Elements RPG! Part 3

[Purity_Riot]

Or they could just assume it's what happens when an FG dies, since, you know, it's what happens when an FG dies, and no one has killed one before.

[Purity_Riot]

Lawful Evil, “Dominator”:
   A lawful evil villain methodically takes what he wants within the limits of his code of conduct without regard for whom it hurts. He cares about tradition, loyalty, and order but not about freedom, dignity, or life. He plays by the rules but without mercy or compassion. He is comfortable in a hierarchy and would like to rule, but is willing to serve. He condemns others not according to their actions but according to race, religion, homeland, or social rank. He is loath to break laws or promises. This reluctance comes partly from his nature and partly because he depends on order to protect himself from those who oppose him on moral grounds. Some lawful evil villains have particular taboos, such as not killing in cold blood (but having underlings do it) or not letting children come to harm (if it can be helped). They imagine that these compunctions put them above unprincipled villains. The scheming baron who expands his power and exploits his people is lawful evil.
   Some lawful evil people and creatures commit themselves to evil with a zeal like that of a crusader committed to good. Beyond being
willing to hurt others for their own ends, they take pleasure in spreading evil as an end unto itself. They may also see doing evil as
part of a duty to an evil deity or master.
   Lawful evil is sometimes called “diabolical,” because devils are the epitome of lawful evil.


Sound about right? (exact quote from PHB 3.5e)

[Helios]

Positive emotions usually win because invariably, evil just can't beat good.

This shall suffice to corroborate my previous points.

He is only angry at Heaven because of the invasion of Hell, which contributed to the extinction of his race.

If you read my history properly, you might realise that his anger is misdirected and misguided. The catastrophe was mostly the fault of Emparael, not Heaven itself.

Anyways, I merely posted the thing about power levels to show Helios that being a "god" does not equal to being omnipotent.

And yet, the godmodding problem has not been eliminated, as per my previous posts.

However, I shall lay the above disagreement to rest; continuing this will only serve to render this experience more frustrating and less fun. For myself, I have a fairly good notion of the relative and comparative "power levels" of the characters to uphold and maintain.

Regarding Morte's fate, I uphold my original stance on the matter.

Finally, I do perceive some ressemblances between Jonathan/Bloodshadow and the Lawful Evil alignment, primarily from excerpts such as "He condemns others not according to their actions but according to race, religion, homeland, or social rank," and "devils are the epitome of lawful evil".

[Bloodshadow]

Um... What was your original stance on Morte's fate again?

If you don't want us to kill him, then I think someone else, possibly Malcolm himself, should appear and kill Morte. Something like "You have no more use to me, thus you must die", or something along that line. That could be our first official introduction of Malcolm, the prime antagonist.

Or they could just assume it's what happens when an FG dies, since, you know, it's what happens when an FG dies, and no one has killed one before.

The energy that comes out when a FG dies feels fundamentally wrong. The characters may assume that it's what happens when a FG dies, but they'll still think about it and start worrying that something worse than FGs might be awakening.

That aside, I think we disagree on the definition of "evil". I believe that evil is whatever that opposes the protagonists. Since Jonathan does not oppose the other players, he is not evil.

[Purity_Riot]

Um... What was your original stance on Morte's fate again?

If you don't want us to kill him, then I think someone else, possibly Malcolm himself, should appear and kill Morte. Something like "You have no more use to me, thus you must die", or something along that line. That could be our first official introduction of Malcolm, the prime antagonist.

Or they could just assume it's what happens when an FG dies, since, you know, it's what happens when an FG dies, and no one has killed one before.

The energy that comes out when a FG dies feels fundamentally wrong. The characters may assume that it's what happens when a FG dies, but they'll still think about it and start worrying that something worse than FGs might be awakening.

Again, or final vote was to keep him alive


and why would they think about something more? Killing an FG /should/ feel fundamentally wrong. It is.

Can we just get the RPG back on track?

[Helios]

That aside, I think we disagree on the definition of "evil".

On an incidental note, this is probably true. An evil character does not perforce need to oppose the good protagonists to be a person of evil alignment.

Presently, I shall post soon in character in order to return our attentions to the RPG itself.

[Helios]

Heaven

For the purposes of designing the wonderful and yet significant subsequent segment, I will provide a summary description of the Celestial Realm; submit your own ideas and creativity to supplement this if you wish:

1) The Outer Sphere - Heaven possesses two primary defences: the first is that no one would possibly dare to attack it, the second being its utter unreachability to many. However, during the temporal period following the First Golden Age, the question was raised as to whether a concrete, material defence would be necessary. The result was the creation of the Outer Sphere by Solraegiel, a nigh-impregnable barrier composed of pure Light energy nearly invisible to the eye. The Guardians of the Peace maintain a constant watch here, and it is solely with their consent that one is granted passage through the Sphere, though there has never been any actual threat to Heaven since the Elder Days.

2) The Crystal Arch - Progressing into the Sphere which marks the limit of the Celestial Realm, one is immediately greeted by a truly sublimely majestic sight, the landmark of High Heaven and the physical representation and manifestation of its Light, situated at the very centre point, and Solraegiel's most famous, glorious and enduring creation.

3) The Hall of Mirrors - The great library of Heaven, and the reservoir of essentially all of the knowledge of the world known to the Celestial Realm. It was named as such for two reasons: firstly, the main entrance chamber to the library contains a multitude of wondrous mirrors which reflect Light in a most awe-inspiring manner, and secondly, the reference to the Mirrors is also metaphorical - for as one discovers knowledge about the world without, one also regards the mirror which reflects the soul within.

4) The Chamber of the Sun - The supreme court of the highest Justice in the world, where all such disputes are presented before the Archangel of Justice for Heaven's judgement and verdict. Its name is derived from another metaphorical reference to Justice being bright, glorious, constant, fair and inescapable as the Sun itself.

5) The Tower of the Stars - A loomingly tall tower, it is Heaven's grand observatory for peacefully regarding all the elements of the skies; however, it does serve another purpose: it is a watchtower sometimes used by the Guardians to observe the entire space in Heaven's vicinity and the Middle Plane itself.

6) The Gardens of Serenity - Maintained by the Keeper of the Gardens, this is essentially a second Eden of serenity, as it is aptly named.

7) The Court of Highest Light - This magnificent central structure nestled under the Crystal Arch is where the Council of Heaven holds their seats. Miracle also occasionally visits to counsel the governing members of Heaven when he believes that his advice is needed.

8) The Residence of Miracle - The abode of the False God lies beyond the Crystal Arch where its inhabitant dwells in relative solitude, only visiting the Council chamber in times of need. For a significant being like himself, his dwelling is humble and not presumptuous and thus reflective of his character, in stark contrast to others of his kind like Morte whom constructed gigantic fortresses for themselves. However, Miracle is often found in company with Heaven's greatest sages in his sequestered residence, as they spend many eternities upon their favourite philosophical discussions and quest for truth, each of which typically lasts for more than two years, and simply deriving the utmost pleasure from existence itself and la dolce vita.

Though these may be the most significant, important and impressive structures in Heaven, it is not an exhaustive list. There are also Barracks and Training Grounds for each of Heaven's military forces, in addition to a small Prison adjacent to the Court of Justice.

Use this as a guide to enjoy and derive the utmost from your stay in Heaven!


*Apparently, 8 followed by ")" enables the following emoticon: 8). But of course, I have no objection; after all, Miracle's Residence is very 8)

[Helios]

Soaring higher into the skies, the Angels and those they were escorting ascended at blinding speed further into the unknown, away from the solid surface of the Middle Plane. After some undeterminable length of time, a path of white marble suddenly appeared, as if spontaneously brought into existence under their feet, and a light became faintly visible in the distance, though at least two kilometres away.

The First Beacon of Heaven, which marks the line of delineation of the Outer Sphere. What a pleasant sight!

Increasing in size and intensity as they approached, it soon became clear to those whom were not aware that this was in fact a high white tower with a lamp placed upon its summit, shining brightly enough to illuminate a great span of space.

Just beyond this structure, twenty more Guardians of the Peace watched the marble path.

"Hail, vigilant Guardians; I bring the prisoner on the orders of Lord Emparael and by the authority of a mandate of the Council."

"Yes, Vaderael, what you have stated is clear. But whom is the other?" asked a Sphere Guard, indicating Sirenes.

"She is a friend of the prisoner whom the latter desperately wanted as company, and Lord Catyrael convinced me to grant the request."

"So be it, but be cautious."

And with that, their exchange ended, and the Sphere Guards moved aside to permit their passage.

"It has been many Ages since you have returned, and it is a pity that you do so in this state and under these conditions, but Heaven shall not fail to render you spellbinded," said Vaderael to Xanriel, "Ahead is the Second Beacon, which marks the Inner Sphere, and beyond that is Heaven itself."

It was as the Chief Guardian had described; upon passing a second lamp-lit high tower (and by extension, crossing through the Inner Sphere), the group entered upon the Celestial Realm, upon Heaven, and this could not any less obvious for before them loomed the sublimely majestic Crystal Arch and because the entirety of the vastness of Heaven's domain was illuminated by pure, beautiful Light which seemed to emanate from everything within, while the wondrous sights to be seen were far and away unmatched anywhere in all the world.

"Unfortunately, for the present, you cannot admire the beauty of your home, for first, you must be conducted to the Prison."

[Purity_Riot]

   Xanriel was awestruck at the beauty of his own. Decades had gone by since he last set his eyes upon the Heavens. The Crystal Arch was almost too beautiful to understand, after the many weeks they had just spent in the lands of entropy, darkness and death. He looked even further upon his Father's villa; He longed to see his father in person, to take part in one of his year long discussions on philosophy, but alas, the timing was wrong. Vaderael caught sight of Xanriel's longing eyes, and reminded him,

"Unfortunately, for the present, you cannot admire the beauty of your home, for first, you must be conducted to the Prison."
Xanriel nodded, as he turned toward the Prison, and it's infamous Cells.

   He himself has thrown many an insurgent into the Cells, rarely to be seen again by any but the High Council. If the Prison was the single most frightening place in Heaven, then the Cells were the dark corners in it's basement. He swallowed a lump in his throat, comprised mostly of fear, and began walking. He heard one of the Guardians behind him, one of the newer recruits, Ladrael, known for her beauty, which was only matched by her fighting capability.

"I'm surprised Miracle hasn't come to see his Son, perhaps argue against him being thrown into the Cells amongst the villains."
Malrael, rumored to be her lover, tutted, giving her a soft prod,

"You know Miracle Ladrael, he's probably in the middle of some in dept conversation that he couldn't be pried from. He probably doesn't know Xanriel is here."

"Or perhaps he knows his child to be the monster that he has shown himself to be, and has abandoned him to his fate?" Suggested Ladrael, giggling.

   Xanriel kept quiet. If he knew his father, he agreed with Xanriel's opinion, that to prove his innocence he must suffer the same treatment of any criminal, and in truth, Exriel deserved no better. Within moments, they were at the Gates of Dusk. Beyond this point, light lost it's essence, it's colour. Beyond the Gates of Dusk, everything was black, white, or grey. He stepped over the border, but as the others followed he turned to Vadarael.
"I won't let Sirenes see this part of Heaven, not yet. It was not meant for mortal eyes, and I'd rather her not have to suffer it, nor to know my fate." He turned, and was allowed to move close enough to Sirenes to give her a final kiss before the other guardians pulled Xanriel behind the gates, closing them. Vadarael gave Sirenes a wary smile,
"He'll be alright, I fought alongside your live as a Sword, he's tough as nails."

*          *          *

   Beyond the Gates of Dusk, Xanriel's bounds were released. His Song would do little for him in the Cells. A second, hidden gate opened, two clouds splitting, leading into an abyss of gray. Inside, were rows upon rows of Cells. Each of them magically darkened beyond the point of sanity. Within the Cells, all your senses were suppressed. You could not hear the beating of your own heart, feel the sweat on your brow, smell the putrid stench of filth from those who have lived in the Cells for years. You could see nothing, and could not even taste your own fear. No angel had ever been sentenced to be held within the Cells, and retained their sanity. Xanriel swallowed fear, and stepped into his Cell.

Done editing. I'd like to stay in the Cell for two to three days before my trial, because I'd like to make a post or two from inside the Cell.

Also, Miracle won't be seen until the middle of Xanriel/Exriel's trial.

[Bloodshadow]

Purity, that place sounds awfully like a part of Hell. You know, in D&D, Hades the Gray Waste.

Yeah... You should see the prison for the Obyriths on the very bottom of the Abyss. That prison will probably make the prisons in Heaven look like paradise in comparison.

[Purity_Riot]

Really? I kinda just made it up as I went. Oh well.

[Bloodshadow]

During those two or three days in the Cell, is Xanriel going to have a conversation with Exriel?

And I probably should be posting InC right now, but you know, my Elements fanfiction...