[Godbound] Ten Buried Blades IC

[Theoboldi]

The winds conjured up by Rem dissipate the choking mist that Xiao has created, leaving behind only a soft, gentle breeze in their wake. The sorcerer himself is revealed floating some 60 feet above you on the edges of the crater, ducking in an out behind cover and keeping his distance. His eyes bulge, shocked that you could overcome his sorceries so easily.

"This is impossible! What is this nightmare?!"

However, as Rem turns to observe the source of the coughing she heard just a moment earlier, she realizes that there is no one else around. Or, is there? For just a moment, she thinks she sees something out of the corner of her eye, an odd flicker in the air, as if there was something moving in the rubble. She looks again, more closely.

Spoiler: Rem

Show

First, it once again seems as though there is nothing, as though your mind played a trick on you. But then, your divinely gifted sunlit eyes break through the veil. There is a person there, concealed by layers of powerful illusory magic, desperately digging through the rubble with her bare hands.

Her features are too muddled by this powerful veil for you to even really see them at first, but then your mind makes the connection and you finally fully see who this is.

Just 30 feet away from you is Perfected Woman Wen, still hidden from Starislav and Xiao by some strange, powerful magic. With a relieved smile forming on her face, she suddenly pulls out a large, leatherbound book from underneath a torn plank of bamboo, holding it above her head triumphantly. She seems still unaware that you have seen her.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Congrats, Merilan, you are the only one to make your save against the Walking Ghost Deception miracle that has concealed Wen.

Meanwhile, unaware of anything beyond a cough somewhere behind him, Starislav throws a horse-sized boulder at Xiao, the projectile propelled to bullet-like speed despite its immense size. Unable to dodge in time, the sorcerer can only raise his hands in an effort to blast the rock to pieces, yet even the explosion of lightning that follows simply means that he is pelted by several smaller fragments.

"Stop it! I don't need your lectures!" he screams, wiping away a trickle of thick, yellow-red blood that runs down his cheek. Once more, he fires a blast of lightning, this time directed at Rem. However, the angel goddess instinctively does not even feel the need to dodge. The lightning, though it tears apart the ground surrounding her, leaves her and her possessions entirely untouched beyond a faint tickling sensation caused by the corrupt source of the electricity. Xiao takes this result about as well as expected. "NO! WHY?! WHY WON'T YOU DIE?!"

Enraged, he turns towards Starislav, his hands no longer crackling with lightning. Disgusting, vile mists seem to pour from every orifice of the sorcerer's body, gathering in a horrid ball of chi energy before him. Then, with a two-handed push, he flings the ball forwards, where it explodes into a sudden yellow-greyish toned galewind, hammering down on you. While not enough to pin you in place, the storm that now batters you will make projectile attacks nigh-impossible, and also slow you down when trying to get to the sorcerer. On the upside, this last effort seems to have taken a lot out of Xiao. Much of his skeletal form is now leaking chi mists, and overall his entire frame looks more fragile than it has before. You doubt he has much more energy left to resist your attacks.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Xiao used one action for a lightning blast on Rem, which she is immune to due to her Sky Word. The other action, he used to create gale wind via a miracle. This wind will half your movement speed unless you teleport somehow, and prevent mundane projectiles from reaching him.

[Merilan]

For a moment, Rem grimaces as if that might be the last of her - but her gift dissipates the lightning around her, and she looks down towards herself with as much surprise for a brief moment as Xiao.

To his question, Rem answers, "I must not falter until your evil has been quelled from this land!"

She raises her hand and sends a shining bolt in the shape of a sword the sorcerer's way, but this is as much of a distraction as she swoops down with her wings to land next to Wen.

"What is going on here, Miss Wen?" she questions neutrally, though with some hurry in her voice.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Rem launches a ranged attack from her Sun gift, Body of Burning Light:

(1d20+5)[15]
(1d10+3)[10]

[Theoboldi]

Though the blast is meant as a distraction, fate still conspires to allow Rem to land a devastatingly solid hit with it. Distracted as he is by trying to defend himself against Starislav, Xiao does not notice her charging her attack, and by the time that it's shining light catches his eye it is far too late for him to dodge. The sorcerer is pierced right through his stomach by the blade of light, sending him reeling through the sky, where it proceeds to explode inside of him. When the glow of the attack fades, Xiao is left barely afloat, a massive, still-burning hole in his torso. Plumes of chi smoke coat him as he desperately seeks to repair the damage. For now, it's enough to distract him from the fact that Rem is talking to someone.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

In game terms, he is not using any abilities yet, but it's likely he'll try to use some sort of healing miracle on his next turn if he still has the Effort for it. He is very low on hitpoints.

Spoiler: Rem

Show

As you address her, Wen stumbles back, startled, before shooting you a poisonous glance. Then, as your divine light blinds her, she is forced to avert her eyes, covering them with one hand.

"It's of no importance!" she spits out, sounding earnest, yet also somewhat rushed. "These are my notes, not Xiao's, if that's what you're worried about!" Though she's put on the spot, you do not detect any dishonesty in her voice. Whether that means she is telling the truth, you are not sure.

Instinctively, your eyes scan her body, familiar with the telltale signs of someone trying to hide something from your days as a servant. You know the tricks that common people employ when keeping their personal possessions hidden from those would take them. And indeed, Wen, keeps her body just ever so slightly turned away from you beyond what would be necessary to avoid looking at your brightness. She is trying to keep something within her robe hidden from you.

Starislav, though distracted by the battle and the demon raging within him, may notice Rem talking to someone unseen in the initial moments after Xiao's galestorm erupts. Perhaps it is the mention of Wen's name that catches his attention? Either way, even as he turns his head and strains his eyes, all he can see is a faint flicker in the air, as though something or someone was lurking just within the corner of his eyes. He feels that with just a bit of focused effort, he could sharpen his senses to get a good grip on what he is seeing, yet this may cost him valuable strength he'll need for the battle.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Now that you know something is there, you can spend a point of Effort to also succeed on your saving throw against Wen's power. If you do, Starislav will be aware of everything that has happened in Ren's spoiler bubble above.

Whatever you chose, you still get to take your turn.

[igordragonian]

Starislav roar,more and more of his human skin pilling off, and his armor is streched over oil black scaley body mass- with trio of welps of pain and splatter of blood, which steamed as acid of pure evil.
with another tripled echoing roar, the wings lifted the monstrouse bogatyr up, bones straining and cracking against the abuse.

The wind blew, but Starislav was determined to destroy him


----

paying effort.

[Theoboldi]

As Starislav takes off into the air, his powerful wings flinging him towards the vile sorcerer he is fighting, Xiao desperately flies away from him. Though damaged, his magic still allows him to move awfully quickly, the winds lifting and transporting him even as they hinder Starislav. Due to this, Xiao always just about manages to stay out of your grasp, no matter how quickly your pursue him.

During the chase, the massive hole that has been ripped into the sorcerer's torso begins to repair, flesh knitted and rebuilt where his smoking chi touches. Within moments, the wound has entirely healed right before your eyes, as though Rem's attack had never happened. This, worryingly, seems to re-invigorate Xiao, who then proceeds to fire a quick trio of lightning blasts at the dragon with whom he is locked in battle, lighting up the night sky.

Even so, you can feel that his power is wavering. His form looks almost dried-out, with barely any plumes of chi drifting off him, and the arcane strength you've felt within him has severely weakened. You figure that he has no energy left at this point, and the panic-stricken look on his face all but confirms it.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Xiao uses a Vital Furnace miracle from the Health Word to heal all damage taken since his last turn. Then, he will make a single attack at Starislav.

(1d20+10)[27] for a potential (1d6)[3] straight damage.

On the upside, he is actually out of Effort now. His flight and windstorm are still active, but beyond those he can no longer use any sort of miracles.

Spoiler: Rem

Show

For a second, Perfected Woman Wen's eyes glance up at her former teacher, locked in battle. A hint of understanding lights up in them as she seemingly realizes that he is on his last ropes, and she takes a quick step away from you. Beyond that, she does nothing for now.

"You've done well. I just cannot leave this place without my life's work."

[Merilan]

"Then do the right thing," Rem speaks more clearly than ever, imploring Wen's moral conscience. "I have seen you, the way you have endured all of his lechery, his debauchery... we can together put an end to him. I would have you at our side, Wen."

Starislav is in combat with him now; she bears witness as the two clash, but with the last of his efforts, she nods to Wen as she steps away, perhaps showing her trust that she doesn't motion to arrest her. Instead, she spreads both of her arms as she announces, "Starislav! I shall assist as well... now, witness the extent of my power! Divine Sword!"

She recalls using this technique before against the disciples of the Golden Hand -- and conjures another sword made of light; yet, this one grows further, and further and further -- until there is a massive blade the size of ballistae ammunition, which she launches clear across the skies, rippling through darkness and sky both.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

I'm going to be expending Effort to use Divine Wrath of the Sun word. (2d8)[9]

[igordragonian]

Xiao's attack rip off more of the shell of Starislav, flash and blood splattered, with a roar, Starislav strip off, his half human face tossing it away like a mask.

It seems Starislav is no more.
Big as two war horses bound together, with black oily slick scales fly a dragon.
Three Headed ones, two of them scream
Destruction!
'Slaughter!'

The middle head roar, and the reiacanrtion of Timneiv the dark dragon launch itself at the corruped monk, three sets of fangs closing on his head and hands in raw hope for a bloody screaming meal.




----

attack

(1d20)[10](10)+3


damage (1d10)[4](4)

[Theoboldi]

Spoiler: Rem

Show

Wen looks at you in confusion for a moment. Perhaps she expected you to press her more? However, her hesitation does not last long, as she steps forward again, the book still firmly pressed to her chest.

"You really don't know half of it." she stays, drawing her charm-covered sword, and handing it to you. "But I would like to be able to say that it was my blade that struck him down." Offering a prayer to the ancient masters of taoism, she places her weapon within the sunblade that you conjure up, the two merging into one deadly projectile.

Then, she moves away to both give you space to fire, and to avoid the flames that are quickly encroaching on you. They don't bother you, but she certainly does not seem so lucky.

Xiao attempts to blast down Rem's sword with several shots of lightning, but his efforts are in vain. The projectile smashes undisturbed through his attacks, illuminating the sky and burning away the vile sorcery of this monk where it goes. "NO!" he screams as he realizes there is no way for him to dodge, before it impacts with an explosion that turns the night to day for a few seconds.

When it all fades, Xiao is still floating, but barely. The sorcerer is covered in holes, missing chunks so large that his frame barely holds together anymore. What little is left of his once white robes hangs in tattered, stained and scorched fragments off his body, and his cap has long since been thrown to the four winds. His movements have become sluggish and delayed, only barely able to keep out of Starislav's range thanks to the still raging winds.

At least, until Starislav transforms. Xiao watches in horror as the bogatyr suddenly morphs and changes, his body growing vast and all-encompassing in an eyeblink, his three heads cutting off all routes of escape. The monk freezes in place, shuddering. "M-Mercy!" he begs, his voice barely a shriek.

Then, Starislav bites down, three dranonic heads tearing apart Xiao and devouring his corrupted flesh. Its over before he can even scream. And then, just as suddenly as Real Man Xiao died, the galestorm he summoned dies down, and a strange sort of quiet hangs over the area.

Spoiler: Starislav

Show

Xiao tasted like rotten eggs and filth. Thanks to your divine endurance and the monstrous nature of Timneiv, you are able to down him without as much as a gag, though you are sure that any other beast would have thrown him up on the spot.

Spoiler: Rem

Show

Perfected Woman Wen smirks at the demise of her former teacher, though not for long. As the flickering flames of the burning monastery lick at her ankles, she dodges back, holding her book ever closer to herself.

"Damnable......I believe this is my cue to leave. Farewell, Lady Rem." Before she leaves, however, Wen draws some sort of bundle from within her robe, a fist-sized wrap of white cloth surrounding something. "Oh, and catch!" she tosses the bundle towards you, distracting you for just a second. When you look again, she once more has faded away to become undetectable. You could probably find her again, though it'll likely be as difficult as it was before.

Suddenly, an odd sense of relief washes over you. You're not quite sure how you know, but you feel that with Xiao's death you have alleviated someone's suffering. Perhaps it is that of his victims, or perhaps it is the horror and evil that has infested the very monastery grounds finally draining away. However, before you can ponder this, you once more become aware of your surroundings. All around you, the burning monastery is falling apart, support beams tumbling down and buildings slowly collapsing. A field of flames is hungrily devouring that rancid gardens that Xiao planted, turning its putrid odors to dissipating smoke. At the very edges of the monastery grounds, where the walls are built into the stone, the rock is starting to crumble, signifying that part of it is about to collapse. You doubt you are in very much danger, though it may still be best to get out of here soon.

[Merilan]

"... perhaps I do not. But at the very least, I would like to believe in you, as someone who has suffered in a similar way," Rem personally responds towards Wen. She doesn't know her. She doesn't know her motivations or what she's really after, but she would not be her if she did not trust in people, especially from what she's seen so far. The two weapons gather into one, and even as they struggle through the flames...

It was a success. And the bogatyr -- Starislav -- does the rest of the work.

"It is over..." she whispers, but blinks as she turns to Wen and gasps as she catches the bundle -- and looks up to where she has disappeared. "What a mysterious woman." She frowns quietly. "I hope we will see her again. And on a more equal level next time." Rem does spare a glance towards what's in the bundle...

She looks towards Starislav as she calls, "Are you all right, Starislav?" Even as the monastery falls apart, as the flames erupt, she looks and murmurs, "We ought to rescue the students quickly -- I know you have it in you, still!"

The way she looks to the bogatyr is bereft of fear. It is clear that she will trust Starislav to her dying breath, no matter what it means to herself.

[igordragonian]

The three headed dragon pant.
It enjoy the destruction

But the middle head- which Starislav's face used to cover looked in pain.
Timneiv have landed. Starislav has choked his wings in the puny human husk, so he couldn't fly for long.

The right and left heads laughed.
'Why would I rescue anyone?'
"Instead of destroying them all?" the heads complete each other, licking their lips.

Middle head lower itself.
"I k'have failed. I k'have became the monster. Maybe with some luck I'll die in the fire.'

[Theoboldi]

Spoiler: OOC

Show

I'm gonna let you play out this scene between Rem and Starislav, don't worry. However, there is one tidbit of information that I should reveal at this point, since it may very well decide your next actions.

Rem takes but a moment to unwrap the bundle. It is little more than a small, thin sheet of white cloth, bound together with cheap string and a simple knot. However, what turns out to be inside of it belies the mundane nature of its packaging.

It is a crow's skull. Rem instantly recognizes this, knowing all too well what one looks like. And bound to it, there is a small scroll. Unrolling it to observe its contents, her suspicions are quickly confirmed. The scroll bears Dulimbaian lettering, stating Xiao's name, followed by a crude sketch of a three legged bird. Even Starislav knows what this means, having heard about this particular symbol from Rem in their many earlier travels.

This is the calling card of the Sanwuzu Assassins, the same who have kidnapped Rem's teacher, left behind at the scene of one of their missions.

Wen has to be one of them.

[Merilan]

Rem's eyes widen as she opens the bundle, and stares up towards Starislav, before looking down at it again. "... Wen..."

There is a quiet scowl, lowering her head. "So her objective was to assassinate Xiao? And she was one of the assassins..." She looks around, but Wen is long gone. "I wonder if she knew, this entire time."

She feels disappointed she didn't press the issue further, but this is still a lead. "Starislav... you saved people. You can still save people! The innocent students wrapped up in all this will need both of our help to return to town. Please. I believe in you."

She draws up, wings flying as she fearlessly heads towards the three dragon heads.

"I cannot do this alone, and I would like to continue journeying with my dear companion. Would you let me see him again?"

[igordragonian]

"NO!!"
"NOOOO!!!"
The left and right heads roared.
The middle head looking away. Defeated.

But then, the right and left heads strech their necks to attack this preciouse preciouse stink from goodness lady.
"NO!" the middle head roar, and the claws are pushing against the pair of external heads.
"I am still Starislav! I will follow k'hope, and I will drag you with me into g'heaven,Timneiv! Your power is belong to ME!'
And with that he spit substance,that cover the dragon like a coccon- black smoke and steam poir from it, as the coccon reshape itself to the human form of Starislav.
He holding his chest panting and crying.
"....Thank you, Gaspidinya*. ... I am in your eternal debt.' He kneel.
He cover his face, sobbing into his beard.


----
*dame. Mlady

[Merilan]

Rem remains floating, a beacon of light. The right and left heads could very well have devoured her if they so choose, but she stands steadfast, without a trace of fear in her heart.

Then the middle head roars, and-- "Starislav..." she quietly nods, as the dragon-- it wraps itself like a cocoon, and... reshapes into the form of the Bogatyr he knows so much.

She lowers herself to his side and quietly gives him a hug, letting him work through his feelings as he sheds his tears.

It isn't until he speaks to her that she lets go gently, and looks towards him. "Any time for a dear friend, Starislav."

She offers her hand for him to stand up.

[igordragonian]

Starislav ashamed of his weakness, can't help but smile.
The bogatyr take the little angel's hand, and rise up.
"....My mind and soul are in shambles. But there are people who need us. Let's go.'

[Merilan]

Rem smiles as Starislav stands up; though she may be smaller, and possessed of lesser strength, she still tries.

"There will be time for rest after this. But you are right. Let us help them!"

With that, Rem scans the monastery, aiming to see if the students have fled since the fire started, and if there are any still inside...

[Theoboldi]

Together, you make a quick search of the monastery, keeping an eye open for any trapped students and others who would not survive the flames that threaten to engulf this hellish place. Surprisingly enough, Wen has actually kept her word to release the other students, which you realize when you see that their barracks stand open and abandoned. Whatever may be the truth behind that woman, she at least seems to not be as monstrous as her former teacher.

Still, your search does pay off, as not quite everyone has made it outside. You find a few stragglers amidst the inferno, caged in by collapsing architecture or lost within the smoke and general chaos. It doesn't take you much to rescue them, Rem being entirely immune to the negative effects of the fire and Starislav being tough and strong enough to make his way through. Within minutes, you have saved everyone who still needed saving, and your way to the monastery gates.

Outside, you are greeted by not just the whinnying of Starislav's horse, but also by the cheers of a good three dozen pupils, all of whom seem more than excited to meet you.

"You've killed him! You've killed Xiao!"

"Thank you, noble sages!"

"We saw everything from here! Your divine power is incredible! Please, grant us your blessings!"

"I knew it, I knew the emperor would send someone! We are saved!"

In fact, the crowd all but rushes you, joyful to see their heroes emerge unharmed. Some stay back to tend and extend both help and relieved hugs with those you rescued, but most seem to be in a downright celebratory mood.

[Merilan]

It is a strange feeling to Rem, perhaps, the realisation that she is now largely immune to *fire*. But it's helpful as she helps, relieved that Wen kept her word about the other students; she hurries to save those who've been trapped, or lost, batting her wings and blowing the smoke away as she glows and points - "There! Hurry over there!"

Within minutes, they've rescued the students, and the angel sighs tiredly as she rubs at her shoulders and nods as the students cheer them on.

She doesn't rebuff the ones who come to hug, nodding as she lets them work through the relief. "You are safe now. Those of you who need to return to the village may do so -- and those without a home are free to come with us, the Redeemers. Let us return to Gongfang together -- we shall accompany and keep you safe on the journey."

[igordragonian]

Starislav try to focus on the mission at head, pushing down his terror, his raging emotions.
His fall to monstosity, and Rem lifitng him back.
But Timneiv was still in there.
His human shape was a mere coccon.
He visibly cringe at the cheers.
"...I am k'happy I could k'have k'helped. But I am not the right person to praise." He say.

[Theoboldi]

It takes some time for the gathered students to calm down, and even then they never quite do. The most you are able to do is get them to stop singing your praises quite so loudly. Starislav's self-doubts go almost completely ignored, many of these people being more concerned with the awesome might of their draconic savior rather than his internal struggle with the beast.

It's not helped by the fact that you cannot quite head back to town yet. Not only are you quite spent after your long day of traveling and the battle with Xiao, by this point it is well past midnight. Though not an issue for you, especially with Starislav's nigh-endless stamina and bandit-stopping curse, there are still enough wild animals and treacherous terrain for the students to be at risk should you travel at night. Forced to wait at least until sunrise, you rest for the remainder of the night, surrounded by people with only the greatest of expectations.

On the upside, upon asking some questions and hearing you explain the redeemers to them, many of these folks pledge themselves to your cause. They have been betrayed and sold by their society, and both of you are quite charismatic, after all. The fact that you rescued their lives is only the proverbial cherry on top. Their declarations of allegiance do invigorate you a bit with divine energy, though not by much. Your already existing organisation in Gongfang is far larger than this small mob of students.

Still, the next morning you awaken refreshed and re-energized. For as crazy as yesterday's fight was, your divine powers have granted you an immense vitality.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

You can restore your HP and Effort totals back to full.

Followed by your new charges, you embark on your journey back to Gongfang. Interestingly enough, you find that even without Wen to lead your way, finding your way from the monastery is far easier than it was getting there. There actually is one obvious trail to follow, with plenty of visible landmarks. Real Man Xiao's obfuscating wards must have been quite strong to hide these from you.

As noon approaches, and you find yourself about an hours journey away from Gongfang, your trek is suddenly interrupted however. Your senses pick up on a familiar, oppressive feeling, one that even the students seem to pick up on. They look about for a moment, panicked, but you are able to calm them as you realize that what you are sensing is an approaching ally.

Soon you spot him. Approaching you openly from the forest comes the Golden Lord, the immense presence of his inhuman willpower surrounding him. He is flanked by two of his scarred monks, and there is a victorious smile on his face. "Hail, Redeemers! We saw your battle from below the mountain. You lit up the skies like fireworks! Tell me, does the villain lie dead?"

[igordragonian]

Starislav, riding his loyal steed, alone as possibly he can.
A lot to digest.
Also.. a human, even if an evil one. He feel sick, has a grimmer aura then usual.
The middle aged warrior meet the Golden Lord's eyes with iron hard glare.
You would k'have known, if you k'have bothered yourself to get there.' he say annoyed.
'Before asking useless questions, why don't you k'help those poor people?'

[Merilan]

Through the night, Rem explains all about the Redeemers - their plans to topple the Magistrate, and bring an end to slavery and impoverishment and better the means of the people. And through the night, it's strange, perhaps - Rem is used to falling asleep tired and waking up even more exhausted, in her mortal days, in the mysterious and frustrating ways her illness used to develop throughout the night. To wake up actually rested and with no further ills, even after a great battle, feels... amazing.

On their return to Gongfang, Rem does note how curious and easy the path is - she wonders for a moment if the magic died with Real Man Xiao, or if Wen herself undid the magic...

But the Golden Lord appears not before long, and Rem looks to their followers to say, "Have no fear - this man is an ally of ours."

Starislav speaks first, in his curt way of his. "The deed is done, Golden Lord. The depths of the wickedness we uncovered from the monastery was vile indeed. But it is as Starislav says - there are more people to aid, and much more to do."

[Theoboldi]

The Golden Lord returns Starislav's glare with a challenging, yet not all too serious stare of his own. You get the feeling that he senses your state of mind, yet has no intention of letting it impact him. "I would have happily aided you-" he says, holding up a hand to stop his monks from stepping forward to defend him. "-had you let me know that you were heading up the mountain. You know perfectly well I could not get past the taoist's illusions on my own. As for these folks-"

With a wide swing of his arm, he gestures at the students, many of whom shrink back from the sheer weight of his attention on them. "-they can do just fine for themselves now that they've escaped their oppressor. If they wish for more than that, they must seek it out themselves."

Though insistent on his own philosophy, he nevertheless listens quietly as Rem speaks, allowing her to say her piece. Only once she is finished does he speak up again. "You are right, then. There is more to do, and the time has almost come. With Xiao out of our way, Li stands alone in his corrupt palace. Now that I know that you are to be trusted, I shall mobilize my pupils so that we may tear him down for his sins." Behind his eyes, there is a triumphant flame and fervor.

[igordragonian]

,But can YOU be trusted?' Starislav said grimmly.
'All golden and shiny, but completely useless to starving, sick and thirsty.'
The dragons not wishpering anymore.
They roar of doom and destruction.
He isn't sure, he disagree with them at the moment.
'As far as I know, your garden can me as much as corrupted as Xiao. And you seems to be as selfish as the Magistrate. Why would we trust YOU?' Starislav hiss frusrated

[Merilan]

"... it is true," Rem sighs as the boys, in their own way, start arguing again - "I had the plans to inform you, but the incident took shape much quicker over the course of one night."

She looks towards the folk around them, then back towards the Golden Lord. "I would like us to focus long enough to achieve our objective. Starislav, can we do that?"

[igordragonian]

"My apologies. My head and k'heart... are still in storm"
Starislav hold his head, and turn away.
"I'll let you deal with this one.'

[Theoboldi]

It is actually not the Golden Lord himself who answers first, but rather one of his monks. "Watch yourself, barbarian! Our master has provided for all who followed him! Our sacrifi-" However, he is stopped by ancient warrior clearing his throat, who himself looks very cross over that comment.

"You know nothing, Bogatyr. It would do you well not to speak with such haste." His voice is a low grumble, a warning sign that you are stepping well over a line. Behind you, some of your students take steps back, looking suddenly very worried. It's unlikely they'd stick around in case of violence, yet very likely indeed that they'd end up being collateral damage.

Even so, the Golden Lord is not entirely calmed by Rem's interjection. Glaring down at you with crossed arms, he says "Remember that it was you who came seeking out my help, yet now you show me doubt at every turn. If your distaste for my philosophy is so strong, can you truly plan to share Gongfang with me?"

[Merilan]

"... ... it is as Starislav says, Golden Lord, but he is responsible for speaking his mind, not I. I feel it would be best for us to air our differences first, then," Rem sighs quietly, before glancing towards the Golden Lord and towards the warriors.

She places a hand to her chest. "My own path has not wavered. I would like us to ally to see this task done. But this uneasiness will fester if we do not speak our minds."

The angel turns towards Starislav, stepping closer. "Speak honestly, but also acknowledge what words come from the demon, the dragon -- and what comes from your own heart. Can I trust that of you, Starislav?"

[igordragonian]

"No. You can't trust me." Starsilav say with a tortured expriession.
"The human part of me, is merely a husk which I keep.force myself wearing with will.power alone. I trust you.... Rem."
The middle aged warrior say.
"And that all. There is nothing to clear. I'l follow.you ti k'heaven and k'hell. If you trust this shining man, then I won't question it."
He turn.to the golden lord, bow deep, so his beard touch the floor.
[B]"K'here. I throw away my pride. If that will k'help few inocents... so be it. I won't question you,unless I see you act in evil infront of my very own eyes. I am sorry for insulting you."/B]

[Theoboldi]

The Golden Lord glares down at Starislav, his face conflicted. As all eyes are upon him, he for a moment actually seems to be unsure of what to do next. It's the first time you've seen him truly hesitate, you note. His eyes seem duller for those few seconds, too.

And then, he seems to reset entirely. "Pride is a sign of an untempered mind. Cast off such shackles, and let the power of your unfettered will shine brightly." The platitude comes fervently, but almost automatic. His two followers still seem to eat it up, listening earnestly to their lord's words. "Stand up, Bogatyr. Many attachments cloud your mind, but your strength of will is visible underneath it. If your intent is to protect others, then I ask you to do it with a straightened back." Those words sounded more certain, at least. The Golden Lord is himself again.

After this, he waits for a moment, allowing Starislav to respond and for the two of your to perhaps come back to the initial talking point. Mobilizing against Li.