Ultimate Forces Thread 1

[phaedrusxy]

Cybele applauds.

[Chrononaut]

Shaniel holds her silver blade aloft, wings spread behind her, forming a trio with Rektor and Joutaro in response to Kal's question. You could put these three on a heavy metal album cover with the poses they're striking.

"Revolution under our holy sword! I who stand amidst the full of the of the heavens honor your noble causes, Rektor and Joutaro! I've hidden in the shadow long enough. Now is the time to take the fight to them! Honored Magus, what say you to the strength of our will?"

[VennDygrem]

The nearly demonic-looking armor stands in stark contrast with the Celestial. Though he wasn't remotely associated with any fiends, the motif would help to convince his enemies that he was. Well, any that didn't do their homework, anyway.

"My cause isn't quite so pure, but I oppose the evil of the Church as well. Let's just say that they wronged me a little more... personally, than they likely did to you lot. My beef with them is besides the thorn in the Magi's side, most certainly."

[Concerned Ninja Citizen]

Kal turns to Magus Steotha, "It seems you have selected an ideal team for your expressed purpose. We are all very much on board. But what about you? Why do you want this and, more to the point, how is our competing in the games going to make it happen?"

[sirpercival]

While there aren't quite tears in the Magus's eyes, she was clearly moved by everyone's outpouring of support and unified purpose.  She clears her throat, composing herself.

"My story is similar to yours.  I joined the Magi due to my personal inclinations and abilities, but I never expected such a first-hand view of the corruption, greed, and tyranny of the servants of the Dark God.  I have seen men, women, and even innocent children ground under the heel of the Church, and can stand it no longer!

This is why I have gathered you, and am entering you in the Games." She hesitates, face darkening somewhat.  "This is a momentous undertaking, and in such a situation, one cannot always choose one's allies -- there are many within the Magi who would see the Church fall, for their own reasons… which are not the same as ours.  But when we win the Games, we will be able to command their loyalty and aid.

The Games have a secondary purpose in our mission: under the auspices of the Games, the contestants are given nearly free run of Gratis, and this freedom will hopefully allow us to begin undermining the Church immediately, in whatever small ways we can.

Have you any more questions, or shall we begin planning?  There is also paperwork to be completed, to secure our entry."

[Kuroimaken]

"Alas, we have yet dire need of something beyond ink and our names on a paper!

A bard chronicling our exploits would be good of course, but first things first...

INFORMATION!

So that we may bring down the Church, try as we might, our bravery alone - and let's not mince words, between the ones present, we clearly have enough to take a continent's worth of EVILDOERS by storm - shall not suffice! We need to know where our strikes will be most effective! Others before us have tried and failed likely because of this very lack. What do we know about the beast we are to slay? Will cutting off its head suffice, or like a damnable demon, will two, nay, three more take its place? Do they have any enemies we can borrow to this purpose? We know it to be dastardly, we know it to be cruel, we know it to be ghastly and that it makes might its tool.

But truly, if we are to bring down this monster, let us know where its brain lies so we can kill it all the faster!"

Yeah, that wispy aura of flame is actually visible by now...

[Concerned Ninja Citizen]

Kal's brow furrows briefly "You know, hydra and demons aren't really the same thing..." he shakes his head once, sharply, "But in any case, Brother Joutaro has a point. You want us to use our games granted freedom of the city to undermine the church? Do you plan to give us specific targets or orders to this end?"

[Kuroimaken]

"What about demon hydras?

REGARDLESS! The point stands, with rhyme no less."

[muktidata]

"Settle down, you two. To take down the church is a Herculean task and an overwhelming prospect. Let's take things one step at a time. Right now, our focus should be on the games. If you'd present your treaty, kind Magus, we are eager to sign it."

[sirpercival]

"Of course you will need to carry out your missions so that you can complete and win the Games.  That must be your first priority, as it is the lynchpin in our ultimate plans.  However, whenever you see an opportunity to work against the Church, you must take it."

The Magus then places a sheaf of papers on the desk, along with several quills and an inkpot.

[VennDygrem]

The construct approaches and takes quill in hand, signing the paperwork needed to register for the Games.

"Oh, the Games will be our's. It's just a matter of time, and no small amount of effort."

[muktidata]

Rrektor scribbles two giant cursive R's which nearly overlaps other portions of the document.

[Concerned Ninja Citizen]

Kal reads the paperwork thoroughly.

[Kuroimaken]

Joutaro's eyes dart over the document for a couple of seconds until he realizes, "Bah! What am I hesitating for? This isn't the time for READING, it's time for ACTION!!"

He grabs the pen and dips it in ink with a motion so precise and eager that it seemed almost as if the ink was the very blood of the gods. He scribbled furiously (with surprisingly beautiful handwriting), and so fast that, at first glance, it seemed almost as if the paper would catch on fire from the friction.

Admittedly, it did steam a little...

[Chrononaut]

Shaniel strides up to the table after the exciteable and inspiring man of justice completed his signature and for the first time since assuming her true form showed a bit of hesitation, looking at the pen with an expression not unlike one reserves for an exposed arcane circuit.

"I've never offered my being wholly to an ideal not of my choosing before. I don't know what will happen if what's good and this vow come into conflict. Please forgive me for any offence I may do should it come to pass that what's right is not in your service."

As she signs it in a graceful, celestial script the ink runs shining amber, reflecting brightly the lights all around. She didn't know her true form could do that.

"Yeah I don't know how to stop that." she says, abashed.

[Kuroimaken]

"NONSENSE! 'Tis merely the ambient light's way of appreciating your true love of RIGHTEOUSNESS."

[sirpercival]

Magus Steotha sighs.  "Well, then, that's settled.  We have two days until the Games begin; what preparations would you like to make?"

[Kuroimaken]

"I do believe we might begin by noting each other's preferred methods and strengths in dealing with EVIL. But that may be just me."

[Concerned Ninja Citizen]

Having finished reading, Kal signs the papers and hands them back. He then turns to the excitable man and says: "Again Mr Joutaro makes an excellent point. Do we want to introduce ourselves here and now or adjourn to somewhere more amenable to the discussion?"

[muktidata]

"Evil... Evil, itself deserves the ultimate punishment: banishment in the form of destruction on the material plane. But don't forget, brother, that the creatures who have been caressed and captured by its influence are not inherently deserving of punishment. Should they stand in our way against winning the games or overthrowing the church, they may indeed reap the fruits of their servitude to evil as collateral damage is dealt; but we must adhere to the code of Redemption in seeking to redeem such lost souls should circumstances allow."

"... but for the unrepentant... for those who would refuse mercy and cling to their vile path..."

Suddenly you notice that the very hands that Rrektor had used just moments ago to sign the document, the mouth that he had been using to speak, his wings, and most of his body appear that they would be deadly with the right velocity. His muscles surge, threatening to launch any part of his fearsomely equipped body at any who would stand in his way and a short, but searing hot, flame emits from his nostrils and mouth.

"For those who would exchange truth for a lie, hide in darkness from the light..."

He hunches over, working himself into a righteous anger. A thin silver light begins outlining his body.

"...for those who would refuse Redemption in unending pursuit of evil... AAAAAAAAAAAARRRGGH!!!"

He throws his upper body backwards, his arms out to the side, and all four of his wings spread to full length. A blinding flash emits from him and surges in a hundred foot radius. All those inside of the radius are blinded (see spoiler).
 

(click to show/hide)

Blinding Flash
DC (Fortitude): 25
Fail: Blind for 1d6 Minutes
Pass: Blind for 1d4 Rounds
Special:  Any extra senses like Blindsense, Blindsight and Mindsight are also lost for the duration.