Dashu follows the frey from a safe enough distance to not be discovered.  He heard the command Third gave over the intercom and whispered the word "Acknowledged" close enough to his communicator to be heard by the exalts but not loud enough over all to be heard over the frey of battle.  Because he was trying to be both quiet and unseen, he couldn't move as quickly as Third and the HAS, but then again, at this moment he didn't need to.

Third is not even phased as that blade comes in with a vicious swing at chest level. Most would find this attack irresistible, a lethal harbinger of death... But Third doesn't believe in the irresistibility of the Dragon-Blooded. It uses its own momentum, its body dropping down beneath the level of the two blades, and then using its arm to spring upwards, leaving a cloud of dust behind it as it lands on its feet. If one were paying extremely close attention, then they might realize that this movement should have been impossible, but the supposedly human rebel seems to have not realized this "This may be the time to remember the wisdom of Hesieh, and hold yourself back. If you keep running, you'll have to face me without a press of students and archery support." the rebel says, face deadpan as it continues moving smoothly, having recovered from the dive and roll with one smooth movement, feet pounding the ground as it runs, letting the Fire Aspect dig itself in deeper.
OOC: 14/19 Essence, pumping 10 motes into First Dodge Excellency... And I get a merry 'Screw You' from the dice roller, getting three successes! Filthy thing. Leaves me at 4/19 personal essence.

This...  Could be slightly more problematic then she had initially thought.  The Immaculate Master clearly knew what he was doing, and his forces were properly arraying themselves to deal with a powerful opponent.  The others present should be able to handle most of the lesser monks without too much trouble, and once Third, Dashu, and the Blue Stripes showed up, they could cave in the tunnel and lock the enemy reinforcements out.

"Gates are sealed" Danae whispered into her own communicator.  "Get in here ASAP so we can continue the plan"

She turned to Dena then, and called out.  "Take your time with that!  Focus on the archers once you're done though!"

Finally, she turned to the knot of Monks in the center, and seemed to contemplate the situation for a time.  She wasn't aware of the deeper abilities of the Earth Style, and she was loathe to bring down her defenses for it.  She'd probably best focus on beating the junior monks for a while, thin their numbers out gradually that way.

Plan set, Danae kicked off of the ground, forcing her body towards the front lines of the Immaculate's defense line, singling out one of the junior monks presently attempting to set up some semblance of a defense.  Skidding to an abrupt stop as she went, lashing out with Impeccable Spark to use it's detonation to drop the speed to nothing, while also sending her into a seemingly uncontrolled spinning motion.

The lie to this, however, was quickly unveiled, as she grasped the mighty daiklave in both hands, and utilized the force of the spin to deliver a powerful chop, driving the younger monk back even further.

But she wasn't quite finished just yet either--she quickly reversed the sword, allowed it to rebound off of the ground below, and strike a third blow in the opposite direction of the prior stroke--a third blow that rapidly changed to a fourth, as she suddenly threw her weight into the attack, trying for a final finishing thrust to mop things up with.

[Private to Gatekeeper: Iompeccable Spark's ability activated for 2m personal, flurry of four attacks on a junior monk.

12:18, Today: Danae Adela rolled 2 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 7,3,4,4,6,5,9,5. Attack 4.
12:18, Today: Danae Adela rolled 4 successes using 9d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 1,8,4,3,5,8,6,10,6. Attack 3.
12:18, Today: Danae Adela rolled 4 successes using 10d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 3,4,8,6,10,2,6,6,7,4. Attack 2.
12:18, Today: Danae Adela rolled 4 successes using 11d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 2,6,1,10,7,3,4,8,6,4,1. Attack 1.
]

Northern Garrison, Towards Tunnel:

Again Third attempts to maneuver away from danger, its hand briefly touching the earth before pushing off. Unfortunately, the monk's leading daiklave is faster, threatening to carve a burning wound into Third's back before it can get away. [Private to Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge: Ok.. you're at 5 DV, +3 from excellency. I'm giving you +1 stunt. So... just 1 off from not being hit.]

"I am sure you will be no trouble," says Seven Coals calmly. A split second later he is once more running besides Third, catching up so swiftly it seems as if he flickers from one position to the next, defying time and space. "The Sentinels are a dangerous touch, but they are slow. Much slower than I can be."

"You are fast, but I can take you down. I can bleed you until you cannot run, and before your precious machines can reach you. Why continue? You are only one rebel." Surging toward Third again, he plunges the pommel of his daiklave toward its solar plexus, while simultaneously aiming a kick at the back of the shins, to buckle its legs. Whether the attacks hit or not, the mere proximity of the Fire Monk is uncomfortably hot, and any contact downright searing. [Private to Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge: And.. unfortunately for you, I don't think Fire Dragon Form works very well with pulling blows, as 'great heat' is not something you can just make non-lethal... However I'll still roll as if pulling blows was done. So if damage goes overboard I'll just rule the damage does not kill you.

So, first attack 8 sux, second at 0, a horribly missed trip attempt! You're at -2 DV, if you're still going at dash speed.]

Other than the Blue Stripes, about 5 student monks and 2 Wood Immaculates are pursuing. The Wood Aspects load and aim their powerbows, though with the bulk of the HAS units serving as impromptu cover, and the fact they are firing while running, may make aiming difficult. Dashu is a shadow following the chase, unseen and unnoticed as he deliberately trails behind the monks.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:54, Sat 11 July 2009.

Northern Garrison, Inner Compound:

Danae attempts to take down the junior monk with a series of blows. Unfortunately, the monk is quite prepared for her, erecting a stalwart defense. Impeccable Spark is pushed back every time by the jade goremaul the young monk wields. The Dawn Caste realizes quickly that these particular students are at least somewhat further along in their studies. Essence users for certain, if weak ones, enough that they have been granted use of the signature Earth weapon. [Private to Danae Adela: You were just unlucky (the monk had base 6 DV after Charm use, and your stunt dice were stingy. +2 stunt though, hopefully will help you set up for some more iron whirlwind :) You do have another attack before the Master.]

Meanwhile Evamae and the Rubies are faring well. Another student goes down, lanced by invisible blasts from the Princess's shock pikes, and the last one in their vicinity staggers back, still attempting to retreat toward the far balcony where the arrows of the Wood Aspects will cover him. Deciding the single opponent is not worth their attention, the warrior insects maneuver themselves to support Danae and the monks at the center of the compound. They may not have the raw skill of a Solar Exalt, but their bulk should at least help disperse the knot of monks somewhat.

---

OOC: actions
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 19 - Danae
tick 20 - Earth Master (after pinnacle charm), Evamae
Water monks are holding action. 1 Earth student (5L damage) retreating.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:33, Mon 13 July 2009.

Third sees that blade bearing down on it, and a pulse of Essence leaves its body, welling up around it as the flaming blade strikes down, licking bands of golden essence wrapping around the blade, and holding it back- Then pushing it aside, as Third's final desperation defense kicks in. "If you pursue this chase, it will end in your death. Eye have held back the strength that lies within me... I would suggest strongly that you do the same." it says, as it moves smoothly, the essence guttering out as Third continues moving, even as the Fire Aspect dives in for another attack, its eyes meet those of the Fire Aspects. "Your fire is merely a pale imitation of the Sun, Dragon-Blood." it speaks, and then, as that first blade angles in, the urge for freedom, from this Dragon-Blood, from this chase, surges through the Exalt, that perfect moment of absolute clarity, knowing that what it needs to do is clear- And so, the form of the Exalt splits, separating into seven indistinct shadows, the blade passing through one, perhaps two- But it is a shell game, for where Third truly is, nothing can strike. The shadows fade back together after a moment, as Third continues moving. "The fascinating thing, Dragon-Blood, is that a Solar is not obvious as a Solar, until the moment you push it too far." Third still speaks in that soft, cool voice, even as it avoids the attacks, a glittering caste mark coming to life on its forehead as it moves fast, feet striking the ground, hoping it will not have to let its Anima banner flare in full.

OOC: Spending 5 motes to use the Twilight Caste power, and then another 3- This time from Peripheral- to Seven Shadows Evade. Leaves me with 0/19 Personal, 36/45 Peripheral. 5/7 Willpower. 3 Peripheral Essence spent this scene.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:21, Sat 11 July 2009.

Absorbed in her remodelling of the door, Dena barely notices the attack until the first arrow rips a gouge of the door a few inches from her head, showering her with sparks as the heavy iron tears from the impact.  With the second heading right for her, and her hands occupied with molding metal, Dena bends in desperation more than a human body is technically able to and grasps her essence lash with her teeth, flicking out a blue-and-purple bolt of lightning that cleaves the second arrow in half in midair.  Against the third, with her lash in a bad position to flick back she grabs the top edge  of the door between her toes and wrenches it downward to enfold herself in a quick cocoon, then kicks it back upward after hearing the telltale 'thunk' of a powerbow shot hitting steel.

[Private to GM: Hmm, my parry DV is 7 and it should have been 5 with penalties so I think I only need +1 from stunting to block all the arrows.]

Immediately threat dealt with, Dena decides she's not satisfied with how well the gate is sealed and drops to the ground.  Digging a trench with her claws in a single, brutal swipe she grabs the lower edges of the doors and stretches them like taffy, sinking the lower edge of the door so that it will not open unless a significant portion of the floor is worn away first.  The hinges creak ominously from the abuse as the Lunar rises and surveys the battlefield a moment, then grins horribly and starts towards the Wood group again.

[Private to GM:  Grumble.  The dice must have known I need a bad roll this time.

22:42, Today: Tervila Dena rolled 9 successes using 12d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 6,2,9,9,4,8,3,10,8,4,10,8. Punch vs. Gate. ]

Northern Garrison, Towards Tunnel

Seven Coals' eyes narrow. He continues to keep pace with Third. "So you show your true colors. Solar, the sun does not shine down here. This is our world, and your prison. This is the Five Coils. And for how many of us you may defeat, there will be that many more to take our place. You will tire. You will not escape."

He raises his arm, a signal. The two Wood Aspects keeping pace from behind fire a pair of arrows each, while the Fire Immaculate reverse-grips his left-hand blade and slashes toward Third's side, moving past him with another blazing burst of speed. The four arrows descend upon the Solar's back simultaneously, forcing it to dodge five attacks at once.

After all that ought to be no trouble for a Solar Exalt.

At this point Third thinks it is close to halfway to its destination... assuming the continued interruptions of the Immaculate keeping pace with it and the monks trailing behind do not slow it down.

[Private to Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge: You are at -3 DV (-3 from coordinated attack, -2 from running, +2 from Blue Stripes cover) against the arrows, and -5 DV against the Fire Monk's single attack (cover doesn't count here).

Successes:
Fire monk - 5 sux
Wood monk 1 - 3 sux, 7 sux flurry
Wood monk 2 - 5 sux, 8 sux flurry

btw, what's your Flaw for the perfect dodge? Oh, and another +2 stunt.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:45, Wed 15 July 2009.

Northern Garrison, Inner Compound:

Two arrows hit the gate ineffectually, but the second arrow slips past Dena's essence lash and bounces ineffectually off her war-body. As for her attentions on the gate, it is fused solidly with the ground, hardening as soon as Dena withdraws her hands. The monks would definitely have trouble prying that out, particularly since their best Earth monks are already past the gate. [Private to Tervila Dena: I'll give you +2 stunt if you had any motes/wp to regain. The second arrow still hit you with 1 sux (it's 7 sux vs 4 DV, you got a +2 stunt. So, 1 sux in, but it did no damage. I'll give you another +1 for your attack against the gate.]

The Wood monks at the balcony closest to the tunnel see Dena coming back for them and immediately fire off a trio of coordinated shots at her, trusting the Earth monks to be able to handle the insects on the ground. [Private to Tervila Dena: The monks shoot one arrow each. 5 sux, 8 sux, 6 sux. Since these are all single attacks from different targets, there's no onslaught penalty, just the coordination penalty (which is -2) + the DV penalty from your punch (-1).]On the opposite balcony, the archers concentrate on Danae, shooting another trio of arrows in a similar formation. [Private to Danae Adela: more fun with coordination, I guess. :P -3 from coordination, no onslaught penalties here. Single attack each from the wood monk (10 sux), student monk (7 sux), another student monk (7 sux).]

On Evamae's command, the Ruby Guardians begin to flank the group of Earth students, forcing them away from direct combat with Danae. This leaves Danae with the two senior Earth monks, and the Master, who is within moments of completing his commune with Pasiap. The pair of seniors step forward grimly. "Why have you come here, with your Lunar partner? We know what your kind are capable of, Forsaken," says the first senior. "But you will not surmount the entire Temple with such a pitiable force," continues the second.

The pair grasp their grand goremauls, burning with ivory essence, and attack simultaneously. The first monk brings down his massive weapon, striking the ground, while the other swings his weapon down to snap the rather petite Solar's shoulder--and possibly a whole lot more. The ground trembles and opens up beneath Danae's feet, complicating her attempts to avoid the second goremaul. [Private to Danae Adela: figured you had enough targets to worry about so for now the students are distracted by the bugs. Depending on how the battle goes, though, more students may get in your way, or the archers may switch targets, etc. Anyway, first monk's attack is 9 sux (vs Dodge DV only), second is 4 sux (can use either Parry or Dodge)]

The Rubies slash in tandem against the students, easily blocked except for one unfortunate who falls back with a bloody X slashed into her breastplate. (5L damage) The students retaliate, but don't fare much better, their goremauls striking the warrior bugs' hook sword arms rather than colliding with their bright red carapaces.

---

OOC: actions
tick 19 - Danae
tick 20 - Earth Master (after pinnacle), Evamae
tick 21 - Dena
tick 22 - Wood monks(2)+students(4) (at both balconies), senior Earth monk 2
tick 23 - Ruby Guardians, senior Earth monk 1, Earth students (7)
Water monks are holding action. 2 Earth students (5L damage ea.) falling back

"Wait, you think that Dena's my partner?" Danae said, baffled for a second at the insinuation--but quickly guess that it's probably a fair mistake...

Of course, this didn't stop her expression from darkening any.  "My 'Partner' has been strapped into a bed, and is presently being used by the people YOU are protecting as a breeder for their little experimental projects, to create the monsters that you have running around for their own purposes.  She shook her head, almost baffled at their behaviour.  "And yet you still stand before me, and insist you're all in the right...  I'm stunned actually, it's almost disgusting how much you're willing to overlook in your 'Own' kind, just as long as it's done to somebody you figure is evil..."

There's a brief pulsating from her, a golden field emitting from around her, fouling the trajectories of each and every one of the arrows in an almost contemptuous fashion--quickly resolving into a brightly glowing golden bonfire.

The fissure below opened up--only for Danae to look at each side of the setup, almost bored in her own way.

The sides crushed in--and the earth itself balked in the face of her invincible defenses, shattering itself rather then interfere with her own goals.  Her helmet was blown off, falling to the wayside, as her own brightly glowing Caste Mark fully resolved itself, crackling gears churning within it as she walked up the ridge, a pathway seeming resolving itself to allow her up.

"Forsaken...  Probably the most accurate of the words you've chosen to describe my kind"  She continued, watching the oncoming goremaul blow approach--she didn't even glorify this one with a Perfect defense--instead, Impeccable Spark simply lashed out, driving the senior monk back on his heels.

"You forsake anyone who doesn't fall into your little society in some way--Slaves, Masters, Overseers--anyone with the capacity to break your orderly little society is undesirable...  If they were just people with greater power, your own justification for rulership fades away...  So you brand us as terrible demons, and give yourselves the right to torture us, enslave us, treat us as sub-human, act in ways you would never dream of doing to people...  But we're just not 'People' to you, are we?"

The Senior Monk she had parried earlier began to recover--but not in time to stop Danae's retaliation--there's a flash of motion--and he is forced back with incredible strength, six seperate slashes becoming visible from cracks on his chestplate, emitting light as the energy gathered to attack.

"My name is Danae Adela--consider this my challenge to your corrupt order...  Come and face me!"

[Private to Gatekeeper: Okay, lots of motes flying around here, but better to spend motes and avoid damage, then to not spend motes, and risk being injured later!

16 motes peripheral on using Heavenly Guardian Defense 4 times, once on each of the arrows, and once on the monk who's using the earthquake attack.  As it's a perfect defense, it voids the whole applicability issue.

Using an ordinary parry on the monk with 4 successes, hopefully to get some of those motes back in the process.

I'm also counterattacking the monk subject to my ordinary parry, and using Iron Whirlwind Technique, directing all six attacks on him, with Impeccable Spark's ability activated.

21:04, Today: Danae Adela rolled 6 successes using 15d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 8,9,4,5,9,5,3,8,3,9,7,1,5,6,2. Iron Whirlwind 6.
21:04, Today: Danae Adela rolled 3 successes using 15d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 9,5,4,4,4,2,2,6,6,4,8,3,6,5,9. Iron Whirlwind 5.
21:03, Today: Danae Adela rolled 7 successes using 15d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 7,3,9,10,4,1,1,4,5,4,8,7,5,9,3. Iron Whirlwind 4.
21:03, Today: Danae Adela rolled 6 successes using 15d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 7,7,1,9,9,2,3,1,4,6,3,3,9,1,9. Iron Whirlwind 3.
21:03, Today: Danae Adela rolled 7 successes using 15d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 5,1,1,8,4,6,5,6,7,3,10,10,5,2,9. Iron Whirlwind 2.
21:03, Today: Danae Adela rolled 8 successes using 15d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 8,2,9,10,8,7,9,2,7,2,5,2,6,5,1. Iron Whirlwind 1.

Hoping to stunt back a lot of the flushed motes X_x Otherwise I may be in a bit of a pinch.

At any rate, my effective DV is increased by 2 against anyone here who does not have a Valor of 4 or higher, due to my anima power, additionally, all Mortals present need to succeed at a morale roll, or run away screaming]
This message was last edited by the player at 04:11, Tue 14 July 2009.

"You fool." The Solar says, eyes empty as it moves, even as the coordination of the attack surrounds it. "Five Coils is not your world. You simply squat here, peasants playing at being kings, and hiding within the darkness, in the hopes that the sun you've scorned will not be able to see you.<Aqua>" Its eyes move with that inhuman speed, calculating the movements. Three attacks are notable threats to it. It will need to move swiftly enough to be able to avoid them... Its eyes close as it reaches a moment of pure epiphany. "<Aqua>But the sun is wherever a Solar is. And Eye am one, and you Dragon-Blooded are many..." And then it begins moving, a flowing shadow of darkness and grace, as it moves between blows, that Anima expanding outwards, a golden bonfire of essence surrounding it, shining as it moves sinuously, its body seeming to flicker as the monk strikes out, a sheer force of will pushing the tiring muscles past their limits, the Solar leaping over the attack sinuously as it prepares for the two arrows flying at it- Even as it hangs in mid-air, its body twists around, feet delicately landing on the arrows to move itself around their paths, defying physics as it moves through the air, and then, as the last two arrows strike in with that deadly grace- The solar disappears in a burst of golden essence only to reappear, landing smoothly on the ground once again. "But even if you kill this body here, Eye will be back."

The Solar is once again moving, feet pounding the ground to greater effort. "But you seem to have forgotten that your strength lies in numbers, Dragon-Blood. And your numbers are fading." it says, one last sentence before it returns to its movement, eyes closed as it sprints, moving by a perfect  blend of memory and instinct.

OOC: Spending one Willpower to dodge the Fire Monk attack, hopefully it'll be enough with Stunt, and then using two Seven Shadows Evasions to dodge the secondary attacks by the Monks. Shame on me for not renewing Flow like Blood before starting this plan. :-p. Anyway, that puts me at, if my calculations are correct, 11/19 Personal Essence, 30/45 Peripheral and 4/7 Willpower.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:39, Wed 15 July 2009.

Northern Garrison, Towards Tunnel:

"It is arrogance such as yours that led to the first downfall of the Solars." The Fire Monk remains unshaken as Third draws upon natural ability coupled with the Sun's energy to evade the arrows cleanly. Even his own blade strikes thin air, a maddening hair's breadth short of biting through flesh. "And so it will lead again, in time. For we, the Princes of the Earth, have bided our time to make it so."

The Immaculate whose steps burn searing footprints on the earth opens with another slash to Third's ribs with his left-hand, reverse gripped daiklave. Then in the next motion he twists at the waist, arcing the right-hand blade low to nick Third's thigh, while the left reverses direction to stab deeply at the Solar's shoulder, glowing with the heat of a forge. Though executing the attacks at a run, he does not miss a single step, putting on bursts of speed even in the minute interval between attacks, so that his form flickers bewilderingly between solid and blurred. "I would be quite pleased to see you re-shackled, rather than slain. But it is difficult for a flame to burn half-way."

A short sprint ahead brings him out of the way of the Wood monks' arrows, another double pair hurtling from behind the bulk of the Blue Stripes toward the pursued Solar, their heads glowing a vibrant emerald. Ahead of Third and the Fire Monk, the mound of displaced earth from the freshly dug tunnel starts to be visible.

[Private to Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge: Okay. +2 again! And you're at -2 DV. The Fire Monk rolled like... total crap. 2, 1, 4 sux flurry. That's what he gets for trying to save motes. ;)

And the arrows... for which you still have a +2 cover bonus. Hmm. I think only the 7 sux and the 10 sux hit you.

Wood monk 1 - 6, 7 sux flurry
Wood monk 2 - 10, 4 sux flurry]

[Private to Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge; Peleps Dashu: ETA: 2 more actions until the tunnel. Sorry this gives you so little to do Dashu, but if you want to remain unseen...]

Northern Garrison, Inner Compound:

Danae, burning with golden righteousness, shrugs off the monks' attacks as woefully inconsequential. Arrows break on the edge of her blade. Earth can neither penetrate her nor find purchase on her body. The crack in the ground closes up as if tamed that way by her radiance... and then she steps forward, blurring as she defies time and space, striking the first senior monk at six directions at once.

Impeccable Spark carves a flurry of cuts through the monk's breastplate, a perfect symmetry like the opening of a flower bud traced in blood. He stumbles backward in a spray of crimson, but does not fall, renewing his low, solid stance a few yards back, breathing heavily as he lifts his goremaul. (7L) "A demon indeed. Uncollared and vindictive. Your kind would paint our blood on the walls of this fortress, for the wrongs you perceive against you."

The unharmed senior monk gazes plainly at Danae through the bright golden anima banner that singles her out on the battlefield. "But the subjugation of Celestials is not about the right to rule. The Terrestrials have that right regardless of your power, for it is a right by blood."

The Master clad in robes and glowing sutras straightens calmly. The seniors flank him on either side, while the students ebb toward the background, keeping the insects occupied, and the Water Monks wait by the rear doors. His flesh is like dark marble. His body thrums with Earth Essence, an aura so powerful it takes on a faint gravitational pull. The earth bends for him when he moves, dragon-talon boots biting into the malleable dirt. A flurry of rock fragments rises up to surround him, fragments like sharpened knives, made diamond sharp by his control over the element.

He raises a hand, to silence his pupils.

"Danae Adela, I am Stern Firmament." The ground trembles when Firmament speaks, resonating with the deep, sonorous tone of his voice. "You are angry at the enslavement of the Anathema. You are not alone in this. Not all of us embraced the idea. It was heavily debated, and many within the Order preferred to kill rather than keep you. Do not make the mistake that we all derive enjoyment to use and harm you. Or that we all do it for greed or ambition. We are all individuals. Should you wish not to be judged uniformly, perhaps you should refrain from doing the same to others."

"All the same, I am not here to negotiate with you. You have chosen your side; I have chosen mine. I defend the traditions and beliefs of my home and people. I defend their collective decisions, for better or for worse. So let us fight, and see whose ideal is the victor."

---

OOC: welll, for dramatic effect I had master monk use his turn for talking. Also I am going to start rolling Evamae/Rubies/Earth students in the background for a bit, will update their status when I post for the senior monks (who go again before Danae)

It's Dena's turn now, once she takes care of her defense against the last batch of arrows.

[Private to Danae Adela: ok... you get a +2 for defense, a +3 for attack. So a total of 10m back. As for mortals running... the current monks around you are all at least very young Exalts. Thinking on it, they couldn't be initiated into CMA anyways unless they were. So.. yeah. However, that +2 DV applies to everyone except the seniors and the Master.

Soak: The senior monk is wearing jade reinforced breastplate(pierced, so 5L), +Earth Dragon Form(5L) +stamina(1L) +reflexive use of Stone Dragon Skin(+5L), so has a soak of 16L. Your attacks.. all ping! But, 6 pings.. ouch.

Anyway, I am hoping you won't have to survive more than a couple more turn cycles without reinforcements coming around. Edit--one more thing about Firmament, i'm telling you this purely OOC so you don't get surprised, but he actually also knows some Water Dragon charms. Including that first one, Flowing Water Defense, that can subtract dice from your attack pools. If I ever use this I will always subtract dice from the right side.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:39, Tue 21 July 2009.

"I'm afraid you don't entirely understand the facts." Dena corrects the monk politely.  An arrow flies at her face and the wasp-woman catches it in midair and snaps it between to fingers.
"We don't judge you all equally, many Dragonblooded are our allies.  Why, just a few weeks ago my servant Jilava helped us add another Solar and gain some more converts, what was that wood aspect's name?  Willow something I think."
Dena pauses in thought and then almost offhandedly holds out one hand and lets a second arrow pierce her palm before brushing the last of the barrage away without seeming to notice the pain of a broadhead right through her palm.
"At any rate that's not important, she's not our servant yet.  What matters is that We are not a pair of random Celestials.  We have regained access to our first-age memories. . . and we are the ones who built Five Coils to begin with.  We know what really happened in the takeover, not hte self-serving lies of the dragonbloods.  We know the secrets to this place you have never discovered, it's greatest weapons and treasures.  Many of the Dragonblooded recognize their true masters, and all the machines and artifacts we created remember their true lords." 

Her anima banner flares into a swarm of blue and purple surrounding her, and Dena splits her lash in three and blazes energy at the monks who dared fire on her.

"Five Coil's landlords have returned, and we're not happy with the way our tenants have been treating it."

[Private to GM: 13:00, Hmm, looks like my second dodge attempt failed hard.  Owie.

Personal 17: Peripheral 2, Willpower 6, no charms this round.

13:15, Today: Tervila Dena rolled 8 successes using 19d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 6,4,1,6,8,5,1,3,3,8,8,8,3,2,10,1,7,8,2. Lash attack + Excellency.

Today: Tervila Dena rolled 3 successes using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 10,5,6,5,2,8. Dex Excellency.
13:00, Today: Tervila Dena rolled 1 success using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 8,5,2,3,4,4. Dex Excellency.
12:57, Today: Tervila Dena rolled 4 successes using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 9,8,7,5,8,3. Dex Excellency.
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The Solar flickers between blows, slipping between attacks as it taunts the Fire Aspect with its own serenity, each blow slipping past the Solar's agile body as it shakes its head. "That is not Right. That is nepotism, favoritism, a show of the inferiority of Dragon-Blooded that they could be trusted to breed. Nobody thought you had enough strength that it had to be kept self-contained. You are a foot-soldier." The Solars words move on even as it leaps into the air, footsteps dancing around the arrows as it steps around them easily. "But there was a very foolish mistake. We forgot that you were still Exalted." The Solar is almost teasingly close, those androgynous, beautiful lips quirked into a corpse's smile, empty eyes betraying it as it disappears in another burst of golden light around the sole arrow in the quick burst fired that could threaten it, even as it dances. "Can you afford to make the same mistake, Dragon-Blood?" the voice asks, directionless for a moment before the Solar appears again, running on, seeming almost delighted, now, as it runs on, a soft, joyful laugh filling the air as something inside the Exalt sings, the fulfillment of its deepest wish singing inside it as it runs for freedom, smiling.

OOC: Thankfully, I've got a DV of 5 against the Fire Exalt, and 7 against the Wood Exalts- Essentially meaning that only one attack can hit me. Which is always nice! Against that one attack, Seven Shadows Evasion once again, because it seems like a nice way to twist the knife. Puts me at 12/19 Personal, 30/45 Peripheral, and 4/7 Willpower.

Northern Garrison, Toward Tunnel:

The Fire Monk looks ready to spit in that smiling face, but does not, holding to his discipline and keeping even with the Solar. Seven Coals is no Jilava. He may have a depth of passion for his cause, but he burns that passion as energy toward his goal, not useless posturing or zealous rants.

"I know what you are -- now. But your energy is not boundless. Sooner or later, that radiance you so depend on will sputter out. And we will be waiting." Rather than lash out again with his burning hot twin blades, he maneuvers his run to herd Third into an ideal position for the Wood Monks to get as clear a shot as possible. At the last possible moment, he cuts in front of Third, smoke burning in his steps, and signals the monks still trailing behind to unleash a hail of arrows on the Solar!

Six arrows hurtle toward Third from between the bulk of the HAS Units, while it and Seven Coals, their distant followers and a virtually invisible Dashu keep up the relentless pace. The tunnel is close now, just one more burst of speed!

It seems Seven Coals has noticed where Third is running to, as well, and keeps Third well within his sight, suspecting trickery.

[Private to Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge: +1 stunt for your last post :)

So, -2 DV from dash, -2 DV from coordination, +2 from cover. that's a -6 base DV for you, and the monks are flurrying 3 attacks each. For each, the last attack is a Soul Marking Strike.

wood monk 1 - 4 sux, 2 sux, 8 sux
wood monk 2 - 3 sux, 3 sux, 5 sux]
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:12, Fri 17 July 2009.

Northern Garrison, Inner Compound:

The arrow that strikes Dena is likely not enough to do her much harm. It nicks her palm, drawing a line of blood. (1L damage)

With her crackling essence lash she retaliates against the archers on the west balcony near the tunnel. The Wood Immaculate barely dodges the purple-hued whip, ducking as it passes with a pop! by his ear. His students attempt to leap or twist away, but the clearance at the balcony is poor for their relatively lesser skill, and both are struck with searing welts. (2L each; one student is at 3B+2L damage) [Private to Tervila Dena: oh, also +2 stunt for your last post! though I counted it toward the defense, not the attack, you can still get motes or wp from it]

"Impossible!" retorts the Wood monk Dena just missed, aiming point blank at the Lunar in warform. "No Anathema could break Cathak Jilava." His students follow suit, while the trio of archers on the opposite balcony concentrate their aim on Danae.

"What claim you may have had on this fortress has faded," says Firmament more calmly to Dena's claims. "The Anathema forfeited that right when they used its power to war against one another, then abandoned it. Was it not nearly two thousand years that it lay dormant before your return?"

Firmament directs the two senior monks flanking him to attack simultaneously. The wounded monk facing Danae keeps his distance, heaving his goremaul to strike the ground as if it were a massive anvil. The gash in the earth that failed to swallow Danae up unhinges once more, a dragon's maw with rows of stone teeth gnashing at her feet. The air grows heavier, as if the weight of gravity has doubled, as if she trudges through rapidly rising mud, drawing her down toward the hungry crevice. The unharmed senior monk takes a few running steps, then launches into a jump, descending upon Danae from above with the force of an avalanche, her goremaul (should it make contact) driving her deeper into the grasp of Earth. [Private to Danae Adela: Both channeled virtue+used excellencies for this (including reroll) so it was pricey. :P First attack is 6 sux, only defendable with Dodge DV. Second is 13 sux, normal attack, but if it hits you have to roll (Stamina+Athletics) vs. 3 sux.]

Meanwhile, the Ruby Guardians continue to combat the student monks. The more they are seen fighting together, the more one realizes that they are well suited to working in a unit with a Royal as their leader. They fight with a hive-mind that aids cooperation among one another, the Hive Princess serving as a 'node' around which they rally and organize themselves in fortuitous position to surround and overwhelm their foes.

Caught in the storm of blade-arm strikes, acid sprays and mandible bites, another student monk goes down, disemboweled by a pair of gashes across chest and abdomen. Two more suffer painful acid wounds before they can manage a concentrated retaliation. Two Ruby Guardians are struck by the students' massive blunt weapons, their carapaces caving slightly, but not breaking. (one takes 3B, the other 2B.)

---

OOC: actions
tick 24 - Danae
tick 25 - Earth Master, Wood monks(2)+students(4) (after aim), Evamae
tick 26 - Dena
tick 28 - senior Earth monk (attacker!), Ruby Guardians(5), Earth students(6)
tick 29 - senior Earth monk (earthshaker!)
Water monks are holding action, guarding inner doors.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:10, Sat 18 July 2009.

Dashu was content to slip into the shadows, but he wasn't content to let a comrade be hunted to extinction.  "You need a hand, Third?" he whispered over the intercom.  He was certain that no one overheard his words but that the device would carry them to the fleeing Twilight.

"They cannot touch me, Dashu. Join the others, Eye'll be with you shortly. Make sure you're in before the HAS units." Third responds, even as the arrows augur in for it's body, smiling as the Fire Aspect blocks its path. It pauses for just a moment. "Do not mistake this radiance for yours. Fire sputters out and dies. If the sun ever goes out, then all will suffer for it. Even down here." Then, it leaps, feet striking the first arrows- Knocking the arrows to the ground with each push of it's legs, carrying it over the Fire Aspect, first one, then the other, a third, a fourth, and then, as it rotates in mid-air, the last two arrows strike towards its heart, spinning in the air as it vanishes into sparkles of golden light, motes that drift to ground safely, where the Exalt lands, and dances away for the tunnel, light on its feet as it moves for the shelter of the tunnel. "You are going to be given a choice, Fire Aspect. You may leave, and Eye will not stop you. Or you may join me in that cave, Eye will kill you, and Eye will most likely be stronger for it." The Solar smiles as it runs for the cave. Either way, the Fire Aspect will not remain much danger for much longer.

OOC: Innate DV is enough for dodging the first two attacks of both flurries. I'm running on the assumption that I'll be getting no more than a +1 Stunt Bonus, so I'll be Seven Shadows Evasioning both of the latter blows. That puts me at 8/19 Personal, 30/45 Peripheral.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:34, Sat 18 July 2009.

Northern Garrison, Tunnel:

The Fire Immaculate laughs at Third's thought of him being defeated so handily. "That tunnel is headed right into the sanctum of Stern Firmament, and you think it will be so simple? Sun-blighted or not, Anathema, you cannot even catch me. I am only one of many you will have to worry yourself about when you cross to the other side!"

Seven Coals keeps an even pace with Third until the last moment, when he is certain Third is entering the newly dug tunnel. Then he shoves at Third with a blistering shoulder slam, his anima igniting to engulf Third and himself in a pillar of swirling flame. Whether Third finds himself knocked aside or not, the monk immediately puts on a burst of speed, blazing a trail of fire and smoke through the newly dug tunnel. At the speed he is capable of he will easily pass the tunnel before Third can catch him. [Private to Third Beneficiary of Orderly Knowledge: Yes, +1 stunt for your last post. :) Now, monk is just splitting for a single attack and a dash now. And once again the dice are subpar. Only 6 sux. Oh well! Worth a shot. A WP or another +1 stunt should help you escape the flame-tackle easily.

Seven Coals is running at full speed again which is 20 yards/tick, and you're at 11 yards/tick on a dash. so unless you have some way to speed yourself up further, you won't catch up. Obviously his plan seems to be to catch up with the combatants in the inner compound, possibly having too much faith that the monks handled whatever your allies might have done there.]

Two more glittering green arrows come arcing over the Blue Stripes' heads, but they fall well short now that Third is entering the relatively safety of the tunnel. Dashu, still following behind, has a slim window with which to attempt to slip into the tunnel before the Blue Stripes start to close it off, keeping the pursuing Wood monks and students from coming in. [Private to Peleps Dashu: ok, we'll make this a Dex+Athletics roll. If you don't make it you'll be stuck on the outside with the monks when the tunnel goes down. The difficulty is 3 successes, 5 if you also want to do it and remain unseen. Stunt, channel, wp, use whatever you want. Also willing to allow creative use of Charms if you have any ideas.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:08, Sat 18 July 2009.

"Those who have been here longer seem to disagree with that perspective" Danae replied, watching the two Immaculates draw near.  "...  But I won't insult you more by trying to tell you your way is wrong."

She bowed respectfully this time to the group.  "We'll see then who truly holds Heaven's Mandate..."

The first Immaculate's foot had begun to drop to the ground--but Danae was already familiar with that technique--diving to the side, and landing with a roll as the earth yawned open, she had easily bypassed that strike, only to witness the other, uninjured one rushing at her, goremaul raised.  It was a strike that she couldn't mitigate--it was one thing when fighting on even terrain to divert such attacks...  But head on?  Her arms would break before she could stop it...

But she had already prepared for this sort of eventuality as well.  She had already spent a prodigious amount of motes on the Heavenly Guardian Defense, and the essence patterns were still well within her muscle memory--it was just a matter of guiding them through her arms, and force it out through her blade.

A cyclone of Solar Essence emitted from the pommel of Impeccable Spark, rotating wildly, as though she had unleashed a minor tornado from the weapon--it battered and diffused the force of her opponent's smash, and by the time it reached her own blade--most of the force had been dispersed--and the remainder was shot into the ground around Danae, shattering stone and rock at every direction, and fouling the footing of the Immaculate, who had been expecting to hammer somebody into the ground, rather then be forced into a crater themselves.

Either way though, an attack like that would be taxing, even to the mightiest of warriors--and Impeccable Spark lashed out again, tracing a square on this attacker's chest in a flurry of slashes, forcing her back to the rest of the line.

[Private to Gatekeeper: I'm Really not keen on soaking a goremaul hit, especially as the Earth Style Signature Weapon is of the grand variety.  That said, I'd like to stunt add Iron Whirlwind to my Reflex Cut combo.  Hopefully between my three die stunts throughout the chapter, I should have 5 XP to do this with.  At any rate, it'll be used to perfect the goremaul hit.

I'm able to dodge the Hungry Earth Strike though.

Afterwards, 4 slash flurry on the one who attacked me with a goremaul.  Not going to bother with Spark's effect, as I'll be pinging either way.

16:46, Today: Danae Adela rolled 8 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 4,8,4,8,10,7,7,10. Attack 4.
16:46, Today: Danae Adela rolled 6 successes using 9d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 1,10,10,9,8,4,5,2,2. Attack 3.
16:46, Today: Danae Adela rolled 7 successes using 10d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 2,9,10,6,6,10,3,6,1,10. Attack 2.
16:45, Today: Danae Adela rolled 6 successes using 11d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 4,9,10,8,6,1,10,2,4,1,5. Attack 1]

Dashu notices that he has a slim window in which to stay with his friend and he is unlikely to remain unseen.  Thinking quick, he takes notice of several patches of rock along the wall which almost made a ramp in the shadows.  This ramp lead directly to where the HAS units were moving to.  These patches of rocks looked to be too far apart to safely use to get to the tunnel, however, but the alternative was for Dashu to stay outside the compound with a small battalion of monks.  There really is no choice but to use the ledges to get into the tunnel.

With his mind made up, Dashu takes off at a dead sprint and focuses his essence into his feet.  He pushes this essence down so that it would serve as a way to balance and carry his weight while in the air.  He would make it.  He had to make it.  There is no other way.  As he shapes his essence around himself in a new fashion, suddenly the image of a monkey leaping from one branch to another came to mind.  With this image, Dashu knows that the distance between the ledges is no problem for him and he would make it to the tunnel.  With his essence carrying his weight, he easily leaps from one ledge to the other while remaining in the shadows.  As he passed by the HAS units, he leaps onto one of their backs and runs down it while using it for cover from the eyes of the Wood Monks.  Finally, Dashu was in the cave with Third.

[Private to GM:

Good to know I'm not the worst Night Caste ever and I can still shine at times.  :)  Trying to stunt learned Monkey Leap Technique.

01:15, Today: Peleps Dashu rolled 5 successes using 7d10 with .. rolls of 7,2,2,10,5,10,5. Dex + Ath. ]

Even as the Fire-Aspect shoves past him, Third moves smoothly, a smile on the Solar's face as it flows like quicksilver- The heat seems to catch the Solar like a leaf caught in an updraft, lifting it away from the Fire Aspect's shoulder and burning aura, as golden motes of essence trail the Exalt's limbs, leaving a glittering trail of motes seemingly untouched by the wave of heat. It smiles as it lands carefully on it's feet, delicately touching down, standing before the mouth of the tunnel, the sunlight illuminating the tunnel a surprising distance, as it smiles ineffably towards the Fire-Aspect. "You're unwise, Fire Aspect. Your fire will be smothered so soon."

The Solar moves into the tunnel, nonchalantly moving out of the Wood Aspect's range, and activating its communicator momentarily. "Fire Aspect coming your way. He is a decent swordsman and is skilled enough at coordinating attacks to be of some threat. Advise secondary priority,Eye will follow after preparing necessary combat charm, and engage him... fully." and begins concentrating.

 Its body moving effusively, delicately, as it channels essence throughout itself, moments passing as its body begins to move evasively, Flowing Like Blood, shifting smoothly in the air as it begins to chase afterwards, limbs moving as they were composed out of fluid, multijointed as they shift in the air, the Exalt setting a blistering pace down the tunnel, feet occasionally leaving the ground, running along the walls where footing may be treacherous for brief moments, leaving marks on the wall as its sword leaves its sheath, leaving a trail in the air as the golden light fills it. Freedom lies beyond those walls- It merely has to reach out and take it.

OOC: Activation of Flow Like Blood. Personal: 5/19 Peripheral: 30/45 Willpower: 3/7. Here's hoping I can avoid any unpleasant Mental Influence.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:55, Sun 19 July 2009.

Feeling that his presence was still unknown, Dashu began making his way towards the blazing assailant.  Careful to keep in the darkness and to avoid stepping into the light cast by either of the other two exalts, Dashu planned to close the distance in secret.  The tunnel was plenty dark, so he felt right at home as his leaps began to close the distance.  The fire aspect thought he had the advantage, but Sun had power even when it wasn't shining, and Dashu would be damned if he'd let anything happen to any of the escapees.

[Private to GM:
00:40, Today: Peleps Dashu rolled 10 successes using 13d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 4,9,8,5,10,6,10,7,7,10,3,4,5. Dex + Stealth Roll. ]
This message was last edited by the player at 05:44, Tue 21 July 2009.

Dashu barely slips through into the tunnel before the Blue Stripes start filling in the space behind him with their bulk, preventing the monks from slipping through. Nothing hinders him from then on--he runs at his full speed, completely unseen. Not even Third knows exactly where he is. [Private to Peleps Dashu: I'll give you +2 stunt for your attempt to move into the tunnel, so you can get back some motes/WP as needed :) You are definitely doing well right now! The dice are relenting!]

The Fire Monk Third warned of emerges first from the tunnel. He comes to a stop near the gates Dena sealed, taking in the chaotic situation within the inner compound. "Master Firmament, I will order the students in the outer compound to break down the gate immediately," he says, not remaining still. Seven Coals moves into the range of the archers, toward the students fighting Evamae and the builder bugs, but remaining ever alert for Third's emergence. "We will flush these demons out--one way or another."

Danae attempts to willfully push away the earth that attempts to engulf her, but finds that she has overextended her power. The golden essence she attempts to channel through her daiklave just doesn't come. Fortunately, her footwork is still just swift enough to make up for it, even though the evasion is much more precarious that way, relying purely on her mortal body and instincts. The earth fails to hold her -- again -- but the second senior monk still bears down on Danae with a demolishing blow. The Solar feels the impact rattle her through her ashigaru armor, cracking ribs and nearly dislocating her shoulder, but not breaking her. (3L damage)

Then Danae retaliates, Impeccable Spark carving at her opponent's chest. The monk, having witnessed her partner carved up so handily by that golden, blue-veined blade, pours her every valiant effort into interposing her goremaul between herself and the orichalcum weapon. Three times does the Spark strike its massive white jade shaft, until the fourth strike slips through, penetrating her breastplate only shallowly. (1L damage) [Private to Danae Adela: and.. she used all but 1 valor channel now. But she managed to parry all bout 1 due to valor+excellency added to DV. Anyway, as I mentioned in other PMs you got a +2 stunt for the defense.]