Fantasy Righteous Fiends: Arc 1 - Daybreak

[dae mec]

Raaye clasps Vokerrigan's shoulder in a friendly, comforting gesture. They will never fault anyone for being emotionally affected by impieties. Raaye returns to their position against the wall and smiles again, this time at the surgeon. (It's certainly warmer than the one they offered to the interrupting Sythse.) They watch the surgeon, noting the flash of irritation and his (vocal) silence until the Sythse woman is gone.

The compound sounds intriguing, especially when paired with music. "Certainly," Raaye says. "Thank you for the offer."

And perhaps it will offer some clarity as to their next course of action. There's a hint of something sharp on their tongue as the breeze dissipates, and Raaye blinks.

 

[Lunaria Silver]

It didn't take long for Callisto's hearing to pick up beautiful music coming from a nearby courtyard. While Callisto was not in any way shape or form musical, (or certainly not in public at least, and certainly not very skilled,) she found herself drawn to it. It was strange for her to have any desire to take part in such revelry, but she was not one to ignore a gut feeling. If there was some force calling her to that courtyard, be it fate, destiny, or a newly developed sense of whimsy, who was she to deny it?
With that thought in mind, Callisto made her way towards the courtyard with her hands neatly clasped behind her back. She had to resist the urge to scoff as she passed by an obviously disgruntled Sythse woman. She harbored a deep disapproval of House Sythse, but putting the impious in their place was not her purpose. She would simply have to make due with avoiding them, lest she be tainted by their impurity.
Entering the courtyard, she scanned the faces of the 6 others present, seeking familiarity. She immediately recognizes Bamya, the legend himself. She had never personally trained with him, the Awakened Titan style having not been her own, but of course she had seen him before. She regarded him with a respectful nod, not expecting to be recognized by him in return. She knew her fellow guards Tonzael and Vorkerrigan by name and face, but that was as far as the familiarity went. (The former of the two being more difficult to spot than the latter.)
Vaguely she recognized a Shade and a Surgeon, although she did not know them personally. There was also a young man that she did not recognize in any way shape or form.
"Would one more spectator be too many?" Callisto questioned, tone serene. Immediately after she furrows her eyebrows as a strange scent reached her nose. It was...impossible for her to put into words. She chooses not to comment on the scent, however.

 

[dr xenon]

"Would one more spectator be too many?" Callisto questioned, tone serene. Immediately after she furrows her eyebrows as a strange scent reached her nose. It was...impossible for her to put into words. She chooses not to comment on the scent, however.

"Not if that one is you, sister," Vorkerrigan replies in a friendly but hushed tone, trying not to distract from the music. "My only wish would have been that you had arrived sooner. Forgive me if I don't recall your name or having the pleasure of an introduction before - I am Saturninus Vallista Vorkerrigan."

Relaxing back into a comfortable pose after the Sythe's departure, the re-assuring shoulder-squeeze from Raaye, and the arrival of a familiar guard she takes a cleansing breath and releases it.

 

[Grey]

A pleasant haze settles over the assembling; muscles relax, minds open. The music fills the air with synaesthetic light and colour. From familiar tunes to more complex improvisation. Bamya is positively sweating from exertion as the effect fades.
Bamya is in the middle of a bawdy story from his youth about a Surgeon with an interest in modulating tactile sensation when the bell tolls for worship.


Into the temple you go, and all your people go with you.
A kneeling throng in the dark womb of the temple, where a triune statue of the goddess watches you. In the centre, She stands serene and beautiful with a swollen belly and her Children embracing her on all sides. Their rapturous, carven faces are all you have ever seen of them. To the right They rise on taloned feet to shelter the congregatiion under vast black wings. On the left, He stands ready to hold up the sky with mighty shoulders.
And before the statue, the Venerable Naxis leads catechisms. They are entombed in their armour; a massive hulk of bone and muscle with bioluminscent whorls upon their corpus and a helmet shaped like their face in eternal, beautific youth.
"From the fire and the tempest..."
Vasnok delliver us.
"From the tyranny of the sun..."
Vasnok delliver us.
"Into the garden of eternal life..."
Vasnok delliver us.

"Let us pray."

Spoiler: Callisto

As you kneel in prayer, you become aware of the silence.
You open your eyes to darkness - real, absolute darkness like you haven't known since you were a child.
Only the statue is visible. The family and friends who moments ago were mere inches away are now invisible. No sound of breath, no bodyheat. Only the dark.
And somewhere in that dark two points of light; red eyes, watching.
O sweet and loving Callisto, a voice say, soft as velvet, you are worthy.
We have a trial for you, and a gift. A duty and an honour.
You will raise up your sword in Her name.
Your elders will find you, and name your Eclipse-mates, and give you your task.
Sister-Captain Callisto. You are worthy.
You blink and it is as if nothing happened.

"Now," Naxis booms in her raspy voice which nonetheless carries, "on to the fun part!"

Any proper supplication to Vasnok is an affirmation of life. Libations are dispensed. Instruments brought forth.
There's only so much solemnity anyone can take, now for the dancing.
When that's over, most of the congregation files out, but Naxis bids you five remain.

 

[Chordling]

Tonzael slid the scarf that covered his face higher over his nose to hide the shade of embarrassment that colored his cheeks when the Sythse woman was dismissed from the courtyard. His mind rushed with too much anxiety to enjoy the tunes continued by the bards but the ringing of the worship bell soothed him when it arrived. Tonzael pushed himself off of the ground and abandoned his concerns in the shadows. He made a steady course to the temple, and while he was not cognizant of the fact, his stride was synchronized to the beat of the toll.

"Vasnok, deliver us," Tonzael chanted in turn with his fellow brethren. He let the scarf over his jaw fall back down to his neck. Then he rested his body in prayer and cleared his mind of all unnecessary thoughts so that he could feel as if he was communing with his beloved deity. Tonzael filtered through basic prayers, food, shelter, warmth, companionship. He let out a long sigh and concentrated."Do I make you proud?"

Prayer turned into dance upon vocal command. Tonzael avoided becoming a fool in public with light footwork. There was always a particular shine of confidence in his eyes when he danced. He still could not care less about the atmospheric music but showed respect to the performing musicians since some folk found tunes necessary in order to move their feet. Tonzael was ready to continue with his routine long before the dance was over but Naxis did not permit him to leave the building. Tonzael raised an eyebrow, too curious about what Naxis had in mind for the small group, and waited for the remainder of information with high anticipation.

 

[dr xenon]

Regaining control of her breathing after the evening's celebration, Vorkerrigan braces to attention in reply to Naxis' bid for her to remain. As she gathers with the four others her eyes dart up to Raaye's and make contact. She hold up 5 fingers to them and mouths, "Five."

A light glints in Vorkerrigan's eyes as she anxiously awaits word of A Mission.

One standing near her or of particularly good hearing might notice her chanting quietly,
"The Goddess commands and guides us.
Honor shields us.
Fear our name, for it is vengeance."

 

[Spiderheart]

By accident or subliminal intent, Rahu has consumed the largest dose of his own drug. The Moonrise Hymn flows over him like a tide of warm seawater, and his eyes go wet with tears as the sensation consumes him. He is the first of the musicians to stray from the traditional notes of his part, but his improvisations still step easily into the dance of notes – the song does not change, instead becoming itself-but-otherwise, a replaced subdermal graft rather than an extra limb or batch of spines. Even when the players move onto other songs, he continues to cling to the tapestry he has been weaving; the pattern changes, but there is a continuity, a series of connecting threads. Even as the prayer-bells toll and he shoulders his instrument, Rahu's walking pace is rhythmic, pursuing a pattern the others have abandoned.

His prayers are much as they always are – for understanding, both of matters of tissue and of higher concerns. His mice continue to display atavisms, no matter how he tries to trim their less ideal features. So, too, do the Savaan, and their vices are more likely to produce corpses. The Goddess, in Her wisdom, has granted Her servants many gifts, and surely there must be a way to show the unbelievers what a blessing it is to worship Her; just as importantly, he longs to know how to present this idea to the rest of the Savaan. Tonight, he feels Her wings spread over the congregation – perhaps enlightenment will come soon. Or perhaps it's just the drugs.

Rahu is finally sobering up as the festivities wind down. He has found himself, as he often does, at the center of a circle of dancers; some older, stately, enjoying a more measured pace with their partners of many years, while others are young and vivacious, using the slower music he plays tonight to savor their closeness before their degree of courting permits such things otherwise. The acoustics of the hall make his favored alcove a good place to play at a different pace from the rest of the temple, and when the mood of the evening tends towards a more measured pace than tonight, he yields the space to other musicians who prefer their songs fast. As the last pair of dancers leave – a younger pair, no doubt off to do something mildly transgressive – the Surgeon notices Naxis' beckoning and gets to his feet, shaking out the last whorls of color from his head. He is untroubled by the old Guard's request; anything that happens here in Vasnok's temple must surely be for the good of Her people, himself included.

 

[Lunaria Silver]

Callisto nods in response to Vorkerrigan and offers her a smile as she settles against the wall to continue spectating. "No need for apologies, dear sister. I am called Seronet Andaradaughter Callisto." When the doctor offered her some kind of compound, she declined. She in no way considered the consumption of such a compound to be evidence of some sort of moral failing, she simply preferred to keep her mind clear. Listening to the music was almost rapturous to her- music always had a way of clearing her mind. It was a good way to spend her free time, Callisto decided. If only time permitted her to learn to play.
When the bells rang for worship, Callisto found herself quite relaxed indeed. Worship was perhaps her favorite time of the day. She never felt closer to the goddess than when she knelt in prayer. She was pleasantly by how enjoyable her night had been thus far. Though one might not notice if they were unfamiliar with her, she had a slight spring to her step as she trekked to the temple.
"Vasnok deliver us." She chanted along with her brethren. When it came time to pray, Callisto rested her mind as she usually did. There were, of course, the normal prayers that were expected of her, but after she had gone through them she usually preferred to keep her mind clear and kneel in silence. She enjoyed the sensation of peace that came with being wrapped in her Goddess' embrace as she could only be when in prayer.
This time, however, Callisto was interrupted by silence. Of course, silence is a companion to prayer. This, however, was dead silence. It was almost like the kind of silence that can only be found in complete solitude whilst indoors. No movement. No creatures. Absolute emptiness.
Callisto hesitated for only a moment before she opened her eyes and was greeted with a vision. An overwhelming and yet entirely welcome vision.

Callisto blinks, and it was as if nothing ever happened. Her brethren were there, kneeling beside her. Praying, just as they should have been. The vision was almost too much to be believed. She was chosen. She had been spoken to. That in itself was a blessing, if it was to be believed.
While Callisto was still processing what had just occurred, Naxis called for dancing. Normally, Callisto relished the act, but today she got through it on muscle memory alone. She was clearly not as graceful as she usually was, and had to stop herself from crashing into her brethren a few times. She couldn't stop thinking about what had just occurred. Regardless, she knew that whatever duty she had been chosen for, she would gladly undertake.
She would have approached Naxis herself, had it not been for the clear statement that Callisto's elders would find her. She worried how long that would take, which proved to be unfounded as she was bade to stay behind along with 4 others who had been in the courtyard earlier.
Callisto patiently awaited word of her duty, although if one looked directly at her face they could see her bursting with anticipation.

 

[dae mec]

Unlike vocal music, Raaye was rather competent in dance. Rhythm they understood, and they always strove for absolute control over each movement. Dancing came easily for Raaye, which was one of the reasons they preferred other forms of prayer. What was the point in worship without difficulty? Perhaps there was a beauty in ease, a piety in perfection—they spun on one foot, avoiding a giggling group of three without breaking thought or step—but did it not have more value when it was fought for, rather than given?

Raaye melded into the throng of people. At first, they followed just the movement, shifting like the sands, but habit reasserted itself and they picked out the individual grains: two lovers clasping hands, the same surgeon gathering a ring of dancers, a bright laugh they didn't recognize. Eventually, the flow began to trickle down as congregation began to leave, but Raaye lingered as requested.

They met Vorkerrigan's eyes and gave an answering smile and nod. Indeed, there were five, the same five they'd met earlier. Curious wasn't the right word to describe it. Perhaps... significant was a better term. Yes. It felt significant—though everything in the temple did.

Raaye cleared their mind of idle speculation and waited, patient and willing.

 

[Grey]

Naxis towers over you, almost as tall as the triune statue behind him - but his weapons are not in evidence, and the old warrior radiates a grandfatherly benevolence. She doesn't see him much, but he's actually one of Vorkerrigan's uncles on her mother's side.
He is quickly joined by Tysis Devra, elected speaker of the Sodality, their tentacles waving placidly at their back, and Ravna Ravayna, first among the Shades.
"Excellent news, youngsters," Naxis says. Their voice carries, but they are soft-spoken with a more archaic accent. "You have been convened as an Eclipse! Your first true assignment in service of the Struggle. in their infinite wisdom, the devas have chosen Calisto as your sister captain!"
Naxis beams. Devra smiles enigmatically. Ravna is unreadable behind her blank, eyeless helm.
"Before we discuss your task, you must have questions or concerns - and there will be more after, I am sure."

 

[dr xenon]

Questions flooded Vorkerrigan's thoughts the moment her uncle mentioned them.

Where were they going?
When did they leave?
Why this Five?
What was their mission goal?
Was this to prove their worth before being allowed a greater task?

But the one that kept leaping to the top, to the forefront of her mind was this, and that she visibly struggled to keep from blurting out was this:

What were the Signs guiding the Devas?

She inhaled through her nose for a count of four. Held the breath for a count of four. Let the breath out for a count of four. And with her regained composure turned to look at Callisto to cede the right of first question to her Captain.

 

[Lunaria Silver]

Callisto was, in truth, feeling a tad overwhelmed. Getting out and seeing the world sounded like a terrifying yet rewarding experience. Being chosen as captain was an honor. Leading others was not unfamiliar to her, but never when the consequences had such potential to be dire. She had heard plenty of stories of missions gone awry. She knew better than to expect any of them to come back unchanged, but as Captain it was her responsibility to ensure they returned alive.
Above all else, however, Callisto couldn't wait to see what the future held. Finally, she would truly serve her goddess. And now, at least, she knew that her vision had not simply been the imaginings of an overexcited mind.
Callisto closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them, she bowed to her elders. "It is truly an honor to be chosen. I am humbled by the opportunity." That being done, and, having had a second to collect her thoughts, Callisto stood up straight once more.
There were many questions to be asked.
Where are we going?
Why was I chosen as captain?
Why were any of us chosen?
If this is divine providence, what exactly are we destined to do?
How dangerous will this mission be?
Alas, the question she settled upon was, "When do we depart?"
She chose that one as she was certain the particulars of the mission would be discussed later, and in truth it was the question at the forefront of her mind; to ascertain how long she had to bid her family farewell before she embarked on this mission.

 

[Grey]

Naxis chuckles warmly.
"With the sunset tomorrow - or as soon after as you are prepared."
Rayvna produces a map and unrolls it, holding it up. A black X marks a location near the southwestern border.
"This is Hannubar's Reach," she says, "a ruin; sacked by our forces over a decade ago. But our scouts have seen H'kaeri forces move back in - at least a moon ago. You will discover their purpose and if possible drive them from our territory."
Devra examines their nails and two tentacles produce a small pot of varnish, and delicate brush, and begins painting them red.
"You will be authorised to requisition any resources you need from the vats, although we would advise traveling light."

 

[dr xenon]

Callisto's question and eagerness received an appraising nod from Vorkerrigan. As did the answers from her uncle. After a moment's hesitation to ensure she wasn't speaking over anyone she chimes in.

"Uncle," she begins, addressing Naxis, "a tactical question - what requisition would you suggest from the vats? And a strategic one - why did we sack Hannubar's reach the first time? What value did it hold for the H'Kaeri?"

 

[Grey]

Naxis nods, as if Vorkerrigan had answered a question, and seems pleased.
"Hannubar's Reach was the furthest the H'kaeri had pushed into our territory and dug in. They had to be removed lest they have a position to push on the Citadel." He says.
"And my advice would be to bring a small complement of Chattel, at least. Not enough for the usual full assault, because I would think it best to get close undetected and we do not believe they have a full garrison, but being outnumbered would be dangerous for neophytes."

Ravayna folds the map away. "They are of the H'kaeri Order of the Quill, I am quite sure. What pass for scholars among their kind; dabblers in ancient mysteries they cannot fathom."

 

[Spiderheart]

Rahu is silent for a time as he processes the news. An Eclipse... and he's part of it. An essential part, even – not the leader, nor the spiritual guide, but a Surgeon's role is always to be the beating heart of the group, the force that keeps them alive, secure, and prepared for what is to come. He will be sorry to leave his garden behind, and more sorry still to leave his rodent experiment in another's care... but they will not be abandoned. There is a whole Sodality to ensure that his work does not fall apart in his absence. Besides, even if this meant an end to his projects, he would strike the sun itself if the Goddess commanded it. He allows himself a deep breath to metabolize what is to come, then listens patiently as the guards make their inquiries.

When the question of what vatwork to bring is raised, the Surgeon finally interjects. "It would be my honor, and indeed my pleasure, to handle the vat requisitions." He bows slightly. "I have a few designs of my own that might be more suited to a stealth mission than Chattel, without sacrificing impact." Internally, he's drawing up mental images of his notebooks – flat membranous creatures that can envelop a human from head to toe and hold them too tightly to struggle without causing harm; pig-like beasts with massive jaws that would let them uproot trees or crack through armor; creatures of the air, pair-bonded and given the instinct to repeat each other's cries... only time limits him now. "Exemplar Tysis... may I ask who will be charged with observing my ongoing work? I will leave notes for them, of course, but I would like to ensure said notes are catered to their audience."

 

[Grey]

Tysis examines their freshly pointed nails, but favours Rahu with an askance smile.
"I have decided to entrust you with selecting a caretaker - you should not be away for a whole Moon, but in that time knowing a friend is watching one's work keeps the mind focused."

 

[dae mec]

Raaye listens, content with both the questions and answers being given. There is nothing that digs at their curiosity, nothing occupying their thoughts besides the clarity of purpose that come from having been given a task—a divine task. They look at the fellow members of their Eclipse, thoughtful. They aren't too familiar with the others: Raaye doesn't think they had a proper conversation with any prior to the events at the courtyard. (The will of the goddess, they think reverently.) But they all seem competent in their own ways. They must be, to be chosen.

Raaye's gaze shifts to the three legends tasking them, true respect in their eyes. "Our purpose is reconnaissance first, but we are not expected to stay undetected if removing their forces is our secondary goal," they say slowly. "Is this so, exemplars?"

 

[Grey]

"That is so," says Ravayna. "If you believe you can drive them out, do so, but there is no reason to throw your lives away."

 

[Grey]

Assuming no further questions are forthcoming, Naxis speaks again.
"Your orders are simple - ascertain what the H'kaeri are doing at Hannubar's Reach. If necessary and possible, drive them out. Kill, capture, and interrogate at your disrection-"
"Please remember that torture is not merely beneath us,' Tysis interjects, "it is ineffectual."
Naxis nods.
"Capture any intelligence you can. But the most improtant task is to come home to us alive and well. If you face overwhelming opposition, withdraw."
Ravayna offers the map to Callisto.
"The scouts at the southern guardpost will have information on their reconnaissance so far. Send a runner, or speak to them yourselves if you wish.," she says.
"You have until the third hour after moonrise tomorrow to prepare. We must move quickly," Naxis says. "Unless there is anything else, you are dimissed. May Their wings guard you."
"May Her love guide you," Ravayna adds.
"May His strength fill you," Tysis ends, clearly bored by the obligation.

 

[dr xenon]

"Our Duty compels us," Vorkerrigan replies automatically, and with a solemn bow continues. "Thank you Exemplars."

Turning to Callisto she assumes a less solemn but still respectful stance.

"Captain," she says, "Any orders before we depart? If you plan to visit the southern guard post I would be happy to accompany you. I have little to do to prepare before we deploy."

Lunaria Silver

 

[Spiderheart]

Tysis' boredom would normally worry Rahu, but tonight, he has far more interesting things with which to concern himself. Oh, he has so much work to do – it's his good fortune that the vats will need time to make more specialized tissues; he can use the wait to complete other tasks. He offers a bow to the assembled Exemplars, shorter than Vorkerrigan's but still respectful. "May we prove ourselves before Them; may we earn Her love; may we wield His strength with wisdom." The response take more time than he would like, but under such circumstances, formality feels only right.

He turns to face his compatriots, a look of utter delight etched across his face. "I have many preparations to make, but if you need anything of me – any specific equipment I might not consider – please do inform me. I should be in the vats until dawn." He offers them a bow, as well – though one of acknowledgement rather than deference – and turns toward the exit. After a moment, a thought strikes him, and he turns back. "In fact, could you all make your way there an hour before dawn? Your ghilleeches should be finished by then, and they'll serve better if they've had a day's rest to imprint on you." Without bothering to explain what exactly a 'ghilleech' is, the Surgeon resumes his brisk departure; as soon as he passes beyond the doorway, anyone watching him would be able to see him break into a skip. He'd be dancing outright, were it not for the fact that it would slow him.

 

[Chordling]

A mission. It was unexpected but Tonzael wore a smirk hidden beneath his face covering. It was an opportunity to leave familiar grounds. The objective to kill was a nice cherry on top of the deal, too. He couldn't help but wonder how they would be rewarded for their efforts- if at all. He thought about raising the question to the elders but decided to pass when the opportunity came. Tonzael found more joy in the adventure more than the treasure to be sought.

"My weapons and my mind will remain sharp for our journey ahead," Tonzel spoke to the group and then he turned to Callisto. "I will be gathering basic provisional for the journey. Is there anything else that you would like for me to accomplish before dawn?"

 

[Lunaria Silver]

Callisto listened in silence as her Eclipsemates asked their questions. They were asking the most important ones, so there was no need for her to interject. Her first impression of them, based almost entirely on their questions, was that they were a competent group. Unlike when dealing with her brothers, she got the feeling she would not have to micromanage them. Of that, she was grateful.
She waited patiently until their orders were received before doing anything. She took the map from Rayvayna, examining it for a brief moment before folding it. She kept it in her hand and dropped her hand to her side.
She bowed deeply to the Exemplars. "May we guard them as they guard us. May we honor her love. May we prove ourselves worthy of his strength." That being dealt with, she straightened herself up, making a mental checklist for things that needed to be accomplished. Firstly, she needed to head to the Southern Guard Post.
Callisto turned to Vorkerrigan upon the latter addressing her. "I would appreciate it if you did join me at the Southern Guard Post, dear sister." Her attention was drawn to Rahu. He seemed an excitable man. It was almost contagious. She offered him a slight bow in return at his hasty exit, taking no offense from it. He almost seemed as though he wanted to dance as he skipped away.
Her own feelings were a bit more complicated, of course. She was ecstatic at the opportunity to serve her goddess and her brethren, truly. She simply worried for her brothers, as she always did when they were not immediately available for her to find. Ultimately, she knew they would be alright, but she couldn't help but worry.
Callisto blinked in an effort to clear her thoughts, focusing again on the task at hand. Tonzael had spoken. "Aside from meeting with our surgeon as requested, nothing comes to mind. I defer to your judgement, brother." It was almost impossible for her to get a read on him.

 

[dr xenon]

Watching Rahu leave Vorkerrigan almost smiles. The surgeon's excitability reminds her of her own brother's intense interest in his work.

"Perhaps our sibling Raaye should also join us? Their perspective will be different from ours and may ask questions we would not consider," Vorkerrigan added. "Will we leave immediately for the guard post?"

Lunaria Silver , dae mec