Activating the Gem

So close to completion.

Now that the Statue and all relevant parts to it were completed, there were only two things left that need to be done - the first one is activation of the Gem, which required the use of Azrael's Holy Art, and another is actually giving such a test run. Though, the step they were about to perform certainly required powerful Necromancers, and because of that Arthur brought Cho along.

If he were working alone on this? The effect may not have been as good as it otherwise would be.

"I believe the Statue and all necessary components are finished. The Obelisks are fuelling the process, the centrifuge and Heart are working, and Spire Shard pours the Divinity necessary to do what we want with it."

"I recall that the Oscuri on the island was a Necromancer himself, but he rushed the process and did it without any preparation - with no steps that we took so far. Our case should go much better."

"From what I understand, we're supposed to attune ourselves to the Gem and tap into it's potential to influence souls to become eternal. Do you have experience with anything like this?"
(Arthur Rowan)


 "Attuning yourself to a certain object is risky." She states, pressing her lips together in idle thought. "If it can be stolen or destroyed easily-...You'd have no choice but to expect the worse, especially since people are rather fickle." In the end, she believes that this method is...Odd. "You don't simply 'create' eternals by attuning yourself to a rock or anything of that nature. And while yes, this- " she gestures to the statue " -Might assist, it is mostly up to your own power to reach such heights." A simple nod is given.

 "When I have worked on others, it required a different ritual...Soul transference and the use of my own husband." She adds, nodding once, twice. "However, I imagine with the things that we possess....This could make the difference in the whole process. Ultimately though, Arthur, I'm just as new to this as you are." Her smile widens, if only briefly. "It'd be something that we'd have to find out as we go along..." She adds, bowing her head..

 "If you'd like to direct us, mhhn, that would be perfect. I imagine that once we've all successfully attuned, we'll be able to do as you say-...As far as create better undead at the expense of giving." But...Giving what? Bodies? Mana?...Or more?


(Cho Grauhimmel)

Perhaps there's a misunderstanding in concepts or what Arthur was planning to do- it's understandable why, considering that the word 'attuning' usually means that one would get attached to something on a permanent basis, for good or wrong. He does not rush to debunk what she said, and carefully listens to her own experiences, but once she's finished, it's time for him to speak.

"Not quite what I meant."

"Attuning yourself to this rock is dangerous, yes. And as a matter of fact, I do not believe that it's just as easy as that. The Oscuri Necromancer, back on the island, used the Gem's power without any precaution or adjusted settings - he didn't build Obelisks, he did not use Spirit Shards or Soulsteel encasing to empower it, nor he used Spire Shard to direct the purpose and power."

"But we? We shall."

Though, he pauses. His gaze is directed up to the Heart of the Statue, still yet exposed- although heavily guarded- in order to be worked on easily from the safe reach. In a moment of observation, he exclaims.

"Here's what I planned to do--"

"We will activate the Gem through the usage of Necromancy, by tapping into it to use it. While we're at it, we will utilize Spire Shard's power to command how it works, specifically, attune it towards persistence of souls in their pure form on this world."

"It's to overpower the magical rot within, and essentially, make an attempt to disable it."

Briefly, his eyes peer towards Gideon. It's a good thing he's here - he could use all Necromancers for additional source of power for this.

"Ah, you're here, Gideon."

"Join us on the ritual."
(Arthur Rowan)

She understands that the souls are somewhat sentient. Because in some strange way, they have to be tricked to return back to the body and, sometimes, they have to be forced into leaving the afterlife. If there is something inside of the soul that acts like a 'switch' and makes it seem as if the magical rot could go off...Then she'd most certainly attempt to grasp onto it herself. But while she most certainly believes that the key to fixing Necromancy revolves around a large amount of mana....Even she knows that sometimes, things can be shortcutted. And so, she believes within this project.

 A simple, gentle nod is given as she speaks. "Commanding divinity to give the gem a directive." She pauses, her gaze flickering to that of the statue and it's entirety. "I suppose that it could work-..." Although, she'd continue to use the spireshard as a means tobe a 'filter'...However...

 "We'll be doing this by runes, yes? Or-...Is there something else that you desire to try?"
(Cho Grauhimmel)

As Gideon casually strolled over towards the ritual that was taking place he would take in the words of both Cho and Arthur. Introspecting on what he felt Arthur was trying to do...Perhaps if he had shared his plans with more people they could've better decided the use of the Statue before this. Gideon sighed if it was able to make more suitable undead he left it at that.

" From the sound of things you plan to create a beacon for souls? One that will call down the soul aiding in Necromancy and purify the rot and death that corrupts it leaving the soul in a 'nearly' living state...If that is what I am to understand then yes I agree with Lady Cho we might have to offer it something of equal strength to do such a thing." Gideon was just going along with he flow here he had no intention of curing magical rot or making fully living undead. However if what he thought was possible is possible all things can be turned towards the darkness in time.

As Gideon joined the ritual circle he allowed his magics to flow, Arcane corruption began to permeate around him. Along with he green flame of reika consumed him until it was warped into majestic emerald wings only surpassed by his Morninglords." Tell me what to do and I'll do it. However I hope we're all on the same page on this otherwise it could be catastrophic..." He left things at that for now, He'd begin a prayer towards Azrael...where Arthur and Cho may not have been as devout and called on other forces to give life into others he called on none other than his death god. his skin vibrated with ethereal energies Reika danced along as his wings and his own magic would stand ready to help with the ritual.
(Gideon Ruger)

What did he just walk in on?

A large circle of sorts was over the grass below them, and three extremely powerful Magi sat inside of it, their own powers lurching out at massive levels. What were they doing?

First, he noticed Gideon. He'd never seen the man display this sort of power before. If he had wanted help, he was sure the boy would've been sought out for and asked personally. This seemed like a job bigger than him for the time being. Though it spiked his curiosity on necromancy even further.

Seeing a gem in their possession, he wondered if that was going to act as the tether between whatever they were reanimating. But what exactly was it a tether to? What had a gem embowed in it's body? It almost frightened him. He was sure they could handle it.

For now, he sits aside, awaiting order if he could help in any way.
(Asiro Katamo)

Runes indeed had the best directives.

There were other things, other methods that they could all try. As a matter of fact, there was no real guarantee that this project would even work, to begin with, but after witnessing the Gem's power first hand, there's absolutely no way it can make no shift in terms of cutting off the magical rot- or at the very least, severely decreasing how effective it is. At least, some progress must be made, right?

"The artefact is called 'The Morninglord's Dream', and after witnessing how that Oscuri used it, I believe it's powerful enough to actually overpower the magical rot. In fact, it could already keep the souls tied to this world, defying the effects of death... and again, that's without many other things we have to empower the project."

"On top of rushed work he's done. We can certainly do much better."

After so many times he's channelled the works of his magic through runes, they acquired a much more permanent basis on their effect; this time around, they must tap into the Gem, and rewrite the effect towards sustenance of souls and disability of the magical rot with the Spire Shard.

It won't be easy, but it can be done.

"Gideon, Cho. Here's what we're going to do."

"At first, we will all tap into Gem's power in any way we can. Gideon does not know the runes, so he can tap into any way possible, while me and Cho will employ the runes. Try to follow up on our work, Gideon."

"After that, Gideon is to maintain the Gem's work through his mana. As Oscuri, he must have the biggest influence upon it - while me and Cho will use the Spire Shard to shift the purpose towards sustenance of souls, and activate the Heart to empower it."

"Is that clear?"
(Arthur Rowan)

There are things that she regrets within her lifetime. And one of them would be feeling as if this was not something that she would want- not in reference to that of the statue, but in reference to those that are around at this particular moment. She once believed that the lot of these Valmasians were not unified. She once believed that they hated each other to the point of that they'd turn against themselves at the drop of the hat. But she should have known that just because there are a few bad ones-...It doesn't mean that the entire work is ruined. There are gems amongst these people and each of them have proven their worth through work and toil.

 These thoughts, however, soon finish as she nods silently. "Sorry- mhh..I wasn't there for the gathering of this artifact in general." A gentle smile would appear upon the necromancer's lip as her fingertips would dance idly, tapping. "If it does as you say...Then I believe that we can begin on work once more. Would you rather me tell you which runes I think would be good for commanding the gem- It shouldn't be too difficult since the Obelisks have done most of it.." She adds, nodding once, twice.

 "This would be nothing more than a mere 'crutch'...A fail safe, in the event that the obelisks do not work. It'll reinforce the idea and directive." Her smile widens as she nods.

 "So, yes, when you both are ready, we'll begin."
(Cho Grauhimmel)

Orders were given and orders would be followed, Energy magic was one the Oscuri's strongest attributes able to conjure it with merely willing to defend the ideals and show love to the morninglord. He could sustain the gem for a decent amount of time while the two scribes worked.

"Very well, That I can do..."

He thought about the process and figured it would be within his grasp to do something like this however Arthur misunderstood a key fact." Do remember Arthur I am a child of the morninglord Attuning to one of his gifts were meant to be found and used by Oscuri runes aren't required for me to gain access to its secrets." After a wry smile he simply fell inline, The wings of reika began to beat as he stood at the ready for A flame of reika at both his sides, and a prayer spoken in whispers on his lips.


"Azrael...the great father of death I as your child embrace your will, I follow in your footsteps and within them I find the glory of death, Within them I proceed to claim victory over those who would destroy our nation built on your wisdom and the birth place of power that you will soon claim as your own...instill in me the joy of corruption the stain of this world will be removed and one less crack of this broken existence will be sealed when you arrive. " He was ready to begin at Arthur's call.
(Gideon Ruger)

As much as Gideon was ready to convince Arthur that none of this was necessary, simply because he was a child of Azrael, he did not listen; he was there to witness it all, he was there to see it with his own eyes just how cursed the Gem turned out to be in the hands of those that were not careful. In no day ever he would drop his guard and allow for the same mistakes of old to repeat again.

"No, Gideon. This is necessary. Trust me in that."

Promptly, his head turned towards Cho with a nod and following that, the muffled voice of a man inside the mask spoke out once more.

"What are the runes that would be most fitting, in your opinion? We'll need to channel the power of said runes. Even though Obelisks are already constantly seeping their power, I don't think that it would be enough."

"We're talking about Azrael's relic, after all. We will need all of those Obelisks, the SpiritShards and Soulsteel, our combined power, and even the Spire Shard to drive it to the purpose we want."

He does not waste any time. Through the pure form of bloodmancy, the flesh on Arthur's hands seem to be slightly exposed, the stream of blood lurking up infront of him, carried by the steam of invisible force. It appears he was preparing to lay the runes with nothing less of his own lifeforce, his own blood.

"On you, Cho."
(Arthur Rowan)

"We'll have to establish interaction between the spire shard and the gem entirely." Her lips press together- both hands now reaching out to smooth over the statue's tough marble. "I believe, in this case, we'll have to bring a positive relationship through the runes of Kenaz, Gebo, Laguz, and Othala." She smiles, if only for the moment-- her fingertips drifting. "The meaning of Kenaz is 'knowledge', really...It would bring about a nearly sentient factor to the statue, where as Laguz creates a 'flow' of exchange from one end to the other...Bringing about Othala, the ancestral power of the Morninglord himself." Seems rather simple, right?

 "Ultimately, while I say that too much preparation isn't a bad thing...In this case, I fear that if we bring about too many runes to the creation, it'll simply muddle the effect with all of the interaction, so, I've simply provided four more that'll establish all that we need." She adds, nodding once, twice.

 "If you are not satisfied, you can add more-...But I implore you to be careful and selective with what you choose." She says while withdrawing a single dagger from her satchel...

 "Now, if you're ready...Let's begin." And with that, she starts the first cut upon her flesh. "I'll do Kenaz and Gebo while you set up Laguz and Othala."
(Cho Grauhimmel)

Gathering too many runes was never a good idea either.

A simple nod of agreement was offered towards Cho, before Arthur switched his attention towards the Statue. The air infront of him, laced with the crimson liquid he exposed from his flesh, was now directed towards the structure between the Spire Shard and the Gem, all to direct his magic better through the runeworks.

"Very well. We'll do these runes, then."

"Gideon, be sure you establish the connection towards the Gem as well. While you're going to be upholding the Gem's work and make sure that it's active, we're going to work on re-writing the purpose towards sustenance of souls."

So much blood spilled over countless years of developing new means of Necromancy. But even now, he wouldn't back out, no matter how much strain or pressure it brings upon him. Drawing the runic symbols of 'Laguz',the runes were laid upon the construction of Gem and Spire Shard, laying the necessary ground and foundation to re-write the purpose more efficiently; soon enough, the 'Othala' followed, engraved in crimson with utmost precision.

"--Ah, Nihilexia. You're here."

"Assist Gideon with what he's doing. You'll need to tap into the Gem to keep it active."
(Arthur Rowan)

Gideon would clasp his hands together drawing forth more of the emerald Reika to his body as he prepared to influence the gem and allow himself to tap into it the only way he knew how. By sharing his blessings given to him by the Morninglord.

As he moved closer within his Reika the gem would no doubt vibrate as he began to tap into its energies. Swirling vortex of emerald flames surrounded the gem. Suspended by Gideon's telekinetic power it stood level enough for both Arthur and Cho to connect their runes to it. As Gideon continued to empower and maintain the energy flow he chanted in prayer."Where there is death there is power, Azrael gives my soul dominion over the dead let the light he created to be shown towards all, A new Dawn will rise one filled with the suffering of those who oppose his name, the morninglord mercy will be given to those who carried his words of wisdom...and immortality will be given to the most devout of his warriors who fought alongside him erased all doubt and fears of the False creator's name. "

Lasers of energy magic would begin to reflect of the gem, Had it not been for the high concentration of Reika Gideon possessed it would have perhaps consumed him to use the artifact in this manner yet still he persisted if this keeping a firm grasp on the energies that be within keeping the object shrouded in a sphere of his power while the two scribes did their jobs

He drifted in the air almost in a haze like a winged Avenger only doing the bidding of his morninglord he continued to chant his prayer loosely following Arthur's commands but doing enough that he could recognize them.
(Gideon Ruger)

Having been preoccupied, Lexia arrives at the location of the ritual, looking up at the statue as each of them worked their magics upon it. She listened to her partners prayer, approaching the structure in her silence as silver hair is brushed from her visage by the breeze.

Calling upon her faith in the morninglord, extending her gauntleted hand forward she begins a silent prayer of her own. Bawling gauntleted fingers into a fist, the purple gem surrounded by runes begins to glow brightly as miasma like tendrils begin to pour from it.

As her magic touched the gem itself, tendrils of necromantic energy trailing the edges of the artifact she could feel its' pull, the power of the object fluctuating as energy came to it from the Oscuri and the Sarradian.

Closing her eyes she exhales softly, doing her best to keep focused, trails of mist escaping her lips and swirl visibly in the air. Holding her focus out she completes the connection, using her power alongside Gideons to help temper it allowing Cho and the Adjudicator to work with the runes they completed.
(Nihilexia Wight)

Drip, drip, drip.

 Perhaps, they already know about her current situation- perhaps, many of them already realize the reasons as to why she seemingly does not age in comparison to the rest of the populace. Or maybe, one might deduce that it was simply her illusion magic that would cause all of the difference. Either way, she in terms of becoming an eternal....She feels as if such life would be dreary, especially considering one would be forced to watch their own reach their potential, grow old, and then falter underneath the pressure of the world. And within her own studies, she fears that only a one or two might ever ascend to become something more. And in the event, she believes that many things will change. As of now though, the blood continues steadily....It rolls forth upon the constructs, her fingertips easing steadily, glistening, glowing as incantations spill past her lips.

Father-...It is your will. Those around would be able to catch the tail-end of her own prophetic words as she finishes Kenaz and rounds off on Gebo once more...Going over her work, easing the steady flow of mana and more into the inner-workings as the connection glimmers and glistens.

 The runes themselves bring about an intensity- a living, thrumming heat, as if it were a true 'heart'. The pulsing, the livelihood...Now all that is left is to attempt to do what the Rowan had desired upon that of a Magi to see if they are successful...But first...

 "To ensure all things are well-...I believe that you should use the body that the girl captured from the vampires. Allow the sacrifice to go through and then we can attempt. If you need assistance in doing so, it shouldn't be too difficult." After all, the statue would be devouring mostly the leylines of the woman. All else could be recycled and use for other purposes and intentions.
(Cho Grauhimmel)

With overwhelming support of Obelisks, of other magi, it almost feels as if something... snaps.

Perhaps he worked well enough to ensure that the project with Statue goes well, or perhaps the overbearing amount of mana from so many sources caused the effect to be this great, but even now he could almost feel the Azrael's artefact mending and its purpose slowly shifting towards the one they desired.

Not that the Gem had vastly different purpose anyway - after all, it was all about preserving souls in perfect state. How's their goal much different?

He can still remember all of it- how he faced off against Oscuri and the Archon, how due to Gem's influence their bodies refused to rot and die, how that power alone managed to sustain them for hundreds of years - and that's with a rushed, unprepared ritual. Their attempt is bound to be a success.

'First one to notice,
Christen my motive.'

A silent prayer offered, barely heard at all, save for those that stood nearby- even then, a sharp exhale follows that, enough to cover up whatever words he's spoken, and his eyes turn towards Cho.

"Do you think we should proceed with sacrifice now, in that case, or should we wait until we actually attempt first usage of the Morninglord's Dream?"
(Arthur Rowan)

Asiro was confused..

There was so much going on inside the circle at this point, and there was so much power being tossed around. It almost made him fall to his knees due to the pressure he could feel on his body. Who or what were they trying to reanimate? Gideon could do such things alone.. this must be something much bigger.

Energy begins escaping the crystal.

Did they have it under control, he wondered. As the light wisped past him the darkness that surrounded himself writhed in pain, moving back towards him. Asiro simply watched calmly. This was no time to lost his mind. Especially if he couldn't do anything to begin with.

Hearing the others mutter their own prayers, the boy would lower his head. If Azreal was truly there, he'd hear the boys words, hoping that they were indeed successful and safe in the end, for his judgement on them would be that of greatness, he had hoped.
(Asiro Katamo)

Gideon continued to pour his energies into the artifact as he stood floating above them he began to feel his energy waiver however he still kept it shrouded within his power, Pushing past his limits would be required it seemed. As he descended back towards the others he looked towards Arthur to see the construct was nearly completed.

" Well it seems we're nearly done here....I would have to say if we are to be sure it works a sacrifice would be the best option. As well as a test to make sure it works as we intended it to." Gideon was slowly allowing his power to slowly return to him Seeing as the final part of the puzzle was nearly completed.

" Also a suggestion, We should give this creation a more fitting name rather than calling it a statue. Something that will invoke fear and honor Azrael's name at the same time. Something that all the souls of Dawn will fall into despite their deaths this beacon will call them back to us where we can revive them whole again..." it was clear Gideon was half awaken most of his mind was lulled away within a vision...Even his emerald wings slowly faded yet still persisted to burn brightly..Yet still his eccentric behavior wasn't sealed away within his mind. Yet he stood calm and awaited more orders.

(Gideon Ruger)

The power was tremendous, never truly having been connected to something that radiated such magical potency, the artifact, the shard, the energy put out by Cho, Arthur, Gideon and herself. She continues to steady the flow of her magic, trying not to wear herself out as the air around her froze.

Memories of the fortress flashed through her minds eye, the spirits forever trapped to an island by the power, the sensation when they set foot and the sheer power of the Archon they faced. It was all meant to lead up to this point, having been a major factor in her perfecting the necromantic arts.

Keeping her silence and exhaling, no longer feeling such pain from her previous injury allowed her to push herself further. Opening her eyes she glances toward Cho, then Arthur as they completed the runes. Watching as Gideon did best to hide his exhaustion, already discussing a proper name for the object as he finished his part.

She too called her power back, slowly so as not toupset the balance of the statue though still keeping it at the ready incase something were to happen, after all she did not truly know what to expect from this.
(Nihilexia Wight)

"It's necessary to start with the sacrifice." She states while beginning to dig within her satchel, withdrawing bandages to cover up the wound upon her palm. "In some instances, it might even be best to allow the statue to 'sit' upon the mana collected....In that way, you might get a more 'natural' and 'honest' extraction of information." In essence, she felt as if this project was similar to her own Willow Tree...Which also reminded her that she should, perhaps, expand upon it's own worth. Considering that she's capable of making humonculus… Maybe it's time for her to truly push the envelope and go even further with her own findings.

 With nothing more than a wave of the hand, the woman would have summoned several statue at once...Many of them already 'geared' and prepared for war with bows and arrows, others, with large swords... "I believe that the name will come, mmmhhn, in due time, unless you've got any suggestions." She adds, her smile widening considerably as she sends them away to retrieve the fallen body of a vampire's thrall.

 "If not, then I think it'd be appropriate to give her something that reflects the city and what we stand for." The rising after falling, the new day, the 'dawn' of something terribly, terribly great. All in all though, it's ultimately up to the children.

 "In any case, here's the body...I'll let you do the honors yourself, Sir Rowan."
(Cho Grauhimmel)

Perhaps it is the best solution, after all.

To start with the sacrifice would mean that there's much bigger chance that the Gem would be attuned correctly, and after all, the relic seems to have taken something in the past as well; while it consumed all these souls and spirits from the past, especially due to lack of the preparation, at least something had to be given up regardless.

"Hm. I suppose you're right. We shall continue with the sacrifice, but for now--"

"I have one thing to tend to, and I'll update you soon enough once we're going to continue."

Without much time spent, he gestures for his own Undead to retrieve the body and to keep it next to the Statue. A simple nod, and he retreats elsewhere, his eyes turned to the trio of the others.

"Soon."
(Arthur Rowan)