Editing 06/09/2024 -- Operation Endure Pt. 4


Operation Endure P4 – 6/9/2024

''STARRING'': Andreas (AN), Black Horn (BH), Callix, Colette, Enola (E), Gold Hook (GH), Helmuth (H), HRUNTER, Kuno, Lavatera (L), Lilou, P.E.B.L.E (PE), Phillip (P) Seth (S), Talisman/Fidelis (T/F), Vorub, Zey (ZE), Zhret Tatnai (ZT), Zolona (Z)... and more''???????'''?????????'''''

* We begin with chaos and death. At this moment we find the battle entering a climactic point. All around Impure surge from not only outside, but inside the Canopy as well. They pour through every mirrored surface in a desperate battle for survival. Those getting bearings find Commander Makai dead. Three impure overpowered him. The chain of command is falling. It is every soldier for themself in a desperate battle for survival. We find a few individuals who have gathered up on the wall, trying to get a sense of order. A small pocket of resistance. We find those who are here today. We see Andreas, Zey, Vorub, Talisman, P.E.B.L.E, Kuno, and two others.
* LILOU:
** 3’9” Halfling with red hair pulled back into a bun. Androgynous. Bares a shield and a determined face.
* HRUNTER:
** A giant 7’ mech. Weighs well over a ton. Equipped with a katana and short sword. No shield.
* Lilou, you are being pulled through the crowd– at this point by Andreas. Andreas would have vaguely heard over the shouting that this person has Revival magic. You are all crowded around the dead body of one Enola. Storm breathes heavily nearby, close to collapse. At this moment, Seth, the power of the Primordial Tree has begun to leave you, having expended all you can in this body and form. You took out another horde or two of Impure– but as your form diminishes you see your allies upon a wall. Seth stumbles, exhausted, amongst everyone. You see the scene playing out.
* Lilou hopes to connect with the spirit of Enola, utilizing the magic they can feel around.
** It is interesting, the phrasing. What you can feel around you. As you try to pour your magic into this corpse, there is a problem. You… feel this resistance. You are trying to figure out what is going on–with 2 successes, as you focus amongst the chaos of the battlefield, you are trying to pull back Enola’s Aether, and her soul… but it is not being drawn in the usual direction. It is being drawn upward. Based on your successes, the soul and the aether isn’t behaving like it would in regular death. Maybe… it is behaving as it would in a ritual. A sacrifice. You think you will have to fight to get this soul back.
* We will only have one innate success due to it being session 4. The longer the battle continues, the harder the resurrection.
* SAVING PRIVATE ENOLA (14):
** Lilou gives Andreas Benefit I.
** He wants to use a PHYS at D2 – 5 successes 
** Talis wants to make a SPIRIT check trying to strengthen the connection through Ligiomancy – 4 successes
** Zey would like to do a MENTAL check, through his connection to the blood ocean – 3 successes
*** He touches some of the wounds, particularly the one in her chest, connecting to her blood and using it as an anchor. This is a strong ritual Zey. But you are in your element. You raise your weapon, and begin to sever the invisible strands connecting to Enolas body, helping to strengthen the connection.
** Seth uses Heal III and a SPIRIT check to heal her form – 3 successes
* At this point, Lilou, you feel the vessel become more whole and complete, better for the soul to fall back into. You give a cry, and funnel the soul back into the body. Enola’s eyes flicker open– and she begins to breathe.
** “Oh thank god you’re back.” – AN(?)
** “Oh, holy shit. Fuck. Ughhh!” – E
* She is on her side, breathing heavily. She asks if shit is still fucked. Andreas says we got Charon back, thinks she was Niorax for awhile. Seth killed the snake. Lavatera is an Archfey now. Helmuth is here, and he has a wicked looking sword.
** Helmuth is fighting with Zolona, hanging off the side of a tower. He lept through the air, grabbed the back of her neck, and rides her down to the ground. Screaming.
* Philip rushes up to us, asking for help.
** “Mister Andreas! Mister Andreas! They’re coming, sir, they’re attacking the wall. Four of them. They’re being led by the Black Horn. They’re attacking the Canopy. They are not being stopped. My platoon was wiped out, we can’t stop them.” – P
** “Something is coming for the Tree. We have to defend the Tree first.” – AN
*** “What happens if they get to the Canopy?” –P
* Seth, you begin to hear a rumbling within you.
** “If the Tree is being attacked, defend it. It is our source of power now. Our connection to this Ring.” – SPIRIT
** “Roger that.”  – S
* Seth, Andreas, Talis, Zey, and P.E.B.L.E head to the Tree. Lilou, HRUNTER, Vorub, and Kuno head toward the Canopy with Philip.
* As we begin to run, splitting up and heading in different directions, it is a desperate mad-dash across the field. Moving through, you start to notice Arnyr. Dropping from the sky. Their horde seemingly endless. They continue dropping down, you try to count, Talisman, but they are numerous. Uncountable. There are simply too many of them. You think that, no matter what, you are going to be intercepted by Arnyr before you make it to your destination. Kuno, as one of these creatures begins to dive toward you, what do you do?
** Utilizing the rubble and debris, he dives through a small hole to avoid it. The Arnyr dives down on top, claws raking the rubble. At this moment, Lilou, you see Kuno being attacked. As you turn, a roar cuts the air. The Arnyr is severed at its body.
*** NOW PLAYING: HERE THERE BE DRAGONS
* You begin to see what did it. Marcus, how is Magnus entering the battlefield?
** He heads toward the big target. Making eyes at Drach. 
** You have to deal with Drach. You look around, on the ground, you'll have to buy yourself space and time– focusing and concentrating. Shadows, echos begin to make their way off of you. Creating three Magnai, moving in their own directions. You watch, Talis, as those three duplicate as well. The sky is filled with dragons. The IO cannon fires in the sky, Lavatera firing bolts of lightning, the Helmuth-Zolona battle shaking the ring. An entire part of the ground sinks a thousand feet down as a pillar of lava arises. 
* We pick up with the group heading to the Tree. As you enter, the guards around the Tree are dead. How do you proceed inside?
** Andreas has his weapons drawn, encouraging everyone to do the same. Zey is on his shoulder. Seth charges in.
** P.E.B.L.E checks for causes of death. It looks like their bodies are covered in boils and tumors. As though they were corrupted from the inside and melted away.
** “On your guard.” – AN(?)
* Approaching the base of the tree is someone familiar, Talisman. Zhret Tatnai. His hand is about to reach out and touch the tree. He looks back.
** “Ah! Members of the Brigade! Initiate! Have you come to join?” – ZT
*** “Come to stop.” – AN
** “Stop? There is no stopping what is to come. Progress, creation, it always moves forward. Progress is unstoppable.” – ZT
*** “We don’t want any of your progress.” – AN
** “This… is weakness. This is Pure Magic. Magic that will bring us all into the future.” – ZT
*** “Magic we shouldn’t be dealing with.” – AN
** “Magic that some should not deal with. But this magic… when put toward the right sources… it will give us power and a world beyond our wildest dreams.” – ZT
* Tatnai sees Talisman's attack coming, and goes to defend himself.
* ROLL FOR ORDER:
**
* As this occurs, we cut to those heading to the Canopy. As you make your way through the Canopy once again, you see shapes moving towards you. Large and imposing. It is a Death Squad, really. Some of the most powerful that the Impure have to offer. They make your way at you. You’ve heard stories about one, Callix the Ripper. Another coming upon a large mound of items, the Black Horn. An archer begins to take position behind cover, Colette the Gray Arrow. And finally, a looming figure known as Gold Hook. At this point, you are not many, but you are all that Philip was able to muster.
**
* The Black Horn makes its way forward. They hold their action for anyone coming within range. Lilou attempts to hit the Black Horn, but God's Wrath does not hit. Colette aims at Lilou. It is a perfect shot at your shoulder, taken on a HB. You gain +1 Corruption and a level of Tired. She uses her BG action on Kuno. Vorub uses Fighting Spirit on himself and HRUNTER. He fires on Colette with 5 acid damage. Philip does not like this. He runs up and holds his action for Callix. He orders us to attack the Blackhorn. Kuno gives his BG action to HRUNTER, he can reroll 2 dice during the next damage roll. Seeing him resist Lilou's attack, he would like to try and divine any weaknesses using the Truth rune.
** MENTAL CHECK – 4 successes: It seems like the outside of the flesh is resistant to magical damage. Maybe even physical. 
* Gold Hook spends his movement, and dashes to the Canopy. Callix leaps over to get into melee with Philip. The first attack deals 25 damage and +2 corruption, taken on stamina. The second attack deals 40 damage, taken on an AB and HB (Detriment I on all attacks) HRUNTER procs the Black Horn. He takes his katana in a reverse grip and his short sword regularly. His joints lock up, there is a piston reaction, and he flies himself into the Black Horn. 6 successes, zero damage. Swinging with all his might, the creature simply looks down at him. The shortsword attack also misses. The BH swings.
* Switching back to the Tree. Combining the light and sound runes, Talis would like to try and blind/deafen him.
** Contested SPIRIT/Power Score – He saves, unfortunately.
** “I once had high hopes for you, but it was quickly dashed. Your weakness will not be allowed in our new world, Initiate.” – ZT
* Tatnai does 60 spiritual damage to Talisman, taken on stamina. He does 80 damage to Seth, taken on a HB. He summons a dark magic in his hand, reaching down toward the tree roots, and fires a burst of Dark Miracle into it, doing 70 damage. P.E.B.L.E uses his Time Stop. He creates a trap lasso around Tatnai’s feet and ties the other end to himself. Using their Speedster II ability, they fly backwards to try and yank him away.
** Contested PHYS/PS – 0 successes. He fails.
* P.E.B.L.E flies up, so Tatnai is hanging upside down
** BG ACTION PHYS CHECK – 1 success: he is only 5-10 feet off the ground, but that is fine.
* P.E.B.L.E fires on him with the crossbow. 9 damage taken on stamina. Zey uses his BG action for a charge, then rushes up to stab the shit out of him. 35 damage, taken on stamina. He desperately reaches out a hand, trying to drive Zey back.
** “The longer you wait to get stabbed, the worse it gets.” – ZE
*** “You are a servant of Devils. I, a servant of New Gods.” – ZT
** “Gods that should have stayed gone.” – ZE
*** “Silence your blasphemous mouth!” – ZT
** “Oh… I am going to bleed you dry.” – ZE
* Andreas blocks the tree with a forcefield. He moves closer to the quote unquote Master.
** “Fuck you. You don’t get to destroy this Tree, or this Ring, or this world.” – AN
*** “This ring and this world are broken. Deficient. Corania doesn’t understand and neither do you. The foundation is destroyed, it cannot be fixed.” – ZT
** “I disagree. That is what I stand for. That is what the Brigade stands for. That is what everyone here beating your shit stands for.” – AN
** He steps back for the werewolf.
* Seth jumps in and heads for the hands. 3 successes for 21 damage, taken on stamina. He is not happy!
** “Die, you dark monster!” – ZT
** He uses his BG action on Talis – Odd, fail.
* Talis begins. Odd or Even?
** Even – 3, fail.
* We shunt back to the other battle. BH makes its held action attack against HRUNTER. 84 damage. Invulnerability does not proc, it is taken on 1AB and 1HB (Detriment I on damage rolls). The Black Horn begins its actual turn. It takes another swing at HRUNTER for another 84 damage. Invulnerability does not proc. The creature picks up HRUNTER, crushing the suit in its hands. It smashes into Kuno for 84 damage. Lilou smashes into the creature with her shield, for 14 damage.
** On a 1d6 – 6, Lilou's shield is Pure Wood. 
* She passes the shield over to Vorub. Colette marks Vorub, and shoots at him– taking 2 AB. Vorub activates Fighting Spirit for himself and Philip. He attempts to hit the creature with the shield. 7 successes for 56 damage, taken on 2HB. He flips the shield so the edge is flush with the BH, and slams it into its teeth, shattering them.
** “Freeeeee… Careeeee…. Freeeeeeee… Caaaareeeeee…” – BH
* Philip takes his turn. He engages the Ripper. He uses Inspiring Shout on Vorub and Lilou. He hits for 15 damage. Gold Hook aims to attack the Canopy, moving closer to the group.
** First Sword of Desecration: 54
** Second Sword of Desecration: 48
** Gold Hook: 21
** He creates a large wall between us and the Canopy, raising the earth up ~30 feet.
*** “There shall be no escape.” – GH
* The Ripper pulls back to swing on Philip. 45 damage, taken on stamina. He attacks again. 45 damage. He is hit in the side. Philip looks down at the wound, and is slowly picked up into the air. The Ripper pulls back the claws, trying to go in for the kill–
** “No. Prisoner. By order.” – GH
* Callix grumbles, and whacks Philip on the side of the head– sending him into unconsciousness.
* We cut back to the tree of Primordial Magic. Talis, you try to make your way forward– but you take a step. The ground opens up underneath you, a personal sinkhole. You fall. Rocks and branches break into you. This is taken on an AB.
** “I know you Initiate. I was there at your naming. You cannot harm me.” – ZT
* Talis gives his BG action to P.E.B.L.E. Zhret Tatnai takes his turn. 96 damage to Zey, taken on 1AB. 96 damage to Andreas, however his shield rating is 1– and he has 95 stamina. The shot smokes. Andreas stands there unphased.
** “Tell me, which one of your friends do you want me to take?” – ZT
*** “You will take none of them.” – AN
** “Names. Have. Power. Observe. Talisman.” – ZT
* He uses ID Destruction on Talisman, raising his hand toward Talis. In this moment, he fires a burst of magic and energy– beginning to laugh as the energy formualtes around Talisman. And… Talisman, you feel nothing?
** He cocks his head.
*** “Excuse me?” – ZT
** Now, a moment friends, now that I, Colin, rolled a 1– we get to have a conversation. Names in the Rings of Meropis hold power. Incredible amounts of power. Part of the Dark Miracle is getting the energy around to learn the name, and begin to destroy the individual. However,  Talisman is a little special in this particular regard, because… if we go back to Session 13 in Season 1, we will find Talisman in Bayeaux. That’s right. We are going all the way back to Bayeaux. While he was there, Talisman lost his name. He gave it away to a Fey. Talisman… doesn’t have a name anymore. Because of a fucking Wine Tasting. So the name… that Master Zhret Tatnai attempted to bludgeon Talis with… actually has no weight. ''Because a Fey took it''.
* And, with that… P.E.B.L.E? BG action on Zhret. He shoots for the eyes. 1 success for 4 damage.
** “Go for the eyes!” – P
* Zey is shunted into the ground, the ground Goes to take a HB… but he burns three charges and says “no.” Aiming for the eyes, he deals 35 damage taken with Sheer V. He grabs the chest area of Tatnai’s robes, and starts stabbing out the eyes. He screams in pain. He is not doing well. BG action Andreas activates his Torvian.
** SPIRIT CHECK – 1 success. As you activate it, and your body becomes bathed in a glowing white light, you feel a distinct pull in this room. Where? You aren’t sure. 
** 7 successes for 21 damage, taken on stamina.
* Seth, odd or even? Even – 6! He evades the maw of the ground. Seth reaches down and uses Heal II on the tree. It surges back to life. You feel the tree momentarily connect back to you.
** SPIRIT CHECK B1 – 3 successes.
*** He gets a secret DM containing information.
** BG action Seth relays the information the Tree shared.
*** “Everyone be ready. Tree has said the Banker of Bones is coming if the Canopy goes down, it senses him waiting.” – S
** “We are going to lose this if you don’t help me. I almost died trying to fight the serpent and you aren’t going to help me?” – S
*** “I have given you all I can. Taken all from the Tree. You are worthy. But I cannot.” – SPIRIT
** The Spirit has given all it could. It tries to gather power, but the poor thing is exhausted.
* Seth apologizes to the group, but runs out toward the Canopy.
* Black Horn time! Lilou is impaled by the claws of the Black Horn, crying out, as it throws her lifeless body away.
** Lilou remembers the Arabuste, and dreams of performing for Cordell one last time.
* The creature swings on Vorub for 2AB and 1HB. Colette walks out, and fires an arrow into Vorub. The injuries begin taking a toll. You are surrounded now, Vorub, and it is your turn. Vorub, standing where he is, lights the flare– holding it above his head. He hops down and positions himself between Gold Hook and The Ripper. In the distance, the IO cannon fires. He doesn’t flinch. The Gold Hook half saves, losing 10 HB. Callix the Ripper, with no way for him to get a full success, completely fails. Vorub, there is a detonation as your body is consumed by the impact. Callix cries out, as the body is turned but to ash. You give a smile as you are consumed. Gold Hook is sent flying backward from the explosion.
* Eventually, Gold Hook stands back up– wounded but alive. The Canopy turns a deeper and deeper red. It finally breaks. As it begins to fall, it starts to open up. The Impure have carved their way in.
* Talisman, or whoever you are, it is your turn. The sound of retreat echoes. You know what it means, the Canopy has fallen. There is a heretic to take care of first.
** SPIRIT CHECK – 3 successes for 21 damage, taken on 2HB.
* How do you want to do this?
** He stands over Tatnai.
*** “First of all, it is not Initiate, and hasn’t been for a long time. It is Speaker.” – T??
** He grabs him, pulling him down as the fire sparks around.
*** “And they used to choose the names, I remember. So I believe I will name myself now. Fidelis, meaning Faithful.” – F
**** “You have no faith.” – ZT
** What allows you, in this moment, to overpower Tatnai?
*** Not once has Talis’ faith in Corania been shaken. In the church? Sure. But his faith in Corania herself has never wavered, not for a second.
* Funneling his faith into the attack, wave after wave of fire is sent out. Tatnai’s blind eyes finally see a truth within you. A true believer. A name that truly fits you. As you give a final cry, Tatnai screams. Your holy flames consume him– ridding the world of his filth. You take a breath. All of you do.
** NOW PLAYING: Lilith's Choir
* Peeking outside, you can see the Canopy is indeed falling. The four of you– what are you doing?
** Andreas tries to follow the Pull.
*** SPIRIT CHECK – 4 successes
* Zey, Fidelis, and P.E.B.L.E – what are you doing?
** Zey heads out to the edge of the Sanctum, hopefully to hold whoever comes to the Tree.
** Fidelis offers a prayer and thanks of gratitude, before preparing for the fight.
** P.E.B.L.E flies toward the Primordial Tree, standing in front of it.
** “I am a Personal Emergency Bodyguard Limited Edition, and I choose you.” – PE
* Zey, as you stand at the Sanctum– you look beyond. Seth, you have made it on top of the wall. You watch the entire Canopy beginning to fall.
** NOW PLAYING: BANKER OF BONES THEME
* You see the Impure are beginning to part. This wave of blood begins to flow across the battlefield. Seth, you smell the air, and it is familiar to you. The smell of Rats. But these ones are dead. A sea of dead rats and blood, as the Banker of Bones– fingers splayed– makes their way across the battlefield. Laughing.
* In the distance, Helmuth von Grayz looks. He makes his way toward the Banker– Zolona fires a blast of magic at him. Arnyr surround him and Lavatera.
** “You are beaten. Let go of me, woman.” – H
*** “Not beaten. We are only beginning.” – Z
* The Banker laughs. He raises a clawed hand toward the walls. He flicks his fingers– carving open the walls one slice at a time.
* Andreas, as we find you back at the Primordial Tree– your feeling… it is leading you toward the sealed door in the same room as the tree. He heads toward it. No way in or out seemingly, it is just a panel of metal. Andreas reaches forward with his Torvian. It is cold. No warmth, just a piece of metal. Andreas tries to push with both hands. It does not budge.
* Andreas attempts to put magic into the door, to try and activate it. It feels resistant. It is closed off– layers and layers of wards on it. Heavily protected against… well, maybe everything?
** “Open, you led me here for a reason. So open. I am Andreas Wolfgang, and I will open you. I will save this Ring.” – AN
* As you say this, Andreas, there is a beat. A moment. You hear a voice– you think in your mind– say… 
** “What did you say your name was?” – ??
*** “Andreas Wolfgang.” – AN
* There is a moment.
** A long, sickening beat.
* “From whence do you hail?” – ??
** “I am from Tpres. My father and mother left me as an orphan, I was raised by the guards of the city. But Tpres is my home. This Ring is my home.” – AN
* “Why… do you need this door open.” – ??
** “Because. There is– out there– forces that will destroy everything. Not just this Ring. The Dark Ring. The Prime Ring. The Banker– Zolona– Astodiea. I can’t let that happen. So I will protect this Ring. I have run for too long. So, Voice, I cannot make you give me access– but please…” – AN
* The door begins to open. The light shines, as a figure runs out and gives you a hug, wrapping you in their arms.
** “Hello?” – AN
* “My dear boy. My dear boy. I would have never abandoned you, if it could at all be helped.” – ZELL
** Andreas cries.
* “It was my duty, I had to defend it. I don’t know what this life has given you, but believe me. I only wanted the best. I only wanted you protected.” – ZELL
** “I don’t understand– why– what did I need protection from? Everyone says I’m normal but I know that is not true.” – AN
* “You are. At least… when I left you. There were attacks, a prophecy– futures. What is below this place… it can never be given up. I was chosen to protect it. And that I– I took an oath, to keep the door shut. I’m sorry. Gods one and all… I cannot keep it– this oath of mine.” – ZELL
* The sounds of battle begin to erupt from outside.
** “What is happening?” – ZELL
* “The Titans. The Banker. They’re here.” – AN
** “The Banker of Bones? The Titans?” – ZELL
* “Oh. And Drach is here.” – AN
** “Don’t worry Son, I’ll be able to teach you much. I’m… sorry. But Papa will take care of this one.” – ZELL
*** NOW PLAYING: ZELLS THEME
* He turns, and makes his way out of the Sanctum. You watch as Zell looks to the sky.
** “This is a conquest? Rather poor one. Do you see that son? Their battle alliance, sloppy– charging toward one entry point… it’s… disappointing.” – ZELL
* You begin to feel heat, Andreas. You watch as the Left Hand of your father begins to glow with an energy you have only felt once before, with Thomas. Zell ignites his Torvian of the Exalted Nine– you see, for Zell, He is the most powerful Material God on the Prime Ring. As the heat begins to rise, he starts to make his way forward– and then he is gone in a blink of fire and heat. And then he is on the wall, Andreas. He shoots a torrent of flame up and up into the sky, as Magnus has to dive– avoiding the surge of flame a mile across. It heats up to over 3000F. The Phoenix Torvian does its work. Zell looks down on the battlefield, and he smiles.
** “Banker! I thought I told you to stay away from my castles, my towns, and my Kingdoms.” – ZELL
* As Nicholas Black smiles… these two forces begin to meet. Zell begins to do battle with the Banker of Bones– as torrents of flame start to fire in all directions. These two entities begin their fights, to perhaps the death.
** NOW PLAYING: MANIFESTATION
* At this moment, Zey, you would see something. Floating above the battlefield, looking down and frowning– is a Man in Red. As you make your way out Andreas, there is a glow beginning. We quickly cut to Helmuth.
** “No. No– Nyet, NO!” – H
* He begins to run the other way. Lavatera looks up.
** “What is? Ohhh no.” – L
* All of the Members of The Brigade begin to hear Helmuths cries.
** “GET DOWN! GET DOWN!” – H
* The light begins to grow, brighter and brighter. Some of you begin to piece together what is happening. An event that has not occurred in thousands of years. The Manifestation of a High God– not their ID, but their true form. And as the light continues to grow brighter and brighter– all the magic users within the Brigade fire up shields. Doaa and the Speakers raise their magic as well. Lavatera holds up barriers of lightning.
* Sin lets loose his true form. And all of you face the might of a High God. As Sin has joined this fight.