[CC] Radiant Training \ Ramesses II - Goetia

[Drackos]

One important note. This is pinned in our Discord but I want to note it in all the training threads at this stage. This regards chakra splitting and Prana. Like many techniques, we can split Prana and this is almost exclusively done with Era of Gods.

I raised the issue of splitting an S-Rank mass of Prana in half. Normally, when you split an S-Rank you get two A-Ranks. If this applied with Prana, you'd have two masses worth 30 chakra. But this makes no sense because you gain a surplus of 20 chakra. So from here on Prana split will simply split the quantity of chakra. An S-Rank split in half will possess 20 chakra in each mass, rather than the full 40. The situation where it creates masses of 30 chakra just doesn't make sense.

Do you have any questions on splitting Prana? This set of rules makes splitting Prana somewhat disadvantageous as it is notably wasteful. So it's only really recommended to do it in specific situations where you can gain some sort of advantage out of it. But alas, that's the biggest flaw with a system very based on the number itself and not the rank.

 

[Goetia]

Ahh, so the number business pertains to splitting, not interactions. Got it.

To what extent can we control the splitting of Prana? How many parts can we split a single Prana mass into? And are we able to control which pieces possess a certain amount of Prana in them? E.g. splitting an S-Rank into 2 chakra pieces of 30 and 10 points respectively?

 

[Drackos]

Nothing says you can't. And I've never been told you can't. So I'd say yes. I'll ask eventually just to be sure, but nothing about that seems bad so for now I say yes.

 

[Goetia]

Sick one.

 

[Drackos]

An impressive sight no doubt, witnessing her student's body adjust to the ambient energy. But it was a futile effort to attempt to resist the swirling darkness that surrounded Ozymandias; her own Prana was attuned to a degree that could only be achieved after centuries of training, honing, and focus. A focus that sought only to return Galahad's existence to nothingness - but that was neither here nor there. Alas, the golden-orange aura that had coalesced around Ozymandias's fingers was suppressed almost as soon as it had come into existence. The black Prana swarmed his hand and suppressed the energy, as if it was a ravenous beast seeking to consume all light.

Despite the apparent failure, the beginning of the training had actually been a resounding success. Ozymandias had taken, even if he did not know it, the first steps in learning the Surge of Evocation. Amara, sensing the emergence of the energy, made her presence known. Seemingly teleporting behind the king, she began to speak gently, "This is but the first step of many. You've accessed what is known as the Surge of Evocation, the first of four. The power to manifest raw Prana from the Throne, and the power to transport what is of our world to that very dimension. Once you come to the peak of that mastery, you will become able to transport even yourself." The swirling darkness dissipated slightly as Amara returned to full physical form. Walking from behind Ozymandias to face him from the front, she continued. "What you see here...." She said as she motioned toward the swirling darkness and ground beneath them. "This is the fourth Surge, the Surge of Transcendence. There are two others: Armament and Augmentation. In time, you'll come to experience them as well. For now, we will continue honing your skill over the Surge of Evocation. This time, the darkness will not lash out at you and suppress your newfound abilities. But do not overstep your bounds."

---

(Kanki: Kigen no Kamigami) – Surge of Evocation: Era of Gods

Spoiler

(Kanki: Kigen no Kamigami) – Surge of Evocation: Era of Gods
Type: Offensive/Defensive/Supplementary
Rank: D-S
Range: Short-Long
Chakra Cost: 10-40
Damage Points: N/A
Description: This technique encompasses the basic applications of the Surge of Evocation. The Surge of Evocation is the usage of Prana in its raw and unrefined form; whatever this Prana touches is transformed into ethereal energy and transported to the Throne. Prana will neutralize and be neutralized by techniques that possess the same amount of chakra. Similarly it will be useless against attacks of greater chakra and will not be weakened by techniques of lower chakra. However when used on living targets this ambient energy will feel extremely frigid to the touch and induce cold burns on contact or even freeze a target solid for higher ranked applications. D to B-Rank uses will inflict cold burns as well as all of the effects of frostbite. A-Rank uses will cause necrosis of the afflicted parts of the body, making them appear dark purple and bruised to signify the death of cells. Affected appendages and organs will cease to function, becoming completely immobile in the case of limbs. S rank uses will freeze the struck targets solid. In the case of Surgebinders, who are immune to all of the above effects, they will be transported to the Throne when struck by the prana of another member of their clan. Era of Gods can be split into three separate applications, all based on the same principle: constructs, armors, and familiars made of prana energy.

Pride of Gilgamesh – Gates of Babylon
The Pride of Gilgamesh allows the user to produce Prana either from the user’s body or on the battlefield. The Prana can only be manifested within short-range of the opponent if the user is also within that range, in which it must be created a minimum of one meter away. This restriction does not apply if the user chooses to release the Prana from their body, rather than manifest it away from themselves. The energy can be released from the body via various hand signs depending on the user's rank in the clan. This can be done to generate constructs bound only by the rank of technique used and one’s imagination; alternatively the user can simplify the application by creating streams, waves, and constructs of Prana. Manifested Prana is capable of taking solid form, granting tangibility at the user’s volition. Non-projectile uses of this technique are capable of levitating and can be governed through mental commands and a sustained chakra cost. B-Ranks and below are sustained through 5 chakra per turn, A-Ranks and above require 10 chakra per turn. Created constructs will last three turns per usage unless they are prematurely cancelled. S-Rank applications can only be used once every three turns and no Prana in the user’s next turn.

Embrace of Ishtar – Armory of Akkadia
This variant allows the user to manifest armors, auras, and coatings of Prana around their body. This can be used to enshroud a single or multiple body parts in a layer of colored energy. These defenses can be made to fit the body like conventional armors or enveloping it in a formless manner. The first type can be created with additional limbs and appendages such as wings which enable flight. The user can also constantly reshape it and create small-scale weapons from the body of the armor, though at the cost of one of the user's three moves. It should be noted that these constructs remain attached to the main body of the armor and so act as an extension of it. The second type generates a “flowing aura” that appears to flicker like an open flame. This aura is often made as an upwards column that is streamed into the sky with its base remaining around the user. It should be noted that its power is not split or divided as all of the Prana energy is part of one whole. The armors can exhibit tangibility, although this does not hinder the user’s techniques and their passing which can freely move in and out of the armor per the user’s will. B-Rank and below applications require being sustained with 5 chakra per turn while A and S Ranks require 10 chakra per turn. This technique can last a maximum of three turns. S-Rank applications can be used twice per battle. After an S-Rank application expires the user is unable to utilize Prana single turn.

Divinity of Merlin – Garden of Avalon
The Divinity of Merlin allows the user to produce Prana in the same way as the Pride of Gilgamesh and can be shaped in the same way, limited by rank and imagination. However, unlike the Pride of Gilgamesh which creates static constructs the Divinity of Merlin creates constructs imbued with a limited form of sentience – familiars. These familiars can be created anywhere on the battlefield, with the exception of short-range of the opponent unless the user is also within that range; in this case the familiar cannot be created within two meters of the opponent. This restriction does not apply if the user chooses to release the Prana from their body. Familiars are capable of taking numerous shapes, not simply limited to animals. These familiars are also capable of taking solid form at the user’s volition. Familiars are capable of remaining on the battlefield for four turns. B-Ranks and below are sustained through 5 chakra per turn, A-Ranks and above require 10 chakra per turn. S-Rank applications can only be used twice times per battle and no Prana in the user’s next turn.

Note: The upper echelon of the clan (Servants and above) are capable of using this technique without hand signs for B-rank and below. A-rank will require two hand signs and S-rank requires three.
Note: The lower tier clan members (Phantasms to Guardians) will require 5 to 3 hand seals for all ranks, decreasing as they they ascend in rank.

We're going to practice each of these sub-techniques. Begin with the Gates of Babylon and then we'll work our way down. RP what you do. And ask any questions you have either IC or OOC. I don't mind which ever you pick.

 

[Goetia]

As the bright light of his Prana had manifested in his fingers, its glow emerging as a wisp of energy that circled his fingers and danced in his palm, its life was cut short by the abysmal darkness that surrounded Ozymandias. Watching his empty palm with cold eyes, he lowers it to his side, struggling to conceal a tone of disappointment as he does so, "Tch". As if on queue, Amara's voice echoed from behind him, telling him of the training's progress. She spoke of the power that remained untouched by him, that would soon be unlocked once his strength be sufficient. Not since his days as a mere prince had he heard such words, such promises. It brought a feeling of reminiscence to him, one that washed away his mild frustration. Ozymandias would begin as instructed, Amara's final words lingering in his mind as he does so.

Forming a set of seals, Ozymandias holds his right arm out in front of him, with an open palm. There, he would concentrate his Prana, again manifesting the golden-orange aura that would glow within his fingers. He would begin by releasing small but quick bursts of shapeless energy from the Prana in his palm, testing the waters with rudimentary applications. He would release a few more in different ways, such as crescent waves, and small streams and beams of Prana. Watching keenly as each mass of energy travels into further into the abyss, Ozymandias concentrates his Prana yet again, this time manifesting it a few meters away from him in the form of shapeless energy. Noting that it continues to levitate even after manifesting and no subsequent command or interference, Ozymandias dispels it. He summons another concentration of Prana in his palm, and then begins to apply shape manipulation to it. He thins the energy out over a length of 2 meters, extending it to take on the appearance of a shepherd's crook. With the construct's formation complete, Ozymandias would allow it to float in the air under his palm for a few moments before closing his fingers over the shaft, holding it upright on the ground.

 

[Drackos]

"Now command the Prana to embrace your own body; as if it was the clothes you wear or the armor you fight in. You will find it inert. But be mindful of others.... Their own foreign Prana will not afford you this freedom." From her hand, a blackened shard of metal formed. It's material seemingly as black as the dark void energies surrounding them. With an expressionless face she whipped it toward Ozymandias's head with augmented strength. "My brother calls this the Armor of Akkadia. But I prefer the Embrace of Ishtar."

 

[Goetia]

Upon instruction, Ozymandias summoned another shapeless concentration of Prana to his hand, observing its radiant, golden glimmer. Noting Amara's words, he watches her manifest her own construct of Prana. A shard of darkness, it seethed with the energy that composed the space around them. It truly was a reflection of the individual. In response to her swing at his head, Ozymandias extends the Prana in his hand over the rest of his arm, seamlessly continuing to envelop the rest of his body in a gleaming light. In the same motion, he'd moved his hand to defend from Amara's blackened blade. Using the Prana coating over the gauntlet on his arm to defend, the two energies meet, colliding in a brief release of light and dark.

 

[Drackos]

Ozymandias, in all his arrogance, showed some measure of promise; a potentially powerful weapon to use against her brother's Knight's Radiant. The shard of Mawscape would be sent to the general Throne, well out of the realm of her void like Reality Marble. "One final task: familiars. Imbue some measure of manufactured life into a creation of Prana. Wield it in accordance to your will, a construct formed to simply obey and be an extension of your desires."

 

[Goetia]

With the last of the basic tools he would use to execute his will now within his grasp, Ozymandias begins drawing upon the Prana within his body. Instead of flowing and concentrating it to a single point of his body, he instead radiates the crackling energy from his entire being. As the golden energy wafts forth, hovering as a 5 meter tall shapeless mass, Ozymandias stretches his arm out, pointing an open palm directly to his very essence. With his mind, he would slowly give shape to the Prana, calming its ripples and molding them into a secure form. He would slightly flatten and extend the energy, allowing it to retain its original height at the forefront of the mass. He would bestow upon it shapes resembling limbs, and a single head, adorned with a helmet akin to a lion's mane, the Nemes Headcrown that sat atop the heads of many pharaohs in distant past. With the manipulation complete, Ozymandias gazes upon the familiar in all of its radiance and splendor. A golden sphinx, the archetypal symbol of the pharaoh's dominion. It sat still before Amara, as if to be inspected by her, slowly extending its limbs and standing tall, making both her and Ozymandias appear even smaller before it.

 

[Drackos]

With the last of the basic tools he would use to execute his will now within his grasp, Ozymandias begins drawing upon the Prana within his body. Instead of flowing and concentrating it to a single point of his body, he instead radiates the crackling energy from his entire being. As the golden energy wafts forth, hovering as a 5 meter tall shapeless mass, Ozymandias stretches his arm out, pointing an open palm directly to his very essence. With his mind, he would slowly give shape to the Prana, calming its ripples and molding them into a secure form. He would slightly flatten and extend the energy, allowing it to retain its original height at the forefront of the mass. He would bestow upon it shapes resembling limbs, and a single head, adorned with a helmet akin to a lion's mane, the Nemes Headcrown that sat atop the heads of many pharaohs in distant past. With the manipulation complete, Ozymandias gazes upon the familiar in all of its radiance and splendor. A golden sphinx, the archetypal symbol of the pharaoh's dominion. It sat still before Amara, as if to be inspected by her, slowly extending its limbs and standing tall, making both her and Ozymandias appear even smaller before it.

"You've displayed remarkable control; it is no simple task managing the Era of Gods. The raw invocation of Prana can be taxing on the body but it seems that you have managed. In time your skill over it will improve, requiring fewer hand seals and enabling greater speed. The raw versatility that the technique provides is not to be underestimat--" She was cut off by a sudden fluctuation in the terrain. Amara's brow furrowed at the sight as the black Prana mists began to warp. It was as if they had been shifted from Amara's Reality Marble almost instantly, and as soon as the shifting had completed the terrain appeared drastically different. She turned from Ozymandias, almost as if she had completely lost interest in him. It was something she had never seen happen before...a power that even she was unaware of that could be performed upon another's Reality Marble.

They now stood in the collapsed ruins of Amara's childhood home; her eyes darted back and forth taking it all in. These were clearly the ruins of Lancelot's home in Camelot after Mordred's rebellion. It was a painful memory for her, so much violence and terror that absolutely dominated the time after Lancelot was exiled (and unbeknownst to her, fell to madness). "It seems an interloper has interfered with the Throne." She turned to Ozymandias, making sure that her student was okay. Then turned toward the dusty tables and shelves that lined the room. It seemed that they had been transported to Lancelot's old study.

From behind, light steps could be heard. A cloaked man stood behind, with piercing magenta eyes as his only notable trait. But it was all that was needed for Amara's eyes to widen, and her jaw to partially drop. The stranger raised one arm, motioning for Amara to not speak. To remain silent, if only for a moment. "Is this a dream? Or perhaps merely an illusion that you and your new prodigy now stand witness to? Well, not that it matters. It has been so long Amara." It was clear she was near speechless. The only thought that permeated through her mind was that the figure before her could only be one from her past: her old mentor, Merlin.

She composed herself, and refused to hesitate in the face of such an ancient familiar presence. Raising a single hand, she employed her Force Release to manipulate the Gravitons around the stranger to remove his enchanted cloak. He did not resist, the shroud was blown back against the dusty shelves and books behind him. As the obscuring enchantments were lost, his form made itself apparent; he wore fine white robes, falling to his feet. He had long hair that stretched down almost to his knees. "You vanished after the fall of Camelot. Does my brother know you live?"

"No. Although he will soon I imagine. Amara...terrible things were done to yo-." Merlin was immediately cut off, having struck a nerve with the normally collected Amara.

"Enough. There is little time for reminiscing of the past. Or recalling the terrible things my gracious and benevolent brother did to me or his own people. What business do you have here?"

But Merlin was not particularly phased; he looked upon her with pity and sadness. She was, along with Galahad, his greatest students from Camelot. And since then he has had no new students in his self-imposed exile in Ars Paulina. "So who is this?" He asked, motioning toward Ozymandias.

 

[Goetia]

The sphinx's body continues to crackle with energy, being the only real source of light in the infinite darkness of Amara's Reality Marble. Pleased with his own progress, and eager to continue, Ozymandias listened to the words Amara had to offer to him. As her words were cut off, the darkness that composed the surrounding domain appeared distorted. It warped and writhed even more violently than when it was simply the swirling aura of Amara's Prana, changing colors and beginning to resemble actual shape. The new environment Ozymandias found himself in was distinctly...real. In the sense of being a place you could find in the real world. Before Amara had even spoke, the pharaoh knew that something was amiss. The woman did not seem the type to indulge in games or trickery, more suited to jesters. Ozymandias had reflexively dispelled his sphinx and formed a golden crook, keeping a fist closed around it in case of an incursion by another, which Amara had suggested.

Hearing faint footsteps from behind him, Ozymandias turned halfway towards the source of the sound, his radiant eyes locking onto the one clad in white. He didn't appear to be interested in combat, but the pharaoh kept a firm grip on his crook, in case his presumption was wrong. The cloaked man had a gentle and soothing voice, one that could easily wipe away any distress one felt and reassure those whose confidence began to wane. Though, there seemed to be something off about him. Though he appeared gentle and inviting, a slight aura of danger emanated from him. His presence itself was ancient, and Ozymandias surmised that it would be unwise to initiate conflict here. Rather, he would observe. Though slightly irritated that the progress of his training was hindered, he would forgive the interruption, assuming that the following chain of events were interesting enough to him. Turning fully to face the hooded man, Ozymandias relieves his grasp on the crook, the Prana dispersing into countless specks of golden energy.

Ozymandias observes the man's sage-like appearance, from his hair which stretched to his knees, to the wispy white clothing that adorned his body. The monarch listens to the man and Amara bicker between each other, noting that they were acquainted with one another. The exchange comes to an abrupt end, and the stranger turns to the monarch, addressing him.

"My name is Ozymandias. You appear before me, the pharaoh, as a vagrant, but I sense there is much more to you than what is visible. Now you will give me your name, and your purpose here."

The pharaoh awaits a response from the cloaked man. Though he was a patient one, Ozymandias hardly took kindly to interruptions in his activities.

 

[Drackos]

The sphinx's body continues to crackle with energy, being the only real source of light in the infinite darkness of Amara's Reality Marble. Pleased with his own progress, and eager to continue, Ozymandias listened to the words Amara had to offer to him. As her words were cut off, the darkness that composed the surrounding domain appeared distorted. It warped and writhed even more violently than when it was simply the swirling aura of Amara's Prana, changing colors and beginning to resemble actual shape. The new environment Ozymandias found himself in was distinctly...real. In the sense of being a place you could find in the real world. Before Amara had even spoke, the pharaoh knew that something was amiss. The woman did not seem the type to indulge in games or trickery, more suited to jesters. Ozymandias had reflexively dispelled his sphinx and formed a golden crook, keeping a fist closed around it in case of an incursion by another, which Amara had suggested.

Hearing faint footsteps from behind him, Ozymandias turned halfway towards the source of the sound, his radiant eyes locking onto the one clad in white. He didn't appear to be interested in combat, but the pharaoh kept a firm grip on his crook, in case his presumption was wrong. The cloaked man had a gentle and soothing voice, one that could easily wipe away any distress one felt and reassure those whose confidence began to wane. Though, there seemed to be something off about him. Though he appeared gentle and inviting, a slight aura of danger emanated from him. His presence itself was ancient, and Ozymandias surmised that it would be unwise to initiate conflict here. Rather, he would observe. Though slightly irritated that the progress of his training was hindered, he would forgive the interruption, assuming that the following chain of events were interesting enough to him. Turning fully to face the hooded man, Ozymandias relieves his grasp on the crook, the Prana dispersing into countless specks of golden energy.

Ozymandias observes the man's sage-like appearance, from his hair which stretched to his knees, to the wispy white clothing that adorned his body. The monarch listens to the man and Amara bicker between each other, noting that they were acquainted with one another. The exchange comes to an abrupt end, and the stranger turns to the monarch, addressing him.

"My name is Ozymandias. You appear before me, the pharaoh, as a vagrant, but I sense there is much more to you than what is visible. Now you will give me your name, and your purpose here."

The pharaoh awaits a response from the cloaked man. Though he was a patient one, Ozymandias hardly took kindly to interruptions in his activities.

"A vagrant? Perhaps. It has been quite some time since I've had a home.... Right, you never mind that. I merely have come here as I dozed off, strolling along and now appearing in a strange...but familiar place. I am Merlin. Your teacher's, and her brother's, former mentor." His eyes wandered, scanning the room before him. The warm smile that spread across his countenance little by little melted away as he recalled the grandeur of the library before him; once magnificent in scale, the civil war that had gripped Camelot had left it in ruins, claimed by the annals of history. "Amara." He turned to face his former student, his face now grim. "I have been watching you, ever since you escaped your brother's seal with the help of your father's lover."

Amara grimaced, pained by the mention of her brother and father in the same breath. "What of it?" She sneered, her voice dipped in venom. "Why do you suddenly have interest in me after vanishing for almost 700 years. Had you cared at all, you would have shattered that diabolical seal and freed me!" For a woman almost 700 years old, she sounded almost childish in her anger. She felt only betrayal in Merlin's words.

"It was not my place to intervene. I am but an observer now. A specter of a past age that does not belong in the modern world. But a disaster has happened...something terrible. Something so grave the work of your brother, of his followers, and even you--" Merlin was cut off, Amara's grimace turning to unbound rage.

"His work? THEIR work? The work that led countless Radiant Knights to slaughter, the work that gave rise to historical alteration? THE WORK THAT EMPOWERED TYRANTS AND ENDLESS WAR?"

Merlin's face sunk to sadness. It was clear to him that his student, once a prized childhood prodigy, had fallen to despair and anger. "You were too young to bear that burden. You both were. It is a burden no human can bear. But Amara, whether you care for your brother's work or not.... The world is in danger. The Seal of Solomon...I know you visited the Radiant Archives in Avalon. A legend you should be very familiar with by now." He waited for her response, picking his face up slightly to have his eyes meet hers.

Amara merely crooked her head slightly; indeed she did read the histories. It was how she came to know of Galahad's historical revisionism practice, something that caused her hatred to burn even more. Her eyes narrowed. "What happened...?" She sounded skeptical, concerned that it was a ploy by Merlin to open her up to him.

---

Time for the second step in mastering the Surge of Evocation. So, Era of Gods and its subtechniques all involve the manipulation of raw Prana. All that Prana, when it comes in contact with something, transports it back to the Throne depending on the chakra inside of it (and assuming it isn't another person). So, since that involves taking stuff to the Throne, the Dynasty of Kings involves bringing it back. And it comes in two applications.

Conquest and Domination. We'll start with Conquest, as that's the simpler of the two. Please explain it to me so I can see if you understand it, and ask any questions you have. Then we'll move to Domination, which is the harder and more precarious of the two to use.

(Kanki: Ouchou no Kindachi) – Surge of Evocation: Dynasty of Kings

Spoiler

Type: Offensive/Defensive/Supplementary
Rank: D-S
Range: Short-Long
Chakra Cost: 10-40
Damage Points: N/A
Description: This technique encompasses the advanced applications of the Surge of Evocation. Unlike the Era of Gods, which manipulates raw Prana, this technique is used to bring techniques previously transported back onto the field. The two applications of this technique, Conquest and Domination, deal with returning entities within the Throne to the field; thus these two applications require previous absorptions to have already occurred.

Conquest of Alexander – Bastion of Achaemenid
Through this ability, the user will be able to return absorbed objects, techniques, and parts of the terrain to the field. They will be manifested on the field in the form of Prana before becoming corporeal and usable as tangible entities. Upon becoming corporeal, the transported entities will still possess all of the effects and properties they possessed prior to absorption; this is because the Throne places objects within it in a stasis-like state. Objects returned will continue to move with the same speed and momentum that they had. This creates the effect that appears almost as if time had stopped and then later resumed for them, a trait of the Throne. It can be summoned facing a different side and/or in a new location altogether, although it must be outside of five meters of the opponent unless the user is within short-range. Techniques returned through Conquest possess the same damage they did prior to absorption. The technique’s rank applied is directly proportional to the technique rank, size of matter, and complexity; this means returning an A-Rank boulder would require an A-Rank application of Conquest. The S-Rank version of this ability can be used once every four turns and no Prana in the user’s next turn. The Bastion of Achaemenid can only be used four times per battle.

Domination of Vlad – Tower of Yggdmillenia
Unlike Conquest, Domination involves concentrating on returning the chakra contained within objects or techniques to the user’s body. The user systematically isolates all of the chakra contained within a number of techniques they’ve sent to the Throne, even if only chakra is present (in the case of raw chakra techniques and similar abilities). It will then be teturned to the user’s body as Prana energy in order to seamlessly integrate into their chakra network, making it available for later use. The user can utilize this ability four times per battle and the maximum amount of chakra that can be returned with each use is capped at a maximum of 100 chakra points. This does not mean this ability will always return that amount, the value is always dictated by how many techniques the user has absorbed and how much chakra they contained. For example, absorbing 10 A-Rank techniques and integrating them with the user’s system will increase the user’s pool by a full 100 chakra per turn. Objects that Domination is applied to will no longer carry their damage value once used on; this is because the objects, while stored in the Throne, will become chakra-void and instead become classified as simple terrain usages when used with Conquest of Alexander. Naturally, this is only possible with matter-based techniques and not those composed of energy. Domination of Vlad is considered an S-Rank technique.

 

[Goetia]

"A vagrant? Perhaps. It has been quite some time since I've had a home.... Right, you never mind that. I merely have come here as I dozed off, strolling along and now appearing in a strange...but familiar place. I am Merlin. Your teacher's, and her brother's, former mentor." His eyes wandered, scanning the room before him. The warm smile that spread across his countenance little by little melted away as he recalled the grandeur of the library before him; once magnificent in scale, the civil war that had gripped Camelot had left it in ruins, claimed by the annals of history. "Amara." He turned to face his former student, his face now grim. "I have been watching you, ever since you escaped your brother's seal with the help of your father's lover."

Amara grimaced, pained by the mention of her brother and father in the same breath. "What of it?" She sneered, her voice dipped in venom. "Why do you suddenly have interest in me after vanishing for almost 700 years. Had you cared at all, you would have shattered that diabolical seal and freed me!" For a woman almost 700 years old, she sounded almost childish in her anger. She felt only betrayal in Merlin's words.

"It was not my place to intervene. I am but an observer now. A specter of a past age that does not belong in the modern world. But a disaster has happened...something terrible. Something so grave the work of your brother, of his followers, and even you--" Merlin was cut off, Amara's grimace turning to unbound rage.

"His work? THEIR work? The work that led countless Radiant Knights to slaughter, the work that gave rise to historical alteration? THE WORK THAT EMPOWERED TYRANTS AND ENDLESS WAR?"

Merlin's face sunk to sadness. It was clear to him that his student, once a prized childhood prodigy, had fallen to despair and anger. "You were too young to bear that burden. You both were. It is a burden no human can bear. But Amara, whether you care for your brother's work or not.... The world is in danger. The Seal of Solomon...I know you visited the Radiant Archives in Avalon. A legend you should be very familiar with by now." He waited for her response, picking his face up slightly to have his eyes meet hers.

Amara merely crooked her head slightly; indeed she did read the histories. It was how she came to know of Galahad's historical revisionism practice, something that caused her hatred to burn even more. Her eyes narrowed. "What happened...?" She sounded skeptical, concerned that it was a ploy by Merlin to open her up to him.

---

Time for the second step in mastering the Surge of Evocation. So, Era of Gods and its subtechniques all involve the manipulation of raw Prana. All that Prana, when it comes in contact with something, transports it back to the Throne depending on the chakra inside of it (and assuming it isn't another person). So, since that involves taking stuff to the Throne, the Dynasty of Kings involves bringing it back. And it comes in two applications.

Conquest and Domination. We'll start with Conquest, as that's the simpler of the two. Please explain it to me so I can see if you understand it, and ask any questions you have. Then we'll move to Domination, which is the harder and more precarious of the two to use.

(Kanki: Ouchou no Kindachi) – Surge of Evocation: Dynasty of Kings

Spoiler

Type: Offensive/Defensive/Supplementary
Rank: D-S
Range: Short-Long
Chakra Cost: 10-40
Damage Points: N/A
Description: This technique encompasses the advanced applications of the Surge of Evocation. Unlike the Era of Gods, which manipulates raw Prana, this technique is used to bring techniques previously transported back onto the field. The two applications of this technique, Conquest and Domination, deal with returning entities within the Throne to the field; thus these two applications require previous absorptions to have already occurred.

Conquest of Alexander – Bastion of Achaemenid
Through this ability, the user will be able to return absorbed objects, techniques, and parts of the terrain to the field. They will be manifested on the field in the form of Prana before becoming corporeal and usable as tangible entities. Upon becoming corporeal, the transported entities will still possess all of the effects and properties they possessed prior to absorption; this is because the Throne places objects within it in a stasis-like state. Objects returned will continue to move with the same speed and momentum that they had. This creates the effect that appears almost as if time had stopped and then later resumed for them, a trait of the Throne. It can be summoned facing a different side and/or in a new location altogether, although it must be outside of five meters of the opponent unless the user is within short-range. Techniques returned through Conquest possess the same damage they did prior to absorption. The technique’s rank applied is directly proportional to the technique rank, size of matter, and complexity; this means returning an A-Rank boulder would require an A-Rank application of Conquest. The S-Rank version of this ability can be used once every four turns and no Prana in the user’s next turn. The Bastion of Achaemenid can only be used four times per battle.

Domination of Vlad – Tower of Yggdmillenia
Unlike Conquest, Domination involves concentrating on returning the chakra contained within objects or techniques to the user’s body. The user systematically isolates all of the chakra contained within a number of techniques they’ve sent to the Throne, even if only chakra is present (in the case of raw chakra techniques and similar abilities). It will then be teturned to the user’s body as Prana energy in order to seamlessly integrate into their chakra network, making it available for later use. The user can utilize this ability four times per battle and the maximum amount of chakra that can be returned with each use is capped at a maximum of 100 chakra points. This does not mean this ability will always return that amount, the value is always dictated by how many techniques the user has absorbed and how much chakra they contained. For example, absorbing 10 A-Rank techniques and integrating them with the user’s system will increase the user’s pool by a full 100 chakra per turn. Objects that Domination is applied to will no longer carry their damage value once used on; this is because the objects, while stored in the Throne, will become chakra-void and instead become classified as simple terrain usages when used with Conquest of Alexander. Naturally, this is only possible with matter-based techniques and not those composed of energy. Domination of Vlad is considered an S-Rank technique.

Ozymandias could feel the anguish in Amara's voice echoing off the walls and throughout the study, crawling over his skin and keeping his attention glued to the current situation. He kept his eyes trained on the white-haired figure, Merlin, as the two continued their back-and-forth exchange in the presence of the Egyptian monarch. Though he had little interest in the prattle, there were words within the conversation which he kept within his mind, to bring up later when there was opportunity. Thus far, Ozymandias had not developed the highest opinion of Amara's supposed mentor. An observer is no more useful to the world than those who would confine themselves to serving its greatest leeches. They who would serve to indulge in their own earthly desires at the negligence and expense of their servants and people. Making decisions that would condemn a people in order to serve the many were ones Ozymandias was familiar with. He condemned his best friend's people so that his own would live peacefully by the rules he lived to carry out. Though they lived by different ethics and laws, and worshipped different Gods, Ozymandias wished that he and Moses would one day see each other again, as brothers. He knew not of what Galahad did to Amara, but Ozymandias took slight pity on her. Her grievance was likely founded in reasonable circumstance, and he knew what it was to be betrayed by one who was very near and dear to him. Moses was closer to Ozymandias than any blood brother could ever be. For Ozymandias, there was only one friend he had and ever will have.

With the topic having changed somewhat, Ozymandias quickly dismissed his own internal thought and regained his bearings in the current conversation. Intrigued by the mention of a seal, and another name, Ozymandias decided to take things over from this point onwards.

"Interesting, that you label yourself an observer, but go through the trouble of meddling with the worlds and lives of others in order to further your own ends. I'd imagine that in all the time you've existed in the world, there are some who would have suffered, by your hand directly or through the hands of those you've guided. Ill-suited as a kingmaker, you would be. But that is for another time. Tell me of this 'seal', and the one known as Solomon."

---

Conquest is indeed the simpler of the two applications, as it deals simply with returning absorbed techniques to the field. Depending on what the user wishes to return to the field, e.g. a B-Rank Fire Release technique, the user must utilise Conquest of Alexander at B-Rank level. This returns the fireball to the field from the Throne, possessing the same form and strength it had prior to being absorbed due to the Throne keeping it in a stasis state upon being transported. Additionally, it will carry any momentum and and speed it possessed prior to transportation. When being returned, the technique initially manifests as a silhouette of Prana, and can be made to travel in any direction from any location on the field the user desires, following the restrictions regarding range of manifestation relative to the opponent.

As for questions, what happens regarding freeform attacks like thrown kunai and shuriken? If an attack or object that's transported to the Throne carries no damage value, then would it continue to have no damage value on it when transported back through Conquest? Also, regarding critical damage, would using this technique to resummon techniques and attacks from the Throne make it possible to achieve critical attacks?

 

[Drackos]

Ozymandias could feel the anguish in Amara's voice echoing off the walls and throughout the study, crawling over his skin and keeping his attention glued to the current situation. He kept his eyes trained on the white-haired figure, Merlin, as the two continued their back-and-forth exchange in the presence of the Egyptian monarch. Though he had little interest in the prattle, there were words within the conversation which he kept within his mind, to bring up later when there was opportunity. Thus far, Ozymandias had not developed the highest opinion of Amara's supposed mentor. An observer is no more useful to the world than those who would confine themselves to serving its greatest leeches. They who would serve to indulge in their own earthly desires at the negligence and expense of their servants and people. Making decisions that would condemn a people in order to serve the many were ones Ozymandias was familiar with. He condemned his best friend's people so that his own would live peacefully by the rules he lived to carry out. Though they lived by different ethics and laws, and worshipped different Gods, Ozymandias wished that he and Moses would one day see each other again, as brothers. He knew not of what Galahad did to Amara, but Ozymandias took slight pity on her. Her grievance was likely founded in reasonable circumstance, and he knew what it was to be betrayed by one who was very near and dear to him. Moses was closer to Ozymandias than any blood brother could ever be. For Ozymandias, there was only one friend he had and ever will have.

With the topic having changed somewhat, Ozymandias quickly dismissed his own internal thought and regained his bearings in the current conversation. Intrigued by the mention of a seal, and another name, Ozymandias decided to take things over from this point onwards.

"Interesting, that you label yourself an observer, but go through the trouble of meddling with the worlds and lives of others in order to further your own ends. I'd imagine that in all the time you've existed in the world, there are some who would have suffered, by your hand directly or through the hands of those you've guided. Ill-suited as a kingmaker, you would be. But that is for another time. Tell me of this 'seal', and the one known as Solomon."

---

Conquest is indeed the simpler of the two applications, as it deals simply with returning absorbed techniques to the field. Depending on what the user wishes to return to the field, e.g. a B-Rank Fire Release technique, the user must utilise Conquest of Alexander at B-Rank level. This returns the fireball to the field from the Throne, possessing the same form and strength it had prior to being absorbed due to the Throne keeping it in a stasis state upon being transported. Additionally, it will carry any momentum and and speed it possessed prior to transportation. When being returned, the technique initially manifests as a silhouette of Prana, and can be made to travel in any direction from any location on the field the user desires, following the restrictions regarding range of manifestation relative to the opponent.

As for questions, what happens regarding freeform attacks like thrown kunai and shuriken? If an attack or object that's transported to the Throne carries no damage value, then would it continue to have no damage value on it when transported back through Conquest? Also, regarding critical damage, would using this technique to resummon techniques and attacks from the Throne make it possible to achieve critical attacks?

"Well...you see..." Merlin's face turned red as he began to scratch his head, clearly embarrassed. Before he could answer Ozymandias, Amara intervened and interrupted.

"Ten Noble Phantasms created by a Radiant Knight from after my time, yet still centuries ago. His name was Solomon and according to their histories his strength, primarily through his Noble Phantasms, rivaled that of mine and my brother's. He was faithful to the Paradigm of Radiance, and he dedicated his life to following my brother regardless of the pain and suffering it caused. He refused to craft his own vision, use his own strength to bring about true change. The histories never tell what happened to those Noble Phantasms after he died, however." As she finished speaking to her apprentice, Amara's eyes drifted from him to Merlin; as if to suggest that it was Merlin this entire time that had the rings.

"It's as you say. I had them, until I no longer did. Amara...." His face tilted downward slightly, looking at her as if to express the dire need for the rings to be returned right then and there. It was clear he knew of the possibility that she had taken them. "I was in his Reality Marble. One of the safest places in all of creation. Yet someone interfered with it in the Throne. Something I didn't even think was possible. A feat that only you or your brother..." He trailed off, implying that he was accusing her of the theft.

She interrupted him again, and this time her wrath had returned. "I despise my brother. I despise what he did to me. But I did no such thing to Ars Paulina. Had I known you had hidden them there, perhaps I would have immediately when I was freed from my accursed prison in that seal."

"Your brother loves you. It's why you're still alive tod--"

"Then he should have killed me! I know what I did, I know I destroyed his first Order. They were nothing. Mere guardians of the existing order, not visionaries looking to cure the human condition. Galahad, Percival, and even Lamorak. They were all weak. They saw what was in front of them, and they did nothing. I acted. And I'm going to act again.

"You should know Amara, whoever stole those rings must be a Surgebinder. Someone who has escaped even my gaze for all these centuries and acted without arousing any suspicion.

---

Yes, and yes. Freeform stuff comes back as freeform. Everything else about its speed, positioning, etc is the same though. So unless you do something else to the kunai externally, it will remain freeform. Criticals can be done with any attack as long as it isn't perceived. So this is a pretty solid way to score those with crafty usage.

Now for the next part: Domination. Do the same and ask any questions you may have. Does this technique carry any risks?

 

[Goetia]

"Well...you see..." Merlin's face turned red as he began to scratch his head, clearly embarrassed. Before he could answer Ozymandias, Amara intervened and interrupted.

"Ten Noble Phantasms created by a Radiant Knight from after my time, yet still centuries ago. His name was Solomon and according to their histories his strength, primarily through his Noble Phantasms, rivaled that of mine and my brother's. He was faithful to the Paradigm of Radiance, and he dedicated his life to following my brother regardless of the pain and suffering it caused. He refused to craft his own vision, use his own strength to bring about true change. The histories never tell what happened to those Noble Phantasms after he died, however." As she finished speaking to her apprentice, Amara's eyes drifted from him to Merlin; as if to suggest that it was Merlin this entire time that had the rings.

"It's as you say. I had them, until I no longer did. Amara...." His face tilted downward slightly, looking at her as if to express the dire need for the rings to be returned right then and there. It was clear he knew of the possibility that she had taken them. "I was in his Reality Marble. One of the safest places in all of creation. Yet someone interfered with it in the Throne. Something I didn't even think was possible. A feat that only you or your brother..." He trailed off, implying that he was accusing her of the theft.

She interrupted him again, and this time her wrath had returned. "I despise my brother. I despise what he did to me. But I did no such thing to Ars Paulina. Had I known you had hidden them there, perhaps I would have immediately when I was freed from my accursed prison in that seal."

"Your brother loves you. It's why you're still alive tod--"

"Then he should have killed me! I know what I did, I know I destroyed his first Order. They were nothing. Mere guardians of the existing order, not visionaries looking to cure the human condition. Galahad, Percival, and even Lamorak. They were all weak. They saw what was in front of them, and they did nothing. I acted. And I'm going to act again.

"You should know Amara, whoever stole those rings must be a Surgebinder. Someone who has escaped even my gaze for all these centuries and acted without arousing any suspicion.

---

Yes, and yes. Freeform stuff comes back as freeform. Everything else about its speed, positioning, etc is the same though. So unless you do something else to the kunai externally, it will remain freeform. Criticals can be done with any attack as long as it isn't perceived. So this is a pretty solid way to score those with crafty usage.

Now for the next part: Domination. Do the same and ask any questions you may have. Does this technique carry any risks?

As Merlin attempted to answer the monarch, Amara interjected yet again. The words she spoke about this Solomon were not dissimilar to her words about her own brother. A gifted, powerful individual, but one who refused to use it for the good of the world. Ozymandias would make a note to himself to visit this "Avalon", and read from the archives personally. There was much that he still did not know, and it would surely do him well to know the full picture. The back and forth continued between Amara and her former mentor, and it had begun to grow tiresome. Interjecting once again, hoping to steer the conversation onto what the King believed to be the pressing matter, Ozymandias spoke again to Merlin, taking steps towards the cloaked mage and stopping beside Amara.

"So, what would the potential danger be now that someone has the rings, Magus? These objects, which elevated Solomon to the level of Amara and Galahad, what are they capable of?"

---

Unlike Conquest, Domination only returns the chakra of stored techniques to the field, specifically the user's body. The chakra integration can confer an addition of 100 chakra points at maximum, regardless of how many techniques are drained of chakra from within The Throne. When draining energy-based techniques, they will simply dissipate within The Throne, unlike matter-based techniques. When draining from matter-based techniques, the physical aspect of the technique will still be left-behind, and can be used to alter the terrain through Conquest, rather than as actual attacks. Is the user able to select what techniques they draw chakra from and how much chakra they draw from each?

Reading the passive ability of the user's Prana, it would transport any foreign energy to The Throne before it can take effect. This happens with Medical Ninjutsu, Curse Marks, Sage Mode, etc. I'd assume it'd happen with energies such as Keigoku (chakra from the Nekura CC) or Kurochi (chakra from the Claymore CC), since even with their naturally poisonous and destructive nature, I don't see any reason they'd interact with the user or their Prana any differently. Domination even says the energy being transported is returned to the body as Prana, meaning that even if it was poisonous energy to begin with, it wouldn't be harmful to the user once its within the body.

 

[Drackos]

As Merlin attempted to answer the monarch, Amara interjected yet again. The words she spoke about this Solomon were not dissimilar to her words about her own brother. A gifted, powerful individual, but one who refused to use it for the good of the world. Ozymandias would make a note to himself to visit this "Avalon", and read from the archives personally. There was much that he still did not know, and it would surely do him well to know the full picture. The back and forth continued between Amara and her former mentor, and it had begun to grow tiresome. Interjecting once again, hoping to steer the conversation onto what the King believed to be the pressing matter, Ozymandias spoke again to Merlin, taking steps towards the cloaked mage and stopping beside Amara.

"So, what would the potential danger be now that someone has the rings, Magus? These objects, which elevated Solomon to the level of Amara and Galahad, what are they capable of?"

---

Unlike Conquest, Domination only returns the chakra of stored techniques to the field, specifically the user's body. The chakra integration can confer an addition of 100 chakra points at maximum, regardless of how many techniques are drained of chakra from within The Throne. When draining energy-based techniques, they will simply dissipate within The Throne, unlike matter-based techniques. When draining from matter-based techniques, the physical aspect of the technique will still be left-behind, and can be used to alter the terrain through Conquest, rather than as actual attacks. Is the user able to select what techniques they draw chakra from and how much chakra they draw from each?

Reading the passive ability of the user's Prana, it would transport any foreign energy to The Throne before it can take effect. This happens with Medical Ninjutsu, Curse Marks, Sage Mode, etc. I'd assume it'd happen with energies such as Keigoku (chakra from the Nekura CC) or Kurochi (chakra from the Claymore CC), since even with their naturally poisonous and destructive nature, I don't see any reason they'd interact with the user or their Prana any differently. Domination even says the energy being transported is returned to the body as Prana, meaning that even if it was poisonous energy to begin with, it wouldn't be harmful to the user once its within the body.

Gonna put the RP on hold for a little bit. As for your question, yes. Normally you'd use this to just draw from the aggregate of the chakra available though, since it doesn't particularly matter. It's selected the same way it is done when you're choosing what matter you want to release from the Throne back on someone.

 

[Goetia]

Gonna put the RP on hold for a little bit. As for your question, yes. Normally you'd use this to just draw from the aggregate of the chakra available though, since it doesn't particularly matter. It's selected the same way it is done when you're choosing what matter you want to release from the Throne back on someone.

Aight, no more questions on my end then.

 

[Drackos]

Great. The last technique you can learn, since we don't have Noble Phantasms yet, is Epoch. Here it is:

Spoiler

(Kanki: Jidai no Pendoragon) – Surge of Evocation: Epoch of the Pendragons
Type: Defensive/Supplementary
Rank: A-S
Range: Short-Long
Chakra Cost: 30-40
Damage Points: N/A
Description: Considered the sibling of the Era of Gods and Dynasty of Kings, the Majesty of the Pendragon involves surging a large amount of Prana throughout the user’s body in order to enter the Throne. Their body, and everything on their person, will disappear instantly in a flash of light reflecting the color of their Prana. The user will then reappear amidst another flash of light at a location of their choosing; despite its nature, this process takes a few moments. Reappearing is accompanied by a crackling sound, creating both an audible and visual queue. This is enabled by the fact that the ethereal energy constantly exists within their chakra systems. Twice per battle the user can utilize a stronger version of this ability to prolong their stay in the Throne. This allows them to exist within the alternate dimension as Prana, which effectively places their body in a stasis. This halts blood loss, the propagation of poisons, the duration of active techniques/abilities, and any other aliments or conditions. This will happen for as long as the user is within the Throne. The user can only remain there for a maximum of four turns per usage. As long as the user re-appears on the battlefield on in the same landmark, then using this technique will not count toward escaping battle. If the user opts to re-appear in a different landmark then they will effectively forfeit the battle and the event. This only applies if the user utilizes Majesty while engaged in battle and not travel purposes. The first application, considered A-Rank, can only be used once every four turns. It can also only be used four times per battle. The second application, considered S-Rank, can only be used twice per battle and operates on the same cooldown as the A-Rank version. S-Rank applications render the user unable to use S-Rank or higher Prana for the next turn, if the user remains in the Throne for longer than a turn.

You know what to do. RP training will pick up when we get Noble Phantasms.

 

[Goetia]

By surging their Prana throughout the body, the user is capable of entering and exiting the Throne at will. With A-Rank usages, the user can pretty much teleport to another part of the battlefield by briefly going into and leaving the Throne, whilst the S-Rank variant lets you stay for up to 4 turns. This pauses technique durations, as well as any detrimental effects and abilities from progressing. No real questions on this.