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KENOMA - cw: mention of beheading

[With Howl's revival, Barnaby can turn his attention to another pressing issue: Makoto's whereabouts. It's somewhat ironic that Barnaby would be helping the demons who dragged him back to Achamoth against his will, but as he understands it now, they were simply doing him a favour in doing so. On top of which, J had helped rescue him from the battlefield when he was gravely wounded in the battle against the Sanctifier, and he is one to repay his debts.

So with that warped logic in mind, he begins by investigating Achamoth, and after a few days, has made enough progress to report his findings via communion.]

This is Barnaby. I've been investigating M's disappearance, and I have a clear idea now of who took him.

[He sounds weary. He's had little room for respite in well over a month, and current events mean he won't for a while yet.]

There were eyewitnesses who described a half-horse woman, carrying a head while fleeing the city after the raid. I haven't found any evidence of any mutilated Achamite corpses, so I think it is safe to assume the head belonged to M. The culprit, of course, could only be Hayame.

My leads ran out there, so she must have teleported or used a portal to get away. But I hope, at least, that some of you may be able to use this information to narrow down the search.

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To the Pleroma, a few days after the raid

[After speaking with Yuya, Ryunosuke suspects this message may not be well received by some. Maybe it's simply not the right time... But if not now, then when? He can't keep sitting on this information.

After pacing restlessly in his quarters and fretting over his decision, he resolves to take the plunge. A deep breath, and a quick slap to the face later, he pulls his shard out, closes his eyes, and focuses, his spirit reaching out to all the other Pleroma across the communion.]

This is Naruhodo speaking. I... I have some important information to share. And I hope that you'll all indulge me a moment to speak. I considered waiting a bit to relay this information, but after everything that has happened...

[There's a wavering emotion on his end, deeply mournful and angry. It's a righteous anger; the restless sort that won't allow him to sit idly by while evil still sits atop its thorny throne, content to think that it's won the day. He hardens his heart, thinking of that, and plunges ahead:]

Before our infiltration of Achamoth, Sakaki-kun and I were able to... To speak with the Innocence once more. I know many of you may think that ill-advised, and I don't disagree; it was a risk, to be certain. But I considered it a necessary one, because whatever that thing is... Whoever she is... It's been abundantly clear for some time now that she has far more knowledge of this world, more knowledge of the Regent and their plans, than any other source we've been able to tap into so far. The Innocence constituted a lead that I couldn't ignore, and I... I don't regret following that lead. I hope some of you will agree, once you hear what I've to say.

The Innocence can be difficult to speak to, but there can be little doubt about what it imparted at the end of our discussion. The truth we all need to be aware of is this: the Regent's strength, their power, the force that will lead them to realizing their goal of destruction on a cosmological scale: it's despair. Literally, our misery feeds them. It makes them stronger.

Perhaps that's not surprising to hear, given what we already know of the Kenoma, but please consider the implications: Horos's entire history, particularly the last hundred years... The suffering caused by the Regent's tyrannical rule; it's not just the behavior of a despot, typical as it may be for leaders of similar ilk. No, everything they've done in the past... From the suffering they continue to cause to the civilians of Horos, to the way in which they continue to bait us and antagonize us, instead of letting us live in peace... It's all a means to an end! The ultimate end! The Regent mistreats the people here and spreads misery across the land simply because breaking souls and leading them to despair literally gives them strength.

[His anger has intensified, a bright flame burning at the center of the cloud of grief enshrouding his heart.]

I am not asking you to forgo mourning. I am not telling you that you should not ever feel pain, or sadness. Gods know I've had my share of both. But I implore you: grieve, but do not wallow in it. If you feel yourself slipping into despair, be defiant. Remind yourself that it's exactly what the Regent wants. And if you can't do that on your own, reach out. We must come together and support each other through this.

...Yuya and I suspect that this truth about the Regent is what drove the Innocence to spread its touch around Horos as she did, back on the moon of Inoseri. She felt the suffering of the Horosians, of the Venerans particular, and saw how their misery gave that bastard strength. That's why she infected the people with apathy as she did, to interrupt the thing that was feeding the Regent power. Horos suffers, and so the Regent grows ever closer to winning. The Innocence sought to ease the people's pain, I think largely out of compassion but-- but also, to buy time. Time enough for us to fight back and avert the destruction.

[He knows this has been running long. Assuming anyone is even listening... There's something he's taken away from all this, and it's the point he wants to drive home.]

As long as one of us still holds hope, the Regent cannot win. The Innocence's methods were deeply flawed, but... She had the right idea, in some sense. Which brings us to the heart of the matter, the thing I wish for you to take away from this more than anything else:

The people of Horos need hope. Going forward, if we can give it to them, if we can help them to fight back against the Regent's rule... I suspect we will take away the very thing that makes the Regent strong. And if that's true, we CAN beat them. I'm certain of it. We have a new advantage now, knowledge that we didn't have before. We can use that to direct our efforts. We can start truly fighting back.

We can prove to them that hope never truly fades.

[Gods. Alright, maybe he's... Gone a bit overboard with all this, but what's said is said. He's not going to regret it. He'll just leave things there. In real life, he lets out a long, shaky breath, coming down from his defiant fervor.]

Now, if you have questions... Go ahead and ask. I'll answer what I can. And perhaps Sakaki-kun can help, if he's willing.

[ooc note: the intent is for this information to also be shared at the Pleroma council that will be taking place next month, so no worries if your character is not in a state to listen in on this message! The info will still get around without you needing to sit through Ryunosuke's inspirational speech efforts.]

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PLEROMA - a few days after the raid

[Despite Claude's best efforts to shut his emotions out of this communion, it's impossible to fully avoid muted feelings of anger and bitterness leaking across the connection. Still, he addresses his thoughts in a calm, measured way, even if he's noticeably more downbeat than usual.]

Hiya. This is Claude, one of the new guys. I know most of us are still licking our wounds after what happened in Achamoth, but I wanted to discuss a few things.

What was the point of invading Achamoth, really? We attacked an enemy's stronghold, took back two of our own like we planned, sure-- but we lost two more in the process, and at least one smaller dragon lost its life trying to save us. And what else did we get out of it? A single prisoner? Some superficial damage to the city, which mostly would've just hurt civilians?

I don't want to act like war is just a game of numbers, when so many of you cared about the prisoners to go to these lengths for them, but strategically, the whole idea was insane. Personally, I was reassured a plan was being worked on, and that I just had to trust it was in hand. Sure, the big dragon that helped us was great, but it had to give its life for us. Both lives, even. And our escape route only came in the nick of time! If the forest dragons hadn't sympathised with our cause, we would have all been screwed.

If we mount any coordinated attacks in future, can we actually think about it at length? You know, plot it out from start to finish, try and account for as many variables as we can, not just talk about what enemies we might face and how they fight. And if we're going to walk into obvious traps, can we actually think about what the trap might be and how to mitigate it?

[He pauses. He's angry, if only because for a sect so supposedly dedicated to defending life, so many of them are too reckless about throwing lives away just to save a handful of others. Some casualties are inevitable in war, but these losses didn't have to be. That's what bothers him about all this more than anything.]

Anyway... I don't want to just gripe, so I also wanted to consider our long-term goals. I spoke to the dragon -- Estinien and the other thing? -- before the fighting started, and they made it sound like a direct assault on the Regent is nigh impossible. The Regent's corruption in that part of Horos is too powerful, the Citadel especially.

So, I think if we want to make them vulnerable at all, we have to figure out a way to purify the land. I don't know how yet, and the dragon wasn't sure either, but I want to believe it's possible. If you have any thoughts, I'd love to hear them.

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HAYAME ➳ PLEROMA (VOICE) [backdated to 8/18-19]

[The feelings and visions that come through the communion, rattled and uncontrolled, are samples of something dark and painful. Scenes from the raid on Achamoth, the towering black walls, blood, the Sanctifier in the sky, pain, more pain— Finally, a voice wrestles control and comes into audible focus, strained and slow. The few who have spoken with her might recognize it as the centaur (jinba) Hayame.]

I have... a prisoner. The shard of the Kenoma called "M".

Someone- Someone ask that Tehri woman... If she knows of a place safe from the Regent's eyes. Or if one of the... "magic" users know a way...

If there is none... I will just move. I will keep moving.

I will need supplies. Food and... bandages, and--

[Suddenly, there is a surge of... something, a combination of panic, genuine shock, disgust, rage, and a weird bleed-through sense of... more than one person? Very briefly, it feels like there's more than one consciousness involved, but Hayame's voice returns.]

A bit.

Blinders.

Earplugs.

That is what I need.

Bring them... and I will tell you where to find me.

[OOC: Content warnings for mention of beheadings/an-animated-severed-head that may crop up in comments. This is the IC kick-off for a player plot, with more details and options for others to get involved coming soon to an OOC comm near you!]

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[pleroma] backdated to night before the raid

[ he's never used his shard to try and communicate with so many people at once before, and he's not particularly excited about attempting it; still, he was a celebrity, once, so he's at least used to interacting with the public, which becomes obvious in his confident greeting. ]

... Hey.

[ okay, maybe not.

While he's calm enough, through communion, his vague dissatisfaction can easily be felt - especially by other Firebrands this month, who likely find the simmering frustration he's feeling familiar. Of course, his stems partially from the fact that he's unable to help with this upcoming raid, specifically. He doesn't feel a need to announce that he's not coming - anyone to whom it would actually matter would already be aware. Even so, it colors his words just slightly. ]

If you're going to Achamoth, do me a favor. I've heard they've got better technology over there than we do here - electricity or magic, maybe both. It doesn't really matter. If you see a chair over there that looks like it'll haul me around faster than this rickety piece of junk, and you can grab it without getting yourself killed, I'll pay you for it when you get back. I've got some jools - I've been saving 'em. And, uh...

[ this part, he's a little more hesitant about; he pauses, his frustration becoming a little more watery. ]

... I ain't seen Yuuta around for a few days and I can't get him on his Shard. So keep an eye out for him while you're over there, too. They might have taken him. He sure was causing them trouble in Godsblood, so it makes sense they'd want him out of the picture, you know.

[ a beat. ]

That's all. Don't try being a hero over there. You'll screw the rest of us over if you get caught.

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liem talbott: champion

kenoma [backdated to firaseri 17th]

[Around dawn on the day of the prisoners’ scheduled burning, a Kenoma-wide ping goes out to both the early risers and to those who might still be in bed. To those who are light sleepers and might be woken up by a communion notification, well… sorry about that. At least the information is pertinent to the day’s activities. Liem’s crisp, businesslike voice can be heard once the message is accessed.]

Good morning, everyone. I have news relating to the conflict we’re expecting to see today:

As we’re expecting to contest the Pleroma’s efforts to traverse the city, I’ve been organizing the distribution of supplies throughout Achamoth, in support of our efforts. Should you need replacement weapons or ammunition, medical supplies, or even just drinkable water, you can visit any of these locations rather than needing to fall back to the Citadel itself.

[An image of a map appears vividly over the communion, marked with numbered points throughout the city. Accompanying this image is a list that associates every number with a more detailed location, such as “Our Dark Regent’s Church of the Exalted Dissolution: side entrance” or “7th Street Guard Station: main entrance.” A large number of the entries on the list appear to be churches.

There is also a short list of items outlining what can be found at each supply point, including quivers of both arrows and crossbow bolts, various smaller handheld weapons, spare bowstrings, bottled water, and bandages and salves to stop bleeding.]

If you would benefit from access to items that are not already on this list, please alert me right away. I will be overseeing the distribution of supplies throughout the morning, so I will do my best to ensure that any last-minute additions are included.

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[PLEROMA] | I heard a rumor...

[ The communion is clear, practiced, and clipped. Business-like. ]

We have quite a few new arrivals, so... Welcome to the Pleroma. I am sure we will all have the opportunity to introduce ourselves to you, but it's often polite to introduce oneself, isn't it? My name is Akua Sahelian, and I speak to you now of what I wish were a warm welcome, but instead, of serious tidings.

I do not know how many of you have been introduced to the wider group, or how much information you've been presented, so allow me to give you all a basics, hm?

If you can hear this, you have accepted the Pleroma. You may have already met one, or many of them, but regardless if you met them before -- we oppose the Kenoma -- perhaps not the individuals, but the... force of kenoma itself. Pleroma and Kenoma are no mere forces of Good and Evil -- The Kenoma would destroy this world -- and all worlds -- to rebirth a world of their own making from the ashes. If you have joined with us, then you have found perhaps something to save here -- or perhaps you believe that your world is still out there. Some do, but I will not promise that which I cannot see with my own eyes. Whatever has brought you to us, I'm afraid that I cannot promise an easy fight -- or an easy existence here. Even now, the Kenoma have captured two of our own, and I have no doubt that they will come out with an experience that only a True Villain by the name of the Regent could craft. [ In communion, it sounds like a Title, a Name. ]

We will have to rescue them, and though I wish I could say that only those that are willing to fight should come, the truth of it is that we must collectively join together. There is no choice, and we will need every willing person to join in, to save our allies. If you have experienced combat before -- of any sort -- your experience will be more than welcome. If you do not, please reach out to one us, and we will find a place for you. We all have...grand and great talents, and we'll need every single one, to find victory when our allies are eventually retrieved. You will be needed, no matter what your experience was before you arrived, you will be able to find some use of your unique talents. Please, if you are new, speak up, tell us about yourselves, and ask your questions. I'm sure someone will answer it. Even the smallest of talents, can mean the difference between losing more of our allies an assets, or victory.

I cannot provide details at this time -- no plans have been set -- but I will tell you to be ready.

Speaking of being ready, however... I must turn a part of our discussion to something just as serious, but in a different vein. I think it clear, that we will have to continue to fight those who have signed on to the Kenoma, and while it's an inevitability, particularly in these times -- we need to assess our enemies. We will want to share the names, the abilities, and the demeanors of our enemies, those in the Kenoma who may be a threat, those who would be weak to physical threat, or...

[ A pause, then. ]

I was...dissipated recently. As I regrew, I... knew something. [ Her voice now almost sounds...authoritative. Like she is Speaking something of great import, the communion gives her words an emphasis that she can only imagine, as it would not work in person. ]

While no Sovereign, they are sovereign in this land, and though their plans have been thwarted in some small ways, they have been given a gift. The gift of knowing the true hearts of their followers, one way or the other. They have no use for the frail and the convictionless, after all. Venera and Godsblood are not the only ones that face culling, as the light of the Sovereign fades.

I believe... there may be individuals within the kenoma that have less conviction than others. They may be willing to help, or even defect, although we will be racing against the Regent's own touch. We may wish to seek them out, and free them from the Kenoma, they may come willingly, but they may also come by force. If you have spoken to those who lack conviction for their Sect, please, share that as well. It may be invaluable. If we know who lacks the resolve to stay with them, we can then pursue them, convince them, or bring them to our bases, to be convinced. I know some may find that unpleasant work -- but... Well, let's just say occasionally, capturing your enemy and teaching them of your perspective works.

I'd know.

[ A pause, before: ] Well, now. Please chime in, I shouldn't do all of the talking.

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(Kenoma.) after the 6th of Firaseri. (cw: beheadings)

[ in the communion space, the Kenoma will feel Childe's presence along with a really obnoxious slurping sound, the exact kind you get when sipping out of a straw and the drink has reached near empty. A momentary flash of Hayame-chan's Beautiful Achamite Head Trio display is flashed as a memory along with a heavy sense of puzzlement over the effort keeping these heads clean and tidy. ]

Wow. Can any of you tell me more about this Pleroma called 'Hayame?' [ he sounds curious more than anything. In fact he finds this all amusing because it's just so... pointlessly grotesque and yet... there's some strange sense of dedication and care to the display.

He laughs now, deciding he finds it actually really funny and entertaining as the wide scope of their enemies starts to show itself.

He wonders if the other Pleroma tried to persuade Hayame not to do this but weren't successful? Or did they not care ... the latter doesn't sound quite right for a good chunk of the Pleroma at least, especially of the first wave arrivals.

It's be interesting to look into. ]

I'm very interested to hear from you if you can.

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PLEROMA | FRIENDS LOST (END OF SOVISERI)

[Estinien can be felt in the communion space, after having essentially gone missing during the final days of the mission. He's only just now returning to Greentruth in the company of friends. The tone of his psychic transmission is fraught with sorrow and anger in kind.]

Himeka and Abel have been taken by the Kenoma. They... are the Regent's prisoners.

[His presence becomes distant for a few beats after, like he has to steady himself.]

The creature of Innocence we found in Venera... its hold on me is far greater than I ever realized. I was drawn into a battle with the Kenoma, in the defense of other Pleroma, and when I found myself outnumbered and trapped... it came to my aid. Yet, 'twas at a cost I would not have willingly paid.

Angered by their broken "promise", it lashed out at those that bore its mark. 'Twas this moment of weakness that allowed them to be captured. It struck Ryunosuke and Alphinaud as well... Ryunosuke is safe. Alphinaud... has vanished somewhere I cannot reach.

[He's doing his best to give an objective account, something he became skilled in doing as a soldier. It's clear how much this is weighing on him, though.]

The... creature has been attempting to enthrall me. To change my body and steal my memories... it told me that Alphinaud was 'among the light', and that he had no further need for me. That Himeka and Abel had chosen to suffer in this world. I...

[And finally, the anger takes precedent, a fire wrought with misery.]

I will take them back. No matter what it demands of me. I... will bring them home.

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audio / Soviseri 29 / all Kenoma

[ Howl's psychic voice is familiar in the way it sounds, but not in the way it feels. There is no mirth, no haughty playfulness, no usual thread of flippancy to his words. He is exhausted, on edge, and anxious, and it leaks into his message. Although "leaks" is not even the right word — he is making no real attempt at hiding his misery right now. ]

Aions have arrived in this world twice so far. The second batch appeared in the Shrines about three months after the first.

Tomorrow... marks another three months.

[ it's much too early to say there is any kind of pattern to it all, but... ]

Those of you whole enough to travel to the Shrines and check for new Aions must do so. We cannot afford to let the Pleroma strengthen their numbers.

[ And for now, he leaves it at that. No indication of what he is planning to do with his weekend, and definitely, conspicuously no mention of the mission failures, the traitors, or the prisoners. ]

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HAYAME ➳ PLEROMA (VOICE)

[One member of Pleroma has intentionally avoided Communion for months, but now... perhaps it can actually be of use. Now, she actually requires something that she cannot accomplish through strength or stubbornness alone, so-

A hard, cold voice barely comes through, mixed with an inexperienced jumble of vague (violent, dark) images until the words solidify as:]

Who amongst you has the ability to write?

I require a posting for the Achamite heads.

[OOC: please be warned there will be (cw: beheading) in this post]

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#the regent

THE REGENT'S ADDRESS [OPEN TO ALL]

[It comes on fast, once the Regent has your spirit in their hold. Around you, you may see other Aions stumble in the same moment, as if shaken by the same tectonic motion. An inexorable darkness claws at your senses, and you have only a few moments, hard fought, to reposition yourself so that you don't simply drop to the ground when it overtakes you. It has similarities to Communion, to the way another entity's thoughts and words reach out to your mind, but by the same token it's entirely foreign.

This presence is not like another person, it is like a raging, screaming cacophony that drowns out everything else in its path. Whether you be Kenoma or Pleroma, the Regent's presence in this metaphysical realm is staggering. To the Pleroma, though, it also feels caustic, as if the movement of their aura is enough to erode your own, with time.

Gradually, a new world forms. Unlike other Communions, where you are ultimately grounded in reality, here you can been dragged to what seems to be its own distinct psychic realm. A vast, void-filled courtroom, where only the throne at its front has a defined form. Around you, you see shadows of other people, other Aions, that have summoned along with you... but for the moment they seem spectral and unclear, their identities obscured by the realm's aggressive focus on its master.

The Regent sits at their throne, their body swathed in dark fabrics that drift and flutter like smoke. They have no face to be seen, only a faceted silver mask, without any markings or the barest indication of what might be beneath it. Their size is indistinct, maybe a bit taller than you are. They at first sit reclined, but straight up as their 'guests' arrive.]

It's been a long time coming, my subjects.

[At first, they are the only one that can be heard. Though you feel as if you have some physical presence here, a shadowy body of your own, if you attempt to speak no sound emerges.]

To the Pleroma: well done surviving thus far. Granted, I feel as if my Kenoma have made things easy for you. How strange, that most of you were allowed to wander a city within my empire without recourse. Able to summon that wretched creature to your side, even.

I hope you've enjoyed yourself, in the time you've had, because this will be no more. You've spread your infection in Venera, in Godsblood, and it is only necessary that these wounds be cleansed by the touch of the Kenoma. Your presence gives the people ideas... ideas that would disrupt the fragile peace they've come to enjoy, after so many years of suffering. As a kindness, I will only trim the vine, rather than burn the vineyard. What Venerans have taken up your cause, I will see shorn from my empire. And in Godsblood... an example will be made, as of the Sovereign's moon.

My Kenoma will do this for me. Fight them, if you want. But know that I am no longer asking for your fealty. I am demanding it.

[As if opening their court for questions, you will find yourself more able to act. Those that speak or take action will find their physical forms taking shape, standing in the court as people rather than shadows. If you want to question the Regent, now is the time to do so.

OOC: This post is a free for all! We will try to response as the Regent to people who directly engage with them, but you are also allowed to threadjack and interact with each other if you like. Please note that we will not be responding to tag ins done later than the 12th.]

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eustace: firebrand

KENOMA ➤ VOICE

[ It's everyone's ~~first~~ ~~second~~ maybe third (?) favorite ~~Miqo'te~~ dogman, here to make an updated report on his travels through Godsblood and sounding as perfunctory and business-minded as usual. ]

( portal psa )

( attunement psa )

[ OOC: Just a quick IC PSA about the Godsblood portal and attunement! Feel free to assume that anything covered in those links is common knowledge shared to all the Kenoma via this post. The mods okay'd Eustace gaining general setting knowledge but unfortunately he will not know anything past that, if your character chooses to ask. ]

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KENOMA | VOICE

[There's something different tonight in Paul's baseline, something strange and energized in a way that he usually is not; perhaps it's evident, in the way his emotions are coming across, that it isn't necessarily a good sort of energized - they're strange and scattershot, almost crackling with a sort of manic feel behind them, though his words are steady enough as he goes.]

As I've made known to several of you, I've never been a combatant; I don't fight, and I've never had reason to become proficient with a weapon. And yet I don't disagree with those of you that have made it clear that we need to play to our strengths, if this is going to be a war we're going to win.

My own strengths have always lay with people - providing guidance, providing leadership. Knowing what they need to hear in order to press on, and knowing what they need to see to carry through whatever needs to be carried through. Finding those willing to serve, and willing to spare nothing in their service.

I've found that there are those here that are more than willing to accept my guidance - in the service of the Regent, and the service of the Kenoma. After all, who better than an Aion to give them what they're after? Those I refer to are more than willing to give up their lives in the interest of that service; it's just a matter of directing them to use that willingness in a more productive way.

I've taken up a position in the sect of Our Dark Regent's Church of the Precious Blood. Decently respected in Achamoth, despite their harsher proclivities. They seem a prudent investment to make - if we're to be at war, we'll need resources of one sort or another, and people are an acceptable resource to have.

After all, that's how the gospel spreads.

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KENOMA // voice

Do any of my fellow Aions follow the city's combat sports? If it happens any of you do, I wonder if you could help me to understand something.

What is the cause. For the audience's fervour over Uria Skulltaker. The moment she steps into the arena the crowd loses their minds. Any action she takes is lauded, even though her battle gear is shoddy and her appearance unremarkable. I have never once seen her take a skull.

[ Binghe sounds both kind of tired out, and really petulant. People who do keep up with Achamoth's combat sports may be aware that he recently won a fight (the non-lethal kind) against the Uria Skulltaker in question, and everybody booed him.

OOCly speaking, you are welcome to make up whatever additional facts you would like about Uria Skulltaker for the sake of replying to this. ]

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to pleroma.

Good day, everyone; if we've not yet spoken ere this day, then well met. I am Alphinaud Leveilleur, and we are come to you today—all you, of the Pleroma—with another call into action.

And I’m Hiccup. Maybe we’ve talked before, you might’ve seen me around Greentruth helping around… I was always taught we should take care of our own, which is why this is way past time. We need to get it together, now. Before another Venera happens or any new arrivals.

We discussed it at the campfire a few weeks ago, but starting this week we need to start preparing. Now, someone has already started help on the magical side — but we’re talking everything in between: combat, first aid, navigation, survival, crafting. Anything you might need when you find yourself alone. If you think you’re prepared, come by anyway.

I know from experience there’s always something more someone can learn. Everyone has a skill to teach. Even if it’s something like out-stubborning the enemy, you wouldn’t believe how effective that strategy is.

Indeed. Thus, Hiccup has agreed to hold sessions periodically to assist those who need this help. I implore any and all to take part, for it is imperative we are ready for everything the Kenoma may throw our way.

But we are not all combatants, I realize, and there are other means to help. Supplies of all sorts are in high demand, and are not always so easily accessible in the likes of Greentruth where the heart of the Resistance lies. Therefore, I am asking for those who can assist in this way to come forth, for 'tis my intention to personally oversee that we are all provided with what is necessary for us to rise above our adversaries.

For those willing, pray come forth to inform me what you are willing to contribute. And should you find yourself wanting for aught, you need only say the word, and I shall find a way to make it happen.

As will I. I mean, saying I grew up in a blacksmith’s stall isn’t for all talk. We need to help each other. I mean it when I say everyone has a skill to share, something to contribute. Rather you’re willing to fight or believe in fighting a war, we’ve all got one thing in common: We’re all here, together. We won’t survive if we can’t learn to not take everything on our own and trust each other. That’s what we’re here for today.

[ Alphinaud will let that settle for a moment, then: ]

That is all. My deepest thanks for your time, and may we prosper together.

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Pleroma Only

Hello.

[ The voice is clear, and despite the fact that she's rarely spoken through communion, surprisingly clear, and with no lack of authority to her tone. ]

I have discovered that there are some among us who have come into some sort of magic, or abilities, since arriving. Some even have a gift from before they arrived, that has thus gone unutilitzed. [ Rand. ]

If we are to be at war -- to win against a foe with greater resources than we have, then we should utilize every advantage possible. I know I've spoken to others here, who have a great deal of competency with the arcane. I believe it would be best, if we pooled our resources, to teach those among us who are not so practiced. Whether it is powers granted in this realm, or... [ said with a bit of a laugh: ] simply magic, there are methods to make them simpler to call, or with practice, they can take less effort to use.

While I'm no professional instructor, I have advised others on the use of magic when they were new to workings before, and any sufficiently trained magister can instruct another on at least the basics, and I think we should do so before we find ourselves on the field again. Even if you are practiced with your gift, I am sure there is worth in working together, to learn how our respective talents can work together, before we allow each other to be exposed, or even worse: injured or killed.

[ A pause. ]

Consider this a...statement of intent, if you will. I normally favor staying in Godsblood, but given the...volatile nature of unpracticed magic, I think I will find myself an appropriately sized clearing near Greentruth, if others wish to join me. A scant few days of instruction, if you will. I do not think it will be hard to find, if you are in the vicinity in the next few days. If others are willing, perhaps it will be of use, to make this regular for practice.

[ ooc; I'll be intending to put up something of a loose open log for magic-based folks to collaborate/help out any characters who are just coming into new powers, want practice or instruction, or just want to strategize with magic-related combat in general later this week! ]

Entry tags:

to the pleroma (text)

[ it’s not an intentional attempt at anonymity. dextera just has no experience with this kind of broad communication, and to him, there’s little point in introducing himself anyway. those who have met him may be able to recognize the emotional “signature” attached to the words newly displayed in their minds, and may be able even to attach the soft sound of his breath or the perpetually-uncertain expression he wears to the message he knows is about to be contentious.

but, it’s been bothering him since the events in venera. perhaps the seed was planted even before that, from his very first experience with the kenoma and having the pleroma overtake it to save him in the end. ]

Are we wrong?

[ it’s… actually not what he wanted to open with, but the panic of broadcasting a message so publicly has him blurting things out even through what should be the most temperate of mediums. ]

The Regent said it was the Pleroma that caused the disease in Venera. That force wanted us to live forever in delusion. I don’t want to destroy the world. I don’t want to make a new one either. I was happy there. I would have been happy there.

The distilled Kenoma tried to manipulate our thoughts. Didn’t you all feel that power when we escaped? The Hope that allowed us to fight? Are we still being manipulated?

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PLEROMA | A HELPFUL PSA

[Estinien's presence will finally surface in the Pleroma's communion space, a few days after the time of his death. There is a sense of deep sullenness and seething anger in the message he imparts, like a storm on the horizon.]

For those concerned, the reports were true. If our Shards are spared, our bodies can be resurrected... just as mine has been.

[There's still a weariness to his spirit after the fact, but his anger is driving him forward regardless. While he had initially planned to leave it at that, a courtesy to those that may wonder, a disturbing conversation with one of the Kenoma has gifted him with some more forceful words to impart.]

As it stands, I can see little virtue in leaving the bodies of the Kenoma unscathed. If they can be defeated, if their Shards can be claimed... you would do well to take the opportunity while you can. They will not show you the same mercy in return, and the fate you face at their hands is far worse than anything we could offer them.

The time for hesitation has passed.