Rise of the Green Sun Princes! (Another Exalted Log)

[TheCountAlucard]

How can he teach languages and grant all those wishes?

It's a matter of some of the Charms he took. If you'd care to look it up, it's called "Verdant Emptiness Endowment." If not, the base effect is that he can instantly raise one of your Attributes/Abilities by one as a Training Effect; you still pay the experience, but he's cut the required training time entirely out of the equation. He can also endow you with backgrounds; for these, you pay 3 xp per dot, and it takes a week. The catch? Every time he does this for you, you owe him a favor, and refusing earns you botches like breaking an Eclipse oath.

That reminds me - has the party met any of other Yozis "in person"?

Yes; members of the coven have met Malfeas, She Who Lives In Her Name, Adorjan, the Ebon Dragon, Isidoros, and Szoreny.

And where's Noric in all this - still studying forbidden texts at the glass libraries?

We'll see when I can catch up with his player.

Can Infernals be punished by Orabilis for deducing forbidden knowledge?

They're explicitly able to go unpunished for this.

[Sanguine]

The catch? Every time he does this for you, you owe him a favor, and refusing earns you botches like breaking an Eclipse oath.

And he is under no obligation to tell you about this. With other Charms which he may not have you can grant Mutations(I think it was implied he could do this), Charms, multiple Ability/Attribute dots at once, thaumaturgy, and possibly a couple other things I'm forgetting.

[Lady Tialait]

This is getting so good.

Also, isn't being a bastard Exalted fun?

[TheCountAlucard]

With other Charms which he may not have you can grant Mutations(I think it was implied he could do this), Charms, multiple Ability/Attribute dots at once, thaumaturgy, and possibly a couple other things I'm forgetting.

He, in fact, possesses all of these - except for the multiple dots one; that's actually in Ink Monkeys and he hasn't seen it yet.

Also, isn't being a bastard Exalted fun?

Heh. Hehehe.

(spends the next two minutes laughing)

[Arbane]

Also, isn't being a bastard Exalted fun?

They come in any other variety?

[Lady Tialait]

They come in any other variety?

I ran a game where they were the nicest people ever...and they found a airship from the first age, and it basically kidnapped them because it was programmed to teach them how to be proper Solars.

[Sanguine]

They come in any other variety?

Of course. Why just look at Desus he's the charmingest, nicest, most heroic person in the universe. On a more serious note Eternally Vigilant Bell seem pretty nice IIRC.

[TheCountAlucard]

Unfortunately, I do have some bad news; it appears that thanks to his new work schedule, Noric's player will be unable to attend any future sessions. As such, he's chosen to bow out of the game. Perhaps it's for the best; having one character that can cheat his way around the time requirements for character improvement is bad enough.

So, let's begin, shall we?

The New Regent...

Raneth's death, regardless of who it may have benefited, has caused turmoil in the Saltspire League. In a surprising turn, however, Gene moves to support Jaya becoming the new leader of Plenilune. Working with her behind-the-scenes, together they quash rumors about Raneth's slaying, with Gene hiring on the mercenaries who'd seen Abbadon, and paying them quite handsomely for their silence.

However, that's when Abbadon returns to see Gene, and he is not happy. Abbadon claims that since he didn't account for the possibility of Raneth literally shooting Abbadon in the back, it might as well have been Gene that pulled the trigger. Gene does his best to placate him, explaining that they've still acheived a major milestone against the Bull.

They come to the agreement that Abbadon would best spend his time outside the Saltspire League while the situation remains so delicate.

Killers for the Silent Wind...

So, what did Yuki get for her attempt on Raneth's life? Well, she didn't succeed, but Raneth did die... so Jaya rewards her by granting her the services of two skilled assassins. One is a cautious infiltrator-type, and the other's a sorcerer who specializes in the spell, "Assassin's Fatal Touch," both very skilled heroic mortals.

However, Yuki's not that great when it comes to working social magic, so she brings them to Gene to assure their loyalty. After some negotiation, they allow themselves to be "improved" in exchange for future assassinations.

Return to Linowan...

Abbadon returns to speak to his wife. She sees that he's wounded (though Yuki volunteered her bottle bug to heal him), and asks him what had happened. He recounts the story somewhat, though takes care to emphasize how Raneth attacked him, and how fighting him was necessary.

He then explains that he'll need to lie low until the whole thing blows over, and asks if she will travel to Linowan with him; she agrees, and they set off on his demon wasp under cover of night.

Among other things, he brings the severed head of Raneth of Diamond Hearth, along with his signature Essence cannon.

The Maidens of Salt...

Now comes the interesting part... so, ever since Natsu had touched briefly on Malfean geomancy while studying at the library of Orabilis, he's entertained in his thought the idea of owning his own manse. He brings the idea up with Gene, who's more than happy to assist him with his efforts... but of course, nothing is free with Gene.

In this instance, all Gene's really doing is helping Natsu help himself. First Natsu asks around until he hears rumors of what could possibly be a demense, a place where the "dragon lines" of Creation form a place of power. Natsu travels along the River of Tears until he finds this place.

It's a fairly-flat plain, though five figures distinguish themselves even in the distance. They appear to be statues made out of salt, adorned with symbols that Natsu feels are familiar, but can't place off the top of his head; the group is oriented in an inward-facing circle, all five female figures staring at some central point...

...and that's when he draws one of his magic khatars and delivers a full-force blow to one of the statues, destroying it instantly.

It's only after that when the thought occurs to him to stand in the middle. He does so, and notices that each of these figures is suddenly in color - one yellow, one blue, one green, and one purple; he's destroyed the red one... and that is when it occurs to him that these were statues of the Maidens of Destiny. Oops.

Worse yet, when he checks back with Gene's head thaumaturge, he learns that his having destroying the statue may well bring about a catastrophic Essence buildup in what is almost-certainly a potent Celestial demense.

The crisis is averted, luckily, when Gene has his thaumaturges step in and fix the thing. Still, Gene's not too big on the idea of capping this demense for Natsu; he insists that Natsu earn the means for doing so himself.

That's when Natsu gets his next idea.

It's Not That Bad an Idea...

Actually, it's a relatively-good idea... except for one teensy bit we'll get to in time. His plan? Import a caravan's worth of goods from Creation to Malfeas; he intends to mostly acquire things that are of relatively low value in Creation, but highly sought-after in Malfeas, and turn a killer profit. He doesn't even have to hock the goods himself, seeing how he knows Makarios.

Gene loans him a caravan, and neomah to drive it, and Natsu sets off for the Endless Desert. Arriving in Malfeas five days later, he finds his way to the Equitable Market of Makarios, where he is treated like an honored guest. Makarios sips languidly at a fancy imported wine as he listens to Natsu's business deal, before explaining a minor hole in his plan: namely, that while Makarios is indeed a major economic power in Malfeas, his money's no good in Creation. Still, Makarios can offer him valuable Malfean goods to export into Creation, and does so.

With his wagons packed full of minor wonders from the Demon City, he sets forth for Creation again... and ends up on the Blessed Isle.

Ormagöden's Next Gig...

So, what's our musical Green Sun Prince doing this time? Well, he's decided to spread his influence in other places; maybe he'll travel around and raise another Yozi cult. He's decided that his newest target is Marin Bay, a redoubt for Lookshy, one of the most powerful military states in all Creation.

There's also stories of a strange warstrider that attacked the city, where it was supposedly captured. He's a little curious about that.

Ormagöden travels to Marin Bay on his agata, where he spends his first day doing little more than busking. Of course, he's an Exalt, so his busking ends up with over three hundred people watching him at once. One curious person, after his performance, asks Ormagöden if he'd be willing to perform on a more long-term basis, but the musician turns him down, stating that he's a traveler at heart. The stranger, curious, asks him about his artifact lute, which Ormagöden claims he won in a music contest against an entity that would claim his eternal servitude if Ormagöden lost.

Later on, Ormagöden is invited to perform at a soirée, an offer Ormagöden eagerly accepts. After performing an encore for the audience, he overhears a snippet of conversation relating to the warstrider incident. Playing up the wanderlust aspects of his act, he inquires to those he'd overheard as to the nature of the captured artifact.

He learns that the warstrider was brought to Lookshy, where it is under lock and key. He also learns the mech's name: "Hateful Devourer of Love."

It's Where You Don't Want to Be...

So, when last we left Natsu, he'd had the misfortune of turning up on the Blessed Isle. Luckily for him, it seems he's appeared at an empty crossroads in the dead of night, miles away from the nearest city. He comes to realize that the nearest city is Chanos. Unfortunately, it's home of one of the chapterhouses of the Wyld Hunt, and where the majority of the Air Fleet is stationed.

Believing himself cursed by fate for his transgression against the statue, he nonetheless goes on, leading a caravan of demons, the wagons veritably-packed with the contraband of hell itself. Of course, he's not a fool; he actually has them avoid entering the city, instead positioning them relatively-close to the beach.

Still, he enters the city and tries to arrange for transport. Unfortunately, it's no mere captain with whom he makes his dealings; it turns out he's inadverdently made his proposition to the Fleet Admiral, who calls the guards on him.

So then he kicks off "Racing Vitaris," taking off at roughly 120 miles an hour in a glowy and ostentatious show of Infernal essence. Needless to say, this catches the attention of the Wyld Hunt, who begin mobilizing to destroy the Anathema in their midst.

He decides then to alert the caravan and have them head for the beach, after which he leaps over some fortifications and tries to steal a barge. He cuts the mooring lines and threatens the crew with death if they don't do as he says... but at about that point, archers are firing on him, and a Fire-aspected Terrestrial leaps onto the boat with him.

A climactic battle ensues atop the ship, which catches fire in the process. Natsu's very Essence is lit afire, immolating him. He hurls himself overboard, swimming at hypersonic speeds, but even that does not douse the flames; just as the fire finally burns itself out, Natsu falls unconcious. On the brink of death, he washes ashore where the Wyld Hunt is waiting...

Against the Bull - A Treacherous Turn...?

With you in suspense over that, now let's switch back over to Gene.

Gene's decided to bring his mercantile organization to meet and discuss a critical issue: whether they should work toward the restoration of the Saltspire League's desalination manses. Plenilune's people are largely against it - theirs is the one that remains closest to "functional" through agest past; however, Gene convinces them that together, the Saltspire League could assure a nigh-monopoly over the entire world's salt supply, a very tempting offer. Eventually, when it is put to a vote, seventy percent of his group are for it; he decides to delegate the operations to the League's thaumaturges.

Following that, he sends an Infallible Messenger to the Bull to inform him of Raneth's death. He is sent a rapid reply from the Bull, in which Yurgen Kaneko informs him that he knows that Gene had broken his oath, and how he had lied to and plotted against Raneth of Diamond Hearth. He demands that Gene come forth and explain himself, lest the wrath of heaven for breaking his oath be the least of Gene's concerns. Gene surprisingly agrees to the meeting, and it is arranged that they will meet within Mother's Hearth, so he can explain the reasoning behind his transgressions.

He flies on his agata, alone and unarmed, without having informed the rest of the coven (who, with the exception of Yuki, are all off in other places anyway). He even leaves behind Stipa, his demonic familiar, to guard Jaya while he's away.

He lands by the giant golden dome, and is greeted by Yurgen Kaneko, Samea, and Nalla Bloodaxe, all of whom look very displeased. However, Gene, unfazed, proceeds to explain the scenario in more detail. He acquiesces to their demands at every step of the way, albeit in a fashion that primarily focuses on saving his hide.

For instance, he readily admits that he spilled the Bull's secrets to a warlord intent on taking vengeance on the Bull for some perceived slight, and that this warlord was the one who killed Raneth; on the other hand, he tries to make an effort to disavow knowing Abbadon personally, spinning it in such a way that his own life was being threatened, and that he didn't tell Abbadon any tactical information that the Bull had no power to change. He explains that yes, he lied to Raneth to get Abbadon in his ranks, but that Gene was practically doing so with a sword at his neck, and even then, Gene was lying to try and clue Raneth in.

On the one hand, they can't verify that he's lying; on the other hand, regardless of whether he is or not, the matter needs to be investigated more closely. They suggest to Gene that he remain within Mother's Hearth, while the Bull begins readying his troops. They point out that though his desire for self-preservation is understandable, that they wouldn't want to risk him being threatened by Abbadon again, and that while he remains, he will be under their protection.

Gene, of course, agrees to stay... despite the fact that he full well knows that Calibration is a mere week away, and that attendance at the Althing Infernal is mandatory. Perhaps this is part of his plan, perhaps not; we shall soon see, now won't we?

[Tavar]

Well. Crap. That's some impressive...I don't know, Screw ups? Is Natsu as dead as he seems?

[KaganMonk]

My, my. Do we have the first defector from the Reclaimation?

[SKarious]

Yikes. Things are going south for our merry band.

Natsu, especially, is in very big trouble.
How did he end up there? Can't you control your journey through Cecelyne?
The least of his worries at this moment is dying.
A worse possibility is getting captured by the sidereals.
Pretty sure the Ebon Dragon, is not going to be pleased about that. That is, if Natsu ever gets to meet him again.

Still not sure about Gene. What happens if you miss the Infernal Thing during calibration?

At least Yuki, Ormagoden and Abaddon are making progress.
I remember reading about a warstrider in Lookshy, but other than it being from the Lover, I can't recall any more.

Argh, now I have to wait until saturday to find out what happens next!

[TheCountAlucard]

Is Natsu as dead as he seems?

Almost certainly, though surely the Wyld Hunt is going to be curious as to the nature of this strange green Exalt.

Do we have the first defector from the Reclamation?

I'm sure we'll find out, now won't we?

Yikes. Things are going south for our merry band.

I dunno, seems that really, the rest of them are still in situations they can handle... all except for Natsu.

Natsu, especially, is in very big trouble.

Talk about an understatement.

How did he end up there?

Random roll.

Can't you control your journey through Cecelyne?

IIRC, though I very well could be wrong, there are a number of established gateways that lead from Creation to Cecelyne, and vice-versa. If you have one of these gateways in mind when you travel through the Endless Desert, you'll show up there. If not, however, there's no guarantee where in Creation that you'll turn up.

Natsu did not have one of those gateways in mind, hence why we ended up randomly rolling for where he landed.

Feel free to speak up, however, if it turns out that there's some source material that explicitly and conclusively says I'm going about it the wrong way.

The least of his worries at this moment is dying.
A worse possibility is getting captured by the sidereals.

Good thing he doesn't know about those.

Pretty sure the Ebon Dragon, is not going to be pleased about that.

Heh, indeed.

That is, if Natsu ever gets to meet him again.

We'll see soon enough, now won't we?

What happens if you miss the Infernal Thing during calibration?

Well, they're going to assume the worst, naturally, and the Yozis will check to see if they've recovered his Exaltation; when they realize he's alive, they're going to either assume that he's been captured or turned traitor, and whichever Infernals are already stationed in the North will be deployed to recover him, one way or another.

Just as planned.

I remember reading about a warstrider in Lookshy, but other than it being from the Lover, I can't recall any more.

Then you automatically recall more than has been revealed to the PCs.

Argh, now I have to wait until saturday to find out what happens next!

Um, muahaha?

[Tavar]

At least Yuki, Ormagoden and Abaddon are making progress.
I remember reading about a warstrider in Lookshy, but other than it being from the Lover, I can't recall any more.

If memory serves me correctly, if messed with, it will release a horrible plague. Also, if the Lover rings a bell, hundreds of hungry ghost will be released in the middle of Lookshy.

[TheCountAlucard]

If memory serves me correctly, if messed with, it will release a horrible plague. Also, if the Lover rings a bell, hundreds of hungry ghost will be released in the middle of Lookshy.

Actually, both of those are possibilities. Neither is guaranteed.

I may well go with something different, though. Gotta keep those players on their toes, after all.

[Burnheart]

Well, they're going to assume the worst, naturally, and the Yozis will check to see if they've recovered his Exaltation; when they realize he's alive, they're going to either assume that he's been captured or turned traitor, and whichever Infernals are already stationed in the North will be deployed to recover him, one way or another.

Just as planned.

So your saying his plan is to start the war against the Bull of the North by forcing a bunch of his fellow Infernals to attack? I like it

[Kurosen]

why hello there followers of TheCountAlucard's live journals!
TheCountAlucard recently invited me here to speak on my own behalf about the game, for I am the player of the character you all know and love, Ormagöden: the spreader of song. so if you have any questions pertaining to Ormagöden, feel free to ask!

[Burnheart]

I've got a few questions, what is Ormagöden planning to do with "Hateful Devourer of Love" (The warstrider) and do you often play songs when Ormagöden is performing in game?

[Kurosen]

I've got a few questions, what is Ormagöden planning to do with "Hateful Devourer of Love" (The warstrider) and do you often play songs when Ormagöden is performing in game?

Well with that warstrider, it is supposed to be a gift for Abbadon to help in crushing the bull. (also in character all I know is the name of the warstrider)

And yes I do, youtube is my best friend during those moments. but only the big performances (which is where I go for the 3 dice stunts) do I pull out a song or two from youtube.

[Burnheart]

One more question is this:

The conversation went about somewhat like this...

Me: "You guys are kinda like the rockstars of Hell."

Player: "Challenge accepted!"

Me: "Wha-?"

Player: "Challenge. ****ing. Accepted."

how the conversation actually went, about creating Ormagöden? Ormagöden is inspired by Brutal Legend right?

[Kurosen]

One more question is this:



how the conversation actually went, about creating Ormagöden? Ormagöden is inspired by Brutal Legend right?

That conversation went exactly like that, (challenge accepted being a quote from looking for group). and Yes Ormagöden is inspired from Brutal Legend, at least how he initially started out to be. the development of the character is going differently than I would of expected though XD

[Beowulf DW]

Cremater of the Skies, Destroyer of the Ancient World...heh. Loved that game.

By the way, if you guys haven't thought of a name for your group yet, I'd suggest the Matadors.

I love reading this, btw. I'm not sure if Gene is planning this all out, or simply taking advantage of each opportunity as it arises. He's too much of a magnificent bastard for me to be sure either way, but either way, he's a magnificent bastard.

[pondeshonda]

Well folks at the behest of my ST I have made an account here, I am the player of Abbadon and as asked I will be making posts about the events from my character's point of view as well as answering any questions pertaining to my character or things he is involved with.

[TheCountAlucard]

I love reading this, btw. I'm not sure if Gene is planning this all out, or simply taking advantage of each opportunity as it arises. He's too much of a magnificent bastard for me to be sure either way, but either way, he's a magnificent bastard.

Gene's player appreciates this comment.

Speaking of which, I suppose my readers are now curious as to all this buildup for Calibration and the Althing Infernal. I'm going to have to skimp on a few details, seeing how this is a PG-13 board. Let me just say this: the Ebon Dragon was going through "Torment" at the time; as such, the Conventicle Malfeasant was in a state of contagious debauchery, of the likes that even the Ebon Dragon considers overindulgence.

But that's skipping ahead; let's start with...

Visions of a Singing Garden...

Ormagöden returns to Plenilune to speak with Yuki. He informs her of the warstrider, and how stealing it might save Abbadon the effort of having a manse built in exchange for the hellstrider from Ligier's forge. She agrees, and asks what he intends to do about it; he replies, telling her that he'd like her to assess Lookshy with him and see if stealing it would be viable.

Following that, Yuki tirelessly runs on the water, invisible and asserting no weight, all the way to Lookshy, while Ormagöden once again rides on his agata, this time passing closer to Sijan.

As he nears the city, however, he feels a brief mental tug in that direction, followed by a flashback to another place, another time... he stands, ready to play the Organ of Agonies once more, but this time it's different. The mortals are not terrified, but excited. The mechanisms of the machine are of orichalcum and green jade, not bloodstained, tarnished brass. He begins playing, and rather than being tortured to death, the mortals sing...

...and he feels this sudden deep-set feeling of revulsion.

He lands, and begins trying to home in on this strange sensation. He crosses over into a shadowland, and continues until he finds an ornate cairn, adorned with the Solar Dawn Caste mark. He searches around and finds a tunnel some distance away, and concludes that it may well lead below the cairn. However, it seems that the tunnel has caved in, though Ormagöden finds this to be rectified fairly easily, thanks to the borrowed mights of Isidoros and Malfeas.

When he ventures inside, it occurs to him that it would be prudent to search for traps. Unfortunately, he springs the first one, a crushing ceiling trap, which would have killed a lesser being. As it is, he just has to dislodge himself from the ceiling now, dismissing his broken ribs and fractured forearm as fairly minor concerns as he presses forward. He eventually comes to a door, and, studying it for long moments, comes to the conclusion that the mechanism to open it is musical in nature. He whips out his artifact lute and just allows instinct to guide his fingers, until finally the stones of the door flow open to admit his passage, into an opulent room, as a familiar sensation creeps up on him.

Ormagöden realizes that the room has a number of lamps of green jade set about, occasional flickers of golden flames emerging from them in a rythymic fashion. Where the player should be, however, is a preserved body, dressed in robes of orichalcum and an ivory mask. Ormagöden uses a Charm to assess the corpse, and realizes that powerful essence still permeates its body, strong beyond mortal ken. He decides to address the corpse, referring to it by name...

"Elegant Sonah."

The figure sits up, and recognizes that Ormagöden carries his Exaltation now, though something is different about it. When Elegant Sonah prompts him, Ormagöden tries to explain his status as a Green Sun Prince; unfortunately, his explanation seems to only alienate Elegant Sonah, who seems disappointed with him. Ormagöden experiences a moment of doubt, and when asked to leave by the ghost of Elegant Sonah, he does so.

Meanwhile, in Lookshy...

So, while that was happening, the measurably-faster Yuki has reached Lookshy, a tiered city of blue stone on the coast, a very militaristic structure. Yuki skips off of the water, noting a number of battleships on the river, and after making sure she's out of sight range, slows down to human speeds, becoming visible in the process. She approaches Lookshy, only to be halted at the gate by a guard.

"May I see your papers?" he asks. This confuses Yuki, and they converse, at which point she learns that foreigners in Lookshy are required to have transit papers to ensure they don't go into any unapproved areas, et cetera. She buys herself some transit papers, making the claim that she's come to Lookshy to study at their sorcerous academy. They also ask that she submit her artifacts to them; if they prove to be dangerous, they'll have to hold on to them for her while she's in the city. They also inform her that spying in Lookshy carries the death penalty. Nonetheless, she's admitted to Lookshy.

While in the city, she discovers that Lookshy has a high population of Dragon-Blooded, comparable even to the Realm, and that they also have one of the highest levels of technology in Creation; to them, warstriders are actually something a citizen might see on his way to work.

Ormagöden arrives next, and tries to pass himself off as a wandering musician, much like last time; however, the Lookshyans are a lot less apt to go along with his story. Maybe it's the artifact armor he wears. Or the artifact grimcleaver. Or the artifact lute. He nonetheless is admitted into the city, albeit with his dangerous stuff confiscated, and proceeds to spend the day busking until he meets with Yuki. They decide that Lookshy is too risky, too well-defended, and that as powerful as the Hateful Devourer of Love might be, it may well just not be worth it.

They leave together for Linowan, as it was suggested to them that they bring mortals with them from Creation for the Althing Infernal. They persuade a pair of his cultists to travel with them to Malfeas, to celebrate the upcoming victory of the Yozis over Creation.

Don't Go Changing, Abbadon

Actually, just a little before that, Abbadon had reached the Linowan with his wife. He speaks with the Linowan queen again, asking that she allow his wife to reside amongst the Linowan. They discuss foreign matters, including the Bull, the Haltans, and even the Realm, at which point Abbadon hears a curious little fact. The Scarlet Empress, the driving force behind the Realm, appears to be missing; at first, the Realm thought she was just on another sabbatical, but recent events have suggested that she has genuinely vanished. This intrigues Abbadon, who wonders briefly if there's some Infernal involvement behind this...

For the next day or so, Abbadon spends time with his wife; however, as they're walking through the city, who should approach but Cearr? Abbadon's wife is a little weirded-out by Cearr and his demeanor, and asks to speak with Abbadon in private. She expresses to him how worried she is that he's becoming too different from the man she married, and her concerns about his new "friends."

However, that's a concern for later; Abbadon has an Althing Infernal to get to. He and Cearr shanghai a couple of Ormagöden's Yozi-cultists to go with them, offering an argument that is strangely-similar in nature to Ormagöden's.

Okay, gonna break for now; there's still plenty more that's happened yet, but I've gotta get some rest.

[Teln]

I eagerly await the continuation of this.

[TheCountAlucard]

Continuing on...

The Althing Infernal

After five days of travelling across the Endless Desert, the coven once again finds itself in the Demon City. Well, you know, except for Natsu and Gene. They make it to the Conventicle Malfeasant to see the amphitheater already filling up. Hundreds of beings are in attendance; demons, Yozis, akuma, and Green Sun Princes and their mortal "guests." Split up and seated according to their castes, all fifty of the Green Sun Princes are now in attendance, save two. When the realization hits that Gene and Natsu aren't there, the Yozis get... upset. First, though, they check to see if Gene and Natsu are still alive; they do this by sending for "the Phylactery-Womb."

A demon-carried palanquin is brought into the amphitheater, atop which rests a pathetic, horribly-mutated little girl. It is brought to rest atop the rostrum, where the Yozis examine the girl, and conclude that neither Gene's nor Natsu's Exaltation resides within. Following that, they assume the worst, and assign all Green Sun Princes currently operating in the North to begin searching as soon as the Althing Infernal is over.

Of course, now it's time to begin. The festivities begin when all the mortals are brought up and sacrificed to the Yozis. Abbadon starts off on the right foot when he gives his progress report, presenting Malfeas with the severed head of Raneth of Diamond Hearth and telling of how he slew him. Other Infernals tell tales of how the Reclamation is proceeding, suggestions made for the upcoming year, et cetera. Drinks are poured, toasts are had, and what commences can pretty much be described as debauchery. Dares are made, revelry ensues, and even a couple of fights break out, though attendant Fiends are quick to ensure that the latter doesn't get out of hand. Speaking of which, Ormagöden and Yuki end up championing a duel to the first blood. Though she is less of an up-front combatant, Yuki manages to win - probably because she turned invisible.

Abbadon has a discussion with Manosque Cyan, a Fiend caste operating on the Blessed Isle, and asks about the disappearance of the Scarlet Empress. Manosque Cyan admits to knowing just about as much as Abbadon does as to the nature of her vanishing. Still, they both find it a curious issue.

Second Thoughts

After that, Ormagöden tries another one of his rallying concerts. He does an amazing job with putting on the show, using the amphitheater's hologlyphic projectors to their fullest as his music dazzles the crowd. However, when he suggests that the Green Sun Princes might work best together to accomplish their Urges one at a time, Abbadon of all people argues against him, his argument being that too many Green Sun Princes working together would certainly attract notice, and potentially unite all of Creation against them.

After that discussion, Ormagöden finds himself approached by the humaniform jouten of She Who Lives in Her Name; it appears she is curious as to why he sold off his demonic fans to Noric. Ormagöden asks if perhaps next time, she let the demons decide for themselves whether they like him or not... however, it seems that she doesn't appreciate this suggestion. Perhaps this is why she begins attacking his desire for fame. Ormagöden attempts to maintain his values even as she bleeds him of his mental fortitude, and ultimately ends up deciding to flee from her.

Two Yukis

Across the amphitheater, Yuki is enjoying herself when she notices that she no longer casts a shadow. Somewhat-confused, she turns and sees herself walking up to her.

"You're very resourceful," "she" says. "It's a shame they don't appreciate you."

Yuki's new identical twin continues to talk, reminiscing back on the various things she's done... strangely enough, however, when she does so, Yuki begins recalling them differently. Not such that the events were different, no, just her perceptions, really. Their littlest flaws emphasized, the other members of the circle suddenly seem even more monstrous and despicable; Yuki has to force herself to remember things correctly, to not hate them. With her distracted thus, the duplicate Yuki begins discussing the Bull of the North. It seems that she feels that Abbadon is wrong to want to kill Yurgen Kaneko... not when he can corrupt him. Faux-Yuki discusses the idea that perhaps the Ebon Dragon would be very pleased, should Yuki persuade him in this fashion, and reminds Yuki that the Ebon Dragon's never done her any wrong.

The Painting

Abbadon decided to briefly sleep off some of the alcohol he's imbibed, and went to his townhouse to rest; when he awakens, he seems to recall a vivid dream in which he spoke with Oramus again, though the memory grows fuzzier with every moment. He goes to exit, and notices something strange - a painting on his wall that wasn't there before. Looking more closely, it's a portrait of his wife, though she stands on a beach between Cecelyne and Kimbery, and there appears to be some mark on her forehead, resembling a Malefactor caste mark. Though he can't read, he recognizes that the sea-foam forms the shape of Old Realm glyphs, and orders one of his demonic manservants to read it.

"Sand and sea meet, a new Green Sun Prince is born."

Disturbed at this development, Abbadon wonders who placed the painting there, and brings it to Ligier so he can ask about it. Ligier is discussing his crafts with a crowd of Green Sun Princes, Yuki among them. Abbadon asks Ligier if he could take a look at something for him, and shows him the painting. Ligier takes a moment before replying that it seems somewhat... prophetic. Malfeas' fetich suddenly looks very disturbed, and excuses himself to go talk with Malfeas.

Abbadon follows after, curious, though by the time he closes the distance, the conversation is over, and Abbadon could only pick out one word: "Sacheverell."

Yuki, curious, sidles over to see what's the matter. More conversation ensues as even Malfeas starts to look worried - they mention something about "Lucien," leaving Abbadon even more confused. Yuki is only knowledgeable enough to recall that Sacheverell is the name of one of the Yozis, and Lucien is a demon. Still, she shares this with Abbadon, who is still curious as to the nature of all this trouble.

Strangely enough, Malfeas and Ligier actually leave the Conventicle Malfeasant, at which point Abbadon decides that he needs to learn to read.

Can You Hear Me Now?

Sitting in the Mother's Hearth, "Emir" is speaking with the influential among the barbarians gathered there, mainly those who have rank in the Bull's army, when suddenly he hears a prayer in his head, from Abbadon.

It seems that Abbadon is praying to Gene for literacy; Gene grins and generously acquiesces, though reminding Abbadon that he will desire a future favor in return. Abbadon then asks Gene where he is, and when Gene informs him, Abbadon is dumbstruck. Gene explains, however, that he should not worry for him, since if Gene wanted to escape, he would.

Abbadon takes this information to one of the Yozis who is still here, and the search party gets called off.

"They Should Just Rent Out A Room Here..."

Abbadon and Yuki head to the library of Orabilis, to ask the End of All Wisdom about Sacheverell, Lucien, and the painting. Orabilis is willing to share his knowledge with them: the reason Malfeas seemed troubled at the news of Sacheverell is that Sacheverell defines the future - as such, it's Lucien's job to keep Sacheverell asleep. Gods and Yozis alike are wary of his awakening. Abbadon shows the painting to Orabilis, who goes on to explain that Sacheverell sometimes prophesies more when his dreams are troubled, and that this painting may be an expression of that; he advises that they destroy it, though when Abbadon asks if that will affect the chances of the painting's divination, Orabilis admits it is unlikely.

Abbadon then remembers that he still needs a manse to serve as payment for his hellstrider, and asks Orabilis if there would be a demon willing to erect the manse for him. The End of All Wisdom advises he speak to Amalion, another third-circle soul of Malfeas. He finds her in the amphitheater; Amalion resembles a middle-aged woman with veined marble skin, and has a veil covering her face. They discuss the issue, and Amalion would be happy to make the manse in question for him, if later down the road, he could do something for her... namely, that in the future, he summon her into Creation.

He also has an opportunity to speak with "Madelrada," a third-circle soul of Kimbery and one of the Eight Masterful Demon Generals from the Primordial War.

Soul-Searching

Meanwhile, Ormagöden's been isolated in his townhouse. He's come to the realization that perhaps this "Reclamation" thing may not be the best thing; the indulgent acts at the Althing Infernal disgusted and horrified him, and he's realized that his bosses are entirely incapable of understanding him. His prior goals of spreading the songs of the Yozis to Creation feel less inviting with every second he thinks about it, and when the unwoven neomah in his head discusses this with him, even she's not certain what to make of it all.

Ormagöden muses more on how disappointed his First Age incarnation was with him; eventually he decides to abandon his old motivation, and vows to find out more about who he was in ages past...

Aaaaaaand that's it. Yeah, there should be stuff with Natsu's player, but unfortunately he didn't show up. Kinda irritated me, actually, 'cuz of what I had prepped for him.

Eh, I'll let it slide... for now. If he makes the session up in this week, I'll be sure and let you guys know, 'kay?

[Burnheart]

How many times has Natsu's player missed a session count?

[TheCountAlucard]

How many times has Natsu's player missed a session count?

Afraid I don't know, off the top of my head.

[SKarious]

Another epic update. Very, very well done. Lots of interesting situations and future adventure hooks unfolding.

Ormagoden: Still can't believe he spoke like that to SWLIHN. I literally had to cover my face and stop reading when that part came up. What was the other players' reaction to that? And how does a "jouten" look, anyway?
Also, very interesting character development for our bard. I was a bit worried Ormagoden may be getting a bit "wussy" after refusing to loot the tomb in the first update, but it seems you've turned it around wonderfully. Is Ormagoden planning to confront the Ebon Dragon about the Reclamation next? That would be interesting, if short.

Abbadon: Prophecies are fun. What are Abbadons' thoughts of his wife becoming a GSP?
Also, he can't read? I was pretty sure Infernals get to learn Old Realm as part of their training. Guess I was wrong.

Yuki: . Just .

[TheCountAlucard]

Still can't believe he spoke like that to SWLIHN.

Eh, out of the architects of the Reclamation, She Who Lives in Her Name is probably the safest to disagree with.

What was the other players' reaction to that?

They didn't actually see that part. Ormagöden's player was in another state, and we did his part via instant messenger.

And how does a "jouten" look, anyway?

Well, a "jouten" is a Yozi's body; many of them have more than one (though not all of them do). For instance, Malfeas is both a big Lovecraftian city of verdegrised brass towers, and a brass-skinned dancer.

Is Ormagoden planning to confront the Ebon Dragon about the Reclamation next?

I believe his plan is to go to Sijan.

What are Abbadons' thoughts of his wife becoming a GSP?

Haven't asked him yet.

Also, he can't read?

Nope, but he does speak Old Realm. Just couldn't read it at the time.

I was pretty sure Infernals get to learn Old Realm as part of their training.

Admittedly, I haven't exhaustively-dissected the MoEP: Infernals, but I didn't see anything there that explicitly stated it one way or another, so I'm assuming that while Old Realm would be excessively useful, it's not mandatory.

Yuki: . Just .

My players have taken to making a certain gesture when the Ebon Dragon is brought up. They make the motions as though twirling an invisible moustache.

[Arbane]

Eh, out of the architects of the Reclamation, She Who Lives in Her Name is probably the safest to disagree with.

Makes a certain amount of sense. She already hates the concept of free will, so disagreeing with her isn't going to make her any angrier...