Crimson Circus
Long awaited, the circus is finally set to perform! They've been perhaps more cagey about their performance than your usual circus, but it seems that they have the right idea about it because their silence on the matter has resulted in a huge turnout. It's not often that Alexandria sees performers come to entertain and everyone is excited to see what this circus has in store.
The tent has dimmed the light of the sun, but there's a hole in the center of the tent ceiling which allows the faint light of the setting sun to filter through down onto the stage. The actual show has yet to truly get started yet, but the crowd veritably hums with activity as they watch the last of the stage get set up for the various performances.
GAME: Aelwyn rolls perception: (10)+1: 11 GAME: Aya rolls perception: (17)+31: 48 GAME: Rune rolls perception: (16)+26: 42 GAME: Dolan rolls sharpfakeeye: aliased to perception+3: (16)+19+3: 38 GAME: Harkashan rolls Perception: (12)+12: 24 GAME: Dolan rolls knowledge/arcana: (20)+12: 32 GAME: Aya rolls knowledge/arcana: (16)+5: 21
It seems obvious that Rune would be among those in attendance at the circus performance. Aelwyn is one of her close friends and as enigmatic as he might be about his past, Rune would not want to miss a chance to see him perform. So, she had arrived early, scoping out a good spot to see the show.
The only problem is, that she still has her suspicions that there is something not quite right about the whole thing. Aelwyn's elusive answers, the odd connections to other mysterious happenings...
And the performers, themselves. She seems to be leaning forward a little watching them move about to prepare for the performance. "They look... nervous." She comments, her head slightly tilted as she keeps an eye on things. "I... hope that doesn't bode ill for the performance." Suspicion intensifies.
Aelwyn had been threatening to show Eztli one of his routines for so long that she thought the day would never come. Certainly, she had not expected for the entire circus to come out, but it meant that there was likely no chance of avoiding it now.
She had even paid extra to get a good spot, partly so she didn't have to worry about being blocked by someone in front of her. "Maybe it's been a while since they've done this?" She shrugs. "I know it has been for Aelwyn, but I don't know about the others."
A crisp, clear fall day has given way to a clear, chilly fall evening, and Dolan is feeling the chill in his bones just at the moment. Any trip outside the wards of the city, in his experience, necessitates adventuring gear. You know, just in case. So, that is what he has donned, although outside of the greatsword over his back, there is no real evidence of that, just a heavy wool traveler's cloak over a sheepskin duster. A headband holds his hair out of his face - that is new for him.
He strides into the tent, automatically pushing the flap that is already held open out of the way, and immediately scans the crowd. The faces, the setup, the spectator seating, every bench and every torch and every detail. One might think it a matter of habit, but, he freezes in place, his blood suddenly running colder than any autumn wind, his aching forgotten as he stiffens. It's all he can do not to drop into a fighter's crouch, and his gaze sharpens, seeking out any faces in the crowd he might know.
The mystery around this circus has been quite the talk of the city and the anticipation has built for many. Aya and Daechir are among those many and the pair of mul'niessa observe the final arrangement and setup. They do not appear to mind that they are somewhat early, or that the performance is not yet ready to begin. Aya does not, for certain, as she appears quite comfortable in her lean against the taller man, her head half-resting against his chest and shoulder as she watches.
"This should be quite the spectacle. I am delighted that we ventured out for it." So many days, weeks, or more spend in isolation. Even if it was for the best, it was still isolation. The numerous other hopeful spectators about her are only tangentially noticed and even her observation of the stage is casual.
"Would you care for some refresh..." her inquiry tapers off, words forgotten as something in the stage arrangement tugs at her instincts. Aya's eyes flit to another section of the performance stage and her posture straightens. Another section is peered at, and then she pivots. Her arm around her man is used to try and turn him with her. Eyes now dart across the crowd formerly behind them and for the exit flaps. "We need to go."
Harkashan certainly would not miss this for the world. Aelwyn is a close friend to him as well, and he's hoping to see Aelwyn perform. But more importantly, he knows a small bit about Aelwyn's past - though he himself has not spoken much of it to others. It's Aelwyn's tale to tell after all.
So, instead, he's looking with his usual intensity, scanning the crowds. Rune mentions the nervousness, but Harkashan doesn't see it so easily. Not at this distance.
"We are here to ensure they are okay." Harkashan rumbles a whisper to Rune in answer, unaware of what more skilled folk are spotting within this place.
It felt refreshing. Reinvigorating. A fresh rush Aelwyn hasn't felt in a while; the crowd was intoxicating, and the pre-show tension amongst the rest of the Troupe was thrilling as well as adrenaline raising. Most of all, the backstage felt like home.
And so very distant and elusive now; like running one's fingers through smooth sand.
"The flames will strike from the usual, yes?" The ruddy sith-makar quietly asks from one of the Troupe members, adjusting the straps holding his leather armor. He carried more surprisingly red ribbons tied about him - and most notably, a red stylized mask of a dragon over his face and flat snout. "And after the elephant strikes?" Few vials were quietly snuck into the long ribbon tails that tailed on the ground, conveniently out of sight.
The small sith-makar's, the Dragon's, orange slit pupils from within the recesses of his mask glance towards the crowd; and he can't help but to flash a grin just from the turnout. It was even better when he recognized familiar faces in the crowd, unaware of their suspicions.
Like Aya, Daechir is... well marginally enjoying the prospect of a fine day and an entertaining performance. He grasps her hand and looks out across the sea of people with interest and when she starts pulling him toward the exit he balks a little though in truth the sheer number of people has him somewhat on edge. "What is the matter Aya?"
he stage is finally set and the troupe member nearest Aelwyn nods seriously. "Places! Places people!" The Grand Master claps his hands together and shoos the last of the troupe members toward their designated destinations and eyes Aelwyn with a smile that's more than half-hidden by his mask.
"Just go out on your usual cue, we're ready for you." There's something in the man's eyes as he turns away from Aelwyn but! The show is on. Various people flow out from the back stage and begin the performance. Acrobats doing back flips and already the crowd is rapt with attention.
Fire bursts forth from one of the props and the crowd makes a pleased sound, clapping as the acrobats show off their skills.
GAME: Harkashan rolls Sense Motive: (11)+23: 34
"Would be a lot easier of a task if we knew what we were getting into." Rune replies, her blue eyes flitting across the stands as she tries to take in the audience. "I'm not just worried about Aelwyn." If there is danger to their fire-dancing friend, that means there is potential danger to anyone and everyone in attendance.
That, is when her eyes find Dolan in the crowd. Seeing him at all seems a bit surprising, but the stance that he has and the way his form seems primed for a fight has Rune tensing as well.
Nudging Harkashan in the side, she motions him to look in Dolan's direction, "Look, it's not just me. If Dolan is looking like that, something is definitely not right."
However, that is when the show begins, so Rune only has time to try to raise a hand in an attempt to let Dolan know they are here. Then, her eyes are drawn back to the flare of fire and the roar of the crowd. Dolan, meanwhile, is paying the lead-up to the performance absolutely no mind at all. Across the tent, his scanning of the area leads artificial and natural eye alike to land on a familiar pair, and he immediately starts in that direction, towards Aya and Daechir, shouldering his way through the crowd towards them as quickly as he can without drawing too much attention to himself.
"Aya," he hisses under his breath, if he can get close enough to the pair. "Daechir. Do you trust me?" All of this is nothing more than a his under his breath, intended only to be heard by those closest.
Harkashan, nudged to look Dolan's way, finally spots him. And with Rune's prompting, there's this deep rumble that joins into his voice. Something more akin to a growl. "Something is very not right. He looks like he's about to act on whatever he senses." He remarks, and in that moment touches to Rune's arm - since Dolan is out of reach.
Amidst the volume of the people present, it is harder to hear as he chimes and casts magic, creating a Circle against Evil centered on Rune's own body. He doesn't know what is coming, but his instinct is always to protect Rune first.
"See if you can signal Aelwyn the moment he comes out." He then whispers to Rune.
GAME: Harkashan casts Magic Vestment. Caster Level: 11 DC: 20 GAME: Harkashan casts Magic Circle Against Evil. Caster Level: 11 DC: 20
Eztli is watching the preparations intently, but all the talk makes the small makari sigh. "Oh, don't tell me Aelwyn got his penchant for getting in over his head without proper communication from these folk." They grumble. "It should be alright, I hope?"
She does clap loudly for the starting performance, but there's a hint of wariness now at least.
"There is a danger," Aya's words are firm to Daechir even if her answer is vague. Should she share her suspicions? It might motivate him earnestly... or it might cause him great pain. The latter settles her brief internal debate as she continues to try and usher him firmly towards the exit through the crowd. A crowd that now becomes less milling and more immobile as the show begins and draws their attention. "You mus-Dolan!"
Focused as she was on one man, she doesn't notice the other until he appears and addresses them. The concern on her features is slightly eased as she catches Dolan's tone and words. "These people must leave. Daechir can help lead them out." Aya fully supports him being brave and true and heroic. So long as it is in -that- direction.
Daechir looks at Aya, worry creasing his brow. He knows that she's not telling him something. That there's something wrong that she's hiding from him. He spots Dolan and offers a wave to the other man only for his worry to deepen at Dolan's tone and words. "Of course Dolan." Crimson eyes flicker from Aya to Dolan and back again. "What is going on?"
The cue. Many years ago, that would have been an intimidating word, something the short ruddy sith-makar would have been dreading - but after all those years dedicating himself to the Troupe, to the family. All those years, knowing fully well what that dedication meant and demanded. All that it gave.
A missed cue didn't feel so bad after all.
"The cue." Aelwyn nods his head, picks up his glaive and makes last few checks of his costume. Straps and ribbons in place; the mask firmly held. His hand glides across the various ribbons tied around his horns - but soon, it was showtime.
The Dragoon nears the stage, ready to rush into the mixture of fire and hell, as soon as his time comes.
The performance is admittedly quite compelling. There's people flying through the air now, creating a weaving of bodies above and below. They bring out a pair of elephants that trumpet loudly, standing on their hind legs and performing tricks that draw the eye away from the center stage. The lights flash, shining down on the elephants, further obscuring the center stage from observation. Then! Another flash of fire!
The crowd lets out a loud round of applause and that's Aelwyn's cue!
The Goblin arrives just after the fanfare has reached a crescendo. She might have been on time, but the candied apple held in her mouth, and several other "food-on-a-stick" items in her hand explain much of the bottomless stomach. She searches for a spot near the front, ending up trading a delicious-looking shishkabob for a spot in front of the person's feet.
After several quick bites of the apple, which may include parts of the stick, she adds her voice to the crowd.
"Come on Flutter, let's see if you are fire, or just simply BURN!"
GAME: Eztli casts Mage Armor. Caster Level: 9 DC: 16
"I don't think Aelwyn is going to be looking for us in the crowd." Rune replies, pushing herself to her feet and earning a few complaints as she momentarily blocks the line of sight for some of the people behind her. "He's probably got more important things to focus on in the middle of a performance." That said, Rune begins to move towards the closest aisle.
The problem remains that Rune has no idea what the danger is, only that something feels very, very off. If little else, moving to this more central position helps to spread the effect of Harkashan's magic, while Rune looks towards some of the gathered others, her brows raised, an obvious questioning look on her face.
As the flames strike, Aelwyn runs up to and leaps onto the stage from above. Just as the flames die out, his own are only beginning. The red trailing ribbons fling forward as he backs away from the forward momentum, catching on fire by the ends.
The flames consume the crimson red as Aelwyn stands in the center, glaive held in his hands as he for a moment, lets the display flutter around him. Dragon mask gleaming red, observing the crowd as the angrily consumed red ribbons burn shorter, and brighter - then he takes a running step forward towards the crowd and leans forward, spitting a gout of fire from his mouth!
Flames continuing to fall around him, he eyes the crowd with gaze and face filled with fire, slowly retreating into the chaos of flames. Glaive rises, body spins, as he urges and spins the chaos around him; lit rolls of crimson cloth circling him with his motions like fiery wisps trying to catch him.
Dolan isn't watching the crowd as they ooh and ahh, nor is he watching the tricks, lights, or anything else. Instead, he trains his inquisitor's sharp, unrelenting, harlequin stare on the place where he clearly _isn't_ supposed to look, because that is where what he wants to see will be.
"The stage is a summoner's workshop, Daed," he mutters under his breath, never looking at either of them. "Aya, Andie's stuck at the Temple tonight, she ain't here. I ain't going nowhere, not till this is over - one way or the other. Might need you."
Harkashan is troubled by the wariness others have. His own inability to sense the true meaning of the threat they sense. It's one of his greatest weaknesses. He can read people, he can read a situation, but when it comes to spotting details in a larger region like this... it goes beyond him.
He lays his muzzle upon his hands, tracing a clawed finger along the edge of his jaw. His brow furrowed. A keep constant grumbling rumble within him.
He came here to watch Aelwyn and protect him. So that is what he will do. His gaze lands on his friend as he comes and steps out. Watching the flames spout from his maw. Flames, flames everywhere. Chaos. Red cloth. Ribbons.
A beautiful dance that would make a Sith-makar proud.
But where is the risk? Why can't he see it? What is it that other Adventures have that he lacks?
GAME: Harkashan rolls Perception+2: (19)+12+2: 33
Murder stands up as Aelwyn breathes fire. "Whahoooooo! Ya finally got that trick down!" The Goblin hops from foot to foot, enjoying the fire display so far. She's short enough to not block the view for those behind her, until she starts to jump up and down.
"MORE FIRE!", she yells out, hopping up and down and waving both of her arms about. "MORE FIREEE!"
Eztli claps excitedly for the show as it continues on, but all the talk just makes them slow down more and frown. The small makari waves one hand and lets their clothes shimmer for a moment, before they return to normal. Feeling a bit more prepared in case anything went wrong, and leaving her seat to get a better view in case anyone else stood up suddenly. Thankfully she was less likely to be blocking anyone's views doing so. "You should stay close to Rune if she's taking a look at something Hark." They suggest. "She's usually got a good sense for these things. I really don't want anything to go wrong here though, I know how much this means to Aelwyn."
Aya is not watching the stage (no insult to the performer's abilities). She has her back to it and is/was en route to the exit. The sound and light of the next burst of flame behind her causes a notable flinch on her part. This is uncharacteristic of her to those familiar... though the wince at Dolan's reveal is even stronger. "I know, " she acknowledges firmly. Her movement was already slowed and comes to a halt. That does not mean that Daechir's must, though, as she more pushes than pulls to urge him further forward.
"Daed, you must go." Again her words are firm; a directive. That is promptly followed by a plea. "Please." Her eyes focus on Dolan's with Daed urged on, though her words remain for the mul. "We will handle this. You can warn Andelena and the temple... Take others with you..."
Daed's eyes widen at Dolan's words, panic and fear racing across his face as he looks at the stage and his hand clutches Aya's. "I..." He takes a breath and leans over to kiss Aya on the cheek. "I will leave."
He shakes his head. He'll only be a liability here and he knows it well. "Help Dolan, Aya." He gives her a worried look and lets her hand go. It's like tearing his own arm off, but he goes, slipping through the crowd like a shadow.
GAME: Harkashan rolls Knowledge/Arcana: (12)+5: 17
There's a riot of flames spreading out from Aelwyn, one after another the stage-fires light themselves, creating a ring of flames around the dancing dragoon. The audience is amazed, enthused! The dancing dragon is a huge hit!
The other acrobats slow their dance moves to give the floor to Aelwyn as he dances and holds the attention of everyone. For one shining, glimmering motion, he's the star of the show.
The acrobats chant, as if encouraging Aelwyn in his dance, lifting their hands as fire races along the ground in intricate patterns. But... they aren't chanting his name? No, they're saying something... else. The crowd catches it and soon the whole room is saying it. Is it a word in draconic? No one seems to know or care. "Koz'gon! Koz'gon! Koz'gon!"
A huge gout of fire flashes to life in the front of the room and four figures wrapped in chains appear out of it, dancing around the stage. Surrounding Aelwyn in the middle of his dance. Their chains clink and sliding along the ground in an almost musical way. The crowd cheers even louder, chanting the word that - at this point is assumed to be the performer's name in hopes that more fire and more performers will appear.
GAME: Harkashan rolls Spellcraft+2: (5)+18+2: 25 GAME: Dolan rolls spellcraft: (14)+16: 30 GAME: Murder rolls spellcraft: (5)+9: 14 GAME: Eztli rolls spellcraft: (3)+10: 13 GAME: Dolan rolls knowledge/the planes+mlore: aliased to knowledge/the planes+4: (4)+15+4: 23 GAME: Dolan rolls will: (14)+15: 29
"Go under His shield, Daed," Dolan mutters back to Daechir, then turns away to watch more intently, his flesh-and-blood eye narrowing. "Aya. Devils. In the chains. They're kytons." A shudder ripples down his spine at the words, and he pauses a moment, breathing fast and deeply, but with an effort, he forces down whatever it was, and looks back up. "The crowd may well be the sacrifice." Never does he raise his voice above a murmur, his words intended for Aya's ears alone. "I say we deny the sacrifice. You ready?"
Definitely beats dancing with clay pots on the streets. To bring forth the flames in everyone's eyes - Aelwyn couldn't help his grinning as he swayed with his glaive; toying with the flames chasing him, sliding his hand through them and at points, looking as if he were dancing with a sentient being. Someone he cared for, once.
But this chant was not part of the normal routine. He did not recognize the words. The sudden appearance of new dancers on stage? With chains? Aelwyn pauses in his movements for a moment, trying to understand what is going on. New act. New act.
The Dragoon hoped.
Looking as if he trapped, he twists his head like a dragon's, and spits more fire out from his mouth - before breaking into another dance, now playing the role of a Dragon surrounded.
"She will be fine." Harkashan rumbles to Eztli. "In situations like these, I only slow her down. I don't have the ability to observe like she does." He continues to watch the stage, trying to find what it is others saw. But he lacks the arcane knowledge to do so.
"Eztli, we stay spread out. So we can protect the people better." He explains, before he begins to slowly rise in his seat. Heavy armor. His tail slithering anxiously as the chanting begins to lift to the air. More flames, and suddenly four figures wrapped in chain appear. The Sith-makar does not recognize the language.
Not knowing what is going on, he touches Eztli to aid in protecting her as well, and any group of people she stands nearby.
GAME: Harkashan casts Magic Circle Against Evil. Caster Level: 11 DC: 20 GAME: Eztli casts Detect Magic. Caster Level: 9 DC: 15
Only now does Aya spin to return her focus to the stage. Her concerns are ... far lessened, if not gone, even as she eyes the four new 'performers.' "Agreed. Do you have a plan? A person may be wise, but crowds are foolish." Obviously, she has concerns a rapt (or perhaps any) large group can be so easily dispersed. The flickering shadows of nearby onlookers crafted the the flames flicker further, reaching for Aya's feet. Once there, some slide along her, darkening her complexion to a matte black as they cover her like a second skin. "I am ready."
GAME: Murder rolls sense motive: (13)+1: 14 GAME: Aelwyn rolls bluff: (11)+4: 15 GAME: Rune rolls sense motive: (10)+9: 19
Eventually Murder is rewarded with more fire as she demands, as Aelwyn breathes fire. The new dancers on stage has her cheering loudly once more, hopping up and down excitedly. "MORE FIAH!", is her demand.. until the crowd begins to chant. "Caws gone? Kos gone? Koz'gon, koz'gon!"
She pauses a moment as the new dancers seem to confuddle him a moment. But perhaps it's just a new part of the show that he's not properly rehearsed? Typical dragoon. Murder yells for more fire just as Aelwyn breathes again. "WHOOOOOOO, FIAH!" Her sudden grin is feral and full of teeth. "Oooh, I should show him my new fire..."
With the show seeming to increase in intensity, the chanting, the chains. The rogue simply lacks the knowledge to know or understand what she is seeing, but she can look to her friends and allies who have a far better idea of what might be occurring here. She can't hear them over the roar of the crowd. So there's no chance of coordination, not with anyone.
Instead, Rune turns her focus back towards Aelwyn. She starts to approach the front of the crowd, moving through the aisle to get closer. Her eyes narrow. It's not the most obvious, but even the dancer seems to have realized something is wrong.
Raising her voice, despite the fact it may very well be drown out, she calls, "Get the fuck out of there, Aelwyn!" She holds her hands up, forming a warning 'X' with her arms as she continues making her way as close as she can to the bottom of the seats.
"Fine. As long as you're sure that you can get to her if anything goes south." Eztli grumbles, clearly ill at ease as the performance continues onwards, and the chanting sounds so out of place. The small makari blinks, and waves one hand, eyes glowing for a split second and squinting. "I want to make sure whether or not those are illusions." She offers to Harkashan, patting him on one shoulder. "Thanks. Normally I might suggest a sudden fire to get everyone evacuated, but they'd probably just think it's part of the show."
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+11: (20)+11: 31 GAME: Aftershock rolls 2d4+2: (4)+2: 6
The mana lamps in the crowd go out suddenly, and the crowd goes tense with excitement. The circle tightens around Aelwyn. All the sudden chains lash out against the small dragoon, and he's entirely caught. The crowd is hushed, watching the terse play that is being laid out before their eyes.
There's almost dead silence when suddenly the chains seem to grow blades that cut deeply into the once-dancing dragoon. A silence punctuated by a single, solitary voice crying out in shock and pain. The crowd doesn't move as blood slides over Aelwyn's scales, and drips to the ground.
A burst of light distracts from him, and the Grand Master of the circus appears in the center-stage. "Now, you see what happens to those who betray their family." His voice is a booming thing that makes the skin shudder with the violence promised. Aelwyn is pulled to his knees, so bound up in chains that there's no hope of escape for him. Only pain.
The room darkens and fear spreads through the audience like a thrill of anticipation, the sound of that word comes again, called from the voices of the actors as the shadows behind Aelwyn collapse into a terrible figure. A giant bound up in chains, a monstrous being covered in scars and metal that blinks down at the trapped and helpless sith-makar. "The ultimate price."
GAME: Aftershock rolls 2d4+2: (5)+2: 7 GAME: Aftershock rolls 2d4+2: (8)+2: 10 GAME: Aftershock rolls 2d4+2: (8)+2: 10 GAME: Aftershock rolls 2d4+2: (7)+2: 9
Aelwyn feels the chains cut into his scales and the flesh below, bleeding heavy drops onto the stage that was once his. The world is agony.
GAME: Dolan rolls weapon1+bane+charge: aliased to weapon1+2+2: (15)+16+2+2: 35 GAME: Dolan rolls banedmg+2d6+8: aliased to 2+2d6+2d6+8: 2+(9)+(9)+8: 28 GAME: Dolan rolls will: (5)+15: 20 GAME: Dolan rolls will: (20)+15: 35 (CRITICAL SUCCESS) GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d3: (1): 1
In that moment, the rush of battle blocks out all other of Dolan's thoughts, deep-seated fears, the stuff of his nightmares. He is here, now, and he is doing what the Sunlord calls him to do. The Sunlord called him to be here tonight, he knows this in his very bones, and without that call, these people would all likely die.
"DEVIL SUMMONERS!" Dolan bellows at the top of his lungs, the leather harness of the greatsword hitting the dirt of the field in unheard silence. "EVERYONE, ATTACK! THROW THOSE PERFORMERS UNDER THE FUCKING JAIL! LEAVE THE DRAGON! THEY'RE ALEXANDRIA'S CURSE!" He puts on a burst of speed and fairly races, greatsword in hands, to the nearest kyton. His sword _slams_ into the thing, and ichor flies, but he _stares_ at the thing for a moment, horrified, and whatever it is he sees breaks that iron resolve. Just for a moment.
GAME: Aya rolls weapon0: (3)+28: 31 GAME: Aya rolls weapon0: (5)+28: 33 GAME: Aya rolls weapon0: (6)+28: 34 GAME: Aya rolls weapon0-5: (9)+28+-5: 32 GAME: Aya rolls weapon0-10: (16)+28+-10: 34 GAME: Aya rolls weapon0-15: (20)+28+-15: 33 (THREAT) GAME: Aya rolls damage0: aliased to 2d10+7: (16)+7: 23 GAME: Aya rolls damage0: aliased to 2d10+7: (10)+7: 17 GAME: Aya rolls damage0: aliased to 2d10+7: (12)+7: 19 GAME: Aya rolls damage0: aliased to 2d10+7: (10)+7: 17 GAME: Aya rolls damage0: aliased to 2d10+7: (7)+7: 14 GAME: Aya rolls damage0: aliased to 2d10+7: (10)+7: 17 GAME: Murder rolls ranged: (9)+16: 25
Aya was the girl in the corner, until she warned him. Now it is time to act. She immediately vanishes from her spot in the crowd in a puff of inky shadow, only to reappear near Aelwyn to strike at a chain. "They." Only to vanish and appear again to strike the next. "Will." This repeats at a blurred pace as one after another of the binding chains are separated from their sources. "Not. Take. You."
The mul'niessa has deep personal issues with fiends. The fact that a (relatively) diminutive, rosy-scaled individual is at their mercy only adds to her determination.
GAME: Murder used a Potion of Cure Serious Wounds. GAME: Murder rolls 3d8+5: (11)+5: 16 GAME: Harkashan casts Blessing of Fervor. Caster Level: 11 DC: 21
The manalamps silence, and Harkashan silences for a moment. Hearing the chains capture Aelwyn. Seeing through the dark with fair ease. Then, blades! And the moment he hears that cry, that pain, Harkashan moves! "Aelwyn!" He cries out anguished, stepping on some poor person's shoulder as he slips and stomps down the seats.
It's not a perfect descent. Stumbling here and there. His heart beating in his chest as the glisten of crimson fail to be hidden upon ruddy scales. As Kin is pulled to his knees...
A sight that reminds him of the war against the Charn. The amount of times he's seen his people bound. Emaciated, hurt, torn apart. Dolan and Aya already spring to action, prepared, striking at the Kyton and their Chains. Harkashan, realizing he'll be too slow to get there, sends out a warm pulse of light, wrapping pale-red ribbons around people's wrists. Capturing all but himself and Aya in the spell of fervency.
"Go!"
Murder is as confused as the rest of the crowd until those chains begin to tighten and cut into the Sith-makar. "Aelwyn?", the Goblin says in a small voice. Then he lets out that pained sound. Her voice catches in her throat a moment, and somewhere there's movement, and a yell that's heard above the silence of the crowd.
"Attack?!" The Goblin's eyes flash red and glow. "GRASAAAAAAH"
Running forward towards the the stage, she reaches into a pouch, pulling free a small bottle, which she hauls back and pitches towards Aelwyn. With a SMASH of broken glass, the healing potion oozes down his chest.
GAME: Eztli rolls perception: (7)+5: 12 GAME: Rune takes ten on acrobatics: (10)+21: 31
"Gods, there's too much magic going on here. I don't like this." The small makari notes, holding one hand to the side of her head. The small makari blinks, and there is a low growl from the sorceress. "Just, no, no, the foes aren't important right now." Eztli whispers, turning to Harkashan and nodding. "I'll try to get him here. Obscuring myself." She adds, snapping her fingers and vanishing from sight, barely audible from the din of the tent as she pads closer.
GAME: Rune rolls weapon1+2+2: (2)+19+2+2: 25 GAME: Rune rolls damage1+1d6+6d6: aliased to 1d6+3+1d6+6d6: (6)+3+(2)+(25): 36 GAME: Rune rolls will: (7)+12: 19 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d3: (2): 2
A quick appraisal of their surroundings has Rune cursing under her breath. Already close to the front of the crowd, she realizes all too quickly that she won't be able to get to Aelwyn, but that doesn't stop the half-sil from calling out to him, "Aelwyn!"
Her eyes flash to the movement from Dolan, so she moves to back up the one-eyed fighter, knowing that in a fight, two are better than one. "I've got your back." She calls out, reaching a blade forward to stab into the creature that Dolan had already been fighting. Her blade lashes out, but then Rune seems to freeze in place.
"No..." Her eyes go wide, taking a half step back as she withdraws her blade. "H..Hark?" She looks from her blade to the being before her, obvious confusion and fear on her expression, "I didn't... That's not possible... how..."
GAME: Murder casts Burning Gaze. Caster Level: 12 DC: 15 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+11: (6)+11: 17 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+11: (16)+11: 27 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+11: (18)+11: 29 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+11: (2)+11: 13 GAME: Aftershock rolls 2d4+2: (8)+2: 10
That forest. Those woods, that stupid stinging bush. That nightmare that has been haunting him. Fire.
"G-AH-!" Aelwyn shouts out, as the blades cut into his scales. Body growing taut and tense as he first attempts to move away, but then goes completely still as he realizes the predicament he is in. The troupe, a man flayed alive. Those fucking woods.
The chains cut more severely into the ruddy sith-makar, peeling away chunks of scales; partly healed by the potion that smashes into him. The Dragoon doesn't even see the people around him, or feel the fact that the chains were loosened. "Gah--gah!" He pants.
The words ring in his ears, as Aelwyn starts to get up on his feet, dragging his glaive behind him. "This is... this is not like us. Not like this. Not our family."
Standing straight, he looks right at the Grand Master. "Who are you?"
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+33: (1)+33: 34 (EPIC FAIL)
The devils try to tangle the adventurers up in chains, though their efforts are largely ineffective. Save the devil that manages to get its chain around Aelwyn. Dragging the dragoon to his knees once again viciously.
"Don't you recognize me?!" The Grand Master taunts Aelwyn, drawing his mask off with a flourish. Half his face is burned, melted ruin. But those eyes. That half of his face which still exists is one that breaks Aelwyn's heart in memory. "What did you think would happen if you ran away? Left your brother behind? ME BEHIND?!?"
The crowd can't decide if this is real... or if this is some sort of grand play. Did the circus hire adventurers?!? How novel!
"That last mission of ours was a trap! We BURNED because YOU RAN." His face is twisted in agony. "And now you must pay for leaving us. You must burn as we burned. Bleed as we bled." Those once-kind eyes are hard as stone now. Unpitying. Mad with the need for revenge. "We became as you made us."
The massive creature behind Aya tries to scoop her up, but its hand passes right through her body... as if... it is not yet fully formed.
GAME: Dolan rolls weapon1+bane: aliased to weapon1+2: (5)+16+2: 23 GAME: Dolan rolls weapon1+bane+pattack-5: aliased to weapon1+2-3-5: (18)+16+2+-3+-5: 28 (THREAT) GAME: Dolan rolls weapon1+bane+pattack-5-2+4: aliased to weapon1+2-3-5-2+4: (9)+16+2+-3+-5+-2+4: 21 GAME: Dolan rolls weapon1+bane+pattack-2: aliased to weapon1+2-3-2: (7)+16+2+-3+-2: 20 GAME: Dolan rolls 2d6+8+banedmg+pattackdmg: aliased to 2d6+8+2+2d6+6: (2)+8+2+(6)+6: 24 GAME: Dolan rolls 2d6+8+banedmg+pattackdmg+pattackdmg+2: aliased to 2d6+8+2+2d6+6+6+2: (10)+8+2+(5)+6+6+2: 39 GAME: Aya rolls weapon0: (12)+28: 40 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+8: (9)+8: 17 GAME: Aya rolls damage0: aliased to 2d10+7: (15)+7: 22 GAME: Aya rolls weapon0: (19)+28: 47 (THREAT) GAME: Aya rolls weapon0: (3)+28: 31 GAME: Aya rolls weapon0: (1)+28: 29 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Aya rolls weapon0-5: (4)+28+-5: 27 GAME: Aya rolls weapon0-5-10: (3)+28+-5+-10: 16 GAME: Aya rolls weapon0-5-15: (19)+28+-5+-15: 27 (THREAT) GAME: Aya rolls weapon0: (2)+28: 30 GAME: Aya rolls damage0: aliased to 2d10+7: (13)+7: 20
For just a breath, Dolan hesitates, the idea of striking his love for any reason sickening him to his soul. But then, Rune staggers back, crying out, and he glances over gratefully at the feeling of the spell that surrounds him - and he realizes. It clicks. _Andie would never use chains on me. She knows better._
"Rune, it's a trick!" he roars, redoubling his attack on the thing. "Devils DO THIS SHIT! THEY'LL FUCK WITH YOU! IGNORE IT!" The greatsword rebounds, and is applied liberally and with great fervor to the chain devil before him, the last swing passing harmlessly through the crumbling of dust around it.
Aya assured Aelwyn that the fiends would not take him. She cannot break her word. Though the largest chain-and-scar-covered fiend is a primary concern, she diverts some attention to the chain-devil that snares the Makari. As before, the mul vanishes with a step into the realm of Shadows to emerge beside the devil; all the better for the dizzying elbow strike to its face. This is followed by a flurry of shadowy flitting about the plated one. ALmost all of it is to no apparent effect. "This fiend is immensely powerful..!" she warns "Yet something is ... wrong!" She is not an occultist, but she becomes aware of a few things regarding its nature.
GAME: Harkashan rolls Melee: (10)+9: 19 GAME: Harkashan casts Harm. Caster Level: 11 DC: 23 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+3: (17)+3: 20 GAME: Harkashan rolls 8d6: (27): 27 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+3: (16)+3: 19
A hand on Rune's shoulder. "I've got you. I'm right here." Harkashan rumbles to Rune as she stumbles back in fear for a moment. The aura around him pulsing with a fear-abating aura. His warmth emanating out from him. "Aelwyn!" He calls out to his Kin. "Get over here!"
In that moment, a tremor within the Sea of Magic. Red markings on his body glowing with searing red light. Burning him as he pulls on that rage that he'd been once granted by Thirku, but never managed to act on. Pulling on that memory, and in that moment, divinity waves over the region.
Fearlessness, deathlessness, protection. Many things rapidly building upon each other as the one facing Rune tries to wind its chains around her and he catches it by his arm. Staring at it in that moment; "BEGONE." A single word. And in the strength of that word, pale white energy rampages across the chain towards the chain devil and /devastates/ it in that moment. Blasting it apart with divine white energy that then continues to ripple out from its remains out around him.
As his head turns towards the Ringmaster. "You have hurt a dear friend of mine. And in that, you have made a grave mistake." His voice barely remaining stable enough. His growls causing little flecks of red flames to lick at the edges of his maw.
GAME: Eztli casts Invisibility. Caster Level: 9 DC: 17 GAME: Eztli casts Scorching Ray. Caster Level: 9 DC: 18 GAME: Eztli rolls 1d20+9+2+1: (5)+9+2+1: 17 GAME: Eztli rolls 1d20+9+2+1: (1)+9+2+1: 13 (EPIC FAIL)
Eztli was creeping forward to get to Aelwyn, only for him to spring up and rush towards the person who seemed to be in charge. "AELWYN, THIS ISN'T SOMETHING TO RUSH IN AND GET YOURSELF KILLED OVER!" The small sorceress growls from nowhere, suddenly appearing again and hurling two flaming spears at one of the devils, only for them to fizzle out harmlessly past them.
GAME: Aelwyn rolls cmb: (7)+10: 17 GAME: Harkashan casts Liberating Command. Caster Level: 11 DC: 18
The call of her name from Dolan seems to snap Rune out of whatever spell had been placed over her. Her panic filled eyes look up towards him, just in time to see the creature be felled at the hands of his sword, crumbling into dust. She lets out a breath, hands still trembling a bit where she holds on to her blades. "Not real. Not real. Not real." Despite the fact she has worked to steel her mind, Rune is still all too vulnerable to effects like these.
She turns then, knowing that there is another enemy behind her, only to feel a hand on her shoulder. The rogue flinches, but then realizes that it is Harkashan beside her. "Shit... I thought..." She shakes her head, "Nevermind that."
Turning her attention back to Aelwyn, she moves to up towards the Master of Ceremonies, still looking as if she were a bit unsteady after her encounter with the devil. "Aelwyn, I don't know what the fuck happened here, but I'm not going to let you fight this alone. I've got your back. Your call... do I stab this asshole or not."
GAME: Aelwyn rolls escape artist+20: (13)+3+20: 36
The mask is undone. The physical pain that scours his skin and leaves even more of his flesh exposed was nothing to the cold, soul sucking emptiness that he suddenly felt. The words blurred together. "Jacob...?" He breathes, starting to shake. The fact that there were others, there was fighting going on, was slowly starting to filter into him.
The chains are grabbed, his hand slipping into the chains - but then with some unforeseen surge of power, he tears them off him and starts stomping closer towards the Grand Master. Bloody footsteps are left behind. "Rune, stop!" He calls out with his hand held out.
Coming closer towards to Jacob, his brother, he reaches out. "You KNEW why I had to leave! I did NOT know!" He spreads his arms. "You are my brother! So how the fuck do you dare to think I'd leave you to harm!" There was obvious anguish, and anger, in his voice, as his eyes keep glancing at that mutilated face, once and still dearly loved.
The Dragon's mask is tossed away, as Aelwyn continues to spread his arms, stepping closer. "So for the love of me, do it yourself! Like it should be done!"
GAME: Rune rolls perception: (13)+26: 39
The scarred man is crying, soft tears that spill down his face and and he completes the motion toward Aelwyn. Embracing the small sith-makar in his arms. There's a moment in the thrum of battle as the cadence breaks. Where everyone has a moment to see the two men holding one another.
"Forgive me." The man says, his eyes closed. His body relaxed.
And then the pair are enveloped in fire and smoke.
GAME: Rune rolls reflex: (1)+17: 18 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Rune rolls reflex: (16)+17: 33 GAME: Aftershock rolls 5d6: (17): 17 GAME: Dolan rolls knowledge/the planes: (12)+15: 27 GAME: Dolan casts Freedom of Movement. Caster Level: 10 DC: 18 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+11: (7)+11: 18
Dolan's eyes widen at the circle of fire. "The summoning's not complete! Don't let either of them die, any death in that circle'll complete the summoning!" he shouts. "I'll hold these assholes off!"
Before he moves, though, he pauses for a moment, reaching for the stylized dragon around his neck. "By the Sunlord's power, no chains shall bind me." It's almost a whisper, but sunlight flashes around him, and he streaks for the remaining kytons, nimbly evading a lashing chain.
GAME: Aya rolls cmb: (15)+25: 40 GAME: Harkashan casts Consecrate. Caster Level: 11 DC: 19
Aelwyn is... hugging a guy?
Then flames happen! "Aelwyn!" He may be Sith-makar and capable of resisting flames, but he's clearly still in danger! Dolan calls out that if anyone dies in that circle, things are going to get real bad real soon!
Harkashan moves upon the two of them and brings his hands straight through the fire, then suddenly slams them onto the ground. "YOU WILL NOT TAKE THEM FROM US!" And in that very moment, a violent ripple of divine energy springs through the ground as Harkashan consecrates the circle and cuts it off from its powersource!
Aya knows that something is off with the giant (should be more) powerful fiend, but not what. Not until Dolan's call. That means stopping the fiend is not about getting physical... not with it. Her focus immediately shifts to the two in the center of the circle. She darts to the embracing and burning pair and, despite they are doing both, grabs Aelwyn. "We must leave the circle!" Which she starts to help him with, whether he wishes it or not.
GAME: Harkashan rolls 8d6: (27): 27
The call to stay her blade has Rune hesitating, though the weapon is still held in a threatening fashion. Ultimately, as much as she wants to protect her friend, this is his call.
One ear twitches, listening to the conversation between them. And then suddenly there is a burst of fire. The next moments are a combination of heat, shouts, and intense fear. The Rogue backs up a step, her eyes looking to Dolan with a bit of helplessness before she backs off, chucking both of her weapons to the base of the stands and grabbing for a pair of saps as she backs off.
If nothing else, it gives Rune time to collect herself, understand the situation and... if she does need to knock someone out, she can take care of that once everyone is outside the circle.
GAME: Eztli rolls cmb: (11)+8: 19 GAME: Aftershock rolls 5d6: (17): 17 GAME: Aelwyn rolls cmb: (13)+10: 23 GAME: Eztli rolls reflex: (4)+9: 13 GAME: Aftershock rolls 10d6: (40): 40
"Just, AELWYN, COME ON!" The small makari yells as ringmaster, and Aelwyn, both go up in flames. She's able to spare Dolan a small glance and nod. Without thinking too much on the matter, The small makari rushes into the flames, grabbing a handful of clothing and attempting to shove a potion into their mouth, only for it to smolder and crumble away before she can reach him. "And what are you planning to accomplish doing this?" Eztli growls. "Get him the fuck out of these flames, or knock him out!"
"For what?" Aelwyn asks from Jacob, holding tight onto the man.
And then moments later he feels the heat rise up and scour across his flesh - even his scales do nothing as most of him is just lit up on flames, heat going down on his bones. "JACOB!" He screams. "JACOB!" He continues to do so; even as Aya keeps dragging him away. The Dragoon tries to kick, tooth, fight his way closer, seeing his brother's body burning, but to no avail, as Aya's grasp is way too strong.
"JACOB! SAVE HIM!" Aelwyn shouts.
Jacob is on fire. The man who is the master of these ceremonies is aflame. The crowd is rapt again - certain that this _must_ be part of the show. Who would willingly burn themselves alive?
Jacob doesn't scream - it seems like he should - and the tent is full of the scent of burning, smoke, flesh crumbling. Jacob reaches out for Aelwyn, but his brother is beyond his reach. Forever.
Jacob collapses, upheld only by stubborn Eztli's body.
Across the intervening space the devil stretches and jangles its chains, its voice echoing in the minds of all present. I AM FREE.
GAME: Dolan rolls weapon1+bane: aliased to weapon1+2: (14)+16+2: 32 GAME: Dolan rolls weapon1+bane-5+pattack: aliased to weapon1+2-5-3: (12)+16+2+-5+-3: 22 GAME: Dolan rolls weapon1+bane+pattack: aliased to weapon1+2-3: (7)+16+2+-3: 22 GAME: Dolan rolls 2d6+8+banedmg+pattackdmg: aliased to 2d6+8+2+2d6+6: (6)+8+2+(12)+6: 34 GAME: Dolan rolls 2d6+8+banedmg+pattackdmg: aliased to 2d6+8+2+2d6+6: (12)+8+2+(10)+6: 38 GAME: Aya rolls cmb+5: (1)+25+5: 31 (EPIC FAIL)
"FUCK!" Dolan swears colorfully at the top of his lungs as the devil announces itself in every mind present. "Harkashan, can you bring him back?" he shouts, the greatsword flashes in the firelight, making quick dust of the chain devils, each in turn. "If not, get everyone out of here!" A lightning bolt of fear races through him, energizing limbs and sending mind racing. _He'd failed!_
GAME: Aya rolls cmb+5: (12)+25+5: 42 GAME: Aftershock rolls 10d6: (42): 42
Aya is not resistant to fire. Nor to claws or teeth, to be frank. She simply chooses to accept and ignore those. It is the proper thing to do. In times past, this would not bother her... but there are some aspects to which she is resistant no longer. "I am sorry. You cannot go back! No one must-"
Then there is the ominous call of the greater fiend. "$#@!" The actual expletive is in Undercommon... or perhaps Yrrch? Yet all in earshot are able to understand it regardless. The surprise is enough for Aelwyn to nearly squirm free before she regains and tightens her hold upon him. "You cannot go. You need to leave. Everyone may need to leave!" The last is louder, for all.
Harkashan moves toward the fallen Master of Ceremonies, drawn by Dolan's request to try and bring back the man who had tried to kill his kin. Fire scorches his scales as he draws Jacob's charred body out of the flames and pours magic into the man.
Jacob breathes.
The devil across the stage screams in fury, clawing at the ground as the magic that had summoned it is undone by Harkashan's spell and Dolan's quick-thinking. With Harkashan's earlier spell that consecrated the ground, the devil has no further hold here, and it vanishes back to whence it came...
The crowd cheers and applauds this play of life, death, and demonic interference. Astounded, astonished, and amazed!
It all happens so fast. The man is dragged out and revived, and the devil disappears screaming from the plane in question. Dolan can only sink his blade into the dirt at his feet, leaning on the mighty weapon, breathing hard as all of the aches and a bunch of new ones suddenly flood through him. He can't move immediately, letting the blade support him while he breathes a prayer of gratitude and relief for the insight granted to him by the Sunlord. He'd nearly been too late.
Eztli helps to shove the body out of the flames, and she stumbles out after it, turning to face the remaining devils, finding them already dispatched by Dolan. The small makari sighs, and collapses onto her back. Thankfully her enchanted robes were not ruined by the flames, even if they were covered in more than a small amount of soot from less than pleasant sources. "Make sure they're tied up immediately." They offer to Harkashan.
Aya blinks and actually turns back when Dolan calls to Harkshan. Of all that she may have expected, that was not it. Even moreso... it worked..?! She is left speechless for a moment and, once the fiend is assuredly no longer present, she releases Aelwyn to do as he pleases. She sags somewhat, though more in relief than weariness or injury. The mul has witnessed many, far too many, die to stop great evils. Witnessing someone returned to life to halt one is... a refreshing change.
On the notion of witnessing the fallen, she now notices Dolan's slumping and makes her way towards him. "Are you alright?"
"I don't... care!" Aelwyn rumbles and breathes, trying still to get rid of Aya's grasp. He had to get there! He had to get there now! "JACOB!"
And then he sees his brother collapse.
"JACOB! JACOB! YOU FUCKING WON'T!" The ruddy sith-makar shouts, voice hoarse, starting to gnash his teeth and bite. It was like trying to hold onto an wild animal. And he springs the instant he is let go, running over towards the charred body of his brother; collapsing right besides him.
"Jacob...!" Aelwyn breathes, fists closing and opening helplessly. His voice was breaking up. "I didn't know...!"
Jacob doesn't respond immediately, still dazed from being brought back by Harkshan's spell, but after a moment those eyes open and fall on Aelwyn. One hand reaching out and finding a claw. The healing has done much for Jacob, but it's clear that it will take him some time to recover. Tears spill down his face, but he turns his eyes away from the dragoon in shame.
Perhaps there is nothing left to say.
The show must go on, but now the show is ended, and the crowd is slowly leaving, going, gone.
-End