SeverinR
Valar Lord
Shan Mai looks around for a trail or sign of which direction anyone might have taken. Also looking around for more survivors or people hiding.
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Side One, Ep.2 "Double Dog Dare"
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- #402
Garden
The mothers in the audience are moved as Diana makes her silent vow, words before her and the true Maiden burning brighter than the hanging lanterns. Diana then positions herself at Beatrice's side. The child goddess smiles at Diana and puts her hand on her shield arm. Her eyes well with tears, but she remains silent, savoring this peaceful moment.
Father Ben and twelve hooded men wait for the applause to die down. The preacher stands at Beatrice's left side, while the men of the choir stand before them. Father Ben smiles at the child goddess and at Diana.
"A moving depiction of the time a shield maiden of old became the caretaker of the true Maiden. She was a second mother to the goddess in Her mortal form, and there are some ancient texts that say The Maiden was assumed into heaven on the day the shield maiden died at the age of ninety. Though she outlived most women at the time by decades, still The Maiden pleaded with her aunt, Lady Death..."
Father Ben sings,
"O Death... O Death... Won't you spare her over another year?"
The men in the choir begin to hum. Staves strike the ground to create percussion. Gradually, members from the audience gasp and cheer at the silhouette of a woman atop the shrine.
She continues to sing, as Father Ben stands in silence...
((NOTE: My next post will take place the moment the song ends. Feel free to post thoughts, but please don't jump ahead...))
The mothers in the audience are moved as Diana makes her silent vow, words before her and the true Maiden burning brighter than the hanging lanterns. Diana then positions herself at Beatrice's side. The child goddess smiles at Diana and puts her hand on her shield arm. Her eyes well with tears, but she remains silent, savoring this peaceful moment.
Father Ben and twelve hooded men wait for the applause to die down. The preacher stands at Beatrice's left side, while the men of the choir stand before them. Father Ben smiles at the child goddess and at Diana.
"A moving depiction of the time a shield maiden of old became the caretaker of the true Maiden. She was a second mother to the goddess in Her mortal form, and there are some ancient texts that say The Maiden was assumed into heaven on the day the shield maiden died at the age of ninety. Though she outlived most women at the time by decades, still The Maiden pleaded with her aunt, Lady Death..."
Father Ben sings,
"O Death... O Death... Won't you spare her over another year?"
The men in the choir begin to hum. Staves strike the ground to create percussion. Gradually, members from the audience gasp and cheer at the silhouette of a woman atop the shrine.
She continues to sing, as Father Ben stands in silence...
((NOTE: My next post will take place the moment the song ends. Feel free to post thoughts, but please don't jump ahead...))
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Ireth
Mythic Scribe
Diana
Beatrice touches my arm and smiles, and both our eyes fill with tears. I wish this peaceful moment could last, but I know in my heart it isn't to be. Why else would I be a shieldmaiden, after all?
Vincent
Father Ben's thoughts ring in my mind as he smiles at Beatrice. He knows who she is, just like our company. He wishes to save her from Grey and his men. I hope we can accomplish that.
He begins to sing, and a chill runs through me. I know that song.
His memories surge into my mind, filling in the gaps left in the visions I gleaned from the Pale Jackal. Or at least most of them. It's a strange and chilling tale, of mortals, gods and sacrifice. The younger Ben, known then as Sinner Bernard, was brave enough to disrupt Grey's intentions and help the Pale Jackal as well as the newborn Beatrice. Ben wiped the Jackal's memory then. I realize I must have seen the memories the Jackal lost. Would he recall them if I brought this up to him? We need to know as much about Grey as we can, to do our best to protect Bee.
As I return to the present, a woman appears, silhouetted atop the shrine. Her name flashes through Father Ben's thoughts: Athaliah. I watch her, wondering who she is, all the while she sings of Death. I can't get a sense of her thoughts, only Father Ben's. Is she another goddess? Is she playing Herself in this reenactment, just as the Maiden is?
Beatrice touches my arm and smiles, and both our eyes fill with tears. I wish this peaceful moment could last, but I know in my heart it isn't to be. Why else would I be a shieldmaiden, after all?
Vincent
Father Ben's thoughts ring in my mind as he smiles at Beatrice. He knows who she is, just like our company. He wishes to save her from Grey and his men. I hope we can accomplish that.
He begins to sing, and a chill runs through me. I know that song.
His memories surge into my mind, filling in the gaps left in the visions I gleaned from the Pale Jackal. Or at least most of them. It's a strange and chilling tale, of mortals, gods and sacrifice. The younger Ben, known then as Sinner Bernard, was brave enough to disrupt Grey's intentions and help the Pale Jackal as well as the newborn Beatrice. Ben wiped the Jackal's memory then. I realize I must have seen the memories the Jackal lost. Would he recall them if I brought this up to him? We need to know as much about Grey as we can, to do our best to protect Bee.
As I return to the present, a woman appears, silhouetted atop the shrine. Her name flashes through Father Ben's thoughts: Athaliah. I watch her, wondering who she is, all the while she sings of Death. I can't get a sense of her thoughts, only Father Ben's. Is she another goddess? Is she playing Herself in this reenactment, just as the Maiden is?
Noma Galway
Shadow Lord
I'm so tired, but I need to protect these children. I know I do. Something must be happening. Something bad. But...I'm...just...so...tired.
- Thread starter
- #405
Garden, Sakura Shrine
As soon as the woman stops singing, several screams alert Vincent and Diana to the grounds where the children are seated. Screaming children and wailing mothers confirm that most of the crowd noticed that none of the girls near the shrine are conscious. When Diana looks at Beatrice, she sees it's grimmer than that. The child goddess is not breathing.
Vincent sees Princess Fenella slumped over in the long grass. Little Mariya, who appeared to be dozing off in Cindy's hands, is sprawled next to the child. Brian leads the other boys to safety—in his silence, he appears calm, and simple hand signals help the boys move out. Several nuns caution the mothers about approaching the children. Hanako says with a bow, "Not until fiends who did this lie dead!"
Garden, Undisclosed Location
Addison says to Jei, "I ain't got a shot, and sure as hell ain't gonna waste me only phœnix. Who you aiming at, the goddess or the crowd?"
((@Jei, don't fire unless you roll a 8 or better.))
Alley
As Shan Mai attempts to find the most obvious trail, he sees odd looking men lumbering down the alley. At first, they look like addicts or just plain lazy slobs. As they get closer, he and the others can't help but notice a third eye on the forehead of ever man.
JJ says to Riff, "C'mon, kid. Outta that barrel!"
Fenella and Mariya
The two of you find yourselves in a field of flowers, not far from your own corpses. With you are Cindy, Sandy, and ten other girls you have not yet met. You soon learn their names: Jen, Haley, Kelly, Christine, Molly, Maria, Alice, Dawn, Melissa and Emily. Father Ben is there as well, with Beatrice at his side.
He asks Beatrice, "What now, my dear goddess? Will you deliver us to the afterlife? Will these lovely maidens become valkyries?" He turns to the children, "I must say... it is quite an honor to die in the presence of a goddess!"
He turns to you, "And we even have a princess and a pixie among us. Maybe as a devotee of Lady Death, I am biased, but this truly is a beautiful death." To Beatrice he adds, "I do not regret my attempt to protect you, sweet child... I mean, My Lady."
Beatrice giggles, "Child is fine. But the deaths of children is not." She says to the children, "Magic forces your souls from your bodies, children. Your bodies are unharmed." She turns to you, "If you stay at my side, I promise... you will survive this. You just need to trust in your Huntress friends."
Father Ben looks at his corpse at plantlife ravages his body. "Looks like I'll need to see my other goddess then."
"No need for that," says Beatrice.
A small winged woman swoops to the preacher's side. She is not quite human and not quite pixie in stature. She kneels before Beatrice and says, "Don't keep the shield maiden waiting long, after that lovely vow she made."
"It's beyond my control, Nissa. I trust your choice--the mortals will get me out of this mess. Which means my parents owe them, should they fall in battle."
Nissa turns to the preacher. "No magic arrow can save you, Father. But you heard my boss. If your body is not too far gone to cheat death..."
"Me?" says the preacher. "I would not have the audacity, for Lady Death is my goddess as well as the sweet commander of the valkyries. I look forward to seeing the great mysteries I've preached about for a lifetime, and I do mean lifetime."
((@Noma, Ruby, You can RP. You'll be able to fight again soon—don't worry. It's not as grim as it may seem!))
As soon as the woman stops singing, several screams alert Vincent and Diana to the grounds where the children are seated. Screaming children and wailing mothers confirm that most of the crowd noticed that none of the girls near the shrine are conscious. When Diana looks at Beatrice, she sees it's grimmer than that. The child goddess is not breathing.
Vincent sees Princess Fenella slumped over in the long grass. Little Mariya, who appeared to be dozing off in Cindy's hands, is sprawled next to the child. Brian leads the other boys to safety—in his silence, he appears calm, and simple hand signals help the boys move out. Several nuns caution the mothers about approaching the children. Hanako says with a bow, "Not until fiends who did this lie dead!"
Garden, Undisclosed Location
Addison says to Jei, "I ain't got a shot, and sure as hell ain't gonna waste me only phœnix. Who you aiming at, the goddess or the crowd?"
((@Jei, don't fire unless you roll a 8 or better.))
Alley
As Shan Mai attempts to find the most obvious trail, he sees odd looking men lumbering down the alley. At first, they look like addicts or just plain lazy slobs. As they get closer, he and the others can't help but notice a third eye on the forehead of ever man.
JJ says to Riff, "C'mon, kid. Outta that barrel!"
Fenella and Mariya
The two of you find yourselves in a field of flowers, not far from your own corpses. With you are Cindy, Sandy, and ten other girls you have not yet met. You soon learn their names: Jen, Haley, Kelly, Christine, Molly, Maria, Alice, Dawn, Melissa and Emily. Father Ben is there as well, with Beatrice at his side.
He asks Beatrice, "What now, my dear goddess? Will you deliver us to the afterlife? Will these lovely maidens become valkyries?" He turns to the children, "I must say... it is quite an honor to die in the presence of a goddess!"
He turns to you, "And we even have a princess and a pixie among us. Maybe as a devotee of Lady Death, I am biased, but this truly is a beautiful death." To Beatrice he adds, "I do not regret my attempt to protect you, sweet child... I mean, My Lady."
Beatrice giggles, "Child is fine. But the deaths of children is not." She says to the children, "Magic forces your souls from your bodies, children. Your bodies are unharmed." She turns to you, "If you stay at my side, I promise... you will survive this. You just need to trust in your Huntress friends."
Father Ben looks at his corpse at plantlife ravages his body. "Looks like I'll need to see my other goddess then."
"No need for that," says Beatrice.
A small winged woman swoops to the preacher's side. She is not quite human and not quite pixie in stature. She kneels before Beatrice and says, "Don't keep the shield maiden waiting long, after that lovely vow she made."
"It's beyond my control, Nissa. I trust your choice--the mortals will get me out of this mess. Which means my parents owe them, should they fall in battle."
Nissa turns to the preacher. "No magic arrow can save you, Father. But you heard my boss. If your body is not too far gone to cheat death..."
"Me?" says the preacher. "I would not have the audacity, for Lady Death is my goddess as well as the sweet commander of the valkyries. I look forward to seeing the great mysteries I've preached about for a lifetime, and I do mean lifetime."
((@Noma, Ruby, You can RP. You'll be able to fight again soon—don't worry. It's not as grim as it may seem!))
Ireth
Mythic Scribe
Vincent
I look on in horror at the limp forms of the children, as well as Fenella and Mariya. Then my gaze snaps up to the woman on the roof. Athaliah. If she is the one who did this, she must pay -- but first I want to know her motive. If I can, I will fly and take her down to our level with Angel Fire. Then I'll interrogate her if I can, and pry the secrets from her mind if I must.
"I'll take her down," I say to the others. "One way or another!"
I launch myself into the air, arms outstretched to tackle Athaliah.
Diana
The blood drains from my face as I see the lifeless children, including Bee. I snatch up my sword and shield, moving to stand in front of the throne in case anyone of ill intent approaches. I will not have her body harmed. ((Pure Protection))
I look on in horror at the limp forms of the children, as well as Fenella and Mariya. Then my gaze snaps up to the woman on the roof. Athaliah. If she is the one who did this, she must pay -- but first I want to know her motive. If I can, I will fly and take her down to our level with Angel Fire. Then I'll interrogate her if I can, and pry the secrets from her mind if I must.
"I'll take her down," I say to the others. "One way or another!"
I launch myself into the air, arms outstretched to tackle Athaliah.
Diana
The blood drains from my face as I see the lifeless children, including Bee. I snatch up my sword and shield, moving to stand in front of the throne in case anyone of ill intent approaches. I will not have her body harmed. ((Pure Protection))
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- Thread starter
- #407
Hanako attacks.
Though her attack connects, she doesn't hit very hard.
As Diana stands before the throne, she sees from the corner of her eye that Father Ben is dead. Plants are eating into his body. Likely, this spell was cast when the strange woman appeared.
Though her attack connects, she doesn't hit very hard.
As Diana stands before the throne, she sees from the corner of her eye that Father Ben is dead. Plants are eating into his body. Likely, this spell was cast when the strange woman appeared.
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Ireth
Mythic Scribe
Diana
Pity rushes through me when I see that Father Ben has fallen like the rest, and plants engulf his body. He may be beyond saving, but I will do my best to ensure that none of the girls join him. I ready an attack on the first enemy to try their luck against me. If they want to get at Beatrice, they'll have to take me down first.
Pity rushes through me when I see that Father Ben has fallen like the rest, and plants engulf his body. He may be beyond saving, but I will do my best to ensure that none of the girls join him. I ready an attack on the first enemy to try their luck against me. If they want to get at Beatrice, they'll have to take me down first.
JRFLynn
Mystagogue
Jeisera
I shake my head, "Don't have the shot, Addy. Soon as I do, I'll try and help the little-uns."
Riff
"Holy Gardner!" Weird three-eyed thugs were swarming all around, by the time I'm out of the garbage and on my feet.
I shake my head, "Don't have the shot, Addy. Soon as I do, I'll try and help the little-uns."
Riff
"Holy Gardner!" Weird three-eyed thugs were swarming all around, by the time I'm out of the garbage and on my feet.
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- #410
Jaundiced Jackal
"What the hell? I'll punch you in the third eye!"
Distracted! I was thinking of the number 3 when I punched, and...
((My good NPCs suck this time... payback for all those 20s I rolled vs. Barney?))
"What the hell? I'll punch you in the third eye!"
Distracted! I was thinking of the number 3 when I punched, and...
((My good NPCs suck this time... payback for all those 20s I rolled vs. Barney?))
Noma Galway
Shadow Lord
I look around at the children and hop up onto Fenella's shoulder. "Are we--are we dead?" I look at my body. This was just too much. Who was the singing woman?
SeverinR
Valar Lord
"Gentlemen, did you see the battle that occured here? Might you know where the participants went?"
Shan Mai asks calmly, his hands resting on both swords comfortably. "We are missing a companion that might have been involved in this melee."
If they speak, I will remain as above.
If they don't speak and look threatening, I will attempt Sanpogiri. (If sword needs to be out I will draw it, thus encouraging them to speak to avoid a fight.) If it need not be out I will not tip my hand.)
Shan Mai asks calmly, his hands resting on both swords comfortably. "We are missing a companion that might have been involved in this melee."
If they speak, I will remain as above.
If they don't speak and look threatening, I will attempt Sanpogiri. (If sword needs to be out I will draw it, thus encouraging them to speak to avoid a fight.) If it need not be out I will not tip my hand.)
- Thread starter
- #413
Mariya
When you hop on Fenella's shoulder, you float with ease. There is no feeling when you rest on the shoulder. You are positioned as if you are on the shoulder, but it seems possible that you could pass through her by simply willing yourself to. Everyone is dressed as they were in life only seconds ago.
When you ask if you're dead, the valkyrie flutters close to you. She is about two-and-a-half times your height. Humans who don't know better might mistake her for a pixie. Despite the situation, the children seem to enjoy the presence of a muse, a valkyrie and a princess. Only Cindy and Sandy seem to have grasped the preacher's words--that their new friend is, in fact, a goddess.
The valkyrie speaks. "First of all, I should introduce myself. I am Nissa van Donk. I tried to aid you in battle when you were on the ship, but... my wings aren't much good in a storm. I lost everything other than my one magic arrow.
"To answer your question, yes. Sorry. I could have warned you. The men were chanting a spell song called 'Maiden Sacrifice.' They may have wiped out most of the shield maidens and amazons, had my boss not been delayed. This is fortunate. The demoness, Athaliah, had to change her plans rather hastily. The ritual was too weak to even reach the nuns. So I allowed this slaughter of innocents to happen.
"Only, it will be undone."
Nissa flies in the opposite direction of the dead bodies. As Fenella turns around to watch the valkyrie, you see Addison and Jeisera crouched low, concealed by long grass and wildflowers. Each as an arrow ready. The feather on each arrow is red, bright like a flame.
She turns to the scene of the battle. There is an explosion as Vincent crashes through the shrine. The demoness keeps her balance and glares at the mentalist through pitch black eyes. She bares her fangs. The men in the choir attack Diana and Hanako, the nun who was dancing earlier. One of the men impales himself on Diana's blade, while her shield manages to fend off multiple attacks. The nun is badly beaten.
"You will feel weak when you are healed. Be careful."
When you hop on Fenella's shoulder, you float with ease. There is no feeling when you rest on the shoulder. You are positioned as if you are on the shoulder, but it seems possible that you could pass through her by simply willing yourself to. Everyone is dressed as they were in life only seconds ago.
When you ask if you're dead, the valkyrie flutters close to you. She is about two-and-a-half times your height. Humans who don't know better might mistake her for a pixie. Despite the situation, the children seem to enjoy the presence of a muse, a valkyrie and a princess. Only Cindy and Sandy seem to have grasped the preacher's words--that their new friend is, in fact, a goddess.
The valkyrie speaks. "First of all, I should introduce myself. I am Nissa van Donk. I tried to aid you in battle when you were on the ship, but... my wings aren't much good in a storm. I lost everything other than my one magic arrow.
"To answer your question, yes. Sorry. I could have warned you. The men were chanting a spell song called 'Maiden Sacrifice.' They may have wiped out most of the shield maidens and amazons, had my boss not been delayed. This is fortunate. The demoness, Athaliah, had to change her plans rather hastily. The ritual was too weak to even reach the nuns. So I allowed this slaughter of innocents to happen.
"Only, it will be undone."
Nissa flies in the opposite direction of the dead bodies. As Fenella turns around to watch the valkyrie, you see Addison and Jeisera crouched low, concealed by long grass and wildflowers. Each as an arrow ready. The feather on each arrow is red, bright like a flame.
She turns to the scene of the battle. There is an explosion as Vincent crashes through the shrine. The demoness keeps her balance and glares at the mentalist through pitch black eyes. She bares her fangs. The men in the choir attack Diana and Hanako, the nun who was dancing earlier. One of the men impales himself on Diana's blade, while her shield manages to fend off multiple attacks. The nun is badly beaten.
"You will feel weak when you are healed. Be careful."
JRFLynn
Mystagogue
Riff
I don't like the looks of these rascals, best they stay put where they are! I've had enough fun tangling with garbage for the day!
I don't like the looks of these rascals, best they stay put where they are! I've had enough fun tangling with garbage for the day!
JRFLynn
Mystagogue
Jeisera
Still no blasted shot! Hopefully the others can hold them off for a little bit longer...
Still no blasted shot! Hopefully the others can hold them off for a little bit longer...
- Thread starter
- #416
"Jei... I think you're right we need to save the kids first. Me little goddess'll sleep longer then."
Addison aims...
"I got me a shot," she says. "I'm taking it!"
((@Ireth, Noma, JRF, GM post coming later. Fenella and Mariya will be revived...))
Addison aims...
"I got me a shot," she says. "I'm taking it!"
((@Ireth, Noma, JRF, GM post coming later. Fenella and Mariya will be revived...))
REAVER
I attack the slovenly fellow in green, but my attack is feeble.
PALE JACKAL
I turn and face our opponents coming up behind us. I put on my cestus and punch the weird looking guy wearing green.
Whiffed that one!
I attack the slovenly fellow in green, but my attack is feeble.
PALE JACKAL
I turn and face our opponents coming up behind us. I put on my cestus and punch the weird looking guy wearing green.
Whiffed that one!
Ruby
Dark Lord
Fenella
I feel strange as if I'm not quite me.
I feel strange as if I'm not quite me.
- Thread starter
- #419
((Lucky Diana, I had the 3rd guy dead and meant to only roll 3 attacks, so the 19 is the dead guy! Hanako was not so lucky.))
Vincent soars through the air, knocking Athalia off-balance, but the agile demoness keeps her footing. Her black eyes glare at Vincent, as if staring into his soul.
Too close to cast magic, she sinks into a fighting stance. ((Vincent is also too close to an enemy to cast, but he can use unarmed attacks of course.))
She sees Diana drop the first to rush her. Athaliah smirks. "Even shield maidens are not maidens. Unlike the dead goddess, humankind is growing up." Diana deflects every attack against her.
Hanako is beaten badly. She is barely able to stand.
"You kill children. My death is nothing next to them. But I take many of you with me!"
Her bold words one off as an empty threat until a pink flame engulfs her, the children, the muse and the princess. The girls are still unaware of the danger—or perhaps the feeling of revival is more than their young minds can handle. Haley giggles. Jen says, "It tickles!" Cindy and Sandy cheer for Mariya and Princess Fenella. "Let me help you," says Cindy, propping Mariya on Fenella's shoulder. Sandy sees the great gold sword and says, "You're a warrior princess! Wow!"
Addison says to Jei, I'm rushing them! She lets out a battle cry as she charges down the grassy hill.
The hooded men are startled. Those finding it difficult to reach the women fighting at the shrine turn toward Addy's battle cry.
((Some of the rolls for this turn were already posted. I just need rolls for Mariya, Diana and Vincent. For the alley, I need Shan Mai's roll.))
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Ireth
Mythic Scribe
Vincent
Athaliah's black eyes lock onto mine, as though searching my very soul. I glare right back, rage burning through me, and clench my fists. I'm too close to cast a spell now, but I still have weapons, one at the end of each wrist. I aim my right fist at her face. She won't look so smug with a fat lip.
It's tricky work to fight up here amid the flames and smoke.
"Why are you doing this?" I demand of the demoness.
Diana
More foes close in on me, attacking from three sides. I stand firm and strike back, praying to the Father that I won't be overcome.
Athaliah's black eyes lock onto mine, as though searching my very soul. I glare right back, rage burning through me, and clench my fists. I'm too close to cast a spell now, but I still have weapons, one at the end of each wrist. I aim my right fist at her face. She won't look so smug with a fat lip.
It's tricky work to fight up here amid the flames and smoke.
"Why are you doing this?" I demand of the demoness.
Diana
More foes close in on me, attacking from three sides. I stand firm and strike back, praying to the Father that I won't be overcome.
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