05/26/2024 -- Operation Endure Pt. 2

Operation Endure P2 – 5/26/2024

STARRING: Amis (AM), Andreas (AN), Angel (A), Armand, Enola (E), Grimalkin, Kynaston (K), Lavatera (L), Lydia, Makai (MA), Mark, Storm (S), Vorub, Zetian (ZE), Zolona (Z)... and more?!?!?!

Peter:
- Human man, about 35 years old. Gothic feel about him, religious undertones.
Dalton:
- Vorub is a humanoid looking person. Two arms, two legs, slightly below average in height, and average in body. Covered in armor and a thick mask.
There is another entity in the room. Jamie:
- A tiny green cat who is caked in mud, is chewing on Angel's hair. Not really paying attention to the surroundings.
- Angel is allowing this, as it is more focused on what is ahead. Taken aback by the cat's affinity for them, but is just observing the room now.
Makai looks to Andreas and addresses him. He then looks to us.
- “The Impure are launching an all out attack. They are creating a wedge and heading for a section of the wall known as the Dragon’s Jaw.” – MA
- We are to reinforce the mithril hand. He produces flares. We can each add one to our inventory.
- These mark the location for the IO cannon. It is low on ammunition, but if it is necessary to fire– with this push hopefully we can break them and keep them away from the Canopy. Things seem to be going well so far… but, he must reiterate, the shots are low.
  - For the remainder of the Operation, we will have 5 shots of the IO cannon. Anyone can light a flare and throw it down, up to 60 feet away. The cannon will then fire and obliterate ideally everything in a 30ft sphere on the ground.
- Otherwise, “I must say, we cannot allow the Impure to breach. You must do whatever you can to stop their advance. Any questions?” – MA
- “If–” – MA
Makai is cut off as the world around us shifts and changes. We come into a new room, where Zetian is waiting for us. The mission was stupid and unnecessary, and we have a bigger one ahead of us, apparently.
- “Well then. Kynaston is approaching the south wall. I am sending all of you to fight him.” – ZE
Our goal is to fight him until he is weak, and Zetian will swing in for the kill.
- “Now, Storm, Moonman! Get your butt over here.” – ZE
- “Well, if I’m caught, kill the rat in this box! I hate consequences, so I refuse to have any for my actions. Fun fact kids! If you are about to experience consequences for your actions, you can just say no!” – ZE
Members of the Mithril Hand are flung through the air, one after another, as they are crushed into paste. A creature approaches. For those of you that have not witnessed the Blossomed Kynaston, he stands tall, maybe 15-20 feet now, burning with what appears to be some sort of flame.
ROLL FOR ORDER:
Mark begins. He uses Freeze II on Kynaston, every time he makes a damage roll he will lose 10 stamina, and he will be slowed. He uses his combat ability: All allies gain B1 on attacks against Kynaston. Lydia fires at Kynaston for 14 acid damage. Kynaston looks down at his body, which has been covered with frost. He says, “youuuu… will join us. Mark Flint…” He raises a hand, and uses Impact dealing 80 crushing damage. Mark uses his invulnerability. Kynaston cocks his head at this. He uses Impact on Lydia for 100 damage. Kynaston then raises his sword and begins to concentrate. He fires his corruption wave on Armand, as a wave of red and green corruption for 10 points of magical slashing and +6 Corruption. As a BG action, Andreas activates his Torvian, and throws down a forcefield. Grimalkin uses his BG action to give everyone an additional Benefit 1 against Kynaston. He then uses his laser eyes power for 12 damage. Storm, who forgot to alert the party of his initiative, begins his turn. He fires on Kynaston with his hand crossbow to test things out, dealing 18 damage. He gives his BG action to Andreas. Armand uses his BG action to add an additional Benefit 1 against Kynaston. He begins to use the rain with his Hydromancy and hits for 6 damage. Vorub uses Elemental Arrow (lightning) and fires on Kynaston for 15 damage. He uses Ranged Combatant for Obscure. What Kynaston doesn’t see, while focused on Vorub, is a girl free-falling out of the sky. Enola attempts to drive her Rapier into his head at Benefit 3 for 33 damage.
- She looks to Andreas, “lets fuck em up! I’ll go for the head, you go for the legs? Angel take out his fucking stomach!”
Angel rushes up to Kynaston and aims for the stomach, dealing 91 damage taken on Stamina. Kynaston regards Angel.
- “I shall have the glory of bringing you home… Althara…” – K
  - “I’m not going anywhere.” – A
Angel uses Hex on him, and triggers Takedown. Kynaston fails with four successes.
Mark freezes Kynaston again, and uses his combat ability to re-up the benefit I. Storm heads behind Kynaston, With 4 successes he does 36 damage. Kynaston rolls to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack with his sword. Lydia cocks her crossbow and fires again for 36 acid damage. She gives her BG action to Angel again. Kynaston fires his Corruption Beam on Angel for 9 damage and +6 Corruption. He then swings with Folly of Tpres, dealing 132 damage and an additional 2 corruption. This is taken on an AB and a HB. Kynaston has mortal wounds, and Angel falls prone due to injury and cannot rise. All creatures also gain B1 against Angel. He then backswings at Storm for 96 damage. He also falls prone and all creatures gain B1 against Storm. Andreas runs up next to Angel, BG action increases his own and Enolas' damage ratings. He takes a swing at Kynaston for 40 damage, taken on 2 HB. Kynaston howls in pain as he chops into his foot. Grimalkin fires lasers at him again, which is taken on a HB. Armand uses his BG action to add an additional B1. Armand opens his pocket dimension and steps back. Vorub uses his BG action on himself and Enola. He fires on Kynaston. Enola corkscrews down and attempts to cut out Kynastons eyes. With 10 successes she does 68 damage taken on two HB. She cuts across his face. Kynaston seems pissed. Angel uses Hex on Kynaston. It attempts to attack Kynaston, and as it pulls back their weapon, as the world begins to slow down. You feel a tug at your soul, Angel. The time in your host body… is coming to an end, and you see Bob appear right next to you.
- NOW PLAYING: WRONG DARK PIANO
- “Ah. Well. Were you satisfied with our deal?” – B
- “Unfortunately the terms of our agreement are that I have to give you back… and place little Bloom back in this battle. Unless there is a second deal that could be made… of course.” – B
  - “If I asked for an extension on my time, what would you ask for in return.” – A
- “Well… we need to make this fair! So in exchange for… seven days in your body? I want to know what is within Widowstone Keep. And in addition… if you die within these seven days, I get to take over for the remainder. I get flesh, once more. Flesh that can hold me. Flesh that will not wither and rot at the touch of my essence. I shall breathe the air. I shall taste the world's despair. What do you say, Althara? Seven days. For a simple truth.” – B
  - “Fine. Alright. The… what’s within Widowstone Keep is the Primordial Tree.” – A
- “I see! Well then. Pleasure doing business with you. I will see you in seven days, Althara.” – B
The world continues to move at its normal pace. With 13 successes, Angel deals another 91 damage, taken on 2HB. Angel attempts Takedown again, but Kynaston knows the trick now, and rebuffs it.
- “Don’t worry… You’ll be joining us soon. I feel the thrum of the blight.” – K
Kynaston watches Angel crawl over the ground, appearing to draw more power. A crackle of red lightning comes from the sky, as Lavatera does 168 damage– throwing the lightning into the eyes of Kynaston. He stumbles back a bit. Andreas, you catch sight of Lavatera in the air. She is bloody, beaten, and at least one arm is dislocated. She looks down at him.
- “Ah, the power of this thing is to absorb the damage for others– kill it before–” – L
Another bolt of lightning ripples through the air as she goes flying, continuing her fight with Zolona above us.
- He turns to Enola, “well, you heard her!” – AN
Mark rushes up on Kynaston, using Freeze on him. Mark re-ups the Benefit I and intentionally begins molding the ice around him. Storm uses a BG action to toss Enola the cage with the rat. Kynastons eyes are following it. He begins winding up. He drives his sword into Kynastons calf for 64 damage. Lydia fires on Kynaston for 51 damage, taking a HB. Kynaston is displeased with this general situation. His eyes fall upon Mark.
- “These frozen chains… they would be wonderful for us… I shall give them to the Impure.” – K
He charges up a corruption wave to send at Mark dealing 10 damage and +6 corruption. He swings on Mark again with Folly of Tpres for 132 damage. He does not lose HB because of Invulnerability, but gains 2 more corruption. He swings on Enola for somewhere under 144 damage. Enola is hit in the chest with the sword, and loses a HB and an AB. Her movement speed is reduced by 80 ft. She just barely maintains herself in the air. She wheezes heavily from the impact, barely floating. Andreas looks for a place where the armor is chipping the most. With five successes, there does seem to be a weak point near the midsection and to the side. There is a black, glistening wound there.
- NOW PLAYING: STRANGE REACTION
Looking at it, your heart begins to hurt. You begin to stumble as you have a heart attack. You attempt to keep yourself upright, the world changes. You now open your eyes in some place new.
- NOW PLAYING: EYE FOR DETAILS
  - You’re in space. This great, void-like place. You realize how big you are. You realize your own size, because you look down… and the Rings of Meropis are the size of normal rings compared to your body. Null is a small, green marble in a vast universe. A voice rings out to you, Andreas.
- “You have the power to destroy Zolona. Right here, and now. I grant this power to you. Make your choice. Do you wish to end the life of the Titan Queen?”
  - Andreas asks who this is.
- “I am giving you a choice.”
- “Right here right now, you can destroy Zolona. Maybe Kynaston. Maybe Althara. Anyone you desire.”
  - “I do not wish to destroy. If there is a chance… I will save this Ring.” – AN
- “Why..? You wish to save the Ring but… wouldn’t killing them do so?”
  - “I know a woman, who has determined that we don’t trade lives. I… Don’t want to just end this war. I want to end it for good. Forever. Peace. Is that satisfactory?” – AN
- “Hm… I believe it is. Good luck.”
- NOW PLAYING: STRANGE REACTION
Andreas makes a swing on the wound in Kynastons midsection at Detriment 2. With 7 successes he deals 28 damage. Kynaston burns stamina. The Blossomed breathes heavily, his stamina is almost depleted. Grimalkin says that Vorub is no help. He uses his laser eyes again with 7 successes.
- “Stop with this, Animal.” – K
Armand re-ups the Benefit. He attacks with Hydromancy for 12 damage. There is a cry of shock and pain as the rain is funneled into Kynastons eyes. Vorub cocks his crossbow and fires for 40 damage, taken on a HB. He heads back and uses Obscure again. Vorub signs at the cat, communicating that he cannot speak. He isn’t ignoring the cat. He just can’t speak. Enola flies up higher. It is all she can do. Angel is up. He re-ups the hex on Kynaston. Angel then uses Emancipate 0 on itself, reducing its corruption to 1. Lavatera, still fighting with Zolona, sends another bolt of lightning at Kynaston for 140 damage. He is almost thrown off his feet.
- “I need you all to start displaying more ability!” – L
Zolona appears behind her, swinging with a clawed hand. She screams as there is a spray of her blood.
Mark reinforces the freeze on Kynastons eyes. He uses his BG action on Kynaston. Storm attacks with his longsword for 28 damage, and then bg attacks with his hand crossbow for 30. Lydia fires her crossbow for 37 damage. Kynaston congregates all of the power he has, losing 6 HB. He purges himself of all status conditions that are on him, allowing him to teleport up to 60 feet. He teleports between Armand and Lydia. He uses his corruption beam on Lydia for 10 damage and +6 corruption. He turns to Armand, who kept giving benefits. He swings softly on Armand for 11 damage. Corruption takes Armand, and his last thoughts are regret that he didn’t kill more Blossomed. Grimalkin attempts to eat Armands spirit. With 2 successes on a Spirit Save, it is revealed that he was a little member of the Impure who broke away… who is now consuming another part of an Impure’s soul. With this, Grimalkin also falls to the Impure. Andreas runs up and gives himself and Lydia a damage boost. With 7 successes, he deals 21 damage– taking another 2 HB. The cat is ordered to kill. With 0 successes, the cat does not hit Enola. The cat uses Command against Vorub. Armand places his BG action on Storm. Vorub shoots the cat. With 5 successes he deals 40 damage, taken on Stamina. He gives his BG action to himself and Enola. Enola tosses the box back to Storm.
- “You make sure that fucking thing is safe!” – E
Angel ups the hex on Kynaston. He takes a hand crossbow shot for 15 damage, taken on stamina. Lavatera is looking very rough. She tries to send another bolt down. She ducks underneath a flurry of attacks from Zolona, trying to fire it directly into his back, dealing 126 damage. Zolona comes up from behind, putting her hand on Lavatera's shoulder, and point blank fills her with lightning and electricity. She screams.
Mark freezes Kynaston. He uses his BG action on him. Storm is up. He crawls into range of Kynaston. BG action shoots at Kynaston for 6 damage, taken on stamina. He holds his action for if the cat tries to hop up. Lydia gives her BG action to Andreas. She fires directly into Kynastons wound for 21 damage, taking 3 HB. The acid seeps into the wound, adding an additional level of sheer to further attacks. Kynaston fires his corruption beam on Angel for 9 damage and +6 corruption. He uses Impact on Lydia (1HB), her legs are crushed and she falls to the ground (-80 movement). He pulls back his blade and swings on Andreas for 72 damage, taken on Stamina. You hear another voice enter the battlefield, just laughing.
- “Ohhoh. Dearest Kynaston. Can’t you handle these insolent fools?” – AM
You watch as a second Blossomed enters. A strange eldritch warping form.
- “It appears like I will have to save you. No… perhaps not. I can retrieve Althara, and ascend to the Hand of the Blight.” – AM
Amis moves forward. He fires a corrupting shot at Enola for 64 damage. She takes another major injury, gaining 3 corruption– and the dire condition. Her eyes are wide as a gaping, mortal wound spews onto the ground. He fires on Lydia for 72 damage (-1HB). She gains the Tired condition.
- “My lady… Althara… what have they done to you… do not fret… I shall bring you home.” – AM
He uses Desecrating Mark on Vorub. Andreas stabs into Kynaston with 4 successes. Grimalkin jumps up to try and attack the rat, but is shot by Storm and falls prone. Armand opens up his pocket dimension below Angel, who succeeds with 1 success, and barely clings onto the edge of the pit. Vorub fires on the cat with 3 successes, taken on a HB. Enola gets down to Storm's level. She tells him they need to get out of here.
- “My mom… I love her a lot. Can you tell her that, for me?” – E
  - “If you die, sure.” – S
- “If I die.” – E
She will end her turn. And she will die. As she falls into the mud, there is just a stillness. A terrible stillness around you, as the heart is not beating. Angel says, “I already told you, I’m not going anywhere. As your Lady I command you to stand down.”
- They are not dumb. They know you are not yourself, you are trapped in this body.
Angel takes a shot at Kynaston, burning another HB. Angel turns to Andreas.
- “If I die– Bob gets my body for seven days.” – A
At this point… You two are brought out of your quick conversation with a scream. Lavatera has just seen Enola face down in the dirt. She attempts to move toward Enola. Zolona catches her in the back with another burst of lightning. She begins to fall, before barely righting herself on the ground. She is now prone.
Mark, you’re up. With his action, he tosses the flare. It flies into the air. You begin to see a light growing, as you expend a use of the IO wave cannon. There is a shot. In this moment, as you throw it…Amis dodges out of the way of the cannon. Kynaston, in the exact center, has their form consumed by light. They are absolutely eradicated, reduced to ashes. His BG action is used against Amis. Storm rolls Enola over, beginning Triage, and gaining +1HP. Lydia fires at Amis for 18 damage. Giving her BG action to Andreas.
There is a flickering effect. Right in front of Angel and Andreas, Zetian appears. He bursts up from a dazzling flock of birds.
- “There you are, Amis! I’ve been looking for you! Was kind of hoping there would be more old friends here, but it looks like you finished that job.” – ZE
  - Andreas gives a weak thumbs up.
- “Yessss! Thumbs up thumbs up!” – ZE
  - “Youuu cannot win, Zetian.” – AM
- “Ummm. That’s a really weird thing to say, because we absolutely can win. I think that is the entire point of us being here.” – ZE
  - “No… You are lost.” – AM
- Zetian gives a wry smile. “But what about this?”
He lets loose his aether. All of us are brought back up to full stamina, as his Aether Realm begins to manifest.
- “Huuhhh! See, beautiful!” – ZE
  - “This isn’t enough to save you Zetian. You will still perish. They are not enough.” – AM
- “Oh, I know.” – ZE
  - Zetian conjures another Aether Realm.
- “All of you underestimate me. But you all forget, Amis, I am Zetian. I got the Scroll of Meropis while Tpres burned. I have ten thousand aether realms.” – ZE
  - “DIE.” – AM
- Zetian cackles. “Beat me? You can’t even save yourself.”
As the wave of aether begins to come to a halt, all of you watch as Amis just stands there now. He is not moving. He just falls over. Completely unconscious, and stunned.
- “We need to get out of here with Amis while we still can.” – ZE
You all watch as the ground begins to burst and break.
- NOW PLAYING: MEROVIGLIA THEME
Roots entangle this entire place.
- “Okay my little rabbits! We need to–” – ZE
- He is cut off. Zetian begins to be lifted up from the ground. All of you see his eyes dart past Amis. Lydia, you watch as a strange figure begins to appear.
- Corruption ripples off of her in waves. The corruption stirs all of your bodies. Andreas, you fought against Althara and powerful beings. This thing… this thing is a different level.
“Zeeeetian. You’re the Zetian I’ve heard so much about. I’m disappointed.” – AS
- She flexes her hand and we watch as Zetian is pulled over to this individual. He is squirming, shaking, trying at all costs to get away. It doesn’t look like Zetian has the power to do so. Not by a long shot, now. In this moment, Zetian finally gets through– opening his mouth to speak.
- “I presume… Meroviglia.” –ZE
- The entity smiles.
- “That is the name of this form. Although, very soon, once we receive the traitor and make it to the Tree of Change, this form will not be necessary anymore.” – AS
Storm shoots the rat.
“Astodiea, stop playing with your food.” – Z
- She begins to summon a lightning bolt, firing it at Lavatera who screams.
“Get this over and done with.” – Z
- Lavatera tries to stumble to her feet, firing a bolt of lightning at Zolona– who dodges it.
The Blighted Scourge, within her vessel, smiles. She bows her head to her queen.
- “My apologies. Yes…” – AS
- At this point, all of you begin to feel Astodiea charge up a wave of corruption. Angel, it is familiar. Memories itching at the edges of your mind.
Zetian is hit with 15 points of corruption. Instantly. As it flows through, there is a blinding light that consumes the entire area. As it does so, slowly, ever so slowly, it begins to die away. You see as the light subsides now, Lydia… Zetian is giggling. Happily kicking his legs back and forth.
- “Ohh! Yeah, you can’t do that– uhhh I’m immune to your corruption. You’ll have to try something else.” – ZE
  - He boops Astodiea on the nose. She is shocked.
- “Hooow…” – AS
  - “Nononono. That is the wrong interrogative. You are like a porcupine who put her quills on backwards. A pain in her own ass!” – ZE
- She squeezes his throat.
  - “I'll tell you three truths, and a pointy pretty promise please you’ll understand– I promise.” – ZE
- Astodiea nods.
  - “Speak, then, archfey. How are you doing this. I need this Ring and yet you resist. How. I can’t touch your aether.” – AS
- Zetian chuckles a bit.
  - “Because… I can manipulate my aether!” – ZE
- Astodiea cocks her head.
  - “Look lady. You need to read–” – ZE
- “Nononoooo! I’m getting on your nerves, so listen. Truths. You want truths right? Firstly, I don’t like it when you mess with my employees. They work hard to get my intelligence. And secondly, I hate it when you mess with my intel. The people deserve to know the truth about things. And three. And this might be the most important part–” – ZE
  - “I’m always right.” – S
The shape and form of Zetian begins to change, shifting into that of a Dwarvish man dressed in the uniform of the Ard Magos. As Balek Bones begins to laugh, cackling. Like a maniac.
- “Do you think this is enough to stop me?” – AS
At this point, Balek Bones smiles.
- “No. I don’t. But that was never really the point.” – BB
And now, Storm, you watch as the rat. It begins to shift, and change its form. All of you watch, as the Lord of Calamis appears.
- “Ahh… You didn’t really believe that your plans went unnoticed with us.” – M
All of you feel a flare of magic and energy begin to radiate off of this individual. As the magical flare continues, faster and faster– more and more– they give this wicked looking smile.
- “To fool mortals and gods, this is normal. To make an illusion so perfect it fools Titans… Well, we have really outdone ourselves.” – M
That is when fire begins to rain from the sky.
- “No longer do you face the unprepared. I am Magion, lord of Calamis. Master of Illusions, Hand of the Shadow, and this form shall die by my hand today.”
Balek Bones releases a burst of energy that sends Astodiea flying. As he begins to laugh, and laugh, it is now that we return to the skies.
Zolona is there. Zolona, yes. As she is watching from high above, she shakes her head. A bloody and beaten Lavatera floats just a few beats away.
- “Huh… a deception. Astodiea you have never been reliable.” – Z
She looks to the ground. And she looks to the part of the wall known as the Dragon's Jaws.
“Niorax… Destroy the Canopy.” – Z
A figure, carrying a scythe. The teeth grow long and sharp. As this creature makes its way forward, it simply replies.
- “These screams… I dedicate to you my Queen.” – N
Niorax, in the body of Charon, makes its way forward.