Session Start: Tue Mar 29 18:56:59 2005 Session Ident: #ethresh * Logging #ethresh to 'C:\Documents and Settings\Dave\My Documents\Exalted\Abyssal\Logs\AB-03-29-2005' * Echo has joined #ethresh greetings ahoy oh before we start important: attention: !: I noticed your profile listing the quote from battlestar. I only got a chance to watch the first 20 minutes of it, so no spoilers hrmph very well brb * Requiem has joined #Ethresh greetings Yo We's read for some Exaltin' ? certainly, brent is away for a second aight have you decided how you would like to spend your xp? mm no, i have not let me take a quick gander you don't have to decide right now if you'd like how much xp do we have? I have an idea echo:59 requiem:49 okay finishing off my combat monkey charms Definately taking Bone-Burrowing maggot and Thousand needle torrent cool cool. also keep in mind that you are now considered experienced exalts you shall face opponents as such. And not just physically. Echo's will be trying to manipulate more than just dumb peasants shortly. like I said, you don't need to decide now. If you'd like to hold some or all exp for a week until you decide, that is just fine for me the list will consist of: An additional dot in performance, bringing me up to 5. Two presence charms, Soul-Flaying Gaze and Compelling Whisper Technique (the Wormtongue one). A -1 and 2 -2 HL Ox-Body...Pulse Of the Prey, Flawless Archer Discipline and Withering Feathered Maelstrom. Plus a pair of specializations in Performance: Manipulating Crowds. And I'm not entirely certain you will have another big exp spending spree before the campaign as it is wraps up, make sure you are happy with your choices leaving me with 1 xp the next big spend fest will probably be to get me to essence 5. Bwaha. sounds good echo. I do love those two presence charms, they are two of my favorite abyssal ones hell yeah the compelling whisper is a gamble even against extras though manipulation+presence at difficulty equal to targets willpower granted, i'm rocking 10 die...but against a starting exalt i still need to get at least 6 successes. Okay Added Bone Burrowing Maggot and Thousand Needle Torrent Upeed my dodge to 5 Got Flickering Wisp Technique And rasied my permanent essence to 4 uh, its your man+pre at a difficulty equal to your opponent's successes on his willpower roll sounds good lance Ooooo, so it is! i didn't see the resisted roll part, which indicates that they must roll to resist, rather than outright difficulty! I am so excited! I am such a godamned nerd! indeed Oh sweet, my thousand needle torrent starts out with 11L yeah that is a cool one very few area effect charms for abyssals And Bone Burrowing MAggot is good for interrogation except for Glorious Carnage Typhoon typhoon is an army killer yuck bone maggot is a horrible, horrible thing which is, in effect, capable of killing an infinite number of people so long as they are somewhat near one another you can practically enslave people with it well that's helpful combo thousand needle with ivory spine... dangerous now all we need is a... warstrider nah, I wasn't planning on any of that hmm. Or a Hekatonhkire. I could use one of them. A Warstrider that shoots bone burrowing maggots that cause victims to die in an explosion of a thousand needles you have one, remember Ankh? oh wait, that's right! son of a bitch Oh yeah, what is the site for this campaign? good friends are hard to come by. Better to remember old enemies fondly. http://www.angelfire.com/creep/dp/abyssal.html well then, we can get started. Tonight's episode is the beginning of the last chapter of the story-arc involving the Mirror Abyss if there is anything either of you would like to do in Genove, please ask. Your party has spent three days resting and recovering there. Nope, I got what I came for nah I came, I saw, I ran an Immaculate out of town. plus he should be a quivering pile of insanity when next we meet. Good one Req. and what reward do you get?.... Edmon laughing maniacally. The monk bows polietly. He is clearly nervous at your presence. "Sirs, we'd like it very much if you would leave town." He bows again. From the corner of the room, Ruin in Vanity and Discord scoffs.* (You are both here in the library study, along with Ruin and Crimson) "I would be more than happy to leave this place, it does not interest me." * Echo smirks and waves towards the monk. "Oh come now, surely you cannot hold us in ill regard. Aren't we responsible for liberating you from those foolish Dragon-Bloods?" He sighs and shakes his head. "Still, we have places to be. Requiem, Crimson, Ruin...do any of you think there is anything worthwhile in this Manse? I'm deferring to the professionals in this case." "This city bores me dreadfully, but if one of you sees a need to stay, then by all means speak up." Echo says, quietly hoping to leave one...or two...or all of them behind to rot in this Manse. He has business to tend to elsewhere.* Crimson shrugs and stares out a window in boredom. Ruin shakes his head. "No, I read all the books that I could use. There is no more knowledge here of importance. The essence of the manse itself it useless. It will takes months for another hearhtstone to reform, until then this place is just a fancy building." The monk bows again, "Yes yes, nothing for beings such as yourselves. You understand we are grateful, but cannot be seen harboring... your kind." He bows again. He backs out of the room silently, happy he is still alive. A familiar magical imp bounces into view through the window. The Soul’s Twisted Design’s cartoon devil smiles broadly, exposing pointy teeth. "Ladies and Gentlemen, congratulations for staying alive. The Bodhissatva and I are impressed with your progress."* * Echo blinks. "Design! Good to hear from you! And...from the Bodhissatva? I suppose my Liege has reawakened eh?" Echo grins from ear to ear. God how he wanted to be in Felharbor right now. All he needs to do is speak a few unfriendly words and surely Haumphantine would be...removed.* The cherub cocks its head slightly and rubs it's goateed chin. "Well, the Bodhissatva is in... uh, an interesting position. He's still frozen, but it seems he's become quite the master of his prison. He can stretch outward with his mind much farther than he ever could before. In fact he and I have become fast friends." The cherub smiles. "On the other hand Haumphantine has the city in lockdown. Those few that remain loyal to the Bodhissatva and Echo are locked in the citadel basement with me. It is only a matter of time before they rush us and end the whole bloody thing." The magical being shrugs. "We'll see. I've become rather close to your master's grand sword Echo. I think Haumphantine will find the citadel very... uninviting."* "It sounds as though the prisoners have gotten a hold of some keys, but still need assistance in overthrowing the guards." "Hmm...there is some good news in that I suppose. Although it unnerves me terribly to know that Haumphantine would dare play that hand, I have faith in your abilities as always Design. Have you learned anything more of Setesh? I fear he may be the key in ending this entire debacle."* Design's essence messenger nods at Requiem, "Yes. We are in a bit of a pickle. No worries, Echo has saved us from worse before." It turns to Echo with a serious expression. "That's an interesting story as well. It seems that the Bodhissatva was a far more formidable opponent than Setesh originally thought. The prison he sealed you Liege in can't contain the Deathlords powerful mind, and it is seeping out." "As he is now, the Bodhissatva can see into Setesh's very mind!" The cherub rocks in laugher, "If Setesh only knew!" It wipes a tear from it's eye before continuing, "The problem is Setesh is far more dangerous than we had ever imagined." "He managed to play both the Lion and Profane as fools. He turned them against one another in the hopes they would destroy themselves. Setesh's ultimate goal is claiming the Mirror Abyss. Most disturbingly, Setesh thinks he has unlocked the riddle of what the mirror abyssal actually is." "He thinks its is a weapon which can draw anything the wielder desires into the Abyss. People, places, Deathlords, perhaps even thoughts and desires. All can be thrown to the Abyss without the user even being near the target." "The bad part is, he's dead wrong." The cherub snickers at the pun before continuing, "The Bodhissatva won't tell me about it. He says only the Malfeans and Yozis know the true secret. If the Mirror Abyss is activated, the entire Underworld as well as Creation could be in peril. We must claim it first!"* * Echo beams proudly. Such high praise...surely Design speaks for the Bodhissatva as well. His deeds have not gone unnoticed, it would seem. "From what you say, Setesh must be brilliant...and wise. Yet he is still limited by his own existence as a Ghost. As servants of the Malfeans, surely the Deathlords hold control of the man at all times. ..Surely." The cherub wags his finger, "Hardly. Setesh is as far removed from the influence of the Deathlords as the Empress herself. He does as he pleases. Up to this point the Deathlords and Malfeans haven't cared." "Nevertheless. If we are to control the Mirror Abyss, then we'll have to trek towards it immediatly. Once it is within our grasp we will hold all the cards. And perhaps..." Echo eyes his circlemates. "Perhaps we have the power to do just that. I believe you have met Crimson?" He smiles broadly. "The lost is now the found, unpleasent as she may be. Crimson, do say hello to your former circlemate."* Crimson continues peering out the window. She idly lifts and hand and flips off the cherub. "I don't talk to sorceries. Tell that pale pansy the next time I see him he'll wish I'd killed him."* (*lifts a hand and flips) "Haha...yes, well. Anything else to report, Design? I'm afraid haste is of the utmost importance right now."* It shrugs, "Not really. Your primary mission is to head to Blue Haven and procure the Eventide Document. You remember what that is right? Last I heard the high bidder offered the city of Gem. You'd better be good at the negotiating table Echo."* "Bloody hell." "Worth is not always simply measured in coins and land. Perhaps the seller desires something that only we can provide." The cherub turns to Requiem with a smile. "Hello again young lady. I hope you are right. Sorry to ignore you all this time. I do have some news for you though, quite disturbing too." "Last we spoke I mentioned our dear Liege. I am afraid she has fallen to the powers of Setesh. In fact all but the Lion, Profane, and the Bodhissatva are now sealed within his fortress at the center of the Underworld. Her only chance is to claim the Mirror Abyss and defeat Setesh."* "Hmmm, perhaps you are right. We'll give them Crimson. I'm sure she will satisfy the Fae for a few centuries." Echo laughs. He silently considers the possibility of selling Crimson as a whore. Hmm.. Crimson continues looking out the window. She shifts he hand towards Echo, flipping him off. Are you looking? She's doing it as hard as she can. "Then I will have to bring her the Mirror Abyss." (Or let her rot in hell for all eternity) * Echo smiles brightly towards Crimson and speaks up suddenly. "We shall all free the Deathlords. Or, more accurately, those Deathlords whose soldiers have proven themselves in this dark hour. The Bodhissatva will surely have no problem with releasing your Liege, Requiem." Echo lies.* The cherub moves towards Requiem and gives her a serious look. "Have you had dreams lately child? The Bodhissatva tells me you are very special. One of the Malfeans has taken a liking to you and has deciding to speak with you. Such a thing is fairly unhead of. Even the Bodhissatva is rarely blessed with such dreams. Follow them child, you may have the most important part to play in this journey."* "There are always dreams and the cries in the night. I shall follow the path they lay in front of me." The cherub smiles and nods at Requiem, "Well enough troubling thoughts. Good luck in your tasks everybody. I do hope you are all alive next time I stop in to see you. Oh, head to Port Klast. Echo’s brother will be providing the ride to Blue Haven." With a flash of fire and the stench of sulfur, the cherub disappears. Ruin looks at Echo, "I didn't know you had a brother. He is an Abyssal as well?"* * Echo pulls his glasses off and rubs his eyes with his flesh arm. "No. He's...different. I had hoped to /avoid/ a family reuinion during this endevour. Despite the fact that we were heading to Blue Haven.." Echo sighs deeply this time, and replaces his glasses. "I can deal with him most of the time. Just...damn." He turns towards Requiem. "I bet you saw this coming, didn't you?" With that little bit of sarcasm Echo storms away towards the exit of the Manse. Maybe they could requisition some manner of speedy transporation to the port.* * Requiem looks at her other companions, the follows in Echo's steps. Ruin points Echo to the stairs leading to the roof. "Lets go, our ride is getting irritated by the wait. That damn Cherub is too long winded." Ruin leads the group to the roof where a golden chariot lead by a dozen white horses with burning manes waits patiently. He waves towards the magical transportation, "Our chariot awaits."* "Hmm...I suppose we won't be needing horses then. Sometimes I think maybe keeping you around isn't a bad idea, Ruin." Echo smirks.* Within seconds you are flying towards the coastline. It takes little more than an hour to travel the hundreds of miles to your destination. With a (hopefully) subtle landing well outside of town, you arrive in Port Klast before lunch time. This city, while smaller than Genove, is far more interesting. Hundreds of people cram the streets. Vendors shout and hock their shoddy wares in the stifling heat. People of all races crowd the bazaar, wearing a variety of clothing styles. The city is one of the premier trading ports in this section of Creation. It is protected by both the Water Fleet and the V'Neef merchant fleet, but has no direct ties to the Realm's goverment. All people have an interest in keeping this city a safe haven for trade. Even pirates oddly enough are allowed to walk the streets, their odd code of conduct keeping them in line. From behind you on the dusty street comes a deep bellow. Turning you see a trio of Oliphants marching towards you. These are the favored pack animal in the desert south and can transport goods by the ton. These are led by a large group of men in white desert robes. Crimson flicks some dust out of her eye in irritation. "Smelly beasts." Ruin meanwhile drinks in the cosmopolitan atmosphere with awe, apparently he's never been here before.* * Echo tries to remember back to his days as an emissary for his family. Surely he had, at some time or another, come through these parts. In fact, knowing how he was back in those days, he wouldn't be awfully surprised to see a little Echoing Words From the Darkness running around in the street. Actually, if he remembers correctly, there could be seven little Echos. Those were some crazy nights.* * Requiem looks at the Oliphants curiously (you indeed have been here before Echo, sorry for not mentioning it. The Bodhissatva is an enemy of this city and it's people, but the Lintha are not.) (Fantastic. Time to rock some urban camo) (and I'm sorry, but I forget the spelling of echo's brother's name) (Hmm) (Garen) (ah yes, thanks (brb) From out of nowhere, Garen strides from the crowd towards the four of you. He is handsome, muscular, intelligent, popular, and a full six inches taller than Echo. Before anybody can react, Garen wraps his arms around his brother, lifting him slightly off the ground in a bear hug. "Brother!" He beams brightly. Ruin frowns. Crimson swoons.* (oh, and Echo, your mortal bodyguards stayed back in Genove. You'll be provided with replacements shortly. Requiem, your brother and father are nearby as always, dematerialized and watching out for you.) * Requiem stares at this mysterious new person Garen turns to look at Requiem with a broad smile, he pats her on the head, "Hello sweetheart, who are you? Are you the one in charge of my brother?"* "I am the listener of whispers other would be driven mad by. I speak with the Forgotten Ones. Your brother is currently one who will guide me towards my fate." He stares in confusion for a moment. "Of course cutie. Uh..." He shakes hands with Ruin and kisses Crimson's hand, much to her delight. In fact it seems Garen is being followed by as many female fans as bodyguards. Heroic and handsome pirates always get this kind of attention in the big cities. "Let me show you all to the ship. She's not ready yet, but in an another hour or two we'll be underway. I recommend you stay out of sight until then." He winks slyly. "Don't worry everybody, you're secret is safe with me!" He shouts proudly. Several people in the crowd turn, but none seem to care. In the distance you can see the ship Garen points to, as well as another, this one running Realm colors. Near it's boarding plank Requiem spots something that nearly stops her heart. It is the boy of your dreams, quite literally. For the past several nights, the Malfeans have shown you this boy over and over again, but never explained his importance. http://www.angelfire.com/creep/dp/guissan.jpg (hmmm... looks familiar) He is clearly a Terrestrial as he is wearing articulate jade armor. He seems to be important too. You recognize that two other Dragon-Bloods guard him closely. Nearby the young man, you see another Terrestrial, this time with an entire bodyguard battalion. This one is far older and talks to the boy in soft tones, perhaps his father? http://www.angelfire.com/creep/dp/daerius.jpg * Echo ignores Garen for the most part. This was typical behavior. He hadn't forgotten the clout and importance surrounding his kin, who had won fame and fortune abroad while Echo dabbled meekly in the arts of deception and intrigue. Now who was the mightier? Garen, it seemed. Echo frowns and follows. (aha! Lodoss Wars) The group boards the Realm ship and you lose sight of them. * "Excuse me Mr... Garen. Do you know who is aboard that ship?" * Requiem points to the realm ship Garen turns to Requiem. "Ah, that is the House V'Neef delegation. They'll be negotiating the Eventide Document on behalf of the Empress." He frowns, "Tough competition there. Daerius is probably the most well respected statesmen in the Realm." He pats Echo on the shoulder with a heavy hand, "Good luck!"* * Echo grits his teeth. "So -brother-. How exactly did you end up entangled in this...farce? I am somewhat curious as to your motives." Echo continues staring out to sea, wondering if Garen remembered all the wrongs Echo had brought down upon him over the years. A twang of regret settled in Echos spine. He regretted so much from those days. So many conspiracies foiled by his brothers ignorance.* He shrugs, "Duty my dear boy, something you don't seem to know much about. The call of the Lintha!" The stretches his arms out, posing with his sword drawn. Behind him a girl faints, others cheer. "I'm ordered to guide you, and guide you I shall. Blue Haven is not easy to get to. Going uninvited would be... bad." "I am a child of the Lintha, as much of the blood flows through me as through you. Why, then, am I some kind of animal to be leashed and drug into my own homeland?" He hisses.* Garen chuckles, "Being born into it isn't good enough little brother, you need experience on the high seas - danger's the name of the game! Speaking of which," He leans closer to the four of you, "You know, some guy named Setesh has a second Abyssal delegation. Two creepy looking specimens. Ones a little girl." He shivers before staring at Requiem, "No offense. Its just little girls of death are kinda creepy."* (What time of year is it anyways?) "It would seem fate knows this and operates that way." (uh, spring I guess. It doesn't really matter, why?) (Well, the Lintha get a special guest come calibration time) (ah, no worries about him yet. Kimberry wouldn't dare show her hand to the other Yozis until the last possible second.) "Hm. A little girl cum Abyssal. Why do my first thoughts turn straight towards the idea of our old circlemate returning..." Echo snorts. "This entire affair is ridiculous. We've been betrayed by more Exalts than most mortals see in entire lifetimes. Setesh is effectively a small god in the Underworld, and we're at odds with him." Echo just shakes his head. "And you, Garen, I'm surprised you were so quick to pick us up in this little adventure."* Garen smiles, "Yep. My commanding officer is in town today for some reason, told me exactly where you were coming in. In fact, he asked if he could have a private audience with the four of you before departing. Like I said, the ship won't be ready for another hour at the earliest." He waves you all forward, he's waiting over here.* (Is there a chance we can wrap up soon as I have to lift before the gym closes) (very shortly, yes) * Echo follows Garen curiously. Who is this commander..? Echo was always keenly reminded of Garens sense of duty, but rare was the occasion when a Lintha officer demanded the presence of a circle of Exalts.* Garen leads you to an alleyway off the beaten path. Nobody is around, oddly enough. The open area is between four large buildings with no windows, each are three or four stories tall. * Requiem decides to follow Echo's brother's instructions and follows Their is only the one exit, which Garen now closes as he leaves. "There he is. Don't worry guys, you're in good hands." He leaves without another word. At the other end of the enclosed courtyard stands a single figure in heavy robes and a loose Lintha sash. He is terribly pale and his eyes are an odd blood shot color. His lips are blue and his cheeks are sunken. "Welcome to Port Klast."* "Greetings. I am the Echoing Words From the Darkness. On behalf of my delegation, I am thankful for the peaceful arrival."* * Requiem remains silent The man spreads his arms wide shakily. He grins through blistered lips, "I am grateful for your arrival, it brings with it enough jade coins to bring me luxury for the next century." He shifts his head to an odd angle and looks directly at Requiem. "Hello again little one." "Who exactly are you?" "Maybe you don't remember me, but I was the one asked to bring your family to the other side those many months ago. I was paid well then." You both notice that the man is standing in a pool of blood. A small stain is slowly leaking through the front of his robes. * Echo takes a quick step back and flips open his cloak, revealing his soulsteel arm. "What is this?" He mutters, preparing to conjure his bow from the Elsewhere.* He bows stifly. "I am the nemessary Tryan." Puntuating his remarks comes a horrible pounding sound from around the buildings. At the top of each building a creature clambors to the edge and looks down at the four of you. http://www.angelfire.com/creep/dp/dunestrider.jpg (Yeah OKAY.) "And I thank you for your deaths. They will bring me much monies." He cackles. (and we can end there) well that's great i love the big endings oh well, i can fight now. Sort of. they are about the size of a rhino by the way hey -fantastic- no problem welcome to the experience exalt club loverly i have faith in my persistent dodge+archery charms well then, lance you can head on out, thanks for the game tonight Session Close: Tue Mar 29 21:11:26 2005