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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome rolled 1 20-sided dice:
3
Total: 3 (1-20)
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome
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 Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 12:37 pm
Continuing down the road, a slight bounce in his step after his long enlightening talk with the magician, the three items of wonder and splendor now in his possession, Byakuran and the dog went some way down the path surrounded by endless fields of grass before they at last came upon yet another odditity.
Beside the road in a quarried area of white stone blocks and tall pillars, mysterious drifting veils hanging between the pillars with an almost unearthly quality.
"Hmm...this place is odd and dangerous." the Dog stated with the utmost certainty. "I'm not sure that we should have much to do with it."
But Byakuran didn't heed the dogs advice, feeling drawn to this place by some greater force as he stepped forward, entering the white stone fortification and looking around the within, the dog still at his side, though with a few of his hairs standing up...
Chakra Meditation
DC: 11
Formula: 1d20+Chakra mod
Chakra mod: +1
Roll: 3
Train: 13/20
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome rolled 1 20-sided dice:
19
Total: 19 (1-20)
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Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 12:38 pm
Within the white stone pillars, was a throne of grand simplicity, humble decadence. Within the throne was a woman, face hidden exotically behind a viel not so different from those which hung from the pillars around them. It was as though she and this place were one and the same. "Greetings, Byakuran, I have awaited your arrival."
Surprised that the woman should know him, when no word was sent ahead of his coming, to his knowledge, he raises a brow in curiosity. "I am known to you?"
The maiden smiles behind her veil at such a question. "Oh yes. I know you.I know the road you have walked, and I know the road you will walk. I know the words you shall speak and I know the words you have spoken, for you have come here before, and shall come here again. Seeking knowledge, seeking wisdom, seeking direction." with a mere gesture, so like the magician's before her, the woman conjured up a pair of scrolls, which lay at Byakuran's feet. "By studying these, you will be able to use the tools which the Magician gave to you, but be warned, that with such knowledge is lost an ignorance that cannot be reclaimed..."
Chakra Meditation
DC: 11
Formula: 1d20+Chakra mod
Chakra mod: +1
Roll: 19
Train: 14/20
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome rolled 1 20-sided dice:
8
Total: 8 (1-20)
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome
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Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 1:06 pm
Byakuran picked up the scrolls, putting them away in his pack for the moment as he turned back to the priestess, puzzled by her existence on some level, yet intrigued. "Tell me, should I read the scrolls?"
"That is not a question which I can answer...it is not a question that has an answer. To read them or not, is your decision, as it is your judgement on how to view the outcome...and the alternative."
Byakuran considered this for some time, the dog waiting paitently beside him, giving him it's advice as always, before both looked up to the grandest veil just behind the priestesses throne. Rather the green plains which clearly rest beyond the other exits to the pillars, this veil barely obscures and vast and dark landscape, shimmering with the blackness of a night and light of the moon and stars. Magic and mystery he's never known lay behind this veil...and so Byakuran asked "What is beyond that curtain there...? What manner of place is it...?"
The priestess once more smiled behind her veil. "There is nothing there, that is not already here."
Chakra Meditation
DC: 11
Formula: 1d20+Chakra mod
Chakra mod: +1
Roll: 8
Train: 14/20
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome rolled 1 20-sided dice:
6
Total: 6 (1-20)
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Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 1:07 pm
Byakuran and the dog left the strange pillars and the priestess behind, their journey continuing onward with a new goal in mind, the knowledge within the scrolls giving him new purpose and direction as he follows the compass of curiosity down his way. He was filled with new purpose... filled with dreams and visions, questions and the thirst to find their answers. The dog is eager to find the answer to these questions, sniffing out the path himself as they carry on, both filled with impatience and restless desire for the road ahead, and the goals now set at the end of it... they are just about to break into a tireless sprint when another figure appears on the road ahead, this one accompanied by a magnificent procession of gold, satin, and lace...
Chakra Meditation
DC: 11
Formula: 1d20+Chakra mod
Chakra mod: +1
Roll: 6
Train: 14/20
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome rolled 1 20-sided dice:
9
Total: 9 (1-20)
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome
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Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 1:08 pm
A beautiful empress sits upon an extravagant cushion, held aloft by various retainers and servants, all eager to do so, smiling up at their lady with love and admiration. Upon her head is a crown of stars, and stowed in the many cart's behind her the reapings of a bountiful harvest vast enough to feed a nation.
With a humble bow, one not repeated by the dog, Byakuran kneels before the mighty empress, her procession stopping to rest for a while as her people celebrate and dance around them, their matriarch smiling gently towards Byakuran, indicating for him to speak.
"Pardon my lady, I couldn't but notice the vastness of the harvest you bring behind you." his face was filled with detached wonder. "How is it that you were able to raise such a wonder...?"
Chakra Meditation
DC: 11
Formula: 1d20+Chakra mod
Chakra mod: +1
Roll: 9
Train: 14/20
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome rolled 1 20-sided dice:
8
Total: 8 (1-20)
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Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 1:08 pm
The Empress merely grants the boy a kind smile, gesturing to the people around them, dancing and laughing for the harvest they carry with them. "As all efforts, as all things, time, patience, and nurturing can give rise to the grandest of things. A new creation, a new life, a new journey," Byakuran's eyes widen slightly as the truth of his own circumstance comes to mind "they require fertile soil, patience and nurturing, love and attention. Only this will bring them to fruition." she gave a gesture of blessing to the young traveler. "Whatever labor you have assigned to yourself, know that it will take time to achieve...know that it will be a long road, and one not free of toil. All things must be reaped in their own time."
Chakra Meditation
DC: 11
Formula: 1d20+Chakra mod
Chakra mod: +1
Roll: 8
Train: 14/20
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome rolled 1 20-sided dice:
14
Total: 14 (1-20)
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome
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Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 1:10 pm
Byakuran, filled with a new patience, the dog beside him silently taking it in as well, gave another low bow to the empress, his smile now broad as well. Thanking her for her wisdom, he settled down to celebrate with the lady's people for a time, before setting out again with the dog, his jounrey continuing, though at a more ready pace, the pace of one who was taking his time, and yet knew deep down within himself that he would achieve that which he was striving for...
"I liked her well enough." The dog mused as though in retrospect, his pace matching Byakuran's as they two journeyed forth the end they imagined now within their minds awaiting them somewhere ahead... it was only the matter of getting there...
Chakra Meditation
DC: 11
Formula: 1d20+Chakra mod
Chakra mod: +1
Roll: 14
Train: 15/20
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome rolled 1 20-sided dice:
12
Total: 12 (1-20)
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Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 1:48 pm
The two continue down the long road until they begin to see the signs of vast and powerful nation rise up all around them. Tall spires, wondrous works, the synchronized rhythm of total order, and last but not least a palace grander then any Byakuran has ever encountered. Within the palace, seated on a throne very different from the empresses, or even the priestess's, is a man of power and authority, an imperious nature to his words that moves the hearts of men. Byakuran stares in wonder as, though he has no power like the Priestess or Magician, a mere wave of his hand can move the nation as much as their magic, his word change the lives of his people just as easily as their spells.
"Hail your majesty," Byakuran greets with a low bow, the dog this time following suit as they knelt before the mighty monarch.
"Greetings traveler." the Emperor returned his greeting "What brings you to my lands?"
"A journey far and long your majesty, one I do not even believe to be close to concluded. I come before you in search of wisdom..."
Chakra Meditation
DC: 11
Formula: 1d20+Chakra mod
Chakra mod: +1
Roll: 12
Train: 16/20
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome rolled 1 20-sided dice:
1
Total: 1 (1-20)
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome
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Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 1:58 pm
The emperor strokes his chin thoughtfully. "Wisdom...that which is the hardest treasure to win from life trials, and yet the easiest thing to receive. It is strange what finds value in this world and what doesn't." he levels a gaze to the boy with eyes that seem to see all. "Speak then boy, ask what you will. Wisdom is free in my domain, but know that even if you hold wisdom in your hand, many are not able to make use of it until after the truth of it has been beaten into them by failure's harsh hand. You may only be gaining hind sight from my words, rather than the forewarning you likely seek. are you one who can take wisdom as it comes...?"
"I strive to be, your majesty."
The emperor seems to behold him for a moment longer, before again indicating that he speak. "Then ask...and I shall answer."
Chakra Meditation
DC: 11
Formula: 1d20+Chakra mod
Chakra mod: +1
Roll: 1
Train: 16/20
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome rolled 1 20-sided dice:
18
Total: 18 (1-20)
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Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 2:06 pm
"I would know how it is that you lead these people as marvelously as you do? How is it that you maintain such order and authority? This is more then mere birthright, this is more then even fear or oppression. I have seen tyranny, and this is not it. What secret is it that you hold which allows you to bend the hearts of men and women?"
The Emperor merely gives a smile at the purity of the curiosity tempered by in the boy's eyes, tempered by the hardened logic and suspicious fangs of the large dog beside him. "Remember this boy. It is all and well to be dreamy and artistic, wide eyed and wondrous, but these things will not alone allow you to sway others. Within you is much potential, but in order to achieve what you want you must be alert, ever watchful, bold, and aggressive. And remember even more to be watchful of yourself...for if things are not ordered within you, it makes no difference what order you bring to things around you."
With this new found advice and the emperor's blessing, Byakuran then continued on his way, the dog now taking the lead by a few steps, even if he still took direction from the boy and his compass...
Chakra Meditation
DC: 11
Formula: 1d20+Chakra mod
Chakra mod: +1
Roll: 18
Train: 17/20
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome rolled 1 20-sided dice:
12
Total: 12 (1-20)
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome
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Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 2:21 pm
The road before Byakuran and the dog begins to turn upwards, towards the heavens, the prosperous empire turning to a mountain, high and rested in a foundation of rock. The mountain stretches up higher then the clouds, and on either side of the path now wave crimson and black trail markers waving in the wind. Against snow and unrelenting elements they climb to the top of the mountain, where all traces of the trials passes away to reveal a peaceful eternity. Here above the world, all below seems a distant inconsequential thing. As he gaze up however, the stars and eternity which the Magician had earlier wielded still seem just as far away as had he stayed on the ground below. He noted, even as he gaze downward, that this mountain, however removed and exalted it appeared, was still just a part of the earth around it...
Chakra Meditation
DC: 11
Formula: 1d20+Chakra mod
Chakra mod: +1
Roll: 12
Train: 18/20
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome rolled 1 20-sided dice:
1
Total: 1 (1-20)
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Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 2:37 pm
Yet there, sitting upon a small rock amidst the serenity, was an old man, his beard long and upon his brow the wrinkles of uncounted ages. He is sitting tall, his manner suggesting that he thought himself as mighty as the emperor, though with none of his presence. He was a king without a kingdom, a lord without that to lord over. A man who preached the will of angels though he himself was but a man. A Heirophant was he, a holy man, yet to Byakuran's eyes he saw the old man he knew to be the head of the Otobe clan...
"I am the Heirophant...messenger of god, and one that presides over all the world..." he seemed to truly believe these words, his will strong. "Sit for a time and rest, traveler. For I have wisdom to impart to you..." Byakuran was slightly hesitant to take the advice of one all to eager to give it, but he did as asked, he and the dog looking expectantly to the holy man.
Chakra Meditation
DC: 11
Formula: 1d20+Chakra mod
Chakra mod: +1
Roll: 1
Train: 18/20
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome rolled 1 20-sided dice:
1
Total: 1 (1-20)
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome
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Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 2:38 pm
"You have doubt and fear in your heart." The Heirophant observed, his steady gaze piercing through to Byakuran's heart. "And indeed, you shall have it far more in the future...unless you look within yourself and master that which lies within yourself." before Byakuran could speak, say that he already received such advice from the Emperor, and was intending to follow it, but the Hierophant stated further "With and within you are things you fear to lose. You fear that everything you have done will be for nothing, will not be enough. you fear to lose all you have attained... you fear that in the end all you have hoped for will crash down into oblivious nothing...
Chakra Meditation
DC: 11
Formula: 1d20+Chakra mod
Chakra mod: +1
Roll: 1
Train: 18/20
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome rolled 1 20-sided dice:
4
Total: 4 (1-20)
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Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 2:39 pm
The Heirophant's eyes narrowed. "You must be rid of these fears if you are to move forward. If you are to truly become that which you are destined to be."
Byakuran's face tilted sideways slightly, "How would I achieve this...?"
The holy man merely bid "Cast aside fear. You are above it. Cast aside all that would make you weak. You've no need for any such attachments.You are above them, as I am, as the peak of this mountain is. You must merely let go of these things, and you shall no longer know fear...shall no longer know weakness... that is the path that you must walk now."
Byakuran frowned slightly as he rose and made his way back down the mountain, a slight unease in him after hearing such advise. Something about it had seemed...wrong. Warped. The dog beside him was eager to leave the mountain, it's teeth slightly bared until the holy man was long out of sight...
Chakra Meditation
DC: 11
Formula: 1d20+Chakra mod
Chakra mod: +1
Roll: 4
Train: 18/20
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome rolled 1 20-sided dice:
18
Total: 18 (1-20)
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The Ghost of Xmas Awesome
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Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 2:40 pm
Byakuran and the dog descended the mountain, each of the trials they past of the way up seeming far easier from the other side, yet within each of their minds they repeated the Heirophant's advice. Was the Heirophant truly a holy man? Were his words, like those of the others he'd met on his journey, full of the same wisdom that had aided him at each turn? Neither was entirely sure what to think, what to believe, and it was in this manner that they passed down the side of the mountain, the earth coming closer and closer until at last the road leveled off once more, the trials of the mountain behind them... and yet...
As they reached the foot of the mountain, the dog and Byakuran were greeted by the sight of a man who appeared to be but a humble beggar by the roadside, his skin dirty and covered in rags, but a smile on his face as he greeted them...
Chakra Meditation
DC: 11
Formula: 1d20+Chakra mod
Chakra mod: +1
Roll: 18
Train: 19/20
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