Session Start: Tue Oct 19 18:54:37 2004 Session Ident: #ethresh * Logging #ethresh to 'C:\Documents and Settings\Dave\My Documents\Exalted\Abyssal\Logs\AB-10-19-2004.BeyondIRC' greetings so how was your weekend? good, good how about you pilgrimage to Gay Bobs complete? pretty good eh, I was too afraid of what I'd find heh oh, I added some more to my dice roller now it resolves a simple combat attack and can do initiative for multiple people score yeah, a real time saver mostly for me of course heh hmm, I need to decide if I want to keep paying for CoH, I haven't played it in over 2 weeks same same good game, i'm thinking of stopping for awhile though. Once CoV comes out and i get some more positive reviews i'll check back into it not a bad idea ok, we ready for tonight's semi-exciting episode? sure one thing tho i need sleep BAD haven't gotten a full 8 hours since friday k, we'll cut out the fat. Its a set-up episode anyways gotcha thanks to farscape Come to think of it, we're now done with part 1 and Hope yeah... I missed farscape.. just gonna download it I think * Retrieving #ethresh info... it's on all the time i think at 3 on sunday it's replaying in its entirety ah, figured as much ok, lets roll with this Design takes a step back in shock as the armor wails in terror. Shadow like-wise peeks out from behind the tree to look in curiosity. In mere seconds the once intelligent ghost is reduced to a pile of used (and quite damaged thanks to you three) pieces of armor. Design wastes no time, sheathes his daiklave and sets about investigating the odd creature’s remains. Shadow effortlessly leaps from the tree and lands lightly beside Design. She remarks, "Is it dead?" Design shrugs and rifles through the pile of metal. Meanwhile the circle of war ghosts stare in awe, uncertain of what just happened. Design holds up a palm sized disk and rubs his chin in interest. "This seems to be important. It’s definitely soulsteel, but the markings are like nothing I’ve ever seen before. It has some writing on it: ‘From the hand of time itself the Lord brought forth twenty score righteous warriors. From the hand of time itself did the Lord foretell the doom of all but himself.’" Shadow kicks the ground, already bored with investigating the inanimate chunks of metal. "So, he called himself Ninth of Recalibration and said he was a Shackled Husk. What type of lame ghost names himself after a day of the Underworld calendar?" Design shrugs, "But it does fit. There are four hundred days in the Calendar of Setesh, and the inscription says someone brought forth twenty score warriors." He pockets the soulsteel disk for later examination.* * Echoing_Words shrugs. "I do not know, nor do I really care. He was a bit more troublesome than anticipated, but not anything we couldn't handle." Echos bow, Azalgrial, melts effortlessly into his artifact arm, its soulsteel structure breaking down into tarlike essence and filling the crevices of the metal arm. * Echoing_Words takes a quick look towards the gathered war ghosts and smiles. With a quick flourish he throws a fist into the air and yells, "The Lions greatest assassin, dead at our feet! Who can stand before us if he cannot?!?" Echos hideous laughter permeates the stale air, bouncing off the walls of the nearby villa and filtering down into the black woods. Arrogance is key to command. "Ready yourselves to move! We must make haste for Fell Harbor before the fighting is over!" Echo adds.* A number of the war ghosts decide that your opponent has indeed been soundly defeated and cheers start throughout the crowd. Before long the sound is deafening and you can’t help but enjoy being the center of attention. The rocky outcropping is difficult to climb, but you should be able to see Fell Harbor just over the rise. Shadow skips forward without care, avoiding obstacles casually. Design grunts and lumbers up the slope and several war ghosts follow along to look over the edge. "It’ll be nice to get back to a familiar city again." Shadow says, "I’ve been waiting-" Her voice trails off as she gets her first look at the city below. Fell Harbor is more than six miles away but its present state is readily obvious. The city itself is home to two great walls – one on the outside and the other inside. The outer wall protects the bulk of the city’s merchant district and is the first line of defense. It stands well over 100 feet tall and is ten feet thick. The inner wall is lesser, but still impressive. It protects the inner section of the city including the Bodhissatva’s citadel and several military docks. The first blue light draws your attention immediately. It is a ghostly dull, flickering blue that rises almost lazily into the air toward the outer wall. It lands near the top of the wall, setting the walkway there awash in blue flames. You can see the tiny specks of people running around the light and suddenly your eyes pull back and you realize that you’ve just watched a siege engine attack. "Lotus Fire." Design says with enthusiasm. "You create it by taking a torso and sewing of where the neck, arms, and legs were attached. Then you put an Acid Lotus into the chest cavity and sew the chest up too." "The chemicals in the lotus react with the decay of the torso and in a day or two you have a kind of flesh bomb. The acid that those things pack can really do some damage..." He points, "There, see, another one. Looks like they’re trying to weaken that section of the wall-" He is cut off by a sharp look from Shadow. She looks to you with pleading eyes, "What are we going to do Echo? The Bodhissatva’s down there." What to do indeed. Before you is the Sanguine Army led by the Abyssal Walking on Laughter. No less than one hundred thousand war ghosts make up the army with as many more in support roles. They have completely surrounding the massive city and have laid out a significant camp. It looks like they are planning on a long siege.* (And i have what, a thousand?) (yeah. go ahead, rush in. I dare ya) (Hmm. Meditate on this i must) * Echoing_Words sighs. "Well, I suppose Thein did not jest when he said the Lion was bringing everything he had." Echo looks to his back where one of his trust ghostly aids stands. "Lieutenant, go to Captain Thein and the other squad commanders. Spread the word that we have halted march. Begin setting camp. Fly the flag of the Lion. We must be stealthy at the moment." "Shadow, you are scouting. Take as many War Ghosts as you require to complete your scouting, but keep my men alive and away from the enemy. If contact is made, no killing is to be done. Evade as best you can and report back to me. I need numbers, information about supplies, how many Abyssals, the forces of the city...whatever you can get me." "Design, tell me more about these Lotus Fire things. Can you make any yourself?"* The junior officer snaps to attention and salutes. It is a wise move to say the least. Despite the distance from the city, there is no doubt that Sanguine patrols will be this far out. It is only a matter of time before the Crimson Claws are noticed. Shadow nods. "I’ll go alone. Ghosts’ll only slow me down." She pauses for a moment looking out at the assembled army. Apparently her desire to reach her Liege overcomes any anxiety and she lightly hops off the cliffs and disappears into the thick forest below. Design continues to stare in awe at the sight before him. "Sure, I guess. The Acid Lotus grows around here, though they aren't too common. I'd also need some corpses. Humans, beasts..." He turns and looks at the zombies wandering around below. "Zombies work too. I dunno how useful they would be though. They explode in a very wide radius and will burn everything around them..." "But they burn fast. Unless they are on a big catapult, whoever lights them will be incinerated. And besides, there is no way your could use one without drawing the attention of everything within miles." Like a haze forming from the dark ground, a figure appears to your left. Design reaches for their weapons but you recognize the shape of Haumphantine easily. "Hmph. Where have you been kid?" He says in that dry tone you despise.* * Echoing_Words rolls his eyes. "I have been doing my duties, Old One. Or haven't you noticed that my circle dissolved around itself and the lords villa beyond the black woods was under siege? Both problems are resolved. The Villa is under the control of the Bodhissatva, her defenders are the once soldiers of the Lion who even now prepare to go to war against him." Echo smirks. "I've been busy."* The ghost arches his generous eyebrows. "Really? I was wondering what you were doing with a group of war ghosts running the Lion's standard. I just assumed you got captured." He smiles slightly, "Guess you are good for something afterall. You can fill me in on the details later, right now we need to figure out what to do here." "The Bodhissatva is absolutely refusing to give up the city. There is no way we could ever defeat this army on their own terms, we just don't have the numbers. The master has recalled all the troops in this section of the continent as well as all the Marines in his eastern fleet. But that still only amounts to a fraction of the Lion's forces." He paues. "I'm... afraid to say this - and terrified to say it to the Bodhissatva, but Fell Harbor is lost. It is just a matter of time. If he does not see this soon he might fall into serious danger. We control the waters for now and have an easy escape route, but that could change anytime."* * Echoing_Words furrows his brow. "Why does the Lord not take the field? Surely his presence alone would stave off entire waves of attacks. Besides, I'm not sure what assistance we can provide to be totally realistic. I have but a thousand or so men at my disposal...we could hardly engage the rear guard for more than an hour."* He nods solemnly. "I know. My fear is he will take the field himself. In my travels to here I passed a number of warriors that I've never seen before. It was as if their armors were... empty. I got the odd sense they were waiting for something. I fear the Bodhissatva may be goaded into a trap." Over Haumphantine’s shoulder another blue flare slams into the city wall. He sighs, "They keep pounding the western wall. We have citizens and soldiers trying to repair and reinforce it day and night, as well as bucket brigades to wash the acid away, but we’re losing ground." "The Bodhissatva slew the city’s chief architect when he said the wall will eventually collapse despite our efforts. Nobody dares to give advice anymore." He gives you a serious look. "We need to get in their, perhaps you can convince him..." He trails off, waiting for your reply.* * Echoing_Words removes his glasses and rubs his eyes. "Armor eh? Wonderful. We engaged -one- such thing before. I thought perhaps it was alone in its efforts to assassinate us, but I suppose I am mistaken. In that case it might be wise for the Bodhissatva to not take the field.." "So basically, what you are saying is we -must- retreat, but the good Lord will have none of it."* He nods. "Another thing. I hate to admit this but just in case you were hoping I could get back into the city - don't count on it. At least right now. I burned up all my essence reserves just to get here. I'm pretty certain I was spotted too. There is at least one Abyssal in addition to Walking on Laughter and he seems to be slinking through the edges of the army scouting." Design looks around for a moment before turning to you. "He said the harbor is still under their control right? Well, why not sail around into port?"* (their control means the Bodhissatva's (the entire harbor is within the city limits and within the outer wall.) (The Sanguine army has no ships, at least not here and now) * Echoing_Words ponders for a minute. A difficult position. His Lord must retreat, that much is obvious. However, could he even manage to convince the Lord of such a thing? And besides, victory tastes so much sweeter than defeat. But how could 100,000 war ghosts be defeated? It would be impossible. Of course, victory could not be attained. Echo could always endevour to sneak himself into the good graces of commanders yet again, but this would be nigh impossible. (One thing to keep in mind, Walking on Laughter is a well known Abyssal, even though he (like all of you) is very young for an exalt. He is quite the charismatic leader.) The sheer number of people that would require convincing would be ungodly. His charms were not enough this time...the Crimson Claws provided enough trouble for their part. Diplomacy would fail of course, for the Lion sought no accords, only annihilation. Echo felt useless. Walking On Laughter was doubtless a better general and he already maintained the highest respect from his men. All Echo could do now was escape unscathed, if ev (unscathed, if ev) All echo could do now was escape unscathed, if even that. For now he had to make haste for his Lord and convince him to retreat. Perhaps if the Sanguine were drawn into the open waters they could be dealt with more easily. "Very well Old Ghost. I must see the Bodhissatva as soon as possible, a retreat is needed. ..and I believe I may have just the one we need." Echo smiles. It's that same damned smile he always gives. "If your essence supplies are spent, then recoup them now. Take to rest. Lieutenant, escort him to a tent and give him full guard. Also, spread the word to remain on the closest alert, but inform the guards to not engage any foe unless attacked." (Also keep in mind design's spells... infallible messanger could be helpful, even though it only works one way) (ahhh) (True) (Lemme do some quick checks) "Design, accompany me. We are going to see Captain Thein."* Design nods obediantly and Haumphantine heads off to recover. Once the old ghost is away, Design leans in to you, "What do you have in mind Echo?"* * Echoing_Words strides confidently towards Captain Thein, who is at the moment barking orders to some War Ghosts who were lax in getting the tents up quickly enough. "Captain, a moment." Echo waves the old zombo-ghost away from his ass chewing responsibilities. "We're going to retreat and the Crimson Claws shall rejoin the Lion. Trust me, Design. Have I led you astray yet?" Echo asks, a terrifying gleam in his eye.* Something within Design whimpers, but he nods in almost complete confidence. Thein walks up to you, "Did you say we were to rejoin the Lion's men?" He gives a hurt expression, "You don't need us anymore commander?"* (I'm also generous in with the spell Walking War Machine. I mean, what good is necromancy if you can't make bad ass horrifying killing machines. by the way for future reference, zombies are walking spare parts.) * Echoing_Words smiles. "I will always have need of you and your men Captain. In fact, this may be our finest hour. Yes, you are to rejoin the Lions forces. As a ruse. When I return, I shall explain this further, but for now you must have the men at ease. Fly the Lions flag nobly and do not speak ill of him. Remember that we are in enemy territory, trying to blend in with the enemy. When Shadow returns, have her report only to me and me alone. "Until I return Captain, you shall be in command. The Ghost Haumphantine is an honored guest but maintains no command over you. Guard him well, he is a good ally. Other than that, I can only ask that you remain strong. Our time is nigh, good Captain. You shall be remembered as a hero by history itself. We all will be." Echo concludes with that same damned smirk. "For now, let's begin working." Before Design or the good Captain can ask, Echo adds, "Let's begin working on the fleet. Captain, I need a boat. Design, can you help in constructing one?"* Design doesn't even pause before breaking into a large, genuine smile. "I was hoping you'd ask. I've been thinking about trying something... did you know that zombie bones float?" He gives a wink at Thein who recoils slightly. Design continues, ticking off on his fingers as he goes down the list, "Some wood, some vines," He continues to list common items easily found in the area. Thein looks at you, "What are ya gonna do wit a boat?"* (How much forest is around?) (I mean, wood wise) (We're gonna need some serious wood for my lil' plan) (You are near a swamp that borders the sea and are about 2 miles inland. Wood is not an issue, there is plenty) (by the way, for whatever reason I never got a picture for Haumphantine, so here it is) http://www.angelfire.com/creep/dp/Haum.jpg "Not -a- boat, Captain. Many. I intend for us to begin construction of a transport fleet for the army down there. I will offer them the means to ransack the city from her harbor and they will accept. Then when they set sail, we shall detonate our own Lotus Fires that Design shall construct for us. One for each and every boat. Heavy with battle armor and weapons, Walking on Laughter will suddenly find his plans quite...sunk." Ech (quite...sunk." Ech) Echo grins.* Design blinks. Thein blinks. Slowly but surely a grin grows on Design's face, though Thein still looks confused. Design pats the ghostly zombie on the back, "Don't worry mate. I'll explain it. You don't mind parting with say, 800 or so zombies do you?" Thein stares and shrugs, "I can always make more I guess." Design chuckles and looks at you. "This'll take time Echo. We'll need to hide the boats I'm making in the heavy swamp... "Or the army will discover them and become suspicious."* "Hiding them is good, yes. For now we must hide as best we can. However, if we are discovered, we are flying the flag of the Lion are we not? We are humble engineers under order of the Lion himself. We are to build a transport fleet for the Sanguine and we could even use some help clearing the woods for resources. For now we will see how quickly we can produce these vessels. I leave the design of these ships to you..Design." "Bearing in mind that they must be seaworthy and must carry as many men as possible, but remain afloat. Also bearing in mind that these ships are being built only to be destroyed.." Echo shrugs. "Well, i leave that to you. Also, I will need you to send a message to the Bodhissatva from me as well. I shall give it when you are ready to cast the sorcery."* Design asks Thein to gather up the zombies and a significant number of war ghosts to the swamps to begin production. He closes his eyes for a moment and then extends his hand, palm upward. When he opens his eyes, a small red cherub pops into his palm. The magic being is almost a foot tall and hovers above his hand. He looks exatly like a cartoon devil you might see on someone's shoulder trying to convince them to spend money they shouldn't. (money they shou) (money they shouldn't. The red devil cackles manically in a high pitched voice and then waits to be told a message and to whom the message is to be directed.* "Give this message unto my Liege, the Bodhissatva Annointed in Dark Waters. My Liege, your humble servant the Echoing Words From the Darkness has returned. I bring with me a contingent of soldiers who even now work towards your escape and the destruction of the enemy that sieges your fair city. We have a plan and the means to accomplish it, and we believe if it is successful, we will have done irreperable harm to the Sanguine army." "Give us time my Liege, we shall defeat this enemy in your name. I ask that you respond to this message when you are capable and by any means, although magical is preferable. We maintain secrecy regarding our alliegiances to better serve our plan. I request your advice on this matter, master, and your patience. I also humbly request you make preparations for evacuation." "Even if our plan is successful is it unlikely we will be able to overcome them entirely. But I shall talk with you more on this matter once you have replied. Your dutiful servant, the Echoing Words From the Darkness." Echo says, showing more humility than normal.* Not more than a second passes after you stop speaking than another cherub appears directly before you. Unlike Design's fanciful devil, this is a thing of pure horror wrought from a very diseased mind. Its one misshapen eye looks at you and it speaks from its four mouths. You blood freezes as you realize it is the Bodhissatva's voice. "Echoing Words of the Darkness... I did not expect to hear your voice in this bleak hour. I hope that my dear child Shadow has reached you and is even now in safety. If you have a plan, then proceed as quickly as possible and make haste to my chambers in the city. I have much to discuss with the two of you which is for your ears alone." "At such time as you are in my presence we shall discuss the future of my city which you seem so intent on telling me how to run. Until then, allow me to run things as I see fit." The cherub disappears in a flash of gore and blood. The final sentences ring in your head. You've heard that tone of voice before... and the memory of that day is not a pleasant one.* (hmm, sorry about the confusing sentence in there. He means proceed quickly with the plan and then afterwards meet him in the city) (So he doesn't want me as soon as possible?) (Just once the plan is done) (exactly. do the plan then come see him) * Echoing_Words rubs his eyes. Something tells him it's going to be a long time before he will be without pain. "Design, Captain Thein, I need both of you to begin moving. I need those ships as soon as humanly possible. Design, we are looking for bulk here...300 men per ship at the least perhaps...something like that. I leave it to you. Based on the resources and time required to produce a single ship, we will decide our course." "For now, Captain, all men and zombies are to report for engineering detail save for those on guard duty. Keep our men unarmed and working on cutting down those trees and constructing those ships. Design will, no doubt, have a rough concept of the vessel soon. Any scout sightings or meetings with enemy forces are to be brought to me immediatly. I want to handle any and all conversations with the enemy." "Now I leave you to your work gentlemen...we have a hard road ahead of us, but I have no doubt it will be one that ends in our valiant success over the Lion." Echo adds.* The Captain salutes and runs off to eagerly perform his duty. Design looks at you with admiration, "You know, this is dumb enough to work." He heads off after Thein. (want to call it a night there?) (sure) quarter after nine should give you a good deal of sleep great idea by the way yeah thanks this is why its great to let the player help the story so much, two heads are better than one for cool ideas always trying to be creative, heh I already know how design is going to make a ton of them... heh nice well i'm going to bed, good session really made my brain work now the trick is going to be convincing walking hah, night night * Echoing_Words has quit IRC (Quit: ) Session Close: Tue Oct 19 21:12:47 2004