The Ultimate Conflict (Of Havens and Empires) IC - Page 8

Starsign · 09-26-2012, 11:55 AM

Fighting as the only one that could actually fight by the dwarf's standards, Usabhar takes down sphere after sphere with ease... It isn't until he hears Dispater's call to prevent the spheres from burrowing that he changes tactics. Having to "take" orders from an archduke of Hell greatly irritated the dwarf but stopping the spheres are likely the best course of action here.

Usabhar pats Nasiri towards one of the holes that isn't being bombarded by a Wand of Cancelling. For a moment the couatl is in genuine shock at the dwarf's plan. "P-Paragon, you cannot possibly be-" Without a word the dwarf raises his lance towards the hole; that's enough of a sign for Nasiri that Usabhar is serious. With a nervous nod, Nasiri flies downward into the hole. Usabhar's lance pointing straight outward as if expecting to strike the sphere right where this hole ends.

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Nasiri:
Swift Action: N/A
Move Action: Perform movement for Charging; moving down the hole.
Standard Action:

Usabhar:
Swift Action: N/A
Move/Standard Action: Performing a full attack using my Lance and Greataxe via charge, along with any AoOs that apply. All 2d6 for my Lance due to Charging, and 10d6 on my first hit due to Tremendous Blow. (5d6 for every hit afterward)
x2 crits for my Lance being a lance, another x2 on top due to Valorous on my Lance. Weave (Optimism) so choose best of 3 d20 rolls for each attack
Attacks:

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Damage:

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Realms of Chaos · 09-26-2012, 02:51 PM

Round 3:

Abandoning the bit blot for the moment, Rahja, Wero, and Celestica return to the ground to deal with the burrowing menace. Launching arrows and spells into the ground, each of them manage to slay a blot that Usabhar had damaged.

The troops that Yoweth had brought, at her brother's instructions, toss their rods down the holes, resulting in explosion after earth-shaking explosion. Even as Korshim drops in a couple more rods, the earth around a couple of holes collapses from the explosions.

Yoweth, meanwhile, seeking a quick and decisive (if incredibly foolhardy) victory, rips the rods from her hands with her teeth as instructed and begins her flight into throwing range.

Usabhar, diving down one of the holes, skewers the blackball at its base with hardly a worry a good 60 feet down. Song or no song, the paragon was going to make these beasts pay.

Round 4 Action Step Go:

Emperor Ing · 09-26-2012, 07:52 PM

Prince Zurkar feels some satisfaction at seeing his dear sister actually take his advice. The crumbling of the ground and the explosions are very good indicators that keeping your distance is a good idea. Poor Yoweth, she is many times older than the Prince, yet a worse flier. Somehow. Certainly more bone-headed.

He refocuses his attention on calling another Rod of Cancellation into creation, with Korshim coming back around to pick it up and deposit it in a hole.

Lord Wero, meanwhile, goes into the air and fires bursts of energy down two yet-to-be-touched holes.

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Ridai · 09-27-2012, 07:37 AM

Continuing her song, Rahja pushes herself to teleport next to a hole containing another sphere and shoot arrows downwards as quickly as possible.

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Current party status and temporary effects

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Starsign · 09-27-2012, 08:12 AM

Fulfilling the role of removing one of the spheres, Nasiri carries Usabhar out from the hole the sphere made and dives over into another one. The sight of it all is like a dolphin jumping out of water and back into it. It is a rather fun sight if the crisis at hand wasn't so immense. Usabhar of course could care less about "fun."

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MikelaC1 · 09-27-2012, 10:22 AM

CELESTICA

Bouyed by her success in dealing with the smaller blot (as opposed to the big blot which depressed her), Celestica takes advantage of the spell used by Lord Wero to move quickly to another hole. Still calling on the power of Hanali, she fires into it, hoping to wipe out yet another umbral menace

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MikelaC1 · 09-27-2012, 10:23 AM

CELESTICA

shot #2 has a crit threat

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MikelaC1 · 09-27-2012, 10:26 AM

CELESTICA

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EDIT: 372 damage, 48 holy, 55 anarchic

Realms of Chaos · 10-01-2012, 07:09 PM

Another explosion is heard underground as Korshim drops another rod. Rahja and Celestica finally finish slaying their spheres as Nasiri bursts out of the ground with Usabhar in tow, ready to engage the next foe as he drops into another pit.

Up above, Yoweth has finally reached throwing range for her target, tossing in both of the rods, a tremendous explosion fills the air, propelling Yoweth's smoking body down the the ground and into the ruins of town. For a moment, it would seem that the big boy has somehow resisted the attempt as smaller ones couldn't. As the smoke clears, however, it becomes clear that a large sliver of it is missing, revealing the cracks that had been impaling it.

Emperor Ing · 10-01-2012, 08:42 PM

The explosion captures the great purple dragon's attention. Evidently Yoweth's plan was at least somewhat successful, and if this worked, even partially, it showed the blot had a weakness. However what truly captures the High Lord's attention is the third Purple Dragon being thrown violently from the exploding sphere. Without a word, or a single thought outside of what he must do, the High Lord spreads his mighty wings, making short work of the distance between him and the fallen form of his daughter.

Prince Zurkar, however, feels more impressed by the display of power from the explosion than anything else. Inspiration has struck him yet again. He looks on the now-exposed crack and considers dropping Rods of Cancellation on top of it. From a safe height of course.
Listen! If you can cast a healing spell on the crack from a distance, do it. Otherwise i'm going to bomb that Blot back to the Entropic Void. Keep those blackballs off of me!

On that note, Korshim and Prince Zurkar fly up to get above the Super Blot

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MikelaC1 · 10-02-2012, 06:45 AM

CELESTICA

Hearing the Prince's plan, Celestica nods her acceptance of it, and draws the string on her bow again. She calls on Hanali to bless her shots, and then calls to Rahja....the healing is your department, I'll provide the cover fire Celestica will fire on any blot that moves to intercept the Prince or menaces Rahja

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EDIT: 272 damage, 35 holy, 29 anarchic

Starsign · 10-02-2012, 11:40 AM

Coming up from another hole, Usabhar and Nasiri arrive just in time to see the incredible explosion fill the air followed by the big sphere revealing it's cracks. As Wero and Zurkar take off, Nasiri looks to Usabhar for a moment, now with her normal calm look, speaking to the elf and aasimar. "We will follow them but give us word if you are in need of immediate assistance." With that, Nasiri flies off to the blot. Usabhar waits till they're in range before throwing his lance with a mighty push, flying like a shooting star into the blot's cracks. His greataxe follows, flying without need of being thrown to strike the blot's cracks.

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Ridai · 10-02-2012, 12:49 PM

Rahja shields herself from the blast as it reaches the ground, her botts digging into the earth as she keeps herself upright. Seeing the cracks within the blackball and hearing both Nasiri and Celestica, Rahja nods to them. She would have headed up anyways, but knowing she can place her trust into Celestica helps tremendously with gathering the courage to move so close to the giant blot, which might be almost certain death.

The angelic song suddenly reaches everyone's ears from far above, it's singer having teleported just a few dozens of feet from the cracks, unloading everything she can in such a short time in terms of healing magic.

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Realms of Chaos · 10-02-2012, 03:37 PM

Searching through the wreckage, Wero finds his fallen child in the ruined remains of a shop, taking up most of the space and lying on her back with her neck leaning backwards over the shopkeep's counter. Her neck has clearly been broken by impact and the pool of blood around her suggests that she took a fair bit of the impact. Even so, from this angle, you could almost swear that she is smiling.

As Dispater finally rises out of his hole (walking on iron stairs that jut out from the edges), Celestica fires upon the cracks within the blackball, dealing serious harm. Usabhar, riding once more on Nasiri, manages to attack from just beyond the boundaries of the cyclone, shattering what remains to mere scars. At long last, Rahja teleports into the air and, with a valiant display of magic, seals the cracks once more. The vortex around the tremendous blackball comes to a halt as every thing seems to stand still.

Then the blackball begins to fall.

As the other creatures you have met today, the blackball doesn't simply vanish when the cracks are repaired. No longer pinned in place by the cracks and lacking the means to stay afloat, however, this tremendous creature is falling directly towards town.

At its current course, the blackball will land within 6 rounds. Within 3 rounds, explosions from rods of cancellation will likely reach the city. One tenth of the body has been destroyed thus-far. The sphere is 1.5 miles in diameter and you have no estimate of its weight.

Emperor Ing · 10-02-2012, 11:55 PM

So bullish. So headstrong, and always believing that the best solution to any problem is the coercion of overwhelming force and power. The General hardly had any idea how much of himself Lord Wero liked to think he saw in her. The fact that she was one of nearly two-dozen did not make what he saw any less brutal. Seeing his own daughter lying down on the ground, that one portion of her neck twisted at a wicked angle...it was hard. A part of him denied it. The fact that his own flesh and blood could be so easily killed. Another part of him refused to accept it, and fought in a grand battle that will be spoken of in awe for centuries to come against the side of him that saw reality. A dead dragon on the ground. Lifeless, broken, yet at peace over what she had done. Or at least what she tried to do.

He looked up at the super-blot. He saw the exposed crack, and expects the others to destroy it. Though he wonders if it's not already destroyed by now. And why is the sphere getting larger?

...oh.

In that instant of realization, the denial, which had now become instinctual, won over reality. Twisting and manifesting into the Dragon Lord's very words that screamed defiance against an uncaring reality. He grabbed one of Yoweth's arms in one hand, and held her head up in the other.
Wake up! The alarmed purple dragon ordered.
We are leaving! Now!
Without any further hesitation, the High Lord took wing, holding the now restored General Yoweth in tow through the air by her arm.

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Starsign · 10-06-2012, 11:00 AM

With combined work of strength sealing the cracks, Usabhar and Nasiri pauses for a moment as the blackball begins to descend. With it's positioning, the town, and possibly more, will be obliterated in easy time. Usabhar quickly looks around to find Wero taking off with Yoweth in hand. Little was said from either, though the dwarf's stoic look contrasted the sorrow Nasiri has at the sight of the High Lord and his fallen general.

Yet battle could not be paused to give one's prayers. With the blackball falling, Usabhar looks towards Zurkar, who seems more focused on the situation at hand. Nasiri turns and flies over to the purple dragon. Usabhar's greataxe retreats to his side as Nasiri speaks up to Zurkar. "Prince," she begins as she hides her sadness for Yoweth with a calming voice, "The paragon wishes your attention." Usabhar speaks more determined and straight-forward.

"Create as many Rods of Cancellation as you can." Usabhar looks out to the falling blackball like he was looking at the end of the world. "I will show the creators of that abomination their lack of dominance over us. Let a message be sent to them, Heaven, and Hell about the dwarves of Sargti." Whatever the paragon has planned, Zurkar gets the feeling that it's a little reckless to say the least.

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Ridai · 10-06-2012, 11:19 AM

Relief quickly becomes another moment of shock as the blackball begins to fall in Rahja's direction. Seeing Usabhar speak to the Prince, she teleports next to them. She has an idea. Desperate measures for desperate times. "Prince, do you believe the rods would have a bigger effect if applied to the center?"

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MikelaC1 · 10-06-2012, 12:52 PM

CELESTICA

With nothing better to do, Celestica calls on Hanali and continues to fire on the blackball. Perhaps she will destroy more of it before it hits, and perhaps she will distract its attention from the incoming Rahja

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Emperor Ing · 10-06-2012, 01:26 PM

Center? Are you crazy? The Prince appears more than a bit surprised by that statement from Rahja.
Simply being too close to that thing risks your utter annihilation and even if you succeed in weaving through half a mile's worth of oversized Sphere of Annihilation that still subjects you to being blown to smithereens. No, he has a better idea. One that will, for certain, leave the town little more than a truly massive hole, but will eventually lead to the Blot's death. The numbers running through the Prince's head tells him he needs 18 rods to completely destroy the Blot.

He hears Nasiri and Usabhar, though he's not quite sure what the latter wants to do, though he has a feeling that it's unnecessarily risky. First General Yoweth, then Rahja, now Usabhar. Why is everyone so damn suicidal?!

However he can't create Rods at the rate Usabhar or himself would like. Technomancy requires time, time they don't have. He glances towards the partially 4-dimensional construct, Korshim. And inspiration struck. If time is what he needs, the Prince will simply make time.

Korshim's construction consists of components that exist in the realm of time itself. Although the Gatekeeper has no recollection of making them in the first place, he has studied the notes and diagrams he made (apparently) and at least partially understands it. At least enough to be able to create a device that would slow down the passage of time everywhere in the Multiverse except for himself. Summoning a white grid of energy, Prince Zurkar doesn't create a rod, but a rather long metal staff that glows with energy. The prince activates it, and the metal plating hovers out, releasing a flash. When the Prince is visible again, nine rods are visible beginning their descent to the blot, with the staff still in his hands.

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Realms of Chaos · 10-06-2012, 10:23 PM

As Wero shouts his command at Yoweth, reality bends to accommodate his wishes. Yoweth's neck snaps back into place as she awakes at perfect attention, hardly making a sound as she and Wero fly up into the air.

Up in the air, Zurkar freezes time to a crawl as he draws forth rod after rod in his pursuits. Dropping them before time resumes, the rods almost seem to freeze in midair. As he creates a new staff and time resumes, however, all 9 of the rods fall right onto the blackball as a few more arrows are shot at it from below. When the rods react to the blackball this time, the response is far more catastrophic. For a brief moment, the air is filled with a blinding light far brighter than even the suns you have seen. As the light fades away, however, nothing more is left of the blackball.

Emperor Ing · 10-06-2012, 11:12 PM

Knowing from experience, Prince Zurkar put an arm to his eyes in anticipation of the bright flash from the explosion, and he was not dissapointed. Even so, he is forced to avert his eyes for fear of blindness. What he wasn't prepared for is to see the Super Blot gone completely. He does multiple double-takes to make sure he's not mistaken. Yes, it would appear he overestimated the strength of the Super Blot.

With very little else to do, Prince Zurkar and his clockwork praetorian flies down to join his more terrestrial allies, waiting for the unnecessary staff in his hands to dissolve into its aetheric components again.

At the same time, the High Lord arrives with a smaller (but still very much larger than Prince Zurkar) Purple Dragon in tow. He looks up at the sky towards the message only him out of all the dragons present can see.
Remember this day always, when the Eclipse stood defiant against our fate and declared for ourselves our glory to shine Eternal.

Ridai · 10-07-2012, 05:03 AM

It seems Rahja isn't the only one who is surprised to see the blackball disappear so quickly. Standing with Usabhar and Celestica, Rahja mends what little wounds Nasiri has, restoring her to her former glory, as it should be. "Wish I could spend a few weeks to bring these people back." But they have to go to the center of the astral plane instead. The aasimar's thoughts go to the people of this world, wishing she could do more for them, as well as Selayna and Haven, hoping they are alright and able to help the endangered worlds. Hopefully, they will report in soon. And she has to admit that her thoughts linger a bit longer on Selayna.

Rahja is glad to have the others with her and htey can tell from her sheer presence. She goes to check if all blackballs in the ground have been destroyed before meeting up with them again.

Starsign · 10-07-2012, 11:07 AM

Usabhar and Nasiri watch the fireworks as the rods create a cataclysmic explosion, revealing nothing afterward. Though Usabhar was more interested in doing things... His way, he is very glad to see that the threat is finally neutralized. Nasiri could jump for joy if she wasn't in midair and had feet.

Usabhar takes a moment to look firmly at Dispater. Seeing that archduke of Hell here definitely meant something huge is amiss... And not just that, all those that assisted from Heaven and Hell were of lawful benediction. Wherever chaos was, Usabhar gets the feeling that they are to be watched carefully. In addition, the dwarf felt tempted to "speak" to Dispater before he leaves. This would likely be a rather violent conversation though; Usabhar has little respect for devils. It's only a step up from demons, the likes of which Usabhar has slain by the thousands.

Instead, and at Nasiri's hesitance, the dwarf and the couatl fly off to reunite with the rest of their group. With the world saved, the group could move off to the next destination that they have been stalling for quite some time now. Instead however, Usabhar and Nasiri listen to Wero's speech before splitting off temporarily. Usabhar follows Rahja as she checks around for blackballs. His curiosity to her is an obvious sight as he... In attempt to be polite, says, "You show no fear on the battlefield. This has not been the first time you fought such a battle, is it?"

Nasiri meanwhile slithers over to Korshim. She looks up to the sky with a small smile and gentle tone. "Well, glad that's that, is it not? Perhaps we should stock up on these Rods of Cancellation for next time? As powerful as the paragon is, his mind towards pure strength and brute force often isn't enough to save more than a kingdom." She looks over Korshim and takes note of his weapon of choice before quickly adding. "...No offense meant to anyone of course."

MikelaC1 · 10-07-2012, 11:42 AM

CELESTICA

Celestica is overjoyed to see the black blot destroyed, and even lets of a yell of triumph, Praise be to Hanali, its destroyed. and then embraces Rahja in a hug. Emotional displays are not common among elves...but then again, Celestica is a most unusual elf.

Her joy however dissipates somewhat as she once again regards Dispater, and her next comments are directed at the High Lord.

And just what is he doing here? When we were in Lyca, you seemed to take the same view of devils that I had. Dont tell me you are backsliding on that. Nothing good comes out of getting help from the likes of them.

Ridai · 10-07-2012, 12:31 PM

Rahja doesn't quite understand at first as she sees and feels from Celestica, having focussed so much on the lives lost and the next step. So many worlds, so many lives in danger. But this world has been saved from certain destruction and the fact is made crystal clear by her friend. Just as one has to look to the future, the present must not be ignored. It is Rahja's nature to give back equally, if not more so, for all kindness and beauty she receives, and thus she embraces Celestica warmly like an old beloved friend, her heart stirring with emotion that takes the form of a short song in the elven tongue. Not one sullied by violence, but one celebrating life and honoring the fallen, a purpose Celestica's mother tongue is perfect for. Her voice is pure and powerful as it sweeps across the battlefield and lifts the very spirits of everyone who hears her, regardless of if they know the language or for what side they fight for.

As the song concludes, Rahja releases the elven maiden in her arms, the aasimar's cheeks reddened from the undiluted joy of her performance. "Thank you for showing me," she simply says to her, smiling brightly.

Rahja's presence remains serene as she ventures across the battlefield. As Usabhar adresses her, the songstress shakes her head, still smiling faintly. "Indeed, though I rarely fight in conflicts." Suddenly, she looks him in the eye, cheerfully adding "No need for etiquette, paragon. What would you like to ask me?"

Emperor Ing · 10-07-2012, 04:40 PM

Circumstances have changed, i'm afraid. He looks towards Dispater. Circumstances have changed to such a degree that the forces of Mount Celestia and Baator marched side-by-side against a common enemy. Do not be mistaken, my principles have not changed, and I take no delight in the Devils walking on Eclipsian territory. But as the Solars and Pit Fiends stood united against a common enemy, the Indigo Eclipse fought that same enemy. To act on enforcing any forbiddance I may decree would leave my worlds vulnerable to an enemy we could stand side-by-side against. He then looks towards Celestica with a bit of a knowing look.
I have no doubt they think we owe them favors now, and indeed they have a claim for them. Now is a time for caution and vigilance, and I may have any such claims to favor delegated up the chain of command. If only so individuals of greater judgment can make these decisions on behalf of my possibly overly grateful and irrational subjects. Besides...

It's impolite to speak of a guest in such a way. Welcome, Archduke, to the Empire of the Eternal Eclipse. He's seriously hoping that some sort of civil discourse can convince Dispater to withdraw diabolic forces without any need of further conflict.

None taken. The Clockwork Dragon replies.
Though if you pardon me, such an undertaking might require a significant investment, and in my opinion I...doubt our chances of encountering Umbral Blots again. Although perhaps it is better to be prepared. Hmm... He appears to lose himself in thought, occasionally muttering incoherent arcanobabble.

MikelaC1 · 10-08-2012, 12:00 AM

CELESTICA

It doesnt take a whole lot of guesswork to tell what Celestica's opinion of the High Lord's explanation is. For now, she says nothing, but her face speaks volumes, and although the High Lord may be welcoming Dispater, she certainly isnt.

Realms of Chaos · 10-08-2012, 06:46 PM

Dispater looks at the scattered group before piercing one of his hands through his breasplate and withdrawing a thin, reflective sheet of steel and sliding it across the ground towards Wero. "If you want to call things even, tell me what you learn in the meeting grounds. Not knowing what's going on is a bit... unpleasant. After you contact me, shatter that thing and we'll leave this matter behind us. My pit fiends should be gone by now. Goodbye."

With that, the suit of armor falls to the ground, completely empty.

Emperor Ing · 10-08-2012, 07:13 PM

Hmph. The High Lord grunts indignantly. Not one for conversation is he? And the now-realized fact that THEY don't know what's going on either is equally as disconcerting. Furthermore, the fact that Dispater knows about the Meeting Grounds and the Indigo Eclipse's invitation is rather disconcerting. There is no doubt in the High Lord's mind that he is going to be followed or he has his own ways of knowing what is going to be seen. Likely both.

He picks up the sheet metal. Obviously just holding it won't cause problems, but Dispater did suggest there is more to it than meets the eye, which isn't surprising. He gazes onto it, attempting to use his advanced arcane senses to identify the magics attached to the metal sheet.

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Starsign · 10-09-2012, 11:20 AM

Doing his best to ignore the Archduke right now, Usabhar continues conversation with Rahja. He holds off from responding for a moment before speaking in a firm tone. "Simple, I ask you not to go reckless with willing to sacrifice yourself. As much as you are able to revive, you are an incredible healer and in battles such as this, we cannot afford to spare one such as you on suicide duty." Usabhar materializes his lance and places it back on his back along with his greataxe. "Please leave such actions to those who can survive it, like myself." Usabhar just brims with confidence as he speaks.

Nasiri meanwhile speaks with Zurkar and Korshim. She piques up advice for Zurkar. "Well when you need to be sure, come prepared for anything. Considering the circumstances here, we should be prepared." She looks up at the skies of the now-saved world. "...How many times have either of you been to Aegun actually? I have yet to see much of this place."