[Exalted, ?] Most High
- Thread starter Rihaku
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- exalted (white wolf)
Fanwork ### 1186 words
As soon as Ulyssian cleaved through Polemgaos with Ambition, he knew something was wrong.
He had heard of the "immortality" of Polemgaos and thus had used his full power in an attempt to make the Cathak use it. Yet as soon as he struck him and saw that smile, that smile of acceptance of the old Cathak's face he knew the truth.
That his "immortality" wasn't as powerful as spoken off and that he had hit too hard. He had killed Cathak Polemgaos on accident.
It was such a surprising thing that for a second he stopped thinking and just looked at the corpse in front of him. Part of him in disbelief that he has so easily killed one of the Realm's greatest heros. Even though it had been a mixture of skill and luck, part of him couldn't believe that sight before him.
However, he never was one to stay surprised for long and he quickly found himself and started thinking. Thanks to his heightened sense he could hear the reactions around him. Hear the cheers stop, the intake of breath as those watching realized what just happened.
The Arena was deathly silent which gave him peace and quiet to think. He considered him options. He could make it seem like he had done this on purpose. The idea had some merit. It would show that he had such faith in his skills that he knew he had the strength to easily kill one of the Strongest of the Dragonblooded. The reputation this would grant him would
intimidate many. Sure he hadn't meant to do it but he didn't need to say it publicly.
However this plan had many downsides. House Cathak would be furious. They would want his head and thus ally themselves with the Immaculate Order against him and his allies. Having the strongest House militarily and the Order against him would definitely complicate things for him. What's more it could spark off the Realm Civil War.
Such a thing could disastrous as the various elements that threaten the Realm would use the chaos to their advantage and without his memories of how to control the Sword of Creation, who knows how long the Conflict would last.
Though doing so now has it's own advantages. It means none of the other houses can prepare for the War. His newfound reputation would likely cow many who would oppose him and he would have potent Allies in Zao who would bring the Imperial Navy, his own house which is the second strongest would likely join hi just to beat House Cathak which also brings House Cynis. Nilul might be able to convince Hluse Tepet and Nellens might also join.
It would be difficult but possible to win and doing so when Zao still has his strength; no one is truly prepared for it would be the best and he has the position of strength.
It is something he would've done in that past as Odyissial.
AAAAAARRRRRRGGHHHHH
A scream pierced though the silence.
He looked back at Polemgaos corner and saw Cathak Vaela on her knees.
Tears streaming down her face with her eyes a mixture of shock,disbelief, sadness, and anger and she was screaming in pain.
Looking at his classmate who was having a public breakdown reminded Ulyssian of something he tried to ignore the entire time he was thinking. His guilt at what he had done. He never had a problem of killing if he felt it was necessary. One only needs to look at what he did to the thinly disguised execution squad the Immaculate order had sent at him to realize that. However it was a whole other thing if it was an accident.
That meant he didn't have to kill someone and even as Odyissial he had despised unneeded deaths. The world was a cruel enough place without such things. It reminded him of how he had his people had been needlessly slaughtered. It also irked him for more pragmatic reasons. An accidental death meant something didn't go as planned and he hated when that happened.
It also meant eliminating potentially useful resources. Cathak Polemgaos might have killed him if he discovered the truth about him but so would nearly any other dragonblooded thanks to the Immaculate Order's indoctrination so there was no need to hate him for it. If his status wasn't revealed then he would've been a very good person to gain as an ally. He was a true hero of the Realm and he had held respect for Ulyssian even as he died given the smile on his face he had when he was killed by him. He could have potentially
used that respect to ally with him and strengthened his position in the Realm. Even just the knowledge that Polemgaos acknowledged him would've done wonders to his reputation.
As he looked on the broken form of his classmate he considered another option. He could make the remorse he felt known. Given as it wouldn't be a lie he wouldn't risk it seeming fake to those perceptive enough to read him.
Yes as he thought about it the more
It seemed like a good idea. The knowledge he did this on accident would actually better serve his reputation.
Afterall he would seem even more amazing after revealing he killed off a dragonblooded that could rival the likes of the Empress and Zao on accident. It's one thing to plan such a thing but doing it on accident because you overestimated your opponent makes people think "if this is what I can do on accident then what would me actually trying look like?
His heartfelt remorse would dull the anger of House Cathak and make it harder for them to accuse him of doing this on purpose. This lessens the amount of enemies he has which is only a good thing given he already has too many as it is. It also means no civil war which gives him more time to use his newly gained reputation to his advantage. Maybe even ally with those who might've opposed him if he didn't shown remorse. It also gives him time to regain the strength and memories to get the Sword so that when the civil War inevitably stops he can end it in the shortest amount of time, with the least bloodshed and have a way to keep thoughts of rebellion from forming
Also he knew he had to able to own up to his mistakes. If he tried to deny his guilt now then it would send him down that same path of ruthlessness that had guided his past life and look where that had gotten him.
In fact that was why he had reincarnated the way he did. He could've just had Odyissial completely takeover Ulyssian but he didn't. He had wanted a merger so that he could have a different perspective. To see where he might have gone wrong and how he could improve on it for his second chance.
Only fools repeated the mistakes of the past and he prided himself on not being a fool.
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Nowhere as good or as long as Cav'a thing but it will have to do.
Got stuck on what Uly should say to show remorse given how he's not the type to be all like "NNOOOOOO PLEASE FORGIVE. I DIDN'T MEAN TO KILL HIM!" And any theatrics he put on will look fake given his abysmal social skills. If I get unstuck I'll write that part later.
As soon as Ulyssian cleaved through Polemgaos with Ambition, he knew something was wrong.
He had heard of the "immortality" of Polemgaos and thus had used his full power in an attempt to make the Cathak use it. Yet as soon as he struck him and saw that smile, that smile of acceptance of the old Cathak's face he knew the truth.
That his "immortality" wasn't as powerful as spoken off and that he had hit too hard. He had killed Cathak Polemgaos on accident.
It was such a surprising thing that for a second he stopped thinking and just looked at the corpse in front of him. Part of him in disbelief that he has so easily killed one of the Realm's greatest heros. Even though it had been a mixture of skill and luck, part of him couldn't believe that sight before him.
However, he never was one to stay surprised for long and he quickly found himself and started thinking. Thanks to his heightened sense he could hear the reactions around him. Hear the cheers stop, the intake of breath as those watching realized what just happened.
The Arena was deathly silent which gave him peace and quiet to think. He considered him options. He could make it seem like he had done this on purpose. The idea had some merit. It would show that he had such faith in his skills that he knew he had the strength to easily kill one of the Strongest of the Dragonblooded. The reputation this would grant him would
intimidate many. Sure he hadn't meant to do it but he didn't need to say it publicly.
However this plan had many downsides. House Cathak would be furious. They would want his head and thus ally themselves with the Immaculate Order against him and his allies. Having the strongest House militarily and the Order against him would definitely complicate things for him. What's more it could spark off the Realm Civil War.
Such a thing could disastrous as the various elements that threaten the Realm would use the chaos to their advantage and without his memories of how to control the Sword of Creation, who knows how long the Conflict would last.
Though doing so now has it's own advantages. It means none of the other houses can prepare for the War. His newfound reputation would likely cow many who would oppose him and he would have potent Allies in Zao who would bring the Imperial Navy, his own house which is the second strongest would likely join hi just to beat House Cathak which also brings House Cynis. Nilul might be able to convince Hluse Tepet and Nellens might also join.
It would be difficult but possible to win and doing so when Zao still has his strength; no one is truly prepared for it would be the best and he has the position of strength.
It is something he would've done in that past as Odyissial.
AAAAAARRRRRRGGHHHHH
A scream pierced though the silence.
He looked back at Polemgaos corner and saw Cathak Vaela on her knees.
Tears streaming down her face with her eyes a mixture of shock,disbelief, sadness, and anger and she was screaming in pain.
Looking at his classmate who was having a public breakdown reminded Ulyssian of something he tried to ignore the entire time he was thinking. His guilt at what he had done. He never had a problem of killing if he felt it was necessary. One only needs to look at what he did to the thinly disguised execution squad the Immaculate order had sent at him to realize that. However it was a whole other thing if it was an accident.
That meant he didn't have to kill someone and even as Odyissial he had despised unneeded deaths. The world was a cruel enough place without such things. It reminded him of how he had his people had been needlessly slaughtered. It also irked him for more pragmatic reasons. An accidental death meant something didn't go as planned and he hated when that happened.
It also meant eliminating potentially useful resources. Cathak Polemgaos might have killed him if he discovered the truth about him but so would nearly any other dragonblooded thanks to the Immaculate Order's indoctrination so there was no need to hate him for it. If his status wasn't revealed then he would've been a very good person to gain as an ally. He was a true hero of the Realm and he had held respect for Ulyssian even as he died given the smile on his face he had when he was killed by him. He could have potentially
used that respect to ally with him and strengthened his position in the Realm. Even just the knowledge that Polemgaos acknowledged him would've done wonders to his reputation.
As he looked on the broken form of his classmate he considered another option. He could make the remorse he felt known. Given as it wouldn't be a lie he wouldn't risk it seeming fake to those perceptive enough to read him.
Yes as he thought about it the more
It seemed like a good idea. The knowledge he did this on accident would actually better serve his reputation.
Afterall he would seem even more amazing after revealing he killed off a dragonblooded that could rival the likes of the Empress and Zao on accident. It's one thing to plan such a thing but doing it on accident because you overestimated your opponent makes people think "if this is what I can do on accident then what would me actually trying look like?
His heartfelt remorse would dull the anger of House Cathak and make it harder for them to accuse him of doing this on purpose. This lessens the amount of enemies he has which is only a good thing given he already has too many as it is. It also means no civil war which gives him more time to use his newly gained reputation to his advantage. Maybe even ally with those who might've opposed him if he didn't shown remorse. It also gives him time to regain the strength and memories to get the Sword so that when the civil War inevitably stops he can end it in the shortest amount of time, with the least bloodshed and have a way to keep thoughts of rebellion from forming
Also he knew he had to able to own up to his mistakes. If he tried to deny his guilt now then it would send him down that same path of ruthlessness that had guided his past life and look where that had gotten him.
In fact that was why he had reincarnated the way he did. He could've just had Odyissial completely takeover Ulyssian but he didn't. He had wanted a merger so that he could have a different perspective. To see where he might have gone wrong and how he could improve on it for his second chance.
Only fools repeated the mistakes of the past and he prided himself on not being a fool.
-----------------------------------------------
Nowhere as good or as long as Cav'a thing but it will have to do.
Got stuck on what Uly should say to show remorse given how he's not the type to be all like "NNOOOOOO PLEASE FORGIVE. I DIDN'T MEAN TO KILL HIM!" And any theatrics he put on will look fake given his abysmal social skills. If I get unstuck I'll write that part later.
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RIP cathak polemgaos
ALSO, since organization of fanworks was brought up earlier, I've always made an imgur folder for my quest images each time we have a go at these. Here's the link for Most High's:
edit: whoa what was that
hyper edit: NEED TO STOP WITH ALL THESE BORING IMAGES
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Tere is no guarantee the War ends quickly. Remember NO ONE
including ourself and our allies is ready for the war. Who knows how long it'll lasts.
And our opponents would be the Strongest House and the Immaculate Order.
With our allies being Zao and the majority of the Imperial Navy, likely House Sesus(if only so they can fuck over the Cathaks), House Cynis if Sesus joins us, maybe Nellens and maybe the Tipets if Nilul can social fu the fuck out of them.
Discounting the 5 I just named, there are still 7 houses that could go either way.
Also I don't know about starting the Civil War when we don't yet know what the Infernals inside the Realm are planning. This could very well play into their hands. With everyone's attention on the civil war I wouldn't be surprised of they took that opportunity to go sabotage the Sword. Hence why I want to wait to until we're ready to retake the Sword before starting it so that we can give less time for such Shennagins.
Windlass
A Windy Lass
- Location
- Wherever the wind is blowing
[X] Demonstrate Massive and Total Remorse
I didn't want to be here in the first place, and this shit? Nopity nope nope nope. Want no part of this shitstorm and definitely don't think tipping our hand to the Infernals is a good idea with so much scrutiny on us, even if they might be a mite bit warier now. We also get to not look like a total tool, so there's that to consider.
I didn't want to be here in the first place, and this shit? Nopity nope nope nope. Want no part of this shitstorm and definitely don't think tipping our hand to the Infernals is a good idea with so much scrutiny on us, even if they might be a mite bit warier now. We also get to not look like a total tool, so there's that to consider.
Not even entirely sure who this is. the initial plan was saery, but???
Usernames
Merc gonna merc ya
Genki Nilul?
Not even entirely sure who this is. the initial plan was saery, but???
Alectai
Speaks Words of Wisdom... On occasion
She does have that terrifying stare and apparently a veil too to help muddy the waters of her identity?
Rihaku
The Internet
No, they're counted as a single bloc, his write in is just more powerful arguments wise.
Man, I've been thinking about how interesting a Resolute Flame quest would be. He even has a built-in massive advancement justification! You guys would be trying to figure out who Hesiesh was, striving to build up your name after being disgraced, and, of course, working to surpass your nemesis - Sesus Ulyssian! The ultimate end boss, whose past incarnation was the most horrible and terrible of All Solars, the poster child for why the Usurpation was necessary! The Zao intervention on Ulyssian's exaltation would have been a major Wham episode.
Man, I've been thinking about how interesting a Resolute Flame quest would be. He even has a built-in massive advancement justification! You guys would be trying to figure out who Hesiesh was, striving to build up your name after being disgraced, and, of course, working to surpass your nemesis - Sesus Ulyssian! The ultimate end boss, whose past incarnation was the most horrible and terrible of All Solars, the poster child for why the Usurpation was necessary! The Zao intervention on Ulyssian's exaltation would have been a major Wham episode.
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Guile
Having a really great time right now
We just got done killing a Realm hero and it whet your appetite for more, huh?
Vote tally:
##### 3.21
[X] Demonstrate Massive and Total Remorse.
No. of votes: 36
Alectai, Brekouh, Mannan, a11behringer, Yzarc, aja318, veekie, Serous, Panther, Cavalier, Aloysius, inventive alias, DOOMPOTATO, Khaos, SirLagginton, Candesce, Gaudy Guise, Diller, meianmaru, dragon, Random Asian Person, SometimesMaybe, LordOfMurder, BSRK Aditya, Ridiculously Average Guy, afterthought53, Deadly Snark, vali, LastChronicler, TMIoverload, kinglugia, Grimmair, Vitaris, Reckless_Sun, CharlBaal, Daniel14541
[X] Don't worry, I struck you with the flat side of the- hm. Hmm.
No. of votes: 11
Van Ropen, sithmor, Emerald Oracle, Kurowari, Orm Embar, Savonarola, useofstrike32, Guile, me.me.here, CrossyCross, Fumbles
[X] "I meant to do that"
No. of votes: 9
Anasurimbor, Thomasfoolery, Usernames, Da Boyz, longmasher, Robotninja, Pipeman, Dark Lord Bob, vel10
[X] Cavalier's write-in.
No. of votes: 5
CrawlingChaos74, Dream Logic, inawarminister, Algalon, 1986ctcel
It may be a bit early for definitive statements, but it looks like one option has a slight lead in votes!
##### 3.21
[X] Demonstrate Massive and Total Remorse.
No. of votes: 36
Alectai, Brekouh, Mannan, a11behringer, Yzarc, aja318, veekie, Serous, Panther, Cavalier, Aloysius, inventive alias, DOOMPOTATO, Khaos, SirLagginton, Candesce, Gaudy Guise, Diller, meianmaru, dragon, Random Asian Person, SometimesMaybe, LordOfMurder, BSRK Aditya, Ridiculously Average Guy, afterthought53, Deadly Snark, vali, LastChronicler, TMIoverload, kinglugia, Grimmair, Vitaris, Reckless_Sun, CharlBaal, Daniel14541
[X] Don't worry, I struck you with the flat side of the- hm. Hmm.
No. of votes: 11
Van Ropen, sithmor, Emerald Oracle, Kurowari, Orm Embar, Savonarola, useofstrike32, Guile, me.me.here, CrossyCross, Fumbles
[X] "I meant to do that"
No. of votes: 9
Anasurimbor, Thomasfoolery, Usernames, Da Boyz, longmasher, Robotninja, Pipeman, Dark Lord Bob, vel10
[X] Cavalier's write-in.
No. of votes: 5
CrawlingChaos74, Dream Logic, inawarminister, Algalon, 1986ctcel
It may be a bit early for definitive statements, but it looks like one option has a slight lead in votes!
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Could have been cool but it would require an amount of railroading or really skillfull QM manipulation to have Resolute Flame challenging Ulyssian in the first place. Would probably lessened posting as a result, but who knows you might be able to pull it off.
This doesn't seem to be any issue of split votes.
This seems to be an issue of 47 votes for options that will presumably delay the Realm Civil War and only 14 for ones that kick it off now.
Kind of hugely disappointing for me personally, since I think it'd be really fun, I'm not all that convinced we can grow much faster in influence than our numerous enemies after making a blunder this large on top of choosing the Satrapy and I think this would be a pretty potent opening for the Civil War, but ultimately it seems pretty clear that the strong majority does not want to kick this thing off now.
- Location
- Southern Virginia
I disagree that there's some massive advantage to waiting until Ulyssian can reform a Satrapy. It's a huge advantage... if we want to break away from the Realm in the chaos of civil war. But the gains to the power of "Zao's Faction" will be counterbalanced by the losses the Imperial Navy will be taking in the meantime, from the general erosion of Zao's personal position, and from the growing strength of the Great Houses. We are likely to be at a relative maximum in the strength we can bring to bear, while all the other players are at the weakest they will be prior to the start of the War. And if we don't start it off now while no one expects it then the odds are it will be started when Mnemon or the Roseblack or Cathak Cainan or whoever decides they have a decisive advantage.
The longer the civil war is brewing, the deadlier it will be. And trusting in being able to control the Sword of Creation as an instant-win button strikes me as very, very unwise. We have no guarantee when those memories will surface, and if it's after some six-tiered power struggle has broken the Realm and laid the Blessed Isle to waste it'll obviously be too late.
The longer the civil war is brewing, the deadlier it will be. And trusting in being able to control the Sword of Creation as an instant-win button strikes me as very, very unwise. We have no guarantee when those memories will surface, and if it's after some six-tiered power struggle has broken the Realm and laid the Blessed Isle to waste it'll obviously be too late.
[] Demonstrate Massive and Total Remorse
[X] Withdraw from the Tournament
[X] Counter-Infiltration
edit: vote change
The reasoning for Counter-Infiltration didn't change. The Infernals remain a potential threat that we should get a handle on. Killing Polemgaos only reinforced the previously suggested avenue of confrontaion via intimidation.
Displaying remorse is fine as long as internally it does not stem from actual guilt. What is worrying is that recent write-ins, both for "I meant to do that" and Demonstrate Remorse, explicitely portrait Uly sad over killing the guy.
Either way, starting a civil war now doesn't sit with me well thematically. With Ulyssian's current standing, most of it will not only involve, but be decided by large military blocks. Meaning a lot of political maneuvering, gathering alliances in the near future; consolidating the power and stabilizing the Realm after the war. Politics...
Ulyssian will be a leader, one the central figures, yes, but not a power unto himself so early in his Exaltation. A major concern seems to the mounting strength of Dragonblooded opposition. But it's the same for Ulyssian, and considering his speed of accumulation of power, it would be safe to say he comes ahead of anyone else in that department. It is literally his thing. And unlike the other factions of the possible civil war, which have finite resources (limited by the Realm), Uly's potential is greater.
If after three months Ulyssian can beat one of the greatest Dragons in the Realm, why not wait a couple years and make him truly unstoppable? IIRC Zao's estimations of Realm's life expectancy were about a decade.
Also, the argument that a war right now will be resolved quicker is exceedingly optimistic. Neither of the outlined alliances hold enough power to guarantee a quick victory. The longer it lasts, the more it escalates, defeating the purpose of an early start of the war.
Lastly, we are not in a closed system. Our friends, the Infernals already showed us how deep within the Realm its potential enemies are settled. The war doesn't have to last a long period of time for them and other players to sense weakness and act. And that's that much more dangerous with our level.
[X] Withdraw from the Tournament
[X] Counter-Infiltration
edit: vote change
The reasoning for Counter-Infiltration didn't change. The Infernals remain a potential threat that we should get a handle on. Killing Polemgaos only reinforced the previously suggested avenue of confrontaion via intimidation.
Displaying remorse is fine as long as internally it does not stem from actual guilt. What is worrying is that recent write-ins, both for "I meant to do that" and Demonstrate Remorse, explicitely portrait Uly sad over killing the guy.
Either way, starting a civil war now doesn't sit with me well thematically. With Ulyssian's current standing, most of it will not only involve, but be decided by large military blocks. Meaning a lot of political maneuvering, gathering alliances in the near future; consolidating the power and stabilizing the Realm after the war. Politics...
Ulyssian will be a leader, one the central figures, yes, but not a power unto himself so early in his Exaltation. A major concern seems to the mounting strength of Dragonblooded opposition. But it's the same for Ulyssian, and considering his speed of accumulation of power, it would be safe to say he comes ahead of anyone else in that department. It is literally his thing. And unlike the other factions of the possible civil war, which have finite resources (limited by the Realm), Uly's potential is greater.
If after three months Ulyssian can beat one of the greatest Dragons in the Realm, why not wait a couple years and make him truly unstoppable? IIRC Zao's estimations of Realm's life expectancy were about a decade.
Also, the argument that a war right now will be resolved quicker is exceedingly optimistic. Neither of the outlined alliances hold enough power to guarantee a quick victory. The longer it lasts, the more it escalates, defeating the purpose of an early start of the war.
Lastly, we are not in a closed system. Our friends, the Infernals already showed us how deep within the Realm its potential enemies are settled. The war doesn't have to last a long period of time for them and other players to sense weakness and act. And that's that much more dangerous with our level.
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Rihaku
The Internet
The arguments for war are pretty strong though, especially given the fanworks. It's too bad, really, because I'm pretty conflicted, but it's getting pretty late to organize any substantial resistance.
meianmaru
The Devourer of Fiction
I'm starting to get Ichigo Quest -vibes... I might try making short snippets about this. Later. Maybe.