Exalted:End of an Era

[Mistress of Whispers]

Shaya eyes the Ferryman suspiciously; she noticed the slight inflection when it said "this dagger". She looked at Web to see if the Abyssal had noticed it, too.

[Takhesis]

Web had noticed the Ferryman's inflection in his speech - as well as the initial reaction to the sight of the dagger. Now she wondered which soul was tied into the dagger - for the Ferryman to react in such a greed-driven manner, it must either be an important or a powerful one or potentially both.

 

The Ferryman seemed suspicious of the offering, but at the same time somewhat eager for the trade. Which was both good and bad....

 

Good as it would avoid attention-drawing conflict as well as loss of memory.

 

Bad as it indicated a greater value than the initial ten memories the Ferryman was asking for... or at least from the Ferryman's point of view.

 

"You recognize the soul within the item presented," Web said, both as a question and as a statement to be confirmed, "Yet you have not actually given your direct judgement on the value of the item compared to your standard fee of carriage for a group of this number."

 

Both the unit and the Ferryman would recognize this as the last stage of a barter process - not quite the sealing of the deal, but the equivalent of reading the finer print of a contract before signing.

 

As Shaya was already suspicious, the answer of the Ferryman would be what swayed her next actions - whether to interrupt the negotiation and go with the physical force option or to accept the alternative that had been found.

 

[Pretty certain Web is damned either way now.... either by the choice of sacrifice and Shaya or by going back on the negotiations...]

[Mistress of Whispers]

((The deal isn't struck until it is struck, so there is nothing to go back on (yet). However...))

 

Shaya raised a questioning eyebrow at Web. She didn't like the way the Ferry Man was acting and while she had been hesitant about this from the start, she was now thinking there might be reason for Web to be hesitant, too. She decided to let the Ferry Man answer Web's question about the dagger's value, but she was careful not to let the Moonshadow agree to the bargain yet. She also took a small step forward; it was non-threatening (or at least as non-threatening as the Dawn could be), but would allow Web to slip behind her easily if there was trouble.

Edited May 13, 2013 by Mistress of Whispers

[Biologist]

The spectral shape emitted a low gutteral laugh that made everyone's teeth ache. "My direct judgement is that it is ample and acceptable payment. We have a deal then?" Web was aware that the Ferryman ignored the question about the identity of the soul.

 

It extended a blackened skeletal hand towards the Moonshadow.

[Mistress of Whispers]

Before Web would have a chance to accept and extend her hand in response, Shaya laid her own hand on the Abyssals' arm to stop her.

 

"We should think about this carefully before we make a decision. We have other options."

 

Shaya hadn't liked the idea from the start and, by now, she was certain that the Ferry Man was pulling one over on them. What if the Abyssal's connection to the dagger would somehow tie her to the Ferry Man? What if the thing had already heard of her betrayal and would return the dagger to Shadow of Cities as a way to track her? And, apart from that, it was obvious that the spectre knew something important about the dagger that they didn't.

[Takhesis]

[i see trouble brewing... plus even though there's no deal yet - one doesn't start negotiations in the first place if there was no intent to make a deal.]

 

At Shaya's halting touch to consider the options, Web listed the options vocally for the group.

 

"We do have options - as I see it there are three options available."

 

"Option one is pay the standard fee of one significant memory each, two use the dagger as alternative payment and option three is using physical force."

 

"Option one had objections and option three will attract attention. Which kind of leaves option two... unless there's another option I've missed?" Web didn't need to say that the attention drawn would be unwanted - that was too obvious.

 

Web was willing to listen to the group's input - mainly as the choice would effect all of them and she was responsible for their well-being while they traveled the Labyrinth.

 

Web was aware of the Ferryman's evasion about the soul in the dagger too. Of course, she couldn't blame it for that - no-one lays all their cards on the proverbial negotiation table, and she didn't want to press that issue too hard lest it reveal her own ignorance of what her dagger held.

[Mistress of Whispers]

As she listened to Web's clear and logical list, Shaya suddenly knew what she had to do. The truth was, there were no options. They were Exalted. They defended Creation and it's people; it's what they were made to do. And they didn't get to pick and choose which parts of Creation to defend and which to give up for the sake of expediency. There would be no sacrifices to the Void from them.

 

"No, Web, those are not our options. Our options are to play nice with this creature and strengthen the Void through those actions, or to stand against it. You said you wanted to protect Creation; well, then you can't just pick the big fights and leave the little ones. You have to fight all of them."

 

And with that, she moved between the Abyssal and the Spectre and drew her Daiklave.

 

 

((Looks like someone just remembered her Motivation. In her defence: 'Protect Creation and its people' is pretty much exactly what Sol Invictus said when he exalted her, and he is a God. And ooc I do think she has a point: either we defend Creation, including the currently-damned souls in that dagger, or we don't.

I also think negotiations aren't as clear-cut at that. It's fully possible to enter a negotiation not certain what to do and then decide halfway through. I don't consider that disingenuous, it's merely exploring your options.

 

From an RP point of view, I wonder if Shaya's stance might have an impact on Web's personality in the long run. I mean, this was one deal with one lone Spectre concerning a dagger we do not even want; it's the perfect example of a slippery slope. And then in comes the Dawn with 'It is our duty to defend Creation and we will give no quarter". When it comes to that, Shaya is pretty much the living embodiment of the Unconquered Sun when he's not busy playing that damn game.))

Edited May 15, 2013 by Mistress of Whispers

[Takhesis]

[ Wondered when the Dawn would start combat . Though Shaya did just simplify Web's 3 options to just 2..... And it may do - depends on whether Web can reverse her Exaltation back or not - which would be a big quest on its own. Though for an Abyssal - she's not bloodthirsty, so violence is not her preferred method.]

 

"So Option 3 - physical force it is..." Web muttered under her breath as Shaya went into a combat stance. Though if the Ferryman hadn't known of her change in loyalty before - he certainly did now from Shaya's words.

 

 

Pheonix took her place beside Shaya, ready to assist. The lancers took up a flanking position - as much as the location allowed them to anyway. Granted it meant that Web was behind both Exalts - which Pheonix wasn't that happy about, but it couldn't be helped. At least the Gunzosha could keep an eye on her.

Edited May 15, 2013 by Takhesis

[Mistress of Whispers]

[Though Shaya did just simplify Web's 3 options to just 2..... And it may do - depends on whether Web can reverse her Exaltation back or not - which would be a big quest on its own. Though for an Abyssal - she's not bloodthirsty, so violence is not her preferred method.]

((On no, she went much further than that. She reduced it to ZERO options: "Either we defend Creation, or we go along with this creature and the latter is no option at all." And to Shaya, it's not about violence or not, it's about making deals with creatures of Darkness or not.

 

After playing my way-beyond-the-slippery-slope Twilight in a long-running campaign, it's really fun to play the immovable-rock Dawn . If she ever comes to believe Web's theory about the origins of Abyssals, she may just march into the Labyrinth and demand those Exaltations back in the name of the Unconquered Sun .))

Edited May 15, 2013 by Mistress of Whispers

[Takhesis]

((On no, she went much further than that. She reduced it to ZERO options: "Either we defend Creation, or we go along with this creature and the latter is no option at all." And to Shaya, it's not about violence or not, it's about making deals with creatures of Darkness or not.

 

After playing my way-beyond-the-slippery-slope Twilight in a long-running campaign, it's really fun to play the immovable-rock Dawn . If she ever comes to believe Web's theory about the origins of Abyssals, she may just march into the Labyrinth and demand those Exaltations back in the name of the Unconquered Sun .))

[That could be fun to see - and reasonably easy to arrange, apart from the believe Web bit. Though perhaps seeing a monstrance would be an interesting thing to do - both for Shaya and for Hanzo.]

[Biologist]

The Spectral Ferryman uttered a single word. "Fools." And from nowhere a scythe appeared in its hands, that came down on Shaya with frightening speed. The edge gleamed with unholy sharpness and it even seemed to wound the very air as it prepared to slice through the White Jade, flesh and bone of the one who would defy its master.

 

Those attuned to the flow of Essence felt the Ferryman strengthen the scythe with a sickening power.

 

It all went so fast, there was no time for a reaction. Shaya's fellows felt their hearts sink. Surely this attack was unstoppable...

 

((thank the Unconquered Sun for Charms like Heavenly Guardian Defense... ))

[Mistress of Whispers]

Already having her Daiklave in hand, Shaya brought it up to meet the Ferry Man's scythe. The Spectre snorted in contempt, expecting his blade to slice right through the White Jade, but the Daiklave rang with golden sparks and stopped the weapon in its track. A lesser Exalt might have smirked at the creature, but Shaya was all focus as she brought down the Daiklave in a sweeping arc of her own.

 

 

((Is Melee Excellency + Hungry Tiger Technique + Castigating Solar Judgement + Heavenly Guardian Defense a valid combo? If so, Shaya probably has it, considering her personality.))

[Biologist]

((Melee Excellency + Hungry Tiger Technique + Enemy-Castigating Solar Judgement + Heavenly Guardian Defense are all Combo-OK and either Reflexive or Supplemental, so no problem there. Shall I give the other members of the group time to do something, or shall I go on and describe the action that follows Shaya's blow?))

[Takhesis]

((As long as the Charms are all Combo-OK its fine to have - besides Shaya's effectively had a Dragonblood military backround - and DBs can reflex-combo not just with their own Charms but with others too. Which reminds me - does Shaya want a flame-aura on the blade? Would be Dragon-Graced Weapon Charm. Also I'm assuming only the Exalts would be able to react quickly - the mortal members would need more time to react.))

 

Web could sense the Essence drawn by the Ferryman into his summoned scythe, and even with her natural attunement to the Death Essence of the Underworld felt sick at heart at the power usage.

 

There was little she could do in the initial exchange of blows - except to draw on her own store of Essence. The pattern - to those that had been there at the initial meeting - was practically identical to the defensive set she'd activated against the Daybreak's spell.

 

---------

 

Pheonix tapped into her own store of Essence - she didn't trust the surroundings enough to draw on peripheral just yet. The question was - offensive or defensive? Especially since she was a close combat specialist - and there was a stirring of Essence behind them too. Most likely the Abyssal.

Edited May 16, 2013 by Takhesis

[Mistress of Whispers]

((Which reminds me - does Shaya want a flame-aura on the blade? Would be Dragon-Graced Weapon Charm. Also I'm assuming only the Exalts would be able to react quickly - the mortal members would need more time to react.))

((Would be much appreciated . And ditto on only the Exalts being this fast.))

[Biologist]

((Does Shaya have a counterattack-Charm? Then she'd probably have one of those added to the combo as well ))

 

As the steel of the scythe struck the golden edged daiklave, a clear ringing sounded. It was a pure and simple sound, yet so alien to the Labyrinth that cracks appeared in the walls, like glass broken by a high note; it even sent ripples across the dark glassy surface of the river.

 

If the Ferryman had had a face, it would have been etched in horror and disbelief. It recoiled in shock, but to no avail. Shaya's daiklave was on a trajectory to take off its head. With a graceful move the razor edge slid through the ephemeral fabric of the Ferryman's shroud and with the sound of cutting silk its head was removed from its body. The dark cloth suddenly whipped around itself and vanished from existence with a soft hiss. All that remained was the barge of bleached bones, bobbing on the still rippling surface of the black waters.

 

The violence had been so brief, yet so intense, that the silence that followed was deafening. Slowly the sound of the pounding of hearts made way for another sound. The faint sloshing of oars through water...

Edited May 16, 2013 by Biologist

[Mistress of Whispers]

Shaya hesitated for a moment, half expecting some sort of trap, but when it was clear that the Ferry Man wasn't going to rematerialize again, she sheathed her sword. Then she heard the oars...

 

Looking back at the closed-off path behind them, she took a hard look at the boat, then back at the unit and Web.

 

"Does anyone know how to steer that thing?" she asked.

 

 

((That was quick. Guess that Spectre did overestimate himself. Luckily.))

Edited May 16, 2013 by Mistress of Whispers

[Takhesis]

[Now to see if anyone has Sail....but Exalts are awesome so they can do a lot without training]

 

Web looked between the ferryboat and the unit.

 

"I could try... but boats aren't as easy as horses..." She was hoping that someone else would volunteer - but at least she could point the the boat in the right direction. But with the approaching oars - it seemed they'd have little choice and would have to move fast.

 

--------

 

Pheonix kept her Essence ready - like Shaya, she didn't expect the Ferryman to fall so easily. Though the clashing of blades had seemed to attract attention.

 

"I think we should be prepared for more of them to show up...." So saying she flicked a small glowing spark that settled on Shaya's sword - this spark transferred some of Hesiesh's blessing to the blade. Granted an Elemental Dragon couldn't match the Incarnae for power - but as a supplemental support, it could tip an even balance.

 

When the blade was next used in combat - Hesiesh's flame would also be drawn upon.

[Mistress of Whispers]

Shaya nodded a silent thanks at Pheonix's flame and looked back to the boat sceptically. She had been on boats before; Lookshy was a great harbour city after all (no, she corrected herself, it *had* been a great harbour city). But those boats had been considerably bigger and, more importantly, they had been manned by other people. Still, necessity prevailed.

 

"We'll make do. Everyone get in."

 

As she unit piled into the small boat, Gun took the oars. Perhaps he had some experience with boats? Shaya could only hope.

[Takhesis]

Web got on the boat with the unit - she did note someone else took the oars position, which she was grateful for. Now to get across the black water before more showed up.

 

 

----------

 

Pheonix tried to locate the direction the other oars were approaching from, and based on her estimates - placed the Lancers to cover the approach. They should get one shot off before anything got into melee range. The boat didn't allow for a lot of movement but that could also work in their favour.

[Biologist]

In the grey distance, dark shapes could be seen, slowly but inexorably moving towards them. Gun worked the oars like a man who had done it before, but his skill was no match for those who had been doing it since the beginning of time.

 

Hanzo had been looking over the edge of the barge at the black water. He tried very hard to remember something. He had seen this before, but there was something important that eluded him at the moment. Suddenly he sat up straight, still staring at the water. "The river of tears." He muttered to himself. Then, he turned to Gun. "Please, be as gentle as you can. The touch of this water means madness to the living and destruction to the dead. It is the river of tears. Tears of dead primordials."

 

Web knew of this river. It meantt they had been led deeper in the Labyrinth than she had planned, but also that they were almost at the point where they could exit to nexus. If only they could reach the marble stairs, they would be safe. Well, as relatively safe as one could be in the Labyrinth.

 

((If only there was a way to sink those barges ))

[Takhesis]

((Well we do have the Essence Lancers - if they're in the right position....))

 

Web kept her focus on guiding the group to the exit point. The River of Tears was the one place that she didn't want to be - due to the proximity to the central Tombs.

 

The Lancers held their fire til either they received an order to shoot or until they could be certain of hitting their target.

 

-----

 

Pheonix, however had no such restraint, even though she was a martial artist not a ranged combatant she could still make a few ranged strikes. All Lookshyan-trained Dragon Blood had been drilled in the use of certain Charms - including Elemental Bolt Attack.

 

Not her most effective ability - but it could at least act as a range-finder even if she missed. Pheonix prepped two of her bolts - one in each hand, and released them in quick succession against the approaching group.

[Mistress of Whispers]

Acting on Pheonix's 'cue' and a confirming nod from Shaya, the two Lancers opened fire. The Fire Exalt's first bolt fell a little short, but the second was a hit and, thanks to the light she had effectively cast, so were the Essence bolts that followed. The barrage of fire was too much for the little boat to handle and it lit up like a candle in the dark.

 

Looking back over her shoulder, Shaya gave Pheonix a quick grin.

 

"Excellent aim, Lieutenant. Let's see how many of these fishingboats we have to sink before they decide to try their luck elsewhere. Fire at will."

 

 

((Since the Lancers were at the ready, they probably took Pheonix's actions as a go-ahead to fire and once Pheonix's firebolts took care of the dark, they had an advantage when it came to aiming.))

[Biologist]

The perpetual misty gloom was lit up with fiery bolts of Essence. The Lancers and their Lieutenant fired at will and relieved two more barges of their spectral master in a flaming inferno. Then all was quiet again as the other barges slowed down and held their distance. An angry hiss came rolling over the surface of the water and it filled the mortals and Exalts alike with an unnameable fear. Something even more black than the darkness cast shadows on the vaulted ceiling far above them and it struck terror in their hearts. Gun started rowing more frantically, yet the forward motion of the small barge seemed to slow down. The Lancers looked around for a way out, the madness of the water possibly preferable to whatever was coming for them...

[Mistress of Whispers]

Shaya felt a terrible fear roll over her. For a moment she considered fleeing, but then she saw her unit in the same throes of panic. She would not abandon them.

 

The Chosen of the Sun do not flee before the Dark; the Dark flees before them.

 

A lolden light spread over the boat and into the dark cavern; brilliant like the fire of the Sun himself. Shaya drew her sword and so did the Four-Armed Warrior standing behind her; and as her Anima continued to fill the room with Light, so did it fill the hearts of her Unit, Web and Hanzo with courage.

 

((That'd be Rout-Stemming Gesture in action. "This Charm causes targets to succeed automatically on all Valor rolls."))