing in the distance. Also, you know the Form only lasts a scene-- about 20 minutes-- right? *chuckles*
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Like I said, as soon as it's feasible, or as soon as I see anything that could be remotely threatening. That's why I asked about distance."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Sounds like "not yet"."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Proceed. :-)"
Brian [to Aidan]: It's not going to be that easy, I'm afraid. *chuckles* Okay, give me a Stamina + Survival roll. Let's see how ... interesting... things are for you in the mountains.
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 3 dice: <3 5 5> for 0 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 6 dice: <1 2 5 6 7 8> for 2 successes.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Actually, assuming I'm in still somewhere in Creation, and my hearthstone is providing Essence, I can run the Form charm all day. Just keep refreshing when it wears off, and I gain enough Essence/hour from the Manse to keep going. I just Flux like crazy. :-)"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "But I won't, yet."
Brian [to Aidan]: Despite being on the edge of the desert, the morning mist and clouds hang heavy over Fires Weeping Pass. There is a smell of water in the air-- like the clear water surrounding a tropical isle, though, not like a storm in the sky.
Aidan continues walking...
Brian [to Aidan]: Climbing, now, going from slight foothills into a harsh, grinding, near-vertical climb. It takes most of the day to make it even halfway up, and by now you're in the mist. It's strange, though-- all water that is NOT the mists starts to evaporate quickly. Indeed, it's hot, but not sauna hot in the mists-- it's like the desert sun is baking all moisture out of the air, but it's decided to hang around and mock you.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Okay, that qualifies as "weird" enough. I'm going to go ahead and bring up the Form, and to hell with the Flux. (Yeah, I'm a bit nervous, but this place hasn't been explored since the Shogunate.)"
Brian <to Aidan> chuckles. "In the interest of fairness, I am forced to ask, "Is that your -final- answer?" in reference to the miles-high colums of solar fire and what was it, a raging inferno-hawk?
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I don't think I get up to Iconic. Since it fades out at the rate of one level per scene."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Meh. You win, and I won't bring it up yet. But if I get pasted by a surprise attack, I'm going to *thbbpbt* at you."
Brian [to Aidan]: It's up to you!
<<OOC>> Leti says "The GM isn't going to kill our Dawn. He'll just get an idea of what the Dawn can do and then kill the rest of us because we're not as tough. :p"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I'm fairly certain that it doesn't go past Bonfire level since it's fading out as fast as I'm bringing it back in. But that's my reading, you're free to rule otherwise. The Essence cost is pretty much nil."
Brian [to Aidan]: Just at the first point, you go to 4-6. It fades to 1-3. You go up to 8-10 (at 9, to be precise), then down to 4-6, then back up to 11-15 (at 12), then back down to 8-10, then up to 16...
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Bah."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Okay."
Brian [to Aidan]: You -can- if you want to, you know. You ARE a Dawn.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Heh. And I've already proven that I suck at subtle."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "But no. I'll wait and see what's waiting for me before I let them all know I'm coming. Wouldn't want to frighten off the prey before I get a chance to feast."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I'll just file this trick away for later, when I want to warn everyone for a couple miles around that death stalks them."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "It amuses me to know that with FLMAS I can totally go Iconic and just *stay* there, for as long as I want. Just to show off."
Brian [to Aidan]: ... Ooohh kay! Well, you're starting to see what happened to other pilgrims on your way up, by the by. Bones that are both glistening with water and bleached dry by the sun are carefully placed over aging bloodstains. Each one is carved, not with rooms, but just gently cut along the edge so that they fit each other -- and so they do. Each bone-assemblage is placed together so that they stand, almost "growing" out of the landscape, delicate curves and graceful spires that drip the boiling mist's condensate into pools that muddy the reddish-brown stains.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Well, that's not very nice to do to a person's bones."
Aidan still with the walking and climbing. And probably will start to check for tracks, too.
Brian [to Aidan]: Actually, they're very artistically arranged! With great attention to detail and lovely aesthetic sense.
Brian [to Aidan]: And speaking of which... one sec.
Brian swears at a not-the-working computer. This may take a moment. >_<
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Kay."
<<OOC>> Aidan waits patiently.
<<OOC>> Aidan idly wonders when we get to part where I hit stuff, and stuff dies.
Brian [to Aidan]: Please give me an Essence + Integrity roll.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Still Ess4 for now, yeah?"
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 7 dice: <1 3 6 6 7 8 10> for 4 successes.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Yup."
Brian [to Aidan]: Okay, now Stamina + Resistance.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 5 dice: <2 5 7 8 10> for 4 successes.
<<OOC>> Brian chuckles. Darn. No mutations.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "*thbpbpbpbttt*"
Brian [to Aidan]: As you head deeper into the mists, and the bones become more frequent (and older) you feel two pressures running against you. The mists themselves seem to flicker and pull at you, but not your flesh-- as though they seek to penetrate your body and tease against the soul within. But the heat-- the heat burns at the flesh without. It is demanding and fierce, unwilling to relent and let you pass. You force your way through, but it only permits you grudgingly; your flesh and essence are nearly one, and that one is Solar. Hazy visions and searing heat will have no hold over you.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Still with the walking. Mists and such won't deter me."
Brian [to Aidan]: Pose it. :P Also, any prep now?
Aidan pauses, feeling the heat and the mists seeking to delay him from his goal. The Hunter pushes through, his body and mind hardened by years of living in the burning wastes of the southern deserts.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "There's still nothing to *hit*, so I'm going to wait."
Brian [to Aidan]: The steepness of the climb evens out and begins to turn into a real pass now, with a path-- well, it was a paved path once. It looks like our bone-carver has found a use for the chips-- to replace pebbles and stones that have worn away over time. Unfortunately, said carver's aesthetics do _not_ seem to involve your patron. There MAY have been shrines to the Unconquered Sun here, but they've mainly been erased by time-- and cuts-- and written over with rather pornographic blasphemies.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Ah. *Now* we're getting to the main event."
Brian [to Aidan]: Want to pause until after dinner, then, or just head straight up?
The Hunter pauses at the start of the path. He quickly executes the fundamental kata of the Hungry Raptor, before kneeling to inspect the ground for any trace of tracks.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 7 dice: <5 6 6 6 8 9 9> for 3 successes.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Perception+Survival."
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 15 dice: <3 4 4 5 5 6 6 6 9 9 9 9 10 10 10> for 10 successes.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Granted, nothing says I would even recognize the tracks of a Wyld-Beast, and demat spirits don't generally leave traces. ;-P"
Brian [to Aidan]: No tracks that you can see.
Aidan walks carefully forward, following the path for now.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Just let me know when I need to add in another casting of Form. I'm not going to let it lapse until I leave here, once it's started. And let me know when to decrement the Flux, if we go that far."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I'm shiny Castemark, no aura yet."
Brian [to Aidan]: Given how things have been going, I'm just going to assume you have it on and your flux sparks always in 11-15, periodically jumping to 16+ when you have to renew.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Alrighty."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I'll assume that whatever attacks does so at the worst point in the cycle, as far as Essence. It's still only 3 motes."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "That also means that I've got full Fear aura and Awe-Inspiring, too."
Brian says "In fact, just as one mote is returning to you and another is used, bringing the burning hawk once more forth-- just as the familiar ribbons of Essence tie talons to your forearms and wings to your soul, lashing out from your bracers-- just as you feel the dawn of your soul light up again a tall and elegant figure steps forth from behind a turn of rock. It is wearing curling and waving arcs of some airy-seeming metal woven together to look like the graceful lines of waves as it stalks forward. A preternaturally beautiful face wearing no helm with dark eyes that are strangely soft and liquid with care-- care for _you_ specifically-- even as the wicked-looking razor claws, twins of your own forged from the same strange steel as the armor are hate and rage incarnate. That exotic face has not the curves of the wave-blessed armor. Instead, it is angular and sharp, like a knife blade across the throat of Creation. Just as your wings take hold, the liquid grace the figure already holds grows stormy, a stalking, arrogant wave of motion that is nevertheless heartbreakingly deft."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "If his Valor is less than 5, I get +2 DV against his attacks. And no matter what, he's -4 dice."
<<OOC>> Brian says "His Valor is, in fact, 5. :)"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Alas, no +DV."
<<OOC>> Brian says "And so are you, as you will see. ^_^ Though he has no fear effect, you're lucky. ^_^"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "What, -dice? That's what Excellencies are for."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I don't even really care that much about the direct effects of the Form. It's all about the passive effects of the PKBs."
Brian [to Aidan]: And Join Battle roll time!
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 9 dice: <4 4 5 5 6 6 6 7 7> for 2 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 7 dice: <2 4 6 7 7 8 10> for 5 successes.
Brian [to Aidan]: You go on Tick 0. The Fantastic Nemesis Prince will retort on Tick 3.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "First order of business is to get the other half of my defenses up, since this guy is *clearly* hostile."
Brian [to Aidan]: Pose and tell me what's up! :)
The Hunter sees his prey, and a smile crosses his features. "Shall we dance, then?" He brings his hands inward, touching fingertips to chest as his form begins to flicker and waver.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Adding Flow Like Blood, Periph."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Next Action, tick 6. You're up."
<Tick 3> The Fantastic Nemesis Prince bows gracefully, like the tide rolling back. "Indeed, wanderer; upon the tides of time!" he declares, and launches himself towards you. His hands lash out like a waterfall, a blur of blades and hatred, each strike like the crashing white foam over rocks as one long leg pushes him off from the turn of rock. The blades of his gossamer razor claws fall through the air towards your throat, a soft and fond look of love on his face as he seeks to bring water to blood.
Brian [to Aidan]: You can stunt defense or let it just be your DV. And, of course, Essence Flow Excellencies.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Is he using any charms that I can see?"
Brian [to Aidan]: Nothing Obvious, except for the fact that water seems to be swirling around him.
Brian [to Aidan]: Sorry, checking the rulebook-- he's doing a magical flurry. You don't know how, though, since it's not obvious.
Essence flickers along the Hunter's claws as he gracefully parries each strike that seeks his blood.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "FLMAS gives me 5 dice for free on 1st MA, to try to boost my Parry DV. 7 dice if I'm allowed to count Precision of Form."
Brian [to Aidan]: Just 5. But remember, this is a magical flurry; you have to raise DV against _each_. Which ones do you intend to do?
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I'll just add one die to each. My Parry DV is 11, minus 1 for my last action, and immune to Onslaught."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I wouldn't even bother, except the FLMAS motes are wasted if I don't."
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 1 die: <3> for 0 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 1 die: <3> for 0 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 1 die: <3> for 0 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 1 die: <10> for 2 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 1 die: <8> for 1 success.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Okay. In that case, I'd suggest you st... unt."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I already posed my defense, kinda hard to go back and stunt after I've already posed?"
<<OOC>> Brian may have missed it-- okay, that'd be a 1-die stunt.
<<OOC>> Brian says "So go back and reroll the first, second, and third; keep the last two. At 2 dice."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "okay."
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 2 dice: <3 10> for 2 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 2 dice: <1 7> for 1 success.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 2 dice: <1 2> for a botch!
<<OOC>> Brian says "Botches don't count here so don't worry."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Okay, your DV is 12, 11, 10, 12, and 11..."
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 24 dice: <1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 9 10> for 6 successes.
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 24 dice: <1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 6 6 7 8 8 8 9 9 9 10 10 10 10> for 15 successes.
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 24 dice: <1 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 7 8 9 9 9 10 10> for 9 successes.
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 24 dice: <1 1 3 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9> for 11 successes.
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 24 dice: <1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 4 4 4 5 6 6 6 6 8 8 8 8 8 9 9> for 7 successes.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Miss, hit, miss, miss, miss."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "And holy crap he's got a lot of dice."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Fae generally do. What they -don't- have are Excellencies."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Soak is 6B / 5L."
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 6 damage dice: <3 3 4 5 8 10> for 2 successes.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Pushes me to -1 wounded."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Nobody makes me bleed my own blood!"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I think it's time to try out the combo."
Brian says "Only one of the graceful wonder's claws rake past the Hunter's defenses-- but it is enough, and the warm smile on the attacking Fae's face gains a pleased twitch while his body slides past the hunter, with both turning around, Aidan's reflexes a second faster than the Fantastic Nemesis Prince's."
Brian [to Aidan]: Check. BTW, he's going on the Tick after you.
The Hunter grunts with pain as his enemy finds a weakness in his parries. He lets the momentum of his last parry carry him a few steps away from the Prince before he turns to face his adversary. Essence flares to life on the Talons of the Golden Hawk as Aidan quickly carves a potent sigil into the very air in front of him. "Before I kill you, I will make sure that you understand the mistake that you just made. Through pain, I will enlighten you." He shoves the completed sigil forward with his outstretched left hand before racing quickly forward again to close with his enemy, his attacks nearly blinding in their speed and the intensity of the Essence that flows from the now-enraged Hunter.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "14 motes, 2 willpower, 5 of the motes from FLMAS, the rest Periph. No motes on 1st MA on the attacks, let's see how much damage I can do with just the Eagle Eyes."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Okay. How many attacks are being made?"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "6."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Ouch, check. Let me pose defense..."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Speed 4, DV -1, right? DV equal to the largest of the flurry, which is a -1 for a standard attack?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Yup. So you'll be at the same DV you were before. Remember you're at -1 wound penalty, and -4 dice from the water-spray, so you're at -3 dice when TMAP is considered, plus stunt. Speaking of which, that's a 2, so you're at a net -1 die."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "My Acc is 25, then and damage is 17LP. Unless damage goes down from Wound as well? I don't think it does, but I've been wrong before."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Taking WP for the stunt. Still got plenty of Essence left."
The Fantastic Nemesis Prince curls back from you like a riptide, a splash of half-real water careening off his aura and splattering at your eyes, trying to blind you with the refracted brilliance of your anima. As he pulls away, the curved edges of his razor claws come up, one for every drop of water in a radiant, glittering blur further distorted by the mid-desert mountain ocean spray, trying to match every strike of your onslaught. His almond-shaped eyes widen in betrayal and hurt, his slash of a mouth saying softly, "All things come in time-- and what pain is there to sacrifice for beauty?"
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 2 dice: <5 7> for 1 success.
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 2 dice: <4 8> for 1 success.
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 2 dice: <1 4> for a botch!
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 2 dice: <2 9> for 1 success.
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 2 dice: <3 5> for 0 successes.
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 2 dice: <1 7> for 1 success.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Yup! *chuckles* Okay. Your first attack is against a DV of 14; your second attack is against a DV of 13; your third attack is against a DV of 11, your fourth attack is against a DV of 11, and your fifth is against a DV of 9, and your sixth is against a DV of 9."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Wheee, onslaught!"
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 25 dice: <1 1 1 2 2 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 10 10 10> for 17 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 25 dice: <1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 5 6 6 6 6 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 10 10> for 13 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 25 dice: <1 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 8 8 9 9 9 9 10> for 12 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 25 dice: <1 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 10> for 12 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 25 dice: <1 1 1 1 2 2 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 7 7 8 9 9 9 10> for 8 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 25 dice: <1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 8 9 10 10 10> for 11 successes.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "5 hits, by my reckoning."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "And, just to add insult to injury, 3rd MA on that one that missed. 8 succs on 25 is crappy."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Bastard. :) Roll 'em."
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 25 dice: <1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 9 9 10 10 10> for 12 successes.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Better."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "4 motes periph for the 3rd."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Soak?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Actually, I note that the second one -doesn't- win. Tie goes to defender."
<<OOC>> Brian says "So that's still 5, unless you wanted to have Thirded it?"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Nah, 13 succs on 25 isn't a bad roll, so it's a bad bet to 3rd that one."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "So that's 20, 18, 18, 20, 19 LP raw damage."
<<OOC>> Brian says "Okay. Essence minimum on... all of them, actually. Roll your Essence on 5 /exd rolls."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Jesus that's a lot of Soak. Even with Piercing?"
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 4 damage dice: <2 3 5 10> for 1 success.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 4 damage dice: <2 2 3 4> for 0 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 4 damage dice: <1 7 8 9> for 3 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 4 damage dice: <3 4 9 10> for 2 successes.
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 4 damage dice: <2 6 8 8> for 2 successes.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Yes. Most of his soak is natural."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I repeat, 'Jesus that's a lot of Soak.'"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "8 levels."
Brian says "The Fantastic Nemesis Prince staggers back, the betrayal turning to horror as the harsh-forged orichalcum tears through the watery-- but surprisingly tough-- metal of his armor and leaves several long rakes across his flesh. "What is this? You dare to bring arms against me-- to expose me to the cruelties of Creation-- with my own mastery? An insult of epic proportions," he cries with outrage as his beautifully carved blades draw back to make another wheeling curve of strikes against your body-- fewer in number this time-- with his body sliding under your attack to make a backhanded strike against your chest followed by two swift slashes at your belly, drawing not dust but water from the ground or from the air itself to slick back your robes against your body."
<<OOC>> Brian says "But before he makes his attack roll, what's your Willpower + Integrity + Conviction?"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "7+3+2=12"
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 12 dice: <1 1 2 2 3 3 4 6 6 7 7 8> for 3 successes.
<<OOC>> Brian says "Alrighty. And... one sec..."
<<DICE>> Brian rolls 4 damage dice: <3 4 7 8> for 2 successes.
<<OOC>> Brian says "... Roll Willpower + Essence vs. a difficulty of 2."
<<OOC>> Brian says "And if you BOTCH I will _laugh_. :P"
<<DICE>> Aidan rolls 11 dice: <3 4 6 6 7 7 8 8 8 10 10> for 9 successes.
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Will 7 over do it?"
<<OOC>> Brian says "Fine then. :P He's making a regular 3-attack flurry for his attack. Stunting defense?"
<<OOC>> Aidan says "I think I'm going to rub his nose in some "mastery" for a bit."
The Hunter brings his arms in close, across his chest, as he simply *vanishes*, refusing to allow the feeble strikes of his nemesis even an opportunity to find purchase. "I am a Child of the Dawn, chosen of Sol Invictus. Speak not to me of mastery. The mastery of combat is *mine*, from the furthest reaches of the past on into the mists of the future."
<<OOC>> Aidan says "Three activations of SSE, since I'm still in combo-space."
<<OOC>> Brian says "... 3 point stunt, if you want to get the motes back. :P Also, you're a bastard. ;)"
<<OOC>> Brian says "What was the Speed of your attack, btw? 5?"
