[MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Extreme =&gt; Extreme Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Ajoxer on 07-04-2009, 00:12:29</h2>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>[MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>07-04-2009, 00:12:29</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: impact;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 3.95em;" class="bbc_size">Setting Up Shop</span></span><br><br>A new night dawns on Nexus. The sky is bright with reflections of forge fires off the low-hanging clouds in Nighthammer district, the grind of industry turning lives into ash and steel. In a small basement, there's a flash of green light, a brief flurry of silvery sands that gust through the room, and then, there stands Son of Wrath. The Infernal enters the city rather like an iceberg enters a ship's course,&nbsp; without warning, and with little more mercy.<br><br>He has been given orders by Malfeas. Two Infernals are within this city, one a Defiler, one a Malefactor. They have been charged with beginning to get a foothold in Nexus. Impudent gods, Dragon-Blooded, Celestial betrayers walk the city, and think themselves free of consequence. Unfortunately, neither of them is worth a whit in a fight, so Malfeas has sent you to make sure that the two of them don't get themselves into trouble, getting so sharp they'll cut themselves, and if they do, then dispensing swift and brutal death to all the witnesses.<br><br>In the meantime, Velius and Petronella are each in their respective homesteads, as the night comes, and with it, the best time to get up to their dirty business. The Coadjutators whisper in their minds, about someone being sent- but little else. It appears they'll have company. It has been two days since Petronella's enslavement, and even now, word is coming down the ranks about an unexpected troop movement nearby that will help Lisara to make her attempt on the life of the Solar. Unaided, she will surely fail, and most likely make him wary.<br><br>Aided, well, that will be a much different matter. The forges begin switching over to their night shifts, as the city of Nexus waits, unaware of what is coming.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>07-04-2009, 04:16:18</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The Slayer called Son of Wrath stalks into the city irritably.&nbsp; A big, powerful man, his dull red hair, gleaming red eyes, and broad shoulders might have put a particularly learned demonologist in mind of an erymanthus...but the weighty grimcleaver he carried over one shoulder was rather more noteworthy.&nbsp; It had probably belonged to some Sidereal Exalt once, but the corroded starmetal edge now glimmered with the light of dying Malfean stars.<br><br>With his free hand, he seizes the first passer-by by the arm.&nbsp; "I'm looking for a man."&nbsp; Wrath describes the Defiler Velius in brief.&nbsp; "Tell me where to find him."&nbsp; His weapon arm tenses, making it clear that there will be <em>consequences</em> if he doesn't like the answer.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>DarkChipmunk</strong> on <strong>07-04-2009, 04:39:12</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Petronella, or "Pet" as she's been coming to think of herself more and more since that Defiler bound her, has not been idle these past few days. She has been busy doing the work of her new Master, and continuing her work at the brothel. Since she begun she was slowly working to convert the other whores to her worship, to expand her Cult, but now... now she wants to show them the beauty of worshiping her Master Velius. It is still a slow thing, spreading the word of a new faith, but with the gifts she is able to give, her silver tongue, and her utter devotion to her belief, she knows she will succeed in time.<br><br>Velius had contacted her, of course, in regards to what to do about Lisara. Their best course it to help her, bring her into a position of glory and power, and then use the favor the woman owes to Pet herself to make her more indebted to them. Everything would proceed according to plan.<br><br>Learning from the whispers within her that another would be sent to them has troubled her slightly. Who is this new other, and what strange motives of his own will accompany him that must be woven into the tapestry of their plans.<br><br>The night comes and as her most recent client of the day leaves, she takes a moment to listen to the prayers of her people, always a comfort to her when her mind is troubled, and a source of pleasure, hearing their worshipful voices so directly. And soon they would sing the praises of her dear Master as well! Thoughts of him flood her mind and she finds herself growing warm just picturing his visage... but there is little time for such things now, as she will have work to do this night. The work of a goddess, especially one in service to such greatness, is never done. Tonight is the night they meet their new companion.<br><br>She slips out of the brothel for the night and makes her way along the streets and alleys toward the place where the one she calls Master is staying, letting her disguise fall away for the time being.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>07-04-2009, 04:40:10</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The young man stares, and starts to speak nervously. 'I-I don't know anyone like that, you might try the market...' Assuming, naturally, that his failure is tolerated.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>07-04-2009, 04:54:19</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Wrath's glare tightens along with his grip, and the hapless bystander is hoisted into the air for the briefest instant, before the grimcleaver comes around with a horrifying <em>crunch</em>.&nbsp; Without pause, he upends whatever piece of the poor guy is still left in his hand, slurping a mouthful of fresh, hot blood (and hearing his coadjutator grunt in appreciation), before tossing the mangled corpse aside.<br><br>He turns, then, to see if he can find a mortal with at least the decency to answer a simple question.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>07-04-2009, 05:07:19</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Velius sits up in bed, listening to the whisper.<br><br>"Mmm, my dear, you treat me so well..."<br><br>No, not that whisper.&nbsp; Well, yes, he hears the meaningless praise of the mortal woman.&nbsp; She is young, moderately attractive, an easy target for a few kind words and deeds.&nbsp; And now the unnoteworthy merchant has opened her home, her bed, and her life to Velius, a man - an Infernal, in fact - she barely knows.&nbsp; She has nothing in the way of skill or insight to offer, but she does have eyes and ears, which are always useful.&nbsp; Not to mention food and lodging, which Velius sorely lacks.&nbsp; Nexus is more taxing to one's coinpurse than even a cynic might expect.<br><br>No, he listens to the whisper inside him, the one telling him someone is coming.&nbsp; Someone, he hopes, with some skill in combat.&nbsp; Son of Wrath would be ideal; a powerful fighter with a thirst for blood making him easy to control.&nbsp; Still, there are not many of the fifty Green Sun Princes stronger in Essence than Velius, and so Velius is not worried about losing his dominance over the mission.<br><br>"I hope you don't mind, my dear, but an associate of mine is coming to meet me soon.&nbsp; I hope you don't mind falling asleep alone for but a night."<br><br>"Not at all, my love.&nbsp; Not after all you've done for me."&nbsp; He smiles down at her, wondering if he has impregnated her yet, and how much longer it might take.&nbsp; In truth he has done nothing for her yet but flatter her, but for most mortals that is enough.<br><br>Standing from the bed, he gets dressed quickly, knowing that his ensorcelled slave will be on her way.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>07-04-2009, 05:10:13</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The man lets off a cutoff scream as he's quite effectively chopped down.<br><br>As you turn to the crowd, a few of them simply stare in shock, most of them are running away very quickly, but one suicidally brave mortal is slowly approaching the man. " Pardon me, but... I believe I know the man you're talking about. He is in the merchant district, living with a cloth-seller." The man provides some quick directions. It's uncertain what his hope is- Some coinage, or the sparing of his life, or who knows, perhaps he even hopes to prevent any of the others from dying.<br><br>Probably best to kill him, just to be safe.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>DarkChipmunk</strong> on <strong>07-04-2009, 05:21:52</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Pet arrives at the door of the merchant's home where Master stays. That he shares the woman's bed is of little concern to her. With how often she shares her own bed with others, it would certainly be very small of her to begrudge her Master the passions of his flesh, as much as she longs to be the one he shares them with.<br><br>Finding the door open she lets herself in. She was expected, of course, and carefully but audibly she shuts the door behind her, readily notifying those within that someone is here. Master will come to her when he is done with the mortal women, at his leisure, and so, with utmost submissiveness to the one who's station is and will ever be above her own, she kneels by the door of the bedroom, awaiting his exit with arms behind her back, head lowered, chest pushed forward and back arched in proper slave position.<br><br>"My Master, your Pet has come to you, as requested." she smiles, contentedly, waiting for her Master's word of approval, for his command to speak further, on edge and worried until she knows precisely what he wants of her for fear of displeasing him.<br><br>This is what her life has become. Petronella, the would-be goddess of debauchery and lust, now the willing and adoring Pet of one with an ambition as great as her own.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>07-04-2009, 05:35:59</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The merchant woman expresses the confusion in her simple, mortal mind.&nbsp; "Master?&nbsp; Pet?&nbsp; My love, I thought you said you were meeting a business associate..."<br><br>He smiles patiently, patting the poor woman's head softly.&nbsp; "My dear, I told you, she is a courtesan.&nbsp; Submission and servitude is her life's work.&nbsp; And what have I told you about submission?"<br><br>She blushes.&nbsp; "That when someone submits to another, they are able to set aside the thousand everyday worries and focus entirely on the goal of service to their master, and in doing so harness all their energy and achieve their maximum potential."&nbsp; To any outside observer, it sounds as if she is reciting rotely.&nbsp; The closest comparison would be a church doctrine, and that is a very apt comparison.<br><br>"Very good, my dear.&nbsp; Now if you'll excuse me."&nbsp; He steps outside the bedroom, looking down at his far more beautiful, far more intelligent, and far more capable Infernal slave.&nbsp; Who could hear the brief discussion, of course.<br><br>"You may rise, Pet, and speak.&nbsp; Follow me."&nbsp; With no more preamble than that, he heads out into the nighttime of Nexus, knowing his perfectly obedient property would follow.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>07-04-2009, 05:44:39</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				With a grunt of acknowledgement, Wrath beheads the overly-brave mortal.&nbsp; Not that he'd <em>especially</em> mind letting someone who actually knows his place live, he reflects as he showers Nighthammer in the gore of everyone who foolishly stuck around, but it wouldn't do to leave anyone knowing where he's going.<br><br>After pausing to rinse off his face and axe -- Nighthammer Pool is rather disgusting, but dirt is more acceptable in the streets of Nexus than blood -- the Slayer heads off for the Nexus District, following the directions given.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>DarkChipmunk</strong> on <strong>07-04-2009, 05:46:26</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She rises when bid, and follows a step behind, a step to the side, in the proper place to do so. One thing about being a Cecelyne follower is that she knows precisely how a submissive is supposed to ask to their Master, though generally expecting such from the other side of the coin. The words the woman spoke resonate with her. They ring truer than any words she's heard before, to her mind.<br><br>"You have felt the whispers and well, Master? There is one coming to us. I am... apprehensive." she admits as she follows out into the nighttime streets. Her eyes cast about on the road, ever watchful, but always drawn back to the perfect vision that is her Master, unable to look away for long, as though he were the most beautiful thing in the world to her. Before meeting him that night, the would have sworn that the most beautiful thing in the world was herself...<br><br>"Where are we going, Master?" she asks, curiously. She's relatively sure that neither of them know exactly where to meet this other, after all. Then again, Master likely knows more than she does, as he likely does of many things.<br><br>She unconsciously begins mulling over that catechism in her mind. '... and in doing so harness all their energy and achieve their maximum potential...' Truly her Master is wise to bring her to complete submission to him, to make her the best she can be.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>07-04-2009, 05:51:27</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Once outside, Velius leads his pet across the street.&nbsp; And... waits outside of that building.&nbsp; "Whoever is coming, my slave, I would prefer they not disturb my hostess.&nbsp; The smallness of her mind can only take so much, and if we are getting the sort of company I expect we are getting, they will most assuredly lack a delicate touch around mortals."<br><br>And so they wait outside, as if the house across the street is indeed the house they exited, just in case the one joining them is less than reliable.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>07-04-2009, 05:58:44</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The mortals don't offer much sport, but they do cut up easily, and it looks like there won't be many people eager to talk about this, for quite some time. The waters of the pool are little improvement, but they cover the blood well, though a massive madman with a dirty face is only slightly less intimidating than a massive madman with a bloody face and axe, and the rest of your path to the merchant district remains remarkably unblocked, and soon enough, the three Infernals stand before eachother, the entire street emptied by sudden nervous feelings, sickness to the stomach, shutters closing silently.<br><br>The entire world holds its breath in tension, wondering what is going to become of it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>07-04-2009, 06:18:48</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The burly Slayer ambles down the street.&nbsp; He probably still sticks out like a sore thumb, but at least he doesn't murder anyone else on the way.<br><br>Well, not unless someone gives him a reason.<br><br>He heads in the direction of the other Exalted immediately once he spots them.&nbsp; "Velius.&nbsp; Petronella."&nbsp; Son of Wrath nods idly to his fellow Green Sun Princes, before glancing about to check if their meeting is drawing more than the usual number of glances.&nbsp; At least he has the sense to address them in Riverspeak.&nbsp; "Been waiting long?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>DarkChipmunk</strong> on <strong>07-04-2009, 06:25:21</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Petronella is about to speak, but waits on her Master, since she does not yet know the Slayer's name. That he's a Slayer is fairly obvious, at least, by the smell of dirt and blood about him.<br><br>She remains standing impassively until Velius speaks, her eyes sizing up the other man with curiosity. So providence as conspired to send them a brute with a giant axe. At least from his look he'll be useful in the upcoming struggle, where she herself would be... less so. Her foremost thought then becomes how best to bind this one to them so that he, too, comes into service of the Master as is proper.<br><br>In response to his question she simply shakes her head. No, they hadn't been waiting long.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>07-04-2009, 06:38:58</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Velius smiles as the brute approaches.&nbsp; It is, in his mind, ideal.<br><br>"Son of Wrath, it is a pleasure.&nbsp; I trust you have already slaked your thirst from the journey here."&nbsp; Not that the smell left much doubt.&nbsp; "Were you sent with additional instructions, or is the mission to proceed as planned?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>07-04-2009, 21:55:46</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				He shrugs.&nbsp; "No one told me anything about new instructions.&nbsp; The boss just said you might need backup."&nbsp; If nothing else, at least Son of Wrath has the wit not to refer to Malfeas by name in the middle of the street.&nbsp; "I guess that means stick with the plan until things go wrong."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>DarkChipmunk</strong> on <strong>07-04-2009, 22:45:33</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"So it seems. If we're going to stand around and discuss our plans, it might be prudent to do so indoors, away from prying eyes and ears" she folds her arms as she surveys the man. Right... the plan will continue, then. "Master, I think you know the plan as well as any of us, perhaps it would do well to review our course so that we can be assured we are ready to move when the time is right." as well as to make sure we're all talking about the same plan. It certainly wouldn't do to have their newest member having a different idea of what was going on than they do.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>07-04-2009, 23:34:34</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				With a nod, Velius takes his compatriots to Pet's room at the brothel, under the guise of paying customers of course.&nbsp; Inside, he immediately directs Son of Wrath's attention to the washbasin.&nbsp; He then sits down and, with his usual air of confidence and superiority, begins dictating the plan.<br><br>"There is an Anathema in the city.&nbsp; I have been tracking him for some time now, though he is, regretfully, too powerful for me to take physically, and too paranoid for me to approach.&nbsp; However, thanks to Petronella here, a Terrestrial is bringing forces against him.&nbsp; We don't know if they are the Wyld Hunt or more common troops, but then, the Wyld Hunt isn't what it used to be.&nbsp; In any case they alone are not enough to subdue the Anathema, and he will not stick around afterward for us to finish him off.<br><br>"So, when the Dragon-Blooded come for the Anathema, we will need to aid them.&nbsp; Surreptitiously.&nbsp; And we will need you, most likely, to deliver the killing blow.&nbsp; Though I do not think you will mind that."&nbsp; He smiles softly.&nbsp; "In the meantime we should get common lodging, in order to avoid logistical complications.&nbsp; Oh, and one more thing, I prefer you not kill any women unless you had to.&nbsp; And by that I mean unless one was attacking you or could expose us for what we are.&nbsp; Is that understood?"&nbsp; His tone was polite and respectful, of course, but he made it clear that 'No' was not an acceptable response.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>DarkChipmunk</strong> on <strong>07-04-2009, 23:51:08</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Pet follows to the room and listens to her Master speak, hanging on his every word visibly, rapt with attention and nodding in agreement in all the right places. "My own abilities, unfortunately, allow me only to give aid indirectly, though recent events have inspired me to take up a course of self defense, in case I should find myself in need." she says this more as a probe to Velius, to test and see if he approves of his pet learning such things. <br><br>"If there is any specialized equipment we need, more than likely I will be able to assist, at the very least. Religion is a profitable business, after all" she smiles softly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>08-04-2009, 03:02:27</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Wrath obligingly washes the dirt/blood/generalized grime off his face and weapon, more or less, before sitting down to listen.<br><br>He digests the plan for a moment, frowning at the rather odd request.&nbsp; "Yeah, I understand.&nbsp; We're probably gonna have to finish off the Dragon-Bloods too, right?" he queried, sounding eager.&nbsp; "I doubt I can finish off an Anathema without them noticing something's wrong."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>08-04-2009, 03:39:26</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"No."&nbsp; Velius frowns in return.&nbsp; "They are practically in the palm of our hand, and we need Terrestrial pawns in order to make it to the Blessed Isle when we are finished with Nexus.&nbsp; They must not be killed yet.&nbsp; I am quite certain you'll find the Solar's blood satisfying enough."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>08-04-2009, 04:02:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I see what you mean, but how's this going to go down?"&nbsp; The Slayer gestures idly, trying to sort out the situation.&nbsp; "I mean, we're letting the Terrestrials get at the Anathema, right?&nbsp; And then you want me to kill him before he kills them.&nbsp; I can do that, but I can't do it <em>quiet</em>.&nbsp; So the Dragon-Bloods'll probably come after me next.&nbsp; What's our move then?&nbsp; You have something planned?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>DarkChipmunk</strong> on <strong>08-04-2009, 04:15:47</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She follows the exchange between the two males with little two add as plans continue to form in her mind... Wrath is to kill the Solar, since the Dragon-Blooded can't, but when he does they'll want to kill him unless we convince them...<br><br>"What we need... is to convince the Dragon-Bloods that you *aren't* something they should kill. That you're a champion sent to aid them in their time of need. I have no doubt that I can convince Lisara that the stars have aligned properly in such a way that this brave warrior came to my bed the very same week her opportunity itself arose. She is already set to expect a miracle. We simply need to make sure you're able to pass scrutiny by the rest of them, yes?"<br><br>She hopes she's been following this correctly, because she feels she has ideas forming that could work. "I can alter the appearance of our comrade here if that could be of any help. Master, what do you think could be done beyond that?" she leans forward, hoping her contribution was satisfactory to her Master's ears as her hands rest in her lap and her head lowers.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>08-04-2009, 05:00:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Velius thinks, considering.&nbsp; After a few moments, he speaks again.<br><br>"We should not make this more complicated than it needs to be.&nbsp; The Terrestrials will come into the city, the Solar will try to run.&nbsp; There will, undoubtedly, be times when he is in an alley, or behind a building, or otherwise obscured.&nbsp; That will be the time to strike him down."<br><br>He pauses a moment, and smiles.&nbsp; It is a smile of pure, sadistic pleasure.<br><br>"In fact, it would be ideal if you could strike him down with one witness from the troops, and then kill the troop.&nbsp; It will look as if the soldier died killing the Anathema, and you needn't be known at all."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>DarkChipmunk</strong> on <strong>08-04-2009, 05:05:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Ooooh! That is a most excellent Idea, Master!" she rubs her hands together. Why didn't she think of that? Well, Master *is* Master for a reason, after all! She nods. "All we then need to is make sure you are in position to take out the Solar without the mass of troops seeing you, and make sure one or two of them get ahead of the rest." she grins widely, "The rest will fall into place naturally!" she pauses for a moment, pondering... would it be prudent for one of them to be disguised among the troops to make sure what needs to happen happens? Hmmm... Ideas continue to percolate in her mind as she follows those trains of thought. She wants to make sure to make herself useful in some way in all this. As it is, Wrath seems to be the one doing all the work, hardly having any need for their input once the chips are down...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>09-04-2009, 06:24:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"See, that could work.&nbsp; The trick is somehow get him isolated with a mortal or two, but I figure anyone hunting Anathema's going to try and stick close with his commander.&nbsp; Maybe some kind of 'accident'?&nbsp; Still, we'd have to get them pretty far away, 'cause just sticking the Solar with the mortal's weapon and running isn't gonna fly within earshot."<br><br>"...no, I'm going at this wrong.&nbsp; Too delicate if we try to pull a fast one while they're <em>chasing</em> him -- if the rest hear the wrong thing, our cover's blown.&nbsp; It'd probably be easiest to try and pick off one of the mortals <em>before</em> they get too close to him.&nbsp; Then all we have to do is find the Anathema first, and we've got time to set up what we want them to find.&nbsp; A mortal getting lucky against a Solar's crazy enough.&nbsp; Don't want to give them more reasons to be suspicious than we have to."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>09-04-2009, 19:03:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Velius nods a bit, almost absently.&nbsp; The details of the combat process are far better handled by Son of Wrath, after all.&nbsp; So long as Velius maintains control of the overall situation, things should work out well.<br><br>"Just so long as the mortal framed for the killing is from the Terrestrial forces.&nbsp; Our unwitting ally must be able to claim credit for the victory, after all, if we wish to get the most we can from her later."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>09-04-2009, 23:26:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The plan is sketched, the course set, and the three retire into the night to find a proper place to wait out the night. Five days still wait until the Wyld Hunt strikes at the Solar, and you may make your move. <br><br>In the meantime, life moves on. Plans are built. Fate laughs, but it has a blind eye to the Infernals.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>DarkChipmunk</strong> on <strong>09-04-2009, 23:47:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				That night Pet lays in bed next to her Master in the place she rented for the three of them to properly use as a base of operations. With her resources, such a thing was hardly worth noting as an expense, and she was all too happy to take the suggestion from Velius about where best to set up shop. She still spent most of her time at the brothel, of course, to keep her cover.<br><br>But for now she is mulling over something that occurred to her earlier in the day. Wrath was amazingly capable in combat, which was certainly a benefit to the group, but it hardly seemed fitting that he be the only one to shoulder that burden. And what would the two of them do if Wrath was otherwise occupied and they needed to defend themselves? She determined in that moment she would have to take up a course of self-defense in order that she and her Master never find themselves helpless.<br><br>A little willpower, a little essence, and a little miracle working... the next day she proceeded to do a little asking around. It would take time to find a proper trainer, but they had time. For now she would let word get out and around that she was looking. She had the utmost faith that a proper trainer would come to notice her and take her under wing.<br><br>After all, sitting idle certainly would not do for the days leading up to the main event, and even with her innate talents, she knows she has a lot to learn.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>10-04-2009, 01:19:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				In the still of the night, the restless Son of Wrath stalks his way toward the east wall of the city.<br><br>Not that the wall's any barrier.&nbsp; He can clear that height easily.&nbsp; No, he has his eyes set on a more interesting target: the Stones of Exile that mark the true borders of the city...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>10-04-2009, 06:51:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With their lodging secure and the Dragon-Blooded still en route, Velius could now focus his attention on the city itself.&nbsp; Nexus may be a large, complex city, but one must start somewhere after all.&nbsp; Velius has a target in mind, but first he must put his Pet's resources to good use.<br><br>Knowing all too well that he is not yet invulnerable, his first order of business is protection.&nbsp; For that, he approaches the Hooded Executioners, the most widespread mercenary company in Nexus.&nbsp; When one is trying to approach the woman in charge of hiring mercenaries for Council contracts, it pays to do so guarded by the mercenary company she herself prefers.&nbsp; After a bit of negotiating, Velius comes away with a fang of bodyguards: five in number, and all female at his specification.<br><br>Next he approaches a tailor, for some higher quality outfits more fitting to the local fashions.&nbsp; While not chic enough for nobility, he is after all passing himself off as a merchant for now, so dressing down is appropriate to his purported station.&nbsp; His new clothes are, regardless, more attractive than the stolen ones he was wearing.<br><br>Now looking the part of a well-heeled and successful merchant, with entourage befitting, he begins to watch the Dawn Sergeant Pellicia, of the Council of Nexus, as he watches the Solar target.&nbsp; He tracks her movements, learning where she goes, who she associates with, and hopefully what her tastes and preferences are.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>11-04-2009, 02:11:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Petronella Gets Schooled<br><br>A knock comes at your door. The Madam comes in, looking somewhat nervous. 'We... have a customer here. Petronella, I must warn you, the last three women she has slept with, well... They were very badly injured, after she finished. Well compensated, but... she is a very harsh, a very demanding mistress.' she says softly.<br><br>Petronella nods to this and thinks about it for a short time. Badly injured, but they were only normal whores, of course. She is fully capable of handling it, she believes, "Very demanding, you say, and harsh? It certainly would be bad for my image if I let a challenge like that go unsatisfied, after all." she isn't worried about the compensation, but she will let nobody say she's unable to satisfy even th e most demanding of lovers. She does have a reputation to keep up, after all! She has... a feeling about this as well, that there is something more to all this, that twinge in her power that sayd this is somehow involved in the fortune she sought... "I will see her" she moves to the basin to wash up a bit and make ready for this... unique client.<br><br>The woman who walks in is... indeed unique. Her beauty is as heartstopping as yours, and her hair is a verdant green, hanging down her back in a spray of color, her skin a similar tone, her lips the red of a pair of rose petals. The outfit she wears is simple, a monk's outfit, and she slowly sits, unwinding a long whip, studded with what appear to be thorns, sharp and jagged. 'You will not talk without first being spoken to, and given permission. You will not move without being told to, you will not orgasm without being told to, and you will not cry out without being told to. If you break any of my orders, your punishment will be swift, and brutal. Do you understand? Yes, or no."<br><br>Immediately she realizes that commanding tone, that powerful presence, the pure expression of that self-assurance so like her own. When the whip comes out she stiffens, having epected something like this, and the tone... th e tone so like Master's... She expells a bit of breath as though that force of personality were like a physical blow, and something within her tells her, whispers urgently to her that she dare not resist this one. She is the whore in this relationship and the satisfaction of her client is her first priority... and something more. Almost reflexively she responds. "Yes." She isn't /certain/ that this person is stronger than her, or is in any way more powerful, but she most definitely has a stronger presence. Petronella takes a deep, satisfying pride in being a whore, after all, and she will not let this client go unsatisfied. She will lead by example and give her parishoners something to admire.<br><br>The woman lashes the whip, and it wraps around your neck, dragging you forward, biting in, the pain blossoming out. The pain is not ordinary- You can feel something in it. Part poison, part... something more. It blossoms out like a flower unfolding in the sun, filling your body with pain, fiery pain. You can see now, the thorns drip with something. 'So many of the ones I take, they cannot stand it... Not because I damage them too far, but because I hurt them. I hurt them more than they can bear...' She leans forward, and plants a kiss on your lips, the smell of flowers around her like a goddess of nature. 'Will you disappoint me like they do?' she asks, a light tilt in her voice, seductive.<br><br>She manages not to cry out even through the blossoming pain, her breath catching. She would not be where she is today if she buckled so easily to pain, after all. That strange venom she feels working into her body, she doesn't know what it is, it makes her worry slightly, but with her infernal constitution s he knows she will certainly recover from even t his woman's worst. She returns the kiss then manages to gasp an answet to th e question, "I will not... disappoint" her breath is coming a bit faster now as she remembers not to move. She isn't yet quite certain of the 'permission' she needs to be given in order to speak, hoping that such is implied in the asking of the question to begin with. And that smell... that wonderful smell... almost as if she were meeting a fellow goddess, indeed, and that this were only the appropriate conditions of that meeting.<br><br>The woman uncoils the whip, and then suddenly it snaps out, and lashes across your buttocks. The lash cracks like the snap of a brittle twig across your ass, leaving a stripe, a little blood dripping from it, a few mild drops slowly dripping from the tiny wounds made across your neck- The lash so accurate it didn't even nick an artery or vein- and that same blossoming pain emerges, even stronger this time. It's the taste of essence, the kiss of the Whip, blossoming inside your body, stimulating pain nerves... And at the same time, making you realize just how close that which is painful and that which is pleasant can be. " Perhaps I did not explain carefully enough, but I thought it self evident that lying will not be tolerated to your mistress. No mere whore would be able to satisfy me." she hisses into your ear.<br><br>Petronella stiffens at the lash across her rump, closing her eyes for th e briefest of moments as her breath catches again. She will NOT cry out. She will not give this woman reason to 'punish' her, to be disappointed. And she does not respond as&nbsp; no question was asked, willing to let her near-motionlessness at the blossoming pain and her silence be the answers the woman seeks. She swallows nervously, for she realizes she must play this perfectly for her client to be properly satisfied. She must master herself within, even as her body is being mastered for her without. She wants to cry out, of course, to claim that she is no mere whore, that her reputation ought to proceed her, but that would be playing into the trap... Petronella is no stranger to pain, but this... this is far different sort of pain, indeed, a pain tantalizingly close to but not quite pleasure... Will she be able to maintain her composure through all this, if she is having difficulty even now?<br><br>The woman studies her. 'Have you no pride? Are you nothing more than a thing? Scream!" she says, and the lash runs across your belly, a series of droplets of blood beading across your fair skin. It will heal, but the pain grows with each lash, burning your mind. A lesser being would not be able to stand at this point. 'Are you perhaps less than some mere mortal whore? Tell me, then, if you can still speak, what you are...' she says, eyes studying you.<br><br>She grits her teeth as the lash and words sting her body and pride. She has pride, an d s he would scream... then realizes through the haze that she is being told to... letting out a cry, a wail of pain as she lets herself double forward slightly, releasing all the pent-up utterance she's been withholding in that cry. She pants deeply and slowly opens her eyes, panting, the scream having let out much of the tension in her body as that pain continues to burn in her mind. "I... am a goddess of whores..." she manages to choke out, then smiles thinly, putting every ounce of her own presence she can behind those words such that this woman would be unable to doubt their veracity or her belief in them. This will probably bring some reaction from the 'mistress', of course, but she reasons with what limited thought she can muster than anything she could say at this point would encourage the lash even more. And yet she is indeed still standing, though shivering with the effort of doing so.<br><br>The woman pauses for a moment. The lash wraps around your waist. 'You just may be, at that... Tell me, then, my goddess... Would you like to learn my ways? To learn the ways of pain mastered, pain commanded, pain loved, and pain given?' she asks, whispering in your ear, as she forces you against her body, eyes locking with yours as she runs a hand along your side slowly, ending between your legs, across your ass, stroking your sex from behind, those thorns filling you with that pain as you start to realize the joy behind it...<br><br>She cringes at the lash wrapping around her waist, the thorns digging in, more pain blossoming through her body as more of that strange venom seeps into her body, a single tear coming to her eye though she does not cry out again. Her body is pulled forward so easily against that of this mistress as those eyes lock with hers... and that hand... that soft, almost tender hand running along her body and teasing her, unlocking for her the pleasure hidden within the pain slowly, as though some weighty door were being opened within her mind. She knows now without a doubt that the answer to her self-prayer has come, that her power has made itself manifest in this woman, and that everything she can learn here will be worth the pain sh e will endure... and through it all she will be made only greater in the eyes of her people for it. Her eyes light at the offer as it permeates through her mind and she can only let out a soft moan in the shape of "Yes... my Mistress." as it is only proper for the student to address the teacher with respect.<br><br>The woman smiles. 'Then let the pain sink into you, until you can take no more.' Her hand comes across, a lightning fast blow that knocks the wind out of you, leaving your side bruised, as she knocks you to the floor, the slap delivering more of that essence into your body. The pain is almost unbearable now. 'I will beat you down so that you may move past the pain. If you are as formidable as you suggest, you won't die...' she says, seizing you, pulling you to your feet again, a fist striking your belly. She's strong, extremely strong, stronger than her delicate frame would suggest... But the experience is a teaching one. The pain begins to transcend itself, your mind practically screaming with the pain, until it begins to take a form, falling into place like a symphony, and you feel a sudden gasp of pleasure as she strikes you again, your body drawing energy from the pain inflicted on it... The sensation is orgasmic.<br><br>The battering takes its toll on her body all right, sending her to the floor only to be pulled back up, then beat down again... Up... down... the spreading pain bruising her body, flooding every sense she has with that blinding agony... and then, as she feels she can take no more, it sings... the next strike not knocking her down in pain, but making her suddenly moan in pleasure, a sound altogether different from her uncontrolled cries of pain before. It surprises her, flood&nbsp; her body with passion, wets her loins with need in a way that even Master's touch doesn't...<br><br>The woman slowly licks her lips. 'You are a quick study... I shall return to continue our lessons another time.' she says, reaching down, lifting you by the throat, lips pressing against yours, as she drags the lash out of your body slowly, leaving rakes across your skin, stinging, yet little rays of pleasure across you, as you experience an entirely new way of studying life... The weak, by exploiting their weakness, can become the strong, the caged can become the free... It sings with your soul, this new idea.<br><br>Petronella can only groan in pleasure as her mind is opened, as the lash sings with her... she returns the kiss needily and then falls back to her knees as the woman leaves her naked, bleeding body on the floor of her room, droplets of her life essence scattered against the sheets, on the floor... she lowers her head and... once the woman is gone, proceeds to reach down to touch herself while remembering the pain and that wonderful moment when pain became pleasure, that moment burned into her mind fully as she finally comes and lays back on the floor in ecstasy, a smile spread across her face. The madam would likely come up to check on her after the hard woman had left, to find her broken and battered on the floor, still very alive and in bliss...<br><br>Petronella's Reward: 8 Experience Points, Sifu 1
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>11-04-2009, 04:43:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Graffiti of Wrath<br><br>As you approach the firsts of the busts, one of the men, surprisingly quick-witted at this time of night, points you out, and the men array. They appear to be members of the Hooded Executioners, from their outfits. The leader, a rather more seasoned man, calls out to you. 'Halt, and state your business here!' All are rather on edge from the inexplicable butchering that happened earlier this night.<br><br>Son of Wrath actually chuckles as he approaches the group, momentarily ignoring his coadjutator's bellowing for blood.&nbsp; He doesn't reach for his weapon just yet, but he doesn't slow to a stop either.&nbsp; "Easy, there!&nbsp; I'm just here to deliver a message."<br><br>The man at the forefront raises an eyebrow. 'Rather large for a messenger, aren't you?' he asks, though the weapons are not held at quite such an aggressive angle anymore.<br><br>The Slayer smiles, a horrible grin that looks only marginally less scary without the blood staining it.&nbsp; Good thing it's dark out.&nbsp; "No, I don't think so.&nbsp; I'm just the man for this sort of message."&nbsp; He continues approaching slowly, gauging the distance.<br><br>The men raise their weapons. 'That's about far enough to give your message, I'd say.' You're approximately ten yards away from the men. The moon is empty tonight, and the night is quite dark. It would be darker, were it not for the lights reflecting off of low clouds from Nexus.<br><br>"What are you talking about?&nbsp; I never said the message was for you."&nbsp; Even as he's finished speaking, Wrath explodes forward, suddenly faster than any mortal could manage as he hurtles toward the man in the lead. Laughing, Wrath bolts toward the man in front, seizing the handle of his great axe and swinging in a broad, sweeping arc, aiming to bisect the leader as he runs past, already whirling mid-step to meet the counterattacks of his subordinates.<br><br>The man lets out a cry, but by some miracle, your blow glances off of his sword, just missing him, the men turning in a furor, staring, before one of them, suicidally brave, runs towards you, followed by another, both of them chopping at you with the iron swords they carry.<br><br>Wrath twists his grimcleaver, flicking it left and right, deflecting both blades with casual indifference.&nbsp; Half-spinning to deliver a brutal roundhouse kick to the head of the nearest man, he comes out of the spin shoving past the soldier, focusing his Essence as he aims a brutal downward chop to splatter the leader all over the road.<br><br>The nearest man lets out a grunt as your foot collides with his skull, knocking him, out, nose a bloody mess, and the leader has just enough time to lift his sword and see it snap in half like tinfoil as your blade slices him in half, sending blood spraying across the road. The other men stare, horrified, for a moment, before springing into action. <br><br>The three remaining men stare, seeing how quickly you've splattered their leader, and two charge at you, one backing away, and running in terror towards the city. The two men attack you, but their wild swings are barely worth the time of parrying.<br><br>Wrath sidesteps the inept soldiers' attacks, and whirls his axe in a low, backhand swing, aiming to chop them both down in one blow.&nbsp; If he succeeds, he saunters after the fleeing soldier, in no hurry just yet and happy to let the man think he's safe.<br><br>Your axe cuts through both men with the noise of wet fabric being torn, bisecting them, their torsos spraying blood across the grass of the plains. The man, running as hard as he can, looks back, and even as you move at your own relaxed pace, it's clear he's only barely gaining distance on you.<br><br>Once Wrath regains his balance properly, he re-straps his axe to his back, before breaking into a full run, closing in on the soldier with a manic grin on his face.<br><br>The man looks behind him again. A terrible idea, even at the best of times. And now, he notices you're catching up. He pushes himself, but his body refuses to move faster, even as it strains itself to try to keep distance from you- In four seconds, you're upon him.<br><br>With a laugh, Wrath lunges, aiming to seize the man in a vicious chokehold from behind.&nbsp; (Either 15 or 12 dice to clinch, depending on whether I have to flurry a dash to stay in range.&nbsp; Base crush damage is 4B piercing.)<br><br>The man lets out a strangled cry as your arms close around his throat, choking and kicking helplessly in your grip.<br><br>Son of Wrath sighs as his grip tightens on the man's throat, yanking him back.&nbsp; "Pathetic.&nbsp; I suppose I can't fault you for wanting to live, pathetic as you are, but you could at least face the inevitability with an ounce of dignity."<br><br>There's a sound, rather like a plastic cup being crushed, as the man's legs kick, and then stop, the body going limp. That's four down, just the still-unconcious man to go.<br><br>Cheerfully, Wrath hauls the man back to the others, before moving to examine the Stone of Exile, and tests its hardness carefully with the edge of his grimcleaver.<br><br>It appears to be hard, but nothing more than standard stone. Certainly, it will not last long against the blade of your Grimcleaver.<br><br>After slaking his bloody thirst with gusto, Son of Wrath hefts his axe and smashes it into the Stone, slowly rending most of it into rubble.&nbsp; He leaves only a chunk intact at the bottom, a few feet tall, which he tears free of the ground, before hacking up the landscape so as to obfuscate where the city's boundary actually is. The rubble, he strews at random.&nbsp; The displaced chunk of the Stone, he sets up nearly a mile too close to the city, with the formerly-unconscious soldier's head and shoulders propped up in macabre imitation of the Emissary's bust; the original bust, he hacks into too many pieces to properly recognize. And what's left of the soldiers, he buries in an unmarked grave, leaving them no grave goods except for a hunk of dried yeddim feces found on the road. After Wrath finishes writing insults to the city and the Emissary in blood on the remaining chunk of the Stone, he heads north, eager to repeat the process.<br><br>The work is long, taking nearly half an hour to finish, but finish you do, leaving you ready to make your way on to the next statue, to leave it in the same state as this one.<br><br>Reward: 8 experience for Son of Wrath, and Backing 2.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>11-04-2009, 05:41:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Velius Hits On A Woman<br><br>Striking out with his loyal-for-now fang of bodyguards, Velius sets about his slow seduction.&nbsp; The first step of which is, of course, to learn all one can about one's intended victim.&nbsp; Not trusting in his own ability to follow her unseen, he instead begins to frequent more noble bars and establishments, making small talk about the Councilors, dropping mention of his newly hired bodyguards to steer conversations toward the Dawn Sergeant, all while making the gossip think they initiated that line of thought so they would think nothing of it later.<br><br>Your- admittedly small- network of spies spreads out in the bars, guiding conversation like a gentle hand guides an ox, your words ferreting out information without any thinking of it. One woman reports a man, a former mercenary who worked under her, talking of her love for the city. A rather bitter writer, apparently someone who had a bad run-in with her while writing an autobiography, makes it clear that that what she's most interested in is glory. Both seem to be rather connected- She cares about both, but the thing that motivates her the most is finding glory as the defender of Nexus. And of course, after they're finished speaking, they don't give their words a second thought...<br><br>It is, admittedly, not surprising to Velius.&nbsp; And at the same time it does not tell him as much as he would like.&nbsp; Still, she has love for the city.&nbsp; He can only suspect, then, that she must spend some of her time in and around the parks of the city.&nbsp; That is where he turns his attention next, making himself seen there with his entourage, hoping to run into Pellicia by 'happenstance'.<br><br>As it happens, while moving through one of the parks that afternoon, you do notice her, quietly studying the park, looking through the ground, as if inspecting something, though you couldn't be sure what from the first sight of her. She is... not a gorgeous woman, not even an unusual woman, but she is a woman, and that is, thankfully, sufficient.<br><br>You recall, also, the way the men spoke of her. As a person of great personal determination, willing to do what needs to be done, one full of pride and bravado... Sometimes rather too much, as her reputation among the common man can suffer.<br><br>He motions for his guards to remain a pace or two back, walking near to her with a casual ease.&nbsp; "It's amazing, isn't it."&nbsp; Kneeling, he reaches out and runs his fingertips along the blades of grass, letting the tips of the blades tickle his palm.&nbsp; "Such a simple thing as grass, found nearly anywhere in Creation.&nbsp; Yet when people gather around it, tend to it, care for it, it becomes something more... something almost sacred."<br><br>She looks towards you. 'Hmm. You sound almost like a monk.' she says, rather bitingly, a little sarcastic as she studies the plants. 'It's grass, nothing more.' she says, eyes on the walls of the city. No romantic, this one.<br><br>"It may be grass, but it's part of a city.&nbsp; That makes it something more."<br><br>She softly pauses. " True. I hadn't thought of it that way." She looks down again, studying it. " So, what brings you here? Some favor? Perhaps looking for a discount on your shop's defense?" she asks, voice weary.<br><br>He chuckles softly, not yet looking toward Pellicia but keeping his gaze across the grass, across the park.&nbsp; "The park may be part of Nexus, but I do not think it has the mind or ability to favor people who do business in the city."<br><br>She laughs. 'Please. If you've come to insist how I absolutely must take more guards off the streets to defend your warehouses, how the walls of Nexus are nowhere near as poorly defended as your fat purse, I'd rather you come out and say it so I can laugh in your face than have to listen to philosophy.' she says, straightforwardly... Though, despite the acidic wit, it's not entirely a cruel statement, as she sits back on one of the benches.<br><br>He turns to her now, smiling.&nbsp; "I hate to disappoint, but I'm quite happy with my mercenaries from the Hooded Executioners."&nbsp; He motions casually toward his fang of bodyguards.&nbsp; "I take it you have some control over the defenses of the city?"<br><br>She raises an eyebrow. 'You've got a fang of mercenaries from the Hooded Executioners- A fine choice, I must admit- and yet, you don't know who I am? What turnip cart did you fall off of?' she asks, looking at you, an eyebrow raised. Clearly, she doesn't expect anybody not to know her.<br><br>He chuckles again, softly.&nbsp; Hypnotically, almost.&nbsp; "I am afraid I am new to the city.&nbsp; I'm not yet familiar with who needs to be avoided and who needs to be sucked up to."&nbsp; He grins a bit.&nbsp; "I do enjoy the parks, though.&nbsp; Nexus is an amazing but chaotic city, and the parks are a welcome place of quiet and reflection."<br><br>She nods softly. 'Barely anyone comes here. Not much profit in it. That's the only thing that gets anything done in this city... Profit.' She looks towards you. 'So, tell me, then, what profit do you seek to gain?' she asks, head tilted.<br><br>"If you mean in Nexus, I must admit I am not more than an ordinary merchant.&nbsp; If you mean in the park, well..."&nbsp; He looks across the field again, and smiles back at Pellicia.&nbsp; "This is all the profit I need."<br><br>She raises an eyebrow. 'Sir, are you flirting with me?' she asks, rather incredulously. Indeed, it seems unlikely many men have ever been interested in her for anything close to 'purely physical' reasons.<br><br>His smile briefly becomes a grin, before he turns back toward the park.&nbsp; "I would be lying if I said you were not attractive... And someone who can appreciate a city park for its own sake is a rare individual..."<br><br>She slowly sighs. 'I'd love to believe that you were interested in me for something beyond my influence in the Council. You will understand if I don't.' It seems it may be difficult to sway her heart, as you have others...<br><br>"You are on the Council?"&nbsp; He blinks and looks at her, feigning a certain amount of surprise.&nbsp; "No wonder you expected fawning.."&nbsp; He suddenly chuckles again.&nbsp; "I must sound downright foolish to you..."<br><br>She sighs. 'Not nearly as foolish as most of the men who come to me, begging for favors, as though they expect a few love poems will suddenly sway my heart.' she says, demeanor staying almost glacial.<br><br>"I could try to write a few love poems for you, but I think it would only sway your heart to comedy."<br><br>She smiles, warming slightly. 'That might work better than the sappy sort. I could use a good laugh these days... Times are tough all around, as I'm sure you know.'<br><br>"That may be, but hard times are when those meant for greatness can rise to the occasion."<br><br>She looks towards you. 'Oh really? You sound like a man I know...' she says, and sighs, relaxing against the bench. 'What is your name, then? I am Pellecia, the Dawn Sergeant of the Council of Entities.'<br><br>He smiles and moves a step closer to where she sits on the bench.&nbsp; "It is a pleasure to meet you, Pellicia.&nbsp; My name is Wiegraf."&nbsp; He holds a hand out to her.<br><br>She holds out her hand. 'Wiegraf? Hmmmm... What sort of name is that? I've never heard one like it before.' she says, mildly more interested as she shakes, giving a firm pump- She is, unquestionably, quite strong.<br><br>He shakes her hand, grinning weakly and giving off a light chuckle.&nbsp; "I would kiss your hand, but I fear you might break it off..."&nbsp; His grin fades.&nbsp; "It is a name I gave myself, since my parents.. did not live to give me one."<br><br>She raises an eyebrow. 'An orphan? I am sorry. It seems there are more these days.' she says softly, bowing her head to you politely. 'If it is not an impolite question... How did they die?' she asks softly.<br><br>"Bandits, on the road of one of the more lawless parts of Creation..."&nbsp; He looks away briefly, and sighs.&nbsp; "I have tried to find more order and security since then, and I hope now that I am in Nexus..."&nbsp; He doesn't finish the thought, but the implication is clear: that he sought out Nexus because of the police force that Pellicia is responsible for.<br><br>She nods. 'Well, order and security are perhaps not in the greatest supply here. For that, you might have been better off in the Realm... but even that seems questionable now. These are dark days.' She does seem mildly appreciative, however, of the thought behind your words.<br><br>"In the Realm there is no security except for the Terrestrials.&nbsp; Here, at least, mercenaries are freely available..."&nbsp; He glances toward his bodyguards, then turns back to Pellicia with a bit of a smile.&nbsp; "Might I suppose I have you to thank for that?"<br><br>" In a manner of speaking." she says. " Mainly... This is where there's the most trade. I just make sure we have some forces to ensure that what passes for law and order get kept a hold of."<br><br>"I see..."&nbsp; He keeps his faint smile, however.&nbsp; "I am sure the city will be able to rely upon you, should the troubles of the world try to approach."<br><br>She smirks. 'Let's face it. Nexus isn't on anyone's hitlist. Everyone's either consolidating, or focused in entirely different directions. The Council of Entities is even thinking of cutting the number of mercenary contracts we have on immediate tap.'<br><br>"That seems odd... Do they not think what happened to Lookshy could happen here?"<br><br>She shrugs. 'They've been in contact with Mask of Winter. He's consolidating his power there. Keep in mind, nobody liked Thorns enough to come to it's aid... They feel sure that if Mask of Winter, or anyone else, marches on Nexus, it will have ample warning.'<br>"I hope so..."&nbsp; He tries to brighten his smile.&nbsp; "I think I hope more that we might sometime share a walk."<br><br>She softly blushes, as you say this... 'Yes... That sounds like it could be agreeable.' she says, and smiles. 'Tell me, do you know where my residences are in the main district?'<br><br>"I am afraid I do not."<br><br>She nods. 'Ask anyone, they will be able to show you... Meet me tomorrow for lunch.' She softly smiles. 'It is refreshing to meet someone who can... be interested in me for something other than power.'<br><br>"It will be my pleasure."&nbsp; He smiles and bows politely.&nbsp; "Until tomorrow."&nbsp; He then departs with his entourage, calling that a smashing success.<br><br>Rewards: 8 XP, Contacts 1 (Nexus)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>15-04-2009, 03:58:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The week passes, as they do, quite quickly. The evening comes, and with it, the evening edition of the Nexus Times. Previously the Nexus Herald, after there was some confusion with it, the Emissary, and it all ended in tears and blood, so they went with the next best fictional newspaper title. The headlines are attention-getting, but the articles, ultimately, are rather boring.<br><br>" Mysterious slaughter in Nighthammer streets!"<br>" Reclusive martial arts master rumoured to be taking on a new apprentice- Will this one survive?!"<br>" Stones of Exile desecrated. Guards murdered. Emissary... baffled!"<br>" Dawn Sergeant seen consorting with unknown Merchant- Could she finally be settling down?"<br><br>Finally, night comes. The three of you have been informed, through Petronella, through Lisara, about the steps of the investigations. Now, you wait. Silently, prepared to interfere in the fight when the time becomes necessary. Three Dragon-Blooded, supported by a fang of troops clad in heavy armor, approach the entrance to the Solar's mansion. All is silence as you wait for the fighting to break out, choosing your positions- To watch, or to join in.<br><br>(OOC: Okay, giving you a chance to figure out where you're hiding when this begins.)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>15-04-2009, 07:16:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Son of Wrath crouches on the roof of an adjacent building.&nbsp; If the Solar has any sense, he's going to make tracks, and the Slayer is already waiting near his most likely escape route.<br><br>He fingers the hilt of his axe, grinning horribly as he waits for the fireworks to begin.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>16-04-2009, 23:21:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Velius is, naturally, nowhere around there.&nbsp; Without combat prowess or the ability (or need) to micromanage such a dynamic battle, he has no place there.<br><br>Instead, he is in Petronella's room at the brothel, with his Pet of course.&nbsp; She is naked and bound, her body criss-crossed with rope, forced to watch while he fucks one of her clients.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>DarkChipmunk</strong> on <strong>17-04-2009, 23:07:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Petronella is a little tied up at the moment, so is of course nowhere near the site the the battle. Watching her Master go at it so forcefully and powerfully is only making her ache for his touch even more, but in her current position all she can do is watch.<br><br>Her mind occasionally drifts to the business at hand, worry in her thoughts about whether Wrath will be able to handle the Solar, whether he'll be seen, so many things, but in the end there is little she can do about it, which makes her feel all the more helpless.<br><br>She struggles a little in the bindings, uncomfortable but finding a strange pleasure in them all their own. She has been learning to find pleasure in the strangest of things lately, and she certainly isn't complaining. She watches mutely, gagged as she is, and lets out a longing little groan. She certainly would never begrudge Master his pleasures, even though she wishes she could be the one giving them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>21-04-2009, 08:22:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As you wait outside the building, on the rooftop opposite, you manage to find an alcove to keep yourself relatively well hidden in the shadows of a chimney. You can see into the window- A tall, thuggish man talking with the immaculates, in a seemingly light-hearted manner... Then, a group of men run into the room, and the thug is turning, hurling a chair through the window facing you, and with a running leap, hurling himself through the door. The Solar soars through the air, leaping across the gap- Easily ten yards- to land on the building, quite near to you. One of the Immaculates, a younger monk with shaven head and an odd tattoo across his forehead glows with essence as he runs after, leaping after the man, invisible gusts running through his robe, revealing the blue jade breastplate underneath.<br><br>The Solar lands, but hits a bit rough, the Air-Caste landing more easily, a pair of jade rings leaping to his hands- For a moment, his eyes flicker towards you, but he has more important things on his hands, like the unfortunate fight he just got himself involved in.<br><br>Wrath smirks in the darkness, grip tightening on the handle of his axe, but he doesn't move just let.&nbsp; Might as well size up his victims and see how they fight before rushing in.<br><br>The Dragon-Blooded is moving in a way that you recognize well- The smooth, flowing motions of the Immaculate Air Dragon style, its hands clasped together around the two Chakram, spinning and releasing a quick sequence of blows, twice swinging the chakram to release dual razor-thin blades of blue essence. The first glances off of the Orichalcum Razor-claws that the Solar wields, and his caste mark flares into light as he deflects the second pair, a sharp ringing sound coming from the clash of the two blades. The other Immaculates are locked in swift combat with the thugs attacking them, and for the moment, are distracted.<br><br>The Air Aspect, clearly heartened by this success, presses his attack further as he regains his balance, twisting in a pattern as the wind whistles around him, the sounds of his chakram like notes on the air. It's all rather annoying and theatrical, and the Solar raises his claws, his caste mark flaring brighter as he stops the blows quickly, an accompaniment on the harp of aggravation. The solar raises his blades... And then turns, sprinting again, making for the next alleyway. At the speed he's moving, he'll be there in about five seconds.<br><br>Wrath breaks into a full run, uninterested in remaining hidden now, intent on at least keeping pace with the Solar.&nbsp; If the fool of an Immaculate can't manage to keep up, the Slayer's just going to have to do his dirty work for him.&nbsp; <br><br>The Immaculate is stunned as the two of you run, and shouts out. 'Stranger, be careful! He is Anathema!' as the two of you sprint. He's just recovering his balance when you catch up with the Solar, about two thirds of the way to the next alleyway, and he hurls another pair of those chakram at the Solar, though these ones aren't nearly as accurate, and the Solar twists smoothly in midstep, the tiger-claw slicing through them, dissecting the essence flows and leaving them to shatter like glass.<br><br>Wrath launches himself into a great flying leap, twisting around in midair to land with a great thud on the opposite side of the unfortunate Solar, axe in hand and with a terrible grin on his face, ready to bar the way.&nbsp; "Hey now.&nbsp; Aren't you supposed to be a big strong Solar Anathema?&nbsp; I can't believe you're running from a fuckin' Dragon-Blood."<br><br>The Solar growls. 'Big talk, from a big man. But he who fight and runs away...' He twists, and swings, his fist blazing with golden Essence as he strikes at your midsection, and then his eyes widen as you manage to block it, a sound like a gong being struck ringing out.<br><br>Wrath swats the punch away with a casual sweep of his grimcleaver.&nbsp; "...gets killed 'cause he's weak and slow!&nbsp; Some Dawn you are."&nbsp; With that, the Slayer blurs with impossible speed, the deadly axe sweeping toward the Solar's body again and again.&nbsp; He wields its edge skillfully, aiming for shallower, lighter cuts that could be mistaken for the results of the Immaculate's chakram, but presses the attack with an unholy lack of mercy.<br><br>The Solar growls, and those claws move quickly as he deflects attack after attack, catching the blade between the claws and bringing it down against the ceiling, leaving gouging cuts in the wood as it begins to creak from the violent damage being done to it, the Solar's anima flaring into full brightness as he fends off the brutality of the attacks.<br><br>Laughing, Wrath closes in, blade dancing nearer to the Solar with every terrible swing, as if to convey how utterly doomed the poor fool is.&nbsp; <br><br>The Solar's taxed beyond his limit, and your blade scythes across his neck, the slice landing between two vertebrae of the throat, slicing through the trachea, the impact sending his head flying backwards, barely hanging on by a flap of flesh, blood spraying everywhere as though you'd just sliced open the artery of a Behemoth, the immaculate staring, and cautiously beginning to approach.<br><br>"Huh.&nbsp; If that's all an Anathema is, I don't see what all the fuss is about."&nbsp; Son of Wrath lifts his grimclever in mocking salute to the approaching Immaculate.&nbsp; "The demons you monks hunt are pretty weak."<br><br>The Immaculate slowly stares. " What in the name of the Dragons are you...?" he asks, staring down at the corpse of the Dawn Caste. He looks towards you. "Well... Whatever you are, you have my thanks for aiding in the bringing down of Three Golden Blades, Forsaken Anathema." He bows, enough to show respect, though he doesn't take his eyes off of you. There's more than enough to be suspicious of there, after all.<br><br>"You don't need to know what I am.&nbsp; You're going to be taking all the credit for the Anathema, after all."&nbsp; A terrible smirk crosses his face.&nbsp; "Well, that and you're going to be dead."&nbsp; With that, he surges forward, ready to make an end of the hapless monk. The Slayer blurs into motion again, wielding the massive blade with terrifying skill.&nbsp; "You get to die a hero -- you should really be thanking me!"&nbsp; His boots crunch the roof's tiles as he thunders forward, laughing savagely, and all at once his axe seems to come at the Terrestrial from five different angles, the fifth a perfect blow aimed straight for the monk's heart.<br><br>The Dragon-Blooded dodges with desperate speed, amazingly managing to avoid the first two attacks, his robes torn open by the blade... Then the third blow strikes him square, and in moments, he's reduced to a rather bloody mess.<br><br>With a chuckle, the Green Sun Prince who cut down two Exalted without even revealing his glory returns to the Solar's corpse, dragging it closer before shoving the "demon's" arms (and razor claws) into the bloody mess that was the Immaculate.&nbsp; When he's satisfied (or just can't do any better to make the double kill look good), he leans down to taste the Solar's blood briefly, before disappearing into the night to let the Wyld Hunt take its course.<br><br>Shortly after you disappear into the night, you hear a tortured scream coming from where you left the bloody mess. Perhaps one of the other monks was related. The thought rather puts a spring in your step.<br><br>In good cheer, Son of Wrath heads off to report his success to Petronella and Velius.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>22-04-2009, 06:26:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The morning dawns, and with it, comes a fire Exalt, eager to brag about her great victory... And to thank her lucky charm. What she'll see upon visiting her favorite slave, well, that's a question of it's own.<br><br>The morning paper has made it's way in, as well.<br>"Wyld Hunt claims notorious crime boss! Young Air Aspect dies hero!"<br>"Strange sightings of unexplained green essence flares!"<br>"Immaculate temple preparing to celebrate its sepcentennial!"<br>"Mysterious disappearance of city luminary!"<br>"Could a desert be forming in Nexus? Turn to page B9 to find out how!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>22-04-2009, 19:35:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				By morning, Velius is relaxing in bed with Petronella, who has long since been untied.&nbsp; They are both naked, of course, and he is petting her gently as he looks over what passes for media in Creation.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>22-04-2009, 23:56:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Although a few stray dogs perish during the night for the crime of mildly annoying the Slayer, by morning he's back at the house.<br><br>Atypically, he's actually reading the <em>Nexus Times</em>.&nbsp; Mostly because he hasn't seen his fellow Green Sun Princes since before leaving to carry out the uncharacteristically-premeditated murders last night, and...really has nothing at all to do.&nbsp; Except maybe go kill more people.&nbsp; <em>Where the Hell are those two anyway?</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>24-04-2009, 06:37:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lisara opens the door, and looks surprised, raising an eyebrow. 'Oh, apologies, I didn't know you were sharing the comfort of another one of the whores.' She looks perhaps a bit miffed by this, but soldiers on. 'Would you perhaps mind giving us some privacy?' she asks of Velius, with... rather less politeness than one might hope for.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>25-04-2009, 03:19:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Velius smiles up at Lisara, still stroking his Pet.&nbsp; "Forgive me, Exalted One, but I am not a whore.&nbsp; My name is Wiegraf.&nbsp; I can only presume you are Tepet Lisara; Petronella has spoken often of you.&nbsp; Congratulations on your elimination of the Anathema."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>26-04-2009, 22:22:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lisara raises an eyebrow. " Seeing as how I have paid for Petronella's time, and that alone, I'm sure you won't take it too much amiss if I ask that you leave us be?" she says, her eyes narrowing. Clearly, she doesn't trust you, though whether it's because you're particularly suspicious or she's merely horribly, horribly sexist isn't entirely clear.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>26-04-2009, 22:43:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His smile grows smaller, but doesn't fade entirely.&nbsp; "As a Terrestrial and a student of the Immaculate Order, I am sure you are well versed in the importance of hierarchy; the greater being served by the lesser.&nbsp; Petronella is my servant in this way.&nbsp; She understands my greatness and is utterly loyal.&nbsp; The success you've enjoyed, the aid you've received, may have come through my Pet, but it comes from me.&nbsp; I thought we should meet, Exalted One, so I might offer you more direct aid and counsel."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>DarkChipmunk</strong> on <strong>27-04-2009, 01:45:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Pet kneels up on the bed, resting a casual hand on Velius's arm, affectionately, nodding in agreement with the man's statements. "My Master is truly a great man. His aid was instrumental in helping to bring out the true nature of your own greatness for all to see. He is like a great light, revealing and comforting." she looks up at her Master adoringly. She certainly won't ask Master to leave, as it seems he's intent on making the acquaintance of Lisara. "I am certain that we can extend the time you've paid for, Miss Lisara. It is always a joy to attend you" her eyes shine as she does her best to flatter her while supporting her master fully.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>27-04-2009, 01:58:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				" Your... Master?" Lisara looks surprised. " I apologize, sir. I did not recognize your august personage." Lisara bows her head with a brief show of respect to what she obviously assumes must be some form of powerful Terrestrial god. " Certainly, outside the Realm, we Dragon-Blooded must put aside the Immaculate Philosophy's more... unreasonable policies, at times, to serve the greater good. I thank you for whatever help you brought us on the Wyld Hunt- Certainly, Tepet Aang would never have been able to defeat that Anathema on his own without your protection. I am only sorry that he was killed in the attempt..." No, it's pretty clear that she's not, but she'll probably be a better liar when sending the letter home to his family. " I wish to thank both of you. If there's anything I might be able to do for you... Let's just say that I'm rather more inclined to help you." she says with a smile. <br><br>OOC: Each of you, take 40 XP. This mission is complete, but you can continue to pose, and I'll use this to pose the Dream Messages, telling you of the potential missions from each of the Yozis.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>15-05-2009, 03:17:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Night comes, and with it, eventually, sleep. Three Infernals sleep that night, and dream of their lords, those who hold their hearts.<br><br>First comes a dream to Son of Wrath. He dreams of Ligier, the most glorious soul of Malfeas, the shining Green Sun. The glorious form stands before him, perhaps one of the few things that could give even him pause. The black brass of Malfeas surrounds, endlessly clashing against itself, a cacophony of screeching metal on metal. Yet when Ligier speaks, his voice cuts clean through the chaos, not a word lost.<br><br>"<span style="font-size: 2em;" class="bbc_size">Son of Wrath. Your liege awaits you. The Ebon dragon makes its coiled plans to command the loyalty of the Dragon-Blooded hosts, to have them prepared for our invasion. But the true king of the Primordials will not brook such insolence. I have sent one of the Erymanthoi. You shall take the weapon it gives you- It drips with a special ichor I have created. It will inflict the Green Sun Wasting on those it touches, and change their Essence- Mortals shall die, but if used properly on Dragon-Blooded, it will warp them into a Sixth Element. Vitriol shall enter the realm of Creation through this insinuation... And Malfeas shall have a strong new weapon. As shall you. Induce them to spread their taint, and give vitriol its long awaited due.</span>" <br><br>Ligier waves his hand, and a grimcleaver, tainted wood dripping a green venom, materializes in his hand.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>18-05-2009, 01:45:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The next dream fills Petronella's mind. Sand whispers through an endless silver desert, truly endless, given no borders by Malfeas. Yet even that which is endless may have a beginning, and standing before her is that beginning, the heart of the desert, more idea than animate creature. Ralax, Heart of the Desert, is an expanse of desert, giant, marked by great dunes of seemingly endless height, the lack of perspective making it impossible to tell if they're barely higher than Petronella's head, or if they tower taller than Mount Meru. It speaks, a voice like an avalanche of sand across those dunes. <br><br><span style="font-size: 2em;" class="bbc_size">"PETRONELLA. YOU MUST FIND THE EMISSARY OF NEXUS. YOU AND YOUR MASTER AND THE BRUTAL ONE MUST KILL IT, TO LEAVE A POWER VACUUM IN NEXUS THAT YOU MAY FILL."</span> <br><br>It is succinct. No words wasted on someone who has shown they haven't the strength to be master.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>18-05-2009, 05:24:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Velius dreams of a sphere of crystal, containing a flickering flame. The flame is mighty, and burning, but is just a fraction less bright, less magnificent, than the sphere of She Who Lives In Her Name.It is He Who Lives In Her Shadow, the Fetich soul of She Who Lives In Her Name, the being that exemplifies the second command. Its voice is like a scorching fire, but its words are, as always, the will of She, the being that it pays homage to.<br><br>"<span style="font-size: 2em;" class="bbc_size">Pretender gods forget their place. You must remind them, Velius. You must show the world its place, in servitude to the Yozi. She demands that the religions of Nexus worship Petronella, and through Petronella, you, and through you, the Yozis. Pay special attention to the Immaculate Temple, and the Cult of the Illuminated. If they follow us, all shall.</span>"<br><br>There is a certain disgust in his voice, as is always shown to one who holds interests to be greater than he thinks proper. But he will not let it endanger this mission, at least.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>18-05-2009, 05:45:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The last dream that night is Wrath's once again. It is the secret heart of Adorjan, the Wind of Cherry Blossoms, the harbinger of Adorjan's love. Like the eye of a hurricane, Adorjan's love is safe to be within, but all that surrounds it is torn to pieces by the silent fury of Adorjan. Her true name is unpronounceable to human tongues, never spoken, but she comes in the dreams, speaking for Adorjan's sake. The cherry blossoms fall, and were Wrath a different person, it would feel almost serene.<br><br>"Wrath. A Fiend has been awoken in the Firewander District. You will need to extract her... We have recieved word that a large Wyld Hunt seeks her. We need your rage to protect your sister."<br><br>Her voice is soft, to not bring her Yozi's rage down on her, but even through the silent shriek of Adorjan that whirls around the two of you, it is audible.<br><br>The morning comes, and with it, the time to discuss which of these missions to start on first.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>22-05-2009, 03:49:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Upon hearing the message of the dream, Velius is disgusted at the short-sightedness of the Yozis.&nbsp; He has of course already planned out his conquest of the Immaculate Order, down to the last detail, including his subversion of the Ebon Dragon in the process.&nbsp; Of course, the true extent of his plans was hidden from all.<br><br>In the morning, he convenes with Petronella and Son of Wrath, and shares the message of the dream, hearing theirs as well.<br><br>"The Emissary is a looming concern, but at present we are not ready to dispose of that concern.&nbsp; He must wait.&nbsp; Petronella, you will go out and get copies of the Immaculate texts, and adopt them into your cult.&nbsp; Use their teachings, their rituals, properly twisted of course.&nbsp; You will name yourself the Immaculate Servant, and extoll the virtue of serving your Master, who is of course myself.<br><br>Son of Wrath, you and I shall seek out this Fiend.&nbsp; If the Wyld Hunt after her is the same regiment commanded by Tepet Lisara, I will intervene.&nbsp; If they are other Terrestrials, you will get a chance to put your new weapon to the test, and corrupt them to my service."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Jefepato</strong> on <strong>25-05-2009, 06:01:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Your <em>service, Velius?</em>&nbsp; Oh well.&nbsp; It was probably just a slip of the tongue.&nbsp; Not worth worrying about as long as they got the job done.<br><br>"Damn right we will.&nbsp; Hope the blood-ape actually shows up on time, though."&nbsp; Wrath tests the weight of his weapon idly.&nbsp; "You think it'll be safe for little sister to stick around in Nexus a few days after we get her clear?&nbsp; This place's disgusting, but it's just right for a Fiend to get her feet wet, long as we keep her away from your business."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [MUL/EX]Exalted Infernals: Grand Theft Yeddim. Setting Up Shop</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ajoxer</strong> on <strong>31-05-2009, 06:20:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As though some demonic god has smiled in an ironic sneer of some sort, as gods are wont to do, the door slowly creaks open, as a blood ape shuffles in. In any place but Nexus, this sort of thing would be talked about, be worried about... But this is Nexus. The Demon Ape looks around carefully, and bows its head before Son of Wrath. "<span style="font-family: impact;" class="bbc_font">Here. Brought you the weapon, master. Hope it serves you well.</span>" It speaks in a low tongue, but it doesn't seem terribly uneducated as far as Demon Apes go, speaking with what could almost be considered a slight hint of education. It's as though some unknowable being is trying to introduce someone, someone who is not you, yet who you might nonetheless be interested in- Even potentially learning about. Of course, were you to know of this, all would be for naught.<br><br>Petronella smiles as she's given these orders. "Of course." She bows her head, and softly kisses his hand. "Good luck, master. I'm sure you will do well." she says, and smiles towards the two of you. " See you soon." she says softly.<br><br>OOC: Gonna figure out some stuff for the next mission, and then start the next mission... Finding Amy.<br><br>Important note: Fiend's name may not be exactly Amy.<br><br>
			</dd>
		</dl>
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