Lunar Fury - Exalted 3e IC

[D. Rex]

Sherwood

Going straight to the Valley is what Hazel would suggest.

How many days away is it?

And any news from One-Tusk or Raksi?

 

[Rykon]

Toun doesn't consider returning to Raksi a valid choice given the circumstances.

He heads for One Tusk's domain unless there is a major confrontation in an attempt to convince him otherwise.

 

[jaydude]

Selket would prefer to head back to One Tusk, but she'll also bring up the danger of not showing Raksi the Shawl beforehand.

Privately, she's considering the possibility that Raksi will try and take the Shawl for herself; she's not entirely sure she can trust the other Lunar.

 

[D. Rex]

Hazel believes as Selket. Though that is what also lends her suspicions to Rocky who, as far as she knows, is on the side of Raksi.

 

[Rykon]

"I don't trust her within a hundred miles of it. If she wants to make a fight of it, she's welcome to try. No one threatens this circle and lives to brag about it." The Ice Walker claims, confident that who ever crosses them for the shawl will have to pay dearly for the privilege.

 

[jaydude]

"Let's just hope that Raksi's willing to be understanding about us skipping over her." said Selket as she helped the others pack up their camp, sounding a bit less optimistic than Toun was about their chances of it came to a fight. Though that was more out of habit than anything else.

 

[D. Rex]

"Do not trust her, either, a hundred miles away." Hazel said grimly. "Know it, I do, that she has blood and hair of me she could have retrieved. A link, they can be used to create. One with which to caste powerful curses to those who have her ire. Parts of you, will likely be able to be gained as well."

"We, however, have no evidence of malicious intent save for her silence. Of which, I consider cause for concern, but not outright hostility. We must simply take more cautions, is all. And be aware of those whom walk in her name."

 

[Aranfan]

"I'm fine with whatever. We need the shawl either way." If Rocky objects, Two Mornings will side with the circle, not him.

 

[Psychie]

Gwen adds her voice to the party, saying, "We have the means of eliminating the threat of at least one of these demons, and the longer we delay the greater the odds that the Fae will reacquire Erembour from the Valley. The sooner we get back there, the better off it will be for all of Creation."

 

[Sherwood]

It takes Toun another two weeks of hard flying before you once more draw close to the Valley. Thanks to your previous knowledge of its location, you are able to find the place despite the magics around it trying to keep it hidden. As you come down, there is the smell of smoke in the air from the remnants of a burning building in the village, and there is the remains of a large bonfire, along with the distinctive smell of burnt flesh. It is clear that there has been fighting inside the valley, but it looks like the villagers were able to hold off the attack.

One Tusk comes out to meet you, standing tall in his armor, along with Cynis Amar. The two Exalts wait for the group to slip off of Toun's back to allow him to shapeshift back into his human form before talking. The old Lunar says, "Please tell me that you have the Shawl with you and that you have not given it away to Raksi. That much power in her hands would be a very dangerous thing."

 

[jaydude]

"Rest assured that we have the Shawl, master." replied Selket, bowing to him before looking around at the bonfire and burnt down building, while at the same time taking in the smell. "I take it the fighting's begun in earnest then?"

 

[D. Rex]

"No hands have touched the shawl but mine." Hazel declared. "And so it shall stay that way."

"No word has come from Mistress Raksi since we notified her of it coming into our hands and that we were coming straight here. Surmise, I do, that she is very upset with me."


"The demon, Master One-Tusk, is it safe? Wisest, I believe it is for us to see it banished immediately, without any waste in time."

 

[Sherwood]

One Tusk nods at Selket's question. "We have been attacked here twice, I believe by accident, or else we would have been facing off against a much larger force. Lucky for us, the Vashni forces outside the Valley have been able to provide us with warning before the Fae and their demon forces could arrive. Our mutual allies of the Dynasts here," he nods over at Cynis Amar, "have been most helpful in keeping the enemy away from our captured demon until you could return with the Shawl. I do hope that the Shawl is capable of banishing Erembour as promised, because while you have been gone, the demon bitch has been working on the crystal sphere that his her prison, and has damaged it. It will not last much longer. Come. I will show you."

With that, the old man turns and leads you to where the sphere is currently being held, and as you go along, you can see that there is force of soldiers in Imperial livery aiding the locals in building defenses. One Tusk sees your glance, and says, "We have had a small force of two hundred and fifty soldiers from the Realm come here under the orders of Cynis Amar. If it were not for their aid, we might have suffered some serious casualties."

Now inside One Tusk's home, you can once more see the dark sphere that holds the demon Erembour. You can almost feel the waves of hate coming out of the sphere.

Spoiler: D. Rex

D. Rex Thanks to the Shawl on your shoulders, you are more attune to the presence of the demon than the others. As you approach, you can hear a soft whisper of, "I sense your presence, Moon Child. You are a sorceress, no? If you free me from this binding, I will be able to teach you much of the art you seek to master."

 

[D. Rex]

How odd it was to see the empire and the linars so closely together right now... such a thing only went to show how dire this situation was. After all... not only were they fighting against horses of the Fae, but within was a demon that was seeking to break free.

Though the thought that Erembour was conscious and string enough to struggle against her prison was horrifying. Either the seal was weakening or the demon was growing stronger. Neither boded well.

Into the building, and what awaited her was a sight that still disturbed her even now. More prepared she was, at least. The black orb, exuding such a strong radiance of malice... it was as if the dark color of the sphere was caused by light being cowed by such venom.

As she approached it, she heard the voice of the demon... Hazel froze. And if it were not for the fur that covered her face it would have been easy to see how the color drained from her face. Erembour was not just concious, but also aware... and speaking to her. A chill ran up her spine, a painful one, as if a ball of ice Crystal's just forced it's way up her spinal cord. It was not lost on her as to who this voice belonged to.

She gripped the shawl she wore underneath her cloak, and broke herself from her paralysis. Stepping closer, she reached out her other hand to set her hand on the dark orb. Hazel swallowed hard, and after only a moments hesitation, brought herself to speak.

"Tempt me not, Harbinger." She spoke in a shaky voice attempting to maintain confidence and control, "For to do so, you would swear such sacred oaths that not even the Ebon Dragon could break your enslavement to me."

"You offer possibilities, but of such I know what it is you would truly deliver. What I would require for such guarantees would only put you in a prison of narrower confines but with a prettier view. Your complete and utter submission and surrender, to me, beyond all doubt and shadow, forever. Only such an oath scribed in the celestial fabric of reality, would I accept."

Hazel voice was a bit shaky. As of course it would be as she was talking to a being that could, if free, pull her apart fiber by fiber in a painful eternity of torture, with as much ease as a farmer plucking straw from the ground.

"It is absolution I am here to deliver. To remove you from creation, if not existence itself."

Hazel gripped the shawl tighter, expending essence just a little, to check the prison. To see if it was possible to reinforce it. To check its state, and the state of the demon within. While not going so far the demon might use it against her.






However... the things that could be learned from a Thrid Circle Demon... it would indeed be such a valuable thing. To propel her further still towards her desires. Yet... tempting as it may be. Very tempting... Hazel knew that she could not afford to take the demon at its offer. Too vague. Too one sided in the demons favor. Too certain that only death awaited for her and her circle.

Sherwood

 

[Psychie]

The word that the Valley has been attacked brings a frown to Gwen's face. "The Fae are nothing if not persistent. They will continue to come until all is destroyed unless they are stopped. But now, we have a powerful tool to use against them. Hazel, you are the one calling the shots now. What do we have to do to make things easier for you to banish Erembour? We will stand along side you as you work."

 

[Aranfan]

The word that the Valley has been attacked brings a frown to Gwen's face. "The Fae are nothing if not persistent. They will continue to come until all is destroyed unless they are stopped. But now, we have a powerful tool to use against them. Hazel, you are the one calling the shots now. What do we have to do to make things easier for you to banish Erembour? We will stand along side you as you work."

Two Mornings nods in agreement, ready to lend what aid she can.

 

[D. Rex]

Hazel ran her fingers over the prisons shell. "This seal... it grows weak. Our actions must be swift. But...." hazel pulled her hand away and turned back to the circle.

"A thought occured to me, one that had not entered my mind until now. Should we banish That which calls to the shadow... there is a chance that she will return."

"The terrestrials nearly died bringing this orb out of Fae fingers. A miracle that can't be expected to be repeated. The Fae summoned this being, among others. While their summoning has ceased for now, we have no guarantee that they can't do so in the future."

Hazel looked down at the floor, thinking,"By sending her back to Malfeas, there is a risk she may return to creation in the near future. Under Fae control."


"I think... I think the options to prevent that would be our safest bet. Difficult though they may be."

"Option one, would be to destroy her. Permenantly, along with each other Demon of the Third Circle we come across. Alas, I havent the power to do that... To develop such abilities would take we do not currently have."

"Option two. I bind her to my will. She would walk creation, but under my command. Useful her powers would be to harm our enemies. But a very very dangerous game it would be."

"Option three. I may be able to seal her again in a different prison. One that I can maintain. By doing so, we can keep her out of enemy hands, and in our custody, until the time we can see that she is erased."

"It is this last option, I feel, that gives us the greatest chance of success while maintaining the least amount of risk."


Hazel looked to Gwen, then Toun, Selket, and Two Mornings. And then One-Tusk. To see what they had to say on the matter, or if they approved.

"Erembour is awake and aware." She added ominously."Only days, do we have."

 

[Psychie]

Gwen looks pensive, and is silent for a long while. Then, when she finally speaks up, she says, "I feel horrible even thinking about using this filth in any way, but it may be our only hope if the other demons of the Third Circle are freed to be used against us." She looks at the others of the Circle, concern clear on her face. "I have only heard legends of how powerful these demons are. Is it truly possible for Exalts of our strength to be able to destroy one completely? What would happen if we were successful in doing so?"

 

[Sherwood]

One Tusk looks over at the dark sphere binding Erembour, then back to Hazel. "I do not know if it is possible for us to defeat this demon with the Charms we possess. If it is possible, we may not want to. From what I remember of my own lessons, during the Primordial War, when a demon of such power was destroyed, it could fundamentally change the Primordial that it is bound to. It is anyone's guess as to what might happen then. Certainly, it would weaken the Primordial, but by how much? Could it change the nature of the greatest demons so much that they are no longer bound by the prison of Malfias? That would probably not happen, but I am no expert to say for sure."

 

[Rykon]

"For what it's worth... I can permanently destroy spirits if I land a killing blow. As master says though, that's *if* we land a killing blow. Sealing or banishing may be our best bets here as far as I can tell, but I'm no expert in the realm of book knowledge. Afraid I can't be of much help deciding here." The Ice Walker said with a shrug. "Whatever the pack decides, I will have your backs."

 

[D. Rex]

Hazel took a deep breath, trying to explain it easily, "The destruction if demons is... it depends in the demons. The potency of their essence is a large factor. Those of the first circle, by the edge of a blade can you dispatch of one forever. Those of the second, death scatters their essence back to where they came from. Until they eventually piece themselves back together."

"The Third Circle. Death to them is but an inconvenience. Fell one, and it basically reforms shortly thereafter. In most cases, that is enough. Their rampage ended, and the abominations safetly in Malfeas."

"To destroy one in its entirety... it is no easy feat. Even be it for a Solar in their prime. However, it is not impossible. In fact, I believe such a goal is something we as a circle can achieve. "


Hazel looked at Gwen and nodded,"I agree. She would indeed be a powerful tool. But a sword of two edges it would be. Least of which being having to have it in our presence..." she said distastefully at the thought. But... it would bring power.

She looked to Toun,"I was thinking something very similar. But demons are a tad bit different than spirits. It may be possible for such an ability to be refined to do such a task. And if any hand is capable of doing such a things it would be yours."

"Yes... I can see what you mean, Master." She said looking at One-Tusk. "But... to rid creation of one entirely, would spare many future lives. Erembour, she exists to bring the Shadow back. It is too her master that she calls. To summon him to creation. I would go as far to say, that her life brings about greater risk of freeing her master than her death would be to."


She closed her eyes and rubbed her temples in thought. First it was Fae... then demons. Now even the Primordials are a risk. Such escalation she could barely wrap her head around. But... what was happening, their souls returned for such a thing. And Hazel had seen what it would do to creation if they did not try. She couldn't remember anything about her past self. Did they have to deal with such things back then? To feel that any wrong move could leave creation in a worse state?

Hazel opened her eyes again as a wayward thought passed by. Options. There were still options. Options that required further study. Though Hazel had to refrain from expelling forth a deluge of thoughts and possibilities. Now was not the time.

"Time then," Hazel said,"is what we should then work to acquire. The consequences of their destruction is something I must look into with great depth. As well as means of disposal. "

"To lengthen her imprisonment as to such a time when her presence may be permenantly removed. A new seal, and a new prison. Such is what I now vote for, should their be no objections."

 

[Psychie]

Gwendolyn asks, "I am wondering, do we even have the means to make a prison strong enough to hold her? I am thinking that since the means to summon more demons of the Third Circle is now lost to the Fae, and only a Solar level sorcerer or someone with this Shawl is able to call forth one, wouldn't banishment be the next safest course to go for? We send Erembour back whence she came, and she will not be back to threaten anyone else for a very long time. That is my thought, but I will stand with the Circle for whatever is decided."

 

[D. Rex]

Hazel shifted nervously,"Barring master craftsman... I can ensure you, that with the help of the shawl, such a prison would be more than adequate. Do not worry about that." She said before switching the topic. "What we know. Is that they are no longer summoning demons. We can assume that their means have been disrupted, but it could just as easily mean they have what they need for now. And even should their means be disrupted, their may be forces at work that could help them find a way around it. It was the spirit of the dog that was ended by what we can assume to be an exalt of the stars. Their interference at the temple suggests to us that their allegiance is not to our cause. Such is my trepidation at straight banishment."

 

[jaydude]

"You make it sound like killing Erembour would cause more problems in the long-term, master." said Selket.

"Hmm...assuming that Erembour's too strong for us to defeat in battle, and that there's a serious risk of our enemies finding another way to summon Third Circle Demons from Malfeas, I say we let Hazel have a go at reinforcing the prison." she said.

 

[Aranfan]

"Erembour is awake and aware." She added ominously."Only days, do we have."

"Couldn't we just banish her back to hell? The fae can't call her up again, right?"