[X] Demonstrate Massive and Total Remorse.
[X] Withdraw from the Tournament.
That stunt has has convinced me.
[X] Withdraw from the Tournament.
That stunt has has convinced me.
[Exalted, ?] Most High
- Thread starter Rihaku
- Start date
-
- Tags
- exalted (white wolf)
Guile
Having a really great time right now
... The stunt for contacting Fei Ling convinced you to leave the tournament?
This is late, but here's Priest's latest picture. As for making fanworks more readily accessible, I could do an index. Would probably have to wait for me to be less busy, though.
Yes, as I'd really rather not get involved with the Infernals* at the moment.
*She's Infernal assassin, right?
Rihaku
The Internet
Thanks, I've added the thread mark.
[X] Demonstrate Massive and Total Remorse.
[X] Withdraw from the Tournament.
[X] Withdraw from the Tournament.
Off the top of my head and in order:
Sorcery (duh)
The Lex Luthor build you suggested earlier
That Excercise option
Lore
Rihaku
The Internet
The Luthor build was mostly Lore. No interest in getting much more combat power, given how incredibly dangerous this situation has become for you?
That's always a priority. It we go Civil War I'd probably put it first, if we go Remorse (eww!) I'd rank it under Lex Luthor preference wise, but probably end up voting for it directly after Sorcery because it usually is rather urgent.
Celestial circle sorcery maybe?
Then maximize our combat capabilities.
meianmaru
The Devourer of Fiction
Luthor build and Sorcery. We can use Sorcery to pump up the combat potential of our allies and ourself, plus the obvious utility it gives is tremendous. Luthor build because we can use it to effect thing on a large and small scale without requiring to be personally present always, thus lowering the risk.
Rihaku
The Internet
How can you turn down Combat when it produces as hilarious results as this last update?!
Next time on Most High -
"I accidentally the West."
meianmaru
The Devourer of Fiction
Given that we just accidentally the Hero of the Realm, I have to reluctantly agree.
For those that want to know the changes, the previous version:
And the new one:
DarkLight140
Credit to Team
- Location
- Lost in my thoughts
Can we just slam out endless streams of Evocations with all our Solar XP, forever? We're just getting to the really potent ones, no? One would think that the returns there would be the greatest on a per-XP basis, in terms of sheer combat power if not utility. Then we can use our Normal XP to learn utility techniques.
Also, taking on Sorcery we'd lose our predecessor's cred as being too good to need sorcery. That bites.
Also, taking on Sorcery we'd lose our predecessor's cred as being too good to need sorcery. That bites.
- Location
- Southern Virginia
Let's do this! Leeeroy Jenkins!
As Polemgaos lay sprawled in the dirt of the stadium, broken nearly in half by his mighty blow, Ulyssian's heart fell. There was no resurrection magic at work. Perhaps whatever trick Polemgaos had used in the past had been overwhelmed by his raw might. Or maybe it had relied on Sidereal manipulation of fate. Whatever the case his heroic opponent was well and truly dead.
Ulyssian had not intended that he die. Polemgaos did not deserve to die as an accidental victim of his untested strength, during what was supposed to be a contest of arms. And what little he had seen of Polemgaos had been honorable by the lights of the Realm. He had seen through the man in their brief clash of battle and knew the stories were not wrong. Incomplete, but not wrong. They would have been mortal enemies if Polemgaos had known of his true nature, but the number of Dragonblooded that would not be the case for could be counted on one hand. It was not his fault the Usurpation and the Immaculate Order had twisted the once proud Host from their true purpose.
In all ways this was a disaster.
Ulyssian showed no outward sign of his distress and regret. He was too schooled in controlling his emotions to allow for that. His thoughts raced at inhuman speed, faster than lightning, even faster than they had mere moments before. He could retrieve the situation with a demonstration of his remorse. He was no social actor like Nilul but genuine emotion would be convincing. He would need to withdraw from the tournament in sorrow, but that would not be acting. He felt badly enough that further combat had no appeal for him. He had accomplished what Zao had meant for him here, in any case.
And yet…
Another path was clear to him. This was an incident that could spark the civil war. He had merely to swallow his remorse at the mistake and claim the day for Zao. He wasn't ready for it, but neither was anyone else. Zao's influence, strength, and naval forces had not yet been frittered away in a decade or more of desperate war to save Creation. He was as strong as he would ever be. Time favored the Great Houses, though, giving them more opportunity to mobilize martial strength, to create more military assets that would be thrown into greater and more destructive battles.
He could seize the moment. The spectators were awed and intimidated at his feat. And he had always been able to work with Intimidation. If he made a sufficiently striking figure, highlighted by the heroic Polemgaos laying broken at his feet, then many would be swayed. He would make the Cathak irreconcilable enemies, and for that he felt a brief pang at his conscience as Vaela's anguished cry broke the silence.
But he had always been able to harden his heart. Time was resuming, the reactions were beginning. He had to make a choice now. And as he did so, that final perverse smile that Polemgaos gave him in the moment before the mortal blow struck home flashed before his eyes. That decided it; let him be remembered as a heroic sacrifice, as the last noble knight of the Empress. Let his death lead the way to Revolution.
And so he speared the crowd with the eyes of a hawk, and began the speech that would destroy everything the Scarlet Empress had wrought.
__________________________________________________
And with the advent of civil war, Ulyssian was a busy man. When he had walked out of the arena no one had dared to stop him. Even the other competitors, who might have seen through the ease of his victory, gave way. Their stunned reactions would coalesce into others, and swiftly, and Ulyssian had much to do before then. If the war was going to start off due to today's events then he needed to solidify Zao's base of support. And then there was the matter of the Infernals…
He leaped from one rooftop to another and as he did so his own thoughts followed a similar arc. It was easier, far easier than it had been, to run complicated scenarios in his mind while his body acted.
The Cathak were implacable enemies now. Not ideal, given how they were the strongest of the Great Houses in pure military terms. But they would not have taken second place to Zao without some substantial groundwork. At least with the Cathak providing a solid core for the opposition the more neutral Houses would feel less pressure to band together against Zao right away lest he overwhelm them. It also made Vaela a personal enemy, which he regretted but considered the cost of his actions. In any case she was ultimately no match for Nilul.
He had little doubt the Sidereals would understand what had happened here today, either. From what Zao and Ivory had told him of their hold on the Immaculate Order he could see no scenario they were not actively ranged against him. Which was just as well. The Immaculate Order had to be broken for the good of Creation. They were too effective at pruning away the Celestial Exalted, too effective at justifying the excesses of the Dragonblooded, and too implacable a tool of his enemies. Some of them might be willing to serve Zao, and those could be a useful core for the reformation of the Dragonblooded religion; and religion was too powerful a tool of social control for Ulyssian to want to discard it entirely.
They would claim he was Anathema, Ulyssian thought as he bounded on toward Nilul's hiding place. His keen hearing had picked up a whisper in the crowds, though. That he was truly Zao's own son, and likely enough to surpass even his illustrious forbearer in potential. He smiled as he whipped through the air. It would take some careful explaining, but it was a useful excuse. The hatred of the Immaculate Order for Zao was known and if they were seen to be levying charges of Anathema solely for political advantage it would go a long way to breaking their moral legitimacy.
Mnemon was potentially the next great obstacle in their path. No contender for the Empress' throne could avoid dealing with her. She was in most respects the natural contender, save that none wanted to replace mother with her so-very alike daughter. If Zao had a commanding advantage, some of that reluctance among the other Houses might dissipate. She'd find it easy to form an alliance with Cathak now, giving her military might to match her many other advantages. Of course, those who hated Mnemon would side with Zao, and there were many like that.
There was, perhaps, an alternative. He almost laughed at the thought. Playing matchmaker for the aging Shogun would be hilarious. Nilul and Ivory might even be able to make it work. But safest, for the time being, to assume she and her House would be their enemies.
So who then were their allies?
Zao had control of the Admiralty and most of it would follow him. More would now, following this demonstration of strength. As the bulwark of the Realm's defenses, and a respected leader with the blood of the Shoguns in his veins, he would make a formidable candidate. Even if he demurred taking the throne for himself he could be a legitimate kingmaker. Whatever candidate his faction wound up choosing would owe their victory to Zao. But no, history and his own memories rejected the idea of a puppet Empress. The safest, best course would be for Zao to claim the throne on his own account. It would demonstrate strength and confidence and make the most of his remaining years of service to Creation. It wouldn't do for one Realm Civil War to follow another. He might have to convince Zao of that but was confident the old Shogun would see reason.
He gripped a loose stone on a tower, arresting his momentum through the air. He began climbing up to his hideout as he considered the Sesus. His own cousin, who had once been so disdainful of him, had looked upon him with shock and awe.
They could follow him. The Sesus respected strength and, yes, brutality. They were also spoiling for a fight to demonstrate their martial superiority. Taking the Cathak down several pegs would appeal to them. They would be all too eager to claim such a potent "Dragonblooded" as himself for their own, now. Much could be forgiven to a scion who brought the Sesus untold glory and power. He would have to act fast to consolidate his support in the family, and he was at a real disadvantage, but he could always claim his estrangement was just part of a labyrinthine plot to bring the family to the heights of power. With Nilul and Ivory aiding him that could even stick.
With the Sesus came the Cynis. They would need the resources the Cynis brought to the table. War was expensive. He did not have sufficient numbers of powerful Exalts to render mortals superfluous through a coup d'etat. After the war there would be a reckoning with the Cynis and the Guild alike, but for the time being they could be led to believe that Zao's victory would serve their purposes. And Creation would, certainly, prosper as it had not since the First Age. There would be wealth beyond imagining for those who could survive the transition away from their heedless exploitations.
As he foisted himself into a window he thought of Saery. She would ask him if he had truly meant to slaughter Polemgaos. And he would say no. He would give her the truth, that civil war was inevitable, and it was better that it come now than later. And he would tell her that it was better for all the Realm, especially the mortals, that the war come quickly and pass over with Zao as the victor than that it come later and never end at all. It might hurt her to acknowledge that, but she would respect the logic. And she could help him sway the Nellens to Zao's side with promises of reform to the Immaculate Order and a less oppressive Dragonblooded Host for mortals.
Of the naval houses the proud Peleps would probably act against the Admiralty so that they might replace it after their "victory." V'Neef on the other hand was young, and threatening Peleps, but far more threatened by Peleps. Combining their naval forces with those commanded by Zao would give his faction naval superiority, though. The spoils of Peleps could be allocated to them. Their merchant fleets would reign supreme and provide a vehicle through which the Guild's economic might could be contested. After the war. And V'Neef was the daughter of the Empress. Her direct descent made her valuable and her presently unattached status offered opportunities to cement an alliance.
He frowned briefly as his feet touched the stone floor.
Nilul was springing up from her bed in alarm. Tepet was another chance for an ally. Nilul, as part of her cover, had them thoroughly infiltrated. Their leadership would respect Zao as an honorable and powerful commander. They too would be seeking a means to reclaim the power they had lost when the Bull of the North had shattered their legions. Bringing them aboard would greatly augment the power of Zao's coalition on land. Much would need to be promised, but reordering the satrapies would be in order. Cathak would have to disappear as a Great House, most likely. And the Lost Eggs sucked up by the Immaculate Order could be redirected to aid Tepet in rebuilding their House.
"Uly!" Her eyes were wide in alarm. She hadn't expected him back this early. "What happened?"
"I slew Cathak Polemgaos during our opening exchange of blows," he responded, his voice carefully neutral. "It was a mistake. I underestimated my strength and I overestimated his powers. I did not intend for this and I will remember it as a necessary lesson in humility."
She paused, eyes widening even further in sheer surprise. Polemgaos was a legend, after all.
The remaining Imperial legions were another source of possible support, Ulyssian realized. Those which had not already defected to a Great House would be looking for someone to provide for their interests. Someone who could rule the Realm beholden to none of the Houses. After all if they had thought otherwise they would have joined one of the Houses by now. Tepet Ejava exercised some influence on them; she might need to be coopted or eliminated, depending on how badly she wanted the throne. Zao could offer her protection from her enemies in the Deliberative, and an honorable role in forging a new Realm. And he could slay her quietly enough if need be.
"How." She shook her head. "You never cease to surprise me in your own field, Uly. You… what did you do? Are the Cathak coming after you?"
"No. They are stunned. But we need to move quickly." He smiled grimly. "I saw advantage and so I started the Realm Civil War."
The look on her face made putting up with her use of his diminutive worthwhile.
With Peleps accepted as a likely foe that left few other factors worth of consideration. The Ledaal were a cautious House by nature and likely to side with whatever candidate looked best for the Realm. It would be possible to sway them to Zao but they were of a relatively low priority. Ragara might side with whoever opposed Mnemon and Ragara Bhagwei was an independent force worthy of some consideration by himself. The sorcerers of the Heptagram that he led knew the truth behind the lies of the Immaculate Order and might be receptive to someone who offered to elevate their status in Dragonblooded society. The fall of the Immaculate Order from its overweening height would leave a void to be filled, after all.
"Are you…" She shook her head. "Of course you are." He face visibly paled. "I don't doubt you're right, Uly, but…"
"Zao is at the height of his power while the Houses will only continue to gain assets and thus, potential for destruction. The failure of a single dominant candidate to emerge would make the inevitable war a struggle of all against all. The longer the civil war is postponed the more destruction it will bring and the less likely it will be decisive."
"You're right," she conceded, "but we do have other problems than the Houses. What are we going to do about my problem? Hell will have a freer hand in the chaos."
"Yes." Ulyssian cocked his head and looked at Nilul. "There is only one way to find out if they are aware of whom you really are. And that is to confront them. Fortunately, they were there when I slew Polemgaos. I had been considering an elaborate ruse to wheedle information out of them. That is no longer necessary."
"Tell me what I want to know or I'll kill you?" Nilul giggled. There was an almost hysterical edge to her laughter, and he allowed her to finish. "It might work. You're scary enough in normal circumstances, Uly. Can you follow through if they don't bend?"
"Yes," he answered, and nodded gravely. "They will join us or die. After they saw what happened to Polemgaos I doubt they have any stomach for fighting me. And since this is no formal tournament, I won't be restrained by the rules. Take on a new disguise and join me so that we might be sure of the truth of their response; there is much to do and I see no reason not to resolve this first."
Nilul sighed. "I want to run away as far from here as possibly, Uly. But you aren't going to build an alliance by yourself. Fine, but consider this yet another huge favor you owe me."
"A favor I owe you?" Ulyssian laughed. "Aren't they your enemies I'm going to deal with?"
"This is just the beginning of what you're going to owe me, Uly," Nilul said, smirking. "I'll give you and Zao the Realm itself…"
________________________________________________
Surprising the Mnemon sorceress and her Infernal escort was not easy. They took a circuitous route back to their apartment, making sure to stay in the busy streets. And there were a lot of people out in the streets. The tournament itself was always well attended and Ulyssian's actions had electrified the audience. With so many out and about even Ulyssian and Nilul would have been hard-pressed to find an empty alley or a deserted building in which to confront them.
So instead they infiltrated the apartment itself and were waiting when they returned.
The tournament had gone on, of course. The organizers had been caught so flat-footed they had simply continued on as if nothing had happened. It was still too shocking, and the enough of the competitors had refused to walk away that matches could still be booked. Even as the Realm was beginning a slow descent into chaos, the show had to go one.
So when the Mnemon sorceress walked barefoot into the apartment she was favoring her left side and slumping over with exertion. She had won her fight, Ulyssian gathered, but it had not been an easy victory. And she started when Ulyssian pulled Ambition out as he stepped from the shadow cast by a bust of the Empress and leveled the gold and white sword at her throat.
Her companion reached for his own weapon but paused as Ulyssian touched the point of the sword to his charge's flesh.
"Don't," Ulyssian warned, harshly. "I know what you are, Servants of the Yozi. And you saw me earlier today. I slew Cathak Polemgaos, mightiest of the Dragonblooded save the Empress and for my master Admiral Zao. I did not mean to. But if you do not answer my questions, honestly, I will most certainly slaughter both of you."
Nilul stepped out as well, bearing the form of a Northern beauty with blonde hair and a pair of wolf-ears peeking out from them. Her kimono was the blue associated with air aspects and printed with geometric bird patterns. It wasn't quite saying "Lunar here," but it was highly suggestive.
"You got lucky with Polemgaos," the Infernal swordsman spat out. The bravado in his voice rang a little falsely. He thought he could possibly take Ulyssian, but he wasn't sure of it. "And these outrageous slanders coming from one suspected as Anathema…"
"Quiet!" Ulyssian commanded. "Let us not play games. Because you will die if I do not like your response. I was chosen of the Unconquered Sun two months ago. And already I surpass Polemgaos. I will make Lung Feng Zao the Shogun of the Realm, and I will forge the Exalted Host anew. I will reorder Creation to my liking. And those who serve the enemies of Creation will be destroyed in my passing."
The sorceress looked at him queerly. He met her eyes, and saw a flash of recognition there. And then she wailed. "It's you, it's you! Lord Odyssial!" She started hyperventilating.
Ulyssian glanced over to her companion, and saw his jaw lock up with tension. He didn't recognize his face, but he recognized the name. "I am Odyssial," he confirmed. "Not even death itself could stop me, Who Shattered the Godspear. The Ender-of-Stories. I found a way. And you two will find your way to serve me and Creation, or you will be crushed underfoot. Let us begin with you telling me of your mission here today…"
~ 3,250 words
As Polemgaos lay sprawled in the dirt of the stadium, broken nearly in half by his mighty blow, Ulyssian's heart fell. There was no resurrection magic at work. Perhaps whatever trick Polemgaos had used in the past had been overwhelmed by his raw might. Or maybe it had relied on Sidereal manipulation of fate. Whatever the case his heroic opponent was well and truly dead.
Ulyssian had not intended that he die. Polemgaos did not deserve to die as an accidental victim of his untested strength, during what was supposed to be a contest of arms. And what little he had seen of Polemgaos had been honorable by the lights of the Realm. He had seen through the man in their brief clash of battle and knew the stories were not wrong. Incomplete, but not wrong. They would have been mortal enemies if Polemgaos had known of his true nature, but the number of Dragonblooded that would not be the case for could be counted on one hand. It was not his fault the Usurpation and the Immaculate Order had twisted the once proud Host from their true purpose.
In all ways this was a disaster.
Ulyssian showed no outward sign of his distress and regret. He was too schooled in controlling his emotions to allow for that. His thoughts raced at inhuman speed, faster than lightning, even faster than they had mere moments before. He could retrieve the situation with a demonstration of his remorse. He was no social actor like Nilul but genuine emotion would be convincing. He would need to withdraw from the tournament in sorrow, but that would not be acting. He felt badly enough that further combat had no appeal for him. He had accomplished what Zao had meant for him here, in any case.
And yet…
Another path was clear to him. This was an incident that could spark the civil war. He had merely to swallow his remorse at the mistake and claim the day for Zao. He wasn't ready for it, but neither was anyone else. Zao's influence, strength, and naval forces had not yet been frittered away in a decade or more of desperate war to save Creation. He was as strong as he would ever be. Time favored the Great Houses, though, giving them more opportunity to mobilize martial strength, to create more military assets that would be thrown into greater and more destructive battles.
He could seize the moment. The spectators were awed and intimidated at his feat. And he had always been able to work with Intimidation. If he made a sufficiently striking figure, highlighted by the heroic Polemgaos laying broken at his feet, then many would be swayed. He would make the Cathak irreconcilable enemies, and for that he felt a brief pang at his conscience as Vaela's anguished cry broke the silence.
But he had always been able to harden his heart. Time was resuming, the reactions were beginning. He had to make a choice now. And as he did so, that final perverse smile that Polemgaos gave him in the moment before the mortal blow struck home flashed before his eyes. That decided it; let him be remembered as a heroic sacrifice, as the last noble knight of the Empress. Let his death lead the way to Revolution.
And so he speared the crowd with the eyes of a hawk, and began the speech that would destroy everything the Scarlet Empress had wrought.
__________________________________________________
And with the advent of civil war, Ulyssian was a busy man. When he had walked out of the arena no one had dared to stop him. Even the other competitors, who might have seen through the ease of his victory, gave way. Their stunned reactions would coalesce into others, and swiftly, and Ulyssian had much to do before then. If the war was going to start off due to today's events then he needed to solidify Zao's base of support. And then there was the matter of the Infernals…
He leaped from one rooftop to another and as he did so his own thoughts followed a similar arc. It was easier, far easier than it had been, to run complicated scenarios in his mind while his body acted.
The Cathak were implacable enemies now. Not ideal, given how they were the strongest of the Great Houses in pure military terms. But they would not have taken second place to Zao without some substantial groundwork. At least with the Cathak providing a solid core for the opposition the more neutral Houses would feel less pressure to band together against Zao right away lest he overwhelm them. It also made Vaela a personal enemy, which he regretted but considered the cost of his actions. In any case she was ultimately no match for Nilul.
He had little doubt the Sidereals would understand what had happened here today, either. From what Zao and Ivory had told him of their hold on the Immaculate Order he could see no scenario they were not actively ranged against him. Which was just as well. The Immaculate Order had to be broken for the good of Creation. They were too effective at pruning away the Celestial Exalted, too effective at justifying the excesses of the Dragonblooded, and too implacable a tool of his enemies. Some of them might be willing to serve Zao, and those could be a useful core for the reformation of the Dragonblooded religion; and religion was too powerful a tool of social control for Ulyssian to want to discard it entirely.
They would claim he was Anathema, Ulyssian thought as he bounded on toward Nilul's hiding place. His keen hearing had picked up a whisper in the crowds, though. That he was truly Zao's own son, and likely enough to surpass even his illustrious forbearer in potential. He smiled as he whipped through the air. It would take some careful explaining, but it was a useful excuse. The hatred of the Immaculate Order for Zao was known and if they were seen to be levying charges of Anathema solely for political advantage it would go a long way to breaking their moral legitimacy.
Mnemon was potentially the next great obstacle in their path. No contender for the Empress' throne could avoid dealing with her. She was in most respects the natural contender, save that none wanted to replace mother with her so-very alike daughter. If Zao had a commanding advantage, some of that reluctance among the other Houses might dissipate. She'd find it easy to form an alliance with Cathak now, giving her military might to match her many other advantages. Of course, those who hated Mnemon would side with Zao, and there were many like that.
There was, perhaps, an alternative. He almost laughed at the thought. Playing matchmaker for the aging Shogun would be hilarious. Nilul and Ivory might even be able to make it work. But safest, for the time being, to assume she and her House would be their enemies.
So who then were their allies?
Zao had control of the Admiralty and most of it would follow him. More would now, following this demonstration of strength. As the bulwark of the Realm's defenses, and a respected leader with the blood of the Shoguns in his veins, he would make a formidable candidate. Even if he demurred taking the throne for himself he could be a legitimate kingmaker. Whatever candidate his faction wound up choosing would owe their victory to Zao. But no, history and his own memories rejected the idea of a puppet Empress. The safest, best course would be for Zao to claim the throne on his own account. It would demonstrate strength and confidence and make the most of his remaining years of service to Creation. It wouldn't do for one Realm Civil War to follow another. He might have to convince Zao of that but was confident the old Shogun would see reason.
He gripped a loose stone on a tower, arresting his momentum through the air. He began climbing up to his hideout as he considered the Sesus. His own cousin, who had once been so disdainful of him, had looked upon him with shock and awe.
They could follow him. The Sesus respected strength and, yes, brutality. They were also spoiling for a fight to demonstrate their martial superiority. Taking the Cathak down several pegs would appeal to them. They would be all too eager to claim such a potent "Dragonblooded" as himself for their own, now. Much could be forgiven to a scion who brought the Sesus untold glory and power. He would have to act fast to consolidate his support in the family, and he was at a real disadvantage, but he could always claim his estrangement was just part of a labyrinthine plot to bring the family to the heights of power. With Nilul and Ivory aiding him that could even stick.
With the Sesus came the Cynis. They would need the resources the Cynis brought to the table. War was expensive. He did not have sufficient numbers of powerful Exalts to render mortals superfluous through a coup d'etat. After the war there would be a reckoning with the Cynis and the Guild alike, but for the time being they could be led to believe that Zao's victory would serve their purposes. And Creation would, certainly, prosper as it had not since the First Age. There would be wealth beyond imagining for those who could survive the transition away from their heedless exploitations.
As he foisted himself into a window he thought of Saery. She would ask him if he had truly meant to slaughter Polemgaos. And he would say no. He would give her the truth, that civil war was inevitable, and it was better that it come now than later. And he would tell her that it was better for all the Realm, especially the mortals, that the war come quickly and pass over with Zao as the victor than that it come later and never end at all. It might hurt her to acknowledge that, but she would respect the logic. And she could help him sway the Nellens to Zao's side with promises of reform to the Immaculate Order and a less oppressive Dragonblooded Host for mortals.
Of the naval houses the proud Peleps would probably act against the Admiralty so that they might replace it after their "victory." V'Neef on the other hand was young, and threatening Peleps, but far more threatened by Peleps. Combining their naval forces with those commanded by Zao would give his faction naval superiority, though. The spoils of Peleps could be allocated to them. Their merchant fleets would reign supreme and provide a vehicle through which the Guild's economic might could be contested. After the war. And V'Neef was the daughter of the Empress. Her direct descent made her valuable and her presently unattached status offered opportunities to cement an alliance.
He frowned briefly as his feet touched the stone floor.
Nilul was springing up from her bed in alarm. Tepet was another chance for an ally. Nilul, as part of her cover, had them thoroughly infiltrated. Their leadership would respect Zao as an honorable and powerful commander. They too would be seeking a means to reclaim the power they had lost when the Bull of the North had shattered their legions. Bringing them aboard would greatly augment the power of Zao's coalition on land. Much would need to be promised, but reordering the satrapies would be in order. Cathak would have to disappear as a Great House, most likely. And the Lost Eggs sucked up by the Immaculate Order could be redirected to aid Tepet in rebuilding their House.
"Uly!" Her eyes were wide in alarm. She hadn't expected him back this early. "What happened?"
"I slew Cathak Polemgaos during our opening exchange of blows," he responded, his voice carefully neutral. "It was a mistake. I underestimated my strength and I overestimated his powers. I did not intend for this and I will remember it as a necessary lesson in humility."
She paused, eyes widening even further in sheer surprise. Polemgaos was a legend, after all.
The remaining Imperial legions were another source of possible support, Ulyssian realized. Those which had not already defected to a Great House would be looking for someone to provide for their interests. Someone who could rule the Realm beholden to none of the Houses. After all if they had thought otherwise they would have joined one of the Houses by now. Tepet Ejava exercised some influence on them; she might need to be coopted or eliminated, depending on how badly she wanted the throne. Zao could offer her protection from her enemies in the Deliberative, and an honorable role in forging a new Realm. And he could slay her quietly enough if need be.
"How." She shook her head. "You never cease to surprise me in your own field, Uly. You… what did you do? Are the Cathak coming after you?"
"No. They are stunned. But we need to move quickly." He smiled grimly. "I saw advantage and so I started the Realm Civil War."
The look on her face made putting up with her use of his diminutive worthwhile.
With Peleps accepted as a likely foe that left few other factors worth of consideration. The Ledaal were a cautious House by nature and likely to side with whatever candidate looked best for the Realm. It would be possible to sway them to Zao but they were of a relatively low priority. Ragara might side with whoever opposed Mnemon and Ragara Bhagwei was an independent force worthy of some consideration by himself. The sorcerers of the Heptagram that he led knew the truth behind the lies of the Immaculate Order and might be receptive to someone who offered to elevate their status in Dragonblooded society. The fall of the Immaculate Order from its overweening height would leave a void to be filled, after all.
"Are you…" She shook her head. "Of course you are." He face visibly paled. "I don't doubt you're right, Uly, but…"
"Zao is at the height of his power while the Houses will only continue to gain assets and thus, potential for destruction. The failure of a single dominant candidate to emerge would make the inevitable war a struggle of all against all. The longer the civil war is postponed the more destruction it will bring and the less likely it will be decisive."
"You're right," she conceded, "but we do have other problems than the Houses. What are we going to do about my problem? Hell will have a freer hand in the chaos."
"Yes." Ulyssian cocked his head and looked at Nilul. "There is only one way to find out if they are aware of whom you really are. And that is to confront them. Fortunately, they were there when I slew Polemgaos. I had been considering an elaborate ruse to wheedle information out of them. That is no longer necessary."
"Tell me what I want to know or I'll kill you?" Nilul giggled. There was an almost hysterical edge to her laughter, and he allowed her to finish. "It might work. You're scary enough in normal circumstances, Uly. Can you follow through if they don't bend?"
"Yes," he answered, and nodded gravely. "They will join us or die. After they saw what happened to Polemgaos I doubt they have any stomach for fighting me. And since this is no formal tournament, I won't be restrained by the rules. Take on a new disguise and join me so that we might be sure of the truth of their response; there is much to do and I see no reason not to resolve this first."
Nilul sighed. "I want to run away as far from here as possibly, Uly. But you aren't going to build an alliance by yourself. Fine, but consider this yet another huge favor you owe me."
"A favor I owe you?" Ulyssian laughed. "Aren't they your enemies I'm going to deal with?"
"This is just the beginning of what you're going to owe me, Uly," Nilul said, smirking. "I'll give you and Zao the Realm itself…"
________________________________________________
Surprising the Mnemon sorceress and her Infernal escort was not easy. They took a circuitous route back to their apartment, making sure to stay in the busy streets. And there were a lot of people out in the streets. The tournament itself was always well attended and Ulyssian's actions had electrified the audience. With so many out and about even Ulyssian and Nilul would have been hard-pressed to find an empty alley or a deserted building in which to confront them.
So instead they infiltrated the apartment itself and were waiting when they returned.
The tournament had gone on, of course. The organizers had been caught so flat-footed they had simply continued on as if nothing had happened. It was still too shocking, and the enough of the competitors had refused to walk away that matches could still be booked. Even as the Realm was beginning a slow descent into chaos, the show had to go one.
So when the Mnemon sorceress walked barefoot into the apartment she was favoring her left side and slumping over with exertion. She had won her fight, Ulyssian gathered, but it had not been an easy victory. And she started when Ulyssian pulled Ambition out as he stepped from the shadow cast by a bust of the Empress and leveled the gold and white sword at her throat.
Her companion reached for his own weapon but paused as Ulyssian touched the point of the sword to his charge's flesh.
"Don't," Ulyssian warned, harshly. "I know what you are, Servants of the Yozi. And you saw me earlier today. I slew Cathak Polemgaos, mightiest of the Dragonblooded save the Empress and for my master Admiral Zao. I did not mean to. But if you do not answer my questions, honestly, I will most certainly slaughter both of you."
Nilul stepped out as well, bearing the form of a Northern beauty with blonde hair and a pair of wolf-ears peeking out from them. Her kimono was the blue associated with air aspects and printed with geometric bird patterns. It wasn't quite saying "Lunar here," but it was highly suggestive.
"You got lucky with Polemgaos," the Infernal swordsman spat out. The bravado in his voice rang a little falsely. He thought he could possibly take Ulyssian, but he wasn't sure of it. "And these outrageous slanders coming from one suspected as Anathema…"
"Quiet!" Ulyssian commanded. "Let us not play games. Because you will die if I do not like your response. I was chosen of the Unconquered Sun two months ago. And already I surpass Polemgaos. I will make Lung Feng Zao the Shogun of the Realm, and I will forge the Exalted Host anew. I will reorder Creation to my liking. And those who serve the enemies of Creation will be destroyed in my passing."
The sorceress looked at him queerly. He met her eyes, and saw a flash of recognition there. And then she wailed. "It's you, it's you! Lord Odyssial!" She started hyperventilating.
Ulyssian glanced over to her companion, and saw his jaw lock up with tension. He didn't recognize his face, but he recognized the name. "I am Odyssial," he confirmed. "Not even death itself could stop me, Who Shattered the Godspear. The Ender-of-Stories. I found a way. And you two will find your way to serve me and Creation, or you will be crushed underfoot. Let us begin with you telling me of your mission here today…"
~ 3,250 words
meianmaru
The Devourer of Fiction
I think there was a joke about this before, something along the lines "Peerless Beyond Sorcery, But Who Got It Anyway". I see this as actually just making his legend more terrifying. I mean, last time around he tried to remake Creation without Adamant Circle Sorcery, and would have succeeded if not for those meddling Exalts and the Incarnae. Now, he has that too. Would you be less scared because of this?
Rihaku
The Internet
You are low on Solar XP right now, though, and Evocations are usually either more limited or more expensive than Solar Charms. Ambition's tend to be better about that, but remember in its initial description we talked about its one drawback being fairly limited themes. So, right now you have a lot of combat damage as long as you are willing to blow huge amounts of motes and WP - combat focus would be on getting countetattack charms, bodyguard charms, and better defense / sustain. The latter is especially important, though you could get half assed versions of Solar Resistance Charms by acquiring a fortress-style defensive armor...
But yes, the plan with Solar XP is either Evocations or Sorcery, maybe some star boosts if you guys want.
You didn't actually have that Evocation, it was just... Too powerful.
meianmaru
The Devourer of Fiction
...What. We are already so broken that given right circumstances and luck, we can curb-stomp foes like Polemgaos. And we didn't even have that particular Evocation?
Words fail me.
Guile
Having a really great time right now
Hard to imagine how powerful we'll be next month, huh?
Rihaku
The Internet
That evocation doesn't do much in 1v1s given your style, it was broken for other reasons.
- Location
- Southern Virginia
And in case it wasn't clear, I'm in favor of starting off the Realm Civil War right the hell now. The sooner it comes the sooner it'll be over, and the less time the Houses have to build new military assets and make their preparations for a larger and more destructive fight. We've got an unanticipated opportunity and fortune favors the bold.
We can after all sneak into Yu Shan to rig the Loom of Fate to make sure it does.
If my write-in/stunt attracts enough support I'll formally change my vote. If not, well, I bluntly do not like the compromise write-in and so will keep it at Remorse and Withdrawal as preferable to compromise. I'll check back in a few hours after I get back to work.
We can after all sneak into Yu Shan to rig the Loom of Fate to make sure it does.
If my write-in/stunt attracts enough support I'll formally change my vote. If not, well, I bluntly do not like the compromise write-in and so will keep it at Remorse and Withdrawal as preferable to compromise. I'll check back in a few hours after I get back to work.
Rihaku
The Internet
A valiant effort! Considering all the work Cavalier has put in, guys, don't you want to see this war happen? The coalition proposed is pretty optimistic, both in terms of numbers and in terms of whether it would actually win such a war, but you could assemble such a force if you did well these next few decision points.
Hm, the Terror of Odyssial mostly expresses itself as general wariness, fear and respect among the Exalted and Incarnae, not the groveling terror of a Lytek. They know what he's capable of, so they treat him warily and know not it underestimate him even when he makes outrageous claims, but they are still the Exalted of the Unconquered Sun and various Incarnae; they will act like respectful PCs, not NPCs.