Lunar Fury - Exalted 3e IC

[Rykon]

Toun savored the kiss with a grin, mind racing as he reflected on the day. He was intrigued by where this path might lead, as long as such whims didn't drive the circle apart. It was a surprising but exciting development even though everything about this situation was incredibly sudden. Oh well, the cat's out of the bag now.

His mind wandered for a moment, trying to visualize what life might look like once the Fae were disarmed again. That is, should the circle survive this time. Weren't we told our past lives died the last time we fought against the Fae? Toun thought with a touch of melancholy. I don't intend to let that happen again. Not even one of them... We still have to hunt down that dynast git, among other things...

"Sounds fair enough to me." The ice walker replied with a satisfied hum. "How about you, little dove. Do you want more or have you had enough?" Toun teased, turning to Gwen with a flirtatious smirk.

 

[Psychie]

Gwen smiles, feeling good in the afterglow of the afternoon's pleasures, pressed up against Toun's muscled torso. After a moment of silence, she replies with, "We have shared a special moment together, the three of us. But who says it has to end today?"

 

[jaydude]

"I'll take that as a yes." said Selket, caressing the other woman's face and smiling happily.

"I may as well admit it now...I've had a bit of a crush on you these last two months, Gwen."

 

[D. Rex]

One day. Two days. Three days... beyond. Neither hide nor hair was seen of their befuzzled counterpart. And to be honest, even Hazel had lost track of time after the first day. Not just because of the intensity of her training, but that time was irrelevant when put through the throes of a Sorceress Supreme of the Moon.

Stories of Solar Circle Sorcery was one of great power that rivaled the gods. The Unconquered Sun touched the circle and gave it fitting power. But such stories had paled in comparison of what she witnessed. As Luna was the goddess of sorcery for a reason. Celestial sorcery was second to one, but when cast with the hand of one of the Moon, embodying the twisting and warping themes, even a solar may struggle to wrap their minds around what a true Lunar Sorceress is capable of.

This Hazel witnessed first hand. While only a splinter of Raksi's wonders were revealed to her, it was no less considered a miracle by one of such a small calibre that Hazel was.

What had happened during her time, even if she was allowed to say, and even if she knew the words needed to describe it, Hazel would not have been able to paint the picture to anyone who hadnt trained under Raksi. The stories did not do justice, and many of she once thought were hyperbole she knew now was understatement. This, perhaps, was do to the concentrated nature of her training. And Raksi doing her best to cram a whole watermelon into a shot glass with no lube.

So what did she do? Everything. Enduring Raksi's undivided attentions. Learning layered upon training layered upon schooling layered upon more training, Schooling, and learning.

Much of what she went through was less about progressing Hazel forward, and more about refining the foundation she had already built.

The entirity of what transpired had blurred together after she had cast her first spell. So many things she had to do at once. All of it was done at once. Failure punished and success expected upon pain of punishment.

Using her body and mind and magic in ways she never knew she needed to. All were connected, and even should Sorcery come from power outside the body, the body and mind were the vessel of which to cast through. To neglect one facet was to sabotage the rest. And to raise then without learning how to synchronize them was as useful as not raisin them at all.

To endure, to push, to concentrate, to think both creatively and critically, to focus on what's inside as well as out. Everything must come together regardless of distractions. Failure of one could result in death or worse.

Many places that shouldnt exist, Hazel was taken to. All outside the tower but somehow having never left it. And just as Hazel never stopped moving, writing, reading, and casting, so too did Raksi never stop talking, teaching, distracting, and pushing. So much to deliver in such a short span of time that Raksi expected nothing short of full effort.

The only respite came from short bouts of meditation. And even then silence would only come when Hazel learned to tune out the distractions. But even then still keep her ears open for actual knowledge. And goddess forbid she ever had to make Raksi repeat herself...

The physical training was intense. Bent and twisted in every which way in every which form. Upside down, right side left, and every other manner of position possible and impossible. To endure assaults physical and mental and magical. And to endure the distractions of neither eating sleeping or drinking for the duration. Every lolling eye and stomach grumble or lick of the lips punished by a raise of intensity. A small blessing to distract from the attrition.

Her mind through this was not idle. And perhaps what helped her push through most was the knowledge being passed on. In one hand was always a book, and in the other was always a pen. Eyes juggling between surroundings, reading, writing, and Raksi. Her shadow never stopping to cast spells. One after another until it became as instinct, and then some more. Juggling spells she knew, ones she was learning, and attempts to counter or distort spells thrown at her.

And more... nothing was sacred here but knowledge. And Raksi was throwing the book at her both figuratively and literally.





When the time came... Hazel finally walked out of the tower. And she was a mess. Her cloak and clothes tattered and discolored. Charred and stained. Covered she was in blood, both hers and that of beings both natural and eldritch, ectoplasm, and fluids of numerous questionable and unkown origins. Matting her fur at odd angles. If her fur wasn't black, it might have been easier to see singed spots or close calls that shaved a few hairs off. A small corner of one of her slumped ears bitten off by what was likely an imp of some kind.

Her tail dragging the ground, pulling poor Mr. Snuffleupagus in the dirt. Hazel was drained utterly. All her willpower, and all her essence. She probably even looked a little skinnier from calories burned. Her eyes were half lidded and bloodshot. Her expression, at least, wasnt one of misery. Mostly of relief that she could now have an actual break. If she could walk there without keeling over into sleep first.

Raksi would be close behind her.

Sherwood (Hows that?)

 

[Rykon]

Toun chuckled, holding his lovers close with his arms reaching toward their thighs. The closeness was equal parts relaxing and enthralling. "I don't think anyone could blame you. Both of you have the kind of curves that can leave a man in pain. It's the smile that kills though." Toun confided, glad to see both of them happy and content.

"I'll confess, I have also wanted to pursue one of you as a lover over the course of training. Building a dominion alone would be an empty chore. Hells, I'm not even sure of what either of you want to do after our training is considered complete... Huh... I guess now it's once the mission is over, isn't it?"

 

[jaydude]

Toun's mention of building a dominion, and what might come after their time with One Tusk intrigued Selket.

"I figured that after this I'd continue serving Master One-Tusk, doing whatever he required me to do for the good of the Silver Pact. I couldn't imagine doing anything else; I've always been one for supporting my people, rather than pursuing independent desires." admitted Selket, recalling how it had been in her tribe, and how it was now as one of Lunar's chosen.

"Though I'd definitely be up for helping you build a dominion." she said to Toun, thinking that such a thing could only benefit the Silver Pact. And if she got to do so with Toun and Gwen, so much the better. "Do you have any particular plans for how to do it? I wouldn't know the first steps beyond gathering some followers and finding a good place to live..."

 

[Rykon]

"Hmm... Outside of our time with One Tusk, I only know of what life was like for my tribe. Up until they were torn apart anyways. Ice Walker clans hadn't really been cooperative until somewhat recently." Toun conceded. "A large part of the purpose of this would be to learn even more once our training was done and create yet another bulwark against the traitorous Dragon-Blooded."

"For the place itself though... I'm wanting to secure a place of power, or perhaps some kind of hearthstone, that improves fertility. Having a place that can grow a vast amount of food reliably will be important for building a standing army and workforce of artisans. Rather than relying on the relics of a lost age, I want to see what people of today can accomplish with their own sweat and blood."

He suddenly took on a mischievous grin as an idea occurred to him. "Though, now that I think about it, wouldn't it be fun to build our own worshippers to convert Immaculate territories?"

 

[jaydude]

Selket sat up, draping her arm over Toun's shoulders as she gave her reply. "Improving fertility does make sense, as does gathering worshipers. We're going to need a way of countering the Immaculates if we want to compete against the Shogunate successors after all. And they do say that divine beings can literally draw power from being worshipped..."

 

[Sherwood]

Aranfan

As the Solar leads you out of the Library with his arms full of books, he listens intently to the story of what has brought your Circle to Raksi's domain. Rocky sits down at an empty bench outside, his eyes wide. "Wow. Another Fae invasion, and this time, they have plans to bring along demons. Not good. Not good at all. I'll of course speak to Mistress Raksi about taking a sabbatical from my training to help you. I cannot in good conscience let you go off to fight these monsters without me at your side. I can be ready to leave in an hour. Just let me go pack a few things."

 

[Psychie]

Gwen gives her two fellow Lunars an affectionate kiss before rising up and stretching, showing off her nude form to her lovers. "I like the idea of getting a domain of my own someday, with a group of loyal mortals hanging on my every whim."

 

[jaydude]

Selket shamelessly let her eyes run up and down Gwen's body, making no secret of her admiration for the other woman, while inwardly cheering at the fact that Gwen was willing to be in a relationship with her. As of that moment, her only regret was not letting Gwen know of her feelings much earlier.

By all the gods, we could have done it...who knows how many times by now?

Then she heard Gwen's words, and chuckled. "You 'civilized' folk, always needing or wanting servants to attend to your needs." she teased while looking up into the other woman's eyes, as hard as that was to do while the rest of her form was on display.

 

[Rykon]

Toun sat up still as bare as his lovers, joining Selket's approving gaze with is own. Unlike the ladies, his reaction was impossible to conceal, but at this point it didn't matter. His heart drummed again, excited to have such alluring and talented partners in his life and future.

All this time holding back and we could have had this all along... Well, if that's what it took, it was worth it.

"Speaking of hanging on whims, you're looking mighty tempting Gwen. I doubt the adoration will stop with the mortals." Toun teased with a seductive smile. He turned to Selket with wink. "Seems like we've been missing out on this perfect potential for too long. How about we get back to it and make up for lost time while the others tend to their business?" He leaned forward and returned his lovers' kisses with his own, pouring in his growing affection for them. "From today on, I am your man, and I'll happily tread the future beside you."

 

[jaydude]

Seeing that the other two were now standing up, Selket did the same.

"Well, I can't think of anything better to do, so sure." she said, closely embracing the both of them. "Shall we find a bedroom, or stay here?"

 

[Rykon]

"This was great for working out the muscle strain, but let's find a nearby place with a nice sturdy bed. We're going to be here awhile regardless. Might as well get comfortable." Toun replied.

 

[Aranfan]

Aranfan

As the Solar leads you out of the Library with his arms full of books, he listens intently to the story of what has brought your Circle to Raksi's domain. Rocky sits down at an empty bench outside, his eyes wide. "Wow. Another Fae invasion, and this time, they have plans to bring along demons. Not good. Not good at all. I'll of course speak to Mistress Raksi about taking a sabbatical from my training to help you. I cannot in good conscience let you go off to fight these monsters without me at your side. I can be ready to leave in an hour. Just let me go pack a few things."

"No need to rush. We're going to be here a while. Hazel getting some tutoring from Raski. You can show me the city!" She smiles at the last bit and attaches herself to his arm.

 

[jaydude]

"This was great for working out the muscle strain, but let's find a nearby place with a nice sturdy bed. We're going to be here awhile regardless. Might as well get comfortable." Toun replied.

"Raksi said that there were many empty rooms available." said Selket, climbing out of the bath and getting herself a towel, which she used to start drying herself off. "And yes, the bed does need to be sturdy."

 

[Sherwood]

Over the course of the next three days, Raksi is out of sight as she works with Hazel, taking only the occasional break from her new student before returning to her protected training room. During this time, Rocky would spend some time showing Two Mornings around the city, enjoying his time with his Lunar paramour. Gwen, Selket and Toun may, on occasion, make their way out of their rooms to look about, but they are a bit occupied with one another at the moment to worry about sight seeing.

It is morning on the fourth day when Raksi sends out word for you to come see her once more, giving you all enough time to clean up and become presentable before heading out, so long as you are quick about it.

Tenfold Rocky Paths is wanting to go along with you, as he plans to tell his teacher that he hopes to leave with your Circle and travel with you to where the Shawl is currently interred with its past owner. He is quite insistent on going, so unless the rest of your party objects (most notably Toun, since he's the one that he'd be riding on), Rocky stands ready to go with you.

 

[Psychie]

Gwen freshens up as quickly as possible, not wanting to leave their host waiting for them for long. When she gets to the meeting room, she is happy to see their little witch Hazel there, looking worn out and somewhat frazzled, but alive and in one piece. Then, she turns her attention to the man standing with Two Mornings and raises up an eyebrow, trying to send a bit of silent communication to her fellow Lunar. Is this her mysterious Rocky that she's told me about? If so, she was right. He is a handsome fellow.

 

[Aranfan]

Two Mornings is practically still attached to Rocky. She has changed to a fancy dress with low cut cleavage, but keen eyes will recognize that its still her gi.

 

[jaydude]

Selket got herself freshened up and dressed in her usual buff jacket, and quickly accompanied Gwen to where Raksi was waiting. She followed her girlfriend's eyes towards the man near Two Mornings, and it didn't take long for her to figure out that the pair were together.

 

[D. Rex]

Hazel was tired, but still holding on. Meeting first, she'd get sleep later. She did, at least have a little time to clean up and restore her clothing to proper condition. She couldn't very well stay a wreck in front of her circle. However still, so much could be done in the allotted time. Her fur was still matted and tangled in certain areas, but at least she didnt look like she crawled out of something horrid.

The person with Two Mornings she regarded with passing interest. The one she spoke of certainly. But dwelling in happy relationships was a not something she normally liked to do.

 

[Rykon]

Toun rises about the same time as his lovers, taking his time so the coffee had a chance to kick in by the time he was cleaned up and in his usual armored coat with his daiklave at the ready.

He gave Hazel a warm smile, the telltale signs of hard work clearly wrapped about her."Well hey there squirt! Looks like you've made progress." He bellowed with a hearty pat on her back, hopefully not knocking her off balance.

"I see we've got another friend tagging along too... I take it you've found the key to the shawl?" the Full Moon asked, knowing that this was likely to be the cheeriest part of the day for him before the long flight resumed. As if to stifle the dread of yet another long trip, he gave an approving nod to Two Mornings, glad she was enjoying their stay as well.

 

[Aranfan]

Two Mornings beams back at Tuon.

 

[Sherwood]

From her lounge chair, Raksi smiles. "Actually, young one, I found all three." She pulls out a shoebox sized wooden case from behind her and sets it on her lap. "This was one of the secrets of the tomb that has been held close since our Priestess was first interred. The tomb was designed in order to keep all but a group of Lunars out, ones capable of being able to take on the smallest of forms."

At this point, she opens up the box to reveal three beautifully worked Keys made of pure moonsilver, two of them are fairly large, roughly ten inches long with some very simple looking teeth to them; something that seems would be easy to duplicate. The third Key is very small, perhaps a quarter inch long and very easy to overlook if it were not pointed out to you.

The Elder Lunar continues. "These are the three Keys you will need to safely get into the tomb of Renna Tam. Without them, it will most certainly end up in your deaths, so I strongly suggest you don't lose them. On the outside of the structure, you will find three sets of Keyholes arranged in pairs, one set larger than these, one just the right size, and the third are smaller. This is the first puzzle that you have to pass, but I know the secret. The two large Keys go into the small keyholes, but will require the focus of five motes of Essence in order to make the Keys fit the proper size. The third, tiny key must be carried into the largest of the keyholes there by a Lunar in a tiny form, where you will find the real keyhole for the toy-sized Key. It, too, will require an expenditure of five motes of Essence to make the Key fit properly. Then, and only then can all three Keys be turned at the exact same time. If you do not turn them at the same time, it will activate the traps outside and assail you with savage spells."

Raksi goes on to describe the interior of the Tomb, telling you about some of the other obstacles that cannot be turned off that were designed to keep a non-Lunar out. A 'bottomless pit' that was made by using space-warping technology of the Wyld that will send a person falling forever, and a room with a floor of lava and shifting angles of gravity that prevent flying and will require you to scale the walls in some form capable of wall walking.

"The final obstacles will be a swarm of many thousands of scarab beetles, and the shade of Renna Tam herself. She is a ghost that has been watching over her own resting place for thousands of years; by now, she has developed some very frightening powers that go with her new ghostly nature. She is in command of the beetles, and her command, they will attack unceasingly or until they or their targets are destroyed. You will need to convince Renna of the righteousness of your cause or face her wrath for disturbing her rest. I am sure that you will be able to convince her that you do indeed have more than the urge to defile her grave in mind when you came into her tomb."

She continues by giving you a detailed map on how to find the Tomb. It is well hidden, but there are a few clues on how to spot the entrance.

 

[Rykon]

"That's a hell of a lot to take in..." Toun paused to start taking notes. "Well, we know where this place is, how to use the keys, and how to disarm the traps... All that remains is explaining everything to the ghost right? Seems simple enough. What do we know about Renna herself? What was worth fighting for to her?"

On the page of notes was written: consider hunting an octopus, squid, or moderate-sized reptile for shapes.