power of the sun

Marching orders from high Achyon command give the location of a place of spiritual significance on Esshar. Where once, a sleepy mining colony stood is now a crater of molten rock and fire. Scorched bones mark where workers were incinerated when the veil of spirits was so suddenly sundered.

But, Marcel did not bring his troops unprepared.

Every soldier in his squad wore an experimental heat-proof suit, one that would allow them to use their mana efficiently and protect them from the spiritual fire. The latest (and highly experimental) technology would allow them to reach the source of this physical disturbance; a temple that had appeared out of thin air atop this molten hellscape.

Statues line a path around bubbling magma and sulfuric lakes. This trek would be dangerous, and a fatal slip with the suit's systems may prove to be fatal...

[This is a CoD event. Reach 100 vit in injuries during the event, and you will be at risk of death. Three perms, and the same thing. Lax may be taken at any time, but you are limited to a single use due to the bulkiness of your heat suits. Elixers are limited to a total of 2, but medics are unlimited. You may tank a total of 2 injuries during this event for each person.]

[Your suits have also been enabled to [SCAN]. Right click the environment to learn a bit more about where you're exploring! Along with this, you'll be limited to a total of three "actions" during puzzle/exploration segments. Keep this in mind.]

[Good luck, and have fun. Don't be afraid to ask questions.]
[Narrate]

This hellscape was unforgiving.

But Marcel could never lead his troops to this place unprepared and unready to face what would lie ahead- in truth, it would be the death of them, but with the parting veil of something unnatural it is not something that he could ignore. After all...

Marcel has been exposed once to the power of spiritual- a boundless source of energy, if utilized correctly. To that end, the Empire acknowledges the spiritual only in such way.

A resource to be used and processed into something greater.

Had it not been for their suits, then perhaps they'd already get scorched all around here- yet, he makes sure that his expedition party is ready.

"System suit status, check." A brief peer at his own- the runeworking system allowing to detect any breaches that may be dangerous; something to hold it all together, albeit temporarily, before it falls apart.

After all, creating suits that cannot withstand damage at all is just foolish - and he's more experienced than that.

"Ensure your suits are running at proper capacity."

"If you're experiencing difficulty moving, breathing or can't see, report now." Though.. that shouldn't be a problem.

His gaze lies ahead- with the resources they brought, it should be smoother than otherwise expected.

"March forward- full march, but watch your step."

They had to be quick, but mistakes could not be afforded.
(Marcel Delisle)

With all systems green, the march forward continues. Smaller elementals peer with coal eyes at the encroaching machine; the fauna of this strange and deadly flora. Wind blows some of the remaining, but blackened trees to spew ash across the ground.

Human life could not be sustained here; the damage would continue as long as the source of this spiritual incursion remained.

Ksena's sample is taken, and the suit's sensors provide little than what she can already see; the soil is being stripped of it's natural minerals and replaced with Fire Crystals.

An infection, upon the physical world itself.

But they now move between statues made not by human hands. Eight, in total, with only two of them looking to be in any sort of structural capacity.

Warning lights begin to light up, heat is rising from the second complete statue and it is rising -fast-.

"Coal for the Lord of Flame. "

"Ash to feed the burning earth."

It's language is unrecognisable, yet the statue rises well off the ground and shakes the ash from it's body.

"Be silent."
[Narrate]

The exploration, while continuing, is something that he could not help but spend only little amount of time on- if they were to linger for far too long, who knows how long this would last exactly?

They might even run out of their suit energy, being rendered defenceless.

Yet, when a statue rises before them, the Captain only furrows his brows. The experience with all matters spiritual left him rather.. jaded, so to say- if only because he knows that these creatures act on a whim.

Even if one were to please them, it's unlikely they'll oblige and remain peaceful.

"Alien."

"I am Marcel Delisle, Captain of Achyon's Hand, Imperial Regiment of Barsburg."

A pause, to which he adds.

"We require information on how to reach the rumoured landmark of a temple, through as safe route as possible."

"Refusal to answer will lead to assumption of hostile intent."

Bold, assertive,and some would even say daring- but no experience of dealing with spiritual aliens was a pleasant one.

It's always either taking one down, or submitting it to the point where it would give up and say what they needed.
(Marcel Delisle)

Marcel barely gets to the second part of his speach before a massive fist of an unknown metal flies towards his face. It is slow, but it obviously sets the tone for the rest of these communications.

"Coal that does not burn."

"Be silent, or be fuel."

A massive piece of the earth is taken from the ground, dripping with molten lava. It is hefted upon the giant's shoulder; some kind of makeshift club.

The fire within the golem flares, as a signal of intent.

Burn, or be silent.
[Narrate]

"..."

Spirit entities are the picky, mysterious bunch- even if one were to follow their guidelines, it often results in naught but backlash. Or perhaps..

Marcel was simply too distrustful of these.

"Secure our flanks."

"Do not overextend your engage and ensure that you allow your suit to recover from the excessive heat."

"Attack at once, as a team."

A brief direction given, before the Captain drew his gunbalde; it is immediately pointed towards the creature.

They'll have to pass by force.
(Marcel Delisle)

The thundering footsteps of the second golem compound the problem of this defense mechanism; automatic warriors that shirk even the mightest of efforts to bring them down. The metal that dents and breaks magically reforms itself, as if made of a malliable putty.

But while durable, they are not invincible. The flames within each die every so slightly when they are forced to reform, and Enrica takes this as an advantage to lead a second charge.

A decisive blow that leaves the first tumbling to the ground, it's flame sputtered out. The second falls quicker, and each reverts to a mound of that malliable super-alloy.

The path was clear to proceed.
[Narrate]

A tough battle.

One that is definitely not the last, for he knows that there would be more challenges ahead of them- it wouldn't matter who exactly brings down whatever obstacles are before them.

All that matters is acquiring the final energy source up ahead; the power of the sun in the palm of their hand. Perhaps, it is then that they could create something truly magnificent, something outstanding.

Something great.
But for now..

"Bring it down."

The order was given, and soon, executed; through combined effort of the Imperial soldiers, and the last blow dealt by Enrica, it'd soon find itself falling before the Imperial might. But..

"--Collect leftovers, if you find any."

A brief pause, to which he adds.

"And we should proceed."

"If you're hurt, state so right now."
(Marcel Delisle)

Paths were cleared, and the temple was now in sight. The fire grew hotter, and warning lights begin to grow louder as they approach the archway to enter. It would be wise to [SCAN], and decide what to do next.

An archway leads towards the temple's gate, but blackened bones clearly mark danger. Two paths lead east and west; something must be done to open the way.
[Narrate]

One would be wise to stay cautious in an area such as this.

In all truth, it's expected that there would be a lot of molten traps that could scorch someone to death- the charred skeletons near the gate only suggest to him that attempting to open the gate without first doing something may trigger such traps.

Perhaps there's mechanism to open it.

"Wesley, Nidaz, Klaus - scan east."

"Falk, Enrica, Ksena - scan west."

But for now, Marcel awaits their results- perhaps either side will have inconclusive results, and he'll need to scan as well.
(Marcel Delisle)

Both sources of heat reveal caverns, where runic markings display a line of mana leading towards the central gate. Even with a maser artificer, the time it would take to disrupt the energy would be too long for the suits to handle.

The west cavern reveals a section of charred black feathers, and the right would leave traces of a liquid gold material.

An artificer on the east side may attempt a d20 roll to identify the liquid, while a alchemist may attempt a d20 for the west side to identify the feathers.
[Narrate]

While Marcel idly watches the results of the scan for each side, approaching them as these results show up, he quietly hums to himself- while they would most definitely want to visit the west side as well..

East side seems more important, if only because it's connected to the gate.

"Let's head east. Once we're done, we're heading to west."

"Then, inside the building, assuming we manage to open the gate."

An order was given- Marcel begins his walk to east part.
(Marcel Delisle)

With the liquid seemingly unrecognisable from a glance, Marcel makes the command to send the troops in. The cave is silent apart from the sound of running liquid, and a small reprieve of heat before they spot something terrifying.

An entire room of golden treasure, with a mound of trinkets directly in the center of a river of the same liquid. It would be well and fine, if there wasn't a massive dragon sleeping on the hoard.

Thankfully, it was asleep.

The party has a limited time to attempt to find the power source to half the gate, before disturbing this great creature.

(You have three attempts to [SCAN] parts of the room before Isas-Lar awakens. You do not want that to happen.)
[Narrate]

"And make sure to look around to-"

While heading in, further instructions were given in order for them to locate the power source for the gate, but it seems that would not be what takes their attention the most.

A sleeping dragon, right here?

"..."

"Be quiet.."

A quiet usher spoken, but already he begins to scan the environment- they had to locate the power source.

As soon as possible.
(Marcel Delisle)

Nidaz's scan on the treasure leaves nothing but a few subtle beeps in his helmet, confirming what he already saw.

It was treasure.

Marcel finds the lines of mana, and they lead under the liquid to the pile of treasure. Strangely, a few of the trinkets seemed to be gold in the shape of -human bones-.

Isaz-Lar snorts in his sleep, a caustic yellow gas shooting out and turning part of the wall into the same golden liquid material.
[Narrate]

Klaus, in his attempt to find the source of the mana, kicks a small piece of gold from the archway. It plummits, before it harmlessly makes a 'plink' as it seeps into the liquid gold.

The dragon rolls over, and idly scratches at it's scales with one of it's claws.

They have but a single chance to find the mechanism. Not on the walls, not in the gold. Perhaps..?
[Narrate]

"..."

There's a subtle glare given to Klaus. They were just a moment away from waking up the dragon, but.. when he views what exactly is showing up on his own scan, he can't help but wonder..

Where it is exactly?

It's not on the walls, and not in the gold- yet, it leads under the liquid to the pile of treasure. There's only one probable solution to it, then.

It's inside the dragon - the mechanism likely swallowed up by the beast; and even if it isn't, it's very likely that it's still somewhere under him, or perhaps even buried in the ground.

"It seems like it's either buried under dragon or inside him, or buried deep in treasure hoard."

"One way or another, we cannot disturb it without waking him up."

Or at least, Marcel can't find means to before it'd wake up. Surely they could continue to investigate, but..

For how long it'll remain asleep?

"We cannot risk waking it up. The best we can do is get a drop on it and hopefully wound it to weaken it some."

"So get ready."

"On three. One, two.."

"Three!"

In tandem with the rest, and only in coordinated strike, Marcel strikes out right at the dragon's head- all in hopes to wound it as much as possible before it'd wake up.

If they have no time to investigate, perhaps they could ensure better chances in combat.
(Marcel Delisle)

The golden eyes of the dragon awaken, during Marcel's rush. He lands a blow near it's snout, forcing his head up and a yell of anger to reverberate the cavern walls.

Marcel could see it, upon it's exposed breast. A glowing spot of gold that links towards the runes on the wall.

"My gold, -MY GOLD!- HUMANS HAVE COME FOR WHAT IS MINE, YET AGAIN."

Dark mana falls from it's scales, as it's eyes take a look at every one of them.

All of them feel a part of their strength sapped, as if it was -taken-.

"YOU SHALL SERVE AS A FINE STATUE GARDEN, WHELPS!"
[Narrate]

DOWNS:

Nidaz, Ksena, Wesley: 2

Enrica, Klaus, Falk: 1

Give me a single /roll, Marcel, land the finishing blow.
[Narrate]

To fight a dragon is to face down something horrible.

Something that could very well end with someone's death if they were not careful, and yet they must persevere- through this team effort of the Imperial forces they were able to come out victorious, with the powerful dragon slowly being whittled down.

Until it was weak enough,
until Marcel saw an opportunity.

A force of quickness and raw power alike, one intended to drive the gunblade straight into the beast's head- much akin to the shotgun fashion, the shots were fired point-blank while the blade was carved deeper.

He knew that going for the heart might be a folly- he might not pierce the scales or even secure its death. But the head? It would be a good assurance of such.

Even then, the Captain doesn't rest despite driving the gunblade into its head and firing point blank multiple times- a loud sound is made, when another is fired.

BANG!
Click..
BANG!

A double-tap. Only when he was certain that it's dead, his gaze turned towards the rest, exhaling a tired breath.

"Good work, everyone."

"If you're hurt, report right now- you will be given medication." A pause; soon, he begins approaching towards the mechanism.

Now without the dragon to guard it, it was basically free game- all to open the gates through runework manipulation.
(Marcel Delisle)

The battle is pitched, with the might of Achyon facing a beast of depraved power. Gold flies through the air with every swipe of sword and shot of their guns, breaking away at the scales of Izas-lar until Marcel delivers two taps into the skull of the beast.

Like glass shattering does the body of the dragon begin to petrify and be destroyed, until it falls into the pit of molten gold, melted in the very thing it coveted.

In death, it could keep nothing of it's treasures.

Marcel spots the mechanism; a set of runes around the dragon's golden heart that shatter when it dies. The level of heat in the room lowers, and half of the gate's power is removed.

The only other spot was the cave to the west.
[Narrate]

With the mechanism on this side secured, there was only one more part to do in order to open the gates- hopefully, it would be at least somewhat easier..

Or perhaps, they wouldn't be so badly injured.

"Collect any treasures you can find and let's head west." And assuming something was possible to carry off, Marcel would take it; perhaps it could be worthwhile later.

"Be on the lookout for anything on your way through and remain vigilant."

After all, they could always spot something interesting on their way out.
(Marcel Delisle)

Marcel's intrigue into the feathers reveals that they are on fire, like the rest of the things near this cave. However no part of the feather is actually being consumed; it is in a constant state of burning.

The energy coming from inside the cave is much lighter, not as oppresive as the aura of the cursed dragon.

Do they dare to go inside?
[Narrate]

"Hrm.."

There's a glance towards Nidaz upon careful investigation of the feathers, soon to remark.

"These feathers seem to be unable to burn out fully- you might be interested in collecting those."

After all, he's a fleshcrafter, and surely he could find some use to them eventually, but for now..

The Captain gestures for them to follow along.

To the western cave they go.
(Marcel Delisle)

What they would find within would be a sight that would move even the coldest hearts.

A massive, beautiful Phoenix chained to the wall with bindings of unknown make, covered in the same runes as before. It's wings pinned, and it's gaze low.

It has been here for a long time.

Where as the previous cave had it's mechanism hidden, Marcel identifies the source of the heat transfer; a similar mechanism hidden with the elder Phoenix.It's feathers charred black, rather than the beautiful golden fire that they are known for.

It has not seen the party yet, but it does not look to be able to do much.

How will they proceed?
[Narrate]

"Hm.."

There is some pity to the beast when he sees it, but Marcel is by nature distrustful for all that happened to him- for as much as he pitied people in the past, or creatures, it almost always backfired upon him.

It would be foolish not to learn that lesson. But..

A fair chance is given; while Marcel holds gunblade and begins to approach closer, there's hope that it could hold sapience- either ability to talk, or at least ability to understand what's required of them.

Their group already suffered plethora injuries. Perhaps the combat could be avoided here.

"Creature."

He walks confident to it, but not hostile- the gunblade resting over his shoulder for the time being, after which he continues his speech.

"Do you understand me?"

"If you do, nod your head."

And if it doesn't understand speech, there's another potential as to how it could understand what they're doing, but..

That's another story.
(Marcel Delisle)

The head of the Phoenix rises upon Marcel making his presence known, and a telepathic message rings out within the minds of all in attendance.

"Free me, Humans! I have been trapped here for over a thousand years as naught but a -power source- for that temple. Never given a chance to be reborn. You must strike me down, and I will finally ressurect."

"A tuft of my down I shall grant you, if you do this for me."

Parts of it's body had armor forcibly wielded to it; blackened stone that exerted the same pressure as the runes.
[Narrate]

It would be a mercy to strike down the Phoenix, but..

Marcel is not that eager to show mercy just yet. While he approaches closer, there seems to be no hostility behind his walk- instead, a mere approach to communicate with the Phoenix better.

"I can sympathize with that."

"But where you ask to take care of you, I also have my own people to take care of."

Where exactly the Captain was going with this? It should become self-evident, but nonetheless he makes it clear.

"The dragon that guarded the eastern part was not chained down, yet he possessed power source similar to yours. Why chain you down, but allow him to be at peace?"

After all, the Phoenix could be treacherous.

"What will happen to the gate if I were to strike you down? Will it open?"

Another pause.

"And perhaps the most important.."

"Will you leave us be, or will you attack us, should we free you?"

"Promise that you won't become hostile."
(Marcel Delisle)

It's gaze is fierce, long had it been locked away within the depths of this temple that it only recognized the fact that these were mortals; Barsburg was something far too new to understand as a threat.

"The dragon was satisfied with it's curse, but I would not bend so easily. The Firelord saw fit to bind me to this wall, so that I could not recover my strength by rebirth."

Eyes go to Nidaz, however, and the creature begins to struggle fiercely.

"The depravity of your subject is writ upon his very soul. I would rather be bound here forever, than run the risk of being that thing's pawn. An antithesis to all I stand for!"

"That gate will incinerate you, the moment you step through it while I am connected. A worthy fate for something as hollow as him!"

It was incredibly displeased with Nidaz.

"You will begin my rebirth now, and take a tuft of my down. Should that blight attempt anything, I will destroy the lot of you."
(Elder Phoenix)

"Hrm.."

There's a glance given over to Nidaz. Seeing that the Phoenix was clearly concerned about the presence of Nidaz here, it would mean that it could serve as a leverage.

To ensure that the Phoenix would abide by their agreement.

"The world for the mortals has changed."

"The depravity you speak of no longer matters - only results do." He begins to approach closer.

"But.."

"I will give the benefit of the doubt to your words - like strangers that trust each other's word out of good will, and do not harm one another in return."

"I will trust that the gate will truly become disabled, should you be no longer bound to it- and that with your rebirth after physical death, you will not become hostile."

The gunblade is steadily shifted over- Marcel approaches even closer, nearing the side of the Phoenix.

"In return, he will not do anything to you. With physical death, you will be free."

"Hold onto your word, and I will hold onto mine."

The gunblade is elevated afterward- assuming that the Phoenix does not begin to thrash, or suddenly does not go back on the deal..

It would be driven into its heart, all to end its physical body.
(Marcel Delisle)

Marcel's blade plunges into the heart of the Phoenix, and it's final deathcry fills the chambers with sorrow. It's essence falls from it's wings and true flesh into a pile onto the ground, an ash that glows with a positive force.

Much like the legends, a Phoenix never truly dies.

In glorious flame is it born anew, rising from it's ashes with a beat of proudful wings. Purer than before, without the runes that bound it to the defense of the temple.

It gives a single look to Marcel, eyes hyper-focusing on the Achyon commander. It was not nearly as strong as it was before, but it's life was given anew.

"Our deal persists, child of man."

It's claw grasps at a handful of it's plumage, and the feathers are slowly given to the commander. With fiery wingbeat does it ascend, and make an exit outside of the cave.

"Should the evil that persists in that one threaten me again, you can be sure that I will not hesitate."
[Narrate]

There is but a nod at Nidaz- further threats were not necessary here, a gesture for him to be silent for the time being, namely because they're better off leaving this without combat.

After all, their party was already quite injured.

"Very well." His gaze turns back to Phoenix, soon to add.

"Enjoy your freedom."

And with that, Marcel turns towards the direction of the gate- hopefully it would be open just as the Phoenix promised.

"Team, we've got work to do. Let's move out."
(Marcel Delisle)

The final power source was down, and the trap had been deactivated. The party could move into the inner room of the temple.

Sensors were going wild; it was actually rather livable here! Yet, the tomb in the center of the room gave off more heat than the theoretical surface of the sun. Something inside it was so hot, that the number returned was written in scientific notation.

How they would proceed would up be to Marcel.
[Narrate]

Is this it?

Is this what Marcel was looking for? The heat so great that it could melt people alive in an instant.. the possibility of such great power that it could defy the boundaries of what's possible and what isn't possible.

The power of the sun,
in the palm of their hand.

It was seductive power- enough to tempt him to immediately approach, and begin investigation, but.. already he knew that he couldn't just open that sealed tomb. That would be impossible.

Instead, they'd have to figure out how to carve out the tomb from its place - and then transport it back to Achyon.

"Begin scanning surroundings. All of you."

"I'm suspicious about this. Something is likely lurking in the dark, or protecting this place."

It's impossible that there would be naught. Quite frankly, he would be very surprised if there's nothing..

And yet, he does exactly what he ordered, already utilizing his suit to scan the area.
(Marcel Delisle)

Alarms of all nature flash immediatly as scans of the temple commence. The crypt begins to leak an unknown type of mana as the lid slides, revealing a scepter of untold power.

A scepter, and the hand who clutches onto it.

"Too soon..."

"You have awoken me too soon, mortals!"

A man of ash, rising from the crypt with the scepter in one hand, and an orb of unknown strength in the other. The readings return null for the latter; as if Achyon had never seen this type of mana before.

"That you would halt the spread of Ifraheim, servants of Uraheim! No matter, this place shall burn eternal for the sin of your tresspassing!"

With the rising of the scepter, the magma under the land begins to violently rupture. He calls all of the mana of flame to suffocate Marcel and his troops, and for the fire to spread to the rest of Esshar.

"Be glad! Your final moments shall see the ascension of Lord Pyrannus, Firelord of Ifraheim!"
[Narrate]

To say that Marcel became alert immediately would be saying nothing.

At the reading of such unknown mana, the gunblade was immediately drawn, soon to be pointed at the direction of the emerging figure. Would it even have any point to state that they're not the servants of Uraheim?

One way or another, they're here for the power source.

"Team, regroup!"

"Make a formation and brace for the impact. Do not allow it to make you rout, or else it'll pick us off one by one."

"Fire at will with all you have."

There would be no hesitation from the Captain. After they've come so far, backing off now would be akin to a crime, wasting all of their effort and all of what they accomplished.

That could not be allowed. That cannot happen.

It just won't, not for as long as he stands.
(Marcel Delisle)

DOWNS:

Klaus: 2

Everyone else: 1

Give me a single roll. Injuries will be far more severe, due to the intense heat of the Dojre of the Sun.
[Narrate]

It was close.

Too close to comfort. The lord of Ifraheim was an enemy to not trifle with, and had this continued for any longer, then perhaps one of them could even die- but what seems rather apparent to him is the fact that none of them would come out entirely unharmed. But..

This power would be worth it, right?

The Captain fights with experience and quickness unparalleled to most, but even the old war veteran like him could make a slip, a mistake that'd cost him all too much- a powerful blow in which he's caught amidst the fighting, thunder and lightning striking back at the Ifraheim Lord in response, but..

A crack.

That blow was powerful enough to shatter his ribs, and it is only through extreme conditioning that he's able to endure it- a pained visage that lingers on his expression for a while, yet it already sets him up for something far worse.

Not as quick with his ribs broken, he's eventually caught within a grasp of the Firelord- only for the scorching flames to go all the way to his face.

"Aaaaaa-"


"AAAAHH!"


A clear attempt to kill the Captain- to burn through his head and execute him on spot; it is with interruption of the other soldiers and his own efforts to thrash away that he managed to survive.

Fighting almost blind, throwing the winds and lightning only to the direction of sound- far from being as accurate. Soon, with the Firelord defeated at last, he remarks.

"I can't- I can't see.."

At least, not until these horrid burns are treated- soon to be turned towards more scars added all over his features.

"The power core-"

"Bring it to me.."

It must not evade Delisle's hands. Even if the order is one not listened to, he struggles to keep his eyes open against the searing pain.

He'll find it himself, if he has to.
(Marcel Delisle)

The folly of a king, is if one lacked any kingdom to rule.

Pyrannus fights as a warrior possessed, unwilling to lose those two treasures he had aquired. Yet, the combined strength of the machine is more than enough to match the power of the Dorje in his hands. A scepter spewing flames of purest quality, utterly unlimited in power.

Klaus, Falk, Nidaz, Marcel, Enrica and Wesley: their combined might together is enough to put the mad tyrant down, before his power corrupts the land further. When the final blow is sealed, both of his artifacts fall to the ground, and he reaches for them as his body turns to ash.

He cannot speak, but his folly stays with him as his body is reduced to a black powder, The temple rumbles; they may stay here for few seconds longer.

Without a source of invasive mana, the land will heal, in time. But Marcel has what he came for; an object of otherworldy power and a shard of divine mana, each barely understood in scope.

In a hundred years, this place may be livable yet again.

[EVENT OVER]
[Narrate]