chaos 24 - turning ban against huangzhou

Arthur Rowan says, "Oh, right. Ban."


Ban Heifang says, "Arthur."

Arthur Rowan says, "Come along."
"I'm cursed. I'm becoming no longer capable to fully act on my own."

The two of them approach the Statue, and even though it may be something that Ban has no faith in- that of Azrael- the Necromancer looks up to it; when he does, his eyes flare up with distinctive, odd blue... almost as if something sparked within. Still, he turns back to Ban, and before he could utter anything in response to Arthur's words, he exclaims.

"That is why I decided to bring you to something... better."

"But in return, you'll need to act in my will. Gladly, our views align - I do not see Huangzhou butchered, but... their war efforts must be quelled."

"The war efforts by your brother."

Surely, even with Arthur's influence upon him, this would not be an easy decision to make... though, for some reason, it hardly feels as if there's any influence at all, to begin with. Why? Is Necromancer no longer attempting to issue commands to him?

"I need you to put the brakes in Huangzhou assaults upon our lands. Soon, my people are counter-attacking for their previous assaults."

"Capture anyone you can. If it's your brother... while it would be a lie to say that I would let him go, but I will let you decide his fate, within certain limits."

He turns.

"Do you agree? Do you wish for greater blessing for this favour?"
(Arthur Rowan)

Bei Rowan drops Earth Crystal x1.

Bei Rowan picks up Earth Crystal.

The melancholy that permeated Ban's bearing and very own new existence was . . dulling, almost analgesic to that which surrounded him and would, perhaps, in times prior to this moment, cause woe to his sight and awareness. The statue of Azrael is, therefore, wholly disregarded.

Since the moment of his turning, and henceforth, the world had become much easier to ignore, and creatures of mundane ambit and otherwise felt far more distinctive, as if it was in his programming, as an offspring of Undeath, to be keen on that.

A rasped, labored sigh escapes outwards to his lips very vagariously, almost if it was effortful.

"Have you- tried diplomatic efforts, after Simora's passing? My brother is . . a reasonable creature, not led and reigned over by bloodlust and a want for war like Hayashi. If the correct terms are made, even Huangzhou would be willing to stall and lend you their ears."

"If not- yes, I will capture my brother, and I request that I may keep him alive and unharmed, even within our dungeons, or whatever sites you restrain him to."
(Ban Heifang)

Cazula  drops Newbie Shirt.

Cazula  drops Newbie Pants.

Cazula  drops Newbie Boots.

"I had not. Frankly, I think it may be too late... but if you wish to reach out to him, feel free to do so. Otherwise, he's a renowned magi of Order, whether you know that or not... as his opposing side of coin when it comes to Arcane, I sense that."

"I sense that vividly."

It would be a fatal mistake to assume that Huangzhou are willing to negotiate... that they're willing to actually put up with Dawn, considering that Vampires are still here- for obvious reasons too, as they've served as important allies so far. Yet, such thought flares up in his mind, and while it does flicker, it doesn't last for long - too much happened to think this could have a go.

"Then you have that wish granted."

"It matters not to me what specifically happens to Zeriel after he's captured. For as long as he's removed from leadership, for as long as he may no longer lead Huangzhou to battle against me and my people... then he can live. He can remain bound, but safe and sound."

"Provided you can ensure that he would remain thoroughly restrained."

That's where difficulties come. No doubt someone would attempt to break him out, or even attack Ban himself- or perhaps, his own brother would- but a pleased nod follows as confirmation to his request, and a single mutter.

"Close your eyes."
"You'll awaken as something else."
(Arthur Rowan)

"Then I am bound by honor and accord to fulfill our agreement."

The line is almost spat through a yell, although it is forcibly kept to more monotone, stifled tones- a piercing light to puncture through the dull obscurity of his lethargy, to make his voice heard, and let the man know there would be credit in his dignity, which he has put rather decisive stakes on.

Ban's eyes shut close, and his form almost limps, overdue to succumb to the stress of his crumbling form. Whatever boon Arthur pours inwards to the Heifang's organism, however, stalls the tumble, and the late investigator's body pitches forth, yanked by an invisible hale, invigorating it into preserving action.

An unsullied, flawless body, not as scarce of life and susceptible to the lamentable chagrins and wretched pains of his prior state. His eyes open, revealing a hueless gaze that, although monochromatic and deeply obscure just the same, had a silvery tingle of life within it.

"Our deal is sealed."
(Ban Heifang)

A sharp inhale beneath the mask. It's barely visible, but his eyes close beneath the mask, covered by the inner darkness- soon, it flares up with blue, glowing bright, brighter, up until that glow begins to channel through his hands, and two of them extend upon Ban's shoulders - but rather than sickening, corrupt feeling of being revived...

A surge of life. Something that he hasn't felt for a while, surely. It comes about not as purity of life itself, obviously... but with how it could be perceived, with how potent this power is, it might as well be the second rebirth. A second chance for Ban to live his life, without any restraints or disabilities that come from being Undead.

"A single touch..."
"And you will bloom."

The flesh of the revenant began to rapidly heal as they spoke. The signs of rot were retreating, the blackened flesh struggling to persist but shoved aside with the magic, the wounds that may have come with death rapidly closing up. The life itself was seemingly returning, almost.. and while he remained mostly pale, lacking the flush of life, there's something else that gives him a different sign.

A feel of a breeze against his cheek.

Did he just feel with his skin? Did his sensations come back to him? It certainly could be judged that way - with each passing moment, piece by piece he was restored to being whole, no longer suffering the effects of Undeath, save for very intricate ones... but there's no limit to perfection.

Yet he was Excellence.

"It is new you."
"It is my gift."
"Open your eyes and gaze upon it."
(Arthur Rowan)

Between the fluxes of necromantic energy that sensation of being made alive, there was much to be torn about. The truth of undeath being undeath and nothing more was largely agreed upon, even by most practitioner of Arthur's craft, and yet, this felt vastly different.

The tips of his fingers and every other edge that had been numb is stung by hundreds of needles that trail and prickle. The thrill of recharted territory, made to sense again.

"Is this-"

Yes. Artificial. Not meant to be. Vile. A break in their rules.

And yet, it felt nigh the same, only defiled by the awareness of what he was, himself.

"This is it."

"Thank you."
(Ban Heifang)

Now, to see how it all pays off.

Every blessing caused a strain upon Necromancer, even if temporary. What flared as a blue light from his eyes, now subsided, his hues momentarily shutting- if only to be re-opened again, gazing upon Ban and simply nodding.

"Yes... yes..."

A sharp inhale. What started as a lot of effort on his behalf, now took a moment from him to rest- as powerful as he was, he still remained by no means a Divine... a human, who happened to be able to defy Death like this.

"Now..."

"Now march. Uphold your agreement. Our forces are striking soon... consider this your testing ground."
(Arthur Rowan)