Rising Phoenix Gaming
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- Prowlers and Paragons
- The New Age - A GURPS 4E Story
- Chill - Tales of the Unknown
- Three Leaves DnD 5E Campaign
- Exalted - Legands of the North
- Mage Revived
- Code of Conduct Read in Rules Above
Overview
About This Club
- What's new in this club
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Chapter 2:The First Adventure
Shameless replied to Shameless's topic in Exalted: Legends of the North's Topics
Yuki nodded. "Don't worry about helping, we're mostly done as it is. As to whether there's anything to eat, Yes, we broke the ice up downriver and caught some fish, They're cold now, but there's still some left. We also have the usual rations in the wagon. I already fed the horses, though I'm sure they wouldn't mind a treat from you once you've dressed." Yuki came over and set two grilled fish on the seat of the cart, they were seasoned lightly, and would taste abit salty. The cold had actually preserved them, and even cold, tasted surprisingly good. Of course they had dried fruits and other things among their rations and provisions. While Ami dressed, the other two finished cleaning up their campsite. -
Chapter 2:The First Adventure
Nina replied to Shameless's topic in Exalted: Legends of the North's Topics
Ami just stared at Yuki saying nothing. She had been hot under the covers but now the air was cold on her exposed skin. Her mouth felt cottony. She glanced around for something to wet her thirst and he gaze fell upon Justice laid beside her. As the memories of what had transpired came rushing back, Ami's heart was overcome with a mix of thankfulness and dread. It was an unexpected present, one that she could never have fathomed receiving. The sight of Justice beside her reminded her of the price paid in this battle. And yet, there was a sense of rejuvenation in the air, as if the power she had tapped into was not just for the purpose of vanquishing their foe, but to also heal her wounds and restore her strength. Ami reached out and gently took hold of Justice's hilt, feeling the power surging through her once more. With her newfound strength, she knew that they could continue on their journey without fear – at least for now. The battle might be over, but the road ahead was still long and fraught with danger. Ami looked back at Yuki who was watching her with concern waiting for a reply. “I am alright Yuki. Let me get dressed and I will help.” Her stomach rumbled. “Is there anything to eat?” -
Chapter 2:The First Adventure
Shameless replied to Shameless's topic in Exalted: Legends of the North's Topics
It would be two days before Amisera awoke, the morning sun was warm, though as she rose from where she slept she could see outside the wagon that Yuki and Tikki had on cold weather gear, and they were surrounded by snow. They looked to be breaking camp, so clearly they'd stayed here the previous night. There was a small stream, though it had a layer of ice atop it, and the horses were nearby. Tikki paused a moment to lob a snowball at Yuki, who returned with one of her own, a short impromptu snowball fight breaking out, ending with the two of them laughing. It was at this point that Yuki looked up to see Ami watching them. "Good morning sleepyhead. How are you feeling? -
Chapter 2a: Distant Melody
Shameless replied to Shameless's topic in Exalted: Legends of the North's Topics
"I see." Purposeful Refrain thought for a moment, and then nodded. "I do not think there's anything to be done with regard to the Reconstruction of Whitewall, not at this time. It is somewhat beyond our Lady's expertise, and she cannot truly intervene here easily. Now to the second matter, I can provide a selection of Songs that were favored by the Unconquered Sun, songs his Chosen composed to praise him. I don't know what exactly you plan to do with them, though I warn you, they are both challenging, and effective. They will certainly draw attention when you perform them, attention you may or may not want. My suggestion, would be to put your own spin on them if you choose to disguise them, it will lessen their effects, but should prevent the worst attentions you might garner by performing them." "As to advice, regarding other exalted from this city, I know of at least three more, that left together some time ago. They came together, and left together. It was unfortunate that the Imperials were already here when word of them arrived, but if they met them, they didn't engage. What happened once they left the city, I do not know, but I have noted more Imperial troops here than normal." He went silent again, and then shook his head. "I don't believe she knew that they were here when you returned here, but I can speak with some others in the area. I will of course convey your questions to our Lady, but that will take some time. I will put out feelers before I leave, and gather more information for you before we meet again, say two weeks?" -
Chapter 2a: Distant Melody
Krul replied to Shameless's topic in Exalted: Legends of the North's Topics
She smiled and nodded in response. "First, it appears that Eternal Secrets of the Secret's caste is in the city and asked me to seek the Lady's guidance in approaching the Syndic's of Whitewall about the repairs and modifications they are are making to the city, some which may not serve the purposes of Whitewall and the Syndic's goals themselves. Also, to approach her about a song favored by the Most high, something favored by Him and his advisors during the first age, that would serve to inspire the efforts of all involve,. The last is simply to ask her advice, apparently there is quite a bit going on, several other exalted are moving around the city, we have some of the returned solars in the area, and what appears to be the makings of a Wyld Hunt as well, I would make my own judgements, but as long as we were going to speak, her advice would have been appreciated, your own thoughts would certainly be welcome." -
Chapter 2:The First Adventure
Shameless replied to Shameless's topic in Exalted: Legends of the North's Topics
"Amisera!" Yuki seldom said her full name, a sign of her fondness and trust in the young solar, but she did as she saw her fall, her bow seeming to vanish even as she moved to aid her friend. The Wonder of a shadowland being purified in a single instance was amazing but there was a hefty cost to use it. It likely wasn't something she could use at will. Still, she carefully lifted Ami in her arms, She was unconscious and limp, and in her beastman transformation, Yuki was easily able to carry her back to the Wagon. Tikki too, was unconscious, her wounds serious, they would require someone more skilled in healing to fully heal, but Yuki could keep her stable until they got back home. After carrying her and setting her down, Yuki retrieved Justice, who buzzed in mild annoyance at being handled by someone other than Amisera, but not so much that Yuki couldn't bring it with her. Laying it next to Ami made the buzzing cease, and Ami quickly got the horses hitched again so they could leave. She set a single ward, marking this place for a later journey. She'd want to analyze what had happened in depth, but now wasn't the time. Taking up the reins, She continued the journey home. -
Chapter 2a: Distant Melody
Shameless replied to Shameless's topic in Exalted: Legends of the North's Topics
Purposeful Refrain took the offered seat, and nodded. "Yes thank you, some tea would be nice." It was known that he was an officinado of tea, and when she returned, he accepted the cup from her, and took a sip. He said nothing, but the way the corners of his mouth curled in a smile, told her he liked this blend, and she'd chosen well. "Now, What manner vexes you enough that you would call upon our Lady?" it wasn't him being possessive, but respectful of the Goddess they both served and revered. "If I am able to help, then I will, if not, then I will relay the matter to her, and return with her reply." He was very earnest, if nothing else, and the way he spoke gave a sense of certainty to what he said. -
Chapter 2:The First Adventure
Nina replied to Shameless's topic in Exalted: Legends of the North's Topics
The black sphere continued to grow, pulsating with dark energy as it hovered ominously in front of the sorcerer. Yuki could feel the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end, a cold shiver running down her spine. She knew she was facing a power far beyond her own, a power that seemed to defy all reason and logic. Amisera reeled back and then a voice whispers in Ami's head, not like the others from the Lord of Sorrows. This voice is soft, yet belies untold strength. "I will give you a portion of my power to vanquish this foe. Speak aloud this chant. "He that gazes into and serves the Abyss, does so because he fears the Light. I call unto thee, cleanse the wicked and remove this stain from Creation, Descend, Light of Judgement!" The voice rose to a crescendo, and she had the image of a woman, clad in gleaming armor, raising her sword not to strike, but to call down the Sun's light to judge the wicked. Ami's eyes blazed with righteous fury as she stepped towards the imposing figure of the Lord of Sorrows. She raised Justice high above her head, feeling a surge of raw power coursing through her veins. With a primal cry, she called upon ancient words that reverberated through the air, her voice ringing out like a battle cry. "He that gazes into and serves the Abyss, does so because he fears the Light. I call unto thee, cleanse the wicked and remove this stain from Creation, Descend, Light of Judgement!" The very fabric of reality seemed to bend and twist in response to her powerful invocation. A beam of pure sunlight pierced through the dark dome surrounding the Lord of Shadowed Sorrows, stripping away his wicked spells and causing him to howl in agony. The air crackled with energy as Ami unleashed the Light of Judgement upon their enemy. With each passing moment, the black sphere began to falter and weaken under the weight of this newfound power. Yuki could feel it too - the turning tide of battle in their favor as their nemesis crumbled before them under the searing light of the Unconquered Sun! With a deafening roar, the Dark dome shattered into millions of shards, and the crumpled form of the Lord of Sorrows dissolved into a cloud of ash that was swiftly carried away by a powerful wind. The shadowland, once shrouded in darkness and despair, was now bathed in warm sunlight reflecting off of pristine snow. Ami stood there, her breath caught in her throat, as she lowered Justice until its pointed tip touched the ground. She gazed around at the transformed landscape, no longer plagued by sorrow and misery, and felt overwhelming relief wash over her. Exhausted from the battle, she collapsed onto the ground, unconscious but finally at peace. -
Chapter 2a: Distant Melody
Krul replied to Shameless's topic in Exalted: Legends of the North's Topics
She bowed "Of course, I am honored that the Lady answered and that you have come to assist." She went began to make a cup of tea, from what she knew of Purposeful Refrain, he preferred everything done in a a purposeful and curious manner. "Might I offer you a seat and a cup of tea while we discuss the matter?" She carefully set up seat cushions and a low table for both of them to sit as they discussed the matter. "Perhaps you can assist me in this manner and the Daimyo need not act directly herself, or at least offer advice on the best way to proceed." -
Chapter 2:The First Adventure
Shameless replied to Shameless's topic in Exalted: Legends of the North's Topics
Ami's blad finds his cheek, tearing open an ugly jagged line across it, even as he was aiming another spell at Yuki as she tended to Tikki. This spoiled his aim, and drew out what could only be a string of dark curses from a forgotten age. Yuki quickly summoned one of the horses to carry the unconscious but stable Tikki away from the battle and turned to rejoin Ami's side. He raised up another knight to fight along side him, one to keep Ami at bay so he could cast a more powerful spell. Only for the knight to vanish in an explosion of silver moonlight. "No, no more tricks, no more games. We're putting you down, right here, right now." She held her moonsilver bow in hand, already knocking another arrow of moonlight. "Foolish child, I have long stared into the abyss, I have learned its secrets, and now I will acquaint you all with them!" A black sphere began to form before him, sucking in ambient essence, making it feel as if everything was being drawn into it, a sense of overwhelming dread. Yuki took a defensive stance, as much as she could. -
Chapter 2:The First Adventure
Nina replied to Shameless's topic in Exalted: Legends of the North's Topics
Ami flings herself off of Aresls' back, landing on the ground with a fierce determination. Justice gleams in her hands as she screams, "Face me, Lord of nothingness! Face the wrath of Justice!" Her strikes rain down upon the Abyssal with unrelenting force, each one fueled by her burning rage and desire for vengeance. -
Chapter 2:The First Adventure
Shameless replied to Shameless's topic in Exalted: Legends of the North's Topics
Ducking to the side, his Darksteel staff blurred as it barely managed to fend off the dawn caste's attack, Even as the other two exalted closed in. Showing himself to not be without his own powerful charms he parried both of their attacks with ease, and hit Tikki with a fist wreathed in a powerful black aura. She fell backwards, the dark energy crackling over her, and Yuki withdrew after scooping her up, trusting in Ami to buy time for her to treat Tikki. "Goddamn, I never even saw him cast that one. "Don't let him touch you with his hands, or the staff!" she called out. -
Chapter 2:The First Adventure
Nina replied to Shameless's topic in Exalted: Legends of the North's Topics
Amisera's eyes burned with determination as she rode past her opponent, Aresl galloping at full speed. Without hesitation, she spun her horse and charged towards the Lord of Sorrows once again. The Pale man's face contorted in shock as Aresl, fueled by Ami's unyielding will, leapt towards him with a ferocious purpose. With a deafening crash, the powerful celestial horse collided with the dark magician, sending him reeling backwards. Seizing this moment of vulnerability, Ami's sword sliced through the air like a bolt of lightning, aiming directly for the Pale man's exposed throat in a deadly strike. -
Chapter 2:The First Adventure
Shameless replied to Shameless's topic in Exalted: Legends of the North's Topics
With a spin of his staff the Lord of Shadowed Sorrows was able to deflect even Ami's powerful mounted strike, but this only made an opening for Yuki and Tikki, who'd approached at a dead run, Yuki's strikes were blocked barely by the staff, but Yuki's savage slash, made even more powerful by her deadly beastman transformation, found purchase, slicing open his side, spilling foul black ichor onto the ground. "Some all powerful God of death. You bleed, just like the rest of us." Her voice was a guttural purr practically, goading Sorrows into hasty action. He slammed his staff into the ground, causing it to crack and quake, knocking All of them away from him, though none of them lost their feet. from the ground came thousands of obsidian butterflies, an incredibly deadly spell, aimed at Tikki and Yuki. Both of which activated powerful charms to protect them from the effects of the spell. "Accursed Solars, your power has always been more than it should be. I will enslave your exaltations, your very souls. You will be MINE!" -
Chapter 2:The First Adventure
Nina replied to Shameless's topic in Exalted: Legends of the North's Topics
Ami called her horses and as they rush to her she lept upon the back of Aresl and spurred him into a charge. The ground beneath Ares' hooves trembled as Ami and her celestial horse thundered towards the Pale man. The wind whipped at her hair, the rush of speed invigorating her as she drew her essence around her like a protective cloak. The Pale man's eyes widened in surprise at the sudden attack, his concentration broken as he tried to defend himself against the relentless force of Yuki's snow leopard form. With a fierce battle cry that echoed through the clearing, Ami raised her weapon high above her head as she closed in on the Pale man. The power of the Unconquered Sun blazed within her, lending her strength and resolve as she prepared to strike a decisive blow. Ares moved with preternatural speed, dodging the dark magic that lashed out in futile attempts to stop them. As they neared their target, Ami felt a surge of determination welling up inside her. This was not just a battle for victory but a fight for justice! -
Chapter 2a: Distant Melody
Shameless replied to Shameless's topic in Exalted: Legends of the North's Topics
At first there was no answer, but then she could hear other voices taking up what would be the harmony to her own music, and a voice answered her. This one however wasn't that of her Goddess, but one of her assistants. "The Lady has heard your entreaty, and begs your understanding, that she cannot answer directly. Other matters of concern are happening in the East which requires her to focus her attentions there. As such I have been sent to hear what you say, and relay it to her, and her answer." She was of course familiar with this Lesser God, Purposeful Refrain. He was one of Melodious Rapture's attendants, the only one that took a male form. He was less artful in his expressions, but dutiful to a fault. -
Chapter 2:The First Adventure
Shameless replied to Shameless's topic in Exalted: Legends of the North's Topics
Tikki and Shirayuki had finished off the other knight with an onslaught of martial arts and precision ranged attacks, Overwhelming it. As Ami finished hers, the Pale man scowled. "Those two had been in my service for a very long time. Ahh well, your souls will do I wager, once they've been properly trained that is." The ring on his left hand began to glow, and a large soulsteel staff appeared, each tip ending in a gemlike spike, wreathed in red light. He began chanting and held the staff up, and a Brilliant red lighting shot out towards all Three of them were going to be struck, but a Silver hemishpere of moonlight blazed into being, negating the powerful spell with powerful countermagic. Yuki had managed to counter the spell, but powerful as she was, it was only just enough. He looked at her. "Someone has taught you well. You'll tell me all your secrets, little kitty, Every, single, one." he seemed to be charging up for another spell, his free hand making a number of gestures, chanting again. "Like Hell I will." Yuki'd transformed into her Snow leopard form, her bow transforming into a reaper daiklaive as she rushed forward. "Get in close, he'll be weaker there." She said as she passed Ami. She was faster than normal now, but still unable to close the gap and attack. -
Chapter 2:The First Adventure
Nina replied to Shameless's topic in Exalted: Legends of the North's Topics
With a fierce battle cry, Ami seized the opportunity and pressed her advantage. She lunged forward, her movements fluid and precise as she aimed for the exposed flank of her foe. The knight struggled to raise its shield in time but was too slow to block Ami's decisive strike. Her blade pierced through the remaining armor of the knight, striking true and deep. The knight staggered backward, a pained roar escaping its metallic helm. Ami stood tall and unwavering, her eyes locked on her adversary. "Not so tough without your fancy sword, are you?" she sneered, confidence radiating from every fiber of her being. Before the knight could muster another attack, Ami launched herself forward once more, delivering a series of rapid strikes that hammered against the knight's shield. Each blow reverberated through the air like thunder, shaking the very ground beneath them. The knight tried to hold its ground but faltered under the relentless assault. Sensing victory within reach, Ami pushed forward with renewed determination. Her blade danced with lethal precision, finding every gap in the knight's defenses and exploiting them mercilessly. With each strike, she felt a surge of power from within, fueled by the boundless essence of the Unconquered Sun coursing through her veins. The clash of metal against metal echoed through the air as the duel between Ami and the knight intensified. With each strike, their swords sent sparks flying, illuminating the darkness around them. Finally, the knight's shield shattered under the force of Ami's relentless onslaught. She could feel her adrenaline surging through her body as she delivered one final, powerful swing that cleaved the knight from collar bone to opposite hip. The sound of metal cutting through flesh reverberated through the clearing, followed by a loud thud as the knight collapsed in a heap at her feet. Black smoke billowed from its armor, a sign of its dark magic and unholy origins. Ami instinctively reached out with her exalted anima and touched the ebon miasmic smoke, turning it white and banishing it into nothingness. A sense of victory filled her as she stood over her fallen enemy, triumphant and strong. She turned towards her companions, a fierce glint in her eyes. “Let us finish this!” -
Chapter 2:The First Adventure
Shameless replied to Shameless's topic in Exalted: Legends of the North's Topics
The knight frowned at the lack of lasting damage against it's attack, and once again her righteous fury propelled her sword to find its mark, this time in the knight's side, opening a large rent in its armor, with more black smoke leaking out. It seemed to let out an unearthly howl and then lashed out with its sword, though Ami was only just barely able to meat and block the strike, ths did something unexpected, She knocked the great gleaming soulsteel sword from the knight's hands, leaving it only the shield to defend itself with. -
Chapter 2:The First Adventure
Nina replied to Shameless's topic in Exalted: Legends of the North's Topics
Ami braced herself for the blow that slipped past her parry, essence flowed through her bolsterin her body granting her the ability to withstand the brunt of the attack. She gritted her teeth and pushed back, channeling the power of the Unconquered Sun into her weapon. The impact sent shockwaves through the air, and Ami felt a searing heat from the clash, as if she and her foe were fighting not just with physical weapons, but with the very elements themselves. Ami could sense her opponent's rage and desperation mounting, fueling his attacks. In response, she dug deeper within herself, tapping into the boundless resilience and strength of her divine heritage. With a roar that echoed across the battlefield, she surged forward, embracing the unstoppable force of the Unconquered Sun. Her Celestial essence shone as brightly as the sun itself, all-consuming and unyielding. -
Chapter 2a: Distant Melody
Krul replied to Shameless's topic in Exalted: Legends of the North's Topics
As Graceful Spirit returns to her dwelling within the city, she considered the things she had learned so far, and her next steps. First, she decided it was time to approach her friend and mentor, and there was a certain way to do just that, every Sidereal was a priest or priestess of the Maiden to whom her exaltation was derived from, all but a hgh preistess, and by extension, every deity within that division n of the Bureau, so she was, in effect, a priestess of Melodious Rapture as well as Venus. Of course, every dieity had their preferent method of how their priestess's should call on them, and Melodious Rapture had told her that she expected all prayers to her to involve music. And so Graceful Spirit began to play her flute, no words at first,, a simple tune that was also a prayer to listen, then she began her prayer "Daimyo of Musical Creation, Keeper of the Celestial Harmony, as friend and priestess I beseech you Here this musical that was composed as an offering in your service, that we might speak into these hours Matters that mix of city, of heart and of travels beyond the realm of Home" She then waited, confident that if she wasn't available, Melodious Rapture would send a message for them to meet and discuss things later. -
Chapter 2a: Distant Melody
Shameless replied to Shameless's topic in Exalted: Legends of the North's Topics
"They have already heard of the presence of the Solar here. Sadly I was unable to quash that news from getting out, and they have sent for reinforcements, part of why my retainers might prove useful to you as well. I send them to you in the morning. Sarisa will see you home." She indicated one of the maids, who led her out to the carriage, which would bring her home. As she sat there alone, Eternal allowed herself a true smile. "Plans within plans, wheels within wheels. Secrets uncovered, lies exposed. Time marches ever forward, and all things bow before his Majesty." It was part prayer, part invocation, and all the servants within the room bowed their heads and spoke as one. "Glory to the Most High." -
Chapter 2a: Distant Melody
Krul replied to Shameless's topic in Exalted: Legends of the North's Topics
"I noticed the dragon blooded making themselves quite obvious, though I am surprised they have lingered so long, they must be either desperate or exceptionally determined. I suppose, we might have to discourage them enough to get them to go home." She stood up. "Here's my present location, if you need to get in touch with me, I suppose I should be going and make contact with my own allies, unless you needed something else?" -
Chapter 2a: Distant Melody
Shameless replied to Shameless's topic in Exalted: Legends of the North's Topics
Eternal nodded. "There are some places, I can send you with a few of my retainers. They will act as guardians for you, though you may not need them, and if anything assist you in more mundane manners. The Sisterhood is good, but they are spread quite thin, If you are my ally, you'll find I do my best to take care of those." She smiled and ate several bites. "Keep in mind there are others with plans within the city, those who have as much power, but have yet to show it. They will begin to act soon, I think. Your activities won't go unnoticed, but I do think given their benign nature, you won't be bothered much." -
Chapter 2a: Distant Melody
Krul replied to Shameless's topic in Exalted: Legends of the North's Topics
"Well, I am wiling to offer my help in any way necessary beyond what we have spoken of, if you are not already aware of it, I am studied in charms regarding healing and if the group you were speaking of are hurt in some way and you can get me too them soon enough, I can offer healing, though if there is somewhere closer that needs disease and poisons purged, I am always willing to help in such matters as well.": It seemed to her that their discussion was growing to a close, both of them had other things to see too in order to carry out their goals.