Lunar Fury - Exalted 3e IC

[jaydude]

"Thank you for receiving us, Raksi." said Selket while bowing to her, doing her best impression of a friendly greeting among "civilized" people.

A bit ostentatious, but no worse than the palace of the merchant prince who arranged my tribe's destruction, thought Selket as she looked around Raksi's residence, before her eyes turned to the elder Lunar. She's certainly not a bad looker.

She would follow Raksi and take a seat opposite her upon the elder Lunar's invitation, before answering her questions. "Master Rammoth is in good health. As for Erembour and the sphere, we had a recent encounter with a Realm airship which was under attack from a group of Fair Folk, and had crash-landed in our territory. We killed the Fair Folk, and the surviving Realm forces agreed to surrender to us."

"We discovered Erembor's sphere during the battle. The Realm forces told us that their people had an artifact able to bind demons stolen from them, and came to fear that the Fair Folk were planning to invade Creation in a second Crusade, this time with the aid of demons. They battled the Fae, and stole Erembour and the sphere he was sealed in, to prevent the demon from being released. We took the sphere into our possession after rescuing the Realm forces, but our master seeks your aid in dealing with it. After all, the release of a Third Circle Demon won't mean well for any of us.".

 

[Rykon]

Toun gave a polite nod of respect as he entered the large chamber, taking in the atmosphere of the strange place. Much of his time spent away from the Ice Walkers of the north was in the wilderness after all. Though, the surroundings seemed to grow dim in the wake of Raksi. This wasn't quite what he'd expected for someone so purportedly dangerous. Were it not for the presence of his pack mates he might be tempted to relax a bit. This tribal, if brutal, atmosphere was like a favorite old coat.

Before any of them could do proper introductions they were brought into a smaller, more decorative chamber and he took a seat once Raksi had been seated. She seems to care a lot about appearances. Pleasant distraction perhaps? This is going to be a bit uncomfortable, but I might as well make the effort.

"Other than the events we experienced first hand, I think Hazel here should elaborate on the details she saw in her divinations. Like the second orb of bright green light, among other things." Now that he had laid out his bait, he sought to assess his prey. How mad is she really? What form does it take? What can we stand to learn from this one? All of these questions he sought answers to whether he found them in her posture, her dress, the questions she asks, or even what questions she might avoid. If Toun sought a dominion of his own, one that would prosper, this seemed as good a chance as any to see how others managed themselves and their people.

 

[Aranfan]

Two Mornings keeps her peace. She isn't the expert here, and the quest she's most interested in is off topic. She just stands there and looks pretty.

 

[Sherwood]

Raksi listens carefully to your various accounts of the battle and how the sphere containing Erembour came into your possession. She idly chews on one of her fingernails, then nods to herself. "I believe I know what has happened. Back in the early days of the First Age, the Lunar High Priestess was a woman named Renna Tam. According to legend, she was a force to be reckoned with, and took to the task of trying to rebuild the shattered and broken ruins of Creation after the Primordial War. Her Solar Bondmate, an artificer named Kal Bax, saw how hard his love was working at rebuilding, and wanted to make her an epic gift to make her job easier."

"He turned to Autochthon, the Great Maker, and petitioned for His help. Together, they made a pair of Artifacts to grant the user the ability to summon demons of the Third Circle and bind them to a task. One of these Artifacts was a staff, the other a shawl. Renna Tam kept the Shawl for herself, and then proceeded to gift the Staff to the Lunar High Counsel Seat on the Deliberative to use as he saw fit."

"After many years, once Renna Tam finally passed away and she was buried, the Shawl was placed in her tomb with her. But the Staff was continued to be used by various Lunars, up until the day of the Usurpation, when it was lost, taken to the vaults of the Blessed Isle. It was known to only a few of us that during the fighting, the Staff was damaged slightly, which is the only reason why some daring Lunar thief hadn't tried to sneak into the vaults and take back what is rightfully ours."

"Apparently, the Staff wasn't as damaged as we thought, and it was able to call forth at least one, if not two of the Demons of the Third Circle before being destroyed. But in order for us to be able to banish these demons, we need either a Solar with Adamant level magic, or we have to recover the Shawl of the Lunar Priestess from its resting place after all these years. Luckily for you, there are a few Elders that know where her tomb is located." Raksi gives a smile, hinting that she is one of the Elders that she's talking about.

Pointing a strangely bent hand at the Circle, she says, "When word came around of the group of you receiving your Exaltations within days of one another, I was curious as to why now, after all these years, your Shards would suddenly return to Creation. After doing some research, I believe the answer is before us. In your prior Exaltations, you all were powerful Champions that stood proudly against the Fae as the endless hordes swept out of the Wyld and into Creation. One by one, you all met your end standing against a nearly endless army, trying to your last breath to protect Creation. And now, we stand poised on the edge of another Fae invasion. Is it simply coincidence that you have all Exalted at this time? I believe that our fickle Goddess somehow had foreseen this happening, and saved you for this time."

"It would seem that it is fate that has drawn you all together, and now, after all these years, it is time for you to go north to the site of the Tomb of the Lunar Priestess to recover the Shawl. Only with it will you be able to stand before Erembor and any other Demon of the Third Circle and hope to survive. I will provide you with directions on how to find her resting place, and there is a Key hidden away somewhere in my lockboxes that will deactivate the worst of the tombs traps, making it safer for you to go inside."

"I suspect that it will take me a few days of searching to find the Key, but believe me, you do not want to risk going into the tomb without it. In the meantime, relax and enjoy my hospitality. There are many empty rooms; claim one as yours to rest in. There are many pleasures that you are free to indulge in, and as my guests, you will be treated as royalty."

 

[jaydude]

Selket gave the elder Lunar a smile. "Thank you ever so much for your support." she said.

No point in antagonizing her at the moment, she thought to herself.

She would stick around to see if her circlemates had anything to say to Raksi.

 

[Rykon]

Toun scowled at the mention of their purpose, rubbing at his eyes in frustration and fatigue. "Given how much she apparently knows about this whole mess, I hope our divine mother gave us enough training time to survive this go around. If there's anything we can all agree on, it's that there will always be more Fae to kill." Toun let out a long sigh, still weary from the week of travel. He put on a tired, but gracious smile to thank their hostess with a respectful nod. "That aside, I appreciate your counsel and hospitality honored master Raksi. If I can repay your kindness or be of any practical use, you need only ask."

 

[Aranfan]

"Is Rocky around?" Two Mornings asks hopefully.

 

[D. Rex]

Before having left, Hazel made a point to take and store the hearthstone. Especially given that it wouldnt hinder the town. To leave something like this behind in the dangerous journey they had ahead would be folly.



Upon reaching their destination, Hazel looked quite nervous. She had heard no shortage of promising young sorcerers and witches being kidnapped and forced into some horrifying training montage under the infamous eye and temperament of Raksi. So, while she could, Hazel tried to just stay behind Toun and the others. At least that was until she was explicitly pointed out and her blood drained from her face. Which thankfully couldn't be seen. Because fur. It still felt like Toun had just dangled a kitten in front of a monstrous maw.

However, quite thankfully, Raksi seemed very... not mad. This gave Hazel enough determination to step forward. "Mistress Raksi, I do believe there is a second demon. One which very well be the Green Sun of Malfeas, which sounds like it is already in Fae hands. Furthermore, I have witnessed in my divination that a rise of trouble is coming. The invasion of the Fae is for certain, but this time I think that Malfeas will do same. The way it spread in my visions, it wasnt isolated as it might be if there were only the Third Circle demons to worry about. This is supported by that on our way here, we happened across a nephrack that was attempting to, and nearly succeeding, in creating a portal to hell, if we hadnt investigated. We may, I fear, be seeing a war between three powers. But I can not see who sides with who."

The information on their shards was very enlightening. When hearing it she expected to be able to remember something from her past life... but she didnt. It was an odd feeling. To know you did something but cant remember it. Hazel would be interested in pursuing the answers later. Knowledge if their past successes(or failures) may help their present selves.

"This shawl you speak of, invaluable it is, but would It require us to summon That which calls to the Shadow before we can bind her? Would it not be safer to ensure that she cant be summoned at all?" She asked. "As well, if these two demons were called forth in these bound forms... then should we expect the Fae to be wielding the staff? If so, they may try to bring more. And what would it take for them to unbind the calamity they already wield?"


At the end of her questions, Hazel paused. As nervous as she was here, she was in the presence of a most admirably powerful Sorceress. As scary as the stories might. And it would be stupid of her if she did not try and learn what she could. "My gratitude for all that you have offered us. Please forgive that I am about to ask of more. Master One-Tusk has taught me much, but his knowledge and ability of magic pales in comparison to yours. I have learned what I could, but I know limitations will present themselves as we go forward. Days, I know, is not long for much. But, Mistress Raksi, is there a chance I may try to study and learn what i can while i am here about sorcery, so that i may be better prepared for what it is we must do. I am willing to forgoe all rest to focus only on such pursuits of anything you might offer."

 

[Sherwood]

"Is Rocky around?" Two Mornings asks hopefully.

Looking at Two Mornings, the old Lunar says, "Yes, he is. One of my prize pupils. I believe he is currently in the library, doing some research. I will have one of my minions show you the way. You know him, I take it?" She does not wait for an answer before nodding to herself. "He does seem to want to talk about some lady love that he knows over and over again, so if it is you, I hope you do not distract him too long. He does have important work to do." She gives you a quick smile, as if to say that she suspects that you will be distracting him quite a bit, but that is ok.

Turning to Hazel, she says, "As I said, the Staff was damaged long ago, so it may no longer be able to summon any more of the servants of Malfias. Even so, you will need to get the Shawl in order to be able to banish Erembour, and the other demon that is most likely Leiger. It will take you some time to secure the Shawl, then get back to where Erembour is being guarded. At that point, you can then either try to banish or bind her to your own service, and use her against the Fae by throwing her in their own faces. Cruel irony there, but quite funny if you were to ask me."

 

[Aranfan]

Looking at Two Mornings, the old Lunar says, "Yes, he is. One of my prize pupils. I believe he is currently in the library, doing some research. I will have one of my minions show you the way. You know him, I take it?" She does not wait for an answer before nodding to herself. "He does seem to want to talk about some lady love that he knows over and over again, so if it is you, I hope you do not distract him too long. He does have important work to do." She gives you a quick smile, as if to say that she suspects that you will be distracting him quite a bit, but that is ok.

Two Mornings just blushes in response, and will follow the minion once provided.

 

[Psychie]

Gwen secretly agrees with Raksi that the idea of using Erembour against the Fae would be damn funny, but far be it from her to make any comment on it. Who knows what may set off their host? Instead, she offers up a deep curtsy and says, "We give our deepest thanks for this information, Lady Raksi, and for the kind offer of being able to make use of your hospitality while the Key is located."

 

[Sherwood]

Raksi gives a whimsical toss of her hair as she listens to the thanks being piled on her, then once more sets her sights on Hazel. "You had best be careful with what you ask of me, girl, else you might just get it. Are you sure you wish to kneel down at my feet to learn more of the ways of sorcery? Knowing that I can be a very cruel teacher? Even more so than your One Tusk?"

She leans forward and stares you in the eye. "Are you sure you are ready for such a challenge, little girl? Think about your answer before you answer."
D. Rex

 

[Aranfan]

Two Mornings makes a cutting motion across her neck from behind Raksi's back.

 

[Psychie]

Gwen feel a sudden chill go up her spine as Raksi's demeanor makes its sudden change, focusing on Hazel so much. Her first instinct is to snatch up Hazel and run like hell out of there and get the other girl as far away from the crazy as possible. But if she were to do so, it would also show that she doesn't trust in Hazel's ability to take care of herself, and learning sorcery has been a driving goal of the cat-girl for so long. Keep it together, Hazel, and don't lose your head over this.

 

[D. Rex]

Hazel listened and nodded,"Yes ma'am." She responded simply. If this was the case. Then perhaps... hmmm, no, "But if they were able to acquire the demons in the first place, then surely they had a plan in mind to bring them to being. But if it would take the shawl or a Solar sorcerer to summon them, then surely they had a way in mind to do just that if they went through the trouble of getting them in the first place." Hazel pointed out, "If the shawl is in your care... mightent that mean that either they have a Solar being under their thumb, or a have found some way to repair the staff?" She mused. Yes, the green sun was not summoned yet (hopefully), but she could not get past the feeling that they could. Meaning obtaining the shawl was all the more important. Unless it was they already found a way to get that...


Then Raksi addressed, and Hazel had to keep from shrinking into her cloak as the Sorceress spoke.

She have her answer first. "Yes." She said. Somehow managing to squeak it out while sounding determined.

"I need no long thought, Mistress Raksi. For it is a path I have decided to take long ago. Be it with you, another, or by my own making." Hazel doing her best to meet the state. And doing what she could to Mask any vocal trembles. Two mornings wasnt helping.

"Your methodology of teaching is irrelevant so long as I achieve my goal." She said,"The hardship and cruelty to be endured is a small price to pay for the value of what I intend to take from such knowledge."

"Luna put her trust in me to take this path, and I will do everything in my power to be worthy of that and more."

She paused, "I want to be like you... but a better you." She admitted. Was Raksi her hero? No. She had not had heroes since the dragon blooded icons of her youth turned on her. Raksi was an example of the epitome of a Sorceress Supreme to strive to be.... and one day surpass. And if Hazel cowed at the chance to grow better, then she was unfit for such a task.

Sherwood

 

[Aranfan]

Two Mornings eyes widen, but she nods at Hazel's declaration of intent.

 

[Rykon]

Toun flashed a fanged grin and gave Hazel a hard pat on the back, "There ya go, Hazel. I'm sure Raksi will respect your resolve for your studies." The young ice walker, though ignorant in the ways of sorcery, was fairly confident he could turn Raksi, or at least enough of Raksi's subordinates to be a major inconvenience, into a pulverized stew. The trick was always to discard or conceal one's fear in the face of a great threat. Either way, the elder's words were likely not as much a threat as it was a warning of what was needed to truly progress. "Is that not so honored elder?"

 

[Sherwood]

After a long moment of staring at Hazel with an unreadable expression, Raksi suddenly leans back and smiles, looking strangely satisfied. "You have more spine than I had originally taken you for, little girl, and I like that. Luna has chosen well indeed. Very well. You may come with me, and I shall see how far your education into the sorcerous arts goes, and I will then see what I can teach you in the short amount of time you have while I have another student search for the Key. As for the rest of you, feel free to roam about and partake in the pleasures of my domain as you wish."

Raksi then rises and motions for Hazel to follow her.


Aranfan
When Two Mornings leaves the private audience with Raksi, there are several guards standing nearby, almost all of them various species of ape beastmen, and when you exit and look around, one pair of orangutans come walking over to you and offer up a bow. "Lady Chosen, is there something we can aid you with?"


D. Rex
Following along with Raksi, she leads you further into the quiet hallways of her private sanctum. Placing her hand upon a part of blank wall, it slides open to reveal a hidden stairway leading up. Rising up the tower until Hazel is certain that you have gone higher than the tower is tall, you come to a large circular room one hundred feet across with the floor covered in intricate runes and wards. You can see that the warded circle has the effect of Celestial Circle Counter Magic, keeping the magical effects cast inside the circle from crossing out of the warded area. Books line the walls numbering in the thousands, along with various artifacts that are apparently a part of Raksi's collection.

Raksi looks at Hazel and motions towards the circle. "This is my training room. Any spell that you can cast inside the circle cannot do any damage outside the area. Any casting you do will only be done inside this circle or we are done. Am I clear? Now. Step into the center of the ring and show me something that you can do."

 

[jaydude]

With Raksi gone, Selket leaned back in her seat and crossed her legs, while looking at the other Lunars in the room. "When Hazel gets back, we should have her send a message to our master about this Shawl of the Lunar Priestess." she said to them. "After that though, should we return to the Valley now that we've gotten the information we need? Or travel north and try to find the Shawl ourselves? I imagine that'll take us a few days more."

 

[Aranfan]

@Aranfan
When Two Mornings leaves the private audience with Raksi, there are several guards standing nearby, almost all of them various species of ape beastmen, and when you exit and look around, one pair of orangutans come walking over to you and offer up a bow. "Lady Chosen, is there something we can aid you with?"

"First, don't bow to me. Second, where's Tenfold Rocky Paths?"

 

[Sherwood]

One of the apemen nods. "As you wish, Chosen. I believe that Tenfold Rocky Paths is in the main library. We would be pleased to guide you there. If you would come with us?" With that, they turn on their heels and lead you off on the way out of the tower and into the street below. It is a short distance away, and as you go, people on the street clear the way for you and the apemen guiding you, knowing somehow that you are of import and are acting accordingly.

Finally, they stop at a large building and say, "Chosen, this is the Library. Tenfold Rocky Paths should still be inside. Do you need us for anything else? We are here to serve."

 

[Aranfan]

One of the apemen nods. "As you wish, Chosen. I believe that Tenfold Rocky Paths is in the main library. We would be pleased to guide you there. If you would come with us?" With that, they turn on their heels and lead you off on the way out of the tower and into the street below. It is a short distance away, and as you go, people on the street clear the way for you and the apemen guiding you, knowing somehow that you are of import and are acting accordingly.

Finally, they stop at a large building and say, "Chosen, this is the Library. Tenfold Rocky Paths should still be inside. Do you need us for anything else? We are here to serve."

"Thanks. And I should be good for now."

She enters the library.

 

[D. Rex]

With a nod, Hazel followed after Raksi. Growing a little nervous as she realised she was being lead to the precious inner sanctum. While she did know how Raksi operated, or if she had dozens of such places, but Hazel knew it was in such secretive and hidden places that true work of a devoted sorcerer was done. A place of research, containing trademark knowledge of the magician. Their theories and secrets and breakthroughs. Such a personal and important place to a sorcerer that inviting someone into such a place was an incredibly rare thing even among their trusted circle. Or... as much more likely in this case, this was only one of many and Hazel was an insignificant speck that could be crash forty eight ways to sunday in the blink of an eye. Or that when she left, a mountain of curses to ensure silence upon pain AND death would be laid upon her to keep from revealing even the color of Raksi's carpet.

The high up they climbed, the more her imagination got carried away with the danger. Not enough to turn around, thankfully. The height of the tower wasnt all that strange, a powerful Sorceress like Rajsi uncertainly knew all sorts of special distortion spells. Which meant she probably knew how to navigate it quickly. Which meant she didnt want to show the shortcuts. Clever Raksi.

When they arrived in the room, Hazel was moderately relieved it was just a spell experimentation sanctum. Likely used with the express purpose of practicing and twisting spells to do new things. A very dangerous game, hence the wards. A library of notes and research to call upon for reference. Likely nothing irreplaceable in case the warding somehow failed. Like if you were to accidentally summon an extra dimensional god. But what she wouldnt give to read every book here..

Hazel snapped back into reality once Raksi spoke. "Yes ma'am." She replied. "I shan't summon nary a mote unless I'm within that ward." Did it apply to things like the winged messenger spell? Hazel didnt know and wouldnt risk it.


Hazel entered the circle. Alright. Show Raksi something she could do. "Well... I suppose one of my specialties is divination of the tea... but i dont think that is what you were wanting to see..."


"Okay. Let us try this." Well that left one other option of what she could do best.

From her pocket, she pulled out the entire length of Nocturn to use as her acting focus. Holding it in one hand like a staff. Her other hand she held outstretched with palm facing up.

Hazel went quiet and focused on summoning the sorcerous energy required to cast her spell.

Her shadow seemed to flutter, as shadows of butterflied seemed to dance in and out of the very edges of her penumbra, and small glowing specks of sorcerous energy began to form just above her palm like little fireflies. As this happened, the runes of Nocturn began to glow as well.

Casting Death of Obsidian Butterflies

Sorcerous Motes gained: 5

5/15

 

[Psychie]

While Hazel and Two Mornings are getting led off in their own different directions, Gwen looks to Toun and Selket and asks, "Well, I suppose we could go looking about the place, and see what lies out there for us to check out. Or, we could go out to see what kind of party that they have going on. What do you guys say? Explore, or get our party on?"

 

[Sherwood]

"Thanks. And I should be good for now."

She enters the library.

Inside the Library, there is a dozen people visible in there, all looking at various books and studying, doing various bits of research either for their own work or for some one that they are employed by, along with a few workers moving through the building and putting books back in place and helping locate various texts on the shelves.

Looking about, it does not take long before you spot the familiar face of your Solar friend bent over a desk, intent on writing in a book. At this moment, he does not seem to have noticed you.