Current Events/Logs/436-06-37-Basalt Isle Raid: Ending at Sanyu Aes

Event Name: Basalt Isle Raid

Event Instance: Prime

Real Date: 2021-10-02

Game Date of Event: 439-06-37

Point of View: Cadhan

You hear the amplified voice of Zauldin shout across the valley, "Fire on Jeihrem! Man the weaponry, he is exposed, kill him now!" Ezerak says, "That's a big son of a..." Philosopher Zharen just arrived. Whiteburn exclaims to Rileos, "Go!" Miskton says, "Well, we can maybe trip him up with these." You exclaim, "Oh, that's our cue!" Yvela exclaims, "Keep firing!" Zharen nods to Yvela. Miskton exclaims, "Probably time for the paladins, though!" Ayrell pushes the kertig discs of a panjandrum to aim the weapon at Jeihrem's manor! Apollys says, "I, ah... oh no." Rileos blinks. Yvela cranks one of the panjandrums, but eventually tires, the center portion gradually slowing to a stop. Rileos exclaims, "Shoot him!" Miskton cranks one of the panjandrums, the center portion spinning at intense speed! You exclaim, "Inquisitor, Sir, we're needed at the weapon!" Rileos exclaims, "Just shoot his ass!" You crook your finger, motioning for Rileos to come closer. Seneschal Rileos moseys south. Yvela pushes the kertig discs of a panjandrum to aim the weapon at Jeihrem's manor! You go south. [travel skip] [Oshu'k'et, Forecastle Deck] Curving upward, the railing is thicker and reinforced here, the bow built out to provide a longer platform spaced further from the fore mast. Steam bent boards encase a braced firing cage, wrapping securely around a wide platform bearing a complicated looking weapon. A golden ghostly streamer is wrapped around the platform, currently preventing entry to all. You also see the gargantuan form of Jeihrem looming far above and a faded red homespun cloth with several things on it. Also here: Tidal Broker Lasaia, Airship Captain Uroi, Feral Senthic, Black Fox Faunamae and Commodore Khoheke. Obvious paths: west. Hefting a massive tyrium claymore inset with a skull for a crossguard, the gargantuan Jeihrem slams the blade into the ground. Hideous shadows tinged with sickening no-color spray outward from buried weapon. You ask Khoheke, "Was that the call, Commodore?" From across the distance you hear Khoheke shout, "Paladins, to the Oshu'k'et! The time for Sanyu Aes is now!" Lasaia says, "I think under the circumstances I'll drink rum I can blame my tears on." Faunamae says, "Whoa." Jeihrem looks down at the assembled forces, and dispassionately twists the blade, slashing sideways. A flare of void bursts forth from the blades wake, leaving a harsh afterglow in your vision. You struggle to make sense of the broken space left in the wake of the weapon, struggle to make sense of the forms clamoring at the edges, struggle to to shut out the conflicted screaming and otherworldly vantage visible through the orange haze beyond the gash in reality, struggle to view the no-color ripples billowing at the boundary. Xixist visibly churns with an inner rage! Rileos says to Khoheke, "I hope this works, that's a big boy out there." Kaelie exclaims, "Get your links on the paladins!" A ceaseless horde pours forth from the rent, clawing and charging across the opening. They surge with an almost desperation, screaming against the new laws of this plane. Senthic exclaims to Lasaia, "Death is the last, greatest adventure!" Eskila wearily asks, "What do I do?" Vanzok says, "Got a pile." Uroi says to Rileos, "I think I should have learned to swim. Away." Rileos asks, "Where's the thing!?" Rileos says to Uroi, "Oh it's entirely too late for that." Rileos pats Uroi on the back. Uroi glances at Rileos, and points up at the gigantic Jeihrem. "It's there, I think." Lasaia says to Senthic, "Nice knowing you Captain, unless you think you can talk your way out of this one." Dancer Mendira just arrived. Senthic asks Lasaia, "Where did all these people come from?" Vanzok says, "Everyone form up on me." Rileos says to Uroi, "Well...yes..." Rileos says to Vanzok, "Let's go kill a really big lich." Rileos grasps his chin roughly and jerks it to the side. You hear a loud pop and see him visibly relax. Amaci says, "Onward." Boltproof Brisknite just arrived. Denbi exclaims, "Everyone this is it! Follow Vanzok!" Lasaia asks Vanzok, "How can we help?" Brisknite exclaims, "To the boat!" Vanzok says, "We should expect fighting just the same as weapon's operation." Kaelie exclaims, "Empaths if you can put them into a persistent and Hodiernas link! Watch vitality!" A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's legs, exploding with deafening force! He does not appear to notice! Kethrai exclaims, "We're on the boat!" Brisknite grins at Kethrai. Brisknite exclaims, "Aye!" Vanzok says to Lasaia, "Nothing, yet." Senthic says to Lasaia, "It got very people-y." A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's chest, exploding with deafening force! He is staggered! Lasaia asks Senthic, "Should we man the elementalists again?" Khoheke says, "This process is long and arduous, and it requires your aid. Jeihrem is exposed, now is the time. Join me on the firing platform Paladins. Now is our time." Xixist says, "Join Van fer the party." A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and roll part way up the cliff edge towards the manor before exploding violently! You join Vanzok's group. Vanzok says, "Paladins, form on me. Get ready to move to the platforms." A jagged bolt of electricity from the airship tears across the sky with a deafening crackle! Khoheke waves his hand, and the holy streamer flickers slightly. Senthic asks Khoheke, "Can .. Rangers assist?" A jagged bolt of electricity from the airship tears across the sky, illuminating Jeihrem from behind! Xixist says, "Always." Vanzok says, "Non-paladins, I suggest you man mundane weapons. Empaths excepted, of course." >look streamer Wavering around the platform, the streamer of golden light appears to be ghostly ordered lines and perfect geometric forms which drift in and out of focus. The forms part and vanish for Paladins, solidifying and preventing entry for any other. Amaci says, "Not a pally but I'm hitching a ride." Kaelie exclaims, "Empaths keep alert on the Paladins! Don't let them fail!" A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, slamming into Jeihrem's faceplate with an explosion of molten rock! He is staggered! Rileos asks Betlind, "You ready?" Khoheke says to Senthic, "The nature of the weapon requires the sanctified soul of Paladins, but you may assist by defending the area." You take off a driftwood pilgrim's badge carved into a compass rose. You think upon the Immortals, and the holy places built in their honor by mortals who have heard them speak, or seen the power of their beings. As you feel your connection to them grow, you sense the eyes of the gods upon you. A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and sailing past him! Khoheke says, "By the grace of the Immortals was our purpose made clear. Our strength, our duty. We, and we alone, can shoulder this burden. We, and we alone, can right what has been thrown into chaos." Khoheke points at a golden ghostly streamer. Commodore Khoheke's group went through a golden ghostly streamer. Xixist asks, "Jeirem is our target?" Vanzok exclaims, "Moving!" Rileos rubs his knife, which gleams brightly with a pristine luminescence! Templar Maxilot just arrived. Betlind nods emphatically. A compressed ball of fire screams an arc from the Oshu'k'et, missing Jeihrem entirely! Vanzok says, "Streamer, if you get cut off." Nulak nods emphatically. With a flick of his wrist a polished carving knife capped with a soulstone pommel surrounded by amber chunks suddenly disappears from Rileos's hand. Vanzok's group went through a golden ghostly streamer. [Oshu'k'et, Sanyu Aes Firing Platform] Enclosed in a braced firing cage to protect the weapon, the platform is composed of a wide wooden plank braced with steel bands and mounted atop woven rubber balls to ensure stability even in rough seas. The weapon is affixed to the platform, aimed at Jeihrem's manor. Surrounding the firing cage is a golden ghostly streamer, preventing all but Paladins from entering this space. You also see the gargantuan form of Jeihrem looming far above, a golden ghostly streamer and the holy weapon Sanyu Aes mounted to the firing platform. Also here: Son of Stone Nulak who is radiating a glowing aura, Initiate Paladin Eskila, Seneschal Rileos, Court Advisor Aaiyaah, Battle Lioness Betlind who is surrounded by a shimmering shield, Boltproof Brisknite who is dutifully tracked by a lion manifest of illusory flames, Templar Maxilot, Vanzok, Juggernaut Comfrin and Commodore Khoheke. Obvious paths: none. Comfrin says, "Just us." Comfrin laughs! Khoheke says, "This is not a weapon of fire. It is a weapon of Order." A maelstrom of ice and sleet screams an arc from the Oshu'k'et, missing Jeihrem entirely!\ A jagged bolt of electricity from the airship tears across the sky, raking across Jeihrem's shoulder! He is barely staggered! Betlind nods emphatically. Khoheke says, "By the first of us who Bonded our souls, who kindled the fires, this amplifier will restore Order." A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's legs, exploding with deafening force! He does not appear to notice! Rileos nods to Khoheke. Khoheke says, "This is it. It has been called Sanyu Aes, and we have allowed them to think it is a mere blunt instrument. It is so much more." You crane your neck upward to take in all of the enormous form looming above. Jeihrem scans the battlefield, a massive tyrium claymore rests easily over his shoulder, long as a bridge. Encased in blackened steel plate, a void black cloak of shadow billows behind him, snapping in unseen winds as bizarre constellations as screaming maws claw in its depths. A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and sailing past him! Khoheke says, "I require your assistance. We must build a large and complex pattern, which will be amplified by the weapon. If you contribute in error, you will not ruin our progress, but you will not help us move forward." A compressed ball of fire screams an arc from the Oshu'k'et, slamming into Jeihrem's right pauldron! Jeihrem is staggered, his armor glowing with heat! Khoheke closes his eyes, faint hair-like wisps of light billowing off his form and wrapping around unseen lines and forms stretching throughout the area, centered around Sanyu Aes. The weapon thrums with life, several rods sliding along their swivels around the orb, which begins to softly glow. A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, slamming into Jeihrem's chest with an explosion of molten rock! He is staggered! A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and explode violently against a cliff edge! Khoheke says, "We must build something now. A pattern, which will be amplified by Sanyu Aes. To begin, we must form the base. Please LEAN on the weapon to begin." The Monstrosity Sivroch spots Zauldin and her head cocks in momentary recognition. She blurs, too fast to follow, appears behind the scholar, tentacles splayed wide! Zauldin whips around and sprays a hissing stream of acid into Sivrochs face, the orange globe orbiting his head erupting into flames which burst around her torso! A jagged bolt of electricity from the airship tears across the sky with a deafening crackle! Sivroch roars in fury and skewers Zauldin with a pair of tentacles, pinning him to the ground. Her claws tear at his chest, abdomen, and arms, but Zauldin stabs upward with his burnt and scarred fist, and a stream of acid and fire slam into Sivrochs stomach. She snarls in pain and with her remaining tentacles, rips Zauldin's arms free from his body. Vanzok leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. Staring down at her prey, Sivrochs unblinking eyes glare in concentration, and Zauldin begins to scream, then burble, then choke on his drool. Holding his twitching body aloft in her tentacles, Sivroch hurls him towards the rent in reality. Zauldin's body sails through the air, and grasping tendrils emerge from the rend to envelop and draw him in. With the barest ripple, the body vanishes, and Sivroch rumbles in a horrifying parody of laughter. Brisknite leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Nulak leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. A meteor streaks across the sky as Zauldin's soul is consumed beyond the reach of the Immortals! Brisknite nods. Eskila shifts her weight. Leaning forward, you pour yourself into the billowing order churning around the weapon. Wisps of silvery light flow from your hands, coalescing into an ordered pattern. Radiating circles unfurl and exact tridecagons snap into place, and the design continues to develop. Sivroch gleefully roars and scans the area for her next target! Golden flashes of light flicker around the base of the weapon, pure and righteous, though somewhat disordered. A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and flying into the distance! Thin, wispy lines of light alternately appear and disappear near Aaiyaah's head. Vanzok quietly says to Khoheke, "I think I know what you're doing. If I do, and it works, you've my fullest respect." Nulak asks, "Just one time?" Leaning forward, you twist the billowing order churning around the weapon and shape additional complexity and structure into the billowing pattern. Sparks of light blink in sequence along some of the periphery, vertices blossoming into structured nodes. Maxilot leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Vanzok leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. A rain of scattershot arcs across the sky from the Oshu'k'et, missing Jeihrem entirely! Leaning forward, you pour yourself into the billowing order churning around the weapon. Wisps of silvery light flow from your hands, coalescing into an ordered pattern. Radiating circles unfurl and exact tridecagons snap into place, and the design continues to develop. Rileos leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Aaiyaah leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, slamming into Jeihrem's faceplate with an explosion of molten rock! He is staggered! Eskila leans forward, closing her eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from her hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Khoheke says, "Each of you can assist at each step. I will call out instructions." Maxilot leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Expanding lines of golden light writhe around the weapon. Betlind leans forward, closing her eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from her hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Rileos says, "Oh...that's...somethin." Khoheke says, "Good. Now, PULL on the weapon to weave the forces together, forming the inner ring from which all others will be braced." You say, "I don't have the words for it... but it's beautiful." Betlind clenches her fist and pulls backward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Aaiyaah clenches his fists and pulls outward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Grasping hold of the designs, you clench your fist and pull, reinforcing the patterns, binding them more tightly around the weapon's core. The gaps in the ordered lines of the pattern shrink, and the overall structure becomes increasingly robust and indomitable. A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and roll part way up the cliff edge towards the manor before exploding violently! Vanzok clenches his fists and pulls outward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Eskila clenches her fist and pulls backward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Hefting a massive tyrium claymore inset with a skull for a crossguard, the gargantuan Jeihrem slams the blade into the ground. Hideous shadows tinged with sickening no-color spray outward from buried weapon. You can hear them, clamoring and emboldened, called to this weakened point in reality. The scream and howl, chattering and skittering and tooth and claw and maw and too many eyes begin to squirm through the fringe, along the edges. Betlind clenches her fist and pulls backward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Grasping hold of the designs, you clench your fists and pull outward, stretching several overlapping ringed structures and making them oblong, weaving the spiraling geometries around one another such that the overall pattern is reinforced, becoming increasingly resistant to decay. Aaiyaah clenches his fists and pulls outward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Sir Madigan came through a golden ghostly streamer. A compressed ball of fire screams an arc from the Oshu'k'et, slamming into Jeihrem's right pauldron! Jeihrem is staggered, his armor glowing with heat! Jeihrem looks down at the assembled forces, and dispassionately twists the blade, slashing sideways. A flare of void bursts forth from the blades wake, leaving a harsh afterglow in your vision. You struggle to make sense of the broken space left in the wake of the weapon, struggle to make sense of the forms clamoring at the edges, struggle to to shut out the conflicted screaming and otherworldly vantage visible through the orange haze beyond the gash in reality, struggle to view the no-color ripples billowing at the boundary. A ceaseless horde pours forth from the rent, clawing and charging across the opening. They surge with an almost desperation, screaming against the new laws of this plane. Vanzok firmly says, "Pay no mind to Jeihrem. Pay attention to our task." Betlind says, "Even on an Isle as dark as this, they cannot stop the light." Thin, wispy lines of light alternately appear and disappear near Nulak's head. The lines of golden light bend into wide arcs, forming concentric circles around the base of the weapon, ordered and exact. Betlind clenches her fists and pulls outward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Eskila clenches her fists and pulls outward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. An expanding series of circles continue to form around the weapon. Nulak clenches his fist and pulls backward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Rileos clenches his fists and pulls outward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Khoheke says, "Again, PULL the weapon to expand on the designs." Vanzok says to Madigan, "Pull on the weapon to reinforce the pattern, and listen to Khoheke for changes in orders. Or gather more Paladins, who might be lost at Triage." Comfrin clenches his fists and pulls outward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Khoheke clenches his fist and pulls backward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Betlind clenches her fist and pulls backward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Madigan nods. A few gaps appear in the rotating pattern. Vanzok clenches his fists and pulls outward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Grasping hold of the designs, you clench your fist and pull, reinforcing the patterns, binding them more tightly around the weapon's core. The gaps in the ordered lines of the pattern shrink, and the overall structure becomes increasingly robust and indomitable. Khoheke says, "Next, TOUCH the weapon to reinforce the pattern." Comfrin touches the orb, closing his eyes in concentration, and you sense the churning design around the weapon aligning into a more ordered pattern. The lines of golden light snap into place, filling gaps and weaving external structures into the larger body, overlapping circles, angles, billowing loops arranging themselves in increasingly complex patterns. Reaching for the weapon, you touch the orb and extend your magical senses, viewing the developing pattern of spiraling order churning around the platform. You deftly arrange some of the drifting patterns, nudging them back into place. Vanzok makes a grunting noise. Madigan touches the orb, closing his eyes in concentration, and you sense the churning design around the weapon aligning into a more ordered pattern. Vanzok says to Madigan, "Gather." Eskila touches the orb, closing her eyes in concentration, and you sense the churning design around the weapon aligning into a more ordered pattern. Rileos touches the orb, closing his eyes in concentration, and you sense the churning design around the weapon aligning into a more ordered pattern. Madigan nods to Vanzok. Sir Madigan went through a golden ghostly streamer. Comfrin touches the orb, closing his eyes in concentration, and you sense the churning design around the weapon aligning into a more ordered pattern. Reaching for the weapon, you touch the orb and extend your magical senses, viewing the developing pattern of spiraling order churning around the platform. You deftly prune some of the wandering pattern, removing stray energies and redirecting the order churning around the platform. Khoheke says, "And now we expand again. Once more, PULL the weapon." Reshalian Bulwark Arkalye came through a golden ghostly streamer. Khoheke clenches his fists and pulls outward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Nulak clenches his fist and pulls backward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Grasping hold of the designs, you clench your fist and pull, reinforcing the patterns, binding them more tightly around the weapon's core. The gaps in the ordered lines of the pattern shrink, and the overall structure becomes increasingly robust and indomitable. Aaiyaah says, "Keep it up brothers." Rileos clenches his fists and pulls outward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Grasping hold of the designs, you clench your fists and pull outward, stretching several overlapping ringed structures and making them oblong, weaving the spiraling geometries around one another such that the overall pattern is reinforced, becoming increasingly resistant to decay. Comfrin clenches his fist and pulls backward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Vanzok says, "Pull on the weapon, until Khoheke gives new orders." A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and sailing past him! The orb glistens, glowing brighter and brighter. Arkalye clenches his fist and pulls backward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Vanzok says, "Pay no mind to Jeihrem or anything else." Rileos clenches his fist and pulls backward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Maxilot clenches his fist and pulls backward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Khoheke says, "The holy pattern is ready to be energized. LEAN on the weapon." Rileos says, "Focus on the job, it's up to us now." Aaiyaah says, "And sisters." Betlind leans forward, closing her eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from her hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Leaning forward, you twist the billowing order churning around the weapon and shape additional complexity and structure into the billowing pattern. Sparks of light blink in sequence along some of the periphery, vertices blossoming into structured nodes. Khoheke leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Khoheke's form begins to waver, white-silvery light overtaking his features. As he fades from view, a spectral form leaves his body and hovers above the ground, arms wide, a missing left hand the only distinguishing feature. Nulak leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Eskila leans forward, closing her eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from her hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Comfrin leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Maxilot leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, slamming into Jeihrem's chest with an explosion of molten rock! He is staggered! The specter shudders, streaking sideways, a thick brushstroke of light siphoning into the building pattern. The specter appears diminished, though his eyes begin to burn. Arkalye leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. Aaiyaah leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Vanzok firmly says, "Pay mind. Lean on the weapon. Give it strength." Nulak leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's legs, exploding with deafening force! He does not appear to notice! Leaning forward, you twist the billowing order churning around the weapon and shape additional complexity and structure into the billowing pattern. Sparks of light blink in sequence along some of the periphery, vertices blossoming into structured nodes. The specter of Khoheke shouts, "We must expand the pattern. PULL on the weapon!" Aaiyaah clenches his fists and pulls outward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Betlind clenches her fist and pulls backward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, ricochetting off Jeihrem's shoulder and screaming off into the distance! He does not appear to notice! Comfrin clenches his fist and pulls backward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. A tear runs down Betlind's face. Grasping hold of the designs, you clench your fist and pull, reinforcing the patterns, binding them more tightly around the weapon's core. The gaps in the ordered lines of the pattern shrink, and the overall structure becomes increasingly robust and indomitable. Commander Kenamer came through a golden ghostly streamer. The writhing pattern blossoms further, ordered geometric forms seamlessly stacked on increasingly complex weaves, the intersections complex and demanding, the whole solid, greater than each component part. Lord Knight Tankata came through a golden ghostly streamer. You say, "Give him everything." A compressed ball of fire screams an arc from the Oshu'k'et, missing Jeihrem entirely! Vanzok firmly says, "Pull. Tighten up." The specter begins to move components of the pattern, moving a circle aside, bending a section to make space, replacing the circle. Some movements appear too quickly to follow as he rotates shapes into three dimensions, orbs and cubes and pyramids radiating from the central spiraling design. Brisknite leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Kenamer leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. Sir Madigan came through a golden ghostly streamer. Maxilot clenches his fist and pulls backward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Again, expand the pattern with me, PULL on the weapon!" Grasping hold of the designs, you clench your fist and pull, reinforcing the patterns, binding them more tightly around the weapon's core. The gaps in the ordered lines of the pattern shrink, and the overall structure becomes increasingly robust and indomitable. Madigan says, "There we go." Kenamer clenches his fist and pulls backward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Betlind says, "Aye. For Khoheke." Comfrin says to Madigan, "Pull the weapon." Betlind clenches her fists and pulls outward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Maxilot clenches his fist and pulls backward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Comfrin clenches his fists and pulls outward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Nulak says, "Pull it ya olds." The pattern expands and contracts, as if breathing, a large circle encompassing the perimeter, connecting to a dozen smaller circles, which in turn are connected to more complex geometries, each rotating and spiraling into the core of the weapon. Nulak clenches his fists and pulls outward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Brisknite exclaims, "Pull with all your might!" Vanzok clenches his fists and pulls outward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Kenamer clenches his fist and pulls backward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. You feel it, the undeniable weight building. It begins as a gentle pressure pushing you first away then towards the weapon. Though it is uncomfortable, it is somehow reassuring. A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and roll part way up the cliff edge towards the manor before exploding violently! Eskila clenches her fist and pulls backward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. Vanzok firmly says, "It's working. Keep at it." The last of the stars disappear behind a thick bank of clouds. Rileos clenches his fist and pulls backward, and you sense the overall structure of the pattern tightening. The specter of Khoheke shouts, "We will be the aegis! The beacon forms! Energize the pattern! LEAN on the weapon!" Kenamer exclaims, "Chadatru, lend me your strength!" Leaning forward, you pour yourself into the billowing order churning around the weapon. Wisps of silvery light flow from your hands, coalescing into an ordered pattern. Radiating circles unfurl and exact tridecagons snap into place, and the design continues to develop. Arkalye leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. Aaiyaah says, "Lean." Aaiyaah leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Kenamer leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. Tankata leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Maxilot leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. Arkalye exclaims, "Glory for Eylhaar!!" Brisknite chants in a bass voice: "Lean" Comfrin leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, ricochetting off Jeihrem's shoulder and screaming off into the distance! He does not appear to notice! The pattern flares with brilliance, blinding light swirling and involuting, snapping between two and three dimensional forms. The orb within the weapon roars like the sun, the kertig bars glowing red hot. Madigan leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Rileos quietly says to himself, "C'mon old man, one more show." Tankata leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Betlind leans forward, closing her eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. A rain of scattershot arcs across the sky from the Oshu'k'et, slamming into Jeihrem's chest plate, staggering him! Aaiyaah leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. Tankata leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Leaning forward, you pour yourself into the billowing order churning around the weapon. Wisps of silvery light flow from your hands, coalescing into an ordered pattern. Radiating circles unfurl and exact tridecagons snap into place, and the design continues to develop. Grasping the pattern with his hand and hook, the specter of Khoheke wavers for a moment as his form flows downward, merging with the orb at the center of the pattern. The kertig bars begin to spark, casting impurities and oxides from their surface. Comfrin leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's chest, exploding with deafening force! He is staggered! Arkalye leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Madigan leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. Vanzok firmly says, "They've bought us enough time. Lean." Rileos leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Leaning forward, you pour yourself into the billowing order churning around the weapon. Wisps of silvery light flow from your hands, coalescing into an ordered pattern. Radiating circles unfurl and exact tridecagons snap into place, and the design continues to develop. Kenamer leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Light the beacon! LEAN on the weapon! We will right this space." Madigan leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Nulak leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, slamming into Jeihrem's faceplate with an explosion of molten rock! He is staggered! Leaning forward, you pour yourself into the billowing order churning around the weapon. Wisps of silvery light flow from your hands, coalescing into an ordered pattern. Radiating circles unfurl and exact tridecagons snap into place, and the design continues to develop. Eskila leans forward, closing her eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. Arkalye leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Kattena came through a golden ghostly streamer. A maelstrom of ice and sleet screams an arc from the Oshu'k'et, missing Jeihrem entirely! Eskila leans forward, closing her eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. Kenamer exclaims, "Lean boys! LEAN!" Kenamer leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Rileos leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Vanzok firmly says to Kattena, "Lean on the weapon." Vanzok leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. Comfrin leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Maxilot exclaims, "And ladies!" Madigan leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Arkalye leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. The specter of Khoheke shouts, "The pattern slips, TOUCH the weapon to reinforce it! We will expunge the defilers!" Comfrin leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Kattena says, "Thanks." Reaching for the weapon, you touch the orb and extend your magical senses, viewing the developing pattern of spiraling order churning around the platform. You deftly arrange some of the drifting patterns, nudging them back into place. Kenamer exclaims to Brisknite, "Not on me!" Rileos touches the orb, closing his eyes in concentration, and you sense the churning design around the weapon aligning into a more ordered pattern. Kattena leans forward, closing her eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from her hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Razor-edged vertices spin faster and faster, and the pressure becomes almost unbearable. You dig deep within your soul, shift your right leg slightly and press forward, your shield arm aching with the effort. Reaching for the weapon, you touch the orb and extend your magical senses, viewing the developing pattern of spiraling order churning around the platform. You deftly arrange some of the drifting patterns, nudging them back into place. [Oshu'k'et, Sanyu Aes Firing Platform] Enclosed in a braced firing cage to protect the weapon, the platform is composed of a wide wooden plank braced with steel bands and mounted atop woven rubber balls to ensure stability even in rough seas. The weapon is affixed to the platform, aimed at Jeihrem's manor. Surrounding the firing cage is a golden ghostly streamer, preventing all but Paladins from entering this space. You also see a floating vessel of flaring crimson light, the gargantuan form of Jeihrem looming far above, a spectral form hovering a foot above the ground, a golden ghostly streamer and the holy weapon Sanyu Aes mounted to the firing platform. Also here: Kattena, Sir Madigan who is shining with a dark golden glow, Lord Knight Tankata who is surrounded by a shimmering shield, Commander Kenamer, Reshalian Bulwark Arkalye, Son of Stone Nulak who is radiating a glowing aura, Initiate Paladin Eskila, Seneschal Rileos, Court Advisor Aaiyaah, Battle Lioness Betlind who is surrounded by a shimmering shield, Boltproof Brisknite who is dutifully tracked by a lion manifest of illusory flames, Templar Maxilot, Vanzok and Juggernaut Comfrin. Obvious paths: none. The spectral form appear to be that of a S'Kra, and though its features are indistinct, you note the distinct lack of a left hand. You are certain that it is somehow Khoheke. Eskila touches the orb, closing her eyes in concentration, and you sense the churning design around the weapon aligning into a more ordered pattern. Betlind touches the orb, closing her eyes in concentration, and you sense the churning design around the weapon aligning into a more ordered pattern. The specter of Khoheke shouts, "It is nearly complete! LEAN on the weapon to energize the pattern!" Kattena leans forward, closing her eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from her hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Aaiyaah leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Leaning forward, you twist the billowing order churning around the weapon and shape additional complexity and structure into the billowing pattern. Sparks of light blink in sequence along some of the periphery, vertices blossoming into structured nodes. Madigan leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. Comfrin leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. Aaiyaah leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Kenamer leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. Arkalye says, "Eylhaar watch over me and grant me strength." The pattern erupts with light, orbs twinkling in and out of existence in a constant, ordered sequence, racing faster and faster around the structure. Leaving blurred streamers behind as the thick lines spiral and twist, the pattern races faster and faster, glowing brighter and brighter. Law reaffirms, expunging deviations. Eskila leans forward, closing her eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. Aaiyaah leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Vanzok firmly says, "If ever you've had a moment to give it your all, now. There will not be another chance, unless one of you wants to give up your corporeal form." Leaning forward, you twist the billowing order churning around the weapon and shape additional complexity and structure into the billowing pattern. Sparks of light blink in sequence along some of the periphery, vertices blossoming into structured nodes. Arkalye leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. Several things happen at once - The specter of Khoheke begins to scream. The pattern explodes with a deafening rumble, and the air takes on a silvery-golden hue. You stagger a moment, pressed backwards by a heavy weight, indominable, undeniable, absolutely correct and righteous. You feel it with a certainty, the coda of this place, full of manipulations and errors, alterations and injustices, and your soul explodes, rewriting and revising, correcting the imbalances. The beacon burns outward. Streamers of golden lines rain down gently, blossoming into ribbons of exact starbursts and spirals. Betlind leans forward, closing her eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. Brisknite gets an impish expression on his face, and lets out a hearty cheer. Vanzok leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. Madigan blinks. Aaiyaah leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Vanzok says, "Keep at it." Maxilot touches the orb, closing his eyes in concentration, and you sense the churning design around the weapon aligning into a more ordered pattern. A thundrous rumbling explosion echoes across the land, and the air takes on a silvery-golden hue. You stagger a moment as a heavy weight presses down on you, and though it is oppressive and indominable, there is something comforting and strangely correct about it. Streamers of wispy golden lines rain down gently, blossoming into ribbons of exact starbursts and spirals. The specter of Khoheke continues to scream. Comfrin exclaims, "Lean!" Vanzok exclaims, "Keep at it!" Reality battles interloper as the rules of the Plane of Abiding roar in fury as the many exceptions and violations on the isle are forcefully rectified. In the rain of golden light, you detect for a fleeting moment an illuminated banner, composed of precise lines and silvery wisps emanating from a silvery spiral. The banner seems to unfurl from horizon to horizon, perfect forms overlapping with perfect forms in an endlessly nested and shifting display. Everything changes, and through it all, you feel the force of Khoheke's will. The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Maintain the beacon! LEAN on the weapon!" You spot several things simultaneously. The enormous form of Jeihrem roars and falls to his knees, hands crashing into the sea as he struggles against the weight. The interlocking plates of his armor groan and screech as the metal bows and flexes. Sivroch wails in agony, her form burning and melting, limbs breaking. Her spined tentacles burst into fine ash and disperse, blown on fierce winds, and the her armor fractures, revealing swaths of oozing flesh beneath. She falls to the ground, shrinking and screaming, clawing at the ground as her talons tear from her fingers and her bones break. Srinoja shatters, cracks spidering across her form as crystalline panes fall upward, evaporating. She clutches her head and wails, reflections of reflections beating against her and winding across her form, a multitude of breaks in the image revealing a haggard Gnome. Madigan leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. Eskila wearily exclaims, "This... is for... Opol... you bastard Lich!" Eskila leans forward, closing her eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from her hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. You exclaim, "The commodore is giving his all, we can do no less!" The specter of Khoheke blurs, funneling into the pattern. Comfrin leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. The rend billows as if caught in a strong wind, and begins to close, the edges coming together with flashes of corruscating flashes of light. Several thick pseudopods surge through the rend and arcing high, slam into the ground nearby! They pulsate, sending thick globs of unknown material into the land! The golden light batters them down, but they remain in place for several long seconds before shattering into rapidly dispersing smoke. Leaning forward, you pour yourself into the billowing order churning around the weapon. Wisps of silvery light flow from your hands, coalescing into an ordered pattern. Radiating circles unfurl and exact tridecagons snap into place, and the design continues to develop. Kattena grins. Vanzok leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. Rileos leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Kenamer leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. Eskila leans forward, closing her eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from her hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. The specter of Khoheke suddenly erupts with light, eyes burning. Aaiyaah leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Kattena leans forward, closing her eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. Eskila leans forward, closing her eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. You continue to feel a crushing, undeniable weight forcing you backwards, but it is comforting, familiar, necessary. Vanzok leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. The form of Jeihrem begins to shrink, flames billowing from the gaps in his armor. Rearing back on his knees, he stares at the offshore Oshu'k'et, and thrusts a hand into the air. A bilious purple mist begins to gather above his head, flickering with thick worms, squirming violently as they die in the golden light streaming from the sky. Beneath the barrier, Jeihrem stands, and takes a step towards the shoreline. Comfrin leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. The light continues to rain down from the skies, and gaps in Jeihrem's barrier begin to form. As the light shines through these gaps, Jeihrem is pushed downward, visibly struggling against an extreme weight, his armor groaning as it deforms in places. He strides towards the Oshu'k'et offshore, a barrage of electricity, lava javalins, panjandrums and mangonel fire slowing his progress, and reaches a gauntleted hand as he nears the vessel. Leaning forward, you pour yourself into the billowing order churning around the weapon. Wisps of silvery light flow from your hands, coalescing into an ordered pattern. Radiating circles unfurl and exact tridecagons snap into place, and the design continues to develop. The beacon roars, golden light cascading from the skies, eradicating and expunging. Kenamer leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Vanzok firmly exclaims, "No stopping until you're dead or Jeihrem is, or your teeth, hear me! Weight is nothing, force is nothing, keep working!" Aaiyaah leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. The beacon roars, golden light cascading with clean lines and sharp edges, and it pours forth, shackling the future with its righteous refusal. Rileos leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. Vanzok leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Betlind leans forward, closing her eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from her hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Nulak leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration, and you see sparks of light blossoming along the overall design. Slamming down to one knee, Jeihrem continues to struggle against the weight above as it streams through his failing barrier. He pulls his hand back, and ribbons of shadow begin to gather in his cupped palm, hissing and dripping with malevolence. The shadow tightens into an orb, snapping with no-color flashes, and Jeihrem pivots his shoulders, ready to attack! Maxilot leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Nulak leans forward, closing his eyes in concentration. Wisps of silvery light flow from his hands into the weapon, and you sense additional elements snapping into place around the overall design. Several volleys from the Aloof Gannet, the Oshu'k'et, and the assembled weapons strike simultaneously, knocking Jeihrem back slightly, the now crackling orb in his hand vibrating with violence. Several large gaps in the barrier overhead begin to widen, knocking Jeihrem's arm to the ground, causing the orb to dissipate. Jeihrem is once again slammed to the ground! The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Reinforce the pattern!" Eskila touches the orb, closing her eyes in concentration, and you sense the churning design around the weapon aligning into a more ordered pattern. Jeihrem reaches for the Oshu'k'et, but his gauntlet and vambraces being to melt, glowing red hot. Jeihrem roars, an otherworldy bellow, a challenge to all gathered, a call to arms to those beyond the rend. You hear them clamoring, pushing against the oppressive weight, and the rend begins to unfurl once again. Vanzok firmly exclaims, "TOUCH IT!" The beacon roars, golden light raining from the skies, rewriting and commanding compliance. Maxilot touches the orb, closing his eyes in concentration, and you sense the churning design around the weapon aligning into a more ordered pattern. Aaiyaah touches the orb, closing his eyes in concentration, and you sense the churning design around the weapon aligning into a more ordered pattern. Madigan touches the orb, closing his eyes in concentration, and you sense the churning design around the weapon aligning into a more ordered pattern. Eskila touches the orb, closing her eyes in concentration, and you sense the churning design around the weapon aligning into a more ordered pattern. Arkalye touches the orb, closing his eyes in concentration, and you sense the churning design around the weapon aligning into a more ordered pattern. Comfrin touches the orb, closing his eyes in concentration, and you sense the churning design around the weapon aligning into a more ordered pattern. Madigan touches the orb, closing his eyes in concentration, and you sense the churning design around the weapon aligning into a more ordered pattern. Vanzok touches the orb, closing his eyes in concentration, and you sense the churning design around the weapon aligning into a more ordered pattern. Aaiyaah touches the orb, closing his eyes in concentration, and you sense the churning design around the weapon aligning into a more ordered pattern. Eskila touches the orb, closing her eyes in concentration, and you sense the churning design around the weapon aligning into a more ordered pattern. The beacon roars, golden light cascading from the skies, eradicating and expunging. Betlind touches the orb, closing her eyes in concentration, and you sense the churning design around the weapon aligning into a more ordered pattern. Eskila touches the orb, closing her eyes in concentration, and you sense the churning design around the weapon aligning into a more ordered pattern. Kenamer exclaims, "Touch the weapon!" Reaching for the weapon, you touch the orb and extend your magical senses, viewing the developing pattern of spiraling order churning around the platform. You deftly arrange some of the drifting patterns, nudging them back into place. Betlind touches the orb, closing her eyes in concentration, and you sense the churning design around the weapon aligning into a more ordered pattern. The specter of Khoheke blurs, funneling into the pattern. Tankata touches the orb, closing his eyes in concentration, and you sense the churning design around the weapon aligning into a more ordered pattern. Jeihrem suddenly explodes into vaporous black ichor, a whirlwind of ooze, and streams towards the writhing form of Sivroch, enveloping her and looping upward towards the manor. Tankata lets out a loud "Huzzah!" Tankata lets out a loud "Huzzah!" Brisknite says to Tankata, "Touch it." Rileos touches the orb, closing his eyes in concentration, and you sense the churning design around the weapon aligning into a more ordered pattern. Brisknite smirks. As the golden light continues to stream downward, the rend in reality closes buckles once more, and closes completely, the summoned nightmares scattering to ash. Above the manor, a thick maisma gathers, flaring against the righteous weight of the light. Madigan exclaims, "Nice!" Betlind gets an impish expression on her face, and lets out a hearty cheer. Several large orbs of bone are launched into the sky, exploding into a cloud of jagged shrapnel that begins to rain down on the shoreline! As the bone shrapnel falls, impacts travel from the beach to the water, tiny puffs of sand and rock exploding upward, moving onto a line of ripples as the waves are churned by impacts. The Oshu'k'et is caught in the blast, the wood of the prow splintering and the sails shredded. A hail of jagged bone slams into the area, the staccato beat raining destruction on the platform! The weapon is slammed from the firing platform base, the collected energies discharging into the kertig bars! The pattern disperses without the anchor of Sanyu Aes, the various rods and lenses snapping and slagging. The righteous weight dissipates. You raise your shield and dive to protect Khoheke, the shards of bone colliding harmlessly above. All the Paladins present do the same, each of you forming a steel ceiling while the Necromantic barrage continues. After it passes, you lower your shield, content that you have protected Khoheke in his moment of vulnerability." Madigan mumbles a word of general praise. The specter of Khoheke snaps together, and falls to the ground, vanishing into the prone form of an unconscious S'Kra! The golden rain ceases, the perfect order no longer a comforting weight. Khoheke falls unconscious! Aaiyaah exclaims, "Well done everyone!" Nulak thumps a ceremonial vardite aegis bristling with kertig spikes with the back of his hand. Khoheke's eyes slowly open. Aaiyaah moves into position to block attacks against Khoheke! Madigan moves into position to block attacks against Khoheke! Vanzok traces a glyph over Khoheke, causing a soft red glow to appear around him. You see Commodore Khoheke Moglin, Defender of the Moglin Trading Fleet, a S'Kra Mur Paladin. Supported by a row of spines, a membranous, fin-like crest runs medially along Khoheke's head, shortening toward the back of the neck. Vertical slits pierce the blue depths of his fathomless eyes, while several scars mar his blunt, Reshalian snout. Brightened by ghostly white countershading, his dreary grey scales resemble the hue of the stormlit sea. Khoheke's left hand is missing, replaced by a prosthetic hook of silversteel. His powerful, keeled tail is sheathed within a barbed tail guard. He is of commanding height for a S'Kra Mur. Though middle-aged, he has the sleek build of a man in his prime. He has a tattoo of a kingsnake entwined around a ship's anchor on his tail. He is in good shape. He is wearing a kiralan trident bound to a haft of ayabere, a mariner's arbalest resembling a hammerhead shark, a scallop-shaped buckler emblazoned with the crest of House Moglin, an abyssal blue helm adorned with membranous glaes fins, some scalloped scale armor with spiny pauldrons, some webbed covellite gauntlets with wave-like scales, a naval officer's gamantang with gold laced buttons, a stormwood pilgrim's badge carved into a compass rose, a heavy gold signet ring bearing the crest of House Moglin and an articulated baldric of imbricated covellite scales. Khoheke says, "Ow." Khoheke asks, "What happened?" Betlind moves over to guard Khoheke. You kneel down upon the ground before Khoheke. Brisknite moves into position to block attacks against Khoheke! Madigan says, "You killed the bugger." Nulak says, "Boom." Vanzok firmly says, "You're more alive than I expected. You were expelled from the weapon." Aaiyaah grins. Khoheke stands up. Khoheke groans. Rileos pants. You say, "Commodore, Sir, you were brilliant." As the weapon aboard the Oshu'k'et shatters, the golden light begins to dim, the righteous weight to lessen. The manor stands, enveloped in a purple mist, the beaches littered with flesh, bones, and streaks of ichor. Tankata exclaims, "Madigan I'm with you, lead hte way!" Brisknite nods to Khoheke. Betlind says, "The Light, it was... glorious." Betlind nods. Eskila quirks one ear sideways in confusion. Tankata exclaims, "Let's get to the mansion!" Tankata says, "Oh Brisk." An ornithopter suddenly takes to the skies, a Gnome pilot falling from the ascending vehicle as it races for the Aloof Gannet. You are able to make out what appears to be the remains of Srinoja at the controls. Moments after the ornithopter arrives at the airship, a hairline fracture in reality spiders outward like a broken mirror for a moment, and then suddenly vanishes. The airship turns for the open sea and flies away. Brisknite says, "Ship was hit." You stand back up. Madigan says, "That was amazing." Khoheke examines the broken weapon, frowning. Rileos glances at the destroyed holy weapon Sanyu Aes mounted to the firing platform. Tankata exclaims, "Aye!" Nulak examines the destroyed holy weapon Sanyu Aes mounted to the firing platform. Khoheke says, "The weapon is destroyed. We must retreat. Whatever we came to do, it has been done. Assist in the withdrawal from the consecrated cavern."