Session Start: Tue Sep 14 19:23:57 2004 Session Ident: #ethresh * Now talking in #ethresh hrm, bad news... I seem to have lost the passion, the passion of CoH I haven't played more than an hour in over a week I once had plenty of time, but took a nap instead heh i'm still playing but mostly cause i found life begins at level 28 instant healing, bitchez! hah it's pretty good that the soonest you can get it? yeah ouch I started a claw/regen just to check it out, plus a new costume nice scrappers are a lot of fun yeah, I'm impressed how fast claw is, you really only need 2 attacks, they just keep going when one is done attacking, the other is almost regened yeah, claws is good did you name your hero Wolferine444? uh, no "Project Blade" heh i get that urge occasionally just make a new character a tech guy, "Human flesh over a mechanical exoskeleton, muwhahaha!" lol Antipaladin is my most recent, broadsword/Dark Armor. Kind of cool, a real endurance hog tho i think once respec hits I'm going all out on Bladed Eidolon yeah... I dunno though, I don't think I can just watch the same 2 or 3 attacks for hours on end though heh resepc? respecification of powers what's that? you can go back through all your levels and repick your powers and slotting it's fairly badass cause i need some powers BAD and barb swipe sucks bollocks whoooooooo thats impressive yeah, I found a coupla powers that turned out to suck/not what I thought they'd be i bet oh man, i was grouping with your kinda tanker on the 5th column tf a few nights ago AMAZING that fucker out damaged me fire/stone boggled my mind he must have had Burn six slotted...it ate through nazis like you would not believe wow yeah, burn does have potential i thought i could do some decent AoE damage, but cripes. He'd just get in close, turn on burn and watch them die meanwhile i just played catch-up I think I would use the provoke power set. I realized, once you use burn, they initially run, but if you taunt them, they don't try to run anymore Burn/provoke group/ rinse, repeat yeah so, we ready to get started? sure I don't have tonight terribly well planned out so... those are the best kinds of sessions to get started, you are wasted - mentally that is. Your willpower is 3/6 at the moment and is slowly returning. If you exert yourself, you're looking at 12 hours plus to be fully recovered. A 2 hour nap would take care of it though. Physically you are fine, but your companion, Design, isn't doing so well. He'll live, but in a good bit of discomfort until his exalted body heals itself. Your bodyguards are all dead. You get the distinct feeling that the new abyssal can take care of herself. In particular, a long strand of jumbo sized prayer beads is giving you pause. They are certainly an artifact of notable power. to recap the current characters... http://www.angelfire.com/creep/dp/design.jpg http://www.angelfire.com/creep/dp/shadow.jpg Session 6: "Into the Deep Shadow" Things have not exactly gone to plan, or have they? I suppose it depends on which plan you were referring. Crimson Tears of Regret seems to have made out well, and Betrothed of Pain is quite pleased with himself. That leaves you, The Soul’s Twisted Design, and an odd Abyssal who appears to be a 10 year old girl. As this child/demi-god mentioned earlier, it seems Crimson took advantage of the chaos Vin and Recluse created to track down and kill The Lion’s advisor. After the ghost was toast, she used a charm of some type to interrogate him and gain valuable information. She turns to you and Design, with a coy smile she chirps, "This will not be kids play. Hmm, excuse the pun. This forest is not to be trifled with, at the moment were safe of course, not beasts comes this close to The Thousand." "But before we think of our own safety I must remind you that Crimson certainly went in this direction. Unless either of you can think of anything better to do, I suggest going through here until we reach a Labyrinth opening. There is one about six miles away... I think."* * Echoing_Words sighs. How he hates walking. A boat or a horse are simply so much...easier. It's not that he's lazy, just that Echo is an efficient person. It's easier and more efficient to be -sitting- while moving. After all, if he were sitting right now, he could be tending to Designs wounds. Or trying too. Thinking about tending to them. He isn't much of a doctor. Still, there is no point in allowing Design to continue on suffering. Although they had to make haste to the Labyrinth, it seemed foolish to permit Design, the obviously superior warrior, to be damaged when they make their initial foray into the darkness below the wastes. Echo was no slouch with his bow, but without any bodyguards he would need to concentrate on defense over offense, which in turn would task his essence badly. "My ally here is in need of rest. As am I. Apparently you weren't watching when we were both engaged in vicious battle, but we cannot continue on like this. I would prefer we are all up to snuff before sallying into the Labyrinth. Wouldn't you?" Echo asks.* She shrugs slightly, "Not a bad point." She stares into the woods. "We wouldn't be able to catch her anyways, you don't see like the rugged type Echo." She looks you up and down and sighs. "Lets head over that ridge into the woods. We should be safe from any of Lion's patrols, assuming he even has any."* * Echoing_Words snorts. "I, madam, am rugged. Rugged is my middle name! I was known as quite the outdoorsman in many circles, you know." Echo smiles and continues following the Abyssal girl, contemplating exactly how devious she is. Honestly, Echo wasn't expecting anywhere near as much competition on this journey as he is getting.* Design nods to you gratefully as the makeshift circle walks into the deserted wilderness. Once again you have placed your own needs behind Design’s well being and he is not one to forget such things. The dead woods before you don’t seem terribly perilous. There is absolutely no wind and the trees just kind of sit there. The bare, bleached branches allow you to see rather far into the woods, and it looks pretty bleak. You’ve seen far tougher wilderness in your time. The Hessian Woods, however, you have not. Your Liege’s favored retreat, The Villa resides there. It is several hundred miles inland from Blue Haven and one of his larger holdings. He seems to enjoy the time on the vast Shadowland and playing games with his ghostly hounds. Most of these games involve the consumption of living or undead beings who have somehow found their way into the Bodhisattva’s bad graces. After several minutes the road is out of view and Design leans up against a tree. "Here is good I think." He says with ragged breathing. "I’ll be fine, I just need some time." The female nods and sits next to a tree and begins playing with a dead branch. Design busies himself by meditating - likely invoking some type of charm.* * Echoing_Words stretches and sits down. "So tell me something about yourself Shadow. Obviously you are an Abyssal Exalted...I know little else, and I'm afraid I'm awfully inquisitive. Who is your liege?" Echo asks curiously. Perhaps now that he has her face to face rather than just playing follow-the-girl-monster he may find some weakness in her.* Her eyebrow perks up slightly and she chuckles. "Really, you don't know? Odd, I thought he would have told you. He's quite fond of you." She fiddles with the stick awhile long before looking up at you. "The Bodhissatva found me in the streets. Homeless. Alone. Begging and fighting for scraps of food. He showed me a better path." She smiles.* * Echoing_Words blinks. Caught off guard with that one. "Really. Really? I am surprised...I really am. And yet you speak of murdering me for your own gain. Some kind of dry, morbid humour?" Echo smirks, pondering how his liege could have -possibly- Exalted a starving hobo. How hard had he fought for his exaltation?! So hard! So much conspiring!..when all he needed to do was beg for scraps and stumble into his lieges path? * Echoing_Words surpresses his anger at the current situation, preffering to keep his cool as always.* She chuckles again, "Silly. I wasn't planning on killing you unless you failed." Her face shifts to a mock seriousness and she lifts a finger. "A behold my orders, child. You shall depart and shadow Echoing Words of the Darkness, see that he completes his mission and brings glory unto... yadda yadda yadda." She giggles at her rendition of her Liege. Perhaps the Exaltation has done little to grow her up. "I've been Exalted for five months now. Its been amazing... a whole new world opened up to me. Its funny, now my age isn't a huge disadvantage. I can go places unnoticed easily. Its fun to sneak around and spy on people."* * Echoing_Words smirks. "I can see why the Bodhissatva chose you. He thinks he fools us with his decisions...but it's not so hard to see why he sent you after me. I do need all the help I can get these days." Echo lies. He can't grasp the Bodhissatvas decisions for the life of him sometimes. This girl for example. How useless she is. How oblivious she must be to the world around her. And yet she is a dark Exalt, a peer and a competitor. "Did the Bodhissatva explain the situation then? I'd assume he did."* "Oh, quite well. He had plenty of time to talk to me personally. I rarely get to travel so far as you do. He had barely enough time to get you to the Council meeting. I don’t think he wanted to send me." She pauses, "So you really never knew I existed huh? Well it’s nice to meet you Echo, I am The Shadow’s Clever Feint, Bringer of Doom! I added the bringer of doom part, do you like it?"* * Echoing_Words nods. "Awfully quaint. I am surprised he never mentioned you..." Echo trails off. "...Still. So where are you from originally, Shadow's Clever Feint?" He adds.* "Here and there," She lies, "It doesn't matter, I'm never going back." She says with finality. The subject is apparently troubling. "I know all about you though. Did you see me in the crowd on the day your brother rescued you? I bet you didn't." She flicks the small branch away and looks at you seriously, "What do you think the Bodhissatva will do? Will he leave us alone on the main continent and flee west?"* * Echoing_Words smiles. "He rarely flees. I'd imagine the Black Armada he has amassed can hold back the armies of the Lion, at least in Creation. I assume the Lions navy also pales in comparison here as well." Echo reassures Shadow.* (Wow, Richard Cheese is the coolest musician alive) She nods, "I think you're right. I wonder what things are like up there in the living world. Must be chaos." She grins wickedly, "We can see it first hand if you'd like, the Villa is on a shadow land." Shadow glances up over your shoulder as a hand is placed there. (Richard Cheese?) (Yeah, he's a lounge singer who does covers of new songs) (Like Down With the Sickness and Chop Suey. It's really quite amazing) You look up to see Design smiling down on you. Before you can say anything you feel a rush of adrenaline. You head seems to clear and you are invogorated. "Thanks for the rest Echo. I'm okay now, we should get moving." In the time you've talked, twilight has come.* (cool) (you have regained 2 willpower from rest and design's charm, now at 5/6) (brb, lemoade) * Echoing_Words stands and stretches. Time certainly does fly when you're conniving and conspiring against your would-be allies. "I'm inclined to agree, we should probably embark now. Not that I dislike idle chatter.." Echo smiles at Shadow. How he despises her for existing.* "Finding the Labyrinth entrance and navigating it won’t be hard at all; I’ve done this route several times." She doesn’t add that as a route between two Death Lord’s territories, it is invaluable to a scout " or a spy. "The trick will be The Hessian Woods. The Bodhissatva likes to keep rather unfriendly creatures in stock. Helps ward of trespassers and such I suppose." "It won’t matter; once we’re at the Villa everything will be much better. The garrison there will see to our needs and we can focus on tracking Crimson. Plus we can get an update on the war." --- Playing Intermission Music --- --- And thus our antiheroes did walk. And walking is boring. ---- --- And thus rolls were made and the trip completed --- (one sec) (I am totally the walking) --- And thusly the dice did speak: Though both you a Design didn't help at all in the woods, they were easy to navigate and Shadow picked up the slack --- (Hey, i have a survival of 1) (ONE!) --- The Labyrinth, however, was quite different. This tunnel was far, far, far from the void and had little of the horrible attributes normally associated with the Labyrinth. That being said, both you and Design navigated admirably. (You rolled a 5 succ/5 dice on a wits+survival roll) --- --- And thus the makeshift circle emerged healthy and only relatively tired. Good times had by all. --- --- End Intermission Music ---- "Well that wasn't too bad. I don't see what all the fuss is about." Design remarks. Shadow shoots him a withering look, "Tough talk for somebody who just walked one of the farthest tunnels from the Abyss. You'll find the good old Hessian Woods much more disturbing." And just then you emerge into the night of the underworld. Pitch black sounds like a punchline. The eerie glow in the mineral veins of the cave provide enough light to see by, but this is ridiculous. No sound. No wind. No light. The entire group just kind of stands for a moment, unsure what to do.* * Echoing_Words is also unsure of what to do. He isn't extremely tired from their trek, but this isn't a matter of being tired. It's really more a question of survival. With a thought his anima springs to life, and the cave glows much brighter. Darklight is still light, after all. Echo smiles, his caste mark a dull scarlet and his anima painting the walls with blood as he passes. The 'blood' is more of essence given shape by his existence alone, but it does not stray far. The blood coating the ground and walls where he passes is instantly reabsorbed by the anima once he walks 8 feet or so. And then it is instantly reapplied onto the cave walls ahead of him. Disturbing, yes, but it's all part of the effect.* Design and Shadow follow your lead and light up their essence banners. The mouth of the cave leading to the Hessian Woods is visible from here. The three of you create quite enough light to travel and you all feel confidant to you will be able to see anything that assails you in the dark woods. Shadow draws her broadsword and wraps the comically sized prayer beads around her left wrist. Design draws his Soulsteel Daiklave and readies himself. The glance at each other and nod. "Stay behind Echo, be ready." With that they charge into the open woods and freeze in combat stances. And stay frozen. Nothing happens. There are no sounds. No threatening beasts undead or otherwise. Oh crap... are we in the right place?* * Echoing_Words summons his bow in hand and snaps his artifact fingers in anticipation. He hasn't been itching for a fight, but now that it seems one may be upon him, he grows hungry for the taste of a foreign entities essence. And yet, even as the pair charges out to meet any possible threats, it would appear there are none. Hmmm... "Are you sure we navigated to the right place? If these are the notorious Hessian Woods, I'd assume we'd already be attacked."* "Well I’ll be the Realm’s red-headed step-daughter. Nothing. Ole’ black water’s going to be really pissed that his dogs weren’t guarding the mouth of the cave. Can you say lax security? This won’t stand!" She stomps, "I’m going to march right up to whoever’s in charge here and demand and explanation for why we weren’t torn to pieces." With that she walks purposefully off north, leaving you and Design behind. * * Echoing_Words quickly follows suite. He's not getting left in these woods, guarded by Design or not. "Ahem...oh Shadow..." Echo says as he makes haste to catch up with her. "Come on Design, as long as you travel with me...us...you are welcome in my Lieges holdings."* Design nods in complete confidence. Your promise is as good as Jade oh pious one. After a brisk walk through the woods trailing behind Shadow you find what you are looking for. Before you stands the complex known as The Villa. Primarily a pleasure destination for the Bodhissatva, The Villa can hold hundreds of guests in luxury, including the man/ghost himself. It also houses a substantial garrison. Because this stronghold is so far from his others, your Liege always keeps it well defended. Defenses you see sprawled across the vast, well kept lawn. Something is wrong. Such unsettling discoveries seem to be the hallmark of this entire campaign. The Villa does not disappoint in this regard. At least three dozen heavily armored war ghosts wearing the Bodhissatva's emblem are sitting or lying on the ground. Some are in various stages of dying, others are gravely wounded, and still others move around trying to aid their comrades. In the distance you here to dim clash of metal. Several ghosts are nearby, but only one wears an officer's rank.* (In the distance you hear the dim clash...) (my bad) * Echoing_Words approaches the officer ghost quickly. The war seemed so far away until just now. Until now, the only casualties he has seen have been a few nameless bodyguards at the hands of some stronger ghosts. Hardly a war. Hardly even a battle. And yet here they are, stepping over empty suits of armor and spears in their Lieges more well defended villas. "You there! What is going on here?" Is all Echo has to say, although he speaks as if spitting fire. Echo is uncharacteristically unnerved by this apparent warzone. Perhaps one of his favored concubines resides here.* The officer nearly faints. As you come closer you see the medical emblem on his light armor. A doctor apparently. "By the Liege himself! We knew you'd come! Its horrible lord, horrible. They were the crimson claw of The Lion!" The ghost is openly weeping now and he points megerly towards a large building. You see Shadow marching towards it.* * Echoing_Words growls and pushes the man aside. Words won't settle anything now. Obviously Shadow has already realized this. Following her yet again, Echos armor becomes a bit more terrific in appearence. A helmet slides into place over his glasses, and long, whiplike barbs extend from his back. If he intimidates even one ghost with such a look, it was worth the mote. * Several ghost do indeed back away, but the effect you were looking for is lost. Instead of cowering in fear, they see their savior. Their Liege has apparently dispatched and entire _circle_ of Abyssals to save them! This building is handsome indeed and in more peaceful times make for a splendid vacation spot. At the moment however, the wounded line the beautiful teak halls and ghostly blood drips into the deeply engraved marble floor. The end of the grand hall leads to a room, where a number of well dressed men converse in hushed and frantic tones. A grim looking older gentleman is pouring over maps in the dim flicker of candlelight. Much to your surprise, he is mortal and looks to be in his sixties. He is wearing a sharp looking commander’s uniform and his face tells of years of wisdom and bravery. He must be quite cunning mortal to have come so far in an organization dominated by the dead. Shadow looks back at you as you enter the room and says, "This is Graven, one of our best generals." Her anger is gone, replaced by concern and respect. The old man nods at your arrival, not recognizing you or Design. "Welcome friends. You could not have come at a better time, we must begin the evacuation..."* * Echoing_Words shakes his head. "Graven, is it? I am the Echoing Words From the Darkness, Envoy of the Bodhissatva. You are a general, correct? Explain to me what has happened here." Echo says tersely. He grows anxious to see conflict. He grows irritated at the very sight of a living being walking among the dead, as if better than them. It is not he who is Exalted here, it is Echo, and his circle.* "The Lion’s troops have begun to pull back for the day. They will almost certainly back out of the shadowland and regroup in Creation before making their final assault. We held them back but just barely. Nearly half of our warriors are dead or wounded and the entirety of the Lord’s favored pets have perished on the battlefield!" Graven states dryly. "We must use the daylight to withdraw." A nearbly ghost in a similar uniform as ... (A nearbly ghost in a similar uniform as) Graven's pales at that last statement and adds, "But we cannot give up our Liege's Villa... no..." He trails off. Graven interrupts with a snarl, "Over a thousand Wren, a thousand! To our two hundred an fifty. How to you propose to stand against that?!"* (I am confused. Is he talking to himself?) (oh, sorry. It is Graven the general talking with Wren, another officer.) (it was all one line, I just had to split it up, stupid buffer) (gotcha) (dammit, brb) (k) * Echoing_Words rolls his eyes. "How did this happen? Have you no scouts? No contacts to warn you of this kind of assault?" Echo snarls. "This is ludicrous..."* Graven sighs, "Yes, we saw them coming hours before they attacked, but it did little good. All we could do was send runners through the Labyrinth tunnel in hopes of calling for reinforcements. You are all that has come so far. Does the Bodhissatva know of our plight? Is he sending more troops?" Graven asks hopefully.* (brb, phone call) (k)( (cannot multitask) (if it makes you feel better, it's a girl) (ah, take all the time you need) (such days are behind me, and I miss them not) (too much trouble) (we'll be wrapping up shortly but I do want to add several more things before finishing) (dammit) (ok, had to make her go back onto AIM) (hah, we'll be done soon) * Echoing_Words shrugs. "I have no idea. I would assume one of your runners would have made it through, but who knows. What are these...claws of the Lion? Calvalry? Infantry? Perhaps we can make some kind of stand if we know what we're up against." Echo says confidently.* Graven smiles brightly despite the situation and his age, "Crimson Claws they are called. Infantry fighters with light armor and weapons. Like I said, they started with over a thousand war ghosts. We've no way to telling their casualties, but I assure you, my garrison troops gave them a bloody nose." "And we’re glad to see an Abyssal on our side for once." Graven adds. Shadow turns sharply to look at the old man, "What do you mean?" Graven shakes his head in disgust, "The enemy must have an Abyssal as well. She came in mere hours before you and charged right into the Villa! That damn butcher killed a dozen of my men before making off with the lord’s Banestone. That whore in black leather and pink hair, if I ever see her again..." Shadow grabs your upper arm and pulls you aside. "Echo this is bad. Crimson beat us here and took the Banestone. We can’t stay here. They’re outnumbered 1,000 to 250 and there is no telling how many more of the Lion’s troops are out there." Graven’s old ears overhear the hushed conversation and he sighs. "So, you stumbled here after the pink haired one. I see. If that is all you care for, she went west into Creation as dawn began to rise. Chase her if you must, but please I beg of you, stay and help us fight, or at very least evacuate!" (the decision will be left to next session, but let me fill some stuff in for you...) Choices, choices, choices. 3 paths are obvious ---- - Stay and fight. With the Villa secured you can rest (spend xp) and take what resources you need from it to continue your quest. You likely be able to get in contact with the Bodhissatva for further instructions and gain much praise. - Or evacuate all who are able and run. The benefit is that 250 armed and armored warriors will be at your disposal and quite grateful to you. The downside is that 200 or more additional injured ghosts and servants will toddle along with you. You will move slowly but be safe from small run-ins with the Lion’s forces as you trek Creation. Also, there will be the matter of explaining the loss of his favored getaway to the Bodhissatva. - Or just leave them all here and chase after Crimson. (Bitches) (any questions? I'll give you the week to think about it. you can do anything you want, the circle will follow you) (Heh) You don't have to pick these 3 choices either, you can do anything you want hmm btw you've gained Design as a solid ally, he won't abandon you unless he has no choice i'll have to give it some thought w00t friendship level up! yes, actually, I'll add it you your background :) it's like having a digital pet remember to feed him i will feed him with BLOOOOOOOOOD hmm, he would like that so take your time and think of what would be coolest. alright at the moment, angel looks like she wants to talk before she leaves for work (in 20 minutes) so I'd better run okay later then any questions, just email me. cya and good session :) Session Close: Tue Sep 14 21:57:22 2004