[PLAYER PLOT] | O Prometheus! Epimetheus! Hollos out your noble name!

[empyreancatastrophe]

OOC: The State of the Realm

Thanks to some creative thinking during Intermission (which is still going if you, yes you, would like to join in!), some things have changed for the better.

• Although the noctaere managed to take over Joshua it’s also been weakened due to various obstacles placed in its way.
  
  • Add another +1 to your rolls against both Phoenix and Noctshua (I’ll update the chart)
  
  
  • The antidote has increased efficacy. This means I’ll be rolling with a disadvantage* whenever someone tries to administer it during their Noctshua fight thread
    *for those unused to tabletop RPGs, ‘disadvantage’ means that I roll two d20s and take the lower of the two numbers; buffs still apply
• More information on the person responsible for this mess, and many others (which will be revealed later in an official game event) has been uncovered by a couple of nosybodies (who are good at their jobs).

The True Ending has also been unlocked! That doesn’t mean it’s an automatic given (we have to see how this log goes!) but at least now it’s possible!

For those who have signed up to battle Phoenix and Noctshua, please refer to the OOC Plotting Post for instructions and details for rolls. For those who still wish to battle Phoenix and/or Noctshua. The waitlist is open for the former, and there is one spot left for the later. Everyone is still more than welcome to join in, whether part of the game/this plotline already or not!

That should be it! I’ll have a questions comment up so I can answer them as they pop up.

Good luck, everyone!

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0. THE GRAND DUCHY OF ROSARIA - JOSHUA'S DREAMSCAPE
Far from heaven flown, dry your eyes and let your wings fold. From the dark, light be reborn and rise from shadow

---

Following his escape to and simultaneously from Nightmare City, Joshua created a massive dome of fire marks the boundaries of his dreamscape, a means for him to seal himself away just as he turned full noctaere.

 

Should a Dreamer enter, whether out of curiosity or concern, they’ll find themselves in the Grand Duchy of Rosaria. The moment that they step in, it becomes clear that this is bigger on the inside than on the outside. Thankfully (and perhaps magically), it doesn’t take long to traverse the area. What would normally be at least a few hours’ walk will only take a few minutes. Unless, of course, the dreamer wants it to take hours, perhaps to enjoy all this beautiful land has to offer! Don't mind the tense atmosphere.

Rosaria is a country with a few ports on its outskirts. Go deeper and the landscape changes to marshlands, ancient architecture, the ruins of Phoenix Gate, and, in the capitol, Rosalith, the aptly named Rosalith Castle. The weather is pleasant, except for the swirl of ominous dark clouds surrounding Rosalith and Phoenix Gate.

Torgal, a large wolf, stands nearby, watching with keen eyes, ready to serve as a guide if needed.

---

 

I. THE CRYSTALS
Fiery bonds severed atwain, innocence lost, buried in broken faith

---

The sweeping meadows and hills of Rosaria stretch vast and enchanting around pockets of marshland. As Dreamers traverse the landscape, they may come across large clusters of crystals, each radiating a unique energy. There's an inexplicable pull towards these clusters (and if not, there's a very obvious pull from Torgal, the wolf mentioned literally one paragraph above). Peek into one's reflection and it will display the deepest matters weighing on their heart.

---

 

Power
Approach this crystal, and a vision forms. Dreamers see themselves wielding unlimited power. What would they do with it? How would it change them? The crystal's fate—purification or corruption—hinges on their introspection and decisions.

Reflect deeply on the saying, “absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

Love
This crystal glows warmly, inviting an exploration on relationships. Past and present connections, romantic or platonic, come to the forefront of the mind. Now is the perfect time to confess some feelings, mend a broken relationship, or simply reflect on the bonds that matter most.

The inherent positivity of love purifies this crystal, regardless of the outcome.

Fulfillment
One's deepest desires and ambitions are mirrored in this crystal. What does this Dreamer want most in life? The crystal's energy shifts based on whether those desires are positive or negative.

Delve into the source of hopes and dreams, and consider how they shape a person.

Secrets
This crystal reveals hidden truths and deceptions. A Dreamer's secret appears as a reflection within the crystal, visible only to them. Will they reveal it or keep it concealed? That choice will determine whether the crystal purifies or corrupts.

Confront the truths you would hide from others and decide the path forth.

---

II. CALADRIUS & ADARNA
Far from heaven, heaven flown, down and down on weary wings borne. Carried lower, deep below from light to shadow. Light to shadow!

---

While exploring the dreamscape, a sudden shift in the air signals the arrival of two corrupted egis: Caladrius and Adarna. While not quite Eikons, they are born from the Phoenix's essence, and pose a significant threat to all who dare cross their paths.

---

Caladrius
This defensive bird is a master of healing. Its presence strengthens Joshua's defenses, making him harder to defeat. Dreamers must find a way to purify or defeat Caladrius to reduce Joshua's power. The way to defeat Caladrius is to weaken its healing abilities or find another way to bring its defenses down.

Adarna
The offensive counterpart, Adarna, breathes fire and can turn people to stone. Its attacks are relentless, and its presence makes an otherwise peaceful land dangerous. Engaging Adarna in battle requires strategy and courage.

 

(Any fights with these two are completely player-controlled. Feel free to have them act however you’d like.)

 

---

BATTLES

A storm head fills the horizon, foul shadows whispering ruin, yet from this darkness arises the burning light of a new end

---

(CUE THE MUSIC!)

III. THE PHOENIX
Fire in the night, a scarlet beacon in the sky. Look up to the heavens, the firmament reddens, throw open your wings and fly!

---

 

At Phoenix Gate, a small fortress in ruins surrounded by massive craters, the remnants of a great cataclysm. Despite what seems to have been years, the level of destruction is evident. The only sign of the fort's previous grandeur can be found in the ripped remains of red and white bannes fluttering weakly in the win d. It's easy to feel that there is great sadness here. Many people have perished needlessly.

Dreamers will be wise to make sure they aren't among them.

The air is thick with aether, enough that breathing it in fills one with a strength never previously felt before. As if they could perform feats well beyond their usual mettle. That nearly overwhelming sense of power may come in handy, as a sonorous screech can be heard echoing throughout the crumbling walls. Overhead, brilliant scarlet against the heavy black clouds, a majestic--if clearly angry--Phoenix soars through the sky. Those who have met Joshua (however briefly) may (or may not!) be surprised to find it sounds just like him when it cries out.

"Who dares enter this sacred ground?!"

---

IV. JOSHUA
Circled in the strife of an empyrean catastrophe, tongues of fire incandescent oaths decry
Shadows in the night, a swirling cyclone in the sky
Look down from the nether, bid farewell forever
Throw open your wings and fly... Away! Away! Away!

---

The final confrontation takes place in the throne room of Rosalith Castle. Large storm clouds swirl ominously around the capitol, mirroring those at Phoenix Gate. Imposing gates pose a stark contrast against what should be a lively marketplace, brightly colored but barren of life and, upon passing those gates, it's only to enter once-grand halls that are now filled with an eerie silence, punctuated only by the occasional rumble of thunder. As the throne room nears, the atmosphere grows heavier, the oppressive sense of dread almost tangible. Inside, Joshua, now a full-fledged noctaere, sits lazily on his father's throne playing with an orb of fire.


His posture is relaxed, but there is an underlying tension in his body, like a coiled spring ready to snap. The dark veins that snake across his skin pulse with a sinister energy, and his amber irises glow menacingly against their dark settings. Feathered talons of his free hand tap rhythmically on the armrest.


When he speaks, his voice is a chilling blend of familiar tones and a deeper, more resonant timbre, echoing through the cavernous chamber.

"Do you see what I’ve become? This power... it’s intoxicating. I don't know why I was so resistant at first. I've done so much with it, already! Tell me, what do you think of my domain? Peaceful, is it not? Think of how much peace I could bring if allowed to roam free!"



He slides off his seat and dismisses the mote of fire. Red banners with a white Phoenix-reminiscent emblem flow about the room, stirred by a rush of magical power, as dark and forboding as the toothy grin he offers, fangs flashing in the firelight lining the stone walls and the hazy glow emanating from his luminous wings. Each step is measured and deliberate with a grace that belies his monstrous form.



"You... are here to set me free, right?"

"You wouldn't leave me here. You wouldn't abandon me like everyone else has. Like my brother did!"


Joshua takes a moment to calm himself, voice steadying from its sudden ireful rise. He straightens himself and takes a few steps forward, his clawed fingertips flex as he moves. His presence is overwhelming, an aura of raw power and dark energy. Still, he takes care to carry himself with grace. The poised paragon of royalty dips fluidly into a courteous bow.



"Forgive my upset, please. This castle is unbearably lonesome, and I've spent so long caged away. Pray do not damn me to such a fate. Have mercy on His Grace--I'll make it worth your while. Anything you want, it is yours."



"Let us negotiate, my friend. There's no reason for violence."

Comments

Questions

[empyreancatastrophe]

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PHOENIX FIGHTS

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Erichthonios

[empyreancatastrophe]

[beshackled]

The level of destruction wrought within the surroundings in which Erichthonios now finds himself seems... eerily familiar in its essence, if not in exactitude. The aether giving him no trepidation as a being who lives and weaves the substance as nigh second nature, he readily soaks it in, allowing it to invigorate his senses as he searches the terrain for a sign of the living, almost expecting to hear the cry of a phoinix he has not seen in some moons.

How uncanny it is, then, that he hears exactly the cry of a such a bird. Only, it is not the form of the phoinix he knows. And yet, it speaks with the voice of another that he has only recently come to acquaintance with.

Even for one as slow in his thoughts as he, it is not too difficult to piece some of the picture together.

"'Tis Erichthonios. And I have come for you."

It is a voice that, mild-mannered as he is, is spoken with a firmness that makes clear indication that he intends to leave no room for argument.

[empyreancatastrophe]

The Phoenix hovers above, its fiery wings casting an intense glow over the battlefield. Its eyes, burning with an inner fire, lock onto Erichthonios as he speaks. The name and the newly familiar voice bring a flicker of recognition, but the Phoenix's demeanor remains stern and unyielding.

"Then you are here for one who wants naught to do with you."

An angry screech resounds through the dreamscape before it continues.

"Begone!"

[beshackled]

"I will not. I have not once walked away from a person trapped within a nightmare, and I shall not do so now. We shall either leave together with you restored to your senses, or we shall remain here."

He takes a breath, steadying himself. He is no great warrior, but he has already made up his mind. "I'll not go back on my word!"

Ryu

[empyreancatastrophe]

[amnesiadragon]

This is... upsetting. Ryu doesn't want to deal with this, but... but as his brother, it's his responsibility to. He didn't know Clive very well, but he can't imagine this sitting well with Clive, either.

So for everyone's sake, including Joshua's, he heads through the dream towards the dark clouds. Once he gets close to Phoenix Gate he turns to Torgal and nods. He'll go alone for this. He doesn't want the wolf to get hurt - he doesn't deserve that. And he'll bring Joshua back home.

The sight of the fort just makes him a little sad, but he straightens up as the Phoenix calls down to him. "I do. I won't let you continue in this madness, Joshua!"

[Cue the music.]

He feels the aether fill him and he closes his eyes. To fight fire with fire would be the most reasonable - but this is going to require power. He shifts into hybrid form, but... this is a dream. So he lets the Kaiser Dragon take its full form. He's still quite small, but then he feels himself growing up and up until he's large enough to be a match for the Phoenix. He pushes off the ground, his voice a low growl when he speaks.

"Joshua! Stand down!" He doesn't want to fight the other - and in fact, won't take the first swing - but he's going to bring his brother home one way or another.

[empyreancatastrophe]

In normal circumstances, Joshua would've felt a surge of pride at Ryu's transformation. How he'd managed to harmonize with the Kaiser Dragon enough to transform as needed--even if it's against him.

Circumstances haven't been normal for quite some time. No matter how much he wishes they were.

The Phoenix banks sharply, eyes focused on this intruder. How he shouts back. How he changes into... no. Not an Eikon. Different, but similar enough to know that he is dangerous. No matter. If they come to blows, he will see the might of the Eikon of Fire.

First, he'll warn the intruder. Provide one opportunity to go.

"Leave this place! Leave me alone! You are not welcome here!"

He accentuates his threat with missiles of fire, deliberately wide so they miss the dragon.

[amnesiadragon]

"I'm not leaving without you!" He keeps himself steady, no matter what his instincts tell him to do. To dash in and start to tear into the avian eikon... but he has control of his baser instincts now. Thanks to the help of others, he's learned.

There's fire that blossoms in front of his snout and he shoots it past Joshua. It's still Joshua, no matter what form he's taken. It's still his brother, and he doesn't want to hurt him. But if he has to, he will.

"Come home before both of us do something we'll regret!"

Azula

[empyreancatastrophe]

[itstillhurt]

What can I say?

[It's an odd feeling, marching into a fight for somebody else's sake. A fight she's not at all certain that she'll win, no less.]

I've never been much for all that spiritual mumbo-jumbo. I leave that to my uncle.

[She thought she'd be afraid. Resentful. Bitter, perhaps. She expected she'd have to force herself to do this, to do what she thought was the right thing. Instead, she feels as confident, as cocky as ever. Her doubts flee her with every breath.

Which should probably alarm her in its own right.]

Me, I just worry about winning.

[empyreancatastrophe]

[The Phoenix perches on a nearby building so it can listen to Azula's retort. Its glowing eyes narrow as it cranes its neck down, wings hooded to create as menacing a presence as it can possibly muster.]

I care not for your conquests. There is nothing here for you to win.

BEGONE.

[itstillhurt]

[She stares up at the phoenix, seemingly unfazed by the display.]

Oh, you'd be surprised.

[A smirk slips across her face, and though she's still in a neutral stance, her muscles visibly tense, ready to spring into movement at a moment's notice. Her voice slips into a haughty, smug tone, but her voice never rises.]

I am Princess Azula of the Fire Nation. No petty spirit is fit to give me orders.

FIGHTING JOSHUA

[empyreancatastrophe]

Kazuya

[empyreancatastrophe]

[belheir]

Kazuya listens as his friend overcome by negative emotion and nostilium speaks in a manner not too dissimilar to his own way of thinking. Of using his power for peace. Of forcefully bringing those who would oppose him to heel.

Might Makes Right.

He doesn't think that way aligns with Joshua's earnest desires, however. Joshua, who was kind. Joshua, who loved fiercely, and thought of his family. Kazuya doesn't fault him for the way the threads holding him together snapped when pulled a little too far. He'd had his own outburst when Atsuro left. They're so much like each other, that even looking at him now is like looking at a reflection of himself. Of something that could have been for him too, had his own strings snapped.

"You're right. There isn't any need for violence. And I don't plan on striking you either way. So lets talk, so I can bring you back."

[empyreancatastrophe]

Joshua smirks, eyebrows raised as he paces in front of Kazuya. His strides are slow as he examines the person in front of him with a knowing glint. This one is dangerous, but he’s not one to break his word. If he says he’s not going to fight, then he likely won’t.

But he’s also not going to be one for negotiation. He wants his friend back—the one finally locked away—not this new and improved version.

“I’m happy to leave with you right now. As I am, of course. That is a non-negotiable, I’m afraid.”

[belheir]

Were this several months go, a lifetime ago, he might be more afraid, more concerned with the way that he's being examined like a piece of meat ripe for consumption. But now he can see there's a wariness to this examination. Both Joshua and this creature know what he's capable of. The danger he poses, and the absolute resilience he possesses.

"Then we're at an impasse here. I'm not leaving without Joshua. You inhabiting his body isn't good enough for me."

Anya

[empyreancatastrophe]

[grandduchess_anya]

Well, this is not exactly what I have in mind when I entered into this dreamscape. But I do think that all this drunkenness on power can be too much for everyone’s sanity

(Anya isn’t pretending that she hasn’t seen some of the worst things nostilium has done onto some people as her long journey has shown her. But she can see that she might be at a disadvantage with just her high level dreamotion magic, some basic nostilium powers, some magical power ups, and two animals backing her up. Yep, a mostly normal human against a nostilium infected human.

But of course, Anya would never want to leave anyone alone in a rough state or place, not even a friend in need. While she didn’t got the chance to know neither Clive nor Jill very well, she could already imagine the two of them being understandably worried over Joshua’s current form and emotional state right about now.

Pooka barks at him out of worry, trying to bark some sense onto him, whereas Mashka sniffs out some very concerning stuff as to what has sent him down this spiral.)

If you said that we can settle this matter as civilly as possible, then sure, I can talk about this with you all day long.

[empyreancatastrophe]

Someone who sees sense! Thank you.

[Joshua approaches Anya, arms behind his back, wings folded and nonthreatening. He smiles, careful not to bare his teeth. As for the animals, he regards them with nothing more than a hooded gaze, but he doesn't threaten them.]

Now, let us be transparent with one another.

My intent is to stay as I am. I've gone through far too much trouble to obtain this body, and I am not exactly eager to give it up.

Eustace

[empyreancatastrophe]

[flamekthunder]

[While Joshua is sitting pretty on his throne, there will only be the sudden sound of crackling lightning before he will be suddenly bombarded with an intense white lightning, each one filled with pure dreamotion energy. It's hot, searing, piercing, and will not only Joshua but the surrounding area as well with enough strength and energy to destroy if possible. It is a relentless stream that will persist for several seconds before it finally ends.]

[empyreancatastrophe]

[Excuse me, sir???]

[There's the slightest tick of Joshua's head at the first crackle and the feeling of hair and feathers standing on end. Before he has any chance to react, however, he's unceremoniously knocked from his thrown, launched into the air by the sheer strength of Eustace's power and the weakness of his lowered guard.]

[He slams to the floor. Hard. Smoke rises from his singed clothing (conjured lovingly with his 'new self' in mind) and he grimaces against the pain. Then, with a cough, Joshua pushes himself to his feet and calls out indignantly in the general direction he figures the strike came from.]

That was uncalled for.