[Exalted, ?] Most High

[Deadly Snark]

See guys? This can be something GOOD for us, not BAD.

Click to shrink...

Can being the word, which is not definitely will be. It all depends on the context, the resources available, the information we have and the plan. What is your plan? What do we know of our opponents? What allies, like big allies not just the incompetent society, do we have? How would we deal with the external threats taking this as a chance to jump on the Realm?

 

[Rihaku]

Can being the word, which is not definitely will be. It all depends on the context, the resources available, the information we have and the plan. What is your plan? What do we know of our opponents? What allies, like big allies not just the incompetent society, do we have? How would we deal with the external threats taking this as a chance to jump on the Realm?

Click to shrink...

Well, you've got Zao, the majority of the Imperial Naval (though not the Peleps and V'Neef Navies), and probably House Sesus. With Sesus comes Cynis. Nellens might be convinced to back the winner, and maybe your "Tepet lover" can deliver her house...

Your enemies, of course, will include House Cathak, the most militarily potent single organization in the Realm. And probably the Immaculate Order, since Syn controls that even more absolutely than Zao does the Admiralty.

 

[Guile]

Irontail was brushed aside, and even the freakish luck that had saved Polemgaos in the past, did not seem to arrest the force of that blow. It descended like the closing curtain of the world upon him. His ignominous exit from the stage.

Insolence, he thought, grinning at the sheer remarkable irony of it, grinning as his shoulder capsized and his organs shattered and his spine broke in two. Simple insolence.

Click to shrink...

... Ulyssian walks off like a boss.

In his mind, the litany of 'Holy shit, holy shit, holy shit, holy shit' resounds.

 

[Coaxy]

Fanwork##281 words
Thousands gathered to watch Polemgaos win his fifteenth Equinox Invitational. Every single person in attendance had heard the name Polemgaos. Any of them could have recounted Cathak Polemgaos' long list of triumphs, named one of the hundreds who had fallen to his spear. To see the legend in person, to watch him fight, was to glimpse unparalleled glory. Hundreds attended so that they could witness the man who was second only to the Immaculate Dragons themselves. Perhaps a handful of Dragon Blooded in the history of Creation could match him.
Fourteen times before, Polemgaos had been the victor of the Equinox Invitational. Fourteen times he had crushed any and all who had opposed him, and his domination was so complete that only once had his blood been drawn. The one who had struck him had mastered all five of the Immaculate Dragon Styles, and she had barely managed to scratch his cheek. Polemgaos' counterattack had nearly killed her, and even with Wood Aspect healers she remained in the hospital for weeks.
It might as well have been a decree handed down by the Dragons themselves - Ulyssian would not win. The boy was truly impressive, to defeat a brotherhood of Immaculate Monks was an incredible feat, proof of both Zao's teaching ability and Ulyssian's natural genius. Even with a teacher as grand and powerful as Zao, the distance was too great to close. Polemgaos might as well be the Heavens, and Ulyssian the Earth.
The fight began and the two were like lightning. Their feet split the earth. It was over in moments.
Thousands were left gaping, unable to find words, and among them Cathak Vaela could feel her world slipping away.

 

[Diller]

WHAT THE FUCK!!?

H-HOW !?

WE JUST STOMPED ONE OF THE MOST POWERUL DRAGONBLOODED IN REALM WITHOUT A SCRATCH.

Why do we keep getting these godly
combat rolls.

[X] Demonstrate Massive and Total Remorse.

We were just trying to test his immortality. We weren't trying to kill him. Plus we already spared Syryns and that bitch tried to execute us despite us doing nothing wrong except for exalting to protect our friend from an asshole. If we can do that, then we can show remorse for killing someone who wasn't going to kill us intentionally and we didn't mean to kill.

Fuck I can't believe that just happened.

[X] Forbearance.

 

[sithmor]

Can we get the Infernals and Sidereals on our side?
For that matter, what option won in the end when we were deciding our 'route'. Were we going to Satrapal or House Sesus?

 

[Rihaku]

... Ulyssian walks off like a boss.

In his mind, the litany of 'Holy shit, holy shit, holy shit, holy shit' resounds.

Click to shrink...

So, you meant to do it?

WHAT THE FUCK!!?

H-HOW !?

WE JUST STOMPED ONE OF THE MOST POWERUL DRAGONBLOODED IN REALM WITHOUT A SCRATCH.

Why do we keep getting these godly
combat rolls.

[X] Demonstrate Massive and Total Remorse.

We were just trying to test his immortality. We weren't trying to kill him. Plus we already spared Syryns and that bitch tried to execute us despite us doing nothing wrong except for exalting to protect our friend from an asshole. If we can do that, then we can show remorse for killing someone who wasn't going to kill us intentionally and we didn't mean to kill.

Fuck I can't believe that just happened.

Click to shrink...

Mmhm.

Can we get the Infernals and Sidereals on our side?
For that matter, what option won in the end when we were deciding our 'route'. Were we going to Satrapal or House Sesus?

Click to shrink...

Satrapal. Though that may just have gone up in flames.

 

[kinglugia]

...

 

[Fancy Face]

Is this going to end up with us becoming One Punch Man?

Because that's what it looks like so far. The training, the crushing of foes supposedly so much stronger...is that the fate in store for us?

 

[Deadly Snark]

Well, you've got Zao, the majority of the Imperial Naval (though not the Peleps and V'Neef Navies), and probably House Sesus. With Sesus comes Cynis. Nellens might be convinced to back the winner, and maybe your "Tepet lover" can deliver her house...

Your enemies, of course, will include House Cathak, the most militarily potent single organization in the Realm. And probably the Immaculate Order, since Syn controls that even more absolutely than Zao does the Admiralty.

Click to shrink...

And as I've mentioned before, the Imperial Navy is the Shield of the Realm. It is the piece that will take the brunt of any attacks on the Isle or any sabotage attempts, because Ahaha like the Lunars, Infernals, Dealthlords, wouldn't take this chance to gut it before this conflict is over. Which reduces how much we can use this in the civil war and forces us into new fronts of war against those threats while we are fighting whoever our opposition is.

With our previous Social Interactions, House Sesus is not trustworthy. While I do not doubt they will back us in battle, behind the scenes the chances of them prepping to back stab us or fuck with us once the war is finished is really high. And while Nilul could help us deal with them, that puts her at risk and divides our attention, which we can't really afford yet. Ideally, we do a lot of shit to solidify a bond with them before any civil war starts.

Nellens is immensely useful as a support, but like Sesus they are not exactly allies that we have a strong bond with yet. Nilul and Saery together could possibly hold them, but again it doesn't feel solid enough.

And Tepet, well look pretty sure that would attract the ED and her Redness like flies to honey. Also having Nilul do the social fu work on 3 Houses is asking too much of her.

And I know Pearl can help her in those things, but one Social is not really her focus and two she'll be busy countering the other Sidereals which reduces what she can do in the House Politics. It might still be enough, but it is cutting it a little close.

Basically, this is all the kind of stuff that would be a lot safer to do before a Civil war.

 

[Cavalier]

Polemgaos was a lot more interesting than I thought he was at first glance, and his presence will be missed. I certainly would have put in at least as much effort trying to bring him aboard as I did Ledaal Syryns. Who is, mind, probably dead since Zao is pragmatic. Though maybe not.

Mmmhm. As far as the civil war Mnemon and Cathak would probably be guaranteed to oppose Zao. Cathak for quite obvious reasons under the circumstances, and because as the most martial house they'd want some predominant influence over who gets to succeed the Empress. Mnemon is, obviously, very much in favor of herself becoming Empress and while some kind of marriage between her and Zao is perhaps not impossible it's not something we've laid any groundwork for and I have no idea whether or not Zao (or Mnemon) would find that acceptable. The Immaculate Order is, of course, aligned with Anys Syn and Mnemon has some influence in it as well, but then breaking the Immaculate Order is something that needs doing anyway.

We would need to move very quickly to consolidate support from House Sesus. Fortunately they are likely to be in a mood to reconcile given just how powerful Ulyssian has revealed himself to be. And they'll respect Zao's strength as well. I suspect being Number 2 as a martial house leaves them hankering to take Number 1 down a few pegs to elevate themselves. Cynis will follow Sesus, and we have at least a good shot at bringing Nellens aboard thanks to our ties to Saery. V'Neef may be amenable to signing on as well, given their rivalry with Peleps; Zao and the Imperial Navy would be in a strong position to help them end that rivalry decisively, though of course that means making enemies of Peleps. An arranged marriage between Ulyssian and V'Neef has also been mooted at several points as a possible course of action. Ledaal might be willing to join as well if Zao looks like the best choice as successor, while the Tepet upper ranks probably respect and fear Zao and of course we've got "Tepet" Nilul around to manipulate them.

Still, this all needs a hell of a lot of write-ins, done in a series of very intense moves in the next days, contingent on relevant players being here. Also we probably have to set the Infernals to one side, though Intimidation may be an ever better choice to deal with them. "Join me or die" may carry a lot of currency with them.

Going home in remorse avoids the crisis for a time and buys some opportunities to make those alliances at a more sedate pace, and to coordinate with Zao and Ivory. It also doesn't need a heavy load of stunts executed one after another in quick succession. Zao's position is strengthened by revealing Ulyssian's "true power" and probably by the growing rumors that Ulyssian is really his son, which Nilul can abet to take suspicion away from Ulyssian being Anathema- though, it's awkward as hell in regard to his parents. Maybe we shouldn't do that. But anyway, it's definitely the safer and less demanding course of action.

 

[LordOfMurder]

[X] Demonstrate Massive and Total Remorse.
[X] Counter-Infiltration

We should keep going. After seeing us tear the strongest dragonblood present apart like it was nothing we should be able to intimidate the crap out of some infernals. Also I want that delicious plot XP for winning the tournament.

 

[Rihaku]

Is this going to end up with us becoming One Punch Man?

Because that's what it looks like so far. The training, the crushing of foes supposedly so much stronger...is that the fate in store for us?

Click to shrink...

To be fair, Odyssial was basically the One Punch Man of his generation, only people actually knew how strong he was.

Also he would stomp Saitama in a 1v1, but that's not really fair...

 

[Crawling Chaos]

The stunt is on the short side but it's better than nothing.

Fanwork##274

As the shattered form of Cathak Polemgaos hit the hot sands of the arena an utter silence filled the air as the crowds took in what had just happened. In a matter of moments the Master of Flames had been killed by a first time participant in the Equinox Invitational. Even if the challenger had been the secret prodigy of Zao it was never thought that he stood a chance against the champion of the Equinox Tournament. That an experienced Dragon-Blooded, one of the strongest in the Realm considered on par with the likes of the Empress or Zao, had fallen to one that had so seemed to be his inferior at first glance was nigh on unbelievable.

Murmurs quickly filled the arena as what had happened finally sunk in and the shock began to wear off. At the center of it all stood Sesus Ulyssian seemingly unconcerned by what he had just done. In a single elegant movement the wishmetal blade which had so effortlessly slain Polemgaos was sheathed, silencing the crowd and capturing their attention. Barely sparing a glance at the corpse which lay before him, Ulyssian turned his gaze towards the crowd. "Cathak Polemgaos lays dead before me. A powerful foe as Shaa O'ka or Ma-Ha-Suchi may attest and his strength was insufficient to best me. I see no need to continue participating in these games as my power has been made clear. I formally resign from Equinox Invitational."

With his part having been said Ulyssian calmly made his way out of the arena and back to his room even while his mere presence ensured that not a word was uttered.

 

[Usernames]

To be fair, Odyssial was basically the One Punch Man of his generation, only people actually knew how strong he was.

Also he would stomp Saitama in a 1v1, but that's not really fair...

Click to shrink...

Really?

in a direct fight?

 

[Rihaku]

[X] Demonstrate Massive and Total Remorse.
[X] Counter-Infiltration

We should keep going. After seeing us tear the strongest dragonblood present apart like it was nothing we should be able to intimidate the crap out of some infernals. Also I want that delicious plot XP for winning the tournament.

Click to shrink...

You can still lose, your build has weakneses that just haven't been exposed yet. But they could be.

And as I've mentioned before, the Imperial Navy is the Shield of the Realm. It is the piece that will take the brunt of any attacks on the Isle or any sabotage attempts, because Ahaha like the Lunars, Infernals, Dealthlords, wouldn't take this chance to gut it before this conflict is over. Which reduces how much we can use this in the civil war and forces us into new fronts of war against those threats while we are fighting whoever our opposition is.

Click to shrink...

Zao could just have them... selectively defend the trade routes of those Houses that have demonstrated more wisdom. Same with beaches.

Going home in remorse avoids the crisis for a time and buys some opportunities to make those alliances at a more sedate pace, and to coordinate with Zao and Ivory. It also doesn't need a heavy load of stunts executed one after another in quick succession. Zao's position is strengthened by revealing Ulyssian's "true power" and probably by the growing rumors that Ulyssian is really his son, which Nilul can abet to take suspicion away from Ulyssian being Anathema- though, it's awkward as hell in regard to his parents. Maybe we shouldn't do that. But anyway, it's definitely the safer and less demanding course of action.

Click to shrink...

Tell me about it! They'll be wondering if Zao just Memory Charmed them both, or if Uly's mom really is that Hot...

 

[Deadly Snark]

Zao could just have them... selectively defend the trade routes of those Houses that have demonstrated more wisdom. Same with beaches.

Click to shrink...

Of course he can do that. But that doesn't do anything about people taking this chance to deliberately target the navy. Because as I said, for the enemies of the Realm, weakening the navy is a super good move.

 

[Rihaku]

Really?

in a direct fight?

Click to shrink...

Yes? Saitama is strong, but he's not stronger than High First Age Odyssial. Odyssial can probably beat the Xeelee.

Murmurs quickly filled the arena as what had happened finally sunk in and the shock began to wear off. At the center of it all stood Sesus Ulyssian seemingly unconcerned by what he had just done. In a single elegant movement the wishmetal blade which had so effortlessly slain Polemgaos was sheathed, silencing the crowd and capturing their attention. Barely sparing a glance at the corpse which lay before him, Ulyssian turned his gaze towards the crowd. "Cathak Polemgaos lays dead before me. A powerful foe as Shaa O'ka or Ma-Ha-Suchi may attest and his strength was insufficient to best me. I see no need to continue participating in these games as my power has been made clear. I formally resign from Equinox Invitational."

Click to shrink...

People will wonder just why you weren't using that ludicrous excess of power before, though... Also, the other contestants are probably perceptive enough to notice that, while you were "slightly" more skilled than Polemgaos, he was by far the stronger in every other respect... You'll be feared, but several might think that they can take you, especially on the open battlefield, where the rules are not as set. You'll have painted a great big target on your back, and obscurity will no longer be your ally.

Unless, of course, you disguise yourself as someone else at all times, and let the Legend of Sesus Ulyssian emerge from random peasants in the street, as they transform, Agent-like, into that monster of battle!

 

[Alectai]

To be fair, Odyssial was basically the One Punch Man of his generation, only people actually knew how strong he was.

Also he would stomp Saitama in a 1v1, but that's not really fair...

Click to shrink...

I dunno, Saitama has shown city busting strength just by dint of actually throwing a punch, not actually putting any real effort into it, just doing more then flailing his hand in the direction of his enemy.

He has never, at any point in the series, actually exerted himself, he's actually ecstatic when he runs into something that doesn't get atomized from him gesturing in their direction--even if they tend to go up in smoke once he breaks open the SUPER MOVES SERIOUS SERIES.

One of his feats, the "Serious Table Flip" involves him literally flipping probably around ten thousand tonnes of stone hundreds of feet in the air. The guy who experienced it--someone who soloed every Hero alive with insignificant damage, equated the difference in their power as "A child shaking an ant colony for their own amusement"

 

[Guile]

[X] "Don't worry, I struck you with the flat side of the- hm. Hmm."
Oops. You had heard much of the great general and elder dragonblood, Cathak Polemgaos. Of his strength. Of his luck. Of his immortality. In your excitement, you struck with the fullness of your power behind it and discovered that his vaunted immortality was... somewhat more mortal than advertised. It is a pity. You had thought that finally... well, nevermind. You'll have to offer House Cathak a... a fruit basket, or something. Perhaps Nilul will have ideas.

I like the shock and awe of "I meant to do that", but I didn't particularly like the idea that Zao's opening move was to have his protege slaughter a great hero of the Realm. No, Zao's protege accidentally a 15-time winner of the greatest fighting tournament in the Realm. The Zao Faction suddenly shows it's power, and it's a power with teeth. Everyone will question every action Zao has made in the last twenty years, for if he was hiding this light under a bushel, what else could he be hiding?

 

[Rihaku]

Though, to be fair, when Polemgaos fought Sha O'ka and Ma-Ha-Suchi, he was hopped up on WAY more Sidereal interference than now. Pre-Wracking times!

Of course he can do that. But that doesn't do anything about people taking this chance to deliberately target the navy. Because as I said, for the enemies of the Realm, weakening the navy is a super good move.

Click to shrink...

It's always been a good move, but you could also take this opportunity to ally with some entities that the Realm would find questionable... there are allies as well as enemies, out there. Particularly if one particular Lunar hears that Sesus "Ulyssian" has just sparked a Realm Civil War. Though, she is kinda busy, so she might not be able to help you directly!

 

[Cavalier]

For one, I'd expect Shogun Feng to have some serious cred with Lookshy.

 

[Usernames]

Though, to be fair, when Polemgaos fought Sha O'ka and Ma-Ha-Suchi, he was hopped up on WAY more Sidereal interference than now. Pre-Wracking times!



It's always been a good move, but you could also take this opportunity to ally with some entities that the Realm would find questionable... there are allies as well as enemies, out there. Particularly if one particular Lunar hears that Sesus "Ulyssian" has just sparked a Realm Civil War. Though, she is kinda busy, so she might not be able to help you directly!

Click to shrink...

She can indirectly help Olyssial though. Use her ally lunars to convince their solars to attack the enemy and have a secret solar/lunar group controling the realm.

 

[TMIoverload]

[X] Demonstrate Massive and Total Remorse.

I think counter-intelligence just became a liability. Interacting with the infernals is too risky right after this. They'll want to ask questions, and if we show genuine remorse, they'll likely know it's genuine.

 

[Rihaku]

I dunno, Saitama has shown city busting strength just by dint of actually throwing a punch, not actually putting any real effort into it, just doing more then flailing his hand in the direction of his enemy.

He has never, at any point in the series, actually exerted himself, he's actually ecstatic when he runs into something that doesn't get atomized from him gesturing in their direction--even if they tend to go up in smoke once he breaks open the SUPER MOVES SERIOUS SERIES.

One of his feats, the "Serious Table Flip" involves him literally flipping probably around ten thousand tonnes of stone hundreds of feet in the air. The guy who experienced it--someone who soloed every Hero alive with insignificant damage, equated the difference in their power as "A child shaking an ant colony for their own amusement"

Click to shrink...

Yeah, Saitama's probably stronger than, say, Scion, possibly even stronger than Silver Age Superman, but both of those would get instastomped by HFA Odyssial. I don't think he's stronger, than, say, pre-nerfed Beyonder With Competence, and Odyssial would beat him. HFA Odyssial has pretty good chances against anything but true omnipotence.