Chapter 2-8: An Explosive Entrance And Exit [For A Better Age]

Calypso


As the man's words leave his lips, Calypso's stare hardens.


"Liar."


The word cracks the air like lightning. Calypso's anima flares, catching within it the faintly visible shapes of things Creation has forgotten, as the ordered spheres dancing behind the Green Sun Princess seem to become horrendously sinister for that one, brief moment.


"Remove your hands from your weapons. I've enough blood on my soul already." She reminds the men whose hands are on their swords, words tinged with ice. Her eyes return to the one who was dishonest with her, hefting him from the ground and bringing him closer to her.


"I want to help you, but I can only do so if you're honest with me." She reminds him, a glimmer of warmth returning to her voice, as the unfortunate finds himself next to her, dangling over the edge of the ship.


(Telekinetic clinch against what is likely DV 0.


10,10,10,9,10,9,10,4,6,9,6,6,4,9,+0 - 13 successes.


Fuck, is he ever clinched...)
 
Calypso and Narrante


The man gasps in pain when Calypso grabs him in a crushing grip with her invisible hands. “P-please, ugh, I’m telling the truth,†says the main desperately while in pain. The others back off from Calypso, most letting go of their weapons, and giving prayer of protection to their gods, and other forces.


When he is dangled over the edge of the ship, he looks down, and tries to squirm out of her grip. “O-o-ok, there was something wrong with Ofran. Had been since a few days ago. We just thought he had taken too many blows to the head, or had taken his loss too hard. Then when he wasn’t included in the raid, he-he snapped. Started talking to himself. Like to someone that wasn’t there. Then he came up with this plan to leave Icehold. He threaten to kill any of us who didn’t go along with it. Did in a couple of his followers he suspected of betraying him. Didn’t make sense to the rest of us. It was just too grand. We could just have attacked this ship’s crew, and taken the ship, and likely gotten away before anyone had a chance to stop us. But then he wanted to start all these fire, and capture people he didn’t like to do things to them. We just thought he went mad, and was just burning every bridge he could find before leaving Icehold. But even then the plan was too complex for a lout like Ofran.â€


Seeing that Calypso isn’t yet satisfied, the Valhal continues. “Ofran just seemed to get more sick every hour. Talking to himself more, shouting at random moments, lashing out. Lellia over there was nearly killed by him during one of his later outbursts. We were too scared to try and do anything.†The man lets out a shiver as he continues. “Then during one of his outbursts, something…happens. There was a green flash. This…green jade stuff…suddenly started to engulf Ofran. Next thing we know, he was encased by something that looked like a big lion made of green jade. We were horrified by what we saw. We summoned our courage and just dumped Ofran, and whatever was covering him over the side of the ship into the sea. We didn’t want anything to do with whatever curse had been inflicted on Ofran. It was all just too much. We hope to be done with it all, and just get away.â€


-------------


Narrante easily slips below deck. Most the deck crew is occupied by Calypso and her displays of power. Inside the ship she finds a significantly more empty hold then the one she had seen when she first came to Icehold. Narrante is intimately familiar with the ships layout, and know exactly how to get around while mineralizing the chances of her being noticed.


Looking around the ship Narrante is unable to find anyone that meets the description of Ofran or who seems to be in charge of the Valhal. Either he is better at finding hiding spots then Narrante is able to on a ship she has ridden weeks on, he isn’t here, or there is something else afoot.


Stalking below deck she comes to one of the holds of the ship. There she finds a pair of Valhal warriors standing apart from a group of five people tied to a beam, mouths gagged. Most of them look beaten up, and show a variety of emotions from fear to anger. The two Valhal’s whisper to each other in order not to be heard by their prisoners.


OOC
Stuff for everyone else going up as I complete it. [OOC]
 
Anoke, Chain, & Jorik


The man gasps in pain as Anoke starts to prod him with the knife. “Argh! We were told so! By the great teodozjia. The Lions Who Walk The World. They told us that our day had come, and that the day to cast down the vile Duke had come, and that the Green Sun Princess Calypso would rise to rule over Icehold. That she would be our great and terrible leader as ordained by the Yozis. We were told that we were to worship her, do as she says, and promote her rule. That we were to show Calypso Adorjan’s love with this killing of the Duke, and those who supported him. We were told Calypso would know what to do when the time came. That she knows her part in the grand events to come.â€


From down the hall Chain sees a young woman in artifact armor walk past him and Graven to approach Anoke and Jorik. Chain instantly recognizes the woman from the picture he had been given. That of Vanessa Cornia. “I got the Duke and Bright Star to their healer. He seemed well enough, and was already working on helping some people when we found him. Walks is now working on organizing the efforts to put out the fires, and figure out exactly what happened. I assure you, he is under proper guard, and it seems that the fighting if over for now. Though I plan on finding him again once I am done updating you two here to make sure nothing else happens.â€
 
Calypso


Listening to the man's story, Calypso's face widens in horror at the description of Ofran being "consumed" by a jade lion. She knows what the man is talking of, no longer staring at him but briefly off into the void beyond. As she carefully sets him down, her face bleaches a little...


"I believe you." She tells him, releasing her grip. Taking a deep breath, she glances among the fearful faces, seeing the sad eyes, terrified of the wrath she must no doubt represent to them.


"I'm sorry for your losses and abuse," she tells the assembled crew, "but that does not give you the right to kill whomever you want. You're all responsible for the deaths of Iceholders and Valhal, people whom you should've treated like friends."


"One way or another, this boat will turn around and each of you will face your accusers." She informs them, voice briefly firm before returning to more caring tones. "I will speak in your defense, and in the defense of any others taken alive, but I can only speak for your actions. Turn this ship around and help me find Ofran. If you do not, many more people will die by his hand. You cannot undo your mistakes, but please, do what is right." Calypso implores them, hoping to see a glimmer of remorse within them for their deeds and a willingness to put the lives of others before their fear of being punished.
 
If Chain could sweat, he would be sweating bullets right now. For a moment he had forgotten why he had come to be here, for a moment he had respite from his moral quandary, having lost himself in his work. No longer. His dilemma was now staring him in the face. Well, not literally, because she had walked past him without any signs of noticing him. This gave Chain something to think about, but not act upon, that would be for later. For now, he stood stoically attentive, his inability to sweat hiding all signs of anything being the matter.
 
Narrante


Strange. Narrante had expected to find some deranged figure holed up in the captain's quarters, or barking orders to people below deck. Yet as she moved through the cramped corridors, she found only a few Valhals with the same demeanor as those above. At least, until she came to one of the holds. She had been inclined to avoid killing those that could be tried, but at the sight of the bound hostages, her attitude shifted. Without a word of warning, she stalked to the two arguing Valhals with sword raised.


Gonna try a flurry attack, one for each of them...Hope I'm getting this right.


Attack 1: 1 9 1 8 5 6 10 5 2 4 3 10 2 3 = 6 successes


Attack 2: 8 2 10 6 2 4 7 10 6 7 6 8 2 = 8 successes


Damage 1: 7+5-3...


3 10 2 7 3 10 7 9 6 = 5 successes


Damage 2: 7+7-3...


9 4 10 5 10 2 3 10 6 4 3 = 4 successes
 
Calypso


“You want us to actually go back and try to find Ofran,†asks one of the Valhals in shock.


“Only to then turn us into the mobs who will kill us? Why not just die here and now?â€


“Sounds like suicide either way.â€


The group of Valhal warriors look confused and indecisive as they look at each other and Calypso.


OOC
Could I get a Presence + (Charisma or Manipulation) roll, or some other applicable check? [OOC] [B]Narrante[/B] A pair of sword strokes in the hold of the ship bring an end to the lives of the two Valhal guards. Neither knowing that their lives were in danger before their lives were snuffed out. Both fall to the ground with loud thuds, and the hostages turn to Narrante and the dead guards. They try to speak through their gags towards Narrante. [B]Chain[/B] “Is something the matter there?†Asks Graven as Chain looks on. “Perhaps we are better off leaving? They can get a bit mean at times. I almost pity the bastard there. But you know…all the murder and senseless destruction.â
 
The Returning Raiders


Bjarn’s fleet of raiders begin to sail back towards the city of Icehold. Though it is easy to tell that all is not well. Fires can be seen burning in different parts of the city, and cries of pain, desperation, and help come from the city. Out at sea can be seen a lone ship with a green fire burning on its deck.


“This doesn’t look good,†says Volund as he throws his armor back on with a grunt of pain.


As the ships of the fleet start to dock, some Icehold Militia run up to Bjarn’s ship. “Hearthwarden! Someone, we aren’t real sure who, has attacked the city. They set off explosions and fires at the Duke’s palace, the dock district, along the wall, and a few other places. We are still trying to figure out exactly what happened or who did this. It’s madness sir. Right now we are just trying to concentrate on helping people and putting out the fires considering the fighting seems to have died own.â€
 
The words of his acquaintance ring in Chain's ears as Chain begins to see a possible solution to his trial. He had been seeing his contract, his personal mission, and the Exalted as separate concepts to tackle in his mind, but as they orbit around themselves, they begin to arrange themselves sympathetically. Then, inspiration. But the pitfalls are glaring and hazardous. This will not be quick, and this will not be easy, but everything might be saved if he can pull this off. He regains his constitution quickly before turning to Graven and speaking to him quietly so as not to cause a scene,


"Friend, am I in presence of the Exalted at current moment? Are you compatriot of the Shining Ones? I am having many rumors that I need segregated."
 
Chain


Graven turns to Chain and frowns slightly. “Yes, yes they are. They have more or less taken over along with the other Exalted who showed up a few days ago. The one holding the guy there is Anoke. Guy likes to ride some artifact horse-cart thing. He can be a bit unpleasant. The other is Jorik. He has been helping run the bureaucracy around here lately. The woman in the armor there is Vanessa. She is, or at least was, a Guild mercenary. Though she seems to have been joined to Anoke’s hip as of recently for some reason.â€


He looks away embarrassed from Chain for a moment. “I mainly know Asyk, the Dragon King who works with the Exalted, though he is away right now on the raid, and I have also met Bjarn. Oh, I’ve also met Vanessa on a couple of occasions. I would say compatriot is a bit of a strong word. I’m just a common town guard when there isn’t a war going on. They work on a level a little higher then I’m normally at.€
 
Chain mirrors Graven's frown,


"Your language is strange. Are they conquerors? I did not discover that sentiment from the 'speak of the easies' and taverns."


Chain obviously just butchered an unfamiliar phrase. He looks over at the enhanced interrogation techniques being used,


"I had been hearing of hero glory and community betterment. Were these tales of intoxicants?"
 
Chain


“Ummmm,†mulls Graven as he seems to think over what exactly Chain said. “It’s…hard to explain. The Valhal were locked out of the city by the old Duke. Then the Varajtul attacked, and these Exalted simultaneously beat back the Varajtul, opened the gates, and let the Valhal in. Then they got the people riled up, got the old Duke deposed, got his son placed on the throne, and had themselves assigned the protectors of Icehold. All in one day. Given all the cannibals outside…it kind of made sense to get the biggest allies we could get.†Graven scratches his head in embarrassment. “I mean Bjarn and Asyk have done a great job whipping the militia into a fighting force. I think we could beat anyone with those two. I’m just sad I didn’t get to go on the raid. But Asyk seemed to think it would be best for me to stay in Icehold for some reason. I can recall something I saw each of them, or something I’ve heard each of them do that was imressive.â€
 
Graven's words ease Chain's mind a little, he has some lingering doubt, but it is enough. With confidence now, although still not trying to disturb the ongoing scene, he speaks,


"Then I have the preference to stay through grim proceedings as to create acquaintanceship. Could you be facilitator?"
 
Chain


“I-I suppose so,†says Graven in a worried manner. “Though we might want to wait for them to finish their business there. I doubt they want to be bothered by little old us.â€
 
Calypso


There is a sad nod of agreement from Calypso. "It isn't a pleasant choice. I'm sorry for it, but it was your actions that led you to this." She reminds them, glancing at the assembled faces.


"All I can offer you is another choice. What do you want what might be your final night to mean?"

(Spending 4 motes on Presence Excellency, just so this isn't a botch. Personal.


10,2,6,1,10,10,9,1 - 7+2 = 9 successes.


Well, those motes were unnecessary... 8/20 Personal left)
 
Bjarn


At Volund's comment, Bjarn sighs, and replies, "Aye. One excitement after another today, isn't it?"


To the militiamen, he says, "Damn. There I was thinking this was going to be a good night to celebrate." He shakes his head, and continues, "Explosions at the wall- is it breached? If it is, I'm going there now, we need to make sure no-one takes advantage of the confusion to get in. If not, I'll head to wherever's noisiest." He raises his voice and yells to his raiders, "Sorry, boys and girls, but there's no time to relax just yet. Let's get off these boats and organised to fix up this mess."
 
Asyk


Looking over at Bjarn. "If the walls are breached, I still have several elementals working on the various temples and increasing our defense lines. We can have the damaged patched in short order, depending on how large the openings are. I'll make a quick fly-around and see where the worst of the damage is and get word to you." Turning to face his force of archers. "Everyone get to the walls! We'll have time to celebrate our earlier victory over the Varatjul soon enough. Lets just first make sure that our homes are going to be safe tonight! Squad leaders, you know your posts. I'll be along shortly to check on your positions or a relay will come with orders to redeploy."
 
Bjarn


Bjarn commands his own warriors, "Stay sharp, and follow me to the palace- we'll be central enough there to get wherever we're needed quickly."
 
Calypso


After hearing Calypso’s words the group of Valhal warriors look at each other sadly. Most pull out and drop their weapons on the deck, resigned to their fate.


Asyk, Bjarn, and Keikan


The various soldiers follow orders quickly. Faces grim at what they see.


Flying over the walls Asyk does notice that some damage has been done to the walls by the explosions and fire. The integrity of the walls has been compromised in a number of areas, and fires continue to burn buildings near the wall.


At the palace Bjarn sees that a large section of the palace’s walls and the building itself have been blown away. Wounded can be seen being carried away, the bodies of the dead stacked nearby. Various fires can be seen, and people are working diligently to put them out. Bjarn can even see Duke Walks leading efforts to put out the fires.
 
Calypso


Nodding in understanding, Calypso smiles at them. "Thank you. I promise, I will do what I can for you."


With that, she gestures about, telling them to turn the ship around and get moving back to where they left Ofran as she collects their weapons and puts them in a pile.
 
Narrante


Narrante surprised even herself, dispatching both of the warriors in such a hasty way. In her older days, she would've avoided direct confrontation with men so much larger than her, relying on a poisoned knife or some sort of trap; now, she had the strength to fight off warriors many years her elder. She had yet to take even a scratch.


Now there was the matter of the hostages, though. Taking a moment to check back the way she came, assured no other wandering Valhals were coming, she retreated to the beam and carefully cut the ropes holding the bunch together.
 
Bjarn


Taking the opportunity presented to him, Bjarn heads over to the Duke and says simply, "We're back. Where's help needed most?"
 
Keikan


Keikan simply remains silent as Bjarn does the talking to the Duke. He didn't know the Duke personally, but the fact that Keikan is wearing one of the armory's Ashigaru suits undoubtedly marks him as someone Bjarn regards as important enough to wear one.
 
Calypso


Reluctantly the crew does as Calypso says and starts to turn around to look for Ofran. After looking for awhile no sign of Ofran is seen. “It’s hopeless,†says one of the Valhal. Perhaps not too unhappy they found nothing. “It’s dark out here, and we keep turning up other stuff we threw overboard. It’s likely the current has already gotten him, and carried him off.â€


Narrante


Seeing no other Valhal’s, Narrante is easily able to cut the ropes binding the hostages. The ground prompts Narrante to cut their other bonds, and remove the gags covering their mouths. A young man steps forward. He looks like he has taken a major beating, his face significantly swollen with one of his eyes swollen shut, a split lip, and blood caking his face. “Thank you,†he says shakily as some of the others help him up. “My name is Irkuk Woodcut. Ofran and his bullies captured us during…I don’t know what to call this madness. Are there others working with you, or are you here along. What about the rest of the crew. I haven’t heard any fighting.â€


Narrante can feel and hear the ship start to turn around.


Bjarn & Keikan


The Duke’s face brightens slightly when he sees Bjarn and his help. “We have the fires here nearly undercontrol, and from what I have heard, the docks is nearly the same. Right now the fires along the walls are the worst right now considering whoever started this seems to have gotten their hands on the most flammables there. I’m also concerned the Varajtul might take this opportunity to attack. So I would say heading over to the wall would be our best bet right now. Might be good if you can boost morale up there. No doubt this has all been most upsetting to the rankand file. As it has been to us all.â€
 
Calypso


"The current won't have carried him off. He's too heavy." Calypso replies, then looks down into the water, it tinged green by the flames that surround her. Immediately, she finds herself stepping away from the edge of the ship.


"Set course for Icehold. Others will search tomorrow." She says simply, looking disappointed at the missing barbarian but not overly concerned. She still has four days to find him...


In the meantime, she has to consider what to do with the rest of these Valhal...
 
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