Post by EmperorMyric on Jan 23, 2024 10:57:25 GMT
Faleka's Grave: Golden Expanse
They had done it.
They had acquired the location, though the base had still stood, and they had been scattered the memory and the database information had been enough. They now knew where the Panopticon had been operating, at least possibly.
But if that base had been too much to handle, how could they possibly face their true territory and leave unscathed?
They needed reinforcements, they needed more firepower.
The call came loud and clear this time, all those with great power to assemble on a very specific world bathed in a red sun. It was a barren orb, of red plains and sand. But there at the assembly point was a small grave, a monument to one who had died in fighting the Panopticon and the first to assemble the gods who had sought to fight against the threat.
The grave of Faleka.
In the silence of the dead world, the gods are called to assembly, those with the power to fight back. It was time to find the home of the Army, and find out what they were truly up to.
While the Herald was the first to arrive to summon all those who would come after, the second arrival was more surprising. Stepping through a small wormhole Sapphire, Princess of the Union of Worlds walked to the grave and nodded her head towards the Herald.
“I am Sapphire, I have heeded your summons. The Army must be stopped and I will lend all my power to do so”
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 24/04/2023 18:24
The man whose presence she was met with and who everyone else would meet soon enough, was rather strange.
Clad in white robes with stylised eyes almost like runes and a bladed spear in hand, he looked curious, but compared to what one would've expected almost mundane.
Yet, it was not so much what he was but rather what he wasn't. There was a complete lack of presence in the area, he looked trustworthy, friendly even, if a bit contemplative, as if, despite all the circumstances he was just another human.
Though his very presence here proved he wasn't. It felt like it was nothing out of the ordinary and that very fact felt wrong.
He bowed in a greeting, with experienced formality and then observed her approach for several moments. Behind him the tree which marked Falekas gravesite. Sand and ash, shards of long forgotten pottery, weakly crunching under the approaching Princess' steps.
"Sapphire? Sapphire."
He pondered, then continued, his voice as if telling a tale.
"Hm. Union of Worlds, daughter of an Emperor. Quite an illustrious guest we have attracted today. We are grateful for your arrival."
He paused for a moment then looked at the stars, all too visable in the thin atmosphere, then nodded thoughtfully.
"Many more will arrive today."
'Hopefully some who do not charge headlong into disaster.' He added to himself.
"My apologies but we shall postpone our introduction until everyone is here."
...
"There are many things to discuss and little time."
Canis (Nucleans/Isoterrans) — 25/04/2023 02:31
The past few days had been interesting, to say the least, for Cinder. First, teleporting herself and Ridhuan away from the Army of the Panopticon’s base, back to Arx. Then, within the high towers of the sector palace, combining the information she had taken from the electronic parts of the Army’s computer system, with what the monk-commissar had read in the mind of the man integrated into the center of it.
All too soon, Ridhuan had left, leaving her alone, staring out the windows of her suite onto the heart of the mega-city from which the Ancerious sector was governed. It was always a touch unnerving, being inside an Isoterran city, if one wasn’t used to it. Despite the seeming chaos of vehicles and drones, it still managed to feel somewhat lonely – a side effect of the relatively tiny Isoterran population. But to Cinder, it was perfect. She had always preferred the company of machines, to the cacophony of living beings. To be sure, it was nice to have living things at her disposal, who needed direction and looked to her for guidance, but there was something peaceful about being surrounded by artificial intelligence – it was like one could have all the personal space one wanted, while having someone immediately there the moment you needed something...or wanted it.
And wanted things she had – most pressing of which was a hot bath, while her assistant Promus (remotely accessing the palace from Midnight Keep on Isoterra), compiled and read to her as much information as it could gather related to the area they had discovered. Which unfortunately, wasn’t much. Sitting within the hot water, her muscles soothed by a mix of water jets and spells, filled the void of knowledge by reflecting on all that had transpired so far. The Army had been powerful, more so than what Menmuer had encountered, although they had interestingly not encountered the silence field again. But they did seem to have far more esoteric things at their disposal, trading the novelty of #IMAGO or the relative normalcy of the base at Fidun for endless waves of brute horror. She almost felt sad, like she had missed the most fun part, and instead had to deal with the necessary worst. But such was the nature of this sort of hunting, which meant that she would have to be prepared. This meant tweaking her armor, while developing new spells to use, all the while debating her next course of action. The idea of going alone was likely out of the question – she would at least need the help of some of her friends...but then again, they were busy outside the galaxy again. So perhaps she would have to try some of the more competent among the entities she had met on this latest adventure. Ridhuan had seemed agreeable at least, perhaps she would have to track him down...
She didn’t have to debate long however, as she suddenly felt the call again. She sighed, it was time to finish preparing and go – hopefully on a journey filled with less blunders and more action. A snap of her fingers caused a shower of white sparks, while the loose comfort of her work clothes were replaced by the familiar snugness of her undersuit, their places switched from the closet to her body in the blink of an eye. With another exhale, she sent the neural command, causing her to be surrounded by orange light, quickly fading to reveal her armor, now encasing her. “Alright, let’s go…” she said, to no one in particular, before activating her suit’s FTL module.
Several meters from Saffire and the Herald, a glowing purple line appeared in the air, abruptly pushing out into Cinder’s two meter tall outline. Stepping forward, she approached the others. “Ahhh, it seems we are to work together again…” her growling baritone voice said to Amerandus, inwardly groaning at having to deal with him again, even if it was to be expected. The glowing orange eyes of her helmet then turned to the winged one beside him. “And who might you be? That blue says Union, but I could be wrong...”
Brank — 25/04/2023 08:13
Footsteps softly thumped behind the trio that had already arrived, approaching the grave.
Ezekiel Keroth, Imperator of the Dominion, had been one of those summoned to this endeavour. He had left behind his duties to Meralth and the Senate and hastily made his way to the barren world. This, was far, far more pressing- and exciting. A chance to fight the elusive panopticon- both a once in a lifetime experience and something that could serve to help the galaxy all the same time.
He was clad in the black-and-red armour of a Shadow marine, likely taken from the Dominion's equipment stockpiles and modified to suit him, as it sported a unique gold trim, and a red half-cape along his right shoulder. His hands were empty, but an obvious blade and pistol were sheathed and holstered on his hip, and he had a reserved, neutral look on his face. He approached the three gathered at the grave, and spoke.
"I have arrived as I was summoned. Whom here was it that called me here?" he asked generally, then continued. "..and how many are we supposed to be working with once all have arrived?"
He eyed over the Herald. An average looking person, but to be here there must be something special. Saffire, however, he had heard of before- Princess of the Union, daughter of the Emperor. Her presence merely solidified his belief that this would be an... important event, to say the least. The last person, Cinder, he did not fully recognize at first. "Where are you from?" he questioned absently, and finally stepped into the half-circle around the grave.
"If we're doing 'introductions,' I too shall wait until all are here; I needn't repeat myself."
Gose {CES, CHET} — 25/04/2023 16:19
@drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network]
One expected the fractal god to appear again, his presence upon the last facility was instrumental to the success of the operation, and though riddled with internal issues, his powers were inarguable. Instead, however, nothing came through, but the small fragrance of another presence like a far cry, a mimicry of that passing god's aura.
Rather than being known it made itself known, it was a tugging upon the back of the head, its presence a cloudy perception but even then distinct, it beckoned none other than the herald himself, it showed no intent of harm.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 25/04/2023 17:35
Though not not immediately apparent to everyone, the Herald picked up on the strange attempt at communication, after all, they were still expecting 'guests'. He tilted his head and seemed to frown at the void, there was a moment of contemplation at the familiar presence, then invisibly something reached reached out from the man, clad in will and intent it gently tugged on the strings, to see what would be awaiting them.
Gose {CES, CHET} — 25/04/2023 19:15
There was no real time for true acknowledgement, all that was necessary was the recognition of the presence and the intent to convene, and at the tilting of the head, the world tilted alike until the vision of the herald was brought down to the earth and past it, his cognisant self seamlessly suspended from the vessel which carried it at the instant, brought to far away lands at an impossible blink of the eye.
A quickening was apparent as the world collapsed upon the eye of a needle, senses became muddled as space reeked of intense light, he felt the pressure of great notions oppress the edges of the mind, an intense wanderlust for a knowledge even he did not bear. Another fragmentation, and the mind was gently coaxed into a dream not of its own making: He perceived the visage of an eye pierced by a jagged blade, it called out onto him to accept, overflowing with power equalled by its ire.
Para (Khanate | UDS) — 26/04/2023 10:08
A pulse of crimson light and the acrid scent of ash signified the arrival of Eleison. He stepped into graveyard and looked around at the dead planet they were all on. His gaze fell upon the gods present here, at faces old and new. After the events only a few days prior, he had found himself in the ass end of knowhere. Eventually he decided to simply wander the stars once more until he finally found the purpose he sought. And then once again, he was called to act once more.
The Khan himself had only managed to secure a set of red armour that was hardly enchanted with basic auric defences and a runic blade in this short amount of time. He would have preferred better materials and more time to work, but he had to act quick considering it was an urgent call in the end.
“Well. I’m here again, old man,” Eleison said with a look at the Herald. He had changed a bit after their last encounter with the Panopticon. The words said by the man had struck him and sent him into an almost melancholic state. Yet pride pushed him on to deny the truths and see this until the end. It was all he could do really.
It wasn’t like he was needed anywhere else anyways.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 26/04/2023 12:06
The Heralds eyes moved towards Eleision and Ezekiel as they approached but remained silent, seemingly absent still absorbed in the strange ritual.
It was not the first time he dealt with non-euclideans and more than likely would not be the last. What had occured had been less of an 'arrival' and more of a summoning, though he was not one to turn down potential cooperators if they presented themselves.
There was a wordless confirmation, a proof that he 'was', that his presence was real, they had found who they searched and he accepted their offering of violent potential. Then, he waited.
Gose {CES, CHET} — 26/04/2023 15:15
Confirmation was reaching out, there was jubilation made somewhat tangible within the non-space where concepts had switched place with the fabric of the world. The mind of the Herald grasps the blade, at the same time, the edges of his presence singe. Then, the world snaps him awake, the visage is gone and so are the presences, the tendril he had shot out struck something a few meters away.
A concentrate of what could be most vaguely described as "Etherite", though the composition of it is unknown. It reacts, and quickly unearths itself from the ground, as if it had been waiting here all this time for the gods to arrive. It stands tall, an armless body with its head replaced by a large scythe, the whole body as if made out of jagged crystals.
The Herald, in specific, feels an etherial connection to the beast, it feels as though it only has a wavering mind of what is happening, and a deep ire to consume the world within its powers, whose nature still eludes the Herald.
Far away from the Herald, within the halls of the Egrégora, the mysterious beings' localised godhead-like communication coalesce under the idea that the threat they have sent one of the constructs towards may be of greater heft than they initially assumed.
Aiman — 26/04/2023 18:09
“By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” [Genesis 3:19]
A lone figure stood before a black obelisk. His palm was outstretched, and from his palm black ashes poured out, swirling into the black obelisk in front of him.
Once the last of the ashes had been transferred into the obelisk, the figure lowered his hand, and stood motionlessly for a few seconds. Feeling the gentle breeze against him, the swaying fields of grass, the falling leaves, the magnificent yet melancholic orange glow of the sky as Vladano’s sun set, silhouetting the towering obelisk. For Ridhuan, this was a rare moment of rest, back at home, in the realm of all that was familiar and dear to his heart.
The sound of footsteps clacking on the granite floor of the war memorial echoed behind him. Ridhuan turned around, glanced at the man behind him, and nodded. It was time. As much as he wanted to stay in this serenity forever, a call, from an all-too familiar source, had summoned them forth, and there were greater things at hand. To obtain this peace, Ridhuan must fight the bitter war ahead.
—--
An orange portal appeared on the world where all had been gathered by the Herald’s call. Ridhuan emerged first, nodding in acknowledgement to the Herald, Cinder, and Eleison - the gods and entities that he had just worked with a few days prior in their raid on the AOTP base.
Then the second man stepped out of the portal. Spotting Sapphire, the look on his face softened a bit, and he smiled slightly at the sight of a familiar ally.
“Princess Sapphire,” Ayzen walked towards her, stretching out his hand for a handshake. “It seems like fate has brought us together as soldiers rather than diplomats this time round.”
In contrast to his previous appearances where he wore his characteristic red uniform to diplomatic meetings and the like, now he was dressed more like a soldier, with camouflaged fatigues, a plate carrier vest adorned with several pouches, a helmet with night vision optics hanging off a D-ring clipped to the side of the vest, and a giant rucksack strapped to his back to boot. He was also armed like one - a silenced PDW slung to his side, a pistol in the thigh holster, and a sniper rifle attached magnetically to the side of his rucksack.
NEO (Mineva/Justicars) — 27/04/2023 03:00
At the periphery of the grave site, a lone man presented himself, having silently trekked some distance on foot through the desolate land. The man wore a simple matte armor, its only identifying feature was a rune cut into the pauldron. The design was Minevan lamellar, the black and silver tones paired with a sinister, optics-laden helmet marking a Stalker. The man stood silently, long rifle slung across his back as he surveyed the ensemble of exceptional individuals before him.
The abundance of red dust and barren plains served to remind him of the silt seas of Alpha Ceti V, whose sun also washed over the planet in a low, crimson embrace. Much like this world, Alpha Ceti V was also dead- instead by the design of the forces of the Panopticon. Without an ounce of hesitation, this Stalker had answered the call after his months of investigation had brought him to this step.
He started the 3rd Ancerious War at Aedleshaven, wandering the countryside and decimating CONA's command and control. After the disaster of the Minevan homeworld, he had roamed the galaxy, slaying generals, national leaders, and supernatural abominations. It seemed that wherever he went, this 'Army of the Panopticon' had its claws no matter how slight.
And now, the man known as the Highwayman to some and the proverbial 'Snatcher' to others, stood in the presence of gods.
He watched as the otherworldly entities stepped through portals or exchanged pleasantries with one another. For now, all he offered was a nod to the Herald and a pat on his holster.
"I am with you."
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 27/04/2023 11:07
Now fully present again the Herald observed the construct then the approaching Minevan. He had a somewhat puzzled look on his face. This man, was not only not an entity, he had no powers whatsoever. At least none he was immediately aware of.
"Curious."
Was the only thing he commented. Then he nodded respectfully.
"We respect the effort you have gone through to get here."
It may be true he had no powers but the very fact he had found them and heard the call without any powers to his name was remarkable, he may yet be useful. Perhaps even more so than some others.
He looked at the stars in response to the others question, then looked back at Ezekiel.
"Two more will be arriving."
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 28/04/2023 17:15
Not far from the group, dust shifted and glowed from a light underneath. A pitch black shape emerged and writhed toward the group with mechanical efficiency; practically serpentine in shape, it slithered almost effortlessly over some rock until it was a good number of paces away. Moments later, it's shape shifted, its skin bubbled and melted away and it erupted into a mess of viscous red-hot liquid before moving upward, filling the air like concrete into a mould, a tall silhouette approached on foot a within the next few moments.
Vulkan had received the request for aid on a very high priority channel. It struck him as odd at first, that he would be asked to help; he'd still thought his image to be somewhat unrecognised, even after his talks with Eiasten...It wasn't as if he'd gotten out to pass the words on. Then again, he hardly recognised any of the characters grouped ahead of him. His view on the matter shifted though once he'd noticed the matter was regarding the Panopticon.
A 'threat' (usually followed by 'unknown' several times) was how they were labelled in a thousand different strategies and records, not just to his short term goals, but to his people, and his very existence, were his deductions correct. An opportunity not only to strike directly at the heart of this problem, but also record its capabilities on a first-hand basis could very well alter the passage of future events and prevent some unforeseen catastrophe. After all, if there was so much desperation for individuals with so much ability, it would be hard to say that leaving the issue alone instead would be any good at all.
Besides that though, the Emperor had decided it to be a good use of time to both observe and register the capabilities of this 'bracket' he'd been considered for, and there was always the advantage of obtaining respect. And the best first step is always an introduction.
Plates of stone slid and shifted over one another as Vulkan walked, embers flickering from between them and twisting away into the air. His gait was as mechanically elegant as his previous configuration, not a single step mis-calculated or unconsidered, instinct not a privilege for a being such as himself. A featureless mask gave focus to orange eyes that sat still in their dark sockets, but soon began to show emotion as he came within earshot, making an almost excited impression.
"Make that one I believe."
He had heard the Herald's voice from the distance, and thought the timing amusing. Nonetheless, he'd make a short, polite bow, directed at nobody in particular.
"Emperor Vulkan of the Red Bulwark, Pleased to be of service"
Sorteagan — 28/04/2023 23:22
Two forms manifested behind the gathering from thin air which rippled as the fabric of reality was passed through like a doorway. Of the two entities arriving, only one was immediately recognizable, Mammon, who had chosen to return and continue his mysterious mission. The other being however was not Brutus who had accompanied Mammon previously, but someone or rather something new. A cold air accompanied the newcomer that chilled to the bone, and a tense unease overtook anyone who met his ethereal blue eyes. There was no doubt this was another draconian god, though he was unfamiliar to the others at the gathering.
They both were in their human forms, just as Mammon had been when he first met the other entities. Mammon was unchanged, but where he was dressed like he was going to a party, the newcomer was more prepared for proper brawl dressed in a heavy black leather jacket with metal plating in various patterns on his shoulders which imitated badges of authority but seemed to work more like armored pauldrons, complete with spiked jeans and spurred boots of what appeared to be a patrol officer's uniform. A chain was wrapped around the man's right arm and held tight in his hand like knuckle dusters with long metal quills interlaced among the links. Both the newcomer and Mammon's nature as draconian made them both appear quite young in their human forms, but still almost unnaturally tall compared to any mortal man. Where Mammon had shining white hair, this man had pitch black. the newcomer didnt have Mammon's swagger or inviting presence, everything about this god was intimidating and demanded he be given space. The two gods were complete opposites.
Mammon approached the gathering first and immediately recognized Sapphire from their encounter years before, he greeted her with his usual smirk and turned his attention to Amerandus, as though contemplating whether or not he could ride this mission out on his shoulders again.
"Interesting turnout Amerandus." Mammon glanced over at Faleka's grave with a brief expression of what appeared to be disgust. His companion however carefully approached the grave and placed a hand upon the ground, seemingly paying respect to the late god.
"I couldnt convince the others to come." Mammon admitted to the group as he watched his guest's reverence of the dead. "something about 'not their problem'...same couldnt be said for Fenris here-" A loud canine growl interrupted Mammon's explanation, Fenris glared at him. "-and mine....it's my problem too." Mammon sheepishly added.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 01/05/2023 19:34
The Herald nodded in response to the Draconians arrival, observing Fenris, who he hadn't met yet with mild interest. He seemed to be an individual of few words.
As he looked around and then one last time at the skies above, he nodded once more, this time affirmingly.
"It occurs to us, that all parties are present now."
He paused for a moment, to wait for everyones attention, then continued.
"To introduce ourselves, we are the 'Herald', some call us Amerandus, some already know us, others do not.
The reason why have gathered he today in its basics should already be known to you. You have heard the stories, the reports, some of you have encountered them directly. The 'Army of the Panopticon' a group of highly organised and concerningly powerful psionics, originating from the early days of an Empire by the name Capitol, having re-emerged in recent times to sow chaos. Though their detailed objectives are unknown to us at the current time, it is to be assumed that they are on a way to take control of this galaxy."
He paused and looked over to the grave.
"Make no mistake in underestimating these individuals, they have already struck numerous organisations, crippled efforts against them and even hunted the likes of us. Successfully, as you can see."
He swayed he free hand towards the grave.
"Only one of what we would presume many examples. Faleka, who some of you may have heard of before, Arkol an entity of significant individual power, a Tenshi from the Canton. There has been fighting in the shadows going on for several years now, on various levels of organisation and power, though we have gathered a lot of information over the course of our investigation, even I am not capable of evaluating the full scale of this war which is going on beneath the surface of this galaxys face.
However, as of recent, only a few days prior to this meeting, some of us have been able to make a blow against one of their installations, though the installation is still intact..."
'...at the current time.', he added in his mind.
"...we have been able to acquire information for further investigation and perhaps deal a bigger blow against them in the not too far future."
He paused for a moment looked at the assembled entities with an dispassionate look.
"We do not know, what expects us and we are aware these individuals have ways to deal with the likes of us. So be warned."
He waited for their reactions before he continued, also leaving time for them to introduce themselves and ask qquestions.
him/zetyans — 07/05/2023 21:12
In the far distance, the wind blew softly like fabric. Dust colored crimson levitated from the hilltop, the gravesite far below coalescing with animated power as the entities began to congregate. The evening sun cast orange shadows across the land, and under the heavens it seemed as if the sun had turned as orange as the accursed strings of their anticipated enemies.
The faint sound of thunder and flash of electric yellow reached the gravesite, though the sky was only partly cloudy. Perched on an overlook sat two figures, one clad in white and the other muted and indiscernible. Dust from the salt plains obscured them further, clouds of crimson and orange billowing from their arrival. At their landing point, the ground was scorched as if a small explosion had been manifested, and the two entities now stood at full height. Zetyans, as different from each other as grapes and grapefruits. The first wore a complex white robe and armoire, flexible metals intertwined with silken cloth and all laced with gold as if embroidered. Yet, tarnished was his appearance, as blood subtly caked the dress like mottled skin. The other was far more decrepit, a runt corpse that jittered and moved with a patchwork uniform. A scarf, rotten and moldy, billowed in the wind, while rotten flesh permeated through small openings and tears in the clothing. A rusted and aged gun in the left hand, a scythal hook of rusted iron and scrap replacing the right.
Newcomers, and ones unfamiliar at that.
The Saint of Zentrya watched the congregation from the vantage, while the gibbering Gritch to his side gazed likewise with milky, twitching eyes. A macrobinocular rested in his right hand, which itself pointed at the group so far away. The hissing of flies surrounded both of them, the corpse that walked as though it lived proving an ample supplicant for the pests, and the blood that subtly caked the white robes of the Saint made for yet another attractant. An eternal smirk lay upon the Saint's face, golden eyes and skeleton eking through the flesh and screencaps of his eyes, a golden aura diffusing through his body as he observed.
"O, bro ther min e." it stated after a moment, speaking as if it had never spoken before while looking towards his erstwhile companion as it snapped in turn. "What think st you of th ese peo ples?"
"hhhhnhghGSh. hng. h. sssStupid. STUPID. Asssssclownssshheck. Ackh, ackh-" It came to a coughing fit, breathing and inhaling sick and wetly as it twitched and gurgled. "hngrghkln. haeh. Hah. HAHAH. But. butbutbutbut FUNNNNN. Hnnnn. hhhn."
"F un, say eth ye?" the Saint intoned, cocking his head. "W hat eve r for ?"
"KILLLLL." the corpse practically shouted. "they go kill go fight. kill people. eat blood. kill. want to join. want to KILL. all sixteen. NO. eight. two eyes see doubleeee hehcahchahah HAHAAHAHCLK. hnnnnn."
"A stu te observ ation." It nodded, half-facetiously. "I t ha s b een long si nce I have hu nted any other tha n my own..."
"thenWHATAREWEWAITINGFOOOOOOOOR?!?!?! HAHAHAHAHAHA. HACK. HNNNG I WANnnnt to EAT. KILL. EAT KILL." It shivered sickly while it ranted and raved, coughing up phlegm and blood. "so FUN. kill something other than SIXEYEFUCKSHIT. FUCK. HNnng."
The Saint chuckled at the Gritch's display, a half-sound that was wrong in all ways. "Ah, n ever have yo u ceased t o humor. W ho am I to de n y your small plea sures, o Brother? Let us join th ese fol k in their quest , and mak e merry thro ugh spilli ng o f bloo d."
At once, his other hand raised, snapping his fingers with electric power. In an instant, surrounding them was a yellow halo, and then from the sky came lighting. In the time it would take to blink, they shocked from the mountainside, down to the gravesite.
-
To the others, a seeming lighting bolt would appear in the distance, and two figures began to walk towards the landing site. Unfamiliar souls, that each looked unseemly in nature and action. The two Zetyans approached until within speaking distance, at which the tall, hooded one bid his companion remain behind as he continued to approach, a strange un-grin leveled on his face and his clothes stained with the crimson dust.
There was a fire beginning to stoke in the Saint's soul. Anticipatory and excited in nature; not since even the Huntingsday massacres had he felt even something close to a rush. He had manipulated his nation of origin time and time again, killing and nudging and killing again until the act had become part and parcel, and then the act of perpetuating the act. This was different, unfamiliar, the testing and pushing of boundaries. An extension far beyond his homeland, which he had grown complacent within. Were he able to join this motley party, it would be the opening of new horizons, new grounds for hunting. Enough to make the blood flow like water.
He grinned that strange grin, and bowed.
"I h ail yo u , if I m ay." He spoke, in a strange voice that felt wrong in intonation and sound. As if another voice was in conflict with his own. "I apo logiz e fo r a ny interruption. We know each other no t, but to con gre gate such p ower in one pl ace c an onl y b e a sign of duty im port." He motioned to his companion as he spoke. "Sh oul d y ou ha ve u s, we w ill gladly j oin."
Brank — 07/05/2023 21:29
Ezekiel took heed as the herald spoke, introducing the mission and himself. Amerandus, he called himself, speaking as if he were multiple. Interesting. He told of the panopticon- things that Ezekiel had presumed, and things he had not known. A Tenshi from the canton, a war in the shadows.
"Interesting..." he mused at the words of the Herald. From his pocket he pulled a cigar, putting it to his lips and letting it combust into flame as the embers of his psionics coalesced. He took a drag from the cigar, and turned his attention to Vulkan.
"The Red Bulwark, you say?" he gave a grin that was not genuine, blowing out the smoke. "You were on the other side of the fight in Zlotosgrad, yes? I hope the past... issues our polities have had wont affect our ability to work together here, no?" he questioned the being of stone and ember. "Im sure you hold no grudges."
Finally, he eyed the beings approaching from the dusty expanse, eyeing the rotten carcass that was swept behind the bloodied robes of the golden one. Ezekiel did not speak, but he glared at the beings with a mixture of interest and disgust. Things got more interesting by the second...
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 08/05/2023 11:04
Sapphire nodded.
"I am the daughter of the Union Emperor yes. But if we do not have time like you say, we should begin. Your mental call here was one of urgency, and it seems many of us have assembled" She noted each in turn. Interestingly she noted the presence of the Zetyans carefully, the discussion she had during the Olive Branch event had not been lost on her, she would have to tread carefully. At the sight of Ayzen however, she smiled. He was very much known to her.
"Autarch Ayzen, a pleasure as always I did not expect for both of us to be here, but it makes me much more confident in our ability to complete whatever we intend to" She reached out to shake his hand.
Another arrival also had Sapphire raise her eyebrow. She had seen the logs, the reports, and images.
The Snatcher of Aedleshaven was here.
She did not speak to him but gave a slow nod of respect to him.
Emperor Vulkan she had briefly seen at Olive Branch as well, giving a curt bow to him out of greeting. But before she could speak the Herald began to. Sapphire had no idea who had fallen to be in this grave but it helped show her that things had already been in motion for sometime.
"I take it deducing the fact that this shadow war has already been raging for sometime and that wherever you attacked last is still standing that the Panopticon has more than put up a fight. Given how many of us have assembled, I presume its safe to say this next operation will be extremely dangerous and likely result in death? If so, where, and what, is our objective?"
She spoke curtly and to the point.
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 08/05/2023 11:34
To Vulkan, there was always something humorous about such contrasts. He glanced at the pair of Zetyans with the same enthusiasm and respect he did to anybody else in the group, perhaps out of some deep curiosity or just out of anticipation for what was to come; especially with yet another element of chaos throwing itself into what he assumed would ultimately be an operation without much order to begin with. He'd seen the bolt of light in the distance, and the faint, muffled sound of a crazed voice in the wind, clearly the smaller one, whom he had to try to read the lips of to ascertain their speech. He'd never tried such on a Zetyan before though, so all he really made out was the smaller one's...enthusiasm.
Quickly re-orienting his split attention, however, he made a decision to offer more specific greetings to those he had quickly researched while they were all standing around, soon managing a mirrored gesture of his own toward Sapphire. But before sound could even shake from his body, the Herald spoke. Vulkan listened carefully, immediately plotting deductions and connecting together what he could somewhere within the churning mass back at his home. There were clearly gaps though, such things that may be filled by asking questions.
Before speaking however, he also made note of what the princess had said about death, making it a clear point to himself that compared to many here, the fact that he was a satellite body put him at much less risk than the others, perhaps something they could use as an advantage most likely.
"I concur with the princess, more details would be appreciated, as spoken. But also prominently, for us who were not here for this first operation, as to what this remarked ' acquired information' might be. A feeling tells me that our upcoming task may require the effective use of whatever scraps of knowledge we have available."
His gaze also ran across the assorted group of individuals, discerning what he could from their covers alone.
"Reducing unknowns would be favourable," His eyes flicked toward Ezekiel. "as much the same, i'm already learning quite a lot already...And of course, Zlotosgrad was a mere skirmish, blood was shed on both sides, but to overcome this would prevent it pooling an ocean, so today, we all fight as equals."
Gose {CES, CHET} — 08/05/2023 19:25
Whilst the other beings arrived, the peculiar creature with its head replaced by a gargantuan crystallic scythe simply stood there. Evidently, it could not talk to others, it bore no mouth of its own. It talked then much in the fashion of its creators, through only the intelligible shifting of the presence of auras and the ebb and flow of the energies of the world.
Even then, it did not “talk”. Its presence was demented, with every new arrival was a spike of interest within its being, it swelled to a breaking point only held back by the thin and ethereal construct which bound it to the will of the Herald. This interest translated directly into an insatiable lust for raw destruction, the inner mind of the scythe-headed beast was a storm of rage amiss.
However, to the Herald only, it replied, the connection they bore formed an image within its internal turmoil, every word that the Herald produced laid out a characteristic of its targets, the image of the Panopticon formed, a conceptual image borne out of the mental figure that Amerandus held, the lock-and-key mechanism laid by the Cabal reprogrammed the failed construct, and soon, the almost indiscriminate miasma it emanated focused into a streamlined purposed: It had to eradicate the Panopticon, such was its duty.
Sorteagan — 10/05/2023 18:49
"If our last encounter was any indication they probably know we're coming...and are waiting for us." Mammon replied to Sapphire, waving his hand in irritated irreverence at the memory. "We werent exactly stealthy, yeah? We need to bluff them otherwise we're just giving a live demonstration on the definition of insanity."
Fenris had finished his business with Faleka and loomed over Mammon as though he were making sure the vulpine draconian did not flee, Mammon in kind seemed to retreat into his coat to hide his neck from his 'ally', but Fenris' attention was divided.
Fenris knew what to expect when he joined Mammon on this escapade, but with the new arrivals he found himself distracted. The scent of blood and death briefly turned his eyes black as he calmly held back a frenzy, he could sense the origin of every drop and stain that coated their clothes, every body ravaged and life ended.
Fenris could sense it all, to him they were no different from anyone else there, even the seemingly timid Mammon had a considerable body count. All their sins laid bare for him no matter how well they thought they hid it, but these two newcomers wore it all with pride. As Mammon had experienced in his own first encounter with these gatherings of entities and gods, Fenris was having to fight his draconian instincts and was using his fellow draconian's presence as an anchor for his rational mind. He wanted to spill blood for the blood already spilled.
a frigid breeze circled the group as Fenris quickly regained his focus.
"Is anyone else freezing?" Mammon asked as he wrapped his arms around himself. Mammon knew Fenris was a wild card, he just silently prayed he'd have the restraint to save his rage for their mutual enemies.
Aiman — 11/05/2023 08:31
“...Zetyans…” Ayzen softly muttered as he winced at the coming rotting ordour. Eventually, he switched off his own sense of smell. He may not have had the pleasure of meeting a Zetyan in person prior to this but he certainly had read all the reports.
Meanwhile, Ridhuan was unfazed since he had no head, and therefore had no conventional means of perceiving smell. In response to Vulkan’s inquiry for information, he projected several holographic images and recordings of their previous encounter in the middle of the group for all to see if they wished, all pulled directly from his own memories. Of particular note were the Army’s heavy hitters - the Golems, the Transliminal Shadows, the solarite troopers, the Numbers, and all the other endless psionic abominations that their ghastly experiments had created. At the end, Ridhuan projected what he was able to gather from the man on the throne, that image of a desert.
“We are attacking what is likely to be their main base. This is our opportunity to strike at their very heart and end all this madness once and for all,” Ridhuan finally spoke.
Then at the very end of the recording, the feeling of unseen dread that drove him and Cinder to immediately escape hung in the air. This was none other than Alesso’s presence, and the dread was still there, fresh in its intensity and perfectly preserved for all to experience. To not only know the threat, but to also feel it.
“This is the most powerful psionic entity I have…felt so far, further in magnitudes above even the Numbers. No doubt we will find it there at the main base, along with more of their psionic legions. That is why we require all the reinforcements we could muster. It will be highly dangerous, even for us beings of power, but this is further reason why we must strike them now. We cannot let them grow further in power and threaten....everything.”
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 11/05/2023 09:34
Amerandus nodded thoughtfully in response to Mammon then Ridhuan then pondered on the arrival of the two Zetyans, they had likely already been here, or stumbled on the meeting out of chance, rather than intent, a curious couple. In the meanwhile his new tool lusted for violence, a feeling he could understand, though for this one it was more like a primitive urge so far, he would have to keep an eye out for it.
he frowned at the man, he had seen nothing which indicated that this would be their main base, though Ridhuan was the one who had the detailed information, so it may be he knew better.
"Whilst it is indeed crucial to find out what exactly is transpiring at this base and that it has likely to be taken down, we agree that our approach of the last installation has been... less than optimal. It led to rather undesirable outcomes, even if there had been no null fields at the last installation."
He paused for a moment, but did not look at anyone in particular upon that remark, though the addressed parties likely thought their own part.
"Furthermore, whilst I appreciate your enthusiasm we also doubt taking this base would lead to a downfall of the Army, however, it would deliver them a significant blow and perhaps yield further information on their goals and plans."
There were many cults and organisations of this kind he had met and even after the head of the snake had been cut off, it could take years or decades until the body eventually shrivels up.
"We know that there is a station in orbit and likely another installation planetside, it is far from the core, so to our limited understanding of psionics, the field should be weaker there, which could work in our favour, though we should not depend on it, the Army has surprised us before.
I propose a two pronged approach.
One group which will use more subtle methods, for whoever is capable of that, whilst the other can take a more direct route which should help serve as cover for the other group. The question remains who we send where. I can bring you there, once this is decided."
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 12/05/2023 09:42
The information that Ridhuan gave was grim and made Sapphire focus more. She had read the Union intel reports, but the Army had become far worse than she thought. The Princess couldnt help but wish she had joined this group sooner. The talk of immense powerful entities and null fields worried her.
The fact they were effectively going into the enemies core blind did so even more. She nodded to Mammons comment.
"I take it one team takes the orbital station the other takes the ground? I can function effectively in both teams, but it may come as a surprise that I excel at infiltration and staying hidden, it may be best for me to take the quiet group"
Para (Khanate | UDS) — 12/05/2023 11:01
Throughout this period, Eleison sulked in the corner out of sight from the rest of the entities. The humiliation he experienced only days ago was still fresh and the doubts that had come up during his conversation with Alesso still remained. Anger, hate, and indignation built up within him and unlike before, where he approached the matter with only the intent to fight and kill, he found that he felt the upcoming task to be personal this time. There was a score to settle with the Panopticon.
He mostly kept his thoughts to himself though he couldn’t help but feel scorn towards some of the people here. The Herald, because he was a self-righteous asshole who could not stop judging people. The Highwayman, because what could a mere mortal do to assist an army of gods? And the Zetyan because even he found himself disturbed.
The Emperor called Vulkan however, interested him. He reminded him of the golems back home, albeit animated by magma rather than aura- visibly at least. And despite his grief with the others, he knew better than to cause conflict amidst their number. Not when there were others more worthy of his rage.
As the briefing began, Eleison finally decided to join the group, stepping amidst them and crossing his arms, “I am most suited for direct combat,” He informed the Herald, “If you can remember then you will know putting me on a space station may be unwise. The collateral damage caused may not be suitable for the station’s longevity.
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 12/05/2023 17:28
"2 sites...that does complicate things slightly."
Though his tone was indicative of thought, his body language barely reflected it, if at all. Instead he stood stark still, imitating a statue of obsidian perfectly were it not for the flittering embers and the slight movement of his head toward his conversation.
"Well, I feel there shall certainly be interesting challenges to face within both scenarios, but I'd likely suggest myself to be most useful on the ground. The unforgiving cold of the void does not treat my mechanism of existence with much clemency, thus moving in a vacuum breach would be annoying and time-consuming. Nonetheless I am quite capable at aspects of both stealth and bare combat respectively, though for the former the extent is limited by a natural emission of light, as you may have deduced. Even in more dedicated shapes, joints must be semi-solid after all.
Though it should be considered I can also be in both places at once, if required...though this would reduce my available material within each independent operation significantly. "
He had to pause for moment, as something continued to bug him, but he wanted to create a socially acceptable partition between his two statements.
"On another note, It is clear though that the panopticon is a very strategically adept entity, and it has now been pointed out that they are likely to play their full deck. I'd like to inquire if our own strategy already goes any deeper than 'attack the enemy', or if that is the strategy.
Even the loosest of plans would be appreciated. Perhaps to get a better picture of where I can assist."
Finally he made a gesture, simply raising his palm toward the Herald inquisitively. Part of him was genuinely quite concerned about the answer he might receive in return.
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 12/05/2023 17:33
"Given we have little to no idea what we are walking into and just how prepared or equipped the Army is to fight us, I believe it would be both tactically sound and sensible for us to get in, scout the enemy positions, get hard co-ordinates of potential other operational bases, potential information of ongoing plans or their overarching goal and if able conduct sabotage. However I am more than a proponent that if we are engrossed too much by their power then we withdraw. Even a fraction of intelligence will give us the edge to then assault it later. Anything less would be suicide" Sapphire bluntly replied before the Herald could, quick and eager to state her idea.
She had no wish to die due to little plan of action and while she did not doubt her own power and capabilities the Panopticons own were relatively unknown to her. No use taking chances.
Canis (Nucleans/Isoterrans) — 13/05/2023 21:34
“Indeed, but we probably aren’t going to be able to maintain stealth for long, if at all. The Army will be expecting us, and their detection methods have already proven fairly potent. We’re going to need to move quickly on arrival, and the station team is going to need to be less of a distraction and more of a forcing their hand. Perhaps even by de-orbiting the station onto something important...”
Cinder had been quietly listening, both to get a read on the newcomers, and get valuable information. Truth be told, she did not put much weight on their ability to sneak into another Panopticon base, even if everyone going was perfectly stealthy, the Army had already demonstrated quite the proficiency with detection. Which made the idea of trying to sneak in seem a bit silly. Although to be fair, while the stealthy approach was unlikely to work well, the direct approach was near certain to invite the full attention of the Panopticon forces. So the choice was, paint a target on herself while probably being accompanied by several liabilities with access to entity powers....or try (likely in vain) to sneak around the facility, get more useful info, but likely be stuck with Amerandus. The choice almost wasn’t a choice, really.
him/zetyans — 14/05/2023 08:19
As the Saint observed the gaggle act and react, his grin deepened as he walked forwards to join them in full. His reputation preceded him, such as it was - the horned one studied him as if he was a threat, the furred dragon he could see was just barely holding back. It delighted him, to see them react with viscerality, and even more so that some already knew of what he was. He did not speak, though. He had waltzed in, claimed intent, then roped himself in on a topic that he knew next to nothing about. Better to stay quiet and look stupid, than to speak and prove the notion correct. A lesson well learnt.
His corpse companion grew closer, quiet gibbering and sickly breathing heralding the smell of ichory death. Distance had muddled their features, now visible as it bounded to the side of the Saint. The skin seemed to decay and regenerate subtly at once, pallid rot giving way to sinewy muscle and then back again, and the clothes it wore had grown moldy and soft from the drenching of blood both present and foreign. A rusty scythe arced from the left elbow, and a rusted gun lay in the twitching left. Though a hand on the shoulder made it less obvious, one could hear the sound of wet, strained breathing and gibbering madness, six eyes capless and twitching eyeing everyone like starving hawks.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 14/05/2023 09:46
"We agree with the princess' point. There is unfortunately little to no information on the area we will be approaching outside of that which you have already been shown, it is in fact so far out that we will likely be the first ones to witness it, outside of the Panopticon itself. The main goal is to gather information, it is easier to take down an enemy you understand than blindly striking in the dark."
Amerandus frowned internally at the remark of their 'detection methods', it may be true, but given what happened last time it had hardly been a serious attempt at stealth, evident by the Khans own remark. On the other hand, forcing an action was indeed a reasonable tactic, though there was no telling what they would attract if they forced the Panopticons hand.
Still adressing Vulkan he continued.
"I would argue that focusing on one area for now instead of splitting your body would be preferable. Focusing on your specialties, instead of attempting half measures."
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 16/05/2023 22:23
"Hm, that works. To what extent, I'm yet to be sure; though my predictions aren't fantastic. Either way it is far better than a lack of strategy, so unless anybody has a safer angle of approach this will be our method."
Vulkan looked off to the side for a moment, before taking a few sweeping steps around the group, bringing himself close to the gravesite itself. He looked up at the tree, his hands now clasped respectfully behind his back. He didn't know the person buried here, and had only hints to her involvement, but it was from what he gathered that he knew it wasn't small.
"Of course, we're vulnerable at this stage. I would like to emphasise that we must keep to our strengths, and prevent the sudden leveraging of our weaknesses from under our noses. We need no more graves, less they be the panopticon's."
He looked back toward the group for a moment before turning to face them fully.
"The ground facility will be more dangerous, therefore I volunteer due to my expendable presence and more suitable condition. I should ask what our insertion method will be though."
He looked back toward the Herald, only slightly curious if the princess would interject again.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 19/05/2023 14:33
The Herald raised an eyebrow for a moment as if curious, about what, he did not share. Regardless, whether the princess wished to interject or not, it seemed this time he was faster with his answer, even though he did not speak in a hurry.
"You need not worry. I will deliver us to our destination. Though enough of the present indivuduals are capable of such a travel themselves, we would assume our method is far more subtle than most of the others. Should you be concerned about the departure, there should be enough who can transport you to your home once our tasks are finished."
He paused for a moment, as if in thought. Then added onto his former statement.
"Unless they all perish, in which case being an avatar would certainly be advantageous, would it not? A possibility we should be prepared for, though let us hope such an occassion will not occur, yes?"
There was a brief mysterious smile on the mans face, in strange contrast to his statement, as if amused by the thought about the possibility of their collective passing, though it shortly made space for his usual empty and serious expression again.
Brank — 19/05/2023 16:13
Ezekiel nodded in response to the last thing vulkan had said to him, and listened intently to the conversation quietly, nodding and peering over at each person as they talked and suggested and conversed.
"Stealth is not my strong-suit," he stated bluntly. "So I will go with whichever group is going loud. I agree with the Isoterran, if the loud team hits the station, then we can always drop the station onto the base below, in the event the quiet team perishes or must flee."
Sorteagan — 22/05/2023 04:41
"I know which team I'm on then." Mammon said with a hint of relief to his voice and glanced back to Fenris. "which means you can be on the front lines and pretend to redeem yourself for your little bald friend after that Flux Ascendancy incident." Fenris growled in response at Mammon's jab, it was apparently a sore subject to him and Mammon clearly didnt actually want Fenris' company on the mission in the first place. So why were they there?
In truth Fenris had no intention of "redeeming" anything, what was done was done and he didnt care for the casualties of a past mistake, but he did intend to make sure nothing ever grew to be such a threat ever again and one thing kept his attention more than most: Mammon's motivation. Fenris could smell the guilt the fox god held but could see nothing in his past that caused it.
He knew Mammon well, and he knew this selfish god would never normally attempt something like this without some kind of intent. Draconian had no definitive hierarchy, their natures wouldnt allow it, such a concept would be pointless once the end-times came. They didnt form attachments and they didnt truly follow any rules. Nothing forced Mammon's hand, and so Fenris glared at him with great suspicion.
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 22/05/2023 11:07
"Well seeing as we are declaring I would say make it known what team we are each joining. I will take the stealth team on the planets surface. My powers for such are helpful and if needed I can provide power in a straight up fight" Saffire commented.
She nodded to Mammon who would be alongside her.
"So what of the rest of you?"
Canis (Nucleans/Isoterrans) — 23/05/2023 01:03
"I'll join the ground team" Cinder replied, having decided that a high chance of detection was still better than a garunteed one. Plus it would hopefully keep her away from Elieson and his recklessness.
Aiman — 24/05/2023 10:13
"I will join the quiet team planetside," Ayzen was next to answer. He pointed to the sniper rifle at his back. "My equipment is currently more suited for the subtle approach. I can help provide long-range overwatch."
"Ridhuan will be joining the loud group attacking the station then?" Ayzen turned to Ridhuan, who nodded in response.
him/zetyans — 25/05/2023 08:05
Continuing to voyeur as the rest gave their words, the Saint nodded and spoke once Saffire's gaze went his way. "My stren gths are of a qu ieter natu re. Onl y fitti ng tha t I join t ho se li ke min de d." He paused, as the corpse to his right intently stared back at him, strained breaths and noises indicating some sort of vague displeasure. He leaned down to pat it's shoulder, white glove upon molding, ratty cloth. "M y frien d, mmm... h e may d isag ree. But he is of n o issu e."
"wannakill. WANNAKILL HNNnh. FFFuck. gnghnh lemme KILL-"
"Patie nce, my frie nd," It spoke, half-endearingly yet mixed with sardon. "yo ur tim e wi ll c om e." A faint, almost imperceptible ringing could be heard if one listened very closely, as the silver that made up the Saint's tongue began to infuse with psionic energy. The gibbering mess he called companion, daresay friend, began calming down, though to the others barely anything changed.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 29/05/2023 01:04
The Herald looked into the round of people and nodded once everyone had spoken, there was some notes which made him curious, though now was not the time to ask. Most of the people which arrived had gone the direction he expected, bar the few outliers which he was as of yet uncertain whether he should like or not. They would likely see soon after the arrival, given how quickly things devolved last time.
"Then it is settled.", he noted as if proclaiming the final judgement of the gathering.
He paused for a moment, seeing if everyone was ready, slowly raising his spear once more.
"Now, if you allow me..."
He looked at the stars above, calling into memory the map they had been presented with. It was out, very far out indeed but distance was not of concern. There was no ceremony, no incantations, no lights as the spear tapped the ground again, no mighty manifolds or spatial manipulation, in fact their travel seemed so abrupt yet mundane a normal person may have not even realised they changed position until moments later.
One moment they stood on the planet, the other, the briefest of glances, they were in space above another, a desert planet.
No magical or psionic powers, no portals or anything alike, what the man who called himself Amerandus had done was so strange and yet subtle that only the most sophisticated in reality manipulation actually realised what had happened at all and even then were left with no clue for how.
He had altered the concept of their position in relation to the material universe.
Amidst the void the spear tapped again and each group was sent the last step towards their destination...
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 29/05/2023 11:13
It only took a moment for the groups to be transported.
And yet they had travelled in that one moment further than virtually anyone had ever gone, save perhaps those in Far Reach and at Point Lookout.
There hanging in the void of space briefly the group experienced the chill of the void, getting the mereast glimpse of their destination before the final step. With it made, the two groups were separated. The operation had begun.
Unknown World: Outer Halo
The first thing that hit them was the wind, it howled as it blew across the arid and bare surface of the world they now stood on. Sand and particulates bracketed them at speed, obscuring normal visuals and generally being unpleasant. Lighting was poor, a tiny white dwarf star shone pathetically in the sky, illuminating the world as if only by moonlight and giving an eerie feeling of twilight that permeated everything. There was a sinister feeling here, like at all the other Panopticon bases, but was both stronger and more insidious, like a deep well of anxiety that threatened to consume the mind with unease and doubt.
No sentries or forces contested them on the surface, and for a moment it seemed like they had no landmark, apart from the gorgeous view of the galaxy that dominated the night sky, the glow of the Golden expanse and the disk likely providing more of the eerie twilight than the star itself.
But on the horizon lay a glowing, pulsing spire, it rose into the heavens giving off a golden tinged light.
Directly above it lay what also appeared to be the sight of a huge space station, and lights moving in the sky signified spacecraft of some kind. Did they travel through the Panopticon to get here or did they have their own Far Reach? Still the station was likely the location for the other team. For now the spire appeared to be the target.
Unknown Station: Outer Halo
The first thing that hit them was the psionic dead zone.
It came as a huge surprise, given the Army of the Panopticons entire operation, and yet here, the anti-psionic forces were immensely powerful. It wasn't a silence field thankfully, just anti-psionic. The second thing to hit them was the stench.
It smelt like overcooked rotting flesh.
Having been transported into the bowls of the space station that hung in orbit of the world the group found themselves in a cavernous pulsating room made up of biological matter and living tissues. Where precisely they were, why there was a psionic dead zone or what the purpose of this place was were all unknowns, they needed to find out and quickly.
The huge whine of power capacitors interlaced with a deep primal groaning indicated that something massive in the station was powering up.
Brank — 29/05/2023 12:42
Ghhg was the first noise to sound from the group as Ezekiel grimaced at the encompassing stench. He took short, unintrusive breaths to try and mitigate it, and looked around him.
"No psionics," he stated the obvious, "Almighty bless that I brought my gun," Ezekiel looked down to the holstered pistol and blade at his hip. He peered around the room- disgusted by the pulsating meat and flesh along the walls, and tired by the lack of connection to the Star-shard. His movements were sluggish, and his shallow breaths didn't last long, turning quickly into deep breaths, as if the disconnect from his psionics was weighing on him physically.
Ezekiel sluggishly moved around the room, looking for any sort of door, opening, or other such pathway that may earn them some exit out of the oozing room. "Someone help me look around, this place makes me feel sick," he all but commanded, frustrated as his initial search came up dry.
Para (Khanate | UDS) — 29/05/2023 13:28
Upon teleporting to the station the Khan immediately began to angrily stomp away from the group grumbling under his breath. Eleison was still quite angry at the Herald and the fact that the man was clearly stronger than him was irritating. And the damn smell didn’t help at all. Hearing Ezekiel’s grumble he turned to face the man, “If we can’t find a way out then we make an exit. Listen- do you hear the noise?” He paused as if to emphasise the groaning, “That is where we must go. And I will pave the way forward.”
The cloying stench of raw flesh was briefly overwhelmed by the bitter scent of freshly fallen ash. Ethereal crimson fire licked at the Khan’s body- his aura flared. He raised a hand to the left and pooled the soul energy into his palm. A simple use of Emission was all that he would need to create an exit. In that instant, a beam of auric energy as tall and as wide as the walls they were surrounded by blasted forth to crash against the amalgam of flesh. The purpose was simple- create a hole (or many holes) in the walls to allow them an easy way to exit the room.
He did not mind if the beam went further than expected. This was supposed to be the loud mission, correct?
Gose {CES, CHET} — 29/05/2023 14:06
Whilst the travel was a different measure of noticeable to everyone, it was particularly bothersome for the Herald in relation to the "weapon" he had been gifted. Others flew without a hitch at the conceptual replacement, the bizarre scythe-headed being, however, weighted down like an anchor, one that only transposed itself into the new location through the pervasive mechanism which allowed the Herald to implant his own will into the being, not that the being itself would know any of this either way.
Nevertheless, it arrived, and rather unexpectedly, it did not fly off the hinges instantly. The smell did not seem to bother the being, however, the psychic suppression did. The being shuttered for a moment, and started emanating through its skin what could be seen as faint whispers of black smoke, as if it were being actively burnt by standing within the aura.
Still, this phenomena did not seen of enough a bother to elicit a response. The being sluggishly moved, its aura honed, as it calmly walked in the direction of the activating device. It reached the wall of the room and a golden miasma emanated from it, as if it were sucked into the wall, then through it, it gathered speed.
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 29/05/2023 14:53
Vulkan raised his head as his location changed with an instant of an instant. He comprehended the change fairly quickly and made it a priority to ascertain his surroundings. Apart from the fury of the wind, the view of the galaxy above was the first thing he noticed; allowing him, within the span of a second, to make a few 'small' estimations based on the size and angle of the visage which gave a rough understanding of how far they'd travelled from their origin point.
"Hm, and no gravitational disturbances...impressive."
He'd nod, resisting the urge to analyse with more detail before turning toward the structure in the distance.
"Our destination...It lies far but it seems maybe they weren't expecting any significant force to locate it, considering the lack of fortification. I do not like how its trying to make us afraid, though."
Quite decidedly, he'd kneel down and place a finger into the shifting surface of moving grains, and that finger would quickly form into a dark polished point, a point which would quickly burrow itself through the dune to try and feel for the shallowest solid surface.
"That being said, we're not quite subtle standing out in the middle of a desert, even if they'd struggle to see through the dust. I believe we avoid the risk and attempt to make a subterranean approach, which I am capable of facilitating. Though on the other hand I'm unfamiliar with everybody's abilities, so perhaps there's a more straightforward method we can consider."
He was rather quick to speak first it seemed, while it could be seen as arrogant, in reality he hated wasting time.
Aiman — 30/05/2023 16:27
Unknown World: Outer Halo
Sand.
The first thing that came to Ayzen's mind when they arrived was not Amerandus's strange method of teleportation, but it was the sand that blew in his face, the heat of the desert, and vast unending sea of dunes and fine sand that lay before him, with the galaxy as its backdrop.
The way the sand grinded against his skin, the way it scratched his eyes - it reminded him of Africa some hundreds of years ago when he was a younger soldier. Driven by those same instincts, suppressed by years of statesmanning and paperwork, as soon as the group arrived Ayzen dived for the nearest cover - throwing himself prone just behind the crest of a small dune. He switched to his sniper rifle and deployed its bipods, scanning the surrounding desert through the smart scope.
When Vulkan suggested the idea of tunneling underground, Ayzen began considering it. He turned back to face the group. "A good idea. These open deserts here don’t provide much cover. If what Champion Ridhuan said was true, they wouldn’t need thermals to see us…or rather, sense us in this sandstorm.”
He resumed looking through the sniper scope again. “I will provide cover. The rest of you go. I will be last man.”
Unknown Station: Outer Halo
By this point, the grotesque appearance of the living pulsating walls were of no surprise to Ridhuan after the number of encounters with the Army of the Panopticon.
So too was the all too familiar sense of growing void within his mind - the numbing sensation, the gnawing emptiness that was too discomforting to ignore away through the power of meditation alone. A real and tangible sense of disconnect - something was suppressing psionics, the cornerstone of his being.
Once again Ridhuan was alone as his link with the volkgeist was disrupted. He unsheathed his katana and prepared for the inevitable combat as Eleison blasted through the walls. He stood upright, legs shoulder width apart, one foot in front of the other, his blade pointing to the hole Eleison created with immense focus and anticipation - ready to meet whatever foe that may come out from that hole.
Brank — 30/05/2023 16:39
Ezekiel nodded and let out a noise of approval as he stepped back, Eleison quickly going to work on the wall in the direction of the noise. He smiled slightly, and unsheathed his blade and revolver, flicking the latter open to assure it was fully open, and letting the former crackle to life with burning red plasma.
"I like your methods," he simply said to Eleison, standing back and allowing the Khan to work his magic.
Canis (Nucleans/Isoterrans) — 31/05/2023 01:23
Planetary Surface
Cinder had to give credit to Amerandus, even if she found him annoying at times, for the smoothness of the sudden journey they had just made. Although she would never admit it, even if there weren’t more pressing matters at hand. The view of the galaxy was incredible, meaning this planet must have been quite a ways from the disk. No wonder the base had been impossible for her to find before – it was beyond conventional travel, so isolated that you needed to know where you were going to even think of coming here.
Looking back down, she adjusted the visual output of her helmet heavily towards infrared, drastically reducing the visual obstruction from the dust storm, while casting an invisibility spell upon herself and the others around her, allowing the group to see each other while remaining visually hidden from those further away.
"Digging may be a good idea, as long as your methods don't make too much noise - I suspect the more of our powers we use, the easier we will be to detect, even if we are subtle."
him/zetyans — 01/06/2023 05:51
The transfusion of reality made the Saint cock his head, and the Gritch make a noise of confusion. It was a feat of miracle, one only achievable by a being of great power. The Saint was no gauger of power, but of those present it had seemed there was only one who could boast such power. Though there had barely been a moment to do so, the notion made him ponder-what else could that inextricable entity do, if he could bridge them across reality?
The stormless wind that they emerged within came as a familiar sensation, if only tinged with a silken white instead of a crimson, ichor dusk. Neither made particular note of their surroundings; the former out of focus on their new duty, and the latter from matters concerning his self and the flies that permeated him. The artificial feeling panged like hunger, and could only be ignored as if a starving stomach - with trepidation.
At the concourse, he spoke after Cinder, a silent near-imperceptible ring heralding a new voice, one that sounded unsettlingly plain, yet with the true voice lurking underneath like a foul echo.
"Wherever we may go, I can get us there. I need only know the location itself; if not with my eyes, then with my mind. Barring that, however-" He motioned to the corpse known as Gritch, who by telepathic command suddenly began to twist and disseminate into a gurgling cloud of pests and gnats, guided by foreign will. "-my friend is quite capable of... ah, 'forward observation'. Psionic he is not-silent to those eyeing for our power."
He then shifted the light and muffled the sound that came and went from the Gritch-cloud, rendering it a half-seen cloud of visual distortion on top of Cinder's invisibility spell.
Sorteagan — 03/06/2023 05:01
In the brief moment between the transition of the two teams Amerandus had felt a light weight press upon his shoulders. Mammon had taken his traditional perch in his fox form once more, when or how exactly he had done this was unknown but the fox was un-phased by the sudden shift in surroundings. The unspoken answer was likely an equally strange method to the one Amerandus had used, though such was the nature of chaos. Mammon had surrounded the group with a field of silence to muffle their movements and voices yet allow them to speak amongst themselves safely, anything else he might have been doing wasnt so immediately noticeable but he had no intention of letting them lose their element of surprise.
Fenris was composed upon arrival with the other group, like Mammon he was unbothered by the transition and was immune to the psychic influence of their surroundings, but the smell was particularly foul to him resulting in a repulsed sneer. The ground at his feet had immediately began to freeze in his presence and a cold mist radiated from the draconian's body that spread his influence outward, freezing all it touched as he began to summon a blizzard. The chain on his arm dropped in preparation for combat revealing a large jagged hook on its end shaped like a spear-head. Icicles formed outwards from the chain links like spikes and the cold air visibly dropped off of the chain's metal, forming ice on the ground directly below it.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 06/06/2023 02:27
Amerandus stared into the distance for a while, unmoving against the torrent of dust, as if a statue contemplating the implications of the structures existence so far out. Everyone had arrived, everyone was at their desired destination, even if some were a surprise, in one way or another, altering beings built of purpose and concepts had always been more complicated than those more... malleable. The structure in the distance reminded him of the last one they had visited, including the ominous aura in its vicinity, although the other psionic noise in the background seemed to be far less this far out, was this perhaps part of the reason why it was here or was it merely to hide it's presence? What would await them this time? Looking at the sky he saw no meteors or stations plummetung towards the ground. Yet. Hopefully it would stay that way for a while longer. Seemingly finished with his contemplations he shifted his gaze to the side, looking at Mammon out of the corner of his eyes, nodding, as if acknowledging his presence.
"I agree, it would be preferable to use only as much of our... 'gifts' as necessary, those that aid in our approach aside. We will see whether our countermeasures will work soon enough, it is certainly not wasted effort to try, though we should be prepared in case they do not. We should also avoid to presume that there are no fortifications, they may simply be of a less physical nature."
His head turned towards the Zetyan.
"The same applies to your... friend. Even though we assume it will be harder to ascertain the presence of a non-psionic for them, it does not mean they are incapable of it, nor will it make him immune to any traps. Regardless, a forward element could certainly be helpful."
He paused as if going through his words again to see whether he had addressed everything, then tapped the spear into the sand beneath and tasted the air for left behind memories.
"Now then, onwards."
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 09/06/2023 13:58
Unknown Station: Outer Halo
The room seemed to freeze as Fenris began to summon his blizzard, causing the various biological components to recoil or cease their activities. The oppressing anti psionic field which blanketed them only seemed to grow more so, and its cause was swiftly revealed as Eleison unleashed his power onto one of the rooms walls. The blast of auric energy burned through biological matter and bulkhead, giving the group access to a huge walkway lined with windows.
Before them was the full sight of the circular space station, easily several kilometers across its half bioligical and half artificial construction was reinforced with Solarite strings and active supports. But it was what lay at the center of the ring which they could see clearly that was giving them the problem. The station had many prongs, reaching inwards like spider claws, some artificial like robotic arms others like living tendrils of flesh. Each of them went about their work, surrounding a huge chunk of Aurastone, hundreds of meters across and almost a kilometer across. It was being etched and as the gods strode out onto the huge observation corridor that circled the whole station the arms and tendrils retracted.
The energy whine reached its maximum intensity, the thrum of the contained energy vibrating the entire station and each present with oppressive intensity before finally a visible wave of golden light flowed symmetrically inwards.
In an instant, the Aurastone spire was flipped, into a massive spire of Duskstone. The psionic oppression intensified, however the piece of Duskstone was manipulated using gravitic drives, beginning to accelerate as it left the center of the station and out into the void for an unknown purpose. Already another spire of Aurastone, waiting some way below the station in lower orbit, was being brought into position.
Why was the Army producing truly titanic amounts of an anti-psionic substance? Surely the Aurastone would be far more beneficial?
Already however biological matter was beginning to well up from floor plating and from the room they had come, like an immune system reacting to an invader. Its corrosive touch easily able to melt the toughest materials as small tentacles shot up to try and drag down the intruders into the acidic embrace.
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 09/06/2023 14:07
Unknown World: Outer Halo
Sapphire looked upon the huge pulsing spire and felt dread. She was reminded of the dark spires the Draken had built, that she, had helped build. Where millions had been led for integration into the Legions Overmind.
She shivered. No doubt the psionic field did no help for her mood. Raising a hand against the wind and sand she winced.
It was then a fragment, the very tip of the far spire, broke off and moved upwards towards the station that she raised an eyebrow. A faint wave of antipsionic energy flowing over the group. It was clear to everyone present.
"I agree, we should be swift. They will likely detect us and our abilities the more we use them"
Sapphire seemed to extend her hand, a dull feeling crept over the group. It was to add to yet more of the invisibility spell and the Saints abilities.
"I have dampened our life signs, our essence should be invisible now. But the closer we get the less effective it will be, it will also not prevent you from standing out should you use powers. I suggest we move out"
The group had little choice but to move forward towards the spire, with the various spells and abilities used their presence was masked, at least for now. Vulkan had been right, there seemed to be no fortifications here, no defenses, not even planetary defence systems. But then as they stared into the night sky, the need for them made little sense. Judging by the distance they were, no polity in the galaxy could ever hope to send a single ship here let alone a warfleet. Even Far Reach would be a touch and go lifeline. How had the Army so casually set up here?
As the sand bracketed them more of the Spires lower portions became visible. It looked almost like a conventional city, with large and tall buildings, several ring sections and unknown objects. They had to identify what this place was, what its purpose was, and what the Armies plans were.
For that they needed a solid approach and a way to achieve that.
Brank — 12/06/2023 00:38
"My, My..." Ezekiel stated blankly. "There seems to be the issue."
Turning from the oppressive view of the duskstone manufacturing, he scowled at the fleshy tendrils reaching up from the floor, drawing his blade from it's sheath. Red plasma began to pour from the skin on his hands, curling up as the machines in his bloodstream manipulated the plasma's magnetic fields. The red coiled around his sabre in a firey crackle, and he cocked his head to the nearest tendril, promptly striking out at it with the glowing blade, now both sharp and coated with burning, red plasma.
Were the blade to hit true, it would slice through the flesh with ease, the sharp blade and heat searing away meat and boiling the acid before it could rub off on the metal. Ezekiel struck out at any tendrils nearby him, and all the while moved towards the opening in the wall, hoping to make his way out before they were overwhelmed.
"Staying here likely isn't a good idea," he called to those near enough to hear him, "though im sure the likes of gods could have figured that out by now, no?"
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 12/06/2023 10:42
Amerandus had observing the approaching structures in silence as they moved, taking in the impressions from both here and above where the construct was residing.
"Aurastone. Duskstone?", it seemed to be the statement of a fact, more than anything else.
The Panopticon created Duskstone here, but why? Was it to deny their own powers to others? Prevent them from effectively fighting them? But would it not cripple themselves? Did they bring the Aurastone here themselves, or did they find the root structure here, a remnant of an ancient civilisation? Where did they send the Duskstone to?
He pondered.
They had other tasks at the time but noted the trajectory of the monoliths for later.
"Unless there is some sort of primitive or remnant civilisation here they enslaved, one would assume these structures at the root of the spire are likely filled with more of the... Synopticon."
It did not surprise him that they had reached this far out, cults of this sort had a talent to reach for places others could not, the question remained as to how.
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 12/06/2023 21:33
Vulkan drew the probing digit back up from the sand and stood up before taking a few steps toward the group, until he was in the practical centre.
"So it would seem. I highly doubt there'll be as sparse a population once we reach the epicentre, and anything outside of that would be quite the anomaly."
He responded to Amerandus, tilting his head back toward the spire for a few moments.
"-And if that's so, We might as well make a move on. Allow me."
The ground shifted under them, sand rolled lazily at first but was soon seemingly drained away. If they looked down they would observe a surface of fragmented solid rock rising to meet their feet, it was hot for a few moments but healed and cooled to a constant warmth. This material moved outward from Vulkan in a radius large enough to encompass everyone, exempting Ayzen. Its growth ceased as quickly as its edges began to raise into a thin wall that seemed to be creating a sturdy spherical cocoon, glowing softly as it seemingly pushed itself along with strong precision.
"I would assume to believe that due to the far less psionic means of my physiology, this will at least be more discreet than any sort of teleportation, I doubt they're expecting much to pass under their feet out here after all."
As the walls reached up to their chests, they began to descend. The shape of the sphere's exterior went from smooth to a sort of elaborate sawtooth, allowing the vessel to drag itself under the sand, slowly at first. It was clear though that this was all Vulkan, his legs no longer terminating, but jointing seamlessly with the moving, living rock around them. His body remained though, and it twisted somewhat unnaturally to face and wave toward Ayzen.
"Farewell, I'm sure you know what to do if smoke starts rising in the distance!"
From his point of view on the dune, he'd see them submerging, the patterns of jagged stone on the exterior moving like ink over paper.
Gose {CES, CHET} — 18/06/2023 02:46
The being softly moved through the walls of the facility, following its pseudo-nose, behind him the silhouette of where he once stood, perfectly hollowed from the station’s organic material, as if nothing were there to begin with,small crystals grew within the surface of the entity and almost immediately shattered from the movement alone, quickly pulverizing into thin dust.
It gazed, seeing not sight but the wavering flow of psychic energy within the location, centralized upon the aurastone chunk. “Was this “Panopticon”?” - Was all that flowed through its mind, like a thermonuclear device armed to detonate, all that was needed was that last twist of the key. There were certainly elements of “panopticon” there, but this was not what it sought, no, there was something more, something that permeated the air of this area. This was no controller, but mechanism.
It averted its gaze, and attuned its senses, ignoring the undoubtedly important piece of strategical and production process being exposed to him right in front - in fact, attempting to phase out the signatures of such. It’d roam aimlessly, as it tried to see what more there was. The acid however, did not make progress upon the bizarre feet of the creature. Chemically, the rock-like material was inert, even then, the material, instrumentalized to the very orbit of its last composing electron and quanta-sized alignment, carried extreme inherent resilience, one that the likes of a normal organism would find difficult to overcome.
Para (Khanate | UDS) — 18/06/2023 03:34
Unknown Station: Outer Halo
This was quite fascinating to watch all things considered. While he had never really given much thought about psionics his defeat at the hands of the Archminister and his experience with the psychic entities of that blasted planet made him slightly curious about the potential applications of psionics as part of his skillset. That being said, however, he was currently far keener on learning how to counter psionics so perhaps this little adventure will be far more fruitful after all.
He had originally ignored the mortal’s comment earlier but the man’s taunt had Eleison incensed. Without another word, he clapped his hands together to release an auric-enchanted gale to a portion of the area they all were in. The moment the biological matter was touched by this furious wind it would immediately begin to undergo a rapid loss of temperature as it would ideally begin to decay and freeze from the inside out. He wasn’t too certain of burning it considering it seemed to be capable of melting things already.
“We are supposed to make as much noise as possible are we not?!” He said to Ezekiel, “Then I see no reason why we should not dally while we search,” Still, however, he jerked his head forward, “I don’t know where we’re going but I’m going to rip everything apart with my bare hands if I have to,” It seemed his last meeting with the Panopticon still stung his pride. Regardless, he began to step forward, still unleashing the cold blast in hopes of clearing a way for the mortals.
Sorteagan — 19/06/2023 10:44
Fenris growled in agreement before throwing his chain forward at the nearest wall, the spearhead shaped hook easily tore through the meat and metal as it began to flash freeze everything it came into contact with and rendering it brittle. Fenris' chain ripped through the station walls like tissue paper, twisting and winding at astonishing speeds giving the appearance of multiple chains assaulting the base at once while it through the station and formed a web of frigid metal cords out of its impossible length surging throughout the structure of the entire station.
The direction of the chain was seemingly at random yet intelligently avoiding the outermost walls, ricocheting off them to avoid letting the vacuum of space destroy the station outright. With every room the chain burst through the blizzard Fenris had summoned unleashed in full force blasting all inside with a destructive torrent of wind and ice that instantly froze any poor soul too close to the chain to escape his wrath.
him/zetyans — 20/06/2023 10:44
The Saint cocked his head, watching the ground morph under their feet, sand baking into glass as molten rock was made solvent across the plain. Though now they were in no position to question, the being's gaze shifted around in slight uncertainty. Surely they would not have seismic sensors, or some way to detect this method of transport? And did their benefactor have any idea of where to surface? Of course, it wasn't as if there were any other options. The tower was farther than any trek could warrant, and were they to teleport their foes would surely recognize their presence. A curious conundrum; perhaps this was simply cutting the knot.
His compatriot could care less, of course - the now-uncloaked swarm flies carousing around the cocoon, flitting around the others present as an unwelcome guest - and as it came and went from his being a small part constantly admired their carefree nature. Or perhaps the better word was uncaring, as the chittering of flies occasionally betrayed the frothing voice of their true form.
There was little else to do now in their molten encompass, beyond banter and awaiting their destination. Though, the Saint tested his powers now, as the shimmering cloak of unlight came over the rest of the group, and over the cocoon itself as best he could.
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 20/06/2023 16:58
"I can do a great many things, but read minds happens to be beyond my ability."
He turns his attention toward the saint, arms behind his back. The shell of rock continued pulling itself under the sand, but it wasn't frantic, it was a careful and precise movement that brought them closer to tougher geological layers.
"You have doubts though, I see that. Speak them if you may...and perhaps introduce yourself when you're ready, since I seem to lack any recollection of your name"
Aiman — 21/06/2023 05:46
Unknown World
"Farewell, I'm sure you know what to do if smoke starts rising in the distance!"
Ayzen turned back, cocking an eyebrow in slight confusion. But just as he realised what Vulkan meant, the group promptly disappeared, submerging beneath the sand. Ayzen was left alone, his left hand outstretched, mouth agape and words stolen from his mouth, in the middle of the desert.
He pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing in slight frustration. "I forgot not everyone knows what 'last man' means."
But Ayzen was no stranger to botched plans and last minute adjustments. Going with this new plan, he stretched his palms outwards. Flesh growled and churned, tendrils of red biomass coalescing in the middle of his palm until they took the shape of three desert sparrows. Like breathing life into clay, if the clay was now instead replaced with meat and flesh, the desert sparrows grew skin, feathers, and eyes, and came to life, now looking to their creator with black beady eyes awaiting instructions. Without a word, Ayzen communicated his orders straight into their nascent minds, and the desert sparrows immediately flew high into the sky, providing him a literal bird's eye view of the surrounding area.
With the desert sparrows in place, Ayzen then packed up his sniper rifle and sprinted forward to the next vantage point, one closer and much more in range to the Spire so the group would be within his rifle's effective firing range.
Aiman — 21/06/2023 06:04
Unknown Station
Ridhuan was faltering under the oppression of the Duskstone's presence - this was not the right time nor the right place for a psion. He struggled to keep himself together, soldiering on step-by-step as his mind was assaulted by sharp sensations like nails digging into his brain despite the fact he had no organic brain, and he was visibly panting, trying to gasp for air, despite the fact he no longer had anymore lungs to breathe in air. Such was the mind's both beauty and curse - the ability to make things real even if they are not real, so as long as the sensation was real.
Predictably as such, when the tendrils appeared from beneath the ground, Ridhuan was caught off guard. The tendrils wrapped around his legs and arms, coiling and crushing them with its acidic embrace. The acid was melting through his simple composite armour and even his hardlight body. He growled - the pain was real this time. But as the new sharp pain coursed through his body, the pain and the accompanying sense of survival awoken his senses from its dull anti-psionic stupor, and for a brief moment he was reinvigorated with anger, frustration, and the desperate desire to claw his way out of here alive. He mustered enough concentration to use his psionic powers and boil the blood and flesh of the tendrils detaining him from within until they exploded from the sheer explosive pressure.
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 27/06/2023 11:03
Unknown Station: Outer Halo
As the group hacked through the tentacles and froze them into place the Duskstone shard was moved off further and further, while the Aurastone fragment was moved closer and closer into the center of the station. Still the psionic power here was conflicted, the Aurastone trying to amplify the psionic energies while the station tried to dampen and flip to an anti-psionic substance.
Once more the huge whine could be heard as the tendrils went back to work in etching certain shapes into the Aurastone, the charge was building and soon this huge shard would be flipped. The questions were what was the purpose of this? And where were they sending the completed Duskstone to? They had to find some kind of information even if they were to cause as much chaos as possible. Still rounds came in towards the beings as several Synopticon workers carrying automatic weapons stepped forward from a bulkhead, laying down fire onto the intruders. With Fenris chains now infiltrating much of the station warning sirens began to echo. They punched through rooms filled with biological components and machine parts, but could not penentrate the single foundational structure. There seemed to be an inner ring of the station, created out of solid Duskstone its formidable density and structure resisting the chains. At least they had some idea of roughly where they were going.
The very quiet and slow response to their actions so far indicated a few possibilities. The enemy had no idea that they would be attacked here and as such had minimal to stop them, that the anti-psionic properties of the materials and station were stopping them from deploying their proper forces or that this was some kind of trap.
Either way they had to keep moving, find some kind of command centre or more information.
Unknown World: Outer Halo
"Surely such materials would not be here so far away from the psionic poles?" Sapphire commented even as Vulkan gave them a means of infiltration.
"I am hoping that they do not detect seismic anomalies, this will be like telegraphing our location if they do. I can help cover our presence but I cant dampen the moving of so much rock" She then added as they descended below the surface.
At least the sheer seismic readings also gave Vulkan a nice view of everything below ground. And it was much needed.
Below the city and spire was a whole labyrinthine network of gigantic carvens, tunnels and more which descended for many kilometers into the planets surface. Aurastone and Nightstone veins were in abundance here, how was still not yet known but it seemed the Army had been busy constructing this place for a long time. They would need to be careful where they came out, but if they played their cards right they could at least come out near the central area of the underground area, a huge 2 kilometre high open fissure which the city and spire had been built atop and descended into.
For Ayzen, the birds gave him the view he needed. The city was awash with activity, thousands of people, all wearing crowns atop their heads went about work mindlessly while overseers kept them directed. Everything seemed to be for supporting the spire, although its exact purpose so far was unknown other than propelling the Aurastone upwards.
The issue was when each of the birds went dark.
Sand began to swirl in eddies, almost as if the wind had changed direction in the desert. It felt like it was coming directly from the spire. Ayzen wasnt alone.
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 27/06/2023 16:56
"Perhaps an anomaly."
Vulkan responded, pausing for a moment as their 'vehicle' began eating away at the ancient dry soil underneath the sand, managing to level somewhere beneath that and the layer of bedrock further below.
"Or, perhaps this planet isn't meant to be here...Nonetheless, I share your hope."
The subtle, unavoidable vibrations bouncing through the ground did quickly give the idea to vulkan to use them for creating a rough image of what was around them. The sheer expansiveness of their underground operations was somewhat impressive to him once again considering the remote location, but it took him a moment to understand the waveform returning from the various deposits of exotic material. It's sheer volume was tantalising to say the least, and he'd yet to taste the composition of either substances.
"It seems though that if they were detecting such anomalies, it would be a probable common occurrence. I feel tunnels, hundreds of them. Some seem to reach deeper than others but the largest appears to be under the city itself, and judging by their organisation I'd say that the structural stability of the geology isn't their primary concern."
As he spoke, the ceiling of the cocoon looked to pinch toward the centre, letting a large drop of molten stone form and expand as if someone was blowing glass. the glowing material began snaking out into a myriad of directions; it was a rough representation of tunnels within their vicinity.
"Still, I'll keep our trip short out of precaution. A good number of these passages are dead ends, likely dry of stone, I'd say we're least likely to make encounters there and so I'll make an attempt to steer toward one within proximity to the central nexus. Once we've breached that tunnel, getting out will take a margin more time than getting in. Be prepared, remain vigilant."
The digging edges sharpened and formed into shapes crushing and moving rock as they descended, subtly trying to imitate a more natural seismological event in the process.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 28/06/2023 08:17
Amerandus broke his silence to comment on the ongoing conversation about the facility, observing as the plan of it unfolded from the sphere surrounding them. He initially nodded, acknowledging Vulkans plan without making any notes in regard to it.
"Quite on the contrary. I would argue it would be strange if an oddity like this would be closer to the core, the civilisations of this galaxy would have likely found and raided it long before the Panopticon arrived."
He paused, seemingly thinking.
"If we were to take a guess I would say... We may be witnessing the Army disassembling the remnants of whatever precursor had resided in this area a long time ago, though there is no telling for certain."
'Perhaps not until we are there that is.', he added, wordlessly.
Aiman — 03/07/2023 07:49
Unknown Station
As the group progressed punching through walls after walls Ridhuan took up positions at the right flank behind. As soon as those Synopticon troopers fired on them, he deployed his sword, using whatever psionic power he strained to muster in the presence of Duskstone to spin it and deflect as much incoming rounds as it could. The sword then streaked forth like an orange glowing disk, aiming to slice through the Synopticon troopers in one sweep or at the very least keep their heads down.
"My psionics are blind here, is there anyone here able to tap into their signals? We need to find a command center immediately," Ridhuan asked. Cinder's powers would have been useful here, he thought.
Aiman — 03/07/2023 07:59
Unknown World
Ayzen watched the literal bird's eye view of the Spire with interest. The sprawling alien infrastructure, the surprising presence of a city, much less a population of some kind, picqued his interest - there was more than meets the eye here. And those crowns, what could they possibly be?
He had no time to sift through these lines of inquiries as one by one he lost contact with the birds, and his view abruptly returned to those of his own eyes. The air was shifting, the sands were swirling - something was coming.
It did not take supernatural powers to know that danger was imminent. Immediately in those few seconds after the birds were down and sensing something was amiss, by instinct Ayzen ducked back down behind the sand dune, sliding down slightly to gain more cover between him and whatever that was coming from the Spire. For the first time in a while, he was anxious. His heart was beating fast. He knew, from all the confidential reports from the Sangha, that this would be no normal engagement.
A sniper?He thought to himself, trying to figure out what was it that spooked him. He brought up his submachine gun, pulling back the charging handle to check and see if a round is chambered in, and readied it, waiting to see if anything would suddenly appear behind where he was.
Canis (Nucleans/Isoterrans) — 04/07/2023 16:48
Unknown Planet
Cinder watched Vulkan’s map of floating lava with interest, scanning it with her armor and saving the resultant file for later use. In a way, she was sad that so much kolleronic stone was out here going to waste on the Army of the Panopticon. She would’ve liked nothing better than to drop a swarm of automated mining drones to empty the planet of its precious resources. But since that was likely out of the question, at least all the tunnels probably meant a convenient earthquake or other seismic event would likely collapse the entire area and ruin the Army’s operations. She would have to keep that in mind for later.
Listening to the others’ apparent focus on the anomalous nature of the planet, she considered what seemed the more pertinent question. “Either way, I want to know what they plan on doing with all the aurastone and nightstone they seem to be harvesting” Cinder replied. “In fact, given the amounts of aurastone that’s here, they might be trying to drastically amplify something psionic...or someone.”
Para (Khanate | UDS) — 05/07/2023 14:13
Unknown Station
The Khan scowled, “I lack the means to access their communications,” He hated admitting this personal failure but he neither knew what sort of devices these fiends used nor possessed any tools to even fathom accessing their network. And on a more personal note, he wasn’t even sure if he had the knowledge to undertake such a task- not that he’d ever admit it.
Still that didn’t mean he had no ideas. Eleison stomped on the ground and channeled his auric energies onto his legs and arms, “I refuse to be passive- if we cannot find their command then we’ll simply tear this station apart instead!” Rather than using Emission, he instead used Enhancement to surround his body with the soul energy known as his aura to shield himself. In a burst of energy and wind, Eleison charged towards the enemy ranks in a comet of glaring red aura with the intent of simply cleaning and smashing apart the soldiers with pure brute force. He had learnt the lesson of being far too passive- if victory was to be claimed then aggressive action will pave the way.
him/zetyans — 09/07/2023 03:43
UNKNOWN WORLD
The Saint cocked his head as he stared into the Rupert's drop with the others, observing the molten rock ape the seismics that surrounded them. Aurastone and Nightstone, just beyond the walls, and in such capacities as to make any man richer than God. The prospect would be humorous, almost, if not for who they were beholden to. They had found El Dorado, and constructed a city upon it's corpse.
"Even without seismic monitors, any layman could feel the ground tremble under his feet if only a little. It would only take one voice." He intoned, before turning to Vulkan. "Ah, introductions, yes!; how impolite of me. I do apologize."
He bowed again, though his golden eyes kept locked with Vulkan's equivalents. "I am the Saint of Zentrya, a world now long dead. My compatriot's name in life was Gritch, and so that is his title in... un-death." He mused, as the flies materialized into a runt that gnawed feverishly at a spare piece of crag. "I hope our transgression into this motley is welcome; long have I walked amongst only my own. It grew... stale."
At Cinder's remark, he tilted his head, a coy smile on his face.
"Perhaps they instead seek to uplift a great many 'someone's? A planet full of a psionic supplicant and the hardest material in all the known galaxy, one which they prepare to mine in droves? Mm..." He paused, glancing upwards. "One could easily make an army pharaonic within the season."
Brank — 10/07/2023 21:38
Unknown Station: Outer Halo
Things grew more hectic by the minute- first the tendrils, now the synopticon sent workers to fight them. No matter, a few simple guns couldn't overpower them- they were gods! Ezekiel grasped the handle of his revolver and pulled it from the holster, taking aim at the armed workers and firing off three shots at the nearest of them. A bullet whizzed past his head and he dipped down behind a pillar, cover being his only way to avoid being injured, unlike the Khan with his magic.
After waiting some short time, he popped out once more from the cover of the pillar and fired off another shot at one of the workers, following it up with a swipe of superheated plasma from his sword-hand.
"I Agree with the Khan! If none of us are capable of finding their command, it may be best to focus on rendering the station functionally useless! If we wreak enough havok, they will reveal themselves to us in due time!" The Imperator shouted in response to Ridhuan. Another shot from his revolver as he ducked behind a pillar.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 11/07/2023 09:25
Unknown World
Amerandus shook his head upon Cinders remark.
"A valid question, however..."
His head turned up towards the ceiling of their little bubble, frowning and in apparent thought as he shared part of what he had already found.
"...no Aurastone leaves this world. All of which is removed from the depths of this planet, it is converted to this..."
He seemed to be looking for a word, then nodded slightly as he apparently remembered.
"Duskstone. Which raises more questions than it provides answers. The station seems to be built for the purpose, though where they send it and why, remains a mystery."
There was another pause as he proceeded to stare into the wall in front of them again.
"Perhaps we shall find out sooner or later in our endeavour here. However, we did intend to investigate upon this anomaly, once our tasks here are finished."
Sorteagan — 12/07/2023 07:48
Mammon nodded in agreement as he scanned the area. The fox god's fur shimmered like a mirage, likely from an unmentioned defense he had in place specifically for himself. He looked up towards the station as he could feel the other team's powers even from the planet's surface giving him a unique perspective on the goings-on with both groups.
Back on the station Fenris agreed with the Khan as well, he clenched his chain tightly in his fist, the extensive cord which he had sewn throughout the station erupted in frozen metal spikes no thicker than a human finger from each link, skewering machine and flesh alike in a similar manner to a shrike with its prey, impaling the lesser beings and technology in each room along its many thorny branches, finishing off those who had managed to survive his blizzard.
With a flick of his hand Fenris magically disconnected the chain from his arm, a new spearhead manifested from the freshly severed link as the old chain's slack fell to his feet, its end wisped in the air like smoke, not truly broken.
Gose {CES, CHET} — 13/07/2023 21:42
It sluggishly moved across the station’s halls, much to the living organism’s chagrin, as the natural response found difficulty to even acquire a grip upon the heavily charged magical material. Then, the others came, and with them, a fragrance…
A hail of bullets dispensed from assault weapons by the hands of facility workers impacted with the impetus of a toddler seeking to stop a ravenous pitbull from satiating its lust for destruction, gaining nothing but the thinnest of dust from nanoscopic impact craters of the bullets, flattened into discs of metal.
The being swerved its misshapen head, and gazed at them. Or rather, through them.
It could not even see the bullets, the likes of such weak worldly things failed to even register at the semi-conscious level that the being’s faltering mind operated at. What it saw, however, was through them, the figment of their connection to the ephemeral and decayed psion state, visible through the ungodly psionic pressures of the Duskstone forge only for the targeted hatred configured within the being.
A pinpoint outburst of mana, and the workers were gone, a movement too fast for mortal eyes to witness, at the end of the bulkhead beyond the workers was the construct shrouded in a vile plume of monochrome fire, seeking to annihilate, consume, taste, the flavor of this… “Panopticon”.
To the gods, the movement was evident. The being dragged the world around it as if an anchor pulling to the shore, and the surroundings struggled to keep track, the path between it and its end point could do little but face complete annihilation, forming the perfect outline of the entity.
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 16/07/2023 17:40
Unknown Station: Outer Halo
Synopticon soldiers and crewmen went down as Ridhuans blade sliced through them and the Khan barrelled into them, breaking them apart with violent swings and strikes.
They kept up their hail of fire, those few that were not instantly hacked down or shot by Ezekiel attacked with Phase chakrams, trying as they may to hurt the beings in combat, heedless of their chances to actually hurt or kill the enemy. Their lives were worthless in the greater mission of the Army.
The station again shuddered hard as Fenris spikes tore through the structure, creating hull breaches and shattering the outer layers of the orbital. The air in the central observation room was sucked out as numerous tears in the hull appeared, the gale force winds of violent decompression throwing some of the soldiers around as a portion broke off entirely with the movement of the Cabals weapon smashing through the bulkhead weak point. Ruined and now mostly shattered the arms in the center of the torus stopped working on the Aurastone, the whining of the charging capacitors became discordant like a poorly tuned symphony for a few moments before they discharged.
A wave of immense anti-psionic energy washed over the station as the capacitors discharged, no longer focused onto the central Aurastone chunk the wave dropped the Synopticon troopers like puppets with their strings cut. The discharge was enough to be crippling, but as it passed the anti psionic energies dissapated. Apart from the foundational ring of Duskstone and the interference it put out the oppressive field was now gone.
The station was effectively rendered inoperable.
"I don't think you should have done that
The voice of One came from nowhere, the man standing just behind Ezekiel and Fenris as if appearing from thin air.
He send a wave of force into Fenris, while directing a string of Solarite into Ezekiel, a manical grin on his face as he did so.
Oh yes we know your here, this will be your tomb"
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 16/07/2023 17:53
Unknown World: Outer Halo
Saffire nodded with Amerandus. What the hell could they have need for an anti-psionic substance here for given the abundance of Aurastone already present.
She could do nothing but wait as the earthen cocoon made contact with a spar tunnel that provided them with a close yet somewhat concealed access to the central underground nexus. The rock seemed to dissipate around them revealing a perfectly circular tunnel clearly cut with some kind of energy method its walls smooth as glass. It was empty, like an offshoot that was never developed, a perfect entryway.
Making their way further in the sound of immense machinery could be heard, along with the increasing psionic pressure of despair and sheer energy.
As the group approached the end of the tunnel the aperture revealed bright light, and an expansive space that showed a marvel of mega engineering. Aurastone was being melted and brought upwards to be formed into the foundations of the huge spire above at an equal rate on which it left at the top into spears to send the station in orbit. Such an immensely tough material was being handled as if it was nothing but mercury, titanic psionic engines lined the chasm, stretching down into the abyss where they made direct contact with the planets mantle, drawing immense energies to power their needs. Bridges, access ways and more, hundreds of meters wide criss crossed the large open space, transporting vehicles and people who went about their work. The sheer radiant psionic power was stifling and pervaded the very air, whispering on the warm thermals that travelled upwards from below called to a place beyond realspace, each tempting and screaming.
This was a major operation, the Army was well entrenched here. They needed to find out what this was for and quickly.
--
Ayzens 6th sense was on point, no sniper had spotted him, but the Transliminal Shadow that silently materialised behind him swiped one claw to behead him with a quick and elegant motion.
When it failed the thing seemed to twist and turn in the air, the creature clearly to Ayzen derived from the Unions Skia. It was muderously fast, and its distended eyes gleamed bright with the desire to end his life.
Brank — 17/07/2023 02:01
Unknown Station
Ice ran down Ezekiel's spine, time slowing as the psion appeared behind him. The solarite swung around just as Ezekiel's psionics began coursing through his being once more. His hands outstretched as he grabbed the solarite, the force and pure psionic energy searing through the flesh of his hands like molten iron, sizzling and bubbling as he let out a scream of effort.
He let the power of the string course through him, washing him in gold before his own crackling red aura of psionics began to fight back, like the rebounding of a collapsed star. The string he held firmly in his hands burnt into a deep red-orange as flame-like psionics fought their way back.
But even in this, One was too powerful. Fruitless seconds later, Ezekiel was pushed back into a fleshy spire, red-flames and pouring from his eyes as he shivered in agony.
The string was now free to coil around him, searing and burning as Ezekiel's consciousness was dragged down into nothingness by the panopticon's call, One's psionic prowess far greater than Ezekiel's own. His limbs went limp as the solarite wrapped around him and his head hung back, red flame in his eyes dying down to nothing but a faint bloody glow.
But he wasnt dead.
Gose {CES, CHET} — 18/07/2023 04:21
The anti-psionic wave that washed out eccentrically from the center of the station was enough to knock the being off its feet slightly, and sucked outwards by the actively decompressing station, the being was vented and floated idly in space for a few seconds, still savouring the taste of the few shreds of what it now correctly labeled as "Panopticon", finally the indicator to what his mission was.
Then activation. It was as if a cavemen who had just discovered the brightness of a spark was subjected to the infinite white of a supernova, what was dregs of the psionic state in crew of the station was a shining beacon in One - Not of evident psionic power - as the powerful Panopticon psycher had hid his presence from the ensemble of gods - but rather, of metaphysical meaning. He was there, and was the tangible manifestation of his programmed enemy, and he must be erased.
The being shot out with such blazing speeds that light and the world would have trouble keeping up, headed like a ballistic missile straight to what it could sense was the center of esoteric energy that One manifested. It left behind a miasma of dark plasma, as the ongoing annihilation spell at the front of its scythe head pitted the intrinsic forces of the world against eachother, producing bright sparks of the resulting violent magical reaction. He sought to then and there end the fight before it even began by striking at the very heart of the Panopticon entity, and annihilating it in fullest.
him/zetyans — 23/07/2023 08:01
UNKNOWN WORLD
"Hnn." The Saint murmured and cocked his head slightly at the sight of the construct, the sheer mandalic weight of their machinations replacing the evergreen grin with a slight grimace. The flies materialized back into the Gritch, who clutched their head while making odd noises that could, tentatively, be extrapolated to be some form of uncomfortable groaning.
Evidently they were well on their way to draining this world of resources. The cavern could have held a city, and perhaps it did underneath the shining skin of the spire penetrating the planet's core. The whispers, though they threw promises of riches and pleasure and unbridled joy, were simply that-whispers. No less effective, but compared to the weight of power around them a mere annoyance in comparison.
His eyes scanned the landscape, before turning to his companion who now cursed utter profanities in some dead language. "It would seem their purpose here must be ordained, and quickly. Old friend, would you be able to look ahead?"
"hngnnmnhgbffffUCCCCKK. HNNGN hurtyheadwhyHEAD HURRRT OWIE. why MEEEEeeEewhy."
"Well, I am too obvious, no? Surely, spread out, the common folk would not pay mind to a few flies."
"...ungdenrground..."
"Mm, true. Yet still..." He stroked his chin, staring out to the masses who went about their days, before turning to the rest of the party. "What say you all? My companion's swarm is far more... divisible than you would think."
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 23/07/2023 11:53
With his usual unamused expression, even in front of such a marvel, Vulkan turned his head toward the small, struggling creature as the saint made a case for him. It was somewhat entertaining to him that such a pitiful little thing could be so useful at a time like this, but yet despite the promise of that surveillance, he still had his doubts.
"I have 2 concerns: The first of which being if he'll be able to retain...coherency in an environment like this, since whatever is causing his distress is even having slight oppressive effects on myself.
The second is that your friend has a point, you seem confident the locals wont care about a fly, but in all honesty I'm wondering the likelihood they might. If I was running an operation such as this, I would have ensured that external pests such as those would be cleared out to the greatest extent possible. not much use for biodiversity after all. Not even planet-wide."
His head turns back toward the great chasm, and he takes a step forward so he can look better into its depths.
"I still believe it could work, but you'd be putting the small one at possible major risk, if it's of any concern"
Then his attention turned toward the strange machines fitted along the walls; he couldn't identify their purpose but they felt important enough that he needed to get a closer look. Taking his whole body would be far too easy to spot, so instead he knelt down.
"Nonetheless, I have some of my own investigating to do." A palm reached toward the floor before his hand begun producing a molten blob a 10 centimetres in diameter. Its exterior seemingly crystallised into a dull reflective pattern of metal shards, like some sort of mineral hedgehog, before it began sliding outward into the chasm and along the wall. Clearly it was on a path toward one of the closest engines, and once Vulkan made sure of that, he stood back up.
"I'm starting to worry that this has been too easy."
Para (Khanate | UDS) — 23/07/2023 19:37
Unknown Station
He felt a brief flush of satisfaction as he saw the damage done to the station. Well, hopefully this will allow the rest of the entities to be more useful. At this moment he became aware of the sudden ambush of the mysterious Panopticon agent waylaying into the ranks of the other entities who had been behind before the charge.
A brief well of annoyance rose up- he clearly recalled the last time he fought these agents and he was more than keen in putting one of the to the ground as payback for the humiliation all those weeks ago.
Eleison crouched slow and slammed his fist into the station floor, feeling flesh and metal cave beneath his strike. He channelled his aura into the ground and willed his imagination into existence. A few moments would pass before the effect of this spell revealed itself- by the sides of the being called One, the station floor had suddenly risen upwards on either side of him and taking the shape of two open palms. Eleison clapped his hands together in response, willing these hands to push forward and crush One.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 26/07/2023 01:35
Unknown World
Amerandus shook his head in response to Vulkan, though remained silent for several more moments, looking around whilst observing the events in the station.
A strange thing to see someone dead out here in the void, fascinating to see a construct dedicated to a concept in a world as this on the other hand. A magical parallel to the fragments, in a way.
"I would not say 'too easy', however..."
The aura of this place was the same as the last one they were at it seems some of his travel companions did not adjust particularly well to it.
"It is true all sorts of things may be lurking in the depths and heights of this place. Ayzen for one is currently being assaulted by one of the Panopticons abominations. Our 'distraction' on the other hand seems to be facing a... more sophisticated foe, in a way. 'One' if the name is familiar.", eyeing Saffire in particular with the last note.
Did the Panopticon revive him, or was he a copy? He pondered, his fist briefly tightening at the prospect of replicating souls and bringing back the dead, memories and all.
Eventually he addressed the Saint.
"I am uncertain if they already know we are here or not, something hard to determine, for sure. Though I would argue, in either case, before your... 'friend' goes out to scout, one should likely address his complications with the environment. Given most of what you see are likely puppets I am less concerned about his appearance and more about the mandala he may emit, alien to this place."
He paused.
"The last time we stepped into one of these facilities, we walked into a mirror before noticing it."
He took a step towards the edge, though without leaving any of the formerly established wards, looking what there was to see in this facility. Normally he would've stood here and studied the behaviour of this hive for hours, just to get an idea of what it did or what it once may have been. However, his companions did not have this time and perhaps not even he had.
"It may be best to avoid such an occurance this time..."
His head turned towards Mammon on his shoulder.
"What do you say? Your race is old, older than most others present here, though they do not originate from here from what we heard. What is your view of this place?"
Canis (Nucleans/Isoterrans) — 27/07/2023 03:31
Eyeing the pillar of flowing stone would have been an impressive experience, were it not for the oppressive telepathic pressure filling the enormous chamber from the psionic engines. A little tap on her helmet with an armored claw, and she wove mental silence around herself, augmenting the natural dissipative properties of the arcanium the suit was made from. It was like throwing on hearing protection nearby a spacecraft launch - not enough to cut the noise out completely, that would have been far too much effort and would've given them away. But enough that she could think properly.
"Now then" she muttered to herself, stepping nearer to the edge to take in the full weight of what was happening before them, surveying the Army's operation like a pair of human explorers had gazed upon the middle of North America over five hundred years prior. Without waiting for Mammon to reply to Amerandus's question, she took the moment of silence to interject, turning the glowing red-orange eyes of her helmet to the group. "Perhaps I can ward our small rotting friend here, enough to cover his mandala and perhaps even give him a bit of mental silence from the telepathic cacophony here. That way we can at least try to maintain stealth, while getting more intel..."
Aiman — 29/07/2023 16:18
Unknown World
"Oh fu-" was all that Ayzen could say as he saw the Transliminal Shadow. He immediately squeezed the trigger and magdumped into the abomination of a creature out of instinct, despite knowing full well from the shared Union reports of the Skia's unique phased biology. The rounds simply disappeared into the corrupted Skia with no effect.
Its giant claw then immediately swiped around Ayzen's face, or the whole of his body rather due to its sheer size, quite literally scooping him off his feet high into the air and sending his body crashing into the sand several meters away.
The body, badly mauled and quite almost torn apart with deep gashes, was initially motionless, doing nothing else other than twitching and spurting blood that seeped into the sand. Then the bleeding started to slow down. The blood started to thicken and coagulate, pooling into some sort of dark red paste. As if time had reversed, this thick bloody paste then began to flow back into the body, wounds closed itself, and torn limbs crawled back to rejoin its original body.
Ayzen was back on his feet, shambling for a moment as tendrils pulled his head and limbs in back together and healed the remaining wounds. As his body was restored to as it was before, he opened his eyes, glaring intently at the Transliminal Shadow in front of him. He crouched down into a combat ready stance, focusing himself for the battle ahead.
A low growl could be heard as the biomass around his arms began to churn and shift, turning them into giant razor sharp claws. Ayzen then leapt forward, the sand beneath his feet blown away in a miniature sonic boom from his sheer superhuman speed, pouncing at the giant eye that he knew had to be its only weakness, if its Skia biology was still true.
Aiman — 29/07/2023 17:53
Unknown Station
As soon as the antipsionic wave dissipated, Ridhuan could once again hear the call of the volksgeist, feeling its comforting presence - and strength - flow through his corporeal vessel.
With One possibly about to be trapped in the giant hands of stone and metal that Eleison summoned, he hoped that whatever time that bought would be enough for him to tend to Ezekiel, who was currently trapped by the trance of the golden solarite strings. He ran over to him as fast as he could, parkouring around the heaps of torn bulkheads and floating debris as the station was crumbling down all around him.
"Hang in there Ezekiel! Dont let it take you! Don't surrender to its lies!" Ridhuan grabbed a hold of Ezekiel, shaking his shoulders in an instinctive, but futile attempt to awake him from his stupour. Seeing the red flames that pour out of his eyes and the golden strings coil around his body with increasing tightness made fear for the worst, but he pushed his thoughts back. Ezekiel was no normal mortal who would fall so easily. He was a powerful entity, even a god perhaps from where he came from, like so many of them here right in the station and on the ground. He could hold on a little longer. No, he MUST hold on a little longer.
"Do. Not. Give. Up." Ridhuan stretched out his arm. His katana came circling back and once it was perfectly back in his hands he raised it up, his body burning with an orange aura. Red tendrils appeared from the back of his neck, stretching upwards into the void unknown as he called upon the energies of the Volksgeist Singapura and dived into the Panopticon to turn his blade briefly into an anti-mandala, one strong enough to sever the strings like it did in the last encounter with the Army.
Sorteagan — 01/08/2023 05:07
Fenris had disappeared into a cloud of frozen mist as the force impacted him, but he was not dead, and certainly not gone. The Ice he had been generating in the room had been rapidly expanding, growing all over the station's walls in an ever isolating grasp, spreading to the exterior of the station itself like an all-consuming infection. The Ice was solid, clean, perfectly smooth and reflective like a mirror, but radiated with the same unsettling energies Fenris himself exuded. The reflections of the gods could be seen on the frozen walls and floors, Fenris' reflection was among them, Glaring at his attacker from the other side of the glacial mirror.
"You will not escape."
Mammon was silent for a moment, distracted by the occurrence in the station. A satisfied smirk crossed the fox's face as his trap had been successfully triggered. He had learned in his last encounter with the panopticon. He had chosen his companion well. He momentarily collected himself before acknowledging Amerandus' query, almost as though he took offense to the man's assumption.
"My race may be old, Amerandus, but I am only on my first millenium, and I wasnt exactly raised around other drakes..." he patiently replied with the best answer he could muster for a drake raised with humans. "This place has value, and like our last excursion it reminds me of a mound of ants, running deep and siphoning resources from its surroundings, giving nothing in return, a beacon, heavily guarded even if we do not see the defenses. We do not want to start a chain reaction...no risks, they need this planet...if all else fails, I advise they not get what they want either."
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 09/08/2023 10:30
Unknown Station: Outer Halo
Ones laughter echoed across the vacuum that now encompassed the station, its rent and broken form having decompressed.
He held an outstretched hand as the Cabals weapon impacted the psionic barrier he had erected. The golden light was like a flashbang as dark plasma enveloped the shield and raged to try and penetrate it.
I'm going to relish this, I have no need of escape One spoke aloud, his voice carried across the psion as he yanked the string that Ezekiel was tied to, keeping the man close. Even as the very stations now ice covered wreckage burst forth to try and crush him and metal and substances it slammed into the barrier, exerting massive forces, but failing to change Ones leering grin. To him he had won at Askandar, he would win here too.
He collapsed the shield protecting him, turning it in the blink of an eye into a sphere of pure fusion that surrounded him. The heat flat melted the area of the station they were in, reducing it to little more than formless molten materials as the remaining biological matter vapourised in moments. A click of his fingers later and the bubble burst outwards, like detonating a fusion missile. A whole half of the station exploded outwards into deep space, as if hit by an anti capital weapon, the heat and force enough to kill anything not at least semi godlike in the area.
If the enemy was still unsure of their presence, the clear glowing new star in the night sky was more than enough.
--
"Again Ezekiel" the boy wiped the blood from his mouth, already stopping flowing thanks to the machines in his blood. He stood up, slowly, the bodily damage could be repaired quickly with the abilities of the Dreft, pain however was another matter.
He was in a large sparring chamber, one he knew well. He had trained here relentlessly as a child. Before him however was another familiar face, his father.
"Again child, until you learn to channel your power you wont know how to understand it. Come on, again" His voice was stern, yet smooth. Encouraging but imposing.
It was good to see him again.
--
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 09/08/2023 10:49
Unknown World: Outer Halo
Sapphire agreed to Vulkan.
"It is too easy, the energies I have erected to try conceal us are still up, but I have a horrible feeling that in such a psionically saturated enviroment it may even make us stick out... We supposedly have not been noticed but something feels very wrong to me. If we send those flies I cannot garuntee I can cover them and we dont even know if flies exist here, or how sensitive the enemy is in detected them. If as you say they already know this place is being assaulted Amerandus, they may very well know we are here"
Even as they talked and Mammon gave his view Sapphire knew the statement about denying an entire planet all too well.
"Destroying this planet may be easier said than done. Wait do you hear that?"
Sapphire seemed to wave a hand and a shimmer seemed to envelop them. A few moments later the low dull thrum of an anti-grav unit could be heard and an aerial vehicle came into view. Some kind of small personal transport it slid by them quickly and without alert.
"Whatever we are going to do we should do it quickly"
--
The creature seemed to emit an ear piercing screech in response to Ayzen as he charged, the twos speed now matched as they came to blows. The thing parried with its claws, protecting its eye even as Ayzen sliced through one of its claws. The flurry of blows between them as faster than a normal human could follow, both dodging, weaving, parrying and striking with matchless agility.
Finally however the Skia managed to get a serious stab into Ayzens chest, the serrated claw biting deep. But despite the damage it had been a feint, a second later and Ayzens own strike shattered the things main eye. A horrible psionic scream resonated across the desert, like nails been drawn down a chalkboard, but interspaced with a tiny fragment of coherancy. Ayzen could feel it in his mind, like a thank you whispered from beyond. Its body simply dissipated like black smoke on a breeze.
"Welcome to Panchavati, it appears your friends have abandoned you. Normally I don't care for this sort of thing, but I am in the area. It is an honour to meet you Autarch"
The voice that now faced Ayzen was one of a familiar face. Haykel Bin Chandragupta Lee, Commissar Commander of AOTS-E. The RANGSI man stood there with hands clapsed in a welcoming attitude.
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 09/08/2023 18:23
It was sometimes pointless to choose something for his appearance to be looking at when he was focusing on a number of points of view in a single area, so Vulkan chose for his eyes to stay staring ahead, only glancing for a moment at the princess to demonstrate he was paying attention. Another section of him was currently looking at many things in different ways. The dull, reflective mass pulled itself toward one of the heavy chunks of machinery on the wall behind the operation; such was Vulkan's curiosity on the subject and how such a seemingly lifeless system could interact with it that he'd sent the chunk of stone and heat to investigate, first searching for an opening in the engine's cowling and intending to cut away with microscopic edges in the case there wasn't one.
The concentration he applied to it wasn't nearly enough to distract from what was going on in the tunnel. Countless disturbances prompted him to almost completely solidify at the front, seams of light disappearing to help mask their position before opening just as quickly once the threat had passed.
"Right you are." His voice didn't seem to even come from his head anymore, but through his back as he attempted to minimise the sound escaping into the atrium before them.
"...On both accounts. Destroying the planet as a whole might not be possible, but it's worth mentioning the shaft before us descends into the planet's mantle.
If the necessity comes to pass, with a sufficient supplement of energy I may be able to descend below it and create localised tectonic activity through the upper crust, which I would deem likely to cripple groundside operations and collapse these tunnels. Considering the potential casualties however, I'm eagre to reserve this as a last resort if possible."
Finally he turns, facing the runt now, his eyes bearing down on it but his head not moving, silently regarding it as more animal than sapient.
"As for you, my final suggestion would be to keep the numbers you send low, spread out and well distant. Ideally, try to rush to places that seem important but don't make the intentions of your components too apparent, understand?"
Canis (Nucleans/Isoterrans) — 11/08/2023 18:14
A sound like a 'hmmph' escaped Cinder's helmet "The only causalties we should be worrying about are ourselves... Now if we can collapse the spire, it's large enough that the impact of it falling should wreak havok on these tunnels as well. Although if this shaft goes all the way to the mantle, perhaps we can coax out a volcanic eruption? Either way, we should try to put a damper on their operations here."
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 11/08/2023 19:51
There's a slight pause, before Vulkan turns slightly, mostly swivelling his head at cinder. There isn't much emotion on his face, as usual, but there's certainly some impression of disagreement.
"Perhaps I should elaborate; We know very little about the supposed population serving here, so I'd feel a lot more comfortable knowing they aren't innocent puppets before causing them suffering. Granted, I'm not the most well versed with how the Panopticon operates, but I have an inkling that bending a civilian population to their command isn't much of a problem for them.
I believe hindering their operations in other methods should still be considered as such."
There was another beat and it almost seemed like he was relenting to something.
"But, to answer your second question, yes it's possible, but i'd need the correct conditions, and a proportional amount of energy depending on their quality."
him/zetyans — 13/08/2023 16:00
The thing charitably in the shape of a runt gave some sort of gurgling wheeze in response, bloodshot eyes boring into the form Vulkan had taken while his body destroyed and reconstituted itself in real time. The sordid sight was only counterparted by the creature seeming almost... offended? Perhaps it was not the right word, but the body langugage of the Gritch seemed to indicate it. The Saint lightly chuckled at the sight, leaning in and bumping his shoulder as the Gritch madly muttered in a dead language, skin flaying itself from skin.
"Well? You heard him. Spread like aged butter, hm? Chop chop."
"hnhnng ngngneeeeAAAAAAA AAAAAAAHAHAHHAHAHHECHAHSHAHAHAHA BUTTERBUTTERBUZZBBUZZUZZBUZZ GNAHAHAHHAHA HNNGNGNCH"
As soon as the first syllable had escaped the Saint's tongue, the zombie burst with life, jittering and gibbering all the while as it listened. And as soon as the last had come and gone, the corpse flung itself into the air and dissolved into a porous, flying dust which soon began spreading like a wire mesh across the space in front of them, quickly becoming unpalatable to the eye as little more than noise.
Another chuckle escaped his mouth as he watched the swarm disseminate, as he nodded to Vulkan while seemingly willfully ignorant of the beacon of noise it just made. "I do apologize. Not quite as appreciative of the foreign man like I am. Sometimes he needs... encouragement."
As quickly as the mirth had came, it left, and when the Saint turned back his evergreen grin was molded into a stoic visage. He spoke more bluntly now, perhaps another sign of change. "I agree with the wolf. I hold little knowledge of the Panopticon myself, but should they be able to take anyone and bend them to their will then everything that moves is their vector, and must be treated as such. Not to mention, if they have already found our friend above? We may be next. The time to consider morality is a luxury."
"I can 'teleport', as one would say, and I can take limited amounts of people with me. We could risk detection, it is true, but if we are already known as the other infers I would prefer the element of speed on our side. What say you all?"
His gaze now shifted to the rest, yellow-gold eyes flitting between the motley as a triple halo formed over his head.
Aiman — 13/08/2023 16:20
Unknown Station
A bright flash.
The next seconds could not be recalled - all that Ridhuan remembered was a wave of heat enveloping him, warmth and scorching pain in one as the fusion blast sought to vapourise his very being.
In the aftermath of the explosion, in the midst of the mess that was once a grand station, Ridhuan was still intact, his armour was badly charred and blackened, but he was kept safe from the worst damages of the fusion blast by orange energy shields that surrounded him in a polygonal spherical cage.
Jets of plasma shot out from various parts of the polygonal bubble akin to thrusters, cancelling the force of the fusion blast that had effectively shot him out of the station. The bubble slowed down, and eventually began changing course, reversing its direction towards where the station was, where One was. The thruster plume was becoming bigger and brighter, to the point Ridhuan now resembled less of a ball and more like a shooting comet, heading straight for One. Shards of explosive hardlight materialised and formed around him, and were launched out like missiles homing in on One's psionic signature.
---
Unknown Planet
Ayzen grunted in pain as he pulled himself off the dying Transliminal Shadow as it disappeared, clutching his chest and gritting his teeth as he fought the pain and struggled to breathe. It was one thing to be stabbed by a physical object, it was another thing to be done the same with phased matter. Even as his flesh regenerated and closed up the wound, down to the last cell, he could feel as if the wound was still there, as if it was still there, in another dimension.
Commissar Commander Haykel’s sudden appearance however forced him to get up. He evaluated the sight before him - a terrible clash between what was familiar and what was not; an unfamiliar face but a familiar accent, an unfamiliar olive green shawl characteristic of the Army covering the familiar RANGSI white dress uniform that commissars wore, the iconic red kepi but vandalised with the insignia and sigils of the Army of the Panopticon. All in all it was everything he feared: a commissar - a man of his oath, a man who swore his very soul to the Republik, a man who would be the last to fall traitor - corrupted.
“I have many questions, starting with why,” Ayzen slowly walked around the Commissar Commander. He was not eager to immediately fight, for one he had no experience fighting powerful psions and it seemed wiser to await reinforcements from more powerful beings like Saffire, who he hoped would have heard the Shadow’s terrible psionic scream. For another, deep inside he was hesitant to spill a brother’s blood. His hands have taken many, but few were ever fellow Singaporeans.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 15/08/2023 10:55
Underground
There was a brief slight shift at the mention of burning the entire facility and all within it to the ground, a moment of decoherence accompanied by a mad grin unseen, staring into the seemingly bottomless hole.
Mammon in particular could feel something was off.
Then the moment passed.
The man Amerandus raised his head and nothing was seen, first addressing Mammon, then everyone.
"I concur, however, we are certain destroying this place will be the least of our issues. Not for the amount of resistance that would be met but rather because other tasks are more pressing at the time, remember, we are here to gather information. Speaking of which..."
His gaze shifted upwards to where the city should be then back down towards the core.
"...we would like to think the most likely place to acquire such is up at the city level, though if it was down at the mantle, it would hardly be a surprise."
...and it would be hard to discern as well, most movement went likely towards where the most work was to be done and the psion field, as little as he knew about it currently, seemed to be constantly shifting due to the ever pressing forces both above and around them.
He half-turned around, his head turning towards Vulkan, addressing his concerns.
"I do not think you will be find much of a semblance of civilians this far out, all that we have met so far aside from their commanding entities is frankly... empty."
Once more his head turned, this time gazing with a mild frown into the far distance somewhere behind the smooth walls of the tunnel they were in.
"It occurs to me Ayzen has found a more sophisticated foe now as well. We may have to move sooner than anticipated."
He shook his head.
"Someone may have to interfere soon."
Gose {CES, CHET} — 17/08/2023 01:54
Location where there once was a station, over the planet
Right then, there was no edge as infinitely sharp as the one at the tip of the failed god-project, enough to cut through the very meaning which bound the particulates of the fusion sphere that came like a pure-white wall, swallowing all. The being plunged into it.
Behind it, it cast a shadow, the perfect oblong-conical projection of its mantlepiece. To the sides, a cascade of energy equal to the mass equivalence of that which hit its head, shooting outwards as if a quasar woven into a long dress, the draped tips gently caressing the planet below.
The Cabal construct was the closest to the detonation out of all the gods present. After the blinding white passed, it stood all the same, half its front crystalized with bizarre and uneven growths, the sides of the creature were as if smoothed by eras of wind, still red-hot from the outburst.
The creature roared in the soundless carcass of the deflagrated station, and realspace muddled into a plastic nature, the creature was as if a thumb dragging through the viscous fabric of it, creating a comet-like tail as it again headed towards One’s signature with endless impetus.
The trail however, split off from the afterimage of the being and formed three helicoidal planar projections, they spread as with a mind of their own, seeking to intersect whatever parts of One or his attacks that were close to the construct. The planes shimmered, with a golden light, a flat mirror into a dimension of true insanity, before snapping shut completely, venting all which stood within their image straight into the obelus, where even gods were laid to rest.
Para (Khanate | UDS) — 17/08/2023 22:40
Ruined Station
The bright flash of light and the ensuing explosion left the Khan momentarily stunned. His aura had flared around him in a protective cocoon to keep him safe from the worst of the explosion- after all, even he couldn’t so easily survive what’s effective a fusion missile being thrown at him. He grits his teeth as cracks appeared on the shield before the light finally died down and allowed him to survey the destruction of the station.
For a moment he basked in the sight of it all and summed up his thoughts in one statement, “I can do that too.”
He flooded some of his aura to his body to keep him alive in the void- again, another annoying setback. In fact, he had to be careful lest he exhaust his reserves but he doubted he’d need to worry about that for now- he was the Khan after all.
Eleison grunted and tossed out his arms behind him as the barrier disappeared in flecks of light. From his palms shot out over a dozen tendrils of purple-red auric energy, each one as long and thick as a skyscraper. These auric tendrils attached, pierced and wrapped themselves around the remaining bits of the station and he quite literally began to pull on these tendrils to throw these hunks of scrap as if he was some sort of hyped-up strongman.
If his voice could have been heard then he would have most definitely taunted One. But the best he could do was release his hold on these scraps and let them fly towards the bastard.
Brank — 18/08/2023 00:49
Ezekiel's Dream
The young man grimaced at his teacher-- his father. Glowering purple eyes peered down at him through silvery hair and dark skin, and Ezekiel raised his blade and body once more. He shuddered as flesh and blood reconstituted in the cuts and gashes, racking pain as nerve endings reformed; screaming and crying to his mind for it all to end. The man above him was Cadrian Thosidraal, one of the many Imperials rebelling after the end of the Second War in Heaven, the one who had taken in Ezekiel after his parents had abandoned him during the battle of Thosk Vatrian. Cadrian was an Admiral, a Warrior, and the closest thing to a father he had ever known.
With a smile, he dove into the spar once more.
Sparks flew as their blades met again, and again, and again. Plasma flourished around their brandished blades as crimson red and violet purple flashed, the sheer lingering heat causing burning and searing on Ezekiel's exposed skin, giving him a neverending headache- yet the headache was nothing compared to the utter rush of adrenaline, dopamine as the blades struck once more. He peeled away, catching his breath as he and his Father circled the arena.
"Delve into your powers, Ezekiel!" Cadrian called out, zipping violet sparks surrounding him in a flurry. He cast his hand forwards, and a bolt of lightning shot forth, aiming to strike Ezekiel's torso. He almost didn't have time to react, before his own body pushed itself forwards, the lingering red ashes and sparks reforming into a resounding shield of fiery energy, blinding the two of them as the lightning's energy was absorbed and redirected into the ceiling.
Before he knew it, Cadrian found a sabre pointing directly to his heart. The boy holding it grimaced and huffed in exhaustion, but his eyes were bright red, glowing with pride, silently screaming in excitement held back only by a lack of physical energy.
The Father smiled.
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 20/08/2023 11:56
Unknown Station: Outer Halo
COME YE, COME YE WHO WOULD CHALLENGE THE GOLDEN LIGHT
One was already moving in the silence of the black vacuum. They were effectively in orbit now; the half remains of the station now tumbling away with a huge debris field trailing behind it and also expanding in all directions. One’s skin was frozen, but he seemed to be completely unaffected by the hard vacuum. He himself was moving, flying towards the now blazing Comet of Ridhuan, the strung-up form of Ezekiel flying behind him.
Like two fighter planes trying to engage head on the explosive hard light munitions detonated either on or around the psion creating brief flashes of light before the two impacted. Psionically imbued Katana met blazing golden string as the force of the strike sent a visible gravitational ripple across space, blinding light and energy radiating outwards as the two struggled to overpower the other.
You use it too, the holy land. Why fight it? Why fight against a future you know will be manifest regardless of your actions?
One then seemed to move lightning fast as the Cabal construct came in to strike, one of the projections coming nightmarishly close to Ridhuan as One exchanged blows with the manifestations of spacetime. One dodged pieces of debris, entire segments of the shattered station thrown by the Khan even as the space around one seemed to briefly tint before the impossible sight of the Obelus opened up. One piece of debris impacted the man, sending him perilously close to the Obelus. But it was the golden string attached to him that made him smile.
Ezekiels unconscious form drifted close to the Obelus window, Ones face was taunting the enemy. He would kill the man unless they closed the window. Of course, he could close it himself.
But what was a fight if not a performance?
---
“See, you had it in you. When you listen to me you can progress.”
It was the closest thing the boy was going to get to praise, but it was enough.
“If only you would listen to me more. There is change coming child, you need to be ready for it. Ready to accept it. A lot of things will be different” As Cadrian turned to stare at the boy there was a strange sense of dread, like he was standing at a precipice.
“You don’t have to understand change to accept it. But you must be ready, are you willing to do so?”
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 20/08/2023 12:16
Unknown World: Outer Halo
With a general plan of speed, teleportation and spreading out agreed upon the main group began to scale, fly or even teleport upwards towards the city and the giant spire. A likely place for whatever control was being given over this planet’s workings.
More and more workers and overseers were spotted upwards, moving along huge walkways and highways transporting biological material, regular materials, Nightstone derivatives and other machinery. All of those that worked were as Amerandus had said, puppets. All wore upon their brows the spiney crowns that had consumed so many souls so far. Obliterating their mandalas and super imposing on them the state of absent to be controlled by others. There were no innocents here, only tools. Only power psions could survive breaking free of such crowns and even then, it was a case-by-case basis. Once it was placed upon your head your self was destroyed, overwritten entirely. For normal everyday people it was a death sentence.
Still as they approached the top of the chasm where the spire rose above ground both conventional sensor equipment and other esoteric technologies could be seen jutting from the base of the spire.
“I would bet that would be a control centre, we may be able to search for information there” Sapphire whispered.
For the spread-out form of Gritch the surroundings would show more workings. The Panopticon here was mining everything, both Kolleronic and non Kolleronic materials in endless fashion. The puppets that got tired merely fell where they worked the overseers uncaring as they picked up the forms and threw their bodies into interspaced biological vats linked by massive veins and pulsating tendrils. It was a highly efficient system one that Vulkan could investigate further. Breaking into some of the machinery it was not all simple mechanics. Biological innards took over much of the work as the machine used the sheer power of the psion field to part rock, Nightstone and other materials, literally separating them then and there at the molecular level ready for collection as the molten distended geology melted and reformed as it worked. It was truly amazing to see, how psionics had been incorporated into something as simple as mining.
But as the group swiftly and silently bridged the gap between them and the command centre the main entrance way was blocked. Guarded by a single man.
Xerxes Alesso stood waiting outside the door at the foot of the spire.
“I wondered how long it would take you all to turn up. But I knew the holy work would occur at the appointed time. Welcome to Panchavati, I was surprised to see you abandoning individuals to create distractions. Practical, impressive even”
He could see right through their interwoven methods of concealment.
---
“It is simple Autarch. This is merely the nature of things to come. At first I saw this all as a threat, of course I was helping to create weapons to fight against this all you remember. But in that connection I came to realise a simple truth, to fight the Panopticon is for a man to fight the tide coming in. You simply cannot, it is the next step in the universe and so it must be embraced. The RANGSI people have always looked for unity, for strength in our national courage and in our very hearts. This is the ultimate expression of that. To be as if a hivemind without the uniformity of non individuality, here in the Panopticon we can achieve what was always meant to be for our people. I am here to fight for the Republic in the new order that comes, I alone am the only one fighting for our peoples true future”
Haykel was calm as he followed Ayzen the two walking clockwise as they spoke.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 20/08/2023 12:53
Unknown World
There was a moment of silence and then recognition as the Heralds gaze met Alessos. He should've expected this. In a way, he did.
"Ah."
He nodded respectfully and began to talk with the same expressionless face as always before anyone could think about any combat.
"Greetings, Xerxes Alesso. Unexpected but not surprising."
He paused, squinting and trying to read his body, for he was well aware neither side would be able to read each others mind in any sufficient capacity.
"A pleasure to meet you, I dare say?"
If they were lucky, he was not hostile at the moment, Combat in this area could compromise any information they could get at any given moment, given the forces involved.
The question remained what he wanted. Both Ayzen and the group in Orbit had already been attacked, did he plan to do the same or was his Agenda different? Did he have his own plans? Were the other elements aware he was here? Alesso himself was likely well aware of most if not all things occuring on this planet at the current time, given with how much ease he had found them, their meeting at this very gate was no coincidence.
He pondered and waited.
Sorteagan — 22/08/2023 17:13
From the corner of his eye One glimpsed Fenris rapidly approaching from his right side, preparing to strike. As One reflexively turned to retaliate there was only empty void followed by a bone shattering blow to his left with Fenris nowhere to be seen. The Draconian had disappeared in the ice on the station, only his reflection was visible before. The Ice from the station had started to reform, branching and growing outward into the void like vines, reaching out hungrily from the remains of the station for anything it could consume, given time it would soon replace the structure the station once provided and vastly outgrow it. The strike to One's side was from one of those tendrils rapidly expanding into him, the string he wielded now frozen solid, enveloped by this unholy frost.
Back on the planet Mammon's form briefly shined and flickered on Amerandus' shoulder as he kneaded his paws in seeming anticipation, his eyes not looking away from Alesso for a moment. Mammon looked to Amerandus, waiting for silent cues on what should be done.
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 27/08/2023 13:36
Remaining hidden was still the utmost priority, and Vulkan rigidly kept the sentiment to mind as he moved alongside the others. His shape would compress and twist in all manners of ways, the humanoid silhouette dropping away extremely quickly. Like wax, he dripped into new, creative forms to hide his light as he rushed through crawlspaces, vents and crevices like an angry amoeba, navigating through sound and intuition.
As he did so, another part of him, similarly formless, spread itself through the machinations of that psionic engine, inspecting its components but not daring to damage them, simply regarding the machine like a fine piece of art. But upon seeing the glistening, mastercrafted organic mass that made up its most vital inner workings, the emperor almost came to revelation right there and then. It had occurred to him in hypothesis that biological technology could be a viable option to the focus study of psionics, but seeing it here integrated with machine and making mockery of the galaxy's most sturdy bounties, he had to set out a project immediately.
Not long after, his primary avatar had arrived around where the rest had, albeit a floor or two lower. A lump of rock, melting and re-emerging from itself carefully melted out a vent cover, sliding out and clinging to the circumference of the pit. Just a few seconds later, Vulkan's form sprouted nimble, spider-like legs which carried him up until he could cling to the underside of the bridge, very carefully advancing all the while.
He could hear the voices of those above. Yet another name he was unfamiliar with, yet one he was sure he'd learn about soon enough. There was the feeling that Xerxes already knew exactly where Vulkan was, and despite that he remained clung to the bottom of the bridge. He wouldn't speak, hoping to simply let everything play out so he could act accordingly.
him/zetyans — 28/08/2023 01:32
The Saint was no talker, and neither was the Gritch, despite it's propensity for making unholy noise. A hidden telepathic connection, practically the only thing keeping the two able to communicate with each other, allowed him to retain the wealth of knowledge that, otherwise, would have been lost within the mind of a blithering corpse barely able to speak a single letter without frothing and laughing madly.
For those he was with, the Saint daisy-chained the information, one-way telepathic pulses showing bits and pieces of information launched without care into the minds of his allies. Workers being thrown piecemeal into melting vats. Nightstone and kolleronics broken down to the molecule. Legions of empty slaves toiling until their physical exhaustion, like batteries being drained of power. A wonderful show of cruelty apathized into normalcy. Perhaps this 'Panopticon' knew more methods of death and torture than he did.
When they met Alesso, however, the hitch had finally come into play.
The zetyan was thankful now they had chosen to 'shock' around. Evidently the man afore them was heedless of every precaution they had taken, eyes slicing through the many veils they had set up like butter. His own eyes narrowed at the sight, the Panopticon concealed faintly radiating off of this 'Alesso' like the corona of a sun. A very powerful man, evidently. Perhaps best left to his friends.
The flies that had dispersed all around the atrium remained in their form, though only by the Saint's guidance. The Gritch, too, could feel the man's power from far away, but unlike the Saint all he would have seen was a body of blood and meat and gore. The flies, however, began to silently yet slowly congeal back to where the had gathered, in anticipation of battle.
Aiman — 28/08/2023 17:29
Unknown Station
I have seen your future. A future of dead children, of horrific experiments, of Absents and empty puppets.
Ridhuan began to make a couple of strong slashes against One's golden strings, bringing not only his full physical strength, but also his psionic strength. One's taunting, him speaking of the AOTP as if they are some sort of inevitability, ignited a vigorous sense of determination deep within him. Not even the blinding light and gravitational ripples could stop him, everything else was a blur - only One was in his sights.
You abuse the holy land.
Another slash locked him face-to-face with One, struggling to overpower him and overcome the golden strings. Energies were building up, and the point of contact between the katana and the golden string was becoming another giant ball of blinding light.
However as the two continued to be locked in combat, the appearance of the Cabal construct forced Ridhuan to disengage as One suddenly disappeared to evade. The spreading planes that broke off the construct's trail barely missed, but the glimpses into the Obelus were too much, even for a nanosecond. Ridhuan psionically screamed in agony, jetting off to get away as far as his plasma thrusters could carry him.
---
Unknown World
Ayzen continued to walk around Haykel as he resumed this battle, not of blows, but of words.
"Commissar Haykel, it is true that we have always striven for unity. Unity is like that oasis in the desert, no matter how far we walk or crawl towards it, we never seem to be any closer. I admit to you myself, from one Singaporean to another, that even after bringing Pax Singapura to humanity and wiping away hatreds of race, there will always be something that they fight over, befitting our human nature. Pax Singapura, that Singaporean Peace, is the oasis, always far in reach no matter how much progress we make."
"But even so, even if we can't reach the oasis, that does not mean we have made no tangible progress. We have come far; we are one people united under one nation, a fact you may not have appreciated unless you have lived my time - when we were many people, fighting each other over things like race, scattered across many different warring nations. It is because Unity is an oasis that we keep striving, and we therefore keep improving."
"Therefore the Republic as it is, imperfect as it is, is founded on the pure human conviction to be better. To be Singaporean is a civic choice, one can leave and renounce their citizenship if they so wish. Those that stay, stay because they have a reason to do so, because they have the will to serve and better their country. The Republic, as it is, is a Republic of willing volunteers."
"Your Republic, this Republic of the Panopticon, is a Republic of false conviction."
Ayzen stopped walking.
---
"You speak as if the Panopticon perfectly unifies us without paying any price, but yet I have read reports of your Army leaving behind nothing but armies of Absents, puppets with no soul, no consciousness, and terrible abhorrent experiments, like the corrupted Skia I have killed. The only ones who do maintain their own consciousness seem to be only a small cabal of powerful commanders. "
"In fact, I am tempted to think you, this Haykel in front of me, are nothing more than a glorified Absent. For the real Haykel, as an honourable commissar, would have known better. He would have known that a Republic founded on the promises of the Panopticon is a Republic founded on ethereal illusions, on deus ex machinas. He would have known, from our painful history, that the Panopticon and its promises are not unlike the heavenly kingdoms of the Jihadists, or the utopias of equality of the Communists. He would have known that such deus ex machinas extract a terrible price, and in the end make people into slaves, stripped of their will and reason."
"If you are a false consciouness inhabiting Haykel's body, then strike me down because I am just another enemy. But if that is indeed really you Haykel, and you still choose to strike down your Autarch, then here I am," Ayzen stretched out his arms, inviting Haykel to make the first move,
Gose {CES, CHET} — 30/08/2023 18:25
Besides the construct was an intricate ballet of entities, each with their own plans, subjecting the area to the wildest arrays of energies, spells and abilities as eclectic as they were deadly. At the center was a white-hot comet, flashes of light blazing at the intercept where debris hit the scythe-headed object, headed like a missile towards its target, narrowingly missing almost all the time, as One wisely avoided the tremendously destructive spells that coated the surface of the being.
Across it all cut planes of golden shimmering magic, space folding into itself a quadrillion times each microsecond tracing thin slivers of death in infinitely sharp sheets, a magical blade borne out of imperfect mimicry of the Cabal’s entrapped god. Yet it was that very imperfection that granted it its tremendous power, as mana accumulated from the operations, even reality could not support the miniscule tears which opened, let alone Ridhuan or the other gods present.
A ripping of the fabric of space itself occurred within the endlessly flat planar sections, for a singularity of an instant, the Obelus inhabited realspace, its maddening impossible colors enough to drive the gods insane by the sight and proximity. The singular instant was potent, and the planar sections were made into the definition of light itself, obliterating anything that touched them. The light poured, reaching outwards more from their flat vessel.
For a split second, the space above the planet was a caustic sea of boiling light, effervescent from the endless power of the mana dimension, the shadows of the station and of the gods were pinprick stars outlined at the canvas of the planet below, which in that instant was as if made of the purest of marbles. Then, the light devolved, taken in from the paths which they spewed, funneled through the length and back at the origin point - the Construct itself.
A wave of energy surged through the being, empowering it as much as it fractured the vessel in the kaleidoscopic colors of raw energy which it received. It grew crystals which signified its imperfections, yet they shattered instantly from the very power they tried to mitigate. It was infinite energy contained in a finite vessel, a recipe for eventual disaster, it was the very hubris of the Cabal manifested in physical form.
I tried again for the AOTP weapon, its strength renewed and speed doubled.
Para (Khanate | UDS) — 31/08/2023 10:17
Once again, Eleison was forced to behold his weakness as reality itself began to shift with the sudden formation of the Obelus rift. It was a feat of magic beyond his current skill. This time, however, he felt no envy nor rage at the sight- only a sense of grim determination to one day reach those heights and prove them all wrong. As he saw the the rift begin to expand a thought struck him and tentatively, he reached out a shred of his aura-
-it was like being struck by lightning. He felt his nerves set on fire and his muscles began to twitch as raw mana began to enter his body, supercharging his aura and revitalising himself after having spent so much earlier on. A bubble of laughter spilt out of his throat before he quickly realised that his body was not suited for this amount of mana. No, impossible as it was, the greatest sorcerer of the Khanate realised that even he could not hope to survive the strain. He quickly pulled back his aura and vanished in a blur of light as he practically teleported as far as he could away from the rift onto a bit of the station that had been blown back.
“What…” He breathed. The rift would still be going strong. He had tried to absorb the mana from the Obelus in an attempt to fuel himself but found his body unable to contain that much energy. Not even a fraction of that rift’s output has been absorbed yet that was more than enough to completely charge him up and nearly kill him from the feedback.
He felt strong- stronger than ever. It was as if he was back in his prime. Yet he knew this feeling of elation would only last for a moment once the euphoria from this charge died down. He clenched his hand into a fist in anger. One day he will be strong. One day he’ll show all of these gods why he stood above them all. One day he will prove himself worthy as the honoured one of the heavens.
As these thoughts filled his hand, so too did a familiar static begin to overwhelm his mind. Although his mind no longer remembered this, his soul still knew the deal made so long ago and the chance for more to be bargained.
Brank — 13/09/2023 06:04
A Menagerie of emotion pulled at the strings of his heart and mind. A smile at the closest to praise he'd seen in some time, the shiver of dread down his spine, an allusion to change. Change in what? His mind cried at him, the dream-world beginning to collapse but his subconscious unable to comprehend why.
"Whatever comes my way, I--" he took in a breath, steeling himself against the dreadful headache. The walls flickered with colours and shapes he could never even hope to know. "--I must face it, like it or not. That much I know," Ezekiel answered. "I'm ready, Father. I can do this."
His young, ample voice bled away into the hateful, gruff one that his true self knew. Cadrian's eyes bore through his skull. A sabre raised, the handle close to Ezekiel's heart. A bloody, raging fire crackled within his soul. The blade swerved, tilting once more toward's Cadrian's unmoving, staring body. The walls caved in, Obelusian energy coursing ever closer to Ezekiel.
"Your memory shalt live on so long as I do, Father."
Ezekiel cut him down where he stood.
From an outside perspective, the internal raging was portrayed by grimaces, frowns. His body stirred and wriggled against the strings holding him, almost totally subconsciously. As the energies of the Obelus window threatened to engulf him, he stirred faster, more aggressively. Hot, raging plasma pooled on his skin, and fiery embers flickered into being around him in the void, coalescing against the strings.
One felt a surge of energy building up, as Ezekiel began to fight his mental chains.
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 25/09/2023 10:58
Unknown station: Outer Halo
You have no idea of what the holy land is TRULY like One spat at Ridhuan as they disengaged, grunting as the strange ice impacted him, spreading along the Solarite strings. One went to strike it, but the sudden exposure to the insanity of the Obelus stopped him.
Looking upon raw impossibility was enough to drive mortals to insanity, even immortals. One however, was already quite insane, looking upon the impossibility hurt him of course, it frayed his mind even as the wave of energy buffeted his body and caused his grip on his own reality to slip. Ezekiel was fighting now, his connecting string frozen and Ones own strength briefly robbed. As the strange magical entity now came into strike once more, far more empowered One realised this was not a performance any-more. His face changed from an unhinged man who looked upon impossibility and saw nothing but his own past to someone who showed no emotion.
He ended the connection between himself and Ezekiel, shattering the frost and ice covered string and bringing Ezekiel back into sudden reality.
A split moment later the Cabals construct impacted him, he attempted to dodge still disorientated, but the strange folding of spacetime and the energized mana that seemed to drag reality behind it made a mockery of even his improved form. His right leg came away mid thigh, sliced cleanly off. He grunted, even as two more ice pillars attempted to smash into him.
Once more space around him immolated, becoming akin to a fusion reactor.
The first Solarite barb was directed at Eleison, aiming for the mans chest and seemingly directed by malicious intent as it squirmed at impossible speeds aiming to piece his heart. The second was aimed at Ridhuan, aiming to bisect him entirely.
As for Ezekiel and the strange magical weapon One summoned a large flaming scythe, smashing through one of Fenris ice tendrils he flew towards the planet, lower into orbit as he seemed to slew spacetime itself, accelerating all of their descent, the flames of re-entry now visible as they careened towards the surface.
Strings seemed to flow from One now, each questing with its own will as his eyes glowed a fiery gold.
Panchavati AOTP Stronghold: Outer Halo
“The pleasure is the lords dear fellow.”
He took a step forward, engaging in casual conversation like he would with friends. Like the Saint and Gritch had seen his halo of psionic energy was immense, easily the most powerful they had encountered compared to the Numbers or even One. Still his fairly modest demeanour and appearance in darkened robes helped hide his true potential.
“Things are in motion you see, things I cannot simply let you interfere with. I gave you and your friends a choice the last time we met, join us or face our wrath. I will once more extend that offer, even to the ones in orbit but I will also politely ask you to leave. The lord always looks favourably on those who do not act against those who do his divine work, so shall it be. You may walk away, leave and I will not stop you, I will call off our weapons and you can never trouble us again. If you try to test my faith and conviction however I will not hesitate to erase you from this holy land”
No other Panopticon creatures or defences were nearby, it was just Alesso. He was vulnerable, but his true power could be beyond them, the question was did they take the chance?
--
Vulkan and the cloud of flies continued to move around the facility below, and even expand somewhat into the spire above. The Kolleronics, especially the Aurastone was being used like some kind of intelligent fluid, flowing upwards into the roots of the spire, forming it and creating an interior space in which intense psionic fields etched specific patterns like a mandala onto itself, growing upwards before breaking off in sections to float upwards towards the now destroyed orbital station. It was as if he could feel others within the spire, linked to the very thing itself like minds trapped within.
It was truly impressive, but it was clearly only a fragment of a greater whole. Some kind of construction on a vast scale eclipsing this particular planet. If they just had a little bit longer Vulkan may be able to learn some more from the internal systems…
--
“You speak with a great wisdom my Autarch but it is truly me, I am the same man who grew up on the steps of Karvoshakya, who saluted the flag and who sung our songs celebrating our people and our unity. I have never forgotten those songs or stopped celebrating our people, I merely learned that this is bigger than us. The republic is an oasis we ever strive towards you are right, its shimmering in the distance however is only an illusion. How much longer can that false mirage keep our people going? How much longer until they realise the water they seek will never touch their parched lips? Already there are many who seek to become one with the sand rather than follow that false dream any longer. But I have not only gazed upon that oasis with my own true eyes, but I have drunk from its waters and bathed in them to find the truth that we were seeking. It is no different from the nirvana preached by the insane your right, but this one is real. You gaze upon and try to stop its majestic inevitability right this very moment.”
Haykel outstretched a hand.
”Its time you stopped chasing that Horizon my Autarch, help me in realising the future our people need”
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 04/10/2023 01:49
"I see. I see."
There was a pause as the Herald seemed to be pondering, as if seriously considering the possibility.
Truth be told, he was. There were many a reasons the Panopticon was in his way of operations, not the least of which because they intended to absent every single sentient being in the galaxy. However, did that mean he had to interfere personally? Perhaps but perhaps also not. In this case particularly, where he was carrying around a troupe of entities which had a tendency make things worse rather than better, some of which were hardly more capable than meat shields, even if not all of them, it did become rather questionable whether they were able to enact the resistance against the Panopticon on their own.
But what if they were actually capable of it? His involvement would not actually be needed anymore. Much of this was merely a distraction, it was not even a stepping stone but a diversion from his own desires.
There were others which could deal with it, if he just nudged them in the right direction, even if forsaking direct control of the situation was something which was as of yet questionable. A test was in order to see if those with him were capable of dealing with this situation.
...but he had no intentions of backing down this easily just yet, they had come here and leaving without any results would not only be disappointing but also a waste of his time. There were individuals in the Panopticon peculiar enough to pique his interest and there were secrets and mysteries to be uncovered, something he desired far above the implications of the powers they seemingly granted to their wielders.
That did put them at an impasse though. Their goal was to gather information and Alesso was in their way, as of yet, he was not hostile though that could change at moments notice, once they gave their answers, they would have to buy time and think of a plan, though the implications of the ones which came to mind were not exactly appealing. Coordinating with the other members of the group would also hardly be an option as Alesso would without fail notice something was off. Even if he would not directly understand what and even if they did manage to distract the Panopticon preacher, the others would have to gather information in what would likely be an active battleground.
As Amerandus argued with himself over what to do or not to do, he eyed the different group members, stroking his beard, before answering in a diplomatic tone.
"Well, it occurs to me we seem to be at an impasse, time is short at hand even though I would like to think about this further, deliberate my decision, weigh the paths against each other. In the meanwhile why not ask what my dear companions think about the offer?"
He tilted his head at the group, lifting an eyebrow, there were many of which who had bonds in other places some holding positions of some import in some nation they deemed worthy or just their home, though also those relatively free or uncaring in some cases. He wondered how they would answer without his lead, how they would justify their decisions and what philosophies laid behind their reasoning, not even solely because he tried to gauge who may interfere or flee should a battle break out.
There was a morbid and genuine curiosity in his eyes even as his perception wandered the surroundings to perhaps get an idea of where or what it was they were looking for here or if the destination of the Duskstone was the only thing of interest in this place. Where it would be best to drive Alesso towards or away from and what would be the best tactics to deploy against him, if it would be necessary?
him/zetyans — 07/10/2023 17:40
The figure in white narrowed his eyes, regarding the minister before their party as he regaled his terms in no uncertain manner.
He was attuned to the psion, insofar as it was foreign, and he could feel it. The man was a powderkeg, restrained strength only held back by a facade of charity and goodwill. His erstwhile companion riddled his head with information of their work, labyrinthine passages of equipment and ritual filling his mind, but he restrained it to his subconscious thought while he pondered.
He was not thinking of accepting his offer, not truly. Perhaps he could fake his acquiescence, slink into the night only to return later and ply it's secrets, it's people. But no; the Saint would not bend the knee of his own accord, certainly not to man and certainly not to this challenge of power. He could flee, in some covert and unhumoring matter, but where to? They were somewhere unknown, and he would have to judge his position and save his energy for a jaunt - time this Alesso could spend to simply track him and kill him once and for all.
He could ply deeper. The jaunt cared not for walls, only for the space behind them. Whatever resistance they could muster he could keep at bay for long enough. His partner would sustain him, in time, and vice versa. They were both here of their own accord, a diversion from their usual escapade, and as the Saint's eyes began flickering around and flies zipped from here and there a web of potential paths began to appear in his mind, paths to take were he to act in non-aggression, were Alesso to move to strike them down.
Amerandus's response earned all six of the Saint's eyes focused on him at once. His calculating expression turned to feigned interest, before a slight grin spread across his face like a spider's web.
"I wouldn't presume."
His posture seemed to relax while he looked to the others, as if he thought that awful notion to surrender. But behind his back, his hands suddenly held the handles of knives between fingers, and a small swarm of flies congealed under the bridge, the sound like horns from the sky played faintly from below.
Canis (Nucleans/Isoterrans) — 08/10/2023 04:11
Cinder regarded Alesso’s offer with a hidden sneer, keeping her expression neutral, and hoping the arcanium of her visor remained opaque to the man’s vision. The idea of running away was absurd, almost insulting even. To simply leave after both their journey, and to think that he could cow them just by vague threats? Not to mention how his ilk had nearly killed a friend of hers. No, she had a personal stake in it now.
But what then? There was a suspicious lack of other enemies around, meaning that he was either quite overconfident, or he felt like he had a solid chance of stopping them himself...unless of course there were minions hiding somewhere… She really didn’t like where this was going.
Regardless though, she knew they would probably need to fight him at some point, especially if they were to interrupt operations here permanently. And with that, she smiled behind her mask.
“Your offer is very reasonable, Alesso. May I ask though, this project here is quite impressive, and I admit I’m intrigued. Before I consider leaving, could you at least sate my curiosity and explain what the purpose of this all is?”
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 08/10/2023 16:50
The question was unexpected, but it was an unwelcome surprise.
He immediately recalled the reports from the Bulwark's scuffle with Eos. They seemed like such a minor threat when compared to the potential of the panopticon, yet that's what made the request all the more concerning. If a single one of his allies here were to turn tail in fear or worse yet switch sides - something he believed to be a very real possibility considering what he knew - it could spell disaster for the operation. Of course there was always the option of attempting to collapse the facility, but then invaluable amounts of information might be lost in the process.
As a rapid evaluation continued, the 4-legged crab-like silhouette clung firmly to the centre of the bridge's underside, silently gathering any information it could from just sound and vibration alone. Whilst not certainly ideal, the fact that it seemed much like his allies knew this Alesso well told him a good amount, though also somewhat made him regret not prying more about what they knew beforehand. Silent he remained, however, believing that if the individual knew he was there, that it would be enough of an answer, which would be better than compromising himself.
If he were to be addressed directly, that would change his approach, but for now he instead began forming a hot spot on his own underside. Heat bubbled forth and turned a small circle of molten liquid closer to a shade of white. Positioned directly beneath the preacher, he was merely preparing for when things turn sour.
Elsewhere, he was much busier. In the time it had taken for them to arrive at the bridge and go through this tiring game being played up above, Vulkan had decided to use the psionic engine's heat and the nearby open mine tunnels to prepare more mass. Such a thing was a slow process but along with the original partition, the small split forms had already seen so much of value. It was as if the engine was just the tip of some insanely complex iceberg in a whole field of knowledge he quickly realised he had the relative insight of a toddler in.
It also made him realise that there was nothing he could do to prevent such vast amounts of expertise being used to maim his own citizens, most likely in ways he'd never even dreamed possible. A new line of thought strung itself up beside many others; he already knew what to do, but executing the strategy would be a much harder process given the immovable bureaucracy surrounding him at all sides. Even he wasn't free from regulation, and to perform something drastic about this, he would need very good cause for it...
Sorteagan — 22/10/2023 05:03
Unknown station: Outer Halo
As more and more ice was shattered each shard's reflective form spread out, thousands in number if not millions by this point which surrounded them all, each shard possessing a reflection of the draconian within, each glaring at One as they multiplied and surrounded their prey as he began his rapid descent planetside. From each shard a chain and hook shot forth at blinding speed, hundreds at once all towards One. The chains spear-like hooks tore at One like harpoons on a great whale, penetrating his clothing, his armor, his flesh. In but a second One was held by every joint, every appendage, and torso, each had a multitude of hooks latching into him or wrapping around him, and forced him still, caught mid-orbit by Fenris' frozen chains and suspended ice shards held solid in place. The wrong move threatening to dismember the madman on the spot if he resisted further. Each hook which struck his flesh burned cold and froze his blood in spite of his burning rage. This ice would not melt no matter how hot Ones powers burned. Fenris was holding him in place for his companions to do their own damage first.
Sorteagan — 22/10/2023 05:23
Panchavati AOTP Stronghold:
Mammon looked to Amerandus for an answer, then back to Alesso. The offer was beneath him as a draconian god, all of this was finite in contrast to what draconian were made for, and he knew the other draconian would enjoy watching these gods and entities continue to fight off the inevitable, they would want more conflict. Mammon was different from them, Mammon valued the "mortal" perspective more than anything. To him the harsh reality of his godhood was softened by making an apocalypse actually matter, by letting reality run its course and settle its dues in time, on its terms, not be forced upon it like his divine siblings work towards. This was his and Fenris' common ground. Ultimately Mammon wanted to make the "good" choice in this playthrough of life, but this offer was not his to take. he would stand by Amerandus' decision should he make it, but he was ready for anything at this point.
Aiman — 22/10/2023 14:54
Unknown Station: Outer Halo
The streaking comet that was Ridhuan was now returning its trajectory back at One. Katana pointed forwards, Ridhuan pushed his plasma thrusters as hard as they could, charging straight at One at full speed.
One's solarite string however singlehandedly stopped the charge dead in its tracks. It sliced through his hardlight shields and the only thing stopping it from bisecting Ridhuan was his psionically-imbued katana, which parried the string. The weight of the string however was enough to practically swat him aside.
Jets of plasma fired from all sides as Ridhuan reorientated himself for another angle of attack. With the realisation that a head on attack at One would not be wise, especially now that he was using even more of his powers, Ridhuan found his next idea as soon as he came across some of the station's wrecks. Maneuvering to the largest piece within his reach, he placed his hand on it, imbued it with his psionic will, and with the next thought, he was now pushing the slab of station chunk, using it as a giant shield as he began advancing towards One again. As he pushed forward, small pieces of metal from the station were telekinetically broken off, heated into its molten state, and then reforged into superheated blades that were then launched at One.
Panchavati AOTP Stronghold
The air was pregnant with pause.
Ayzen and Haykel stared down at each other for what seemed to be an eternity, amidst the burning sands and the rolling dunes. Haykel’s hand outstretched, Ayzen’s curled into a fist. There was nothing left to be said. Both had said their piece.
The only thing left right now was action. Haykel seemed to be making no moves at all other than holding his hand out in his diplomatic gesture to get the Autarch to join him, and see the Truth. Ayzen meanwhile was running through his two options over and over again - fight or flight, and he never seemed to be able to settle on one. If he fought and made the first strike at Haykel, not only was it a dishonourable response to his peace gesture, there was also no telling how he would fare against psionics. If he fled, it would just make him a coward, and Haykel would lose all respect for whom he considered his Autarch.
Whatever it was, he needed to make the choice now, and bite the bullet.
“Sorry. I refuse.”
Small tendrils emerged from his palm, shooting out to a couple of flashbangs mounted on his belt and pulling them into his hands. Within one flick, he pulled out their pins and threw the flashbangs at Haykel’s face. As the flashbangs went off and hopefully temporarily stunned Haykel, Ayzen leapt high into the air, somersaulting over Haykel, and once he landed on the sand he began sprinting at superhuman speeds towards the city. Rejoining the rest of the ground party was his only option at safety. Haykel may think of him as a coward now, but this in the end was more preferable than the risk of losing and being turned into an absent puppet. Too much was at stake as the Autarch of the Republik Angkasa to let that happen.
Para (Khanate | UDS) — 22/10/2023 18:31
Eleison had calmed down from the high he was experiencing just in time to realise he was directly under attack from One. A blast of Solarite aimed right to take his heart. Back in that world he had easily dealt with the Solarite weapons used by the common rabble of the Panopticon. But this time was different and string spun towards him far faster than any attack he had experienced in his lifetime. For a brief moment, his barrier holds.
The Khan moved to the side just as the barrier shattered. A brief sense of agony runs through his nerves as his arm is ripped off. Eleison grits his teeth and vows to make One pay.
He had enough of sitting on the sidelines. It was time he took centre stage. He had used the brief Obelus rift to supercharge himself and had only spent a small burst of it to avoid the attack. If there ever was a time to assault One, it was now. He felt his aura stitch over the ruined stump of his left arm. He blocked the pain and breathed in, remembering the meditative practices taught to him so long ago.
“Good! Hold that bastard in place- I’ll tear out his fucking heart!” The Khan roared. He didn’t even know who was trying to bind him. But he was going to get in close, no matter what.
If Ridhuan chose to use the remnants of the station as a shield, then the Khan chose to use those same remnants as platforms for his teleportation- it was faster than trying to boost himself there. In flashes of purple and red light, he blinked in and out of sight to reappear on nearby debris until he was finally within charging range.
The debris he was standing on suddenly shattered from the force of his sudden auric-fuelled boost. He had shrouded himself in aura now, making him appear more like a red comet streaking through the void of space. Despite his wound and despite the sheer strength of One he was determined to find his place in this galaxy- no, this universe.
Gose {CES, CHET} — 22/10/2023 21:13
Unknown Station
The leg of a godling, whose consumption was a feeling that embibed even the incomprehensible madness of the failed construct with a feeling of indescribable pleasure in the completion of its programmed goal. As the supercharged flesh of One undid itself on the impossibly dense perpetual ritual at the edge of the construct’s scythe-like face, it had know a singular moment of peace from the completion of its purpose.
Every second that passed, the magical energies that were contained in that worldly vessel pushed against themselves, waiting to burst out like a dam on the brink of destruction. Once again, a wave of fusion washed over the extremely saturated etherite, cracking the feeble surface. Mana pours out like a bomb, plumes of the saturation and sheer energy escape from the entity, scorching rays of light seeking all directions, shoving the entity far away, further from the reach of One, away from both the parties.
It stumbles within the empty space, the sheer inertia of the forces pushing against it shatter and splinter the broken being, kept alive now raggedly by the cohesive pressures of the energetic density that it bears, yet bleeding the very same energy in a trail of malformed crystals and kaleidoscopic errant mana. A being of more complex thought would have perished, yet the simplicity of the mind that yearns only for complete destruction perseveres…
Brank — 22/10/2023 23:46
Unknown Station: Outer Halo
The connection shattered. In an instant, Ezekiel went from standing over his father's bleeding body, to floating in the depths of space. His lips curled- He was free! Something shattered his solarite chains, pulled him from his memories. Blinding magical energies shot off in the nearby-distance as One fought the magical entity, and a searing warmth burbled up in Ezekiel's chest.
The embers coalesced.
Sticking to his body, red flakes of psionic fire began to wrap around him, curling up into his hands with an intense, crackling energy. Blood-orange strings pierced the flames, and the Young Imperator screamed silently into the void. Brambles of psionic solarite surged through him, lashing around him protectively as his body tumbled- eventually coming to a stop face-towards One. The sheer power of harnessing two psionic sources was enthralling and intoxicating.
As he finally peered upon the battlefield; everything was off-kilter. The construct shot off into the starry sky like a comet, One was falling towards the surface of the planet with strings lashing out like destructive whips-- followed by Fenris, Ridhuan, and Eleison.
'Mustn't hold back, then. He c̵a̴n̶'̷t̴ ē̶̹s̷̹̊c̶͓͘a̷̖̅p̶̤̑e.' Ezekiel chuckled to himself. It was hard to think over the burning throes of pain, the adrenaline of battle, and the desire to follow and fight. So, why think? Why bother?
It had always been easier to give in to that bloodlust, afterall.
Blood-orange solarite curled around him in a protective bubble, and his hands shot out jets of maroon plasma. Between One's acceleration and Ezekiel propelling himself, he would hopefully catch up quickly- the fires of re-entry battering the solarite surrounding him.
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 07/11/2023 14:42
Orbit of Panchavati: Outer Halo
One did nothing to prevent the chains as they dug into his flesh, tearing into his body and burning his skin and muscle with the cold. The pain didn’t bother him, he had endured such horrific torment during his creation that no pain inflicted on him now would break his mind. He had seen things impossible, been immersed in the Panopticon like a child being thrown into the thick of a raging sea. Not even Alesso, nor even Laikos himself had survived that. They had been exposed to the Panopticon progressively, like all those that came after, little by little they had been surrounded by its radiance, its power.
One had no such luxury, he had learnt to swim, to survive even as it drowned him and destroyed his mind and soul. No, he was something more, he was the instrument and the wielder.
He was their true scion.
The chains held him still as the heat of re-entry surrounded himself and the shards along with the other entities as they descended into the upper atmosphere. Both Ridhuan and Ezekiel now free, were burning hard towards him while the magical construct was battling with itself and the Draconian used its powers from afar.
One smiled, even as Eleisons strike hit him full bore in the chest, organs and flesh pulverised as the Khans fist went straight through causing Ones body to go into convulsion. His face however looked impassive even as he spoke.
”You should see its golden shores, what lies beyond is truly paradise”
Ones left arm moved in a flash, the chains being pulled with it by some unseen force. Blood was congealing all around him even as One grasped the Khans throat. His body was failing but his eyes were full of fire.
”I wont let the likes of your kind sully the promised land”
Ones voice was perhaps the calmest he had ever been even as his body began to break apart, his skin and muscles filling with golden light and power. Just like on Askandar, One’s true form was breaking free. The hand that held the Khan becoming gigantic to fully engulf him, trying to crush the man as ones body expanded and exploded, uncaring of the chains or their deep cuts as they tore through golden flesh. His new body rippled with power as he descended still, his form rippled as One opened up a brief Meridian tear, placing it between him, Ridhuan and Ezekiel trying to aim for them to be lost within it.
Around him manifested a swarm of Solarite string, slicing at both the chains and instead of smashing the ice crystals wrapped around them, dragging them directly into the Panopticon.
”You should see its golden shores, come let me show you”
Pancahavati: AOTP Stronghold: Outer Halo
“It seems the others do not have much of an interest in leaving my good sir. A shame but one I sadly expected. When you have been shown the truth of the lords will it is of course necessary to understand that others have not seen it as you have. Perhaps in time you will come to see the revelation. You inquire about this project, why my blind friend it is simple. We are undertaking a measure so great it has only been attempted and succeeded once in galactic history” Alesso gestured to the night sky above, even as it was lit up by the flashes of energy releases and the burning contrails of the wreckage and beings tumbling to the surface.
“Look further, you have your answer written in the heavens themselves” Alessos statement was vague at first, but for those who could indeed perceive the wider visuals the world they were on orbited in a system around a psionic star. But interestingly there were other planets, arrayed in a very specific pattern. Other large constructs lay out in the void, laid out intricately. It matched only one thing in history.
The Kerali Battery.
“Even if you perceive the lords plans in the heavens it is but such a tiny sliver of the true revelation. Consider your curiosity sated, as a token of goodwill. Now. I will ask you to leave”
Alesso shifted slightly, one foot moving slightly to the left and his hands coming up to hold onto his suits front. Just that motion alone sent shockwaves through the psion field. Vulkan certainly could feel a tectonic motion from just that alone. Alesso was done playing friendly.
He smiled. As if inviting them to leave or try take the first shot.
---
Haykel made no gesture or change of his body or stance as Ayzen rapidly threw the flashbangs into his eyes and made off for the city. Bright bursts of phosphorescent light capable of blinding anyone who looked into them detonated just feet from Haykels face. The man seemingly unfazed withdrew his hand back to his side even as the Autarch sprinted away.
He sighed. Genuinely upset that their great leader would not help him realise a perfect future for the Republic. He had tried, but it was too late.
Haykel looked down towards the ground, before turning and watching the dust signify the Autarch gaining ground on him. Sighing he shook his head.
”A shame my Autarch, we could have finally had our peace. I can do no more for you, I have other matters to attend”
With a gust of wind, Haykel merely disappeared.
Alesso would handle this now.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 09/11/2023 10:05
"Fascinating."
The Herald noted in response, calculating his options.
Alesso had freely given them what they had been looking for, which meant he was either foolish or confident. Having the met the man twice now he would be inclined towards the latter.
There was also a point to be made that there was more to be gained here, that something more was being hidden in this place, veiled by information he had thrown before their feet. 'To be gained at what cost?'
He raised his head towards the sky where the other psion, the rest of the group and the station came burning down like a meteor. That battle too had reached its apex now. It would end in short order, one way or another, though somewhat pointless it was now that they had what they sought for. 'Or do we really?'
A shame almost, it would've been interesting to see the entities of this galaxy and Alesso clash, though there was no changing it now.
...unless someone was particularly foolish. '...or pursues their desires with particular fervour.'
"Fascinating.", Amerandus repeated.
"Well, dear fellows, it occurs to me we have attained what we think to have been looking for, for now. If you wish so, I can return you to where you came from."
He paused, the swayed the arm which wasn't holding his spear in a wide arcing gesture as if to present Alesso.
"...unless you think you can gain more by fighting the man before us."
He waited and watched with a quite particular interest, as if the question he had posed was a test in of itself.
Sorteagan — 24/11/2023 05:08
Orbit of Panchavati: Outer Halo
"You will not escape." Fenris' words repeated once more as an emotionless decree, or a promise. The draconian was unphased by One's transformation, only the divine can witness true divinity unharmed, and One's true form was but one of many Fenris had encountered in his past battles. The gate to the Panopticon, its golden radiance, was immediately marred by a new web of chains between the portal and the falling gods which manifested from empty space, their hooks tearing into reality itself at the metal net's center. The chains began to retract into their invisible wells and ripping a hole through space and time which grew wider as they receded. It was madness, impossibility made manifest, a horrible force that ate at the mind of those who gazed into its great endlessness. Colors and shapes bled from the wound which could not be described, a terrible unlight and thrumming hum burned through space as Ancerious itself seemed to be crying out in pain.
The physical realm was now exposed to the Great Void through this rapidly expanding tear, this infinite emptiness between universes, the space between spaces, like the starving maw of some great beast waiting for the falling gods and debris to be consumed. As if by the power of a singularity, the magnificent light of the Panopticon's portal was being drawn into the void, its energies consumed by an endless hunger. All things were at risk the longer this tear remained open, but Fenris was not reacting to this new and terrible danger he had eagerly subjected them all to. Where the Panopticon was One's heaven, Fenris would show him his hell.
Sorteagan — 24/11/2023 05:23
Pancahavati: AOTP Stronghold
Mammon suddenly dug his claws into the Herald's shoulder as he sensed the sudden change of the state of reality. This was not right, Fenris should never of gone to such steps. The fox stood up on his perch and frantically looked around. Rocks and debris was beginning to rise into the air as gravity weakened, the wind was starting to pick up as it reacted to the battle in the upper atmosphere. This was too soon, too much. Mammon knew now what had to be done, even if the others would not like it.
"We need to stop!" He yelled aloud to everyone as his tails raised in alarm, his urgency made all too clear to his companions. He needed to pull Fenris back to his senses, he needed the gods to retreat.
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 24/11/2023 16:50
"The rest of you do what you wish-"
Vulkan's voice echoed from behind them, above them and to their left. These directions heralded the emergence of more Vulkans, 2 bodies in the classical humanoid shape, and the third above them hanging from a vent in the form of an oversized snake. No features sat on the faces of any of these forms.
"-I think I'd like to stay a little longer."
While the two humanoids remained still, the serpent burst forth from the vent, landing behind the party with a strong thud. Its head raised, sitting at a rather imposing height behind them. It seems the emperor had been busy.
"It would be wise to follow Amerandus though: we have what we came for, no point getting hurt for a trite few scraps. Just don't bother worrying about me, I only want to talk a bit more, if our host here will allow me."
The only place the voice didn't come from was the form underneath the bridge, primed and waiting like a living landmine. It didn't really speak well for Vulkan's passive gesture, but there was a likelihood it was more so a contingency to protect the fellows he'd travelled up to this point with. Whatever the case, he seemed adamant on not needing to use it, at least immediately.
The faceless serpent sifted to nod toward Alesso.
"I know you're asking us to leave, but I still have some burning questions. It would be pleasant to have answers, whether they're from your own word or otherwise. You seem like the only one mentally capable of answering them anyway."
Para (Khanate | UDS) — 24/11/2023 19:00
For a moment, Eleison felt that he was going to die. It was a strange feeling- one he hadn’t experienced in centuries up until his confrontation with that psychic archminister. Back then, he felt outraged and furious. Now all he felt was emptiness.
And the slightest bit of fear.
When he was grabbed at the throat, he thrashed and tried to incinerate the hand grasping him with a beam of pure mana. Yet the hand only grew larger, engulfing him, crushing him. There would only be seconds to act before he would undoubtedly be slain.
Those seconds were long enough for the fear to sink in.
His mind raced with plans to escape- teleportation was out of the question, not without knowing what exactly was going on outside. He debated throwing another meteor but there was a chance this may not work at all. So what would? He needed to break free of this prison of flesh.
The answer was revealed to him as he pondered the wheel. Transmutation was one of the keys to Khanate magic and was about changing the nature of one’s aura into something else. It was how fireballs and ice spikes could be made. A stray thought wondered into his mind- what if… what if he tried transmutation on a scale unheard of in Khanate history? Not just fire or water. Something far more advanced and… modern.
He had seen this used by nations across the galaxy as both a tool of war and a source of energy. But one thing was always clear- it was deadly beyond all measure.
The spell would be hard to pull off as it has two layers. He would need to protect himself with a barrier of aura while also emitting a portion of his own outside said barrier while he attempted to unravel the science behind a topic he barely knew about. Without a doubt, no ordinary sorcerer would be able to think of pulling this off- the aura required was insane.
But he was the Khan- the Chosen Warrior. He had the auric power and knowledge of six bloodlines carved into his soul. He had lived for centuries and his mind was developed for more than any mortal. If one person ever wanted to cast this spell, it was him.
First, he focused on the barrier, imagining it enveloping his body like a second skin and strengthening the barrier would his aura, already supercharged by the Obelus rift that had opened earlier. Second, he emitted nearly half of his reserve outside of the barrier. Then, he focused everything on the complex scientific theory behind this spell. Magic did provide some ways to bypass science but even it was limited by the caster’s own knowledge.
The emitted aura concentrated on a sigle point right next to him, gloring brighter and brighter. He felt the intensity of the sheer energy behind it as it was slowly transmuted into a new state of being that would either damn or save him.
In a flash of blinding light, half of Eleison’s prodigious aura reserves were transformed into a single gram of antimatter.
It was almost trivial to push it into One’s flesh.
him/zetyans — 29/11/2023 07:05
The white-wreathed Zetyan seemed dispassionate with his surroundings, but in truth his instincts were screaming at him to leave. The Saint was cruel, but he was no fool - he knew when he had to fold his cards. The diversion had gone on long enough, and if the mere footstep Alesso had taken was no indicator, than the sky itself falling from above was. Soon the base would likely be nothing but slag coating the moon like an ocean, obliterated by the golden comet crashing towards the base itself.
The flies that had once been swarming under the bridge congealed next to him, the zombified runt staggering out of it like a feral dog while making wet gagging noises, a noise that sounded like a constant death rattle. Inside his head, the thing screamed, cried, frothed - not a single murder since they had arrived, not even the hint of violence, and the restraint was killing the thing in all manners but literal. And it was at this sight and sound that curiosity joined concern in the Saint's mental complex. Opportunity presented himself in the form of a demonstration; what would happen when David faced Goliath?
They didn't speak words to each other, but in their minds they formed some small agreement. The Gritch could resurrect itself from his body after Alesso was done, the Saint would live, and beyond all this their carnival within the Clanholds would continue unabated, independent of the Army's inscrutable grand plan. Perhaps he would have to wait to recharge his stamina for long while, and he would take no passengers, but boredom and lack of companionship was vastly preferable to the notion of obliteration. As energy began to build in his body, his thoughts presumed that he had done well to memorize the location of the Zetyan capital to heart.
"My leave will be taken. For your courtesy, I thank you." He bowed at the minister, yellow electricity beginning to dance across his form with growing intensity, before looking upwards.
"But please, if you would be so kind? Give my friend here a good show."
A great flash of light and sound, and the Saint had vanished. In his place, the woefully outmatched Gritch, who stood seemingly uncaring of his abandonment. A rusted autopistol was pulled from it's holster and cocked, as the Gritch's sickly vocalizations began to reach a feverish pitch.
Aiman — 05/12/2023 14:34
Panchavati
Ayzen was racing through the desert as fast as he could, he was even pushing his very own augmented legs to its absolute limits. No point turning back to see if Haykel was hot on his heels; if he succeeded, that's all that mattered, and if he did not, then Haykel would have gotten him long ago.
He then saw the comets streaking down the sky. His radio began to pick up a signal. At first it was faint, barely even above a whisper, then it started to get stronger - static warble, the high pitch whine, before a voice finally came through.
"Ridhuan to Autarch Ayzen, Ridhuan to Autarch Ayzen, do you copy?"
"Ayzen to Ridhuan, I copy. Send."
"Sir, we need to leave. The Army's generals are here. I sense their overwhelming presence. A dropship is enroute to your location, just keep running in the same direction."
After a while eventually Ayzen could see a red dot in the distance, as it got closer it revealed itself to be in the shape of the familiar RANGSI dropship, only in red hardlight rather than actual metal - a ghost of a vehicle much like the ghosts of soldiers Champion Ridhuan commanded.
The dropship lowered, opening its doors. A squad of those ghostly soldiers covered his approach with rifles and machine guns on overwatch, while one extended his hand for Ayzen to reach, grabbing him and pulling him onboard.
As the dropship hovered away and gained altitude, Ayzen gave one last look to the desert before him, trying to reassure himself that Haykel, or anything else, did not follow him. His breathing was strained and ragged, it was been long while since he was this exhausted, both physically and mentally. While he was fortunate in this encounter to have not actually fought Haykel, Ayzen came to a stark realization that he had become complacent in his immortality and metahumanity. Finally, after 203 years since he first gained his powers at the bottom of the Java Sea, Ayzen remembered what it was like to be a mere mortal human again.
Brank — 07/12/2023 03:52
Orbit of Panchavati: Outer Halo
He was almost there.
The burning blood-red bulb of fire continued it's crashing course towards One, steadily gaining. In a sudden jolt, it veered off to the side and shuddered, avoiding the meridian tear, and throwing him off-course by a slight margin. A second too late, and he'dve been dead. They were gaining quickly on the ground below, and Ezekiel was close enough to engage One-- just as Ridhuan sped away in a holographic vessel.
"Fucking coward!" he called out, barely able to hear himself over the roaring of the atmosphere splitting around him. A so-called god running away from the simple challenge of a fight; it was almost pitiful. At least the dog-man and the 'Khan' weren't running. Not like it'd do the latter any good.
Ezekiel shifted his hands to the side, his fleshless hands only still functioning from the manipulation of blood-orange strings replacing muscle and tendons. The ball of plasma and fire turned itself towards One, and aimed to hit the psionic monster directly at the center of his mass. Shakily, as he made his approach, the strings pulled Ezekiel's hands forwards and stopped the flow of plasma, letting what was left keep him moving, while he prepared to fire forwards on-contact.
If the impact didn't kill him.
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 24/12/2023 11:39
Orbit of Panchavati: Outer Halo
The yawning maw of the void portal seemed to hunger as it attempted to combat the forces of the Panopticon. The powers unleashed were dangerous, but once again One was not fazed.
He was an empowered of the Army, with a direct link to the Panopticon and a planet worth of Aurastone below him. The void may be all consuming, but this wasnt the void. This was Ancerious, and this realm belonged to the Panopticon. One seemed to twist, Eleison still in his remaining grip and outstretched his palm towards the portal, space seemed to pulse, a massive wave of power almost being directed from both the planet below and the Golden light that illuminated the orbit. Space closed in a snap, a thunder of energy that rocked even those now entering the atmopshere, the Meridian tear closing as well.
But as he closed the rift Eleison made his move, the Khan introducing the antimatter into Ones very body. There was a blinding light as the Khan was blown away from the creature. A brief blinding light appearing in the heavens as the detonation occured. When the light faded, an entire segment of Ones body was gone, blown away. The Khan was free, but even as the shockwave had taken him away from the enemies grasp, his death was already upon him.
A spear of pure Solarite was already meters from Eleison, thrown by One even as he was engulfed and aimed to peirce him straight through the heart. He had a split moment to act, but the blast had inflicted its fair share of injuries on him too...
He had one chance, Ezekiel, was just meters away and already travelling at speed. It would be a momentary heroic, to save the life of another.
But it would certainly result in death, would he take it?
Pancahavati: AOTP Stronghold: Outer Halo
Another bright light seemed to engulf the heavens and turn night to day just as a huge psionic pulse seemed to race around the planet.
Alesso quivered in response for a moment, like he was enjoying the feeling.
"I believe you indeed need to stop. Do not bother with your otherworldly powers here, they wont save you"
His body language shifted slightly as Vulkans other form became visible, anticipating an attack the air seemed to him around the group like space itself was reverberating power.
"One question. Your compatriots are leaving, I suggest you do the same" Alesso took two steps towards the group. A sudden blazing of automatic fire from the poor soul Grinch riddling Alesso with bullets. Each one had found its mark, punching ragged bloody holes into the older man. Bleeding now horribly Alesso did not flinch or care, merely making a gesture with his left gloved hand as Grinch simply turned to dust.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 14/01/2024 12:00
There was a pause from the Herald as the Herald watched the spot where the Gritch had just disintegrated, frowning for a moment though seeming otherwise unsurprised and uncaring. There was little he could learn from the Gritch's death so it was ultimately useless to him.
"I see.", he noted in a monotone voice, shook his head and then raised his spear once more.
"Now then, it occurs to me the time of our departure has come, I bid all of you farewell, my condolences to all who will not make it.", on a final note he half-turned his head to Mammon, still residing on his shoulder though the fox was now visibly panicked after all that had just transpired.
"Perhaps you should choose your muscle more carefully next time. Your siblings and family are not the only ones residing out there.", though it was unclear if he was referring to Mammon looking for help outside his family tree or if he was warning him of the contents of the great beyond.
With those final words, the spear came done, the characteristic clang of its back end by now an all too familiar tone, there were no lights, no sound nor gateways, instead, all those explicitly willing to depart suddenly seemed to just pop out of existence, leaving behind those who chose to fight or remained to ask questions, forfeiting their life for answers.
Those who disappeared, at the very next moment found themselves in another familiar place, back where they started, on Wisdom's End, the gentle glow of the Golden expanse contending with the burnt out star of the system through the thin atmosphere, amongst ruins and shards of pottery.
There was but one curiosity, Amerandus was seen on neither end on this transport.
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 14/01/2024 13:50
Without hesitation, the emperor stood firm along with his 3 other bodies. Every second spent standing here, waiting for the inevitable fate of the city was another second Vulkan could use to sink his talons further into the machinations of this factory to gain a deeper understanding of how this peculiar new science was manipulated. It was more vital to him to gather this information than consider the outlandish (at least to him) possibility that this man could traceback the quantum encryption between this body and his main mass.
With apathy, the foremost form's eyes darted toward the runt as it made its futile attack. Vulkan was moreso surprised that it managed to get as many shots off as it did, but he understood this merely a demonstration that old gentleman was a slight bit more endurant than he looked. Once the being was dust, that raised concerns slightly; it would be a shame if his own surveillance was cut off so abruptly but at least he'd now know why. Despite this, he remained unmoved and unbothered, keeping his head forward. Still though he made response to the Herald.
"Very well, it was pleasant meeting you, and I hope we work together again some day."
As the rest of the party vanished, so did one of the emperor's bodies, the rest remaining. As this part of himself willed to go with the others for practical debriefing, it did not speak, unlike the 3 left behind with Alesso, who seemed rather talkative indeed.
"You offer one question, that is fair, but I will not leave so easily."
They spoke in unison once more.
"Though I do not expect I'll be here too long, one can learn plenty from how another commits to destruction."
As if merely standing in the Preacher's office, both humanoid forms barely moved, only sightly shifting their stance. These bodies, they were mere crash test dummies, but It was unclear whether it was hubris or fascination driving the emperor.
"But besides that, since I only get one query, I shall make it a good one...I must know, does it ever hurt? Not the bullet holes, of course - rather your duty, doing what you perceive is right even if it means trampling upon the souls of others."
The snake's head coiled back, but it didn't feel like it was purely for a strike.
Brank — 14/01/2024 21:19
Instinctively, Ezekiel shifted to strike at one as he was distracted, but something flashed through his mind.
Clarity.
For the first time in well over ten years, Ezekiel had a moment of total, utter clarity. Desires for power, revenge, hate, war, all flushed away in the face of utter death as his skin burned around him. Where once stood a man lusting for the glory of slaughtering the panopticon's greatest warrior, now existed that old boy from long ago; before ancerious; before he had been crowned Imperator. Truthfully, deep down, he just wanted someone to remember him.
"I have nothing left to give to my people," he whispered raspily to himself. The jets firing from his hands shifted, setting him on a fatal course. Fiery jets of red threw him in-front of Eleison, the Khan. A Golden spear of solarite pierced Ezekiel, and a burst of pure plasma jettisoned itself towards One's body, striking out with strings of burnt-orange, tainted solarite in a last bid to make his death meaningful. He couldn't speak anymore.
Nothing to give, but myself.
Crimson fire poured through his very being, the boy-Imperator's soul tearing itself to pieces as his life faded. The psionic-plasma assault directed towards One died down, and the fires flickered out. Ezekiel let out one final breath, and his fire-blackened flesh fluttered away into dusty flakes, his bleached skeleton revealing itself in the atmospheric drag. Bones broke apart under the pressure, searing into ash as a cloud of nanites that had once kept him alive were washed into nothingness by the flames of re-entry, no longer able to do their job.
All in the span of a few minutes, Ezekiel was unmade. In a show of irony to those decades spent accruing control, he was whisked away so thorougly, that the only thing to ever remain of him would be His soul, buried alive in the sands of time.
Gose {CES, CHET} — 16/01/2024 08:17
Simplicity yet, perseveres - perhaps a lesson learnt from the inheritors of the planet, whose old inhabitants had been woven into that forsaken being. Ragged and torn at every level, it glew like an ethereal and miniscule star gathering distance away from its objective.
It did not grasp the cosmical mechanism that surrounded it, the revelation from Alesso did not fall upon its ears - and even if it did, it would find no more space upon it than any other information, subsumed into that endless and tormented void built out of so much regret.
Perhaps, in some other time and some other outcome, this very same being could have undone those that wove it together - revenge personified, sin given form in the shape of a righteous arrow, to pierce the heart of a beast that stole so much from a people whose only crime was having too much faith.
Yet this was not to be so. For simplicity perseveres, and in that cracked vessel the only notion left was to move forward and accomplish its given function.
Like the weapon that it was, it shot forward. It wrapped itself within that blanketed dilation, pumping more mana into its surroundings, spewing the effervescent reject at the back like a powerful engine - a bullet that gathered more of itself as it inched forward. Like the simple weapon that it was, it did not know that its death meant the end of the old ways and the start of the new ones.
And the old ways, like always, die in bloodshed.
A luminous object gleamed above the planetary surface as Amerandus transported the other god-like beings away. A gleaming white meteor, streaking behind it a trail of heavy saturation, dragging space with it like a claw, rendering it at its tip and leaving it ragged behind. It sought only, and simply, death.
Para (Khanate | UDS) — 16/01/2024 17:41
He was barely conscious as he floated in the void of space. Conjuring antimatter using his aura took more than just physical and spiritual effort, but mental one too. In order to enact this feat he had to consider theoretical subjects beyond his understanding and even then all he was able to do was a single gram. Yet such was the power of antimatter that it was enough to replicate the energy given off from an atomic bomb. Setting this off saved his life yet his remaining auric reserves was spent keeping him alive. After all, he was still right next to the explosion.
Eleison floated through the void of space, practically half-dead. His legs had been annihilated alongside a large portion of his lower stomach and chest. Combined with the other damage he sustained fighting One it wasn’t that far off to think he was just another dismembered corpse.
So, still bedazzled by this magical feat and blinded by the pain he was only able to barely notice the events around him. As he felt the familiar magic of the Herald take ahold of him to whisk him away elsewhere he was still cognizant enough to see someone in front of him. He vaguely makes out the crimson flames in wreathed around this figure as it slowly grew smaller the further it went away from him.
Eleison didn’t know who this was. But deep down he knew that this person was already dead as the echoes of a final regretful thought resonates in his hyperactive soul.
He hoped they found peace in the end.
Then, the Khan vanished out of existence, teleported away by the whims of the Herald- his unknown debtor.
Sorteagan — 18/01/2024 23:29
It was in the very moment before Amerandus recalled them that Mammon yanked Fenris' chain, the draconian vanished from their orbital fight against his will. Had he not been bound Fenris would have stayed until he got what he wanted, Ancerious be damned. Fenris glared at the others, looking for one to loose his fury on before a silver bolt dashed his head, then another, and another, almost knocking him off his feet. It was Mammon, still in the form of a fox at Fenris' feet but striking the angry god at impossible and lethal speeds and power he had never show the group before, so fast he didnt seem to move from his place at all. Each strike hit harder, faster, before Fenris ever had time to react, to force him to his senses and to punish him.
"You went too far!" Mammon scolded as another strike collided with Fenris' head, disorienting him. "We had a deal! I wanted that soul!" Mammon struck Fenris once more before settling down and starting to groom himself. "You were not supposed to risk the galaxy! You almost freed him."
"I didnt though." Fenris responded with a growl, immediately recovering from Mammon's strikes. "He deserved the void! It is my purpose to give it to him!"
"Then we would BOTH get nothing from this! your satisfaction does not retrieve your brother!" Mammon scolded once more, but Fenris was unbothered by it, only glaring at the fox with an icy stare.
"We both know you do not have the power to bring him back. you cannot lie to me." Fenris scolded in turn, causing Mammon to look unnerved before glancing to the others.
" we will discuss this later....we need a new plan." Mammon finally said, with Fenris silently agreeing.
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 19/01/2024 09:25
Panchavati: Outer Halo
The flicker of air was all that was left behind as the Herald removed those who wished to leave.
Eleison in his half dead form, the many bodies of Vulkan bar three, the Saint, Sapphire who had stayed quiet intent to learn whatever she could from the Preacher as well as Mammon and Fenris. The Autarch and Ridhuan would be teleported as well, for even as they escaped in a formed vessel from the planet their distance from the galaxy would strand them.
Only some stayed behind.
Ezekiels body, or what remained of it floated in orbit, burning and disappearing in the fires of re-entry. His sacrifice had allowed the Khan to live in a moment of selflessness, one that would be unknown to much of the wider galaxy, he had fought well and even grasped the Panopticon. Alas it had been a poisoned power.
Of course the weapon was also kept behind, sacrificing itself too in a desperate attempt to fulfil its very purpose of creation. The gleaming white arrow streaked towards the planet, intend on causing massive destruction, One was readying for this final fight but it was Alesso who intervened. Once more moving his hand the swollen golden form of One ceased re-entry, the fires that surrounded him subsiding as he was launched back into orbit, One quite confused tried to distort spacetime, to change his movement but it was for naught. He was being played by Alesso like a puppet master, something the two had done many times before without Ones knowledge. The psion roared in anger as he was placed in front of the magical bolt, the impact annihilating his body utterly in a bright flash of many spectra. Mana spewed outwards from the mutual destruction, the last sacrifice ending Ones distended form utterly and ensuring that a new version of him would have to be used.
That just left Vulkan.
"You are a curious chatty one aren't you?"
Alesso began to walk forward, not particularly fast but at an average pace.
"Hurt?" Alesso asked as a query, as he walked he removed his leather gloves from each hand casually "My child, doing the lords work to bring about the new dawn of the Panopticon and ensure that his children live forever in paradise?" He came to a stop just a few steps from Vulkans forms "Will never hurt."
Outstretching his hand a deep and horrendous cold reached out, sliding into the bodies and even passing into the segments of Vulkan that had delved into machinery and crust. The cold was not temperature based, it was primordial like the yawning end of entropy. Vulkan would live of course, but these bodies left behind would suffer an agonizing restraining death.
---
"This is worse than we ever realised. I know I was quiet, but I knew that to fight or goad was to die" Sapphire merely said aloud as Fenris and Mammon had their disagreement.
"Wait... Where did the Herald go?"
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 19/01/2024 19:16
As the psionic presence of Alesso drew closer, Vulkan began to feel the subtle push generated against a branch of his consciousness; threatening to drown out everything else in the vicinity, likely including the sanity of a lesser mind. It was impressive - he had to admit to himself - that what was likely once a simple, mortal human could possess such abstract power whilst retaining such a mundane surface form. If anything though, this experience only heightened part of his hopes; his obsession with the potential for humankind, as if a phenomenon such as this could exist so brazenly it simply proved what he already knew: there was yet far further to go.
If he were fond of conveying his emotions, the emperor might have smiled. Yet that expression would only have lasted a few moments as the Preacher relayed his answer. The only sign that it had soured his mood was a slight change in posture and the solemn way in which both humanoid bodies clasped their hands behind their backs.
This cold was new as well, the very energy in each form seeping away like lifeforce. It was much less interesting however, it stung much like a papercut to a being the size of Vulkan, but the very problem was that it stung in the first place. He had remained ambivelent and unharmed for far too long perhaps it was time for a good wake-up call.
Understanding that this method wouldn't make any sort of spar an interesting or fair test, he simply remained still, all three forms on the bridge staring at him silently as their glows slowly dimmed.
"Oh...Dissapointing...All that reputation and yet, just another puppet. No more agency than that...thing marring the sky."
Gradually, the glow between his joints had dimmed to nothing, the smooth obsidian of his skin cracked between thin lines and within short order, all that remained was a faint voice.
"I do thank you for answering my question however....you've taught me more...than you.....know."
Then, only monuments remained.
---
The section of Vulkan which had departed remained quiet for a moment, registering the two beings' violent dispute - whatever it was about - and turned toward the old desert.
"I shalln't disagree, it's sure they seek to execute the galaxy. Something must be done, but I don't believe myself informed enough to make a good accord on that. I did, however make plenty of notes on what I saw...
As for the Herald, who knows, he seems like a busy man."
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — Today at 10:35
Silence filled the space on either side, one where the other half of the morbidly curious Vulcan took its last breath, the other where it became with every moment increasingly apparent the Herald would not show up. Had he stayed behind? Had there been an incident? Did he abandon them altogether?
A lot of questions had been answered on this day, many of which they did not even know they had. A second Kerali Battery, scourge from times so far past even the entities and gods had not been present at the time. Though many other remained unanswered. Where would they go next? What were the Panopticons plans with this weapon? What had the planet been?
More than that.
They had taken losses, two of their own, however loose their connection was, had died, several had been wounded severely, some may have obligations in their very own domains very soon and with every loss and every meeting with the Army of the Panopticon the task of taking it down looked ever more insurmountable.
Their search for knowledge had led them into the abyss, the question which remained was where they would go from here bereft of their guide?
...
In the meanwhile in a place far off, the familiar sound of the backend of a polearm on solid ground broke the distant silence.
They had done it.
They had acquired the location, though the base had still stood, and they had been scattered the memory and the database information had been enough. They now knew where the Panopticon had been operating, at least possibly.
But if that base had been too much to handle, how could they possibly face their true territory and leave unscathed?
They needed reinforcements, they needed more firepower.
The call came loud and clear this time, all those with great power to assemble on a very specific world bathed in a red sun. It was a barren orb, of red plains and sand. But there at the assembly point was a small grave, a monument to one who had died in fighting the Panopticon and the first to assemble the gods who had sought to fight against the threat.
The grave of Faleka.
In the silence of the dead world, the gods are called to assembly, those with the power to fight back. It was time to find the home of the Army, and find out what they were truly up to.
While the Herald was the first to arrive to summon all those who would come after, the second arrival was more surprising. Stepping through a small wormhole Sapphire, Princess of the Union of Worlds walked to the grave and nodded her head towards the Herald.
“I am Sapphire, I have heeded your summons. The Army must be stopped and I will lend all my power to do so”
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 24/04/2023 18:24
The man whose presence she was met with and who everyone else would meet soon enough, was rather strange.
Clad in white robes with stylised eyes almost like runes and a bladed spear in hand, he looked curious, but compared to what one would've expected almost mundane.
Yet, it was not so much what he was but rather what he wasn't. There was a complete lack of presence in the area, he looked trustworthy, friendly even, if a bit contemplative, as if, despite all the circumstances he was just another human.
Though his very presence here proved he wasn't. It felt like it was nothing out of the ordinary and that very fact felt wrong.
He bowed in a greeting, with experienced formality and then observed her approach for several moments. Behind him the tree which marked Falekas gravesite. Sand and ash, shards of long forgotten pottery, weakly crunching under the approaching Princess' steps.
"Sapphire? Sapphire."
He pondered, then continued, his voice as if telling a tale.
"Hm. Union of Worlds, daughter of an Emperor. Quite an illustrious guest we have attracted today. We are grateful for your arrival."
He paused for a moment then looked at the stars, all too visable in the thin atmosphere, then nodded thoughtfully.
"Many more will arrive today."
'Hopefully some who do not charge headlong into disaster.' He added to himself.
"My apologies but we shall postpone our introduction until everyone is here."
...
"There are many things to discuss and little time."
Canis (Nucleans/Isoterrans) — 25/04/2023 02:31
The past few days had been interesting, to say the least, for Cinder. First, teleporting herself and Ridhuan away from the Army of the Panopticon’s base, back to Arx. Then, within the high towers of the sector palace, combining the information she had taken from the electronic parts of the Army’s computer system, with what the monk-commissar had read in the mind of the man integrated into the center of it.
All too soon, Ridhuan had left, leaving her alone, staring out the windows of her suite onto the heart of the mega-city from which the Ancerious sector was governed. It was always a touch unnerving, being inside an Isoterran city, if one wasn’t used to it. Despite the seeming chaos of vehicles and drones, it still managed to feel somewhat lonely – a side effect of the relatively tiny Isoterran population. But to Cinder, it was perfect. She had always preferred the company of machines, to the cacophony of living beings. To be sure, it was nice to have living things at her disposal, who needed direction and looked to her for guidance, but there was something peaceful about being surrounded by artificial intelligence – it was like one could have all the personal space one wanted, while having someone immediately there the moment you needed something...or wanted it.
And wanted things she had – most pressing of which was a hot bath, while her assistant Promus (remotely accessing the palace from Midnight Keep on Isoterra), compiled and read to her as much information as it could gather related to the area they had discovered. Which unfortunately, wasn’t much. Sitting within the hot water, her muscles soothed by a mix of water jets and spells, filled the void of knowledge by reflecting on all that had transpired so far. The Army had been powerful, more so than what Menmuer had encountered, although they had interestingly not encountered the silence field again. But they did seem to have far more esoteric things at their disposal, trading the novelty of #IMAGO or the relative normalcy of the base at Fidun for endless waves of brute horror. She almost felt sad, like she had missed the most fun part, and instead had to deal with the necessary worst. But such was the nature of this sort of hunting, which meant that she would have to be prepared. This meant tweaking her armor, while developing new spells to use, all the while debating her next course of action. The idea of going alone was likely out of the question – she would at least need the help of some of her friends...but then again, they were busy outside the galaxy again. So perhaps she would have to try some of the more competent among the entities she had met on this latest adventure. Ridhuan had seemed agreeable at least, perhaps she would have to track him down...
She didn’t have to debate long however, as she suddenly felt the call again. She sighed, it was time to finish preparing and go – hopefully on a journey filled with less blunders and more action. A snap of her fingers caused a shower of white sparks, while the loose comfort of her work clothes were replaced by the familiar snugness of her undersuit, their places switched from the closet to her body in the blink of an eye. With another exhale, she sent the neural command, causing her to be surrounded by orange light, quickly fading to reveal her armor, now encasing her. “Alright, let’s go…” she said, to no one in particular, before activating her suit’s FTL module.
Several meters from Saffire and the Herald, a glowing purple line appeared in the air, abruptly pushing out into Cinder’s two meter tall outline. Stepping forward, she approached the others. “Ahhh, it seems we are to work together again…” her growling baritone voice said to Amerandus, inwardly groaning at having to deal with him again, even if it was to be expected. The glowing orange eyes of her helmet then turned to the winged one beside him. “And who might you be? That blue says Union, but I could be wrong...”
Brank — 25/04/2023 08:13
Footsteps softly thumped behind the trio that had already arrived, approaching the grave.
Ezekiel Keroth, Imperator of the Dominion, had been one of those summoned to this endeavour. He had left behind his duties to Meralth and the Senate and hastily made his way to the barren world. This, was far, far more pressing- and exciting. A chance to fight the elusive panopticon- both a once in a lifetime experience and something that could serve to help the galaxy all the same time.
He was clad in the black-and-red armour of a Shadow marine, likely taken from the Dominion's equipment stockpiles and modified to suit him, as it sported a unique gold trim, and a red half-cape along his right shoulder. His hands were empty, but an obvious blade and pistol were sheathed and holstered on his hip, and he had a reserved, neutral look on his face. He approached the three gathered at the grave, and spoke.
"I have arrived as I was summoned. Whom here was it that called me here?" he asked generally, then continued. "..and how many are we supposed to be working with once all have arrived?"
He eyed over the Herald. An average looking person, but to be here there must be something special. Saffire, however, he had heard of before- Princess of the Union, daughter of the Emperor. Her presence merely solidified his belief that this would be an... important event, to say the least. The last person, Cinder, he did not fully recognize at first. "Where are you from?" he questioned absently, and finally stepped into the half-circle around the grave.
"If we're doing 'introductions,' I too shall wait until all are here; I needn't repeat myself."
Gose {CES, CHET} — 25/04/2023 16:19
@drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network]
One expected the fractal god to appear again, his presence upon the last facility was instrumental to the success of the operation, and though riddled with internal issues, his powers were inarguable. Instead, however, nothing came through, but the small fragrance of another presence like a far cry, a mimicry of that passing god's aura.
Rather than being known it made itself known, it was a tugging upon the back of the head, its presence a cloudy perception but even then distinct, it beckoned none other than the herald himself, it showed no intent of harm.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 25/04/2023 17:35
Though not not immediately apparent to everyone, the Herald picked up on the strange attempt at communication, after all, they were still expecting 'guests'. He tilted his head and seemed to frown at the void, there was a moment of contemplation at the familiar presence, then invisibly something reached reached out from the man, clad in will and intent it gently tugged on the strings, to see what would be awaiting them.
Gose {CES, CHET} — 25/04/2023 19:15
There was no real time for true acknowledgement, all that was necessary was the recognition of the presence and the intent to convene, and at the tilting of the head, the world tilted alike until the vision of the herald was brought down to the earth and past it, his cognisant self seamlessly suspended from the vessel which carried it at the instant, brought to far away lands at an impossible blink of the eye.
A quickening was apparent as the world collapsed upon the eye of a needle, senses became muddled as space reeked of intense light, he felt the pressure of great notions oppress the edges of the mind, an intense wanderlust for a knowledge even he did not bear. Another fragmentation, and the mind was gently coaxed into a dream not of its own making: He perceived the visage of an eye pierced by a jagged blade, it called out onto him to accept, overflowing with power equalled by its ire.
Para (Khanate | UDS) — 26/04/2023 10:08
A pulse of crimson light and the acrid scent of ash signified the arrival of Eleison. He stepped into graveyard and looked around at the dead planet they were all on. His gaze fell upon the gods present here, at faces old and new. After the events only a few days prior, he had found himself in the ass end of knowhere. Eventually he decided to simply wander the stars once more until he finally found the purpose he sought. And then once again, he was called to act once more.
The Khan himself had only managed to secure a set of red armour that was hardly enchanted with basic auric defences and a runic blade in this short amount of time. He would have preferred better materials and more time to work, but he had to act quick considering it was an urgent call in the end.
“Well. I’m here again, old man,” Eleison said with a look at the Herald. He had changed a bit after their last encounter with the Panopticon. The words said by the man had struck him and sent him into an almost melancholic state. Yet pride pushed him on to deny the truths and see this until the end. It was all he could do really.
It wasn’t like he was needed anywhere else anyways.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 26/04/2023 12:06
The Heralds eyes moved towards Eleision and Ezekiel as they approached but remained silent, seemingly absent still absorbed in the strange ritual.
It was not the first time he dealt with non-euclideans and more than likely would not be the last. What had occured had been less of an 'arrival' and more of a summoning, though he was not one to turn down potential cooperators if they presented themselves.
There was a wordless confirmation, a proof that he 'was', that his presence was real, they had found who they searched and he accepted their offering of violent potential. Then, he waited.
Gose {CES, CHET} — 26/04/2023 15:15
Confirmation was reaching out, there was jubilation made somewhat tangible within the non-space where concepts had switched place with the fabric of the world. The mind of the Herald grasps the blade, at the same time, the edges of his presence singe. Then, the world snaps him awake, the visage is gone and so are the presences, the tendril he had shot out struck something a few meters away.
A concentrate of what could be most vaguely described as "Etherite", though the composition of it is unknown. It reacts, and quickly unearths itself from the ground, as if it had been waiting here all this time for the gods to arrive. It stands tall, an armless body with its head replaced by a large scythe, the whole body as if made out of jagged crystals.
The Herald, in specific, feels an etherial connection to the beast, it feels as though it only has a wavering mind of what is happening, and a deep ire to consume the world within its powers, whose nature still eludes the Herald.
Far away from the Herald, within the halls of the Egrégora, the mysterious beings' localised godhead-like communication coalesce under the idea that the threat they have sent one of the constructs towards may be of greater heft than they initially assumed.
Aiman — 26/04/2023 18:09
“By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” [Genesis 3:19]
A lone figure stood before a black obelisk. His palm was outstretched, and from his palm black ashes poured out, swirling into the black obelisk in front of him.
Once the last of the ashes had been transferred into the obelisk, the figure lowered his hand, and stood motionlessly for a few seconds. Feeling the gentle breeze against him, the swaying fields of grass, the falling leaves, the magnificent yet melancholic orange glow of the sky as Vladano’s sun set, silhouetting the towering obelisk. For Ridhuan, this was a rare moment of rest, back at home, in the realm of all that was familiar and dear to his heart.
The sound of footsteps clacking on the granite floor of the war memorial echoed behind him. Ridhuan turned around, glanced at the man behind him, and nodded. It was time. As much as he wanted to stay in this serenity forever, a call, from an all-too familiar source, had summoned them forth, and there were greater things at hand. To obtain this peace, Ridhuan must fight the bitter war ahead.
—--
An orange portal appeared on the world where all had been gathered by the Herald’s call. Ridhuan emerged first, nodding in acknowledgement to the Herald, Cinder, and Eleison - the gods and entities that he had just worked with a few days prior in their raid on the AOTP base.
Then the second man stepped out of the portal. Spotting Sapphire, the look on his face softened a bit, and he smiled slightly at the sight of a familiar ally.
“Princess Sapphire,” Ayzen walked towards her, stretching out his hand for a handshake. “It seems like fate has brought us together as soldiers rather than diplomats this time round.”
In contrast to his previous appearances where he wore his characteristic red uniform to diplomatic meetings and the like, now he was dressed more like a soldier, with camouflaged fatigues, a plate carrier vest adorned with several pouches, a helmet with night vision optics hanging off a D-ring clipped to the side of the vest, and a giant rucksack strapped to his back to boot. He was also armed like one - a silenced PDW slung to his side, a pistol in the thigh holster, and a sniper rifle attached magnetically to the side of his rucksack.
NEO (Mineva/Justicars) — 27/04/2023 03:00
At the periphery of the grave site, a lone man presented himself, having silently trekked some distance on foot through the desolate land. The man wore a simple matte armor, its only identifying feature was a rune cut into the pauldron. The design was Minevan lamellar, the black and silver tones paired with a sinister, optics-laden helmet marking a Stalker. The man stood silently, long rifle slung across his back as he surveyed the ensemble of exceptional individuals before him.
The abundance of red dust and barren plains served to remind him of the silt seas of Alpha Ceti V, whose sun also washed over the planet in a low, crimson embrace. Much like this world, Alpha Ceti V was also dead- instead by the design of the forces of the Panopticon. Without an ounce of hesitation, this Stalker had answered the call after his months of investigation had brought him to this step.
He started the 3rd Ancerious War at Aedleshaven, wandering the countryside and decimating CONA's command and control. After the disaster of the Minevan homeworld, he had roamed the galaxy, slaying generals, national leaders, and supernatural abominations. It seemed that wherever he went, this 'Army of the Panopticon' had its claws no matter how slight.
And now, the man known as the Highwayman to some and the proverbial 'Snatcher' to others, stood in the presence of gods.
He watched as the otherworldly entities stepped through portals or exchanged pleasantries with one another. For now, all he offered was a nod to the Herald and a pat on his holster.
"I am with you."
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 27/04/2023 11:07
Now fully present again the Herald observed the construct then the approaching Minevan. He had a somewhat puzzled look on his face. This man, was not only not an entity, he had no powers whatsoever. At least none he was immediately aware of.
"Curious."
Was the only thing he commented. Then he nodded respectfully.
"We respect the effort you have gone through to get here."
It may be true he had no powers but the very fact he had found them and heard the call without any powers to his name was remarkable, he may yet be useful. Perhaps even more so than some others.
He looked at the stars in response to the others question, then looked back at Ezekiel.
"Two more will be arriving."
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 28/04/2023 17:15
Not far from the group, dust shifted and glowed from a light underneath. A pitch black shape emerged and writhed toward the group with mechanical efficiency; practically serpentine in shape, it slithered almost effortlessly over some rock until it was a good number of paces away. Moments later, it's shape shifted, its skin bubbled and melted away and it erupted into a mess of viscous red-hot liquid before moving upward, filling the air like concrete into a mould, a tall silhouette approached on foot a within the next few moments.
Vulkan had received the request for aid on a very high priority channel. It struck him as odd at first, that he would be asked to help; he'd still thought his image to be somewhat unrecognised, even after his talks with Eiasten...It wasn't as if he'd gotten out to pass the words on. Then again, he hardly recognised any of the characters grouped ahead of him. His view on the matter shifted though once he'd noticed the matter was regarding the Panopticon.
A 'threat' (usually followed by 'unknown' several times) was how they were labelled in a thousand different strategies and records, not just to his short term goals, but to his people, and his very existence, were his deductions correct. An opportunity not only to strike directly at the heart of this problem, but also record its capabilities on a first-hand basis could very well alter the passage of future events and prevent some unforeseen catastrophe. After all, if there was so much desperation for individuals with so much ability, it would be hard to say that leaving the issue alone instead would be any good at all.
Besides that though, the Emperor had decided it to be a good use of time to both observe and register the capabilities of this 'bracket' he'd been considered for, and there was always the advantage of obtaining respect. And the best first step is always an introduction.
Plates of stone slid and shifted over one another as Vulkan walked, embers flickering from between them and twisting away into the air. His gait was as mechanically elegant as his previous configuration, not a single step mis-calculated or unconsidered, instinct not a privilege for a being such as himself. A featureless mask gave focus to orange eyes that sat still in their dark sockets, but soon began to show emotion as he came within earshot, making an almost excited impression.
"Make that one I believe."
He had heard the Herald's voice from the distance, and thought the timing amusing. Nonetheless, he'd make a short, polite bow, directed at nobody in particular.
"Emperor Vulkan of the Red Bulwark, Pleased to be of service"
Sorteagan — 28/04/2023 23:22
Two forms manifested behind the gathering from thin air which rippled as the fabric of reality was passed through like a doorway. Of the two entities arriving, only one was immediately recognizable, Mammon, who had chosen to return and continue his mysterious mission. The other being however was not Brutus who had accompanied Mammon previously, but someone or rather something new. A cold air accompanied the newcomer that chilled to the bone, and a tense unease overtook anyone who met his ethereal blue eyes. There was no doubt this was another draconian god, though he was unfamiliar to the others at the gathering.
They both were in their human forms, just as Mammon had been when he first met the other entities. Mammon was unchanged, but where he was dressed like he was going to a party, the newcomer was more prepared for proper brawl dressed in a heavy black leather jacket with metal plating in various patterns on his shoulders which imitated badges of authority but seemed to work more like armored pauldrons, complete with spiked jeans and spurred boots of what appeared to be a patrol officer's uniform. A chain was wrapped around the man's right arm and held tight in his hand like knuckle dusters with long metal quills interlaced among the links. Both the newcomer and Mammon's nature as draconian made them both appear quite young in their human forms, but still almost unnaturally tall compared to any mortal man. Where Mammon had shining white hair, this man had pitch black. the newcomer didnt have Mammon's swagger or inviting presence, everything about this god was intimidating and demanded he be given space. The two gods were complete opposites.
Mammon approached the gathering first and immediately recognized Sapphire from their encounter years before, he greeted her with his usual smirk and turned his attention to Amerandus, as though contemplating whether or not he could ride this mission out on his shoulders again.
"Interesting turnout Amerandus." Mammon glanced over at Faleka's grave with a brief expression of what appeared to be disgust. His companion however carefully approached the grave and placed a hand upon the ground, seemingly paying respect to the late god.
"I couldnt convince the others to come." Mammon admitted to the group as he watched his guest's reverence of the dead. "something about 'not their problem'...same couldnt be said for Fenris here-" A loud canine growl interrupted Mammon's explanation, Fenris glared at him. "-and mine....it's my problem too." Mammon sheepishly added.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 01/05/2023 19:34
The Herald nodded in response to the Draconians arrival, observing Fenris, who he hadn't met yet with mild interest. He seemed to be an individual of few words.
As he looked around and then one last time at the skies above, he nodded once more, this time affirmingly.
"It occurs to us, that all parties are present now."
He paused for a moment, to wait for everyones attention, then continued.
"To introduce ourselves, we are the 'Herald', some call us Amerandus, some already know us, others do not.
The reason why have gathered he today in its basics should already be known to you. You have heard the stories, the reports, some of you have encountered them directly. The 'Army of the Panopticon' a group of highly organised and concerningly powerful psionics, originating from the early days of an Empire by the name Capitol, having re-emerged in recent times to sow chaos. Though their detailed objectives are unknown to us at the current time, it is to be assumed that they are on a way to take control of this galaxy."
He paused and looked over to the grave.
"Make no mistake in underestimating these individuals, they have already struck numerous organisations, crippled efforts against them and even hunted the likes of us. Successfully, as you can see."
He swayed he free hand towards the grave.
"Only one of what we would presume many examples. Faleka, who some of you may have heard of before, Arkol an entity of significant individual power, a Tenshi from the Canton. There has been fighting in the shadows going on for several years now, on various levels of organisation and power, though we have gathered a lot of information over the course of our investigation, even I am not capable of evaluating the full scale of this war which is going on beneath the surface of this galaxys face.
However, as of recent, only a few days prior to this meeting, some of us have been able to make a blow against one of their installations, though the installation is still intact..."
'...at the current time.', he added in his mind.
"...we have been able to acquire information for further investigation and perhaps deal a bigger blow against them in the not too far future."
He paused for a moment looked at the assembled entities with an dispassionate look.
"We do not know, what expects us and we are aware these individuals have ways to deal with the likes of us. So be warned."
He waited for their reactions before he continued, also leaving time for them to introduce themselves and ask qquestions.
him/zetyans — 07/05/2023 21:12
In the far distance, the wind blew softly like fabric. Dust colored crimson levitated from the hilltop, the gravesite far below coalescing with animated power as the entities began to congregate. The evening sun cast orange shadows across the land, and under the heavens it seemed as if the sun had turned as orange as the accursed strings of their anticipated enemies.
The faint sound of thunder and flash of electric yellow reached the gravesite, though the sky was only partly cloudy. Perched on an overlook sat two figures, one clad in white and the other muted and indiscernible. Dust from the salt plains obscured them further, clouds of crimson and orange billowing from their arrival. At their landing point, the ground was scorched as if a small explosion had been manifested, and the two entities now stood at full height. Zetyans, as different from each other as grapes and grapefruits. The first wore a complex white robe and armoire, flexible metals intertwined with silken cloth and all laced with gold as if embroidered. Yet, tarnished was his appearance, as blood subtly caked the dress like mottled skin. The other was far more decrepit, a runt corpse that jittered and moved with a patchwork uniform. A scarf, rotten and moldy, billowed in the wind, while rotten flesh permeated through small openings and tears in the clothing. A rusted and aged gun in the left hand, a scythal hook of rusted iron and scrap replacing the right.
Newcomers, and ones unfamiliar at that.
The Saint of Zentrya watched the congregation from the vantage, while the gibbering Gritch to his side gazed likewise with milky, twitching eyes. A macrobinocular rested in his right hand, which itself pointed at the group so far away. The hissing of flies surrounded both of them, the corpse that walked as though it lived proving an ample supplicant for the pests, and the blood that subtly caked the white robes of the Saint made for yet another attractant. An eternal smirk lay upon the Saint's face, golden eyes and skeleton eking through the flesh and screencaps of his eyes, a golden aura diffusing through his body as he observed.
"O, bro ther min e." it stated after a moment, speaking as if it had never spoken before while looking towards his erstwhile companion as it snapped in turn. "What think st you of th ese peo ples?"
"hhhhnhghGSh. hng. h. sssStupid. STUPID. Asssssclownssshheck. Ackh, ackh-" It came to a coughing fit, breathing and inhaling sick and wetly as it twitched and gurgled. "hngrghkln. haeh. Hah. HAHAH. But. butbutbutbut FUNNNNN. Hnnnn. hhhn."
"F un, say eth ye?" the Saint intoned, cocking his head. "W hat eve r for ?"
"KILLLLL." the corpse practically shouted. "they go kill go fight. kill people. eat blood. kill. want to join. want to KILL. all sixteen. NO. eight. two eyes see doubleeee hehcahchahah HAHAAHAHCLK. hnnnnn."
"A stu te observ ation." It nodded, half-facetiously. "I t ha s b een long si nce I have hu nted any other tha n my own..."
"thenWHATAREWEWAITINGFOOOOOOOOR?!?!?! HAHAHAHAHAHA. HACK. HNNNG I WANnnnt to EAT. KILL. EAT KILL." It shivered sickly while it ranted and raved, coughing up phlegm and blood. "so FUN. kill something other than SIXEYEFUCKSHIT. FUCK. HNnng."
The Saint chuckled at the Gritch's display, a half-sound that was wrong in all ways. "Ah, n ever have yo u ceased t o humor. W ho am I to de n y your small plea sures, o Brother? Let us join th ese fol k in their quest , and mak e merry thro ugh spilli ng o f bloo d."
At once, his other hand raised, snapping his fingers with electric power. In an instant, surrounding them was a yellow halo, and then from the sky came lighting. In the time it would take to blink, they shocked from the mountainside, down to the gravesite.
-
To the others, a seeming lighting bolt would appear in the distance, and two figures began to walk towards the landing site. Unfamiliar souls, that each looked unseemly in nature and action. The two Zetyans approached until within speaking distance, at which the tall, hooded one bid his companion remain behind as he continued to approach, a strange un-grin leveled on his face and his clothes stained with the crimson dust.
There was a fire beginning to stoke in the Saint's soul. Anticipatory and excited in nature; not since even the Huntingsday massacres had he felt even something close to a rush. He had manipulated his nation of origin time and time again, killing and nudging and killing again until the act had become part and parcel, and then the act of perpetuating the act. This was different, unfamiliar, the testing and pushing of boundaries. An extension far beyond his homeland, which he had grown complacent within. Were he able to join this motley party, it would be the opening of new horizons, new grounds for hunting. Enough to make the blood flow like water.
He grinned that strange grin, and bowed.
"I h ail yo u , if I m ay." He spoke, in a strange voice that felt wrong in intonation and sound. As if another voice was in conflict with his own. "I apo logiz e fo r a ny interruption. We know each other no t, but to con gre gate such p ower in one pl ace c an onl y b e a sign of duty im port." He motioned to his companion as he spoke. "Sh oul d y ou ha ve u s, we w ill gladly j oin."
Brank — 07/05/2023 21:29
Ezekiel took heed as the herald spoke, introducing the mission and himself. Amerandus, he called himself, speaking as if he were multiple. Interesting. He told of the panopticon- things that Ezekiel had presumed, and things he had not known. A Tenshi from the canton, a war in the shadows.
"Interesting..." he mused at the words of the Herald. From his pocket he pulled a cigar, putting it to his lips and letting it combust into flame as the embers of his psionics coalesced. He took a drag from the cigar, and turned his attention to Vulkan.
"The Red Bulwark, you say?" he gave a grin that was not genuine, blowing out the smoke. "You were on the other side of the fight in Zlotosgrad, yes? I hope the past... issues our polities have had wont affect our ability to work together here, no?" he questioned the being of stone and ember. "Im sure you hold no grudges."
Finally, he eyed the beings approaching from the dusty expanse, eyeing the rotten carcass that was swept behind the bloodied robes of the golden one. Ezekiel did not speak, but he glared at the beings with a mixture of interest and disgust. Things got more interesting by the second...
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 08/05/2023 11:04
Sapphire nodded.
"I am the daughter of the Union Emperor yes. But if we do not have time like you say, we should begin. Your mental call here was one of urgency, and it seems many of us have assembled" She noted each in turn. Interestingly she noted the presence of the Zetyans carefully, the discussion she had during the Olive Branch event had not been lost on her, she would have to tread carefully. At the sight of Ayzen however, she smiled. He was very much known to her.
"Autarch Ayzen, a pleasure as always I did not expect for both of us to be here, but it makes me much more confident in our ability to complete whatever we intend to" She reached out to shake his hand.
Another arrival also had Sapphire raise her eyebrow. She had seen the logs, the reports, and images.
The Snatcher of Aedleshaven was here.
She did not speak to him but gave a slow nod of respect to him.
Emperor Vulkan she had briefly seen at Olive Branch as well, giving a curt bow to him out of greeting. But before she could speak the Herald began to. Sapphire had no idea who had fallen to be in this grave but it helped show her that things had already been in motion for sometime.
"I take it deducing the fact that this shadow war has already been raging for sometime and that wherever you attacked last is still standing that the Panopticon has more than put up a fight. Given how many of us have assembled, I presume its safe to say this next operation will be extremely dangerous and likely result in death? If so, where, and what, is our objective?"
She spoke curtly and to the point.
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 08/05/2023 11:34
To Vulkan, there was always something humorous about such contrasts. He glanced at the pair of Zetyans with the same enthusiasm and respect he did to anybody else in the group, perhaps out of some deep curiosity or just out of anticipation for what was to come; especially with yet another element of chaos throwing itself into what he assumed would ultimately be an operation without much order to begin with. He'd seen the bolt of light in the distance, and the faint, muffled sound of a crazed voice in the wind, clearly the smaller one, whom he had to try to read the lips of to ascertain their speech. He'd never tried such on a Zetyan before though, so all he really made out was the smaller one's...enthusiasm.
Quickly re-orienting his split attention, however, he made a decision to offer more specific greetings to those he had quickly researched while they were all standing around, soon managing a mirrored gesture of his own toward Sapphire. But before sound could even shake from his body, the Herald spoke. Vulkan listened carefully, immediately plotting deductions and connecting together what he could somewhere within the churning mass back at his home. There were clearly gaps though, such things that may be filled by asking questions.
Before speaking however, he also made note of what the princess had said about death, making it a clear point to himself that compared to many here, the fact that he was a satellite body put him at much less risk than the others, perhaps something they could use as an advantage most likely.
"I concur with the princess, more details would be appreciated, as spoken. But also prominently, for us who were not here for this first operation, as to what this remarked ' acquired information' might be. A feeling tells me that our upcoming task may require the effective use of whatever scraps of knowledge we have available."
His gaze also ran across the assorted group of individuals, discerning what he could from their covers alone.
"Reducing unknowns would be favourable," His eyes flicked toward Ezekiel. "as much the same, i'm already learning quite a lot already...And of course, Zlotosgrad was a mere skirmish, blood was shed on both sides, but to overcome this would prevent it pooling an ocean, so today, we all fight as equals."
Gose {CES, CHET} — 08/05/2023 19:25
Whilst the other beings arrived, the peculiar creature with its head replaced by a gargantuan crystallic scythe simply stood there. Evidently, it could not talk to others, it bore no mouth of its own. It talked then much in the fashion of its creators, through only the intelligible shifting of the presence of auras and the ebb and flow of the energies of the world.
Even then, it did not “talk”. Its presence was demented, with every new arrival was a spike of interest within its being, it swelled to a breaking point only held back by the thin and ethereal construct which bound it to the will of the Herald. This interest translated directly into an insatiable lust for raw destruction, the inner mind of the scythe-headed beast was a storm of rage amiss.
However, to the Herald only, it replied, the connection they bore formed an image within its internal turmoil, every word that the Herald produced laid out a characteristic of its targets, the image of the Panopticon formed, a conceptual image borne out of the mental figure that Amerandus held, the lock-and-key mechanism laid by the Cabal reprogrammed the failed construct, and soon, the almost indiscriminate miasma it emanated focused into a streamlined purposed: It had to eradicate the Panopticon, such was its duty.
Sorteagan — 10/05/2023 18:49
"If our last encounter was any indication they probably know we're coming...and are waiting for us." Mammon replied to Sapphire, waving his hand in irritated irreverence at the memory. "We werent exactly stealthy, yeah? We need to bluff them otherwise we're just giving a live demonstration on the definition of insanity."
Fenris had finished his business with Faleka and loomed over Mammon as though he were making sure the vulpine draconian did not flee, Mammon in kind seemed to retreat into his coat to hide his neck from his 'ally', but Fenris' attention was divided.
Fenris knew what to expect when he joined Mammon on this escapade, but with the new arrivals he found himself distracted. The scent of blood and death briefly turned his eyes black as he calmly held back a frenzy, he could sense the origin of every drop and stain that coated their clothes, every body ravaged and life ended.
Fenris could sense it all, to him they were no different from anyone else there, even the seemingly timid Mammon had a considerable body count. All their sins laid bare for him no matter how well they thought they hid it, but these two newcomers wore it all with pride. As Mammon had experienced in his own first encounter with these gatherings of entities and gods, Fenris was having to fight his draconian instincts and was using his fellow draconian's presence as an anchor for his rational mind. He wanted to spill blood for the blood already spilled.
a frigid breeze circled the group as Fenris quickly regained his focus.
"Is anyone else freezing?" Mammon asked as he wrapped his arms around himself. Mammon knew Fenris was a wild card, he just silently prayed he'd have the restraint to save his rage for their mutual enemies.
Aiman — 11/05/2023 08:31
“...Zetyans…” Ayzen softly muttered as he winced at the coming rotting ordour. Eventually, he switched off his own sense of smell. He may not have had the pleasure of meeting a Zetyan in person prior to this but he certainly had read all the reports.
Meanwhile, Ridhuan was unfazed since he had no head, and therefore had no conventional means of perceiving smell. In response to Vulkan’s inquiry for information, he projected several holographic images and recordings of their previous encounter in the middle of the group for all to see if they wished, all pulled directly from his own memories. Of particular note were the Army’s heavy hitters - the Golems, the Transliminal Shadows, the solarite troopers, the Numbers, and all the other endless psionic abominations that their ghastly experiments had created. At the end, Ridhuan projected what he was able to gather from the man on the throne, that image of a desert.
“We are attacking what is likely to be their main base. This is our opportunity to strike at their very heart and end all this madness once and for all,” Ridhuan finally spoke.
Then at the very end of the recording, the feeling of unseen dread that drove him and Cinder to immediately escape hung in the air. This was none other than Alesso’s presence, and the dread was still there, fresh in its intensity and perfectly preserved for all to experience. To not only know the threat, but to also feel it.
“This is the most powerful psionic entity I have…felt so far, further in magnitudes above even the Numbers. No doubt we will find it there at the main base, along with more of their psionic legions. That is why we require all the reinforcements we could muster. It will be highly dangerous, even for us beings of power, but this is further reason why we must strike them now. We cannot let them grow further in power and threaten....everything.”
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 11/05/2023 09:34
Amerandus nodded thoughtfully in response to Mammon then Ridhuan then pondered on the arrival of the two Zetyans, they had likely already been here, or stumbled on the meeting out of chance, rather than intent, a curious couple. In the meanwhile his new tool lusted for violence, a feeling he could understand, though for this one it was more like a primitive urge so far, he would have to keep an eye out for it.
he frowned at the man, he had seen nothing which indicated that this would be their main base, though Ridhuan was the one who had the detailed information, so it may be he knew better.
"Whilst it is indeed crucial to find out what exactly is transpiring at this base and that it has likely to be taken down, we agree that our approach of the last installation has been... less than optimal. It led to rather undesirable outcomes, even if there had been no null fields at the last installation."
He paused for a moment, but did not look at anyone in particular upon that remark, though the addressed parties likely thought their own part.
"Furthermore, whilst I appreciate your enthusiasm we also doubt taking this base would lead to a downfall of the Army, however, it would deliver them a significant blow and perhaps yield further information on their goals and plans."
There were many cults and organisations of this kind he had met and even after the head of the snake had been cut off, it could take years or decades until the body eventually shrivels up.
"We know that there is a station in orbit and likely another installation planetside, it is far from the core, so to our limited understanding of psionics, the field should be weaker there, which could work in our favour, though we should not depend on it, the Army has surprised us before.
I propose a two pronged approach.
One group which will use more subtle methods, for whoever is capable of that, whilst the other can take a more direct route which should help serve as cover for the other group. The question remains who we send where. I can bring you there, once this is decided."
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 12/05/2023 09:42
The information that Ridhuan gave was grim and made Sapphire focus more. She had read the Union intel reports, but the Army had become far worse than she thought. The Princess couldnt help but wish she had joined this group sooner. The talk of immense powerful entities and null fields worried her.
The fact they were effectively going into the enemies core blind did so even more. She nodded to Mammons comment.
"I take it one team takes the orbital station the other takes the ground? I can function effectively in both teams, but it may come as a surprise that I excel at infiltration and staying hidden, it may be best for me to take the quiet group"
Para (Khanate | UDS) — 12/05/2023 11:01
Throughout this period, Eleison sulked in the corner out of sight from the rest of the entities. The humiliation he experienced only days ago was still fresh and the doubts that had come up during his conversation with Alesso still remained. Anger, hate, and indignation built up within him and unlike before, where he approached the matter with only the intent to fight and kill, he found that he felt the upcoming task to be personal this time. There was a score to settle with the Panopticon.
He mostly kept his thoughts to himself though he couldn’t help but feel scorn towards some of the people here. The Herald, because he was a self-righteous asshole who could not stop judging people. The Highwayman, because what could a mere mortal do to assist an army of gods? And the Zetyan because even he found himself disturbed.
The Emperor called Vulkan however, interested him. He reminded him of the golems back home, albeit animated by magma rather than aura- visibly at least. And despite his grief with the others, he knew better than to cause conflict amidst their number. Not when there were others more worthy of his rage.
As the briefing began, Eleison finally decided to join the group, stepping amidst them and crossing his arms, “I am most suited for direct combat,” He informed the Herald, “If you can remember then you will know putting me on a space station may be unwise. The collateral damage caused may not be suitable for the station’s longevity.
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 12/05/2023 17:28
"2 sites...that does complicate things slightly."
Though his tone was indicative of thought, his body language barely reflected it, if at all. Instead he stood stark still, imitating a statue of obsidian perfectly were it not for the flittering embers and the slight movement of his head toward his conversation.
"Well, I feel there shall certainly be interesting challenges to face within both scenarios, but I'd likely suggest myself to be most useful on the ground. The unforgiving cold of the void does not treat my mechanism of existence with much clemency, thus moving in a vacuum breach would be annoying and time-consuming. Nonetheless I am quite capable at aspects of both stealth and bare combat respectively, though for the former the extent is limited by a natural emission of light, as you may have deduced. Even in more dedicated shapes, joints must be semi-solid after all.
Though it should be considered I can also be in both places at once, if required...though this would reduce my available material within each independent operation significantly. "
He had to pause for moment, as something continued to bug him, but he wanted to create a socially acceptable partition between his two statements.
"On another note, It is clear though that the panopticon is a very strategically adept entity, and it has now been pointed out that they are likely to play their full deck. I'd like to inquire if our own strategy already goes any deeper than 'attack the enemy', or if that is the strategy.
Even the loosest of plans would be appreciated. Perhaps to get a better picture of where I can assist."
Finally he made a gesture, simply raising his palm toward the Herald inquisitively. Part of him was genuinely quite concerned about the answer he might receive in return.
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 12/05/2023 17:33
"Given we have little to no idea what we are walking into and just how prepared or equipped the Army is to fight us, I believe it would be both tactically sound and sensible for us to get in, scout the enemy positions, get hard co-ordinates of potential other operational bases, potential information of ongoing plans or their overarching goal and if able conduct sabotage. However I am more than a proponent that if we are engrossed too much by their power then we withdraw. Even a fraction of intelligence will give us the edge to then assault it later. Anything less would be suicide" Sapphire bluntly replied before the Herald could, quick and eager to state her idea.
She had no wish to die due to little plan of action and while she did not doubt her own power and capabilities the Panopticons own were relatively unknown to her. No use taking chances.
Canis (Nucleans/Isoterrans) — 13/05/2023 21:34
“Indeed, but we probably aren’t going to be able to maintain stealth for long, if at all. The Army will be expecting us, and their detection methods have already proven fairly potent. We’re going to need to move quickly on arrival, and the station team is going to need to be less of a distraction and more of a forcing their hand. Perhaps even by de-orbiting the station onto something important...”
Cinder had been quietly listening, both to get a read on the newcomers, and get valuable information. Truth be told, she did not put much weight on their ability to sneak into another Panopticon base, even if everyone going was perfectly stealthy, the Army had already demonstrated quite the proficiency with detection. Which made the idea of trying to sneak in seem a bit silly. Although to be fair, while the stealthy approach was unlikely to work well, the direct approach was near certain to invite the full attention of the Panopticon forces. So the choice was, paint a target on herself while probably being accompanied by several liabilities with access to entity powers....or try (likely in vain) to sneak around the facility, get more useful info, but likely be stuck with Amerandus. The choice almost wasn’t a choice, really.
him/zetyans — 14/05/2023 08:19
As the Saint observed the gaggle act and react, his grin deepened as he walked forwards to join them in full. His reputation preceded him, such as it was - the horned one studied him as if he was a threat, the furred dragon he could see was just barely holding back. It delighted him, to see them react with viscerality, and even more so that some already knew of what he was. He did not speak, though. He had waltzed in, claimed intent, then roped himself in on a topic that he knew next to nothing about. Better to stay quiet and look stupid, than to speak and prove the notion correct. A lesson well learnt.
His corpse companion grew closer, quiet gibbering and sickly breathing heralding the smell of ichory death. Distance had muddled their features, now visible as it bounded to the side of the Saint. The skin seemed to decay and regenerate subtly at once, pallid rot giving way to sinewy muscle and then back again, and the clothes it wore had grown moldy and soft from the drenching of blood both present and foreign. A rusty scythe arced from the left elbow, and a rusted gun lay in the twitching left. Though a hand on the shoulder made it less obvious, one could hear the sound of wet, strained breathing and gibbering madness, six eyes capless and twitching eyeing everyone like starving hawks.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 14/05/2023 09:46
"We agree with the princess' point. There is unfortunately little to no information on the area we will be approaching outside of that which you have already been shown, it is in fact so far out that we will likely be the first ones to witness it, outside of the Panopticon itself. The main goal is to gather information, it is easier to take down an enemy you understand than blindly striking in the dark."
Amerandus frowned internally at the remark of their 'detection methods', it may be true, but given what happened last time it had hardly been a serious attempt at stealth, evident by the Khans own remark. On the other hand, forcing an action was indeed a reasonable tactic, though there was no telling what they would attract if they forced the Panopticons hand.
Still adressing Vulkan he continued.
"I would argue that focusing on one area for now instead of splitting your body would be preferable. Focusing on your specialties, instead of attempting half measures."
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 16/05/2023 22:23
"Hm, that works. To what extent, I'm yet to be sure; though my predictions aren't fantastic. Either way it is far better than a lack of strategy, so unless anybody has a safer angle of approach this will be our method."
Vulkan looked off to the side for a moment, before taking a few sweeping steps around the group, bringing himself close to the gravesite itself. He looked up at the tree, his hands now clasped respectfully behind his back. He didn't know the person buried here, and had only hints to her involvement, but it was from what he gathered that he knew it wasn't small.
"Of course, we're vulnerable at this stage. I would like to emphasise that we must keep to our strengths, and prevent the sudden leveraging of our weaknesses from under our noses. We need no more graves, less they be the panopticon's."
He looked back toward the group for a moment before turning to face them fully.
"The ground facility will be more dangerous, therefore I volunteer due to my expendable presence and more suitable condition. I should ask what our insertion method will be though."
He looked back toward the Herald, only slightly curious if the princess would interject again.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 19/05/2023 14:33
The Herald raised an eyebrow for a moment as if curious, about what, he did not share. Regardless, whether the princess wished to interject or not, it seemed this time he was faster with his answer, even though he did not speak in a hurry.
"You need not worry. I will deliver us to our destination. Though enough of the present indivuduals are capable of such a travel themselves, we would assume our method is far more subtle than most of the others. Should you be concerned about the departure, there should be enough who can transport you to your home once our tasks are finished."
He paused for a moment, as if in thought. Then added onto his former statement.
"Unless they all perish, in which case being an avatar would certainly be advantageous, would it not? A possibility we should be prepared for, though let us hope such an occassion will not occur, yes?"
There was a brief mysterious smile on the mans face, in strange contrast to his statement, as if amused by the thought about the possibility of their collective passing, though it shortly made space for his usual empty and serious expression again.
Brank — 19/05/2023 16:13
Ezekiel nodded in response to the last thing vulkan had said to him, and listened intently to the conversation quietly, nodding and peering over at each person as they talked and suggested and conversed.
"Stealth is not my strong-suit," he stated bluntly. "So I will go with whichever group is going loud. I agree with the Isoterran, if the loud team hits the station, then we can always drop the station onto the base below, in the event the quiet team perishes or must flee."
Sorteagan — 22/05/2023 04:41
"I know which team I'm on then." Mammon said with a hint of relief to his voice and glanced back to Fenris. "which means you can be on the front lines and pretend to redeem yourself for your little bald friend after that Flux Ascendancy incident." Fenris growled in response at Mammon's jab, it was apparently a sore subject to him and Mammon clearly didnt actually want Fenris' company on the mission in the first place. So why were they there?
In truth Fenris had no intention of "redeeming" anything, what was done was done and he didnt care for the casualties of a past mistake, but he did intend to make sure nothing ever grew to be such a threat ever again and one thing kept his attention more than most: Mammon's motivation. Fenris could smell the guilt the fox god held but could see nothing in his past that caused it.
He knew Mammon well, and he knew this selfish god would never normally attempt something like this without some kind of intent. Draconian had no definitive hierarchy, their natures wouldnt allow it, such a concept would be pointless once the end-times came. They didnt form attachments and they didnt truly follow any rules. Nothing forced Mammon's hand, and so Fenris glared at him with great suspicion.
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 22/05/2023 11:07
"Well seeing as we are declaring I would say make it known what team we are each joining. I will take the stealth team on the planets surface. My powers for such are helpful and if needed I can provide power in a straight up fight" Saffire commented.
She nodded to Mammon who would be alongside her.
"So what of the rest of you?"
Canis (Nucleans/Isoterrans) — 23/05/2023 01:03
"I'll join the ground team" Cinder replied, having decided that a high chance of detection was still better than a garunteed one. Plus it would hopefully keep her away from Elieson and his recklessness.
Aiman — 24/05/2023 10:13
"I will join the quiet team planetside," Ayzen was next to answer. He pointed to the sniper rifle at his back. "My equipment is currently more suited for the subtle approach. I can help provide long-range overwatch."
"Ridhuan will be joining the loud group attacking the station then?" Ayzen turned to Ridhuan, who nodded in response.
him/zetyans — 25/05/2023 08:05
Continuing to voyeur as the rest gave their words, the Saint nodded and spoke once Saffire's gaze went his way. "My stren gths are of a qu ieter natu re. Onl y fitti ng tha t I join t ho se li ke min de d." He paused, as the corpse to his right intently stared back at him, strained breaths and noises indicating some sort of vague displeasure. He leaned down to pat it's shoulder, white glove upon molding, ratty cloth. "M y frien d, mmm... h e may d isag ree. But he is of n o issu e."
"wannakill. WANNAKILL HNNnh. FFFuck. gnghnh lemme KILL-"
"Patie nce, my frie nd," It spoke, half-endearingly yet mixed with sardon. "yo ur tim e wi ll c om e." A faint, almost imperceptible ringing could be heard if one listened very closely, as the silver that made up the Saint's tongue began to infuse with psionic energy. The gibbering mess he called companion, daresay friend, began calming down, though to the others barely anything changed.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 29/05/2023 01:04
The Herald looked into the round of people and nodded once everyone had spoken, there was some notes which made him curious, though now was not the time to ask. Most of the people which arrived had gone the direction he expected, bar the few outliers which he was as of yet uncertain whether he should like or not. They would likely see soon after the arrival, given how quickly things devolved last time.
"Then it is settled.", he noted as if proclaiming the final judgement of the gathering.
He paused for a moment, seeing if everyone was ready, slowly raising his spear once more.
"Now, if you allow me..."
He looked at the stars above, calling into memory the map they had been presented with. It was out, very far out indeed but distance was not of concern. There was no ceremony, no incantations, no lights as the spear tapped the ground again, no mighty manifolds or spatial manipulation, in fact their travel seemed so abrupt yet mundane a normal person may have not even realised they changed position until moments later.
One moment they stood on the planet, the other, the briefest of glances, they were in space above another, a desert planet.
No magical or psionic powers, no portals or anything alike, what the man who called himself Amerandus had done was so strange and yet subtle that only the most sophisticated in reality manipulation actually realised what had happened at all and even then were left with no clue for how.
He had altered the concept of their position in relation to the material universe.
Amidst the void the spear tapped again and each group was sent the last step towards their destination...
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 29/05/2023 11:13
It only took a moment for the groups to be transported.
And yet they had travelled in that one moment further than virtually anyone had ever gone, save perhaps those in Far Reach and at Point Lookout.
There hanging in the void of space briefly the group experienced the chill of the void, getting the mereast glimpse of their destination before the final step. With it made, the two groups were separated. The operation had begun.
Unknown World: Outer Halo
The first thing that hit them was the wind, it howled as it blew across the arid and bare surface of the world they now stood on. Sand and particulates bracketed them at speed, obscuring normal visuals and generally being unpleasant. Lighting was poor, a tiny white dwarf star shone pathetically in the sky, illuminating the world as if only by moonlight and giving an eerie feeling of twilight that permeated everything. There was a sinister feeling here, like at all the other Panopticon bases, but was both stronger and more insidious, like a deep well of anxiety that threatened to consume the mind with unease and doubt.
No sentries or forces contested them on the surface, and for a moment it seemed like they had no landmark, apart from the gorgeous view of the galaxy that dominated the night sky, the glow of the Golden expanse and the disk likely providing more of the eerie twilight than the star itself.
But on the horizon lay a glowing, pulsing spire, it rose into the heavens giving off a golden tinged light.
Directly above it lay what also appeared to be the sight of a huge space station, and lights moving in the sky signified spacecraft of some kind. Did they travel through the Panopticon to get here or did they have their own Far Reach? Still the station was likely the location for the other team. For now the spire appeared to be the target.
Unknown Station: Outer Halo
The first thing that hit them was the psionic dead zone.
It came as a huge surprise, given the Army of the Panopticons entire operation, and yet here, the anti-psionic forces were immensely powerful. It wasn't a silence field thankfully, just anti-psionic. The second thing to hit them was the stench.
It smelt like overcooked rotting flesh.
Having been transported into the bowls of the space station that hung in orbit of the world the group found themselves in a cavernous pulsating room made up of biological matter and living tissues. Where precisely they were, why there was a psionic dead zone or what the purpose of this place was were all unknowns, they needed to find out and quickly.
The huge whine of power capacitors interlaced with a deep primal groaning indicated that something massive in the station was powering up.
Brank — 29/05/2023 12:42
Ghhg was the first noise to sound from the group as Ezekiel grimaced at the encompassing stench. He took short, unintrusive breaths to try and mitigate it, and looked around him.
"No psionics," he stated the obvious, "Almighty bless that I brought my gun," Ezekiel looked down to the holstered pistol and blade at his hip. He peered around the room- disgusted by the pulsating meat and flesh along the walls, and tired by the lack of connection to the Star-shard. His movements were sluggish, and his shallow breaths didn't last long, turning quickly into deep breaths, as if the disconnect from his psionics was weighing on him physically.
Ezekiel sluggishly moved around the room, looking for any sort of door, opening, or other such pathway that may earn them some exit out of the oozing room. "Someone help me look around, this place makes me feel sick," he all but commanded, frustrated as his initial search came up dry.
Para (Khanate | UDS) — 29/05/2023 13:28
Upon teleporting to the station the Khan immediately began to angrily stomp away from the group grumbling under his breath. Eleison was still quite angry at the Herald and the fact that the man was clearly stronger than him was irritating. And the damn smell didn’t help at all. Hearing Ezekiel’s grumble he turned to face the man, “If we can’t find a way out then we make an exit. Listen- do you hear the noise?” He paused as if to emphasise the groaning, “That is where we must go. And I will pave the way forward.”
The cloying stench of raw flesh was briefly overwhelmed by the bitter scent of freshly fallen ash. Ethereal crimson fire licked at the Khan’s body- his aura flared. He raised a hand to the left and pooled the soul energy into his palm. A simple use of Emission was all that he would need to create an exit. In that instant, a beam of auric energy as tall and as wide as the walls they were surrounded by blasted forth to crash against the amalgam of flesh. The purpose was simple- create a hole (or many holes) in the walls to allow them an easy way to exit the room.
He did not mind if the beam went further than expected. This was supposed to be the loud mission, correct?
Gose {CES, CHET} — 29/05/2023 14:06
Whilst the travel was a different measure of noticeable to everyone, it was particularly bothersome for the Herald in relation to the "weapon" he had been gifted. Others flew without a hitch at the conceptual replacement, the bizarre scythe-headed being, however, weighted down like an anchor, one that only transposed itself into the new location through the pervasive mechanism which allowed the Herald to implant his own will into the being, not that the being itself would know any of this either way.
Nevertheless, it arrived, and rather unexpectedly, it did not fly off the hinges instantly. The smell did not seem to bother the being, however, the psychic suppression did. The being shuttered for a moment, and started emanating through its skin what could be seen as faint whispers of black smoke, as if it were being actively burnt by standing within the aura.
Still, this phenomena did not seen of enough a bother to elicit a response. The being sluggishly moved, its aura honed, as it calmly walked in the direction of the activating device. It reached the wall of the room and a golden miasma emanated from it, as if it were sucked into the wall, then through it, it gathered speed.
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 29/05/2023 14:53
Vulkan raised his head as his location changed with an instant of an instant. He comprehended the change fairly quickly and made it a priority to ascertain his surroundings. Apart from the fury of the wind, the view of the galaxy above was the first thing he noticed; allowing him, within the span of a second, to make a few 'small' estimations based on the size and angle of the visage which gave a rough understanding of how far they'd travelled from their origin point.
"Hm, and no gravitational disturbances...impressive."
He'd nod, resisting the urge to analyse with more detail before turning toward the structure in the distance.
"Our destination...It lies far but it seems maybe they weren't expecting any significant force to locate it, considering the lack of fortification. I do not like how its trying to make us afraid, though."
Quite decidedly, he'd kneel down and place a finger into the shifting surface of moving grains, and that finger would quickly form into a dark polished point, a point which would quickly burrow itself through the dune to try and feel for the shallowest solid surface.
"That being said, we're not quite subtle standing out in the middle of a desert, even if they'd struggle to see through the dust. I believe we avoid the risk and attempt to make a subterranean approach, which I am capable of facilitating. Though on the other hand I'm unfamiliar with everybody's abilities, so perhaps there's a more straightforward method we can consider."
He was rather quick to speak first it seemed, while it could be seen as arrogant, in reality he hated wasting time.
Aiman — 30/05/2023 16:27
Unknown World: Outer Halo
Sand.
The first thing that came to Ayzen's mind when they arrived was not Amerandus's strange method of teleportation, but it was the sand that blew in his face, the heat of the desert, and vast unending sea of dunes and fine sand that lay before him, with the galaxy as its backdrop.
The way the sand grinded against his skin, the way it scratched his eyes - it reminded him of Africa some hundreds of years ago when he was a younger soldier. Driven by those same instincts, suppressed by years of statesmanning and paperwork, as soon as the group arrived Ayzen dived for the nearest cover - throwing himself prone just behind the crest of a small dune. He switched to his sniper rifle and deployed its bipods, scanning the surrounding desert through the smart scope.
When Vulkan suggested the idea of tunneling underground, Ayzen began considering it. He turned back to face the group. "A good idea. These open deserts here don’t provide much cover. If what Champion Ridhuan said was true, they wouldn’t need thermals to see us…or rather, sense us in this sandstorm.”
He resumed looking through the sniper scope again. “I will provide cover. The rest of you go. I will be last man.”
Unknown Station: Outer Halo
By this point, the grotesque appearance of the living pulsating walls were of no surprise to Ridhuan after the number of encounters with the Army of the Panopticon.
So too was the all too familiar sense of growing void within his mind - the numbing sensation, the gnawing emptiness that was too discomforting to ignore away through the power of meditation alone. A real and tangible sense of disconnect - something was suppressing psionics, the cornerstone of his being.
Once again Ridhuan was alone as his link with the volkgeist was disrupted. He unsheathed his katana and prepared for the inevitable combat as Eleison blasted through the walls. He stood upright, legs shoulder width apart, one foot in front of the other, his blade pointing to the hole Eleison created with immense focus and anticipation - ready to meet whatever foe that may come out from that hole.
Brank — 30/05/2023 16:39
Ezekiel nodded and let out a noise of approval as he stepped back, Eleison quickly going to work on the wall in the direction of the noise. He smiled slightly, and unsheathed his blade and revolver, flicking the latter open to assure it was fully open, and letting the former crackle to life with burning red plasma.
"I like your methods," he simply said to Eleison, standing back and allowing the Khan to work his magic.
Canis (Nucleans/Isoterrans) — 31/05/2023 01:23
Planetary Surface
Cinder had to give credit to Amerandus, even if she found him annoying at times, for the smoothness of the sudden journey they had just made. Although she would never admit it, even if there weren’t more pressing matters at hand. The view of the galaxy was incredible, meaning this planet must have been quite a ways from the disk. No wonder the base had been impossible for her to find before – it was beyond conventional travel, so isolated that you needed to know where you were going to even think of coming here.
Looking back down, she adjusted the visual output of her helmet heavily towards infrared, drastically reducing the visual obstruction from the dust storm, while casting an invisibility spell upon herself and the others around her, allowing the group to see each other while remaining visually hidden from those further away.
"Digging may be a good idea, as long as your methods don't make too much noise - I suspect the more of our powers we use, the easier we will be to detect, even if we are subtle."
him/zetyans — 01/06/2023 05:51
The transfusion of reality made the Saint cock his head, and the Gritch make a noise of confusion. It was a feat of miracle, one only achievable by a being of great power. The Saint was no gauger of power, but of those present it had seemed there was only one who could boast such power. Though there had barely been a moment to do so, the notion made him ponder-what else could that inextricable entity do, if he could bridge them across reality?
The stormless wind that they emerged within came as a familiar sensation, if only tinged with a silken white instead of a crimson, ichor dusk. Neither made particular note of their surroundings; the former out of focus on their new duty, and the latter from matters concerning his self and the flies that permeated him. The artificial feeling panged like hunger, and could only be ignored as if a starving stomach - with trepidation.
At the concourse, he spoke after Cinder, a silent near-imperceptible ring heralding a new voice, one that sounded unsettlingly plain, yet with the true voice lurking underneath like a foul echo.
"Wherever we may go, I can get us there. I need only know the location itself; if not with my eyes, then with my mind. Barring that, however-" He motioned to the corpse known as Gritch, who by telepathic command suddenly began to twist and disseminate into a gurgling cloud of pests and gnats, guided by foreign will. "-my friend is quite capable of... ah, 'forward observation'. Psionic he is not-silent to those eyeing for our power."
He then shifted the light and muffled the sound that came and went from the Gritch-cloud, rendering it a half-seen cloud of visual distortion on top of Cinder's invisibility spell.
Sorteagan — 03/06/2023 05:01
In the brief moment between the transition of the two teams Amerandus had felt a light weight press upon his shoulders. Mammon had taken his traditional perch in his fox form once more, when or how exactly he had done this was unknown but the fox was un-phased by the sudden shift in surroundings. The unspoken answer was likely an equally strange method to the one Amerandus had used, though such was the nature of chaos. Mammon had surrounded the group with a field of silence to muffle their movements and voices yet allow them to speak amongst themselves safely, anything else he might have been doing wasnt so immediately noticeable but he had no intention of letting them lose their element of surprise.
Fenris was composed upon arrival with the other group, like Mammon he was unbothered by the transition and was immune to the psychic influence of their surroundings, but the smell was particularly foul to him resulting in a repulsed sneer. The ground at his feet had immediately began to freeze in his presence and a cold mist radiated from the draconian's body that spread his influence outward, freezing all it touched as he began to summon a blizzard. The chain on his arm dropped in preparation for combat revealing a large jagged hook on its end shaped like a spear-head. Icicles formed outwards from the chain links like spikes and the cold air visibly dropped off of the chain's metal, forming ice on the ground directly below it.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 06/06/2023 02:27
Amerandus stared into the distance for a while, unmoving against the torrent of dust, as if a statue contemplating the implications of the structures existence so far out. Everyone had arrived, everyone was at their desired destination, even if some were a surprise, in one way or another, altering beings built of purpose and concepts had always been more complicated than those more... malleable. The structure in the distance reminded him of the last one they had visited, including the ominous aura in its vicinity, although the other psionic noise in the background seemed to be far less this far out, was this perhaps part of the reason why it was here or was it merely to hide it's presence? What would await them this time? Looking at the sky he saw no meteors or stations plummetung towards the ground. Yet. Hopefully it would stay that way for a while longer. Seemingly finished with his contemplations he shifted his gaze to the side, looking at Mammon out of the corner of his eyes, nodding, as if acknowledging his presence.
"I agree, it would be preferable to use only as much of our... 'gifts' as necessary, those that aid in our approach aside. We will see whether our countermeasures will work soon enough, it is certainly not wasted effort to try, though we should be prepared in case they do not. We should also avoid to presume that there are no fortifications, they may simply be of a less physical nature."
His head turned towards the Zetyan.
"The same applies to your... friend. Even though we assume it will be harder to ascertain the presence of a non-psionic for them, it does not mean they are incapable of it, nor will it make him immune to any traps. Regardless, a forward element could certainly be helpful."
He paused as if going through his words again to see whether he had addressed everything, then tapped the spear into the sand beneath and tasted the air for left behind memories.
"Now then, onwards."
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 09/06/2023 13:58
Unknown Station: Outer Halo
The room seemed to freeze as Fenris began to summon his blizzard, causing the various biological components to recoil or cease their activities. The oppressing anti psionic field which blanketed them only seemed to grow more so, and its cause was swiftly revealed as Eleison unleashed his power onto one of the rooms walls. The blast of auric energy burned through biological matter and bulkhead, giving the group access to a huge walkway lined with windows.
Before them was the full sight of the circular space station, easily several kilometers across its half bioligical and half artificial construction was reinforced with Solarite strings and active supports. But it was what lay at the center of the ring which they could see clearly that was giving them the problem. The station had many prongs, reaching inwards like spider claws, some artificial like robotic arms others like living tendrils of flesh. Each of them went about their work, surrounding a huge chunk of Aurastone, hundreds of meters across and almost a kilometer across. It was being etched and as the gods strode out onto the huge observation corridor that circled the whole station the arms and tendrils retracted.
The energy whine reached its maximum intensity, the thrum of the contained energy vibrating the entire station and each present with oppressive intensity before finally a visible wave of golden light flowed symmetrically inwards.
In an instant, the Aurastone spire was flipped, into a massive spire of Duskstone. The psionic oppression intensified, however the piece of Duskstone was manipulated using gravitic drives, beginning to accelerate as it left the center of the station and out into the void for an unknown purpose. Already another spire of Aurastone, waiting some way below the station in lower orbit, was being brought into position.
Why was the Army producing truly titanic amounts of an anti-psionic substance? Surely the Aurastone would be far more beneficial?
Already however biological matter was beginning to well up from floor plating and from the room they had come, like an immune system reacting to an invader. Its corrosive touch easily able to melt the toughest materials as small tentacles shot up to try and drag down the intruders into the acidic embrace.
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 09/06/2023 14:07
Unknown World: Outer Halo
Sapphire looked upon the huge pulsing spire and felt dread. She was reminded of the dark spires the Draken had built, that she, had helped build. Where millions had been led for integration into the Legions Overmind.
She shivered. No doubt the psionic field did no help for her mood. Raising a hand against the wind and sand she winced.
It was then a fragment, the very tip of the far spire, broke off and moved upwards towards the station that she raised an eyebrow. A faint wave of antipsionic energy flowing over the group. It was clear to everyone present.
"I agree, we should be swift. They will likely detect us and our abilities the more we use them"
Sapphire seemed to extend her hand, a dull feeling crept over the group. It was to add to yet more of the invisibility spell and the Saints abilities.
"I have dampened our life signs, our essence should be invisible now. But the closer we get the less effective it will be, it will also not prevent you from standing out should you use powers. I suggest we move out"
The group had little choice but to move forward towards the spire, with the various spells and abilities used their presence was masked, at least for now. Vulkan had been right, there seemed to be no fortifications here, no defenses, not even planetary defence systems. But then as they stared into the night sky, the need for them made little sense. Judging by the distance they were, no polity in the galaxy could ever hope to send a single ship here let alone a warfleet. Even Far Reach would be a touch and go lifeline. How had the Army so casually set up here?
As the sand bracketed them more of the Spires lower portions became visible. It looked almost like a conventional city, with large and tall buildings, several ring sections and unknown objects. They had to identify what this place was, what its purpose was, and what the Armies plans were.
For that they needed a solid approach and a way to achieve that.
Brank — 12/06/2023 00:38
"My, My..." Ezekiel stated blankly. "There seems to be the issue."
Turning from the oppressive view of the duskstone manufacturing, he scowled at the fleshy tendrils reaching up from the floor, drawing his blade from it's sheath. Red plasma began to pour from the skin on his hands, curling up as the machines in his bloodstream manipulated the plasma's magnetic fields. The red coiled around his sabre in a firey crackle, and he cocked his head to the nearest tendril, promptly striking out at it with the glowing blade, now both sharp and coated with burning, red plasma.
Were the blade to hit true, it would slice through the flesh with ease, the sharp blade and heat searing away meat and boiling the acid before it could rub off on the metal. Ezekiel struck out at any tendrils nearby him, and all the while moved towards the opening in the wall, hoping to make his way out before they were overwhelmed.
"Staying here likely isn't a good idea," he called to those near enough to hear him, "though im sure the likes of gods could have figured that out by now, no?"
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 12/06/2023 10:42
Amerandus had observing the approaching structures in silence as they moved, taking in the impressions from both here and above where the construct was residing.
"Aurastone. Duskstone?", it seemed to be the statement of a fact, more than anything else.
The Panopticon created Duskstone here, but why? Was it to deny their own powers to others? Prevent them from effectively fighting them? But would it not cripple themselves? Did they bring the Aurastone here themselves, or did they find the root structure here, a remnant of an ancient civilisation? Where did they send the Duskstone to?
He pondered.
They had other tasks at the time but noted the trajectory of the monoliths for later.
"Unless there is some sort of primitive or remnant civilisation here they enslaved, one would assume these structures at the root of the spire are likely filled with more of the... Synopticon."
It did not surprise him that they had reached this far out, cults of this sort had a talent to reach for places others could not, the question remained as to how.
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 12/06/2023 21:33
Vulkan drew the probing digit back up from the sand and stood up before taking a few steps toward the group, until he was in the practical centre.
"So it would seem. I highly doubt there'll be as sparse a population once we reach the epicentre, and anything outside of that would be quite the anomaly."
He responded to Amerandus, tilting his head back toward the spire for a few moments.
"-And if that's so, We might as well make a move on. Allow me."
The ground shifted under them, sand rolled lazily at first but was soon seemingly drained away. If they looked down they would observe a surface of fragmented solid rock rising to meet their feet, it was hot for a few moments but healed and cooled to a constant warmth. This material moved outward from Vulkan in a radius large enough to encompass everyone, exempting Ayzen. Its growth ceased as quickly as its edges began to raise into a thin wall that seemed to be creating a sturdy spherical cocoon, glowing softly as it seemingly pushed itself along with strong precision.
"I would assume to believe that due to the far less psionic means of my physiology, this will at least be more discreet than any sort of teleportation, I doubt they're expecting much to pass under their feet out here after all."
As the walls reached up to their chests, they began to descend. The shape of the sphere's exterior went from smooth to a sort of elaborate sawtooth, allowing the vessel to drag itself under the sand, slowly at first. It was clear though that this was all Vulkan, his legs no longer terminating, but jointing seamlessly with the moving, living rock around them. His body remained though, and it twisted somewhat unnaturally to face and wave toward Ayzen.
"Farewell, I'm sure you know what to do if smoke starts rising in the distance!"
From his point of view on the dune, he'd see them submerging, the patterns of jagged stone on the exterior moving like ink over paper.
Gose {CES, CHET} — 18/06/2023 02:46
The being softly moved through the walls of the facility, following its pseudo-nose, behind him the silhouette of where he once stood, perfectly hollowed from the station’s organic material, as if nothing were there to begin with,small crystals grew within the surface of the entity and almost immediately shattered from the movement alone, quickly pulverizing into thin dust.
It gazed, seeing not sight but the wavering flow of psychic energy within the location, centralized upon the aurastone chunk. “Was this “Panopticon”?” - Was all that flowed through its mind, like a thermonuclear device armed to detonate, all that was needed was that last twist of the key. There were certainly elements of “panopticon” there, but this was not what it sought, no, there was something more, something that permeated the air of this area. This was no controller, but mechanism.
It averted its gaze, and attuned its senses, ignoring the undoubtedly important piece of strategical and production process being exposed to him right in front - in fact, attempting to phase out the signatures of such. It’d roam aimlessly, as it tried to see what more there was. The acid however, did not make progress upon the bizarre feet of the creature. Chemically, the rock-like material was inert, even then, the material, instrumentalized to the very orbit of its last composing electron and quanta-sized alignment, carried extreme inherent resilience, one that the likes of a normal organism would find difficult to overcome.
Para (Khanate | UDS) — 18/06/2023 03:34
Unknown Station: Outer Halo
This was quite fascinating to watch all things considered. While he had never really given much thought about psionics his defeat at the hands of the Archminister and his experience with the psychic entities of that blasted planet made him slightly curious about the potential applications of psionics as part of his skillset. That being said, however, he was currently far keener on learning how to counter psionics so perhaps this little adventure will be far more fruitful after all.
He had originally ignored the mortal’s comment earlier but the man’s taunt had Eleison incensed. Without another word, he clapped his hands together to release an auric-enchanted gale to a portion of the area they all were in. The moment the biological matter was touched by this furious wind it would immediately begin to undergo a rapid loss of temperature as it would ideally begin to decay and freeze from the inside out. He wasn’t too certain of burning it considering it seemed to be capable of melting things already.
“We are supposed to make as much noise as possible are we not?!” He said to Ezekiel, “Then I see no reason why we should not dally while we search,” Still, however, he jerked his head forward, “I don’t know where we’re going but I’m going to rip everything apart with my bare hands if I have to,” It seemed his last meeting with the Panopticon still stung his pride. Regardless, he began to step forward, still unleashing the cold blast in hopes of clearing a way for the mortals.
Sorteagan — 19/06/2023 10:44
Fenris growled in agreement before throwing his chain forward at the nearest wall, the spearhead shaped hook easily tore through the meat and metal as it began to flash freeze everything it came into contact with and rendering it brittle. Fenris' chain ripped through the station walls like tissue paper, twisting and winding at astonishing speeds giving the appearance of multiple chains assaulting the base at once while it through the station and formed a web of frigid metal cords out of its impossible length surging throughout the structure of the entire station.
The direction of the chain was seemingly at random yet intelligently avoiding the outermost walls, ricocheting off them to avoid letting the vacuum of space destroy the station outright. With every room the chain burst through the blizzard Fenris had summoned unleashed in full force blasting all inside with a destructive torrent of wind and ice that instantly froze any poor soul too close to the chain to escape his wrath.
him/zetyans — 20/06/2023 10:44
The Saint cocked his head, watching the ground morph under their feet, sand baking into glass as molten rock was made solvent across the plain. Though now they were in no position to question, the being's gaze shifted around in slight uncertainty. Surely they would not have seismic sensors, or some way to detect this method of transport? And did their benefactor have any idea of where to surface? Of course, it wasn't as if there were any other options. The tower was farther than any trek could warrant, and were they to teleport their foes would surely recognize their presence. A curious conundrum; perhaps this was simply cutting the knot.
His compatriot could care less, of course - the now-uncloaked swarm flies carousing around the cocoon, flitting around the others present as an unwelcome guest - and as it came and went from his being a small part constantly admired their carefree nature. Or perhaps the better word was uncaring, as the chittering of flies occasionally betrayed the frothing voice of their true form.
There was little else to do now in their molten encompass, beyond banter and awaiting their destination. Though, the Saint tested his powers now, as the shimmering cloak of unlight came over the rest of the group, and over the cocoon itself as best he could.
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 20/06/2023 16:58
"I can do a great many things, but read minds happens to be beyond my ability."
He turns his attention toward the saint, arms behind his back. The shell of rock continued pulling itself under the sand, but it wasn't frantic, it was a careful and precise movement that brought them closer to tougher geological layers.
"You have doubts though, I see that. Speak them if you may...and perhaps introduce yourself when you're ready, since I seem to lack any recollection of your name"
Aiman — 21/06/2023 05:46
Unknown World
"Farewell, I'm sure you know what to do if smoke starts rising in the distance!"
Ayzen turned back, cocking an eyebrow in slight confusion. But just as he realised what Vulkan meant, the group promptly disappeared, submerging beneath the sand. Ayzen was left alone, his left hand outstretched, mouth agape and words stolen from his mouth, in the middle of the desert.
He pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing in slight frustration. "I forgot not everyone knows what 'last man' means."
But Ayzen was no stranger to botched plans and last minute adjustments. Going with this new plan, he stretched his palms outwards. Flesh growled and churned, tendrils of red biomass coalescing in the middle of his palm until they took the shape of three desert sparrows. Like breathing life into clay, if the clay was now instead replaced with meat and flesh, the desert sparrows grew skin, feathers, and eyes, and came to life, now looking to their creator with black beady eyes awaiting instructions. Without a word, Ayzen communicated his orders straight into their nascent minds, and the desert sparrows immediately flew high into the sky, providing him a literal bird's eye view of the surrounding area.
With the desert sparrows in place, Ayzen then packed up his sniper rifle and sprinted forward to the next vantage point, one closer and much more in range to the Spire so the group would be within his rifle's effective firing range.
Aiman — 21/06/2023 06:04
Unknown Station
Ridhuan was faltering under the oppression of the Duskstone's presence - this was not the right time nor the right place for a psion. He struggled to keep himself together, soldiering on step-by-step as his mind was assaulted by sharp sensations like nails digging into his brain despite the fact he had no organic brain, and he was visibly panting, trying to gasp for air, despite the fact he no longer had anymore lungs to breathe in air. Such was the mind's both beauty and curse - the ability to make things real even if they are not real, so as long as the sensation was real.
Predictably as such, when the tendrils appeared from beneath the ground, Ridhuan was caught off guard. The tendrils wrapped around his legs and arms, coiling and crushing them with its acidic embrace. The acid was melting through his simple composite armour and even his hardlight body. He growled - the pain was real this time. But as the new sharp pain coursed through his body, the pain and the accompanying sense of survival awoken his senses from its dull anti-psionic stupor, and for a brief moment he was reinvigorated with anger, frustration, and the desperate desire to claw his way out of here alive. He mustered enough concentration to use his psionic powers and boil the blood and flesh of the tendrils detaining him from within until they exploded from the sheer explosive pressure.
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 27/06/2023 11:03
Unknown Station: Outer Halo
As the group hacked through the tentacles and froze them into place the Duskstone shard was moved off further and further, while the Aurastone fragment was moved closer and closer into the center of the station. Still the psionic power here was conflicted, the Aurastone trying to amplify the psionic energies while the station tried to dampen and flip to an anti-psionic substance.
Once more the huge whine could be heard as the tendrils went back to work in etching certain shapes into the Aurastone, the charge was building and soon this huge shard would be flipped. The questions were what was the purpose of this? And where were they sending the completed Duskstone to? They had to find some kind of information even if they were to cause as much chaos as possible. Still rounds came in towards the beings as several Synopticon workers carrying automatic weapons stepped forward from a bulkhead, laying down fire onto the intruders. With Fenris chains now infiltrating much of the station warning sirens began to echo. They punched through rooms filled with biological components and machine parts, but could not penentrate the single foundational structure. There seemed to be an inner ring of the station, created out of solid Duskstone its formidable density and structure resisting the chains. At least they had some idea of roughly where they were going.
The very quiet and slow response to their actions so far indicated a few possibilities. The enemy had no idea that they would be attacked here and as such had minimal to stop them, that the anti-psionic properties of the materials and station were stopping them from deploying their proper forces or that this was some kind of trap.
Either way they had to keep moving, find some kind of command centre or more information.
Unknown World: Outer Halo
"Surely such materials would not be here so far away from the psionic poles?" Sapphire commented even as Vulkan gave them a means of infiltration.
"I am hoping that they do not detect seismic anomalies, this will be like telegraphing our location if they do. I can help cover our presence but I cant dampen the moving of so much rock" She then added as they descended below the surface.
At least the sheer seismic readings also gave Vulkan a nice view of everything below ground. And it was much needed.
Below the city and spire was a whole labyrinthine network of gigantic carvens, tunnels and more which descended for many kilometers into the planets surface. Aurastone and Nightstone veins were in abundance here, how was still not yet known but it seemed the Army had been busy constructing this place for a long time. They would need to be careful where they came out, but if they played their cards right they could at least come out near the central area of the underground area, a huge 2 kilometre high open fissure which the city and spire had been built atop and descended into.
For Ayzen, the birds gave him the view he needed. The city was awash with activity, thousands of people, all wearing crowns atop their heads went about work mindlessly while overseers kept them directed. Everything seemed to be for supporting the spire, although its exact purpose so far was unknown other than propelling the Aurastone upwards.
The issue was when each of the birds went dark.
Sand began to swirl in eddies, almost as if the wind had changed direction in the desert. It felt like it was coming directly from the spire. Ayzen wasnt alone.
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 27/06/2023 16:56
"Perhaps an anomaly."
Vulkan responded, pausing for a moment as their 'vehicle' began eating away at the ancient dry soil underneath the sand, managing to level somewhere beneath that and the layer of bedrock further below.
"Or, perhaps this planet isn't meant to be here...Nonetheless, I share your hope."
The subtle, unavoidable vibrations bouncing through the ground did quickly give the idea to vulkan to use them for creating a rough image of what was around them. The sheer expansiveness of their underground operations was somewhat impressive to him once again considering the remote location, but it took him a moment to understand the waveform returning from the various deposits of exotic material. It's sheer volume was tantalising to say the least, and he'd yet to taste the composition of either substances.
"It seems though that if they were detecting such anomalies, it would be a probable common occurrence. I feel tunnels, hundreds of them. Some seem to reach deeper than others but the largest appears to be under the city itself, and judging by their organisation I'd say that the structural stability of the geology isn't their primary concern."
As he spoke, the ceiling of the cocoon looked to pinch toward the centre, letting a large drop of molten stone form and expand as if someone was blowing glass. the glowing material began snaking out into a myriad of directions; it was a rough representation of tunnels within their vicinity.
"Still, I'll keep our trip short out of precaution. A good number of these passages are dead ends, likely dry of stone, I'd say we're least likely to make encounters there and so I'll make an attempt to steer toward one within proximity to the central nexus. Once we've breached that tunnel, getting out will take a margin more time than getting in. Be prepared, remain vigilant."
The digging edges sharpened and formed into shapes crushing and moving rock as they descended, subtly trying to imitate a more natural seismological event in the process.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 28/06/2023 08:17
Amerandus broke his silence to comment on the ongoing conversation about the facility, observing as the plan of it unfolded from the sphere surrounding them. He initially nodded, acknowledging Vulkans plan without making any notes in regard to it.
"Quite on the contrary. I would argue it would be strange if an oddity like this would be closer to the core, the civilisations of this galaxy would have likely found and raided it long before the Panopticon arrived."
He paused, seemingly thinking.
"If we were to take a guess I would say... We may be witnessing the Army disassembling the remnants of whatever precursor had resided in this area a long time ago, though there is no telling for certain."
'Perhaps not until we are there that is.', he added, wordlessly.
Aiman — 03/07/2023 07:49
Unknown Station
As the group progressed punching through walls after walls Ridhuan took up positions at the right flank behind. As soon as those Synopticon troopers fired on them, he deployed his sword, using whatever psionic power he strained to muster in the presence of Duskstone to spin it and deflect as much incoming rounds as it could. The sword then streaked forth like an orange glowing disk, aiming to slice through the Synopticon troopers in one sweep or at the very least keep their heads down.
"My psionics are blind here, is there anyone here able to tap into their signals? We need to find a command center immediately," Ridhuan asked. Cinder's powers would have been useful here, he thought.
Aiman — 03/07/2023 07:59
Unknown World
Ayzen watched the literal bird's eye view of the Spire with interest. The sprawling alien infrastructure, the surprising presence of a city, much less a population of some kind, picqued his interest - there was more than meets the eye here. And those crowns, what could they possibly be?
He had no time to sift through these lines of inquiries as one by one he lost contact with the birds, and his view abruptly returned to those of his own eyes. The air was shifting, the sands were swirling - something was coming.
It did not take supernatural powers to know that danger was imminent. Immediately in those few seconds after the birds were down and sensing something was amiss, by instinct Ayzen ducked back down behind the sand dune, sliding down slightly to gain more cover between him and whatever that was coming from the Spire. For the first time in a while, he was anxious. His heart was beating fast. He knew, from all the confidential reports from the Sangha, that this would be no normal engagement.
A sniper?He thought to himself, trying to figure out what was it that spooked him. He brought up his submachine gun, pulling back the charging handle to check and see if a round is chambered in, and readied it, waiting to see if anything would suddenly appear behind where he was.
Canis (Nucleans/Isoterrans) — 04/07/2023 16:48
Unknown Planet
Cinder watched Vulkan’s map of floating lava with interest, scanning it with her armor and saving the resultant file for later use. In a way, she was sad that so much kolleronic stone was out here going to waste on the Army of the Panopticon. She would’ve liked nothing better than to drop a swarm of automated mining drones to empty the planet of its precious resources. But since that was likely out of the question, at least all the tunnels probably meant a convenient earthquake or other seismic event would likely collapse the entire area and ruin the Army’s operations. She would have to keep that in mind for later.
Listening to the others’ apparent focus on the anomalous nature of the planet, she considered what seemed the more pertinent question. “Either way, I want to know what they plan on doing with all the aurastone and nightstone they seem to be harvesting” Cinder replied. “In fact, given the amounts of aurastone that’s here, they might be trying to drastically amplify something psionic...or someone.”
Para (Khanate | UDS) — 05/07/2023 14:13
Unknown Station
The Khan scowled, “I lack the means to access their communications,” He hated admitting this personal failure but he neither knew what sort of devices these fiends used nor possessed any tools to even fathom accessing their network. And on a more personal note, he wasn’t even sure if he had the knowledge to undertake such a task- not that he’d ever admit it.
Still that didn’t mean he had no ideas. Eleison stomped on the ground and channeled his auric energies onto his legs and arms, “I refuse to be passive- if we cannot find their command then we’ll simply tear this station apart instead!” Rather than using Emission, he instead used Enhancement to surround his body with the soul energy known as his aura to shield himself. In a burst of energy and wind, Eleison charged towards the enemy ranks in a comet of glaring red aura with the intent of simply cleaning and smashing apart the soldiers with pure brute force. He had learnt the lesson of being far too passive- if victory was to be claimed then aggressive action will pave the way.
him/zetyans — 09/07/2023 03:43
UNKNOWN WORLD
The Saint cocked his head as he stared into the Rupert's drop with the others, observing the molten rock ape the seismics that surrounded them. Aurastone and Nightstone, just beyond the walls, and in such capacities as to make any man richer than God. The prospect would be humorous, almost, if not for who they were beholden to. They had found El Dorado, and constructed a city upon it's corpse.
"Even without seismic monitors, any layman could feel the ground tremble under his feet if only a little. It would only take one voice." He intoned, before turning to Vulkan. "Ah, introductions, yes!; how impolite of me. I do apologize."
He bowed again, though his golden eyes kept locked with Vulkan's equivalents. "I am the Saint of Zentrya, a world now long dead. My compatriot's name in life was Gritch, and so that is his title in... un-death." He mused, as the flies materialized into a runt that gnawed feverishly at a spare piece of crag. "I hope our transgression into this motley is welcome; long have I walked amongst only my own. It grew... stale."
At Cinder's remark, he tilted his head, a coy smile on his face.
"Perhaps they instead seek to uplift a great many 'someone's? A planet full of a psionic supplicant and the hardest material in all the known galaxy, one which they prepare to mine in droves? Mm..." He paused, glancing upwards. "One could easily make an army pharaonic within the season."
Brank — 10/07/2023 21:38
Unknown Station: Outer Halo
Things grew more hectic by the minute- first the tendrils, now the synopticon sent workers to fight them. No matter, a few simple guns couldn't overpower them- they were gods! Ezekiel grasped the handle of his revolver and pulled it from the holster, taking aim at the armed workers and firing off three shots at the nearest of them. A bullet whizzed past his head and he dipped down behind a pillar, cover being his only way to avoid being injured, unlike the Khan with his magic.
After waiting some short time, he popped out once more from the cover of the pillar and fired off another shot at one of the workers, following it up with a swipe of superheated plasma from his sword-hand.
"I Agree with the Khan! If none of us are capable of finding their command, it may be best to focus on rendering the station functionally useless! If we wreak enough havok, they will reveal themselves to us in due time!" The Imperator shouted in response to Ridhuan. Another shot from his revolver as he ducked behind a pillar.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 11/07/2023 09:25
Unknown World
Amerandus shook his head upon Cinders remark.
"A valid question, however..."
His head turned up towards the ceiling of their little bubble, frowning and in apparent thought as he shared part of what he had already found.
"...no Aurastone leaves this world. All of which is removed from the depths of this planet, it is converted to this..."
He seemed to be looking for a word, then nodded slightly as he apparently remembered.
"Duskstone. Which raises more questions than it provides answers. The station seems to be built for the purpose, though where they send it and why, remains a mystery."
There was another pause as he proceeded to stare into the wall in front of them again.
"Perhaps we shall find out sooner or later in our endeavour here. However, we did intend to investigate upon this anomaly, once our tasks here are finished."
Sorteagan — 12/07/2023 07:48
Mammon nodded in agreement as he scanned the area. The fox god's fur shimmered like a mirage, likely from an unmentioned defense he had in place specifically for himself. He looked up towards the station as he could feel the other team's powers even from the planet's surface giving him a unique perspective on the goings-on with both groups.
Back on the station Fenris agreed with the Khan as well, he clenched his chain tightly in his fist, the extensive cord which he had sewn throughout the station erupted in frozen metal spikes no thicker than a human finger from each link, skewering machine and flesh alike in a similar manner to a shrike with its prey, impaling the lesser beings and technology in each room along its many thorny branches, finishing off those who had managed to survive his blizzard.
With a flick of his hand Fenris magically disconnected the chain from his arm, a new spearhead manifested from the freshly severed link as the old chain's slack fell to his feet, its end wisped in the air like smoke, not truly broken.
Gose {CES, CHET} — 13/07/2023 21:42
It sluggishly moved across the station’s halls, much to the living organism’s chagrin, as the natural response found difficulty to even acquire a grip upon the heavily charged magical material. Then, the others came, and with them, a fragrance…
A hail of bullets dispensed from assault weapons by the hands of facility workers impacted with the impetus of a toddler seeking to stop a ravenous pitbull from satiating its lust for destruction, gaining nothing but the thinnest of dust from nanoscopic impact craters of the bullets, flattened into discs of metal.
The being swerved its misshapen head, and gazed at them. Or rather, through them.
It could not even see the bullets, the likes of such weak worldly things failed to even register at the semi-conscious level that the being’s faltering mind operated at. What it saw, however, was through them, the figment of their connection to the ephemeral and decayed psion state, visible through the ungodly psionic pressures of the Duskstone forge only for the targeted hatred configured within the being.
A pinpoint outburst of mana, and the workers were gone, a movement too fast for mortal eyes to witness, at the end of the bulkhead beyond the workers was the construct shrouded in a vile plume of monochrome fire, seeking to annihilate, consume, taste, the flavor of this… “Panopticon”.
To the gods, the movement was evident. The being dragged the world around it as if an anchor pulling to the shore, and the surroundings struggled to keep track, the path between it and its end point could do little but face complete annihilation, forming the perfect outline of the entity.
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 16/07/2023 17:40
Unknown Station: Outer Halo
Synopticon soldiers and crewmen went down as Ridhuans blade sliced through them and the Khan barrelled into them, breaking them apart with violent swings and strikes.
They kept up their hail of fire, those few that were not instantly hacked down or shot by Ezekiel attacked with Phase chakrams, trying as they may to hurt the beings in combat, heedless of their chances to actually hurt or kill the enemy. Their lives were worthless in the greater mission of the Army.
The station again shuddered hard as Fenris spikes tore through the structure, creating hull breaches and shattering the outer layers of the orbital. The air in the central observation room was sucked out as numerous tears in the hull appeared, the gale force winds of violent decompression throwing some of the soldiers around as a portion broke off entirely with the movement of the Cabals weapon smashing through the bulkhead weak point. Ruined and now mostly shattered the arms in the center of the torus stopped working on the Aurastone, the whining of the charging capacitors became discordant like a poorly tuned symphony for a few moments before they discharged.
A wave of immense anti-psionic energy washed over the station as the capacitors discharged, no longer focused onto the central Aurastone chunk the wave dropped the Synopticon troopers like puppets with their strings cut. The discharge was enough to be crippling, but as it passed the anti psionic energies dissapated. Apart from the foundational ring of Duskstone and the interference it put out the oppressive field was now gone.
The station was effectively rendered inoperable.
"I don't think you should have done that
The voice of One came from nowhere, the man standing just behind Ezekiel and Fenris as if appearing from thin air.
He send a wave of force into Fenris, while directing a string of Solarite into Ezekiel, a manical grin on his face as he did so.
Oh yes we know your here, this will be your tomb"
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 16/07/2023 17:53
Unknown World: Outer Halo
Saffire nodded with Amerandus. What the hell could they have need for an anti-psionic substance here for given the abundance of Aurastone already present.
She could do nothing but wait as the earthen cocoon made contact with a spar tunnel that provided them with a close yet somewhat concealed access to the central underground nexus. The rock seemed to dissipate around them revealing a perfectly circular tunnel clearly cut with some kind of energy method its walls smooth as glass. It was empty, like an offshoot that was never developed, a perfect entryway.
Making their way further in the sound of immense machinery could be heard, along with the increasing psionic pressure of despair and sheer energy.
As the group approached the end of the tunnel the aperture revealed bright light, and an expansive space that showed a marvel of mega engineering. Aurastone was being melted and brought upwards to be formed into the foundations of the huge spire above at an equal rate on which it left at the top into spears to send the station in orbit. Such an immensely tough material was being handled as if it was nothing but mercury, titanic psionic engines lined the chasm, stretching down into the abyss where they made direct contact with the planets mantle, drawing immense energies to power their needs. Bridges, access ways and more, hundreds of meters wide criss crossed the large open space, transporting vehicles and people who went about their work. The sheer radiant psionic power was stifling and pervaded the very air, whispering on the warm thermals that travelled upwards from below called to a place beyond realspace, each tempting and screaming.
This was a major operation, the Army was well entrenched here. They needed to find out what this was for and quickly.
--
Ayzens 6th sense was on point, no sniper had spotted him, but the Transliminal Shadow that silently materialised behind him swiped one claw to behead him with a quick and elegant motion.
When it failed the thing seemed to twist and turn in the air, the creature clearly to Ayzen derived from the Unions Skia. It was muderously fast, and its distended eyes gleamed bright with the desire to end his life.
Brank — 17/07/2023 02:01
Unknown Station
Ice ran down Ezekiel's spine, time slowing as the psion appeared behind him. The solarite swung around just as Ezekiel's psionics began coursing through his being once more. His hands outstretched as he grabbed the solarite, the force and pure psionic energy searing through the flesh of his hands like molten iron, sizzling and bubbling as he let out a scream of effort.
He let the power of the string course through him, washing him in gold before his own crackling red aura of psionics began to fight back, like the rebounding of a collapsed star. The string he held firmly in his hands burnt into a deep red-orange as flame-like psionics fought their way back.
But even in this, One was too powerful. Fruitless seconds later, Ezekiel was pushed back into a fleshy spire, red-flames and pouring from his eyes as he shivered in agony.
The string was now free to coil around him, searing and burning as Ezekiel's consciousness was dragged down into nothingness by the panopticon's call, One's psionic prowess far greater than Ezekiel's own. His limbs went limp as the solarite wrapped around him and his head hung back, red flame in his eyes dying down to nothing but a faint bloody glow.
But he wasnt dead.
Gose {CES, CHET} — 18/07/2023 04:21
The anti-psionic wave that washed out eccentrically from the center of the station was enough to knock the being off its feet slightly, and sucked outwards by the actively decompressing station, the being was vented and floated idly in space for a few seconds, still savouring the taste of the few shreds of what it now correctly labeled as "Panopticon", finally the indicator to what his mission was.
Then activation. It was as if a cavemen who had just discovered the brightness of a spark was subjected to the infinite white of a supernova, what was dregs of the psionic state in crew of the station was a shining beacon in One - Not of evident psionic power - as the powerful Panopticon psycher had hid his presence from the ensemble of gods - but rather, of metaphysical meaning. He was there, and was the tangible manifestation of his programmed enemy, and he must be erased.
The being shot out with such blazing speeds that light and the world would have trouble keeping up, headed like a ballistic missile straight to what it could sense was the center of esoteric energy that One manifested. It left behind a miasma of dark plasma, as the ongoing annihilation spell at the front of its scythe head pitted the intrinsic forces of the world against eachother, producing bright sparks of the resulting violent magical reaction. He sought to then and there end the fight before it even began by striking at the very heart of the Panopticon entity, and annihilating it in fullest.
him/zetyans — 23/07/2023 08:01
UNKNOWN WORLD
"Hnn." The Saint murmured and cocked his head slightly at the sight of the construct, the sheer mandalic weight of their machinations replacing the evergreen grin with a slight grimace. The flies materialized back into the Gritch, who clutched their head while making odd noises that could, tentatively, be extrapolated to be some form of uncomfortable groaning.
Evidently they were well on their way to draining this world of resources. The cavern could have held a city, and perhaps it did underneath the shining skin of the spire penetrating the planet's core. The whispers, though they threw promises of riches and pleasure and unbridled joy, were simply that-whispers. No less effective, but compared to the weight of power around them a mere annoyance in comparison.
His eyes scanned the landscape, before turning to his companion who now cursed utter profanities in some dead language. "It would seem their purpose here must be ordained, and quickly. Old friend, would you be able to look ahead?"
"hngnnmnhgbffffUCCCCKK. HNNGN hurtyheadwhyHEAD HURRRT OWIE. why MEEEEeeEewhy."
"Well, I am too obvious, no? Surely, spread out, the common folk would not pay mind to a few flies."
"...ungdenrground..."
"Mm, true. Yet still..." He stroked his chin, staring out to the masses who went about their days, before turning to the rest of the party. "What say you all? My companion's swarm is far more... divisible than you would think."
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 23/07/2023 11:53
With his usual unamused expression, even in front of such a marvel, Vulkan turned his head toward the small, struggling creature as the saint made a case for him. It was somewhat entertaining to him that such a pitiful little thing could be so useful at a time like this, but yet despite the promise of that surveillance, he still had his doubts.
"I have 2 concerns: The first of which being if he'll be able to retain...coherency in an environment like this, since whatever is causing his distress is even having slight oppressive effects on myself.
The second is that your friend has a point, you seem confident the locals wont care about a fly, but in all honesty I'm wondering the likelihood they might. If I was running an operation such as this, I would have ensured that external pests such as those would be cleared out to the greatest extent possible. not much use for biodiversity after all. Not even planet-wide."
His head turns back toward the great chasm, and he takes a step forward so he can look better into its depths.
"I still believe it could work, but you'd be putting the small one at possible major risk, if it's of any concern"
Then his attention turned toward the strange machines fitted along the walls; he couldn't identify their purpose but they felt important enough that he needed to get a closer look. Taking his whole body would be far too easy to spot, so instead he knelt down.
"Nonetheless, I have some of my own investigating to do." A palm reached toward the floor before his hand begun producing a molten blob a 10 centimetres in diameter. Its exterior seemingly crystallised into a dull reflective pattern of metal shards, like some sort of mineral hedgehog, before it began sliding outward into the chasm and along the wall. Clearly it was on a path toward one of the closest engines, and once Vulkan made sure of that, he stood back up.
"I'm starting to worry that this has been too easy."
Para (Khanate | UDS) — 23/07/2023 19:37
Unknown Station
He felt a brief flush of satisfaction as he saw the damage done to the station. Well, hopefully this will allow the rest of the entities to be more useful. At this moment he became aware of the sudden ambush of the mysterious Panopticon agent waylaying into the ranks of the other entities who had been behind before the charge.
A brief well of annoyance rose up- he clearly recalled the last time he fought these agents and he was more than keen in putting one of the to the ground as payback for the humiliation all those weeks ago.
Eleison crouched slow and slammed his fist into the station floor, feeling flesh and metal cave beneath his strike. He channelled his aura into the ground and willed his imagination into existence. A few moments would pass before the effect of this spell revealed itself- by the sides of the being called One, the station floor had suddenly risen upwards on either side of him and taking the shape of two open palms. Eleison clapped his hands together in response, willing these hands to push forward and crush One.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 26/07/2023 01:35
Unknown World
Amerandus shook his head in response to Vulkan, though remained silent for several more moments, looking around whilst observing the events in the station.
A strange thing to see someone dead out here in the void, fascinating to see a construct dedicated to a concept in a world as this on the other hand. A magical parallel to the fragments, in a way.
"I would not say 'too easy', however..."
The aura of this place was the same as the last one they were at it seems some of his travel companions did not adjust particularly well to it.
"It is true all sorts of things may be lurking in the depths and heights of this place. Ayzen for one is currently being assaulted by one of the Panopticons abominations. Our 'distraction' on the other hand seems to be facing a... more sophisticated foe, in a way. 'One' if the name is familiar.", eyeing Saffire in particular with the last note.
Did the Panopticon revive him, or was he a copy? He pondered, his fist briefly tightening at the prospect of replicating souls and bringing back the dead, memories and all.
Eventually he addressed the Saint.
"I am uncertain if they already know we are here or not, something hard to determine, for sure. Though I would argue, in either case, before your... 'friend' goes out to scout, one should likely address his complications with the environment. Given most of what you see are likely puppets I am less concerned about his appearance and more about the mandala he may emit, alien to this place."
He paused.
"The last time we stepped into one of these facilities, we walked into a mirror before noticing it."
He took a step towards the edge, though without leaving any of the formerly established wards, looking what there was to see in this facility. Normally he would've stood here and studied the behaviour of this hive for hours, just to get an idea of what it did or what it once may have been. However, his companions did not have this time and perhaps not even he had.
"It may be best to avoid such an occurance this time..."
His head turned towards Mammon on his shoulder.
"What do you say? Your race is old, older than most others present here, though they do not originate from here from what we heard. What is your view of this place?"
Canis (Nucleans/Isoterrans) — 27/07/2023 03:31
Eyeing the pillar of flowing stone would have been an impressive experience, were it not for the oppressive telepathic pressure filling the enormous chamber from the psionic engines. A little tap on her helmet with an armored claw, and she wove mental silence around herself, augmenting the natural dissipative properties of the arcanium the suit was made from. It was like throwing on hearing protection nearby a spacecraft launch - not enough to cut the noise out completely, that would have been far too much effort and would've given them away. But enough that she could think properly.
"Now then" she muttered to herself, stepping nearer to the edge to take in the full weight of what was happening before them, surveying the Army's operation like a pair of human explorers had gazed upon the middle of North America over five hundred years prior. Without waiting for Mammon to reply to Amerandus's question, she took the moment of silence to interject, turning the glowing red-orange eyes of her helmet to the group. "Perhaps I can ward our small rotting friend here, enough to cover his mandala and perhaps even give him a bit of mental silence from the telepathic cacophony here. That way we can at least try to maintain stealth, while getting more intel..."
Aiman — 29/07/2023 16:18
Unknown World
"Oh fu-" was all that Ayzen could say as he saw the Transliminal Shadow. He immediately squeezed the trigger and magdumped into the abomination of a creature out of instinct, despite knowing full well from the shared Union reports of the Skia's unique phased biology. The rounds simply disappeared into the corrupted Skia with no effect.
Its giant claw then immediately swiped around Ayzen's face, or the whole of his body rather due to its sheer size, quite literally scooping him off his feet high into the air and sending his body crashing into the sand several meters away.
The body, badly mauled and quite almost torn apart with deep gashes, was initially motionless, doing nothing else other than twitching and spurting blood that seeped into the sand. Then the bleeding started to slow down. The blood started to thicken and coagulate, pooling into some sort of dark red paste. As if time had reversed, this thick bloody paste then began to flow back into the body, wounds closed itself, and torn limbs crawled back to rejoin its original body.
Ayzen was back on his feet, shambling for a moment as tendrils pulled his head and limbs in back together and healed the remaining wounds. As his body was restored to as it was before, he opened his eyes, glaring intently at the Transliminal Shadow in front of him. He crouched down into a combat ready stance, focusing himself for the battle ahead.
A low growl could be heard as the biomass around his arms began to churn and shift, turning them into giant razor sharp claws. Ayzen then leapt forward, the sand beneath his feet blown away in a miniature sonic boom from his sheer superhuman speed, pouncing at the giant eye that he knew had to be its only weakness, if its Skia biology was still true.
Aiman — 29/07/2023 17:53
Unknown Station
As soon as the antipsionic wave dissipated, Ridhuan could once again hear the call of the volksgeist, feeling its comforting presence - and strength - flow through his corporeal vessel.
With One possibly about to be trapped in the giant hands of stone and metal that Eleison summoned, he hoped that whatever time that bought would be enough for him to tend to Ezekiel, who was currently trapped by the trance of the golden solarite strings. He ran over to him as fast as he could, parkouring around the heaps of torn bulkheads and floating debris as the station was crumbling down all around him.
"Hang in there Ezekiel! Dont let it take you! Don't surrender to its lies!" Ridhuan grabbed a hold of Ezekiel, shaking his shoulders in an instinctive, but futile attempt to awake him from his stupour. Seeing the red flames that pour out of his eyes and the golden strings coil around his body with increasing tightness made fear for the worst, but he pushed his thoughts back. Ezekiel was no normal mortal who would fall so easily. He was a powerful entity, even a god perhaps from where he came from, like so many of them here right in the station and on the ground. He could hold on a little longer. No, he MUST hold on a little longer.
"Do. Not. Give. Up." Ridhuan stretched out his arm. His katana came circling back and once it was perfectly back in his hands he raised it up, his body burning with an orange aura. Red tendrils appeared from the back of his neck, stretching upwards into the void unknown as he called upon the energies of the Volksgeist Singapura and dived into the Panopticon to turn his blade briefly into an anti-mandala, one strong enough to sever the strings like it did in the last encounter with the Army.
Sorteagan — 01/08/2023 05:07
Fenris had disappeared into a cloud of frozen mist as the force impacted him, but he was not dead, and certainly not gone. The Ice he had been generating in the room had been rapidly expanding, growing all over the station's walls in an ever isolating grasp, spreading to the exterior of the station itself like an all-consuming infection. The Ice was solid, clean, perfectly smooth and reflective like a mirror, but radiated with the same unsettling energies Fenris himself exuded. The reflections of the gods could be seen on the frozen walls and floors, Fenris' reflection was among them, Glaring at his attacker from the other side of the glacial mirror.
"You will not escape."
Mammon was silent for a moment, distracted by the occurrence in the station. A satisfied smirk crossed the fox's face as his trap had been successfully triggered. He had learned in his last encounter with the panopticon. He had chosen his companion well. He momentarily collected himself before acknowledging Amerandus' query, almost as though he took offense to the man's assumption.
"My race may be old, Amerandus, but I am only on my first millenium, and I wasnt exactly raised around other drakes..." he patiently replied with the best answer he could muster for a drake raised with humans. "This place has value, and like our last excursion it reminds me of a mound of ants, running deep and siphoning resources from its surroundings, giving nothing in return, a beacon, heavily guarded even if we do not see the defenses. We do not want to start a chain reaction...no risks, they need this planet...if all else fails, I advise they not get what they want either."
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 09/08/2023 10:30
Unknown Station: Outer Halo
Ones laughter echoed across the vacuum that now encompassed the station, its rent and broken form having decompressed.
He held an outstretched hand as the Cabals weapon impacted the psionic barrier he had erected. The golden light was like a flashbang as dark plasma enveloped the shield and raged to try and penetrate it.
I'm going to relish this, I have no need of escape One spoke aloud, his voice carried across the psion as he yanked the string that Ezekiel was tied to, keeping the man close. Even as the very stations now ice covered wreckage burst forth to try and crush him and metal and substances it slammed into the barrier, exerting massive forces, but failing to change Ones leering grin. To him he had won at Askandar, he would win here too.
He collapsed the shield protecting him, turning it in the blink of an eye into a sphere of pure fusion that surrounded him. The heat flat melted the area of the station they were in, reducing it to little more than formless molten materials as the remaining biological matter vapourised in moments. A click of his fingers later and the bubble burst outwards, like detonating a fusion missile. A whole half of the station exploded outwards into deep space, as if hit by an anti capital weapon, the heat and force enough to kill anything not at least semi godlike in the area.
If the enemy was still unsure of their presence, the clear glowing new star in the night sky was more than enough.
--
"Again Ezekiel" the boy wiped the blood from his mouth, already stopping flowing thanks to the machines in his blood. He stood up, slowly, the bodily damage could be repaired quickly with the abilities of the Dreft, pain however was another matter.
He was in a large sparring chamber, one he knew well. He had trained here relentlessly as a child. Before him however was another familiar face, his father.
"Again child, until you learn to channel your power you wont know how to understand it. Come on, again" His voice was stern, yet smooth. Encouraging but imposing.
It was good to see him again.
--
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 09/08/2023 10:49
Unknown World: Outer Halo
Sapphire agreed to Vulkan.
"It is too easy, the energies I have erected to try conceal us are still up, but I have a horrible feeling that in such a psionically saturated enviroment it may even make us stick out... We supposedly have not been noticed but something feels very wrong to me. If we send those flies I cannot garuntee I can cover them and we dont even know if flies exist here, or how sensitive the enemy is in detected them. If as you say they already know this place is being assaulted Amerandus, they may very well know we are here"
Even as they talked and Mammon gave his view Sapphire knew the statement about denying an entire planet all too well.
"Destroying this planet may be easier said than done. Wait do you hear that?"
Sapphire seemed to wave a hand and a shimmer seemed to envelop them. A few moments later the low dull thrum of an anti-grav unit could be heard and an aerial vehicle came into view. Some kind of small personal transport it slid by them quickly and without alert.
"Whatever we are going to do we should do it quickly"
--
The creature seemed to emit an ear piercing screech in response to Ayzen as he charged, the twos speed now matched as they came to blows. The thing parried with its claws, protecting its eye even as Ayzen sliced through one of its claws. The flurry of blows between them as faster than a normal human could follow, both dodging, weaving, parrying and striking with matchless agility.
Finally however the Skia managed to get a serious stab into Ayzens chest, the serrated claw biting deep. But despite the damage it had been a feint, a second later and Ayzens own strike shattered the things main eye. A horrible psionic scream resonated across the desert, like nails been drawn down a chalkboard, but interspaced with a tiny fragment of coherancy. Ayzen could feel it in his mind, like a thank you whispered from beyond. Its body simply dissipated like black smoke on a breeze.
"Welcome to Panchavati, it appears your friends have abandoned you. Normally I don't care for this sort of thing, but I am in the area. It is an honour to meet you Autarch"
The voice that now faced Ayzen was one of a familiar face. Haykel Bin Chandragupta Lee, Commissar Commander of AOTS-E. The RANGSI man stood there with hands clapsed in a welcoming attitude.
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 09/08/2023 18:23
It was sometimes pointless to choose something for his appearance to be looking at when he was focusing on a number of points of view in a single area, so Vulkan chose for his eyes to stay staring ahead, only glancing for a moment at the princess to demonstrate he was paying attention. Another section of him was currently looking at many things in different ways. The dull, reflective mass pulled itself toward one of the heavy chunks of machinery on the wall behind the operation; such was Vulkan's curiosity on the subject and how such a seemingly lifeless system could interact with it that he'd sent the chunk of stone and heat to investigate, first searching for an opening in the engine's cowling and intending to cut away with microscopic edges in the case there wasn't one.
The concentration he applied to it wasn't nearly enough to distract from what was going on in the tunnel. Countless disturbances prompted him to almost completely solidify at the front, seams of light disappearing to help mask their position before opening just as quickly once the threat had passed.
"Right you are." His voice didn't seem to even come from his head anymore, but through his back as he attempted to minimise the sound escaping into the atrium before them.
"...On both accounts. Destroying the planet as a whole might not be possible, but it's worth mentioning the shaft before us descends into the planet's mantle.
If the necessity comes to pass, with a sufficient supplement of energy I may be able to descend below it and create localised tectonic activity through the upper crust, which I would deem likely to cripple groundside operations and collapse these tunnels. Considering the potential casualties however, I'm eagre to reserve this as a last resort if possible."
Finally he turns, facing the runt now, his eyes bearing down on it but his head not moving, silently regarding it as more animal than sapient.
"As for you, my final suggestion would be to keep the numbers you send low, spread out and well distant. Ideally, try to rush to places that seem important but don't make the intentions of your components too apparent, understand?"
Canis (Nucleans/Isoterrans) — 11/08/2023 18:14
A sound like a 'hmmph' escaped Cinder's helmet "The only causalties we should be worrying about are ourselves... Now if we can collapse the spire, it's large enough that the impact of it falling should wreak havok on these tunnels as well. Although if this shaft goes all the way to the mantle, perhaps we can coax out a volcanic eruption? Either way, we should try to put a damper on their operations here."
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 11/08/2023 19:51
There's a slight pause, before Vulkan turns slightly, mostly swivelling his head at cinder. There isn't much emotion on his face, as usual, but there's certainly some impression of disagreement.
"Perhaps I should elaborate; We know very little about the supposed population serving here, so I'd feel a lot more comfortable knowing they aren't innocent puppets before causing them suffering. Granted, I'm not the most well versed with how the Panopticon operates, but I have an inkling that bending a civilian population to their command isn't much of a problem for them.
I believe hindering their operations in other methods should still be considered as such."
There was another beat and it almost seemed like he was relenting to something.
"But, to answer your second question, yes it's possible, but i'd need the correct conditions, and a proportional amount of energy depending on their quality."
him/zetyans — 13/08/2023 16:00
The thing charitably in the shape of a runt gave some sort of gurgling wheeze in response, bloodshot eyes boring into the form Vulkan had taken while his body destroyed and reconstituted itself in real time. The sordid sight was only counterparted by the creature seeming almost... offended? Perhaps it was not the right word, but the body langugage of the Gritch seemed to indicate it. The Saint lightly chuckled at the sight, leaning in and bumping his shoulder as the Gritch madly muttered in a dead language, skin flaying itself from skin.
"Well? You heard him. Spread like aged butter, hm? Chop chop."
"hnhnng ngngneeeeAAAAAAA AAAAAAAHAHAHHAHAHHECHAHSHAHAHAHA BUTTERBUTTERBUZZBBUZZUZZBUZZ GNAHAHAHHAHA HNNGNGNCH"
As soon as the first syllable had escaped the Saint's tongue, the zombie burst with life, jittering and gibbering all the while as it listened. And as soon as the last had come and gone, the corpse flung itself into the air and dissolved into a porous, flying dust which soon began spreading like a wire mesh across the space in front of them, quickly becoming unpalatable to the eye as little more than noise.
Another chuckle escaped his mouth as he watched the swarm disseminate, as he nodded to Vulkan while seemingly willfully ignorant of the beacon of noise it just made. "I do apologize. Not quite as appreciative of the foreign man like I am. Sometimes he needs... encouragement."
As quickly as the mirth had came, it left, and when the Saint turned back his evergreen grin was molded into a stoic visage. He spoke more bluntly now, perhaps another sign of change. "I agree with the wolf. I hold little knowledge of the Panopticon myself, but should they be able to take anyone and bend them to their will then everything that moves is their vector, and must be treated as such. Not to mention, if they have already found our friend above? We may be next. The time to consider morality is a luxury."
"I can 'teleport', as one would say, and I can take limited amounts of people with me. We could risk detection, it is true, but if we are already known as the other infers I would prefer the element of speed on our side. What say you all?"
His gaze now shifted to the rest, yellow-gold eyes flitting between the motley as a triple halo formed over his head.
Aiman — 13/08/2023 16:20
Unknown Station
A bright flash.
The next seconds could not be recalled - all that Ridhuan remembered was a wave of heat enveloping him, warmth and scorching pain in one as the fusion blast sought to vapourise his very being.
In the aftermath of the explosion, in the midst of the mess that was once a grand station, Ridhuan was still intact, his armour was badly charred and blackened, but he was kept safe from the worst damages of the fusion blast by orange energy shields that surrounded him in a polygonal spherical cage.
Jets of plasma shot out from various parts of the polygonal bubble akin to thrusters, cancelling the force of the fusion blast that had effectively shot him out of the station. The bubble slowed down, and eventually began changing course, reversing its direction towards where the station was, where One was. The thruster plume was becoming bigger and brighter, to the point Ridhuan now resembled less of a ball and more like a shooting comet, heading straight for One. Shards of explosive hardlight materialised and formed around him, and were launched out like missiles homing in on One's psionic signature.
---
Unknown Planet
Ayzen grunted in pain as he pulled himself off the dying Transliminal Shadow as it disappeared, clutching his chest and gritting his teeth as he fought the pain and struggled to breathe. It was one thing to be stabbed by a physical object, it was another thing to be done the same with phased matter. Even as his flesh regenerated and closed up the wound, down to the last cell, he could feel as if the wound was still there, as if it was still there, in another dimension.
Commissar Commander Haykel’s sudden appearance however forced him to get up. He evaluated the sight before him - a terrible clash between what was familiar and what was not; an unfamiliar face but a familiar accent, an unfamiliar olive green shawl characteristic of the Army covering the familiar RANGSI white dress uniform that commissars wore, the iconic red kepi but vandalised with the insignia and sigils of the Army of the Panopticon. All in all it was everything he feared: a commissar - a man of his oath, a man who swore his very soul to the Republik, a man who would be the last to fall traitor - corrupted.
“I have many questions, starting with why,” Ayzen slowly walked around the Commissar Commander. He was not eager to immediately fight, for one he had no experience fighting powerful psions and it seemed wiser to await reinforcements from more powerful beings like Saffire, who he hoped would have heard the Shadow’s terrible psionic scream. For another, deep inside he was hesitant to spill a brother’s blood. His hands have taken many, but few were ever fellow Singaporeans.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 15/08/2023 10:55
Underground
There was a brief slight shift at the mention of burning the entire facility and all within it to the ground, a moment of decoherence accompanied by a mad grin unseen, staring into the seemingly bottomless hole.
Mammon in particular could feel something was off.
Then the moment passed.
The man Amerandus raised his head and nothing was seen, first addressing Mammon, then everyone.
"I concur, however, we are certain destroying this place will be the least of our issues. Not for the amount of resistance that would be met but rather because other tasks are more pressing at the time, remember, we are here to gather information. Speaking of which..."
His gaze shifted upwards to where the city should be then back down towards the core.
"...we would like to think the most likely place to acquire such is up at the city level, though if it was down at the mantle, it would hardly be a surprise."
...and it would be hard to discern as well, most movement went likely towards where the most work was to be done and the psion field, as little as he knew about it currently, seemed to be constantly shifting due to the ever pressing forces both above and around them.
He half-turned around, his head turning towards Vulkan, addressing his concerns.
"I do not think you will be find much of a semblance of civilians this far out, all that we have met so far aside from their commanding entities is frankly... empty."
Once more his head turned, this time gazing with a mild frown into the far distance somewhere behind the smooth walls of the tunnel they were in.
"It occurs to me Ayzen has found a more sophisticated foe now as well. We may have to move sooner than anticipated."
He shook his head.
"Someone may have to interfere soon."
Gose {CES, CHET} — 17/08/2023 01:54
Location where there once was a station, over the planet
Right then, there was no edge as infinitely sharp as the one at the tip of the failed god-project, enough to cut through the very meaning which bound the particulates of the fusion sphere that came like a pure-white wall, swallowing all. The being plunged into it.
Behind it, it cast a shadow, the perfect oblong-conical projection of its mantlepiece. To the sides, a cascade of energy equal to the mass equivalence of that which hit its head, shooting outwards as if a quasar woven into a long dress, the draped tips gently caressing the planet below.
The Cabal construct was the closest to the detonation out of all the gods present. After the blinding white passed, it stood all the same, half its front crystalized with bizarre and uneven growths, the sides of the creature were as if smoothed by eras of wind, still red-hot from the outburst.
The creature roared in the soundless carcass of the deflagrated station, and realspace muddled into a plastic nature, the creature was as if a thumb dragging through the viscous fabric of it, creating a comet-like tail as it again headed towards One’s signature with endless impetus.
The trail however, split off from the afterimage of the being and formed three helicoidal planar projections, they spread as with a mind of their own, seeking to intersect whatever parts of One or his attacks that were close to the construct. The planes shimmered, with a golden light, a flat mirror into a dimension of true insanity, before snapping shut completely, venting all which stood within their image straight into the obelus, where even gods were laid to rest.
Para (Khanate | UDS) — 17/08/2023 22:40
Ruined Station
The bright flash of light and the ensuing explosion left the Khan momentarily stunned. His aura had flared around him in a protective cocoon to keep him safe from the worst of the explosion- after all, even he couldn’t so easily survive what’s effective a fusion missile being thrown at him. He grits his teeth as cracks appeared on the shield before the light finally died down and allowed him to survey the destruction of the station.
For a moment he basked in the sight of it all and summed up his thoughts in one statement, “I can do that too.”
He flooded some of his aura to his body to keep him alive in the void- again, another annoying setback. In fact, he had to be careful lest he exhaust his reserves but he doubted he’d need to worry about that for now- he was the Khan after all.
Eleison grunted and tossed out his arms behind him as the barrier disappeared in flecks of light. From his palms shot out over a dozen tendrils of purple-red auric energy, each one as long and thick as a skyscraper. These auric tendrils attached, pierced and wrapped themselves around the remaining bits of the station and he quite literally began to pull on these tendrils to throw these hunks of scrap as if he was some sort of hyped-up strongman.
If his voice could have been heard then he would have most definitely taunted One. But the best he could do was release his hold on these scraps and let them fly towards the bastard.
Brank — 18/08/2023 00:49
Ezekiel's Dream
The young man grimaced at his teacher-- his father. Glowering purple eyes peered down at him through silvery hair and dark skin, and Ezekiel raised his blade and body once more. He shuddered as flesh and blood reconstituted in the cuts and gashes, racking pain as nerve endings reformed; screaming and crying to his mind for it all to end. The man above him was Cadrian Thosidraal, one of the many Imperials rebelling after the end of the Second War in Heaven, the one who had taken in Ezekiel after his parents had abandoned him during the battle of Thosk Vatrian. Cadrian was an Admiral, a Warrior, and the closest thing to a father he had ever known.
With a smile, he dove into the spar once more.
Sparks flew as their blades met again, and again, and again. Plasma flourished around their brandished blades as crimson red and violet purple flashed, the sheer lingering heat causing burning and searing on Ezekiel's exposed skin, giving him a neverending headache- yet the headache was nothing compared to the utter rush of adrenaline, dopamine as the blades struck once more. He peeled away, catching his breath as he and his Father circled the arena.
"Delve into your powers, Ezekiel!" Cadrian called out, zipping violet sparks surrounding him in a flurry. He cast his hand forwards, and a bolt of lightning shot forth, aiming to strike Ezekiel's torso. He almost didn't have time to react, before his own body pushed itself forwards, the lingering red ashes and sparks reforming into a resounding shield of fiery energy, blinding the two of them as the lightning's energy was absorbed and redirected into the ceiling.
Before he knew it, Cadrian found a sabre pointing directly to his heart. The boy holding it grimaced and huffed in exhaustion, but his eyes were bright red, glowing with pride, silently screaming in excitement held back only by a lack of physical energy.
The Father smiled.
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 20/08/2023 11:56
Unknown Station: Outer Halo
COME YE, COME YE WHO WOULD CHALLENGE THE GOLDEN LIGHT
One was already moving in the silence of the black vacuum. They were effectively in orbit now; the half remains of the station now tumbling away with a huge debris field trailing behind it and also expanding in all directions. One’s skin was frozen, but he seemed to be completely unaffected by the hard vacuum. He himself was moving, flying towards the now blazing Comet of Ridhuan, the strung-up form of Ezekiel flying behind him.
Like two fighter planes trying to engage head on the explosive hard light munitions detonated either on or around the psion creating brief flashes of light before the two impacted. Psionically imbued Katana met blazing golden string as the force of the strike sent a visible gravitational ripple across space, blinding light and energy radiating outwards as the two struggled to overpower the other.
You use it too, the holy land. Why fight it? Why fight against a future you know will be manifest regardless of your actions?
One then seemed to move lightning fast as the Cabal construct came in to strike, one of the projections coming nightmarishly close to Ridhuan as One exchanged blows with the manifestations of spacetime. One dodged pieces of debris, entire segments of the shattered station thrown by the Khan even as the space around one seemed to briefly tint before the impossible sight of the Obelus opened up. One piece of debris impacted the man, sending him perilously close to the Obelus. But it was the golden string attached to him that made him smile.
Ezekiels unconscious form drifted close to the Obelus window, Ones face was taunting the enemy. He would kill the man unless they closed the window. Of course, he could close it himself.
But what was a fight if not a performance?
---
“See, you had it in you. When you listen to me you can progress.”
It was the closest thing the boy was going to get to praise, but it was enough.
“If only you would listen to me more. There is change coming child, you need to be ready for it. Ready to accept it. A lot of things will be different” As Cadrian turned to stare at the boy there was a strange sense of dread, like he was standing at a precipice.
“You don’t have to understand change to accept it. But you must be ready, are you willing to do so?”
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 20/08/2023 12:16
Unknown World: Outer Halo
With a general plan of speed, teleportation and spreading out agreed upon the main group began to scale, fly or even teleport upwards towards the city and the giant spire. A likely place for whatever control was being given over this planet’s workings.
More and more workers and overseers were spotted upwards, moving along huge walkways and highways transporting biological material, regular materials, Nightstone derivatives and other machinery. All of those that worked were as Amerandus had said, puppets. All wore upon their brows the spiney crowns that had consumed so many souls so far. Obliterating their mandalas and super imposing on them the state of absent to be controlled by others. There were no innocents here, only tools. Only power psions could survive breaking free of such crowns and even then, it was a case-by-case basis. Once it was placed upon your head your self was destroyed, overwritten entirely. For normal everyday people it was a death sentence.
Still as they approached the top of the chasm where the spire rose above ground both conventional sensor equipment and other esoteric technologies could be seen jutting from the base of the spire.
“I would bet that would be a control centre, we may be able to search for information there” Sapphire whispered.
For the spread-out form of Gritch the surroundings would show more workings. The Panopticon here was mining everything, both Kolleronic and non Kolleronic materials in endless fashion. The puppets that got tired merely fell where they worked the overseers uncaring as they picked up the forms and threw their bodies into interspaced biological vats linked by massive veins and pulsating tendrils. It was a highly efficient system one that Vulkan could investigate further. Breaking into some of the machinery it was not all simple mechanics. Biological innards took over much of the work as the machine used the sheer power of the psion field to part rock, Nightstone and other materials, literally separating them then and there at the molecular level ready for collection as the molten distended geology melted and reformed as it worked. It was truly amazing to see, how psionics had been incorporated into something as simple as mining.
But as the group swiftly and silently bridged the gap between them and the command centre the main entrance way was blocked. Guarded by a single man.
Xerxes Alesso stood waiting outside the door at the foot of the spire.
“I wondered how long it would take you all to turn up. But I knew the holy work would occur at the appointed time. Welcome to Panchavati, I was surprised to see you abandoning individuals to create distractions. Practical, impressive even”
He could see right through their interwoven methods of concealment.
---
“It is simple Autarch. This is merely the nature of things to come. At first I saw this all as a threat, of course I was helping to create weapons to fight against this all you remember. But in that connection I came to realise a simple truth, to fight the Panopticon is for a man to fight the tide coming in. You simply cannot, it is the next step in the universe and so it must be embraced. The RANGSI people have always looked for unity, for strength in our national courage and in our very hearts. This is the ultimate expression of that. To be as if a hivemind without the uniformity of non individuality, here in the Panopticon we can achieve what was always meant to be for our people. I am here to fight for the Republic in the new order that comes, I alone am the only one fighting for our peoples true future”
Haykel was calm as he followed Ayzen the two walking clockwise as they spoke.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 20/08/2023 12:53
Unknown World
There was a moment of silence and then recognition as the Heralds gaze met Alessos. He should've expected this. In a way, he did.
"Ah."
He nodded respectfully and began to talk with the same expressionless face as always before anyone could think about any combat.
"Greetings, Xerxes Alesso. Unexpected but not surprising."
He paused, squinting and trying to read his body, for he was well aware neither side would be able to read each others mind in any sufficient capacity.
"A pleasure to meet you, I dare say?"
If they were lucky, he was not hostile at the moment, Combat in this area could compromise any information they could get at any given moment, given the forces involved.
The question remained what he wanted. Both Ayzen and the group in Orbit had already been attacked, did he plan to do the same or was his Agenda different? Did he have his own plans? Were the other elements aware he was here? Alesso himself was likely well aware of most if not all things occuring on this planet at the current time, given with how much ease he had found them, their meeting at this very gate was no coincidence.
He pondered and waited.
Sorteagan — 22/08/2023 17:13
From the corner of his eye One glimpsed Fenris rapidly approaching from his right side, preparing to strike. As One reflexively turned to retaliate there was only empty void followed by a bone shattering blow to his left with Fenris nowhere to be seen. The Draconian had disappeared in the ice on the station, only his reflection was visible before. The Ice from the station had started to reform, branching and growing outward into the void like vines, reaching out hungrily from the remains of the station for anything it could consume, given time it would soon replace the structure the station once provided and vastly outgrow it. The strike to One's side was from one of those tendrils rapidly expanding into him, the string he wielded now frozen solid, enveloped by this unholy frost.
Back on the planet Mammon's form briefly shined and flickered on Amerandus' shoulder as he kneaded his paws in seeming anticipation, his eyes not looking away from Alesso for a moment. Mammon looked to Amerandus, waiting for silent cues on what should be done.
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 27/08/2023 13:36
Remaining hidden was still the utmost priority, and Vulkan rigidly kept the sentiment to mind as he moved alongside the others. His shape would compress and twist in all manners of ways, the humanoid silhouette dropping away extremely quickly. Like wax, he dripped into new, creative forms to hide his light as he rushed through crawlspaces, vents and crevices like an angry amoeba, navigating through sound and intuition.
As he did so, another part of him, similarly formless, spread itself through the machinations of that psionic engine, inspecting its components but not daring to damage them, simply regarding the machine like a fine piece of art. But upon seeing the glistening, mastercrafted organic mass that made up its most vital inner workings, the emperor almost came to revelation right there and then. It had occurred to him in hypothesis that biological technology could be a viable option to the focus study of psionics, but seeing it here integrated with machine and making mockery of the galaxy's most sturdy bounties, he had to set out a project immediately.
Not long after, his primary avatar had arrived around where the rest had, albeit a floor or two lower. A lump of rock, melting and re-emerging from itself carefully melted out a vent cover, sliding out and clinging to the circumference of the pit. Just a few seconds later, Vulkan's form sprouted nimble, spider-like legs which carried him up until he could cling to the underside of the bridge, very carefully advancing all the while.
He could hear the voices of those above. Yet another name he was unfamiliar with, yet one he was sure he'd learn about soon enough. There was the feeling that Xerxes already knew exactly where Vulkan was, and despite that he remained clung to the bottom of the bridge. He wouldn't speak, hoping to simply let everything play out so he could act accordingly.
him/zetyans — 28/08/2023 01:32
The Saint was no talker, and neither was the Gritch, despite it's propensity for making unholy noise. A hidden telepathic connection, practically the only thing keeping the two able to communicate with each other, allowed him to retain the wealth of knowledge that, otherwise, would have been lost within the mind of a blithering corpse barely able to speak a single letter without frothing and laughing madly.
For those he was with, the Saint daisy-chained the information, one-way telepathic pulses showing bits and pieces of information launched without care into the minds of his allies. Workers being thrown piecemeal into melting vats. Nightstone and kolleronics broken down to the molecule. Legions of empty slaves toiling until their physical exhaustion, like batteries being drained of power. A wonderful show of cruelty apathized into normalcy. Perhaps this 'Panopticon' knew more methods of death and torture than he did.
When they met Alesso, however, the hitch had finally come into play.
The zetyan was thankful now they had chosen to 'shock' around. Evidently the man afore them was heedless of every precaution they had taken, eyes slicing through the many veils they had set up like butter. His own eyes narrowed at the sight, the Panopticon concealed faintly radiating off of this 'Alesso' like the corona of a sun. A very powerful man, evidently. Perhaps best left to his friends.
The flies that had dispersed all around the atrium remained in their form, though only by the Saint's guidance. The Gritch, too, could feel the man's power from far away, but unlike the Saint all he would have seen was a body of blood and meat and gore. The flies, however, began to silently yet slowly congeal back to where the had gathered, in anticipation of battle.
Aiman — 28/08/2023 17:29
Unknown Station
I have seen your future. A future of dead children, of horrific experiments, of Absents and empty puppets.
Ridhuan began to make a couple of strong slashes against One's golden strings, bringing not only his full physical strength, but also his psionic strength. One's taunting, him speaking of the AOTP as if they are some sort of inevitability, ignited a vigorous sense of determination deep within him. Not even the blinding light and gravitational ripples could stop him, everything else was a blur - only One was in his sights.
You abuse the holy land.
Another slash locked him face-to-face with One, struggling to overpower him and overcome the golden strings. Energies were building up, and the point of contact between the katana and the golden string was becoming another giant ball of blinding light.
However as the two continued to be locked in combat, the appearance of the Cabal construct forced Ridhuan to disengage as One suddenly disappeared to evade. The spreading planes that broke off the construct's trail barely missed, but the glimpses into the Obelus were too much, even for a nanosecond. Ridhuan psionically screamed in agony, jetting off to get away as far as his plasma thrusters could carry him.
---
Unknown World
Ayzen continued to walk around Haykel as he resumed this battle, not of blows, but of words.
"Commissar Haykel, it is true that we have always striven for unity. Unity is like that oasis in the desert, no matter how far we walk or crawl towards it, we never seem to be any closer. I admit to you myself, from one Singaporean to another, that even after bringing Pax Singapura to humanity and wiping away hatreds of race, there will always be something that they fight over, befitting our human nature. Pax Singapura, that Singaporean Peace, is the oasis, always far in reach no matter how much progress we make."
"But even so, even if we can't reach the oasis, that does not mean we have made no tangible progress. We have come far; we are one people united under one nation, a fact you may not have appreciated unless you have lived my time - when we were many people, fighting each other over things like race, scattered across many different warring nations. It is because Unity is an oasis that we keep striving, and we therefore keep improving."
"Therefore the Republic as it is, imperfect as it is, is founded on the pure human conviction to be better. To be Singaporean is a civic choice, one can leave and renounce their citizenship if they so wish. Those that stay, stay because they have a reason to do so, because they have the will to serve and better their country. The Republic, as it is, is a Republic of willing volunteers."
"Your Republic, this Republic of the Panopticon, is a Republic of false conviction."
Ayzen stopped walking.
---
"You speak as if the Panopticon perfectly unifies us without paying any price, but yet I have read reports of your Army leaving behind nothing but armies of Absents, puppets with no soul, no consciousness, and terrible abhorrent experiments, like the corrupted Skia I have killed. The only ones who do maintain their own consciousness seem to be only a small cabal of powerful commanders. "
"In fact, I am tempted to think you, this Haykel in front of me, are nothing more than a glorified Absent. For the real Haykel, as an honourable commissar, would have known better. He would have known that a Republic founded on the promises of the Panopticon is a Republic founded on ethereal illusions, on deus ex machinas. He would have known, from our painful history, that the Panopticon and its promises are not unlike the heavenly kingdoms of the Jihadists, or the utopias of equality of the Communists. He would have known that such deus ex machinas extract a terrible price, and in the end make people into slaves, stripped of their will and reason."
"If you are a false consciouness inhabiting Haykel's body, then strike me down because I am just another enemy. But if that is indeed really you Haykel, and you still choose to strike down your Autarch, then here I am," Ayzen stretched out his arms, inviting Haykel to make the first move,
Gose {CES, CHET} — 30/08/2023 18:25
Besides the construct was an intricate ballet of entities, each with their own plans, subjecting the area to the wildest arrays of energies, spells and abilities as eclectic as they were deadly. At the center was a white-hot comet, flashes of light blazing at the intercept where debris hit the scythe-headed object, headed like a missile towards its target, narrowingly missing almost all the time, as One wisely avoided the tremendously destructive spells that coated the surface of the being.
Across it all cut planes of golden shimmering magic, space folding into itself a quadrillion times each microsecond tracing thin slivers of death in infinitely sharp sheets, a magical blade borne out of imperfect mimicry of the Cabal’s entrapped god. Yet it was that very imperfection that granted it its tremendous power, as mana accumulated from the operations, even reality could not support the miniscule tears which opened, let alone Ridhuan or the other gods present.
A ripping of the fabric of space itself occurred within the endlessly flat planar sections, for a singularity of an instant, the Obelus inhabited realspace, its maddening impossible colors enough to drive the gods insane by the sight and proximity. The singular instant was potent, and the planar sections were made into the definition of light itself, obliterating anything that touched them. The light poured, reaching outwards more from their flat vessel.
For a split second, the space above the planet was a caustic sea of boiling light, effervescent from the endless power of the mana dimension, the shadows of the station and of the gods were pinprick stars outlined at the canvas of the planet below, which in that instant was as if made of the purest of marbles. Then, the light devolved, taken in from the paths which they spewed, funneled through the length and back at the origin point - the Construct itself.
A wave of energy surged through the being, empowering it as much as it fractured the vessel in the kaleidoscopic colors of raw energy which it received. It grew crystals which signified its imperfections, yet they shattered instantly from the very power they tried to mitigate. It was infinite energy contained in a finite vessel, a recipe for eventual disaster, it was the very hubris of the Cabal manifested in physical form.
I tried again for the AOTP weapon, its strength renewed and speed doubled.
Para (Khanate | UDS) — 31/08/2023 10:17
Once again, Eleison was forced to behold his weakness as reality itself began to shift with the sudden formation of the Obelus rift. It was a feat of magic beyond his current skill. This time, however, he felt no envy nor rage at the sight- only a sense of grim determination to one day reach those heights and prove them all wrong. As he saw the the rift begin to expand a thought struck him and tentatively, he reached out a shred of his aura-
-it was like being struck by lightning. He felt his nerves set on fire and his muscles began to twitch as raw mana began to enter his body, supercharging his aura and revitalising himself after having spent so much earlier on. A bubble of laughter spilt out of his throat before he quickly realised that his body was not suited for this amount of mana. No, impossible as it was, the greatest sorcerer of the Khanate realised that even he could not hope to survive the strain. He quickly pulled back his aura and vanished in a blur of light as he practically teleported as far as he could away from the rift onto a bit of the station that had been blown back.
“What…” He breathed. The rift would still be going strong. He had tried to absorb the mana from the Obelus in an attempt to fuel himself but found his body unable to contain that much energy. Not even a fraction of that rift’s output has been absorbed yet that was more than enough to completely charge him up and nearly kill him from the feedback.
He felt strong- stronger than ever. It was as if he was back in his prime. Yet he knew this feeling of elation would only last for a moment once the euphoria from this charge died down. He clenched his hand into a fist in anger. One day he will be strong. One day he’ll show all of these gods why he stood above them all. One day he will prove himself worthy as the honoured one of the heavens.
As these thoughts filled his hand, so too did a familiar static begin to overwhelm his mind. Although his mind no longer remembered this, his soul still knew the deal made so long ago and the chance for more to be bargained.
Brank — 13/09/2023 06:04
A Menagerie of emotion pulled at the strings of his heart and mind. A smile at the closest to praise he'd seen in some time, the shiver of dread down his spine, an allusion to change. Change in what? His mind cried at him, the dream-world beginning to collapse but his subconscious unable to comprehend why.
"Whatever comes my way, I--" he took in a breath, steeling himself against the dreadful headache. The walls flickered with colours and shapes he could never even hope to know. "--I must face it, like it or not. That much I know," Ezekiel answered. "I'm ready, Father. I can do this."
His young, ample voice bled away into the hateful, gruff one that his true self knew. Cadrian's eyes bore through his skull. A sabre raised, the handle close to Ezekiel's heart. A bloody, raging fire crackled within his soul. The blade swerved, tilting once more toward's Cadrian's unmoving, staring body. The walls caved in, Obelusian energy coursing ever closer to Ezekiel.
"Your memory shalt live on so long as I do, Father."
Ezekiel cut him down where he stood.
From an outside perspective, the internal raging was portrayed by grimaces, frowns. His body stirred and wriggled against the strings holding him, almost totally subconsciously. As the energies of the Obelus window threatened to engulf him, he stirred faster, more aggressively. Hot, raging plasma pooled on his skin, and fiery embers flickered into being around him in the void, coalescing against the strings.
One felt a surge of energy building up, as Ezekiel began to fight his mental chains.
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 25/09/2023 10:58
Unknown station: Outer Halo
You have no idea of what the holy land is TRULY like One spat at Ridhuan as they disengaged, grunting as the strange ice impacted him, spreading along the Solarite strings. One went to strike it, but the sudden exposure to the insanity of the Obelus stopped him.
Looking upon raw impossibility was enough to drive mortals to insanity, even immortals. One however, was already quite insane, looking upon the impossibility hurt him of course, it frayed his mind even as the wave of energy buffeted his body and caused his grip on his own reality to slip. Ezekiel was fighting now, his connecting string frozen and Ones own strength briefly robbed. As the strange magical entity now came into strike once more, far more empowered One realised this was not a performance any-more. His face changed from an unhinged man who looked upon impossibility and saw nothing but his own past to someone who showed no emotion.
He ended the connection between himself and Ezekiel, shattering the frost and ice covered string and bringing Ezekiel back into sudden reality.
A split moment later the Cabals construct impacted him, he attempted to dodge still disorientated, but the strange folding of spacetime and the energized mana that seemed to drag reality behind it made a mockery of even his improved form. His right leg came away mid thigh, sliced cleanly off. He grunted, even as two more ice pillars attempted to smash into him.
Once more space around him immolated, becoming akin to a fusion reactor.
The first Solarite barb was directed at Eleison, aiming for the mans chest and seemingly directed by malicious intent as it squirmed at impossible speeds aiming to piece his heart. The second was aimed at Ridhuan, aiming to bisect him entirely.
As for Ezekiel and the strange magical weapon One summoned a large flaming scythe, smashing through one of Fenris ice tendrils he flew towards the planet, lower into orbit as he seemed to slew spacetime itself, accelerating all of their descent, the flames of re-entry now visible as they careened towards the surface.
Strings seemed to flow from One now, each questing with its own will as his eyes glowed a fiery gold.
Panchavati AOTP Stronghold: Outer Halo
“The pleasure is the lords dear fellow.”
He took a step forward, engaging in casual conversation like he would with friends. Like the Saint and Gritch had seen his halo of psionic energy was immense, easily the most powerful they had encountered compared to the Numbers or even One. Still his fairly modest demeanour and appearance in darkened robes helped hide his true potential.
“Things are in motion you see, things I cannot simply let you interfere with. I gave you and your friends a choice the last time we met, join us or face our wrath. I will once more extend that offer, even to the ones in orbit but I will also politely ask you to leave. The lord always looks favourably on those who do not act against those who do his divine work, so shall it be. You may walk away, leave and I will not stop you, I will call off our weapons and you can never trouble us again. If you try to test my faith and conviction however I will not hesitate to erase you from this holy land”
No other Panopticon creatures or defences were nearby, it was just Alesso. He was vulnerable, but his true power could be beyond them, the question was did they take the chance?
--
Vulkan and the cloud of flies continued to move around the facility below, and even expand somewhat into the spire above. The Kolleronics, especially the Aurastone was being used like some kind of intelligent fluid, flowing upwards into the roots of the spire, forming it and creating an interior space in which intense psionic fields etched specific patterns like a mandala onto itself, growing upwards before breaking off in sections to float upwards towards the now destroyed orbital station. It was as if he could feel others within the spire, linked to the very thing itself like minds trapped within.
It was truly impressive, but it was clearly only a fragment of a greater whole. Some kind of construction on a vast scale eclipsing this particular planet. If they just had a little bit longer Vulkan may be able to learn some more from the internal systems…
--
“You speak with a great wisdom my Autarch but it is truly me, I am the same man who grew up on the steps of Karvoshakya, who saluted the flag and who sung our songs celebrating our people and our unity. I have never forgotten those songs or stopped celebrating our people, I merely learned that this is bigger than us. The republic is an oasis we ever strive towards you are right, its shimmering in the distance however is only an illusion. How much longer can that false mirage keep our people going? How much longer until they realise the water they seek will never touch their parched lips? Already there are many who seek to become one with the sand rather than follow that false dream any longer. But I have not only gazed upon that oasis with my own true eyes, but I have drunk from its waters and bathed in them to find the truth that we were seeking. It is no different from the nirvana preached by the insane your right, but this one is real. You gaze upon and try to stop its majestic inevitability right this very moment.”
Haykel outstretched a hand.
”Its time you stopped chasing that Horizon my Autarch, help me in realising the future our people need”
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 04/10/2023 01:49
"I see. I see."
There was a pause as the Herald seemed to be pondering, as if seriously considering the possibility.
Truth be told, he was. There were many a reasons the Panopticon was in his way of operations, not the least of which because they intended to absent every single sentient being in the galaxy. However, did that mean he had to interfere personally? Perhaps but perhaps also not. In this case particularly, where he was carrying around a troupe of entities which had a tendency make things worse rather than better, some of which were hardly more capable than meat shields, even if not all of them, it did become rather questionable whether they were able to enact the resistance against the Panopticon on their own.
But what if they were actually capable of it? His involvement would not actually be needed anymore. Much of this was merely a distraction, it was not even a stepping stone but a diversion from his own desires.
There were others which could deal with it, if he just nudged them in the right direction, even if forsaking direct control of the situation was something which was as of yet questionable. A test was in order to see if those with him were capable of dealing with this situation.
...but he had no intentions of backing down this easily just yet, they had come here and leaving without any results would not only be disappointing but also a waste of his time. There were individuals in the Panopticon peculiar enough to pique his interest and there were secrets and mysteries to be uncovered, something he desired far above the implications of the powers they seemingly granted to their wielders.
That did put them at an impasse though. Their goal was to gather information and Alesso was in their way, as of yet, he was not hostile though that could change at moments notice, once they gave their answers, they would have to buy time and think of a plan, though the implications of the ones which came to mind were not exactly appealing. Coordinating with the other members of the group would also hardly be an option as Alesso would without fail notice something was off. Even if he would not directly understand what and even if they did manage to distract the Panopticon preacher, the others would have to gather information in what would likely be an active battleground.
As Amerandus argued with himself over what to do or not to do, he eyed the different group members, stroking his beard, before answering in a diplomatic tone.
"Well, it occurs to me we seem to be at an impasse, time is short at hand even though I would like to think about this further, deliberate my decision, weigh the paths against each other. In the meanwhile why not ask what my dear companions think about the offer?"
He tilted his head at the group, lifting an eyebrow, there were many of which who had bonds in other places some holding positions of some import in some nation they deemed worthy or just their home, though also those relatively free or uncaring in some cases. He wondered how they would answer without his lead, how they would justify their decisions and what philosophies laid behind their reasoning, not even solely because he tried to gauge who may interfere or flee should a battle break out.
There was a morbid and genuine curiosity in his eyes even as his perception wandered the surroundings to perhaps get an idea of where or what it was they were looking for here or if the destination of the Duskstone was the only thing of interest in this place. Where it would be best to drive Alesso towards or away from and what would be the best tactics to deploy against him, if it would be necessary?
him/zetyans — 07/10/2023 17:40
The figure in white narrowed his eyes, regarding the minister before their party as he regaled his terms in no uncertain manner.
He was attuned to the psion, insofar as it was foreign, and he could feel it. The man was a powderkeg, restrained strength only held back by a facade of charity and goodwill. His erstwhile companion riddled his head with information of their work, labyrinthine passages of equipment and ritual filling his mind, but he restrained it to his subconscious thought while he pondered.
He was not thinking of accepting his offer, not truly. Perhaps he could fake his acquiescence, slink into the night only to return later and ply it's secrets, it's people. But no; the Saint would not bend the knee of his own accord, certainly not to man and certainly not to this challenge of power. He could flee, in some covert and unhumoring matter, but where to? They were somewhere unknown, and he would have to judge his position and save his energy for a jaunt - time this Alesso could spend to simply track him and kill him once and for all.
He could ply deeper. The jaunt cared not for walls, only for the space behind them. Whatever resistance they could muster he could keep at bay for long enough. His partner would sustain him, in time, and vice versa. They were both here of their own accord, a diversion from their usual escapade, and as the Saint's eyes began flickering around and flies zipped from here and there a web of potential paths began to appear in his mind, paths to take were he to act in non-aggression, were Alesso to move to strike them down.
Amerandus's response earned all six of the Saint's eyes focused on him at once. His calculating expression turned to feigned interest, before a slight grin spread across his face like a spider's web.
"I wouldn't presume."
His posture seemed to relax while he looked to the others, as if he thought that awful notion to surrender. But behind his back, his hands suddenly held the handles of knives between fingers, and a small swarm of flies congealed under the bridge, the sound like horns from the sky played faintly from below.
Canis (Nucleans/Isoterrans) — 08/10/2023 04:11
Cinder regarded Alesso’s offer with a hidden sneer, keeping her expression neutral, and hoping the arcanium of her visor remained opaque to the man’s vision. The idea of running away was absurd, almost insulting even. To simply leave after both their journey, and to think that he could cow them just by vague threats? Not to mention how his ilk had nearly killed a friend of hers. No, she had a personal stake in it now.
But what then? There was a suspicious lack of other enemies around, meaning that he was either quite overconfident, or he felt like he had a solid chance of stopping them himself...unless of course there were minions hiding somewhere… She really didn’t like where this was going.
Regardless though, she knew they would probably need to fight him at some point, especially if they were to interrupt operations here permanently. And with that, she smiled behind her mask.
“Your offer is very reasonable, Alesso. May I ask though, this project here is quite impressive, and I admit I’m intrigued. Before I consider leaving, could you at least sate my curiosity and explain what the purpose of this all is?”
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 08/10/2023 16:50
The question was unexpected, but it was an unwelcome surprise.
He immediately recalled the reports from the Bulwark's scuffle with Eos. They seemed like such a minor threat when compared to the potential of the panopticon, yet that's what made the request all the more concerning. If a single one of his allies here were to turn tail in fear or worse yet switch sides - something he believed to be a very real possibility considering what he knew - it could spell disaster for the operation. Of course there was always the option of attempting to collapse the facility, but then invaluable amounts of information might be lost in the process.
As a rapid evaluation continued, the 4-legged crab-like silhouette clung firmly to the centre of the bridge's underside, silently gathering any information it could from just sound and vibration alone. Whilst not certainly ideal, the fact that it seemed much like his allies knew this Alesso well told him a good amount, though also somewhat made him regret not prying more about what they knew beforehand. Silent he remained, however, believing that if the individual knew he was there, that it would be enough of an answer, which would be better than compromising himself.
If he were to be addressed directly, that would change his approach, but for now he instead began forming a hot spot on his own underside. Heat bubbled forth and turned a small circle of molten liquid closer to a shade of white. Positioned directly beneath the preacher, he was merely preparing for when things turn sour.
Elsewhere, he was much busier. In the time it had taken for them to arrive at the bridge and go through this tiring game being played up above, Vulkan had decided to use the psionic engine's heat and the nearby open mine tunnels to prepare more mass. Such a thing was a slow process but along with the original partition, the small split forms had already seen so much of value. It was as if the engine was just the tip of some insanely complex iceberg in a whole field of knowledge he quickly realised he had the relative insight of a toddler in.
It also made him realise that there was nothing he could do to prevent such vast amounts of expertise being used to maim his own citizens, most likely in ways he'd never even dreamed possible. A new line of thought strung itself up beside many others; he already knew what to do, but executing the strategy would be a much harder process given the immovable bureaucracy surrounding him at all sides. Even he wasn't free from regulation, and to perform something drastic about this, he would need very good cause for it...
Sorteagan — 22/10/2023 05:03
Unknown station: Outer Halo
As more and more ice was shattered each shard's reflective form spread out, thousands in number if not millions by this point which surrounded them all, each shard possessing a reflection of the draconian within, each glaring at One as they multiplied and surrounded their prey as he began his rapid descent planetside. From each shard a chain and hook shot forth at blinding speed, hundreds at once all towards One. The chains spear-like hooks tore at One like harpoons on a great whale, penetrating his clothing, his armor, his flesh. In but a second One was held by every joint, every appendage, and torso, each had a multitude of hooks latching into him or wrapping around him, and forced him still, caught mid-orbit by Fenris' frozen chains and suspended ice shards held solid in place. The wrong move threatening to dismember the madman on the spot if he resisted further. Each hook which struck his flesh burned cold and froze his blood in spite of his burning rage. This ice would not melt no matter how hot Ones powers burned. Fenris was holding him in place for his companions to do their own damage first.
Sorteagan — 22/10/2023 05:23
Panchavati AOTP Stronghold:
Mammon looked to Amerandus for an answer, then back to Alesso. The offer was beneath him as a draconian god, all of this was finite in contrast to what draconian were made for, and he knew the other draconian would enjoy watching these gods and entities continue to fight off the inevitable, they would want more conflict. Mammon was different from them, Mammon valued the "mortal" perspective more than anything. To him the harsh reality of his godhood was softened by making an apocalypse actually matter, by letting reality run its course and settle its dues in time, on its terms, not be forced upon it like his divine siblings work towards. This was his and Fenris' common ground. Ultimately Mammon wanted to make the "good" choice in this playthrough of life, but this offer was not his to take. he would stand by Amerandus' decision should he make it, but he was ready for anything at this point.
Aiman — 22/10/2023 14:54
Unknown Station: Outer Halo
The streaking comet that was Ridhuan was now returning its trajectory back at One. Katana pointed forwards, Ridhuan pushed his plasma thrusters as hard as they could, charging straight at One at full speed.
One's solarite string however singlehandedly stopped the charge dead in its tracks. It sliced through his hardlight shields and the only thing stopping it from bisecting Ridhuan was his psionically-imbued katana, which parried the string. The weight of the string however was enough to practically swat him aside.
Jets of plasma fired from all sides as Ridhuan reorientated himself for another angle of attack. With the realisation that a head on attack at One would not be wise, especially now that he was using even more of his powers, Ridhuan found his next idea as soon as he came across some of the station's wrecks. Maneuvering to the largest piece within his reach, he placed his hand on it, imbued it with his psionic will, and with the next thought, he was now pushing the slab of station chunk, using it as a giant shield as he began advancing towards One again. As he pushed forward, small pieces of metal from the station were telekinetically broken off, heated into its molten state, and then reforged into superheated blades that were then launched at One.
Panchavati AOTP Stronghold
The air was pregnant with pause.
Ayzen and Haykel stared down at each other for what seemed to be an eternity, amidst the burning sands and the rolling dunes. Haykel’s hand outstretched, Ayzen’s curled into a fist. There was nothing left to be said. Both had said their piece.
The only thing left right now was action. Haykel seemed to be making no moves at all other than holding his hand out in his diplomatic gesture to get the Autarch to join him, and see the Truth. Ayzen meanwhile was running through his two options over and over again - fight or flight, and he never seemed to be able to settle on one. If he fought and made the first strike at Haykel, not only was it a dishonourable response to his peace gesture, there was also no telling how he would fare against psionics. If he fled, it would just make him a coward, and Haykel would lose all respect for whom he considered his Autarch.
Whatever it was, he needed to make the choice now, and bite the bullet.
“Sorry. I refuse.”
Small tendrils emerged from his palm, shooting out to a couple of flashbangs mounted on his belt and pulling them into his hands. Within one flick, he pulled out their pins and threw the flashbangs at Haykel’s face. As the flashbangs went off and hopefully temporarily stunned Haykel, Ayzen leapt high into the air, somersaulting over Haykel, and once he landed on the sand he began sprinting at superhuman speeds towards the city. Rejoining the rest of the ground party was his only option at safety. Haykel may think of him as a coward now, but this in the end was more preferable than the risk of losing and being turned into an absent puppet. Too much was at stake as the Autarch of the Republik Angkasa to let that happen.
Para (Khanate | UDS) — 22/10/2023 18:31
Eleison had calmed down from the high he was experiencing just in time to realise he was directly under attack from One. A blast of Solarite aimed right to take his heart. Back in that world he had easily dealt with the Solarite weapons used by the common rabble of the Panopticon. But this time was different and string spun towards him far faster than any attack he had experienced in his lifetime. For a brief moment, his barrier holds.
The Khan moved to the side just as the barrier shattered. A brief sense of agony runs through his nerves as his arm is ripped off. Eleison grits his teeth and vows to make One pay.
He had enough of sitting on the sidelines. It was time he took centre stage. He had used the brief Obelus rift to supercharge himself and had only spent a small burst of it to avoid the attack. If there ever was a time to assault One, it was now. He felt his aura stitch over the ruined stump of his left arm. He blocked the pain and breathed in, remembering the meditative practices taught to him so long ago.
“Good! Hold that bastard in place- I’ll tear out his fucking heart!” The Khan roared. He didn’t even know who was trying to bind him. But he was going to get in close, no matter what.
If Ridhuan chose to use the remnants of the station as a shield, then the Khan chose to use those same remnants as platforms for his teleportation- it was faster than trying to boost himself there. In flashes of purple and red light, he blinked in and out of sight to reappear on nearby debris until he was finally within charging range.
The debris he was standing on suddenly shattered from the force of his sudden auric-fuelled boost. He had shrouded himself in aura now, making him appear more like a red comet streaking through the void of space. Despite his wound and despite the sheer strength of One he was determined to find his place in this galaxy- no, this universe.
Gose {CES, CHET} — 22/10/2023 21:13
Unknown Station
The leg of a godling, whose consumption was a feeling that embibed even the incomprehensible madness of the failed construct with a feeling of indescribable pleasure in the completion of its programmed goal. As the supercharged flesh of One undid itself on the impossibly dense perpetual ritual at the edge of the construct’s scythe-like face, it had know a singular moment of peace from the completion of its purpose.
Every second that passed, the magical energies that were contained in that worldly vessel pushed against themselves, waiting to burst out like a dam on the brink of destruction. Once again, a wave of fusion washed over the extremely saturated etherite, cracking the feeble surface. Mana pours out like a bomb, plumes of the saturation and sheer energy escape from the entity, scorching rays of light seeking all directions, shoving the entity far away, further from the reach of One, away from both the parties.
It stumbles within the empty space, the sheer inertia of the forces pushing against it shatter and splinter the broken being, kept alive now raggedly by the cohesive pressures of the energetic density that it bears, yet bleeding the very same energy in a trail of malformed crystals and kaleidoscopic errant mana. A being of more complex thought would have perished, yet the simplicity of the mind that yearns only for complete destruction perseveres…
Brank — 22/10/2023 23:46
Unknown Station: Outer Halo
The connection shattered. In an instant, Ezekiel went from standing over his father's bleeding body, to floating in the depths of space. His lips curled- He was free! Something shattered his solarite chains, pulled him from his memories. Blinding magical energies shot off in the nearby-distance as One fought the magical entity, and a searing warmth burbled up in Ezekiel's chest.
The embers coalesced.
Sticking to his body, red flakes of psionic fire began to wrap around him, curling up into his hands with an intense, crackling energy. Blood-orange strings pierced the flames, and the Young Imperator screamed silently into the void. Brambles of psionic solarite surged through him, lashing around him protectively as his body tumbled- eventually coming to a stop face-towards One. The sheer power of harnessing two psionic sources was enthralling and intoxicating.
As he finally peered upon the battlefield; everything was off-kilter. The construct shot off into the starry sky like a comet, One was falling towards the surface of the planet with strings lashing out like destructive whips-- followed by Fenris, Ridhuan, and Eleison.
'Mustn't hold back, then. He c̵a̴n̶'̷t̴ ē̶̹s̷̹̊c̶͓͘a̷̖̅p̶̤̑e.' Ezekiel chuckled to himself. It was hard to think over the burning throes of pain, the adrenaline of battle, and the desire to follow and fight. So, why think? Why bother?
It had always been easier to give in to that bloodlust, afterall.
Blood-orange solarite curled around him in a protective bubble, and his hands shot out jets of maroon plasma. Between One's acceleration and Ezekiel propelling himself, he would hopefully catch up quickly- the fires of re-entry battering the solarite surrounding him.
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 07/11/2023 14:42
Orbit of Panchavati: Outer Halo
One did nothing to prevent the chains as they dug into his flesh, tearing into his body and burning his skin and muscle with the cold. The pain didn’t bother him, he had endured such horrific torment during his creation that no pain inflicted on him now would break his mind. He had seen things impossible, been immersed in the Panopticon like a child being thrown into the thick of a raging sea. Not even Alesso, nor even Laikos himself had survived that. They had been exposed to the Panopticon progressively, like all those that came after, little by little they had been surrounded by its radiance, its power.
One had no such luxury, he had learnt to swim, to survive even as it drowned him and destroyed his mind and soul. No, he was something more, he was the instrument and the wielder.
He was their true scion.
The chains held him still as the heat of re-entry surrounded himself and the shards along with the other entities as they descended into the upper atmosphere. Both Ridhuan and Ezekiel now free, were burning hard towards him while the magical construct was battling with itself and the Draconian used its powers from afar.
One smiled, even as Eleisons strike hit him full bore in the chest, organs and flesh pulverised as the Khans fist went straight through causing Ones body to go into convulsion. His face however looked impassive even as he spoke.
”You should see its golden shores, what lies beyond is truly paradise”
Ones left arm moved in a flash, the chains being pulled with it by some unseen force. Blood was congealing all around him even as One grasped the Khans throat. His body was failing but his eyes were full of fire.
”I wont let the likes of your kind sully the promised land”
Ones voice was perhaps the calmest he had ever been even as his body began to break apart, his skin and muscles filling with golden light and power. Just like on Askandar, One’s true form was breaking free. The hand that held the Khan becoming gigantic to fully engulf him, trying to crush the man as ones body expanded and exploded, uncaring of the chains or their deep cuts as they tore through golden flesh. His new body rippled with power as he descended still, his form rippled as One opened up a brief Meridian tear, placing it between him, Ridhuan and Ezekiel trying to aim for them to be lost within it.
Around him manifested a swarm of Solarite string, slicing at both the chains and instead of smashing the ice crystals wrapped around them, dragging them directly into the Panopticon.
”You should see its golden shores, come let me show you”
Pancahavati: AOTP Stronghold: Outer Halo
“It seems the others do not have much of an interest in leaving my good sir. A shame but one I sadly expected. When you have been shown the truth of the lords will it is of course necessary to understand that others have not seen it as you have. Perhaps in time you will come to see the revelation. You inquire about this project, why my blind friend it is simple. We are undertaking a measure so great it has only been attempted and succeeded once in galactic history” Alesso gestured to the night sky above, even as it was lit up by the flashes of energy releases and the burning contrails of the wreckage and beings tumbling to the surface.
“Look further, you have your answer written in the heavens themselves” Alessos statement was vague at first, but for those who could indeed perceive the wider visuals the world they were on orbited in a system around a psionic star. But interestingly there were other planets, arrayed in a very specific pattern. Other large constructs lay out in the void, laid out intricately. It matched only one thing in history.
The Kerali Battery.
“Even if you perceive the lords plans in the heavens it is but such a tiny sliver of the true revelation. Consider your curiosity sated, as a token of goodwill. Now. I will ask you to leave”
Alesso shifted slightly, one foot moving slightly to the left and his hands coming up to hold onto his suits front. Just that motion alone sent shockwaves through the psion field. Vulkan certainly could feel a tectonic motion from just that alone. Alesso was done playing friendly.
He smiled. As if inviting them to leave or try take the first shot.
---
Haykel made no gesture or change of his body or stance as Ayzen rapidly threw the flashbangs into his eyes and made off for the city. Bright bursts of phosphorescent light capable of blinding anyone who looked into them detonated just feet from Haykels face. The man seemingly unfazed withdrew his hand back to his side even as the Autarch sprinted away.
He sighed. Genuinely upset that their great leader would not help him realise a perfect future for the Republic. He had tried, but it was too late.
Haykel looked down towards the ground, before turning and watching the dust signify the Autarch gaining ground on him. Sighing he shook his head.
”A shame my Autarch, we could have finally had our peace. I can do no more for you, I have other matters to attend”
With a gust of wind, Haykel merely disappeared.
Alesso would handle this now.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 09/11/2023 10:05
"Fascinating."
The Herald noted in response, calculating his options.
Alesso had freely given them what they had been looking for, which meant he was either foolish or confident. Having the met the man twice now he would be inclined towards the latter.
There was also a point to be made that there was more to be gained here, that something more was being hidden in this place, veiled by information he had thrown before their feet. 'To be gained at what cost?'
He raised his head towards the sky where the other psion, the rest of the group and the station came burning down like a meteor. That battle too had reached its apex now. It would end in short order, one way or another, though somewhat pointless it was now that they had what they sought for. 'Or do we really?'
A shame almost, it would've been interesting to see the entities of this galaxy and Alesso clash, though there was no changing it now.
...unless someone was particularly foolish. '...or pursues their desires with particular fervour.'
"Fascinating.", Amerandus repeated.
"Well, dear fellows, it occurs to me we have attained what we think to have been looking for, for now. If you wish so, I can return you to where you came from."
He paused, the swayed the arm which wasn't holding his spear in a wide arcing gesture as if to present Alesso.
"...unless you think you can gain more by fighting the man before us."
He waited and watched with a quite particular interest, as if the question he had posed was a test in of itself.
Sorteagan — 24/11/2023 05:08
Orbit of Panchavati: Outer Halo
"You will not escape." Fenris' words repeated once more as an emotionless decree, or a promise. The draconian was unphased by One's transformation, only the divine can witness true divinity unharmed, and One's true form was but one of many Fenris had encountered in his past battles. The gate to the Panopticon, its golden radiance, was immediately marred by a new web of chains between the portal and the falling gods which manifested from empty space, their hooks tearing into reality itself at the metal net's center. The chains began to retract into their invisible wells and ripping a hole through space and time which grew wider as they receded. It was madness, impossibility made manifest, a horrible force that ate at the mind of those who gazed into its great endlessness. Colors and shapes bled from the wound which could not be described, a terrible unlight and thrumming hum burned through space as Ancerious itself seemed to be crying out in pain.
The physical realm was now exposed to the Great Void through this rapidly expanding tear, this infinite emptiness between universes, the space between spaces, like the starving maw of some great beast waiting for the falling gods and debris to be consumed. As if by the power of a singularity, the magnificent light of the Panopticon's portal was being drawn into the void, its energies consumed by an endless hunger. All things were at risk the longer this tear remained open, but Fenris was not reacting to this new and terrible danger he had eagerly subjected them all to. Where the Panopticon was One's heaven, Fenris would show him his hell.
Sorteagan — 24/11/2023 05:23
Pancahavati: AOTP Stronghold
Mammon suddenly dug his claws into the Herald's shoulder as he sensed the sudden change of the state of reality. This was not right, Fenris should never of gone to such steps. The fox stood up on his perch and frantically looked around. Rocks and debris was beginning to rise into the air as gravity weakened, the wind was starting to pick up as it reacted to the battle in the upper atmosphere. This was too soon, too much. Mammon knew now what had to be done, even if the others would not like it.
"We need to stop!" He yelled aloud to everyone as his tails raised in alarm, his urgency made all too clear to his companions. He needed to pull Fenris back to his senses, he needed the gods to retreat.
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 24/11/2023 16:50
"The rest of you do what you wish-"
Vulkan's voice echoed from behind them, above them and to their left. These directions heralded the emergence of more Vulkans, 2 bodies in the classical humanoid shape, and the third above them hanging from a vent in the form of an oversized snake. No features sat on the faces of any of these forms.
"-I think I'd like to stay a little longer."
While the two humanoids remained still, the serpent burst forth from the vent, landing behind the party with a strong thud. Its head raised, sitting at a rather imposing height behind them. It seems the emperor had been busy.
"It would be wise to follow Amerandus though: we have what we came for, no point getting hurt for a trite few scraps. Just don't bother worrying about me, I only want to talk a bit more, if our host here will allow me."
The only place the voice didn't come from was the form underneath the bridge, primed and waiting like a living landmine. It didn't really speak well for Vulkan's passive gesture, but there was a likelihood it was more so a contingency to protect the fellows he'd travelled up to this point with. Whatever the case, he seemed adamant on not needing to use it, at least immediately.
The faceless serpent sifted to nod toward Alesso.
"I know you're asking us to leave, but I still have some burning questions. It would be pleasant to have answers, whether they're from your own word or otherwise. You seem like the only one mentally capable of answering them anyway."
Para (Khanate | UDS) — 24/11/2023 19:00
For a moment, Eleison felt that he was going to die. It was a strange feeling- one he hadn’t experienced in centuries up until his confrontation with that psychic archminister. Back then, he felt outraged and furious. Now all he felt was emptiness.
And the slightest bit of fear.
When he was grabbed at the throat, he thrashed and tried to incinerate the hand grasping him with a beam of pure mana. Yet the hand only grew larger, engulfing him, crushing him. There would only be seconds to act before he would undoubtedly be slain.
Those seconds were long enough for the fear to sink in.
His mind raced with plans to escape- teleportation was out of the question, not without knowing what exactly was going on outside. He debated throwing another meteor but there was a chance this may not work at all. So what would? He needed to break free of this prison of flesh.
The answer was revealed to him as he pondered the wheel. Transmutation was one of the keys to Khanate magic and was about changing the nature of one’s aura into something else. It was how fireballs and ice spikes could be made. A stray thought wondered into his mind- what if… what if he tried transmutation on a scale unheard of in Khanate history? Not just fire or water. Something far more advanced and… modern.
He had seen this used by nations across the galaxy as both a tool of war and a source of energy. But one thing was always clear- it was deadly beyond all measure.
The spell would be hard to pull off as it has two layers. He would need to protect himself with a barrier of aura while also emitting a portion of his own outside said barrier while he attempted to unravel the science behind a topic he barely knew about. Without a doubt, no ordinary sorcerer would be able to think of pulling this off- the aura required was insane.
But he was the Khan- the Chosen Warrior. He had the auric power and knowledge of six bloodlines carved into his soul. He had lived for centuries and his mind was developed for more than any mortal. If one person ever wanted to cast this spell, it was him.
First, he focused on the barrier, imagining it enveloping his body like a second skin and strengthening the barrier would his aura, already supercharged by the Obelus rift that had opened earlier. Second, he emitted nearly half of his reserve outside of the barrier. Then, he focused everything on the complex scientific theory behind this spell. Magic did provide some ways to bypass science but even it was limited by the caster’s own knowledge.
The emitted aura concentrated on a sigle point right next to him, gloring brighter and brighter. He felt the intensity of the sheer energy behind it as it was slowly transmuted into a new state of being that would either damn or save him.
In a flash of blinding light, half of Eleison’s prodigious aura reserves were transformed into a single gram of antimatter.
It was almost trivial to push it into One’s flesh.
him/zetyans — 29/11/2023 07:05
The white-wreathed Zetyan seemed dispassionate with his surroundings, but in truth his instincts were screaming at him to leave. The Saint was cruel, but he was no fool - he knew when he had to fold his cards. The diversion had gone on long enough, and if the mere footstep Alesso had taken was no indicator, than the sky itself falling from above was. Soon the base would likely be nothing but slag coating the moon like an ocean, obliterated by the golden comet crashing towards the base itself.
The flies that had once been swarming under the bridge congealed next to him, the zombified runt staggering out of it like a feral dog while making wet gagging noises, a noise that sounded like a constant death rattle. Inside his head, the thing screamed, cried, frothed - not a single murder since they had arrived, not even the hint of violence, and the restraint was killing the thing in all manners but literal. And it was at this sight and sound that curiosity joined concern in the Saint's mental complex. Opportunity presented himself in the form of a demonstration; what would happen when David faced Goliath?
They didn't speak words to each other, but in their minds they formed some small agreement. The Gritch could resurrect itself from his body after Alesso was done, the Saint would live, and beyond all this their carnival within the Clanholds would continue unabated, independent of the Army's inscrutable grand plan. Perhaps he would have to wait to recharge his stamina for long while, and he would take no passengers, but boredom and lack of companionship was vastly preferable to the notion of obliteration. As energy began to build in his body, his thoughts presumed that he had done well to memorize the location of the Zetyan capital to heart.
"My leave will be taken. For your courtesy, I thank you." He bowed at the minister, yellow electricity beginning to dance across his form with growing intensity, before looking upwards.
"But please, if you would be so kind? Give my friend here a good show."
A great flash of light and sound, and the Saint had vanished. In his place, the woefully outmatched Gritch, who stood seemingly uncaring of his abandonment. A rusted autopistol was pulled from it's holster and cocked, as the Gritch's sickly vocalizations began to reach a feverish pitch.
Aiman — 05/12/2023 14:34
Panchavati
Ayzen was racing through the desert as fast as he could, he was even pushing his very own augmented legs to its absolute limits. No point turning back to see if Haykel was hot on his heels; if he succeeded, that's all that mattered, and if he did not, then Haykel would have gotten him long ago.
He then saw the comets streaking down the sky. His radio began to pick up a signal. At first it was faint, barely even above a whisper, then it started to get stronger - static warble, the high pitch whine, before a voice finally came through.
"Ridhuan to Autarch Ayzen, Ridhuan to Autarch Ayzen, do you copy?"
"Ayzen to Ridhuan, I copy. Send."
"Sir, we need to leave. The Army's generals are here. I sense their overwhelming presence. A dropship is enroute to your location, just keep running in the same direction."
After a while eventually Ayzen could see a red dot in the distance, as it got closer it revealed itself to be in the shape of the familiar RANGSI dropship, only in red hardlight rather than actual metal - a ghost of a vehicle much like the ghosts of soldiers Champion Ridhuan commanded.
The dropship lowered, opening its doors. A squad of those ghostly soldiers covered his approach with rifles and machine guns on overwatch, while one extended his hand for Ayzen to reach, grabbing him and pulling him onboard.
As the dropship hovered away and gained altitude, Ayzen gave one last look to the desert before him, trying to reassure himself that Haykel, or anything else, did not follow him. His breathing was strained and ragged, it was been long while since he was this exhausted, both physically and mentally. While he was fortunate in this encounter to have not actually fought Haykel, Ayzen came to a stark realization that he had become complacent in his immortality and metahumanity. Finally, after 203 years since he first gained his powers at the bottom of the Java Sea, Ayzen remembered what it was like to be a mere mortal human again.
Brank — 07/12/2023 03:52
Orbit of Panchavati: Outer Halo
He was almost there.
The burning blood-red bulb of fire continued it's crashing course towards One, steadily gaining. In a sudden jolt, it veered off to the side and shuddered, avoiding the meridian tear, and throwing him off-course by a slight margin. A second too late, and he'dve been dead. They were gaining quickly on the ground below, and Ezekiel was close enough to engage One-- just as Ridhuan sped away in a holographic vessel.
"Fucking coward!" he called out, barely able to hear himself over the roaring of the atmosphere splitting around him. A so-called god running away from the simple challenge of a fight; it was almost pitiful. At least the dog-man and the 'Khan' weren't running. Not like it'd do the latter any good.
Ezekiel shifted his hands to the side, his fleshless hands only still functioning from the manipulation of blood-orange strings replacing muscle and tendons. The ball of plasma and fire turned itself towards One, and aimed to hit the psionic monster directly at the center of his mass. Shakily, as he made his approach, the strings pulled Ezekiel's hands forwards and stopped the flow of plasma, letting what was left keep him moving, while he prepared to fire forwards on-contact.
If the impact didn't kill him.
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 24/12/2023 11:39
Orbit of Panchavati: Outer Halo
The yawning maw of the void portal seemed to hunger as it attempted to combat the forces of the Panopticon. The powers unleashed were dangerous, but once again One was not fazed.
He was an empowered of the Army, with a direct link to the Panopticon and a planet worth of Aurastone below him. The void may be all consuming, but this wasnt the void. This was Ancerious, and this realm belonged to the Panopticon. One seemed to twist, Eleison still in his remaining grip and outstretched his palm towards the portal, space seemed to pulse, a massive wave of power almost being directed from both the planet below and the Golden light that illuminated the orbit. Space closed in a snap, a thunder of energy that rocked even those now entering the atmopshere, the Meridian tear closing as well.
But as he closed the rift Eleison made his move, the Khan introducing the antimatter into Ones very body. There was a blinding light as the Khan was blown away from the creature. A brief blinding light appearing in the heavens as the detonation occured. When the light faded, an entire segment of Ones body was gone, blown away. The Khan was free, but even as the shockwave had taken him away from the enemies grasp, his death was already upon him.
A spear of pure Solarite was already meters from Eleison, thrown by One even as he was engulfed and aimed to peirce him straight through the heart. He had a split moment to act, but the blast had inflicted its fair share of injuries on him too...
He had one chance, Ezekiel, was just meters away and already travelling at speed. It would be a momentary heroic, to save the life of another.
But it would certainly result in death, would he take it?
Pancahavati: AOTP Stronghold: Outer Halo
Another bright light seemed to engulf the heavens and turn night to day just as a huge psionic pulse seemed to race around the planet.
Alesso quivered in response for a moment, like he was enjoying the feeling.
"I believe you indeed need to stop. Do not bother with your otherworldly powers here, they wont save you"
His body language shifted slightly as Vulkans other form became visible, anticipating an attack the air seemed to him around the group like space itself was reverberating power.
"One question. Your compatriots are leaving, I suggest you do the same" Alesso took two steps towards the group. A sudden blazing of automatic fire from the poor soul Grinch riddling Alesso with bullets. Each one had found its mark, punching ragged bloody holes into the older man. Bleeding now horribly Alesso did not flinch or care, merely making a gesture with his left gloved hand as Grinch simply turned to dust.
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — 14/01/2024 12:00
There was a pause from the Herald as the Herald watched the spot where the Gritch had just disintegrated, frowning for a moment though seeming otherwise unsurprised and uncaring. There was little he could learn from the Gritch's death so it was ultimately useless to him.
"I see.", he noted in a monotone voice, shook his head and then raised his spear once more.
"Now then, it occurs to me the time of our departure has come, I bid all of you farewell, my condolences to all who will not make it.", on a final note he half-turned his head to Mammon, still residing on his shoulder though the fox was now visibly panicked after all that had just transpired.
"Perhaps you should choose your muscle more carefully next time. Your siblings and family are not the only ones residing out there.", though it was unclear if he was referring to Mammon looking for help outside his family tree or if he was warning him of the contents of the great beyond.
With those final words, the spear came done, the characteristic clang of its back end by now an all too familiar tone, there were no lights, no sound nor gateways, instead, all those explicitly willing to depart suddenly seemed to just pop out of existence, leaving behind those who chose to fight or remained to ask questions, forfeiting their life for answers.
Those who disappeared, at the very next moment found themselves in another familiar place, back where they started, on Wisdom's End, the gentle glow of the Golden expanse contending with the burnt out star of the system through the thin atmosphere, amongst ruins and shards of pottery.
There was but one curiosity, Amerandus was seen on neither end on this transport.
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 14/01/2024 13:50
Without hesitation, the emperor stood firm along with his 3 other bodies. Every second spent standing here, waiting for the inevitable fate of the city was another second Vulkan could use to sink his talons further into the machinations of this factory to gain a deeper understanding of how this peculiar new science was manipulated. It was more vital to him to gather this information than consider the outlandish (at least to him) possibility that this man could traceback the quantum encryption between this body and his main mass.
With apathy, the foremost form's eyes darted toward the runt as it made its futile attack. Vulkan was moreso surprised that it managed to get as many shots off as it did, but he understood this merely a demonstration that old gentleman was a slight bit more endurant than he looked. Once the being was dust, that raised concerns slightly; it would be a shame if his own surveillance was cut off so abruptly but at least he'd now know why. Despite this, he remained unmoved and unbothered, keeping his head forward. Still though he made response to the Herald.
"Very well, it was pleasant meeting you, and I hope we work together again some day."
As the rest of the party vanished, so did one of the emperor's bodies, the rest remaining. As this part of himself willed to go with the others for practical debriefing, it did not speak, unlike the 3 left behind with Alesso, who seemed rather talkative indeed.
"You offer one question, that is fair, but I will not leave so easily."
They spoke in unison once more.
"Though I do not expect I'll be here too long, one can learn plenty from how another commits to destruction."
As if merely standing in the Preacher's office, both humanoid forms barely moved, only sightly shifting their stance. These bodies, they were mere crash test dummies, but It was unclear whether it was hubris or fascination driving the emperor.
"But besides that, since I only get one query, I shall make it a good one...I must know, does it ever hurt? Not the bullet holes, of course - rather your duty, doing what you perceive is right even if it means trampling upon the souls of others."
The snake's head coiled back, but it didn't feel like it was purely for a strike.
Brank — 14/01/2024 21:19
Instinctively, Ezekiel shifted to strike at one as he was distracted, but something flashed through his mind.
Clarity.
For the first time in well over ten years, Ezekiel had a moment of total, utter clarity. Desires for power, revenge, hate, war, all flushed away in the face of utter death as his skin burned around him. Where once stood a man lusting for the glory of slaughtering the panopticon's greatest warrior, now existed that old boy from long ago; before ancerious; before he had been crowned Imperator. Truthfully, deep down, he just wanted someone to remember him.
"I have nothing left to give to my people," he whispered raspily to himself. The jets firing from his hands shifted, setting him on a fatal course. Fiery jets of red threw him in-front of Eleison, the Khan. A Golden spear of solarite pierced Ezekiel, and a burst of pure plasma jettisoned itself towards One's body, striking out with strings of burnt-orange, tainted solarite in a last bid to make his death meaningful. He couldn't speak anymore.
Nothing to give, but myself.
Crimson fire poured through his very being, the boy-Imperator's soul tearing itself to pieces as his life faded. The psionic-plasma assault directed towards One died down, and the fires flickered out. Ezekiel let out one final breath, and his fire-blackened flesh fluttered away into dusty flakes, his bleached skeleton revealing itself in the atmospheric drag. Bones broke apart under the pressure, searing into ash as a cloud of nanites that had once kept him alive were washed into nothingness by the flames of re-entry, no longer able to do their job.
All in the span of a few minutes, Ezekiel was unmade. In a show of irony to those decades spent accruing control, he was whisked away so thorougly, that the only thing to ever remain of him would be His soul, buried alive in the sands of time.
Gose {CES, CHET} — 16/01/2024 08:17
Simplicity yet, perseveres - perhaps a lesson learnt from the inheritors of the planet, whose old inhabitants had been woven into that forsaken being. Ragged and torn at every level, it glew like an ethereal and miniscule star gathering distance away from its objective.
It did not grasp the cosmical mechanism that surrounded it, the revelation from Alesso did not fall upon its ears - and even if it did, it would find no more space upon it than any other information, subsumed into that endless and tormented void built out of so much regret.
Perhaps, in some other time and some other outcome, this very same being could have undone those that wove it together - revenge personified, sin given form in the shape of a righteous arrow, to pierce the heart of a beast that stole so much from a people whose only crime was having too much faith.
Yet this was not to be so. For simplicity perseveres, and in that cracked vessel the only notion left was to move forward and accomplish its given function.
Like the weapon that it was, it shot forward. It wrapped itself within that blanketed dilation, pumping more mana into its surroundings, spewing the effervescent reject at the back like a powerful engine - a bullet that gathered more of itself as it inched forward. Like the simple weapon that it was, it did not know that its death meant the end of the old ways and the start of the new ones.
And the old ways, like always, die in bloodshed.
A luminous object gleamed above the planetary surface as Amerandus transported the other god-like beings away. A gleaming white meteor, streaking behind it a trail of heavy saturation, dragging space with it like a claw, rendering it at its tip and leaving it ragged behind. It sought only, and simply, death.
Para (Khanate | UDS) — 16/01/2024 17:41
He was barely conscious as he floated in the void of space. Conjuring antimatter using his aura took more than just physical and spiritual effort, but mental one too. In order to enact this feat he had to consider theoretical subjects beyond his understanding and even then all he was able to do was a single gram. Yet such was the power of antimatter that it was enough to replicate the energy given off from an atomic bomb. Setting this off saved his life yet his remaining auric reserves was spent keeping him alive. After all, he was still right next to the explosion.
Eleison floated through the void of space, practically half-dead. His legs had been annihilated alongside a large portion of his lower stomach and chest. Combined with the other damage he sustained fighting One it wasn’t that far off to think he was just another dismembered corpse.
So, still bedazzled by this magical feat and blinded by the pain he was only able to barely notice the events around him. As he felt the familiar magic of the Herald take ahold of him to whisk him away elsewhere he was still cognizant enough to see someone in front of him. He vaguely makes out the crimson flames in wreathed around this figure as it slowly grew smaller the further it went away from him.
Eleison didn’t know who this was. But deep down he knew that this person was already dead as the echoes of a final regretful thought resonates in his hyperactive soul.
He hoped they found peace in the end.
Then, the Khan vanished out of existence, teleported away by the whims of the Herald- his unknown debtor.
Sorteagan — 18/01/2024 23:29
It was in the very moment before Amerandus recalled them that Mammon yanked Fenris' chain, the draconian vanished from their orbital fight against his will. Had he not been bound Fenris would have stayed until he got what he wanted, Ancerious be damned. Fenris glared at the others, looking for one to loose his fury on before a silver bolt dashed his head, then another, and another, almost knocking him off his feet. It was Mammon, still in the form of a fox at Fenris' feet but striking the angry god at impossible and lethal speeds and power he had never show the group before, so fast he didnt seem to move from his place at all. Each strike hit harder, faster, before Fenris ever had time to react, to force him to his senses and to punish him.
"You went too far!" Mammon scolded as another strike collided with Fenris' head, disorienting him. "We had a deal! I wanted that soul!" Mammon struck Fenris once more before settling down and starting to groom himself. "You were not supposed to risk the galaxy! You almost freed him."
"I didnt though." Fenris responded with a growl, immediately recovering from Mammon's strikes. "He deserved the void! It is my purpose to give it to him!"
"Then we would BOTH get nothing from this! your satisfaction does not retrieve your brother!" Mammon scolded once more, but Fenris was unbothered by it, only glaring at the fox with an icy stare.
"We both know you do not have the power to bring him back. you cannot lie to me." Fenris scolded in turn, causing Mammon to look unnerved before glancing to the others.
" we will discuss this later....we need a new plan." Mammon finally said, with Fenris silently agreeing.
Myric (Union, Capitol, Eos+) — 19/01/2024 09:25
Panchavati: Outer Halo
The flicker of air was all that was left behind as the Herald removed those who wished to leave.
Eleison in his half dead form, the many bodies of Vulkan bar three, the Saint, Sapphire who had stayed quiet intent to learn whatever she could from the Preacher as well as Mammon and Fenris. The Autarch and Ridhuan would be teleported as well, for even as they escaped in a formed vessel from the planet their distance from the galaxy would strand them.
Only some stayed behind.
Ezekiels body, or what remained of it floated in orbit, burning and disappearing in the fires of re-entry. His sacrifice had allowed the Khan to live in a moment of selflessness, one that would be unknown to much of the wider galaxy, he had fought well and even grasped the Panopticon. Alas it had been a poisoned power.
Of course the weapon was also kept behind, sacrificing itself too in a desperate attempt to fulfil its very purpose of creation. The gleaming white arrow streaked towards the planet, intend on causing massive destruction, One was readying for this final fight but it was Alesso who intervened. Once more moving his hand the swollen golden form of One ceased re-entry, the fires that surrounded him subsiding as he was launched back into orbit, One quite confused tried to distort spacetime, to change his movement but it was for naught. He was being played by Alesso like a puppet master, something the two had done many times before without Ones knowledge. The psion roared in anger as he was placed in front of the magical bolt, the impact annihilating his body utterly in a bright flash of many spectra. Mana spewed outwards from the mutual destruction, the last sacrifice ending Ones distended form utterly and ensuring that a new version of him would have to be used.
That just left Vulkan.
"You are a curious chatty one aren't you?"
Alesso began to walk forward, not particularly fast but at an average pace.
"Hurt?" Alesso asked as a query, as he walked he removed his leather gloves from each hand casually "My child, doing the lords work to bring about the new dawn of the Panopticon and ensure that his children live forever in paradise?" He came to a stop just a few steps from Vulkans forms "Will never hurt."
Outstretching his hand a deep and horrendous cold reached out, sliding into the bodies and even passing into the segments of Vulkan that had delved into machinery and crust. The cold was not temperature based, it was primordial like the yawning end of entropy. Vulkan would live of course, but these bodies left behind would suffer an agonizing restraining death.
---
"This is worse than we ever realised. I know I was quiet, but I knew that to fight or goad was to die" Sapphire merely said aloud as Fenris and Mammon had their disagreement.
"Wait... Where did the Herald go?"
Dictatorputski [Red Bulwark] — 19/01/2024 19:16
As the psionic presence of Alesso drew closer, Vulkan began to feel the subtle push generated against a branch of his consciousness; threatening to drown out everything else in the vicinity, likely including the sanity of a lesser mind. It was impressive - he had to admit to himself - that what was likely once a simple, mortal human could possess such abstract power whilst retaining such a mundane surface form. If anything though, this experience only heightened part of his hopes; his obsession with the potential for humankind, as if a phenomenon such as this could exist so brazenly it simply proved what he already knew: there was yet far further to go.
If he were fond of conveying his emotions, the emperor might have smiled. Yet that expression would only have lasted a few moments as the Preacher relayed his answer. The only sign that it had soured his mood was a slight change in posture and the solemn way in which both humanoid bodies clasped their hands behind their backs.
This cold was new as well, the very energy in each form seeping away like lifeforce. It was much less interesting however, it stung much like a papercut to a being the size of Vulkan, but the very problem was that it stung in the first place. He had remained ambivelent and unharmed for far too long perhaps it was time for a good wake-up call.
Understanding that this method wouldn't make any sort of spar an interesting or fair test, he simply remained still, all three forms on the bridge staring at him silently as their glows slowly dimmed.
"Oh...Dissapointing...All that reputation and yet, just another puppet. No more agency than that...thing marring the sky."
Gradually, the glow between his joints had dimmed to nothing, the smooth obsidian of his skin cracked between thin lines and within short order, all that remained was a faint voice.
"I do thank you for answering my question however....you've taught me more...than you.....know."
Then, only monuments remained.
---
The section of Vulkan which had departed remained quiet for a moment, registering the two beings' violent dispute - whatever it was about - and turned toward the old desert.
"I shalln't disagree, it's sure they seek to execute the galaxy. Something must be done, but I don't believe myself informed enough to make a good accord on that. I did, however make plenty of notes on what I saw...
As for the Herald, who knows, he seems like a busy man."
Drakador_Chaos [Exalted Network] — Today at 10:35
Silence filled the space on either side, one where the other half of the morbidly curious Vulcan took its last breath, the other where it became with every moment increasingly apparent the Herald would not show up. Had he stayed behind? Had there been an incident? Did he abandon them altogether?
A lot of questions had been answered on this day, many of which they did not even know they had. A second Kerali Battery, scourge from times so far past even the entities and gods had not been present at the time. Though many other remained unanswered. Where would they go next? What were the Panopticons plans with this weapon? What had the planet been?
More than that.
They had taken losses, two of their own, however loose their connection was, had died, several had been wounded severely, some may have obligations in their very own domains very soon and with every loss and every meeting with the Army of the Panopticon the task of taking it down looked ever more insurmountable.
Their search for knowledge had led them into the abyss, the question which remained was where they would go from here bereft of their guide?
...
In the meanwhile in a place far off, the familiar sound of the backend of a polearm on solid ground broke the distant silence.