Darzoni/CampaignsTimeOfTumultS3
Session 3
Note: I suck at remembering what exactly happened during the sessions, so that's why there's a distinct lack of details and dialogue. And a lot happened this session. -Darzoni
Blindingly Fast Toy Soldier was bound in moonsilver chains, unable to get free. He was on the floor of the large cabin, left there like some animal while his captors discussed what to do with him. The Abyssal was engaged in some sort of drinking contest with Sunaji, having somehow procured one of the bottles of ancient liquor in the old master's wine cellar. Byron, Gyoukou, the old master, and the five Sodalts who were loyal to the Golden Exalt discussed the situation.
"We could build the Golden Exalt a new body, but he won't be the same." the Luminor explained, "We just need the correct materials from Autochthonia. Yugash does not have enough of the five sacred materials to build a Chosen, so you must provide us with these. But the reagents, rare minerals, and clays are plentiful compared to the sacred materials."
Byron asked, "Why can't we rip out that guy's soulgem and put the Golden Exalt's in its place?"
The Prolific Scholar looked exasperated. "I've told you five times already, it doesn't work that way. The soulgems only work when you die."
Byron scratched his head. "So what are we going to do with him then?"
Gyoukou stroked his goatee. "The Dragon-Blood has a point, what are we going to do with him?"
The old master looked at the Jade. "Well, do you have any suggestions?"
Toy Soldier pondered. Here was an opportunity to avenge his honor for being captured alive. And possibly dishonor his enemies too. But if it failed, he would be indebted to them. It was better than living in shame. "I will challenge each of you to a unarmed duel, as two mortals, with no Essence use or armor. I will pledge my loyalty to whomever wins. If all of you should fail, then everyone here belongs to me."
The old master smiled. "Well then, I suppose I will act as judge. Come, let's carry him outside. Bandit, Byron, Gyoukou..."
Outside, the old master directed the group to the practice circle that they used to refine their combat skills in. The old master unchained the Alchemical, and Toy Soldier stretched to his full height of 12 feet. The Sidereal recited the rules. A successful strike against your opponent was one point, you stop when a point is scored and start a new round. Whomever recieved 5 points first was the winner of the match. Going out of bounds through any means was an automatic loss.
Gyoukou and Oblivion Bandit were trying to decide amongst themselves who would face the tin man first. They decided with a best of two out of three in Axe-Shield-Sword (rock-paper-scissors), with Gyoukou losing and having to go first. The Dawn grumbled, since he was more adept at fighting with a weapon in his hands than slugging it out.
While Gyoukou lasted several rounds and scored a point, eventually he miscalculated one of the Alchemical's attacks and was knocked flat on his back outside of the practice ring.
Next was Byron. He was skilled in unarmed combat, but it did not help him, since he was thrown out of the ring in the first round.
Then Toy Soldier faced the deathknight in battle. Casting aside his funeral shrouds and face mask, the Abyssal was as pale as marble. The two fought for an hour, and they were tied at four points each, Oblivion Bandit holding his own against the Chosen of the Machine God. The Abyssal had used the Alchemical's height to his advantage, using him as a ramp a few times. But in the end, the Alchemical struck Bandit and won.
Then it was the old master's turn. Setting down his cup of green tea, he removed his robe and faced the Alchemical. "You may use all the Charms you wish against me, honorable one. It would be unfair to fight me without them." he said as he bowed and assumed the stance of a martial arts form that had not been seen since the First Age. Five minutes later, the old master had scored five points, and the Alchemical only two. (Yes, I altered this part of the plot. I've said elsewhere that the Sidereal used Charms fueled by personal essence, but after actually statting the guy, I realized he didn't need them)
The old master helped the bruised and battered Alchemical to his feet. Toy Soldier bowed to the Sidereal and swore an oath of fealty, one that used to be used by Dragon-Blooded in the First Age to bind them to a Solar master. "What would you have me do, Master?"
To be continued.
