Editing 06/02/2024 -- Operation Endure Pt. 3


Operation Endure P3 – 6/2/2024

''STARRING'': Abella, Altair (AL), Ash (AS), Bee (B), Helmuth (H), Holly, NIORAX (N), P.E.B.L.E (P), Lavatera (L), The Maiden (M), Vorub, Zey, Zolona (Z)... and more!

* Where we begin is character introductions. This will be a “hot start,” if you will.
** Altair (Jonah):
*** Standing at 7’5” and 360 pounds is a large man with short, black hair and icy blue eyes. He has pale blue skin. Fairly muscular, carrying two large shields.
** Ash (Keenan):
*** A being around 5’4” completely covered in chainmail armor, a basic helmet. You can’t discern much about them. Holy insignias around them with a sword and shield.
** Holly (Caleb)
*** A young woman with fine features, clad in armor with light green eyes and light brown hair in a braid. Ribbon tied around the throat, absently reaches up to tighten it. She stands still, staring unblinkingly ahead. Probably doesn’t appear to be breathing.
** P.E.B.L.E (Peter)
*** A 6 foot mech aarakocra. He is a Personal Emergency Bodyguard Limited Edition, P.E.B.L.E.
** Vorub is given a secondary description for those who were not here the first time he was present.
* We zoom out from this. We look at a place that all of us are more-or-less familiar with. We start at an alchemy building: The Alchemist Burrow. It is a building without any Hobgoblins. As we zoom into this building, slowly, and pushing into the corridors, we arrive on a group of alchemists inside. One in particular, who came with the refugees that arrived at Widowstone Keep weeks before the Brigade arrived, we see Tatnai. Master Zhret Tatnai, of the Church of Corania. All that work in the Alchemist Burrow are from the church, and the ritual being conducted within the Canopy begins to spread as a pulse of magic begins to emerge. As the ritual completes, everyone too focused on the surrounding area, a sinister transformation begins to grip the Primordial Ring. Every reflective surface–once mundane and reflective, now shimmers with an eerie, otherworldly light. The glass warps and twists, revealing glimpses of a nightmarish realm beyond. Gazing into the mind of the eldritch mirrors is now a perilous act, eyes lingering too long are ensnared by a malevolent presence. Whispers echo from the depths of the reflection speaking in Elder Ubaric. Those who succumb find their thoughts spiraling into chaos, their grasp on reality slipping away like sand through one's fingers. From these cursed mirrors, the Impure begin to emerge. They crawl their way through the glass, leaving behind trails of darkness and rot. Civilians and soldiers cry out in shock. The world, once familiar, is now a landscape of fear and madness. Mirrors, once tools of vanity, have become portals for the Impure themselves, corrupted by the powers of the Dark Star. No place is safe, for reflections are everywhere– waiting to ensnare the survivors. 
* We pick up, now, with all of you. Running. Running. You were heading toward the Dragon's Jaws. You are supposed to be reinforcements. But now you are all fighting for your very lives, as the Impure emerge from everywhere. But you keep pushing forward. Faster, and faster. As you reach this location, you look up. You see a figure beginning to make their way across the battlefield. They have just sent a pulse of energy hurtling toward the Canopy, enough where the Canopy, once a beautiful blue, is now red. A deep, crimson red. The figure begins to make their way forward.
* You see a Nyx walking toward you. Black and red hair, black ichor dripping from the eyes. They hold a beautiful scythe in their hands. There is a twitching to their form, as if just being contained in but mortal flesh– a mortal shell– is a curse. But they still move forward.
** “Have you come to be ''destroyed''?” – N
* Without response, it continues to move its way forward. Charon, now Vessel for Niorax itself, approaches.
* INITIATIVE: 
**
* Altair steps forward and clashes his shields together, activating Freeze II on Nioron. Only a smile is received. At this point, another figure begins to emerge onto the battlefield behind us.
** “Charon, I’m so sorry. I should have been there for you. I should have saved you. It’s my fault, I know. I promise you’re going to be okay. I promise.” – M
* She is wearing armor over her body. As she runs by, Zey, you catch sight of her body shaking as though tremors are cutting through. She is not in great shape. To this, Niorax simply laughs.
** “This is all Charon ever was. And soon, I will deliver you the gift of Truth, Ataxia.” – N
* The Maiden reaches out and gives Zey Benefit III on his next roll, and throws a bubble of protection up and around Altair. Bee shouts to Charon about her ticket to the Shivo Library, that Charon can have it if she comes back. She then uses Storm Strike (3 – 24 damage) and uses her BG action on herself. P.E.B.L.E uses their BG action to give everyone Benefit I against Nioron. They hold their action to attack until either the end of Bee’s next turn, or when Benefit III is reached. Ash uses his BG action on Zey. Nioron begins to approach Ash, the Destroyer’s Scythe dragging along behind.
** “Ehheh. And what are you supposed to be?” – N
*** “A… soldier?” – AS
** “Haha, no. All you shall ever be is flesh.” – N
* They swing, dealing 80 spiritual slashing at Sheer II. (-2 AB/-1 HB) Multiple things happen. As this occurs, Ash feels a part of himself being destroyed. Whenever the Destroyers Scythe hits, the first power you have is deleted. 10 Stamina are sacrificed. Ash gains a detriment on damage rolls. Nioron holds back, for now. They use their BG action, Journey to the Weak, to teleport to P.E.B.L.E, who has less than 3 hero points. They then swing at Holly for 48 damage, 10 stamina is sacrificed. There is a burst of energy as both P.E.B.L.E and Abella gain 1 Destroyer token. Holly is blinded and has reduced movement. Finally, they use their Destroy power. You watch as Nioron slams the scythe down, and all creatures within 120 feet must choose between 4 destroyer tokens, or 5 hero points. Having 9 or more destroyer tokens when this power is activated causes instant death, with no chance of revival. Everyone but Altair, Zey, and Bee take hero points. Zey hexes Nioron. He aims to stab into Nioron’s back, with 25 damage taken on Stamina.
** “You know the wonders of blood too… I might have to present a gift to the Queen… of you.” – N
*** “I think the Queen already knows me, and I don’t want that.” – ZE
* Abella uses her BG action on Zey to gain a free success on saves or damage rolls. She then stabs into Nioron.
** “You have faith… don’t worry. I’ll destroy that too.” – N
* Holly moves forward to take a blind stab at Nioron. With 1 success, 3 damage is dealt. Vorub heads south, aiming their crossbow, dealing 20 damage. Nioron bites the arrow out of the air.
* We now pick up with the Battle of Fang and Claw. Seth, you face off against the great serpent. Seth heads for the tongue with his claws, dealing 208 damage (taken on stamina). The creature quickly darts back, hissing. It tries to snap back with its fangs. Seth does a bite attack against the neck, looking for the weak point that Magion created. Dealing 540 damage, taken on 20 HB. With a successful physical save, the serpent takes 30 points of fire damage. Seth howls for Helmuth. The Serpent begins its turn. It winds around Seth, dealing 140 damage, taken on Stamina. It opens its jaws, firing poison at Seth. On a failed save, 500 magical poison damage is dealt. Seth gains 10 poison counters. Seth takes 380 damage. He loses 15 HB, and gains 2 poison counters. It pulls back, leaving Seth with a gaping wound.
* Seth goes in with a claw attack for 96 damage. He bites for 450 damage, doubled, taken on 29 HB. A chunk of the Serpent's throat is torn out. Seth loses another 12 HB due to the poison counters. The Serpent begins to refill its fangs. It bites for 320 damage, taken on Stamina. It constricts Seth for 390 damage. This attack does not have sheer, but Seth will either lose 2d6 health blocks– or his BG action. He chooses to lose 7HB.
* We return to the battle with Niorax. Bee, you see a blazing bolt of energy hit the ground– and a body go tumbling. Lavatera hits the ground. Bloody and beaten. She has lost her left leg. There is a gaping wound in her stomach. Zolona floats down above her.
** “Ahh… look. Your little apprentice? Yes? Niorax, bring me Bea Goode. There is no need for more Storm Witches.” – Z
*** “As you wish… my Queen.” – N
* Hearing the immediate threat to Bee, Altair clashes his shields together and attempts to create a barrier between Bee and Nioron. BG action to Zey (+1 damage). The Maiden looks around, toward Bee.
** “RUN! Get out of here!” – M
* She gives Bee a temporary AB. She gives Holly an additional 40 stamina.  Bee fires on Zolona, but doesn’t make any headway. She runs further north, and tells Zolona to go fuck herself. To the north of the map, Stargazer watches the battle impassively. With their held action, P.E.B.L.E does 15 damage, taken on stamina. P.E.B.L.E heads up and holds their action for if Niorax heads toward Bee. Their BG action is used to check for Charon’s book.
** “Hello. Friend or foe?” – P
* Stargazer does not respond. Ash rushes up on Nioron. They attack, but it is taken on stamina. Nioron brings out their Destroyer Scythe and swings on Abella.
** “Ohhh, are you blind now? Hereeee. Let's make sure that your friend joins you in death. So that they can be there, waiting.” – N
* 48 damage. Charon immediately oneshots Abella, bisecting her. Holly, The Maiden, Ash, and Altair all gain 3 destroyer tokens. Additionally, the killstreak activates. Holly is also swung on. She is bisected. In the heat of the moment, as their body comes apart, there is no blood or flesh. They were entirely filled with straw. The metal core inside explodes out. Ash, The Maiden, and Altair gain an additional 2. Ash takes 64 damage, and attempts to immaculate dodge. The total is taken down by 10. Nioron continues to gain speed, chopping through Ash’s head. Altair and the Maiden gain an additional 2. Altair takes 64 damage on an AB. Freeze II is deleted, and 10 stamina is sacrificed. Altair takes 72 damage, on an AB and a HB. Ice Barrier is deleted, and he gains detriment 1, and a movement reduction. Niorax looks at Altair.
** “Unfortunately… I have to get going.” – N
* They use their BG action to teleport to Lavatera, making their way toward Bee. They raise a hand. Rewrite Victories. They not only destroy flesh, they destroy everything. Their base DMG is 3, but it is multiplied by however many HP the victim has. It feels like parts of yourself are dying away, Bee. Lavatera tries to raise her hand, and crawl towards her.
** “You'll be alright. I promise.” – L
* Zolona puts a foot on her back.
** “No. You wanted this fight. Let me show you how it ends.” – Z
* P.E.B.L.Es held action activates, and 3 damage is taken. Vorub hits with 7 damage. Stargazer continues to watch.
* The Battle of Fang and Claw continues. Seth uses his claw attack on the Serpent, dealing 160 damage taken on HB. He deals another 450 damage. Additional damage can now be done by targeting the creature's wound. He uses his Firebreath. He then uses his Combat Ability on Lavatera. The Serpent begins his turn. His poison is back. It breathes out poison, but Seth ducks down with 11 successes. He manages to avoid 13 poison counters. It follows this up with a bite attack, with 400 damage. He takes another 240 on one HB, revoking his BG action.
* Seth deals 160 damage, taking 16 HB. With a claw attack, he deals 405 damage. Seth uses his Firebreath, but the creature saves. The Serpent reloads its poison. It attempts to constrict Seth for 320 damage, taken on HB. He loses his BG action again. 280 damage, taken on 15HB
* Cutting back to the main battlefield. At this moment, Zolona stands over Lavatera and smiles. She says,
** “Hmm.. this is taking too long. And the Serpent unfortunately… needs aid.” – Z
* She begins to reach down, and picks up Lavatera by her throat. Bee, you watch as Lavatera, beaten, bloodied, injured, looks at you. She just… gives you a weak smile.
** “I’ll be alright.” – L
* Zolona pulls a hand back, it is crackling with a ball of red lightning. And then… in one, quick, horrid motion, she plunges the ball of lightning and energy into Lavatera's back. There is a moment of sickening silence as Lavatera's body arcs from the impact. And then… you watch, Bee, and everyone else, as Lavatera begins laughing. At this point, Zolona pulls the hand out, but you’re watching– Bee– as all of Lavatera's injuries are beginning to heal over. Energy spreads throughout her body. 
** “Like I said. Talentless bitch, get off me.” – L
* Lavatera releases a burst of Primordial energy, sending her and Zolona flying back. Zolona goes to the ground, picks herself up, and begins to walk forward.
** “What… have you… done.” – Z
** “Well, you aren’t very intelligent are you? Fine. I will use small words. Kynaston, whose domain was surrounding Tpres, was slain. Thus, there was an opening for someone with Elthrendils blood running through their veins. As an Archfeys domain was left vacant, I had already prepared the ritual and I, honestly, was getting a little tense. I wouldn’t have enough time nor power for the ascension, but it looks like another very talented individual gave me all the power I needed. And, perhaps, even a lifeline.” – L
** “Hm. But this won’t be enough, you understand that right?” – Z
* Zolona reaches out a hand, as power begins to arc and swell within, and a sword begins to form–this brilliant, beautiful, white blade. It grows, expands. The white blade solidifies in her hands. Zey, Bee, you would see the Maiden take a step back. 
** “That sword…” – M
* You all wouldn’t know the name of this sword, but you would sense the power. Out of character though, you know that this is the Sword of Ishin, that Zolona now wields. 
** “Let's try this again. Archfey, is it? I do not care what power you have accumulated. You will still die.” – Z
* She takes another step forward. Lavatera simply smiles and nods her head.
** “Well. It seems like another very talented individual had the same ''idea'' that I did. So I wouldn’t stand there if I were you.” – L
* As Zolona walks forward, there is a warbling in the air behind. Bee, you hear the following words.
** “'''Second mountain. Eighth mountain. Ninth mountain. Fifth spark. Plus, Harmonic Strike.'''” – H
* As Helmuth von Grayz, connected via Seth's power (a shot in the dark), and  as Lavatera is now in her domain, is summoned forth– fully empowered, not exhausted, and fully rested– goes forward with a Harmony Strike. He uses three mountains and a spark. Helmuth von Grayz, moving with a ferocity that has not been seen on this Ring before, cracks the Ring as he slams Zolona down. Shearing off, at this point, with all of his power ups– more than 100 HB. Even Zolona can’t dodge that. She is thrust into the ground, screaming.
** “You did not see that coming.” – H
* Zolona turns around, beginning to pick herself up.
** “Hiding with your Aether… in that cloak of yours. Very smart. Unfortunately, it won’t work again.” – Z
* She levels the blade at Helmuth.
** “Come now, von Grayz.” – Z
* “Where did you get that sword.” – H
** “It was being carried by a Fox on the Primordial Ring. An associate killed them, delivered it to…” – Z
* Zolona stops. From your position, you see that even Nioron takes a half-step backwards. As something unexpected happens; a single tear falls down Helmuth’s cheek. 
** “Aoife…” – H
* There is genuine loss there. True emotion.
** “Did you know her?” – Z
* “I knew her. Da. She was my student. I trained her.” – H
** “If you–” – Z
*** “Silence. She was ''MY'' student. And you killed her. My students do not die. I protect them. I train them.” – H
**** “She died years ago now, von Grayz.” – Z
***** “I saw her an hour ago.” – H
* As the words ripple out, Helmuth throws his sword down into the earth.
** “Now. Now… I avenge her death. Bob. I know you are listening. I invoke our pact. Give me my sword.” – H
** NOW PLAYING: '''HELMUTHS RAGE'''
* Helmuth reaches out a hand, and to meet his– a portal of crackling infernal energy appears. He pulls out a jet black blade, dripping with blood. Zolona gasps. And Niorax giggles. As… Helmuth levels Judgment of the Unworthy Martyr, the blade of Niorax, at Zolona.
** “Finally. The sword lives up to its name. You do not face Helmuth von Grayz today. You face a commander of the Third Born, and by my soul you will not survive.” – H
* With this, Helmuth lunges at Zolona– the two begin to tumble. In this moment, as Helmuth is swinging, Zolona still seems a bit cocky. He keeps connecting, Harmonic Strike after Harmonic Strike. As she begins to move away, eyes wide, she says:
** “How is this– happening? I don’t see–” – Z
** “''YOU WILL DIE. BECAUSE THERE IS NO FUTURE WHERE YOU DO SURVIVE. THERE ARE ONLY FUTURES WITH PAIN. YOU HAVE TAKEN A STUDENT. I WILL TAKE YOUR EXISTENCE.''” – H
* Nioron begins to look around in surprise and shock. In this moment, Altair drops the ice wall. He gives his BG action to Vorub. He turns to the Maiden, unsure of why she is here.
** “You don’t look great. I know you care a lot about people, but I think it would be bad if they got their hands on you. And we are not doing so hot.” – AL
*** “It doesn’t matter– I… I might have forsaken people close to me, but Charon is right there.” – M
* On the Maidens turn, she runs forward, toward Nioron. As her action, The Maiden reaches out a hand. She burns every last drop of magic that she has. She doesn't have a lot, cannot access much, but she sacrifices two HB to create even the smallest opening with Charon. With 9 full successes, there is this pulse of light that emanates from the fallen Charon. As it does so, flickering, pulsing, you can see the eyes that are completely black with strange yellow circles– flicker back and forth. As if Charon is still in there.
** “I don’t know how much I have here. But I’m going to try. I have to try.” – M
* She uses her BG action to give Bee a temporary AB. Bee attempts to determine which method of damage seemed to work the best. With four successes, looking at Nioron– the attack that you think spooked not only Niorax, but Zolona the most, was your lightning. That blue, pure lightning. If changed a bit, it has been known to free Impure. Maybe. If Charon is in there, with this power the Maiden is dumping into them… if you can take a health block there is a chance. Bee holds her action, but steps up to Nioron. P.E.B.L.E uses their BG action for Benefit I on Nioron, and fires on Nioron for 8 damage– leaving the creature with 7 stamina. Bee places her hands against Charon's chest. 
** “I am going to show you what happens when you fuck with Storm Witches.” – B
* WIth 4 successes, she deals 28 damage. 1d6 is rolled, landing perfectly on a 6.
* In this moment, Charon, You are deep within the bounds and binds of a Titan. And… you have been placed there as Zolona drew out the flesh within. However… you begin to look around, as you see pure white flames lighting up the space. Crackling blue lightning tears a hole. You begin to hear the Maidens' voice.
** “Charon! Charon, are you in there?!” – M
* With everything she has. She begins clawing her way out. The force of a Titan tries to snuff out her power, what you Are. But, you feel the Aether flowing. As all of you look, Bee, you keep a continuous line of blue lightning moving through Charon. The Maidens fingertips begin to glow, as cuts appear all over the body. Zey, you see that there is more than just blood leaking out. You see… another material. It looks like what the Canopy was made out of, but this is pure and white. It begins to move out of The Maiden's hands. Charon, you make one. Final. Great. ''Leap''. As you do so, Bee, in front of you– you can see Niorax cry out in rage, frustration, as they thrash and scream. You watch as the colors begin to change. And… at that moment, as the body doubles over, looking back up is one… Charon. In this moment, as you look down at your hands, you are somehow back. You feel a shock go through your body, as the book falls through you, hitting the ground.
* Charon flings herself at the Maiden, holding her to her chest. 
** “I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry.” – M
** “No, no, you’ll make me start crying, please, I’m so happy. When I told you I’d never been happier, I think I am now.” – C
* We return to the Battle of Fang and Claw. He takes a claw attack dealing 48+16 damage. He takes a bite attack dealing 540 damage He takes his Firebreath attack, failed with 4 successes, and it takes 90 damage. They will now take 10 damage every success until their next turn. They lose 6 HB. Lavatera looks to Seth, watching him struggle.
** “Ahh… well you are quite the investment pretty boy.” – L
* She focuses. She focuses the power you helped give her. The power that changed her into an Archfey.
** “Defender of the Heavens, I beseech you. Sunder this serpent. Cause them to repent. Destroy them. By the Maidens power, please be who she said you were.” – L
*** NOW PLAYING: TED CROSS THEME
* Lavatera reaches up into the sky. As this happens, a portal begins to open. A portal to paradise.
* Brandon, what do they see falling?
** You see a man. Diving straight down with a chair. This man, long hair and trenchcoat, angelic wings trailing behind him. Lavatera has summoned the Maiden's friend, Ted Cross, who guards the Gates of Paradise. 
* You are in freefall for 2000 feet. 11 successes. With the power from the skies, gaining damage the further he falls, for 4,510 damage at Sheer 40. Its head collapses in, the brain cavity being destroyed. It sways back and forth. You, Ted Cross, float in the air. The Serpent is beginning to tumble. At this moment, as this serpent tumbles,
* Seth, how do you want to do this?
** Seth tears the throat out of the creature. He consumes the head of the beast. Your jaws open wide, attacking the weak point as the creature struggles away. Ted dives back down, activating the Yo-Yo of Warping, turning the chair into a ladder and beating the snake across the head. The cry that escapes the snake is a death rattle. As you rip, the head comes with it. Everyone on the ground watches as the massive wolf decapitates the snake, throwing the head that still moves in the air– and he opens his jaws, and devours the World Serpent.
* You release a triumphant howl.
** “I AM HIM.” – S
* You notice something. You can see that there is fire raining down from the sky, but you have been busy, Seth. Everyone else has been busy too. 
* We pick back up quickly with Tatnai, who looks up at the sky. He smiles. He descends to his knees.
* We cut to the battle between Magion, Astodiea, and Balek. As it occurs, Balek, what attack do you send at this Titan?
** Balek pulls up the bodies of the corpses of the Blossomed. He throws them at Astodiea.
* As they hit, she slides backward. Magion smiles and looks back.
** “Alright Snook. It’s time.” – MA
* The Soul Invictus fire begins to cover Astodiea as she screams. Magion smiles.
** “We have you dead to rights. You will not escape this time.” – MA
*** “This trap… I think… you have underestimated this effectiveness.” – A
* Balek, at this moment, as the fire raining from the sky catches your sight too– it stopped becoming ammunition. Balek, it started becoming ships. Ard Magos ships. They’re falling from the sky. At this point… Magion catches it too. You can see him focus.
** “Adpham, what is going on up there? Adpham?” – MA
** There is garbled– “Sir– everywhere– we’re being slaughtered– there is no– it is a trap!” – AD
* Astodiea smiles.
** “You haven’t fooled us. You’ve walked into your death. All has been planned for this moment. Don’t you know?” – A
* The camera pans upward into the sky, past the mist that is covering. High above there is a battle. The Ard Magos are being engaged by a massive fleet. The ships, even the scout ships, dwarf the Ard Magos. The Arnyr, their great fleet that was called so long ago by the Dorcha Arex, the ninth Dorcha Arex, have finally arrived. What all of you see now, as the flagship of the Ard Magos crashes through the atmosphere– slamming into the battlefield, is that there are giant slashes along the side, as great legs descend. The legs of a great spider. Charon, you see the Maidens' eyes go wide.
** “Oh no. He’s here.” – M
* The leader of the Arnyr fleet. Drach. The third Aether Eater, He Who Escaped. The Feeder of Death. As their legs descend, and they consume the fear of death across the field, they release a howling call. The Arnyr have finally arrived.
* +2 level ups to those who survived.