Third presses its offensive. Each blow returns to the same spot, to pierce that point on her chest, through the sternum, between the lungs. Once- twice- three times, the Solar spins and delivers a painful stab directly to the center of the chest, each time driving a little harder into the woman's chest, a whirlwind of speed, focused on the woman's death.

OOC: You rolled 5 successes using 10d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 ((4,9,10,6,7,9,2,4,2,4)).
You rolled 6 successes using 9d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 ((10,1,3,9,5,10,5,6,9)).
You rolled 3 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 ((10,3,9,3,1,2,6,2)).

Dashu springs down from the crumbling makeshift tower, claws extended to pierce the Earth monk. The dragon claws dig into his shoulders on each side, drawing blood, but are mostly deflected by his armor and the aura of Earth Essence that protects him like a second skin. (2L damage)

Afterward, the Night Caste attempts to land safely, but there just isn't any clearance. Rather than rolling smoothly, he slips at the last moment and falls onto his side, though it`s only a small mishap. He's still able to scramble to his feet in the same turn, but has a slightly bruised shoulder. (1B fall damage)

Third's incredible speed gives the Wood monk no time whatsoever to rest or retaliate. This time its blade strikes true, the first blow driving cleanly through her breastplate, the other two driving the razor point deeper and deeper into her body until Third is sure it has wrested the last spark of life from her. The light fades from her eyes as she falls flat onto her back, blood pouring from the stab wounds to darken the earth.

Then the Blue Stripes move again. The gate has already begun to creak open, and the monks step backward toward it, but it's not fast enough to slip away from the automatons. Fortunately, with their backs covered by the gate, only one of the massive HAS units can manage to strike them at a time. Praying and steeling themselves, they lift their white jade weapons and put their lives in the hands of Pasiap...

The older monk manages with laborious difficulty to deflect his assailant's oversized goremaul, grunting as he pushes back with all the force left in his body. But his partner does not fare well at all. The automaton that swings at him connects and follows through, turning the monk's torso and abdomen into a bloody mess and flinging him against the gate door. His body slides lifelessly downward and crumples on the ground.

The gate slowly begins to reveal the interior of the outer courtyard (correction). A chorus of Immaculate hymnals greet the ears of the Celestials. Many voices, united in solidarity, at least thirty strong.

---

OOC: Fast Third is fast... it still gets one more attack before the surviving Earth monk can dart through the gates.

Don't be alarmed by numbers. I will simplify things by pitting the Blue Stripes against some of the larger concentration of foes so that you only have to fight the ones they are not fighting. Or you could just leave the Blue Stripes to handle it and join the others, once you think you've drawn out enough of 'em. Up to you!

actions
tick 12 - Third
tick 13 - Dashu, Earth monk (stops guarding to go through gate)
tick 14 - ??? (few), ??? (very few) (inside gate)
tick 16 - ??? (many) (inside gate)
tick 17 - Blue Stripes
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:11, Fri 03 July 2009.

Dena pops her neck a few times to loosen herself up and takes up her preferred stance for combat.
"Alright, then you take the initial surge and I'll follow you and try to take down the followers as quickly as I can.  Is the machine smart enough to pick it's targets without orders?"

[Private to GM: Activating Laughing Wounds Form.]

The tunnel-diggers reach the final barrier between them and the North Garrison inner compound. The wall is already starting to come apart, several fine cracks marring the surface. The pounding and trembling has stopped now, and there is an uncomfortable, expectant silence.

The monks are waiting beyond that crumbling wall.

Two Rubies step forward to start cutting through the granite in earnest. White light begins to seep through the cracks as fragments are shaken free, then larger chunks. The light is not continuous, suggesting their are bodies beyond it, partially blocking the light source...

... then WHAM! The light is briefly blotted out. Someone has surged forward, shoving or striking at the weakened wall. The granite surface bends, precariously concave, then bursts toward the Celestials and allies as a shockwave rocks the tunnel, spraying large stone fragments their way. When the smoke and dust clears, there is a bald shaven woman there clad in a white jade reinforced breastplate. She leaps back several yards, taking on a low, wary stance. Four young monks in earth-enchanted breastplates flank her on either side.

Given that the field of vision is currently limited by the tunnel, Danae, Dena and Evamae cannot see much beyond the group immediately waiting for them. They would need to step through to be certain of any others awaiting above or ahead.

---

OOC: This time it's (Dexterity+Resistance) diff 3. Otherwise, knockdown and 6B damage, soaked as normal. Also, it's not environmental but Essence based, so Dena's Charm won't work here. (It's a Charm effect causing the shockwave.)

After that, roll Join Battle please.

[Private to Danae Adela: Hmm hmm... all right, I'll allow the stunt learn. :)]

"Their doctrine for the moment should likely cover the biggest threats" Danae explained, bracing herself as the first bits of light began to be visible.  No doubt, there would be a spot of trouble momentarily...

And trouble it was, as an earthrending blast of Essence proceeded to explode the sections of the wall that still remained, sending a spray of granite shards flying, even if you disregard the whole 'Blast of Essence' bit that would probably be causing a fair amount of trouble in and of itself.

Of course, Danae wasn't one to fall down lightly--Impeccable Spark lashed outwards--impacting against the wave of power, and severing a gap in it's flow momentarily, stepping inside of it with a bit of a flourish, and passing through in time to avoid the worst of it, the remaining fragments scattering harmlessly across her captured armor, their hostile violation spent in the process.

"You know--In hindsight, trying to dig a tunnel to try and sneak into the fortress of Pasaip was probably a somewhat reckless idea." She observed, assuming her fighting stance, and covering the rest of the group.  "It can't be helped though, I suppose it'd be too much to ask you to surrender peacefully, so we don't need to bring out any bloodshed, would it?"

Futile as the gesture may have been, she still had to Offer...  And for that reason, she held off on immediately breaking into battle...  Whether this was a mistake or not probably remained to be seen.

[Private to Gatekeeper: My Resistance is fairly poor, so I'll spend a willpower on this action, and hope to recoup it with the stunt (Or, uh, not have to spend it in the first place--but here's hoping everything works out nicely :P)

21:39, Today: Danae Adela rolled 2 successes using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 7,2,2,1,7,2. Dex + resistance.

3 Succs, so I barely make it...  Sadly, the JB fails unless a few stunt dice decide to work my way ]

"Well then, that should work well with me mowing down the smallest threats." Dena comments.  A moment later the wall explodes and Dena reacts quickly, stomping down on a fallen slab of wall to lift it up as a brief shield.  It crumbles under the pressure, showing her with fragments, but puny stone fragments are no threat to armor as dense as her carapace and Dena walks towards the entrance of the tunnel, pausing a moment to survey and plan the best route to wiping out the enemy.

09:35, Today: Tervila Dena failed (no successes) using 3d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 5,6,6. Join Battle.
09:34, Today: Tervila Dena rolled 4 successes using 10d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 10,3,8,3,1,7,3,3,4,3. Dex + Resistace.

Third steps sideways smoothly, feet dancing across the ground, leaving small cracks in the ground. It strikes the ground with it's feet once, sending itself a couple feet into the air, twice, it's own height in the air, and a third time, launching itself into the Earth aspect, bearing down upon the Earth Aspect, striking the monk with one bone-jarring, armor-splitting blow to the throat, focusing all its energy as dust flies away from the point where the solar strikes...

OOC: Essence: 13/19 and 39/45, if my math is correct- Need to remember to keep these in the post! Willpower: 5/7. Not an impressive attack, sadly! You rolled 5 successes using 13d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 ((2,4,2,1,4,5,8,8,3,2,10,3,9)).

Dashu groaned.  As he got up off the ground.  "Maybe that wasn't the best idea I've had."  As he stood next to Third and looked at the gate he then commented dryly, "But what's one more drop of water in the ocean?"  With that he decided to do something cast related and darted behind one of the Blue Stripes to get into it's shadow so that he could reestablish the element of surprise.

[Private to GM: Peleps Dashu rolled 5 successes using 13d10 ...  with rolls of 9,6,7,6,8,1,4,3,2,6,9,5,8. Dex + Stealth Roll]
This message was last edited by the player at 16:40, Sat 04 July 2009.

North Garrison, Outer Compound:

The surviving Earth Monk has just narrowly escaped death at the hands of the Blue Stripes. He is not immediately expecting Third to come back to finish him off. Nonetheless, he does not simply allow the dark-haired rebel to thrust the red jade daiklave it wields so effectively into his throat.

The older monk shoves the shaft of his goremaul against the sword. Blade and blunt surface collide, sparking against one another as the Solar's healthy determination defies the parry attempt. The daiklave might have certainly stabbed right through to the spine, but instead it cuts through the sinew around his throat. (2L damage, total of 5B, 3L damage)

While Dashu gets up and slips effortlessly into the shadows of the five large machines supporting himself and Third, the Earth monk falls back through the opened gate. A large group of monks awaits within to receive him, swallowing the wounded man into their formation, a sea of bald shaven heads and pristine white robes and earth-enchanted armor. The majority of them are wearing cotton: First Coils, likely. But among them stand their betters, including a pair in reinforced jade breastplates, these two wearing robes of silk. Behind them rises the second gate leading into the inner compound, between two raised balconies upon which crouch young monks in light jade armor wielding powerbows, three on each.

The monks continue to chant. A sutra from the Immaculate Texts, a sutra for Pasiap, calling upon him for strength and solidarity. One of the silk-clad pair, a lean, wiry monk with ruddy skin, clad in red jade and orange robes with a pair of jade daiklaves at his belt, stands at the rear of the group. "Will you still fight? Rebel, you are grossly outnumbered. Surrender your machines and yourself." The other monk appears so alike as to be the speaker's twin, but in black jade and blue robes, and dragon claws on his hands.

---

OOC: Pausing combat briefly. Dashu has hidden before the gates opened fully so he is completely unseen. Third, close to the gate, has been seen. If it will continue to pursue the Earth Monk it'll have to go through several lesser monks now.

Also the Blue Stripes should probably be directed as to who their next target(s) should be. If any.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:29, Sat 04 July 2009.

North Garrison, Inner Compound:

The female Earth Immaculate that kicked the last of the granite wall down gives the Solar a sharp, incredulous look. Her dark eyes fixate on the weapon Danae holds, then narrow, seeing the silhouettes of the giant bugs behind her. "The obvious answer, I believe, is no." [Private to Danae Adela: OK, gave you +2 stunt. I NEARLY forgot to do this! The result put you in the tick count just a little earlier, as I judged your post as a brief 'distraction' stunt to help your JB. So all that work I put into rolling for the Earth monk is kinda... pointless now. ;)]

Evamae, standing behind Danae, also managed to keep her footing when the shockwave passed down the newly dug tunnel, shaking down alarming amounts of earth from the rough ceiling. Now she brandishes her shock pikes, unwilling to wait for the exchange to play on. "Forgive me, Creators, but if we do not press on this is all for naught." She discharges two force blasts from her twin pikes at the woman in reinforced jade, the both of them passing Danae's shoulders so closely she can hear them rush past her ears, mussing her blonde hair.

The Earth Immaculate attempts futilely to ward off the invisible blows with her bare hands. One stabs her in the forearm, the other slipping beneath her blocking arms and toward her ribcage, stabbing through her armor. (3L total)

Signaled by their Princess, the Ruby Guardians cease moving earth and ready themselves for battle. Given the tight space at the opening of the tunnel, only one Guardian can fit through at a time. The first insect warrior pushes through, spewing a plume of hot acid from its mandibles at a trio of monks. Unable to leap away in time, the acid eats through their robes and sears sensitive skin. (Earth immac and 2 young monks take 1L damage each)

"Transcend the pain!" says the Earth immaculate sharply, though the sickeningly sweet smell of acid-burned human skin fills the air, and her stab wounds ache. "Attack!" She and the two monks to the right of her approach the tunnel to surround and attack Danae, but the Solar quickly finds an opening to strike at them first!

---

OOC: Ok, to make this part a little more sane, since the inner compound has a lot of groups broken up, I'm going to roll JB only for the groups that are closest to you, and add more as you proceed into the room. Also, eventually I will abstract some of the battle, as the Rubies target lesser opponents and the Celestials + Princess go for the big ones.

actions
tick 0 - ??? (holding action)
tick 1 - Evamae
tick 3 - Ruby Guardians
tick 4 - Danae
tick 5 - Earth monk + young monks
tick 6 - Dena
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:52, Tue 07 July 2009.

"Sorry then" Danae replied with a sigh.  "Contrary to what you might believe, I'm not terribly keen on killing and murdering everything in sight...  Unfortunately, I suppose we're at a slight theological impasse at the moment."

Impeccable Spark hums ominously, as Danae focuses her Essence towards the Attack.  "Forgive me, I'll try to make this quick"

With that, she was off.  Like a bolt from the blue, Danae leapt into the proverbial dragnet being spread by the Acolyte and her companions, diving into their lines headfirst, tapping her free hand on the ground below after getting past their front lines, and redirecting her momentum enough to get her feet against a nearby structure--and kicking off against it, throwing herself at the first three attackers from behind.

Snapping open, and gathering forth ambient Essence, Impeccable Spark enagaged the kinetic boosters inside--and by the time the first blow made contact with the Immaculate's breastplate--it had already reached full power, tearing through with the force expected from only the most massive of weapons, trailing a thin line of blood along with it--proof that even stone will bleed, given the right incentive.

But she wasn't yet finished--not just yet.

Pushing herself up into a brief handstand--actually Using The Immaculate as her platform, Danae shot off into the air above--briefly touching against a portion of the wall used for the tunnel, and before Gravity had a chance to legitimately kick in, she leapt downwards again, driving Impeccable Spark in a helm-splitter motion straight downward, hopefully putting a quick and merciful end to the Immaculate on the spot--though just in case, she concluded the series of blows upon rising to her full height, twisting Impeccable Spark into a reverse grip again, and lashing it across her target's chest, ideally sending her sprawling--and hopefully not continuing the fight any longer.

[Private to Gatekeeper: 3 Attack Flurry on the Immaculate, hopefully taking her out and demoralizing the oncoming coordinated attack

16:29, Today: Danae Adela rolled 3 successes using 10d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 5,7,9,8,3,1,4,5,1,1. Attack 3.
16:29, Today: Danae Adela rolled 3 successes using 11d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 1,2,1,7,4,5,3,2,10,2,3. Attack 2.
16:29, Today: Danae Adela rolled 9 successes using 12d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 10,7,8,5,4,7,7,8,4,6,7,9. Attack 1.

Impeccable Spark's ability has been activated for 2 motes Personal, aside from that, no stunt or charms have been applied yet.

PDV is presently 7, and can only be reduced by particularly complex actions (Anything that reduces DV by more then 1), Wound Penalties, or Coordinated Attacks]

"Really? I'm sure you will be as merciful to me as you were to the Water District." Third says. No recrimination in its voice, no emotion. It simply stands in the courtyard, flanked by its machines. Its purpose is not to charge in and kill- Its purpose is to make them come to it. "The mission has failed. If not sabotage... Then slaughter." it says, that impassionate tone in its voice as it looks down the blade at the Earth Immaculates. " Do not charge into their formations, they will cut us down easily that way. Attempt to position yourselves so as to best avoid arrows, out of the line of sight of the archers." As Third delivers these orders to the HAS units, it slides smoothly into its stance, facing down the garrison, waiting for them to make their move. The slaughtered bodies of the monks lying about will, with any luck, give them ample reason to attack.

North Garrison, Outer Compound:

Third goads, while the Blue Stripes reform up into a phalanx bending away from the front gate so as to obscure any direct aim from the archers. The group of young Immaculates bristle at the words Third states, the entire body of them moving in a ripple of shifting sleeves and legwork to form a low, martial stance, while the two senior Immaculates exchange a glance.

Unruffled, the monk with the twin short daiklaves replies, "Is this the best the Freerunners could send us? Or perhaps an offshoot. Sky-Seeker? Sun-Worshiper?" The lean monk shakes his head disapprovingly at the very thought, drawing his twin blades, which almost immediately ignite with heat so intense it forms a disconcerting mirage around them. A heat that may well be strong enough even to cut through the chassis of the Blue Stripes. "We would much prefer to show mercy to a lost citizen enticed by the empty call of 'Freedom'. But this has gone entirely too far."

"Seven Streams and I will proceed with the students. Last two rows, stay with Dolum. Travan and Drifting Leaf, with us." Two of the Wood Aspect archers on either side leap down to the ground and step forward with the twin Immaculates who appear to be Fire and Water Aspects, not Earth. "Against the Blue Stripes, circle behind and surround them. The closer to its legs, the less accuracy it will have. Disable the eye, if you can."

"May the Immaculate Dragons gaze favorably upon this battle!" The Immaculates shout together, a wall of sound, as they surge out of the open gates. Third finds itself about to be surrounded by a deluge of young, spirited and battle-ready Earth monks! [Private to Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge; Peleps Dashu: these are likely extras. Changed my mind about extras. They're still young/pretty inexperienced though. Third could move away or could try to take down some of the young monks before they surround it. Since Dashu is in hiding he can act at any tick as a surprise attack, or move away. The Fire and Water twins are not close enough to be trouble... yet.]

---

OOC: Jumped ahead a few ticks, to indicate time passed for moving about and repositioning. Only keeping count for those immediately entering battle.

actions
tick 18 - Third
tick 19 - Fire, Water, Wood Immaculates
tick 21 - Earth Immaculate students (many)
tick 23 - Blue Stripes
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:51, Tue 07 July 2009.

North Garrison, Inner Compound:

Danae's initial rush and attack catches the Earth Immaculate by surprise. After all, even a likely Anathema, especially of Danae's size and stature, ought to think twice throwing herself so wholly into the fray. The daring leap and wall jump is executed quickly and flawlessly, enough that the Earth Aspect, even expecting her to come, cannot quite whirl about fast enough to parry the back-attack with her bracer-clad forearms.

Only a quick burst of Essence and a prayer to Pasiap saves her from worse damage. The Spark does cut through, sundering past her breastplate, but the damage is relatively minimal. (2L, total of 6L) The blood dripping down from underneath her breastplate is still enough for the monks-in-training to realize that the young blond woman with the orichalcum sword is enough of a combatant to contend with their leader... and she has more allies behind her. [Private to Danae Adela: I ruled she had time to use Earth Dragon Form, so unfortunately her soak was on the high end even with the Piercing tag. In this case, 2L (from half Stamina) + 5L (from reinforced breastplate, halved) + 4L (Earth Dragon Form) = 11L vs a total of what turned out to be 15 dice of lethal damage for you (12 sux in after stunt - her 7 DV after using 1st MA Excellency. So 5 dice there, +2 from your strength, +8 from Impeccable Spark.) QUITE unfortunately, when I rolled your +2 stunt dice, you got 0 dice for the second and third attack, so they both missed outright!]

The Earth Immaculate leads the retaliating attack -- twin palm strikes at the young Solar's ribs, while her proteges approach from either side, one aiming a high kick towards her temple, the other aiming a kick to strike her knee and make it buckle.[Private to Danae Adela: Ok, coordination attack against you. I decided to reroll everything, though uh, the coordination roll is slightly wrong, forgot about wound penalty so it should just be 3 dice+wp. In this case then you get a -3 penalty for the coordination attack. Earth monk's flurry is 2 sux, then 5 sux. Then young monks' attacks. High kick is 3 sux, low kick is 2 sux. Generally they seem to have done badly this time around, great for you! ;)]

The other two young monks attempt to fend for themselves against the acid spewing insect that attacked them. Barely maintaining their calm, they punch and kick at the creature's soft underbelly, but it easily deflects the weak attempts with its hook sword limbs.

From a balcony above and to Danae's right, a team of three Immaculate archers aims down at her and the first Ruby Guardian, the only fully visible enemies.

---

OOC: actions
tick 6 - Dena, Evamae
tick 7 - Wood Immac + students(2) (complete aim)
tick 8 - Ruby Guardians
tick 9 - Danae
tick 10 - Earth Immaculate + students(4)

Dena climbs out of the hole, rather than leaping, and takes her time, grasping the ceiling as she watches carefully.  Spotting the archers preparing to pepper arrows into the Ruby, she launches herself in a long wing-assisted dive, leading with essence-lash strike towards the nearest student at a few yards away, and following it up with a kick and a sweep to try to drop the second wood-student and reduce the ranged attack threat.


Ouch.  The dice do not love me today.
00:22, Today: Tervila Dena rolled 2 successes using 7d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 5,3,9,5,1,2,8. Kick Attack.
00:22, Today: Tervila Dena rolled 2 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 4,6,9,4,6,6,7,2. Kick Attack.
00:16, Today: Tervila Dena rolled 5 successes using 14d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 5,10,5,3,9,6,4,1,1,5,5,5,6,10. Essence Lash Strike.

[Private to GM: For my recordkeeping, Essence Levels:
Personal 17: Peripheral 21, Willpower 6, no charms this round.

Also it'd be convenient if somebody disarmed Dena in this battle, I'd like to steer her more towards Lunar Hero Style in the future and losing her weapon would be a good excuse to focus on natural attacks instead. ]

Danae was still rather surprised, all things considered.  Much of her talk about being able to handle multiple immaculates on her own was based mostly on vague outlines on what she was theoretically capable of, and her rough idea of what even a particularly trained and experienced Dragon Blooded should have been able to put out.

She said they wouldn't be a problem, even in considerable numbers--and as the Earth Immaculate reeled from the impact of the last blow, Danae's expression seemed to soften a bit, though the ashigaru helmet did a fair bit to mask her surprise at how the battle was unfolding.

"It's like they're barely even moving..." She thinks to herself, recalling the sheer strength and ferocity she had experienced shortly after her own Exaltation--confused, swelling with great power, and duelling with two of the Fire Monks that were sent to collar her--striking with incredible speed and agility, shearing through what weapons and devices she could secure quickly--and subduing her as though it was just another day on the job.

Even back in the Water District, is was like a desperate battle just to make any headway at all.

But here she was, fighting one of the Immaculate Order's strongpoints head on--and it was as though she was duelling against harmless children, barely able to defend themselves.

She almost lazily outstretched a hand as the Earth Immaculate's palm-strikes came near, twisting her body to the side, and delivering a quick shove to the wounded Acolyte, sending her two palm-strikes to each side of the Dawn's body, brushing against the hardened plates of her new armor--but otherwise failing to exert any force against her.

Impeccable Spark was up again then with the free hand, twisting to the flat side, and catching the strikes from the younger Monks in the same motion, both blows being impotent against the Orichalcum Blade.

The situation could have been comical if it wasn't in such a deadly context--an Earth Immaculate, arms still outstretched in a gesture that might appear as an embrace to someone from the right angle, with two similarly garbed monks, with limbs currently impacting against a golden sword, carried by a young woman who's head only came up to the chest of the average members of that group.

"I can't afford to play around under these circumstances" She warned then, snapping Impeccable Spark's blade closed, the final exertation of force and accompanying burst of steam forcing the debacle apart.  "And I'll be frank, the mortals aren't going to last for seconds at this level of battle--and they're honestly not going to be a great tactical advantage for you.  They're only presently alive because I haven't needed to actively use Essence in this battle--do you 'Really' want them all to die like dogs just to make a futile gesture?!?"

[Private to Gatekeeper: PDV against the coordinated attack is at 4 pre-stunt are added in, and does not degrade further as a result of Fivefold Bulwark Stance]
This message was last edited by the player at 05:41, Tue 07 July 2009.

Third lifts it sword, and steps forward, strikes out, three vicious lashes out running across throats as the Earth-aspects attack, a whirlwind of red jade as it strikes out. It doesn't speak, it simply acts. The blade licks out each time it strikes, a shine and a flick as it moves through the air with the grace of a swallow, flicking out to cross throats as they approach, to weaken the students with bloodloss and pain. Each flick accompanies a swift movement from Third, the blade moving to avoid parries, and strike horizontally. each blow that lands lifting a spray of blood through the air, the blade cutting through the air with a humming, motes of dust lifting off of it as the blade dips each time, striking the earth in a brutal way, leaving brutal gouges through it, marking the blows against the Immaculates with symbolic blows against their element.

OOC:You rolled 3 successes using 10d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 ((5,4,10,2,4,8,6,5,3,4)).
You botched using 9d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 ((2,4,5,1,1,2,1,3,6)).
You rolled 4 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 ((9,6,9,10,4,2,3,1)).
Bloody hell. Wish I'd spent a Willpower on that middle roll, only thing to do now is hope that I get a decent enough stunt dice to give me a success on the second roll, hah. :-p.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:55, Tue 07 July 2009.

Northern Garrison, Outer Compound:

Third's swift blade slashes at the tender flesh of the monks surging to surround it. The first two attacks strike Earth-hardened arms that absorb and deflect each brutal blow. Fragments of stone crackle and flake from their limbs, but they hold against the graceful yet deadly blade.

The Solar's final attack bites into flesh, a shallow cut close to the throat. The Earth monks prepare to retaliate -- five young, bald-shaven students surrounding Third on all sides, five pairs of hands ready to grasp Third tight or pummel it down. The Blue Stripes' Sentinel Eyes swivel back and forth, the red beam focusing on one enemy, then another, quickly absorbing data on the multitude of new targets about to swarm them. The monks will still reach them before they can complete the process.

The twin monks clad in reinforced breastplates proceed forward, one surrounded by flickering flames, the other by graceful tendrils of water. The Fire Monk called Seven Coals dashes swiftly through the body of monks, his steps leaving burning afterimages on the earth, while his brother flows patiently around them, the students subconsciously parting to allow for his sinuous advance.

Lingering with the rear guard, the Wood Monks named Travan and Leaf simultaneously ready their bows. Twin arrows whistle through the air, over the heads of the monks, through the open gates, headed straight for Third.

[Private to Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge: +2 stunt for your attack, particularly cause you've got some balls sticking around long enough to get swarmed... ;) fortunately for you, the stunt dice were kinder. Final sux were 4, 3 and 6... which, unfortunately, only hit one monk. On the other hand, your next turn is still before the Earth monks can launch an attack.

Wood immaculate attacks on you, which rolled... dismally! on 14 dice. 1 sux, which definitely misses you, and 6 sux, which may require some stunting or a Charm (since you are at -3 DV, this attack is before you refresh).

My apologies, I'm sure it must be getting hard to stunt by now. Though, this may be a good point for a stunt learn.]

---

OOC: actions
tick 21 - Third, Earth immaculate students (many)
tick 22 - Fire Immaculate
tick 23 - Blue Stripes
tick 24 - Water, Wood Immaculates
(Dashu is still hidden/holding action)

Northern Garrison, Inner Compound:

"This is not about a futile gesture," intones the Earth Immaculate, leaping back and straightening stubbornly despite her multiple wounds. "We are defending against you, who have invaded us. Would you ask that we lay down our arms before you as well?"

"We are all here by choice. Just as you are." Her two students leap to join her, the three of them reconvening in a defensive unarmed formation.

Above them, Dena's whip lashes out at one of the student archers, the lurid purple lash striking a glancing blow on his breastplate, all potential for damage sadly absorbed. The second student is much worse off. Dena's initial kick is more a surprise than a harmful attack, but the sweep knocks him right off his feet and he falls hard onto his rump, losing his aim. (3B damage, prone) [Private to Tervila Dena: I gave you +1 stunt. I'll see about the disarm, for now the results here could be some positive reinforcement that the lash is not good to rely on, since you ended up rolling bad damage for it ;)]

Princess Evamae steps grimly through the opening in the granite wall. Her shock pikes eject another pair of force blasts, one hurtling past Danae to strike the Earth Immaculate, the other angled upward to stab at the Wood Immaculate leader on the balcony. This time, it seems the Immaculates are prepared for her; the first invisible blast deflects cleanly, if just barely, from the Earth Aspect's bracer, while the Wood bends nimbly aside, nicked ineffectually on the shoulder of her reinforced breastplate as a pulse of green Essence bolsters his frame.

The remaining archer monks rain arrows on the melee below. Two arrows mostly deflect off the Ruby's carapace, though one manages to jam between its hardened plates. (1L damage) Another trio of arrows descends upon Danae, the Wood Immaculate choosing not to waste her aim despite the fact a Lunar Anathema hovers so close by. [Private to Danae Adela: The dice gods are so on your side. Arrow flurry got 8 sux, 3 sux, 4 sux. With 5BS only the first one goes through for 4 sux. I'll wait on damage/additional effects since I've no idea if you want to do more to defend or not.]

The Ruby Guardians press forward through that limited space, bolstered by the fighting spirit of the Princess. Two of them are clear of the hole now, the first shoving past the line of Immaculate students to allow the second to move through. Their hook-sword limbs scythe at the acid-burned students, only one of them managing to score a hit, tearing a jagged wound down the young monk's arm in a slash that would otherwise have torn through the throat. (2L, total of 3L) Moving further into the inner compound would help a great deal with the Guardians' mobility.

---

OOC: actions
tick 9 - Danae [Private to Danae Adela: you can do your defense against the arrows + your own attack in the same post]
tick 10 - Earth immac + students(4)
tick 11 - Dena, Evamae
tick 12 - Wood immac + students(2, 1 is prone)
tick 13 - Ruby Guardians
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:57, Wed 08 July 2009.

Danae paused at that for a moment.  "Perhaps you're right.  There's a series of arguments that could be made in the contrary...  But I'll admit, we probably look like the aggressors in this situation..."

The series of arrows soared through the air, a barrage raining down on Danae--blows backed by the strength of Wood Aspected magic, a series of strikes no mortal could withstand while retaining their life, all raining in a neat hexagon around her--as Impeccable Spark flashed outwards, cutting each arrow in twain in a single motion, leaving Danae entirely unscathed.

"... But I won't burden you with the details--it would be arrogant of me to try, and you have indeed made your choices..."

The Golden Sword hummed for a minute, cracking open with harnessed Essence, as Danae slid a foot back, raising the Daiklave in a the same fighting posture she had when the opening had opened.

"I apologize though, I've been taking you lightly, hoping that your circumstances were the same as others in this world that has been created.  It seems you are content with the present circumstancs...  Whether you speak from ignorance of the realities, or simply don't care, assuming it is the lot of things is meaningless in this situation.  It seems that I can't do that any more though, or others who depend on my sword will fall to ruin."

As the remainder of the group stepped forward, Danae Focused

To her perspective, it was as though the color had drained out of Creation--each of the further blows halting in place, leaving Danae the only being capable of moving in this strange, space between seconds.

She didn't have a great deal of time, all things considered.  The Iron Whirlwind Technique allowed for a momentary burst of Godspeed, permitting consecutive attacks with the accuracy of a single ordinary one.  Two strokes landed against the Earth Aspected Monk, crashing against her armor in a cross shape.

But then, Danae turned her attention to the others, leaping between the two young monks fighting against her.

Two more strikes, a single lash against each of their breastplates, the force intended to scatter them like wheat to the harvester's scythe.

But she was not yet finished, there was still a little time remaining in the Iron Whirlwind--directing her attention to the students who were delaying the Ruby Guardians from fully escaping--and landing a single blow to the two of them as well.

Color returned to Creation, as Danae's momentary hyper-acceleration came to an end, Impeccable Spark still sparkling with force...  But as it slammed shut with a sense of finality--the fabric of the World finally realized what had been done.

It remained to be seen what kind of gravity the attack would have.

[Private to Gatekeeper:
Base PDV for Defense: 7
Iron Whirlwind Technique for 5 motes and 1 wp
Activating Impeccable Spark's Piercing for 2 motes

13:15, Today: Danae Adela rolled 8 successes using 15d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 8,9,2,8,2,8,10,9,6,2,8,1,5,6,6. Iron Whirlwind (Targetting Student 4).
13:15, Today: Danae Adela rolled 8 successes using 15d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 3,7,5,4,4,10,7,2,4,3,4,9,10,6,8. Iron Whirlwind (Targetting Student 3).
13:15, Today: Danae Adela rolled 11 successes using 15d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 9,7,2,2,7,5,3,10,1,10,10,8,4,8,2. Iron Whirlwind (Targetting Student 2).
13:15, Today: Danae Adela rolled 7 successes using 15d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 10,5,1,6,4,5,9,2,8,6,1,10,3,7,3. Iron Whirlwind (Targetting Student 1).
13:15, Today: Danae Adela rolled 13 successes using 15d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 9,1,1,4,10,10,10,3,3,7,9,4,9,9,10. Iron Whirlwind (Targetting Earth).
13:14, Today: Danae Adela rolled 4 successes using 15d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 8,3,5,1,1,2,6,5,4,6,5,8,3,4,10. Iron Whirlwind (Targetting Earth).
]

"Anathema..." because Danae, short statured she may be, cannot be anything but -- not with the skill she has shown, and the telltale golden shimmer of her magitech blade -- "your words avail nothing from us. You are the ruin of the world which we have strove to maintain. Should we fail in our duty to stop you, then I pray and fear for the Coils, and for those who would follow in your footsteps."

Those would be the last words she speaks. For in the next moment Danae blurs into an impossible burst of speed, striking simultaneously at the five monks surrounding her and the Rubies. The entire vicinity goes up in a flare of white Earth Essence, the ground trembling as the monks strive to hold back that deadly whirlwind of gold and blue from eviscerating them. [Private to Danae Adela: you got +1 stunt for defense, +2 stunt for attack.]

When the clash of Essence fades...

The Earth Immaculate falls first. Her body is all but split in twain by a devastating final blow, the entire gaping wound cauterized by the heat of the blade. She falls, her corpse smoking, dead beyond a shadow of a doubt. (She took 7L, after the 6L from before.)

Three of the students managed to survive -- one of them, amazingly unscathed, strengthened by a last minute prayer. The final student previously slashed by the Ruby Guardian took a slash from shoulder to armpit, and crumples from the shock and bloodloss. (Students total wounds taken: 1L, 4L, 1L, 7L(incapacitated))

The students, clutching at slashes or acid burns, start to back away toward the center of the compound, where the main body of Immaculates await: a large group of young, goremaul wielding monks in breastplates, led by an imposing figure wearing no armor at all, only his robes and bracers bearing glyphs of white fire coiling up his arms. His expression is calm and resolute. Toward the rear can be glimpsed supporting groups of armored monks with dragon claws. At the far side of the compound is another balcony with Wood Immaculate archers.

Evamae, pushing forward with her Rubies to meet the retreating students, says, "Allow us to handle the youths. Your abilities will be better served against their betters."

---

OOC: actions
tick 11 - Dena, Evamae
tick 12 - Wood immac + students(2, 1 is prone)
tick 13 - Ruby Guardians
tick 14 - Danae (upcoming enemies will start entering battle at this point)

#####||                ||#####   Updated map (no longer approximate)
    R||=======HH=======||#####
## R R R R e            \\####   ~   uncertain areas
###|| P A e              ||###   ||  granite walls
###||D-+ e            +--||###   #   earth
###||oo|    e e e e   |o+||###   H   doors
###||+O|    e E E e   |oO||###
###||--+    e  M  e   +--||###   A - Danae, D - Dena
###||  w W          W w  ||###   P - Princess Evamae, R - Rubies
###||  w w +------+ w w  ||###   M - Immaculate Master
####\\    /++++++++\    //####   E - Earth monks, e - Earth students
#####||=H============H=||#####   O - Wood monks, o - Wood students
###~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~###   W - Water monks, w - Water students
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:38, Tue 21 July 2009.

"As you say Princess." Dena answers, crouching and then jumping off the downed student in a long, lazy backflip while her wings rattle with a sound like bones knocking as she reaches the gate and stands horizontally on it, facing the ground and ducking against the massive structure.
"Might as well make sure there's no reinforcements for a few minutes so we can concentrate on these targets." Dena decides aloud as she rubs her hands and puts one on each side of the doorway.  Flexing her muscles like woven cords under armored skin, she slowly sinks her palms into the doorway and then molds each hand in a  broad circle, melting the doors together and creating a pattern rather like a ying-yang symbol in the surface.  Just to finish the effect she pokes in the eyes with her thumbs.

[Private to GM:  23:04, Today: Tervila Dena rolled 10 successes using 13d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 10,7,7,7,2,10,10,6,3,6,4,7,5. Punch vs. Gate (Convict.).

23:02, Today: Tervila Dena rolled 1 success using 10d10 with
the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 3,5,3,4,1,1,9,6,5,1. Punch Attack.

Using Clay-Wetting Practice to reduce the gate's hardness vs. my attack, should be double my dex for 12 points ignored.]

Third moves like a flash. Its movement resembles a leap, but even as the two arrows arc in, its legs lift into the air, touching the arrows with only the most delicate of movements, as it leaps up, feet kicking it into a backflip off of the arrows, to send both arrows down into the ground, sinking into the earth where it had been standing, as it lets itself move into a smooth backflip, taking itself out of the grasp of the Earth Immaculates, slipping through their fingers as they try to reach in, landing on its feet facing the Fire Immaculate, a smile running across its face. "HAS units, full retreat to our fallback position. Follow me." it says, hoping Dashu notices the message. "We have drawn the outer garrison out. Preparing to make a full retreat to join you. You're unlikely to have much more time to seal the gates." With these words, Third turns, and sprints, hard, making his way towards the tunnels. If nothing else, if the immaculates follow, it will be much easier to fight them off in the narrow killing field of the tunnels.

OOC: Going to burn another three motes on First Dodge Excellency, just to make sure I'll escape that attack. >_> You rolled 1 success using 3d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 ((7,5,3)).

Northern Garrison, Towards Tunnel:

Third avoids the second arrow hurtling toward it, though just barely; it flies within a hair's breadth of striking its ankle before the Solar lands on its feet again. [Private to Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge: Your DV is 7, -3 from your last attacks, +2 stunt, +1 from Excellency. Arrow just barely misses!]

Then Third starts sprinting. Dashu quickly realizes he'll have to start moving to keep up as well, though he is pretty sure he can keep pace with the other Solar.

Unfortunately, while the Earth students are not swift enough to capture Third before it hurries away, the Fire Immaculate is. Seven Coals' footsteps make embers of the earth as he swiftly pursues. Third finds its escape route cut off by this fleet-footed opponent, who flicker suddenly appears in its path, slashing with both of his white-hot blades at Third's chest and throat before executing a low, sweeping kick to knock it down. [Private to Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge: ok... so you're dashing, and start at -2 DV. Fire immaculate attacks are 10 sux, 4 sux, then 3 sux to trip you up. If the first or second hit, each one gives you a -1 internal penalty, cumulative. If the kick hits, roll Stam+Res diff 2 to avoid knockdown.]

The Blue Stripes are not swift enough to immediately follow Third's commands. The remaining larger group of students surrounds them, their fists pummeling mostly ineffectually on their armored plates. Acting on the need to extract themselves, they retaliate. Five giant goremauls swing at the swarming students, three whistling through thin air, two striking with a raw, meaty splatter, flinging the unfortunate targets several yards away. If they live, they'll most definitely be crippled.

They continue to withdraw, following Third. Several young monks pursue as well, but the long stride of the HAS units allows them to maintain a small lead against the much smaller pursuers.

---

OOC: Ok.. going to start abstracting some enemies, however you've still got some running to do and the Fire Monk can keep up (w/Athletics Charm, he's dashing at 20 yards/tick). Wood monks may also be able to attack at range, eventually.

actions (running!)
tick 24 - Third, Wood monks (2, attempting to catch up)
tick 26 - Fire Immaculate
(Dashu can attack at any time)
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:47, Fri 10 July 2009.

Northern Garrison, Inner Compound:

Dena's artful attempt to fuse the gates together works beautifully. The solid metal melts and molds like soft clay in her hands. Looking at her handiwork, she's not quite certain how well it will hold against a concentrated attack. Maybe another application of Essence would cement it better? [Private to Tervila Dena: ok... with Clay-Wetting Practice, you reduce the gate to 0 soak and do 14 damage on it. I'm using stats for 'Fortress Gate' in Exalted core p. 154. I'm going to assume you need to do 20L to seal it securely (just enough to 'damage', but not destroy), so you have 6 more to go. Don't hit too hard or you might break the gate instead.]

Evamae leads the Ruby Guardians, urging Danae to move on as well. Two shock pike blasts startle the remaining students attempting to retreat. The Rubies refuse to let them go, the first pair spraying acid from their mandibles, bathing them in a hot acid mist. The other three crawl from the tunnels to surround them, cutting into them with hook-sword forearms. Another student falls, leaving two more surrounded by the warrior insects. Coughing and spitting in the mist, they remain back to back, unwilling to cut and run.

From the closer balcony, the Wood Immaculate and students let loose another barrage, the knocked-over student rising to his knees beforehand. Three arrows from the students fall upon the Rubies and Evamae, only one managing to score a hit. (1L on Ruby 4) The Immaculate fires three shots at Dena while she hovers at the gate. [Private to Tervila Dena: flurry 4 sux, 7 sux, 3 sux]

Occupying the center of the compound is the large group of Earth Immaculates. Even the students seem to have at least a small grasp of Essence use, though nothing compared to the two senior monks and their Master, who immediately crouches down and touches his head to the ground. His skin ripples and immediately begins to petrify as he embraces the perfection of Earth. His subordinates immediately surround him, so that the only way to reach him easily would be from above. [Private to Danae Adela: Dena could make it with her wings, but you'd have to split action to jump.]

---

OOC: actions
tick 14 - Danae
tick 15 - Evamae, Earth students (2 near tunnel)
tick 16 - Dena
tick 17 - Wood monks(2)+students(4) (at both balconies), senior Earth monks(2 w/Master)
tick 18 - Ruby Guardians, Earth students (8 w/Master)
tick 20 - Earth Master (after pinnacle charm)
Water monks are holding action.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:07, Fri 10 July 2009.