http://multiversemush.com/mw/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=Waterpuns&feedformat=atomMultiverse Crisis MUSH - User contributions [en]2024-03-29T06:49:59ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.26.2http://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3795/Tainted_City_in_Flames_-_Stage_2&diff=127563795/Tainted City in Flames - Stage 22016-02-12T02:31:50Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2016/02/11 |Location=Fuyuki City <On Fire> |Synopsis=A group meeting focusing on building a base. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=571, 598, 714, 756, ..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/02/11<br />
|Location=Fuyuki City <On Fire><br />
|Synopsis=A group meeting focusing on building a base.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=571, 598, 714, 756, 803, 823, 908, 915<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;People have been called to Fuyuki to help design (and then build) a base. Contributes will be paid for, construction materials ditto, and it's basically as much a call for the Fangs of Nidhogg as for assorted contractors and mercenaries to pitch in if they want under promise of MOOLAH.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The site is atop Mount Enzou, a small mountain (or very large hill depending on your perspective) which one can reach by walking up an absurdly long set of stairs. Which doesn't matter today because an artificial Warp Gate has been set up at the top. Hazards like fire, the Black Mud of the Grail and the Shadows haunting the city aren't an issue here thanks to the field set up around the mountain by the natural leylines, and amplified by Ark Line, Lezard and Valentha.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For now, the top of the mountain is mostly one big flat surface. The remains of what must have been a temple are still present but would be easily razed if needed. A couple of tables with architect plans and tools have been set up, and there's a fair amount of Confederate workers just idling or working in the background.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;GUDAKO is present, with both of her Servants. She still looks pale from her time in medical and has an arm in a cast, not to mention Caster constantly fretting whenever she moves about. Berserker is reading a recipe book. 'Make everything out of chocolate and more, 500 chocolate-based recipes.'<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shin is here! He didn't contribute to capturing the base, but he does know Gudako halfway (And her Berserker much more personally). It's the latter that is why he is here today. Actually, it would be MORE accurate to say that Caster prompted him to be here BECAUSE of Berserker. Shin is carrying a couple things with him. First is a boombox that he has tucked under one arm. The second is a backpack that is thrown across his back to carry his usual stuff. He looks a bit bruised and banged up, still recovering from a tussle with Momoyo. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yoooooo! Shin Tokuyama, the Combat Vagrant and Hero of Fists is here on a very important mission, as well as to micromanage resources briefly." He declares, looking around, "Berserker! Caster! Are you guys around?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanary's looking quite focused as she works not too far from where Gudako and her servants are, scribbling in a notepad and drawing... Something messy. As she does that, she's also directing a slow steady stream of healing magic into the Master to try and speed along her recovery at least a little bit. Not that she's sure just what kinds of injuries those are at this point beyond the cast, but... Hey, natural healing can always use a boost, right? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Maybe put the pen... There. Eh?" She looks up at hearing Shin, blinking a few times before raising her hand in a light wave. "Hey, Shin. You here to help with this stuff, too?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:571|Alexis Maaka (571)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A muscle car, black and scary looking, pulls up not far from where Gudako's set things up. Out steps Alexis Maaka, her trenchcoat flowing in the wind as the cyborg lights up a cigar all dramatic like and such. She approaches her and her Servants, not seeming too torn up about past dealings. "Hey guys," She greets, nodding her head. No hard feelings indeed, as she just offers hands to shake. "Alexis Maaka, Captain of the Crimson Spectre and envoy of the Flotilla. How's tricks?" She introduces politely, before she takes a puff from her cigar again.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:803|Steve (803)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Steve, for his part, is also present, and is dressed down for the day in his cyan blue shirt and dark blue pants; the traditional work clothes, and everything-else clothes, of the miner. He studies some of the drafting tables with a light scratching of his beard stubbled chin, and appears to sit down at one with a pencil clutched awkwardly in one of his meaty hands. "Hmm...mmmhmm," he mutters thoughtfully, then begins scribbling. "We'll need some watch towers that are accessible through a tunnel network. For our archers, of course." He probably wasn't talking about the Servant type, since he's almost completely ignorant of them. "And then a wall. Made of something blast resistant, like obsidian. ...aww, crap. Some elites can fly, can't they."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A seemingly teenaged girl, with devil wings on her back and on the sides of her head, is watching Steve work from over his shoulder, and is otherwise patiently waiting, or sometimes offering advice. "Master Steve. Isn't a wall somewhat extraneous with all of the magical shielding other worlds can erect?" "Izumi, sometimes you have to make a good first impression, and nothing says 'impregnable fortress' like an obsidian wall!" A sigh comes from the girl, "I see..." The miner, having looked up from his work, grins broadly, giving a vague wave at Maaka, before returning to his sketching. "Master Steve, is the obelisk with skulls on it truly necessary?" "Of course!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ira pops out of the passenger seat of Maaka's car, clothed in a longcoat with the Murasame Zaibatsu logo on the back. She runs a hand through her hair purely because it feels like a cool thing to do when around a fancy muscle car. That was, by the way, probably the most expensive vehicle that Ira's ever ridden in before. "Gudako! What's up?" She wanders over to the table with the blueprints set up for the potential base, hands stuffed in her pockets as she starts examining the plans. "Hmmmm." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She looks up at Gudako. "Needs an arena or a colloseum in it. Somewhere we can square off against our captured enemies in, heh."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Tricks are fine!" Gudako answers Alexis, watching as Berserker snaps her book shut and more or less leaps in Shin's direction. Not to tackle him down, just to land by him and squeeze a bit. Is cat, is affectionate when feels like it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The magus turns her attention to Steve and nods vigorously. "Yeah, the walls should be cool and edgy! They need to say 'don't fuck with us' but also 'this is our awesome castle where awesome things happen'."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NOTEWORTHY FEATURES SO FAR: Obsidian reinforced walls, watchtowers, arena.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hearing Alexis and Ira coming from the same direction, Sanary looks up from her notebook to offer the two a broad grin and wave. "Hey, Alexis. Ira. Good to have you here. Didn't know you'd be here, Alexis." She sounds pleased, giving her a quick grin and nod before turning to Ira. "Feeling any better since the last op?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Next, to Steve and Izumi! "How hard is it to get ob... Obsidian, was it? Because if it's strong, I kinda wanna..." She looks around a few times, then opens up her notebook for the others to see. Among the messy scribbles, it sorta looks like... A pen? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A pig pen. With a dedicated eating space, a separate area for slaughtering, and even an irrigation ditch through the side leading to a drawing of some farmland! "I figured we might need some food in case we ever need to hole up in here for some reason. Could probably even throw spare veggies into a big freezer or something!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Lezard Valeth is present. How could he not? The Fangs are an operation he is spearheading, after all. The initiative of individual members are to be noted, guided, and rewarded as much as possible. <br /><br />He's looking over the area, possibly looking over the local ley lines and other less apparent resources. "We need to make some decisions on if we are going to make this a core facility or not." Lezard states. "Many of us have lairs of our own. It would be beneficial to have a location that would allow us to quickly travel between them. A nexus of some kind. We will also need communal ritual facilities." He ponders for a moment. "We should also check to see if anything can grow in this blasted wasteland. Local flora could be a benefit as a renewable resource."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Aaaah!" Shin says happily, leaning into the hug from Berserker when it's given to him. He seems pretty upbeat as he looks over at Sanary, "Hey heeeey, Sanary! How goes it in your world? I'm actually here on some personal business more than anything. Situations alligned and now I have to trigger a comical mishap that leads into a cascading series of worsening events." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Speaking of that, he wiggles free of Berserker and then faces here. He holds the boombox at the ready as he begins to speak to Catserker, "Berserker! Listen. Something happened between us. Something very intimate. Because of that, your friend the Caster said that I have to marry you. I'm here to take responsibility..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As he lets that statement hang in the air unfinished, he presses the button on his boombox, cueing up the upbeat insert music to indicate the comedy kicking in: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJbaGrmxOKI <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...for touching your tail. Like your friend," He points at Caster squarely, "Said I should. She said we have to get married."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:571|Alexis Maaka (571)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alexis grins and nods at Sanary, "Hey you." She then nods, producing a datapad. "I've got some stuff I brought just for the occassion, mostly security system tech if you can manage it out here. An early warning system and turrets can't hurt, you know?" She offers, before scribbling some security towers and alarm sirens on what she has in mind.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:823|Xiao Li Yu (823)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Having been talking with the workers casually, and checking out what was here, Xiao seemed to be thinking. Eventually, she wound up ambling her way over to the general area of the gather IDLE HERO UNITS, finger tapping her cheek thoughtfully. "Hmm, it's a nice space. We should be able to get most everything we need in, in some form or another." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That said, she smiled and waved a hand, index finger extended. "As for me, if I'm going to have to come here, then I'll need space for a laboratory. The technological kind. As well as space to build a reinforced testing bay." Basically a home away from home. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What? What do you mean people don't fall asleep at their desks in their labs all the time? No one asked you!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "... You really got this planned out, don'tcha?" Laughing lightly, Sanary nods at Shin and moves over to give Berserker a few pats on the head before raising an eyebrow at the two. "Already? That's... Moving kinda fast, isn't it?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Oh yeah. She should really get back to that guy about the marriage thing. Well.. No rush. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At Xiao's suggestion, Sanary turns to face her with a straight stare. "Are you sleeping enough?" It's the sort of scolding stare that a mother would give a misbehaving child that just came home after living in a dorm for a year. SHE KNOWS WHAT SHE DID.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hey Sanary! I'm feeling a lot better, yeah. Though just between you, me, and Gudako, I think I did manage to save some of that god-power that Gudako stabbed free. I'm still...hmm. Working it? If that makes sense. Like it's /there/ but getting it to do what it was doing before is going to take a bit of work. Thanks for the healing, tho'." The tall redhead shrugs, pleased that her suggestion is definitely making it in. "We need gargoyles on the wall. That'll make it look more badass. Like winged wolf gargolyes with snake tails or something. That'll be downright fierce."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:803|Steve (803)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He was going to get to Sanary himself, soon enough, but she made her own way over. He looks up from scribbling what looks like a large monument with skulls on it, though his art isn't the prettiest, and gives a broad grin to her. "Hey Sanny! Saw you get in but was busy, you know." To her question, he gives another beard stubble scratch, and then shrugs slightly, "Obsidian isn't too hard to get. The problem is mining it up. I've created some thaumaturgical help for that, though. Getting enough for a wall will take some doing, but I can handle the sourcing. It's one of the hardest substances I've come across. Practically creeper-proof!"<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He glances over to Lezard's suggestions, and has a thoughtful look come to his face. "Yeah, a shared work space in the bowels of it, sounds good. My infusion apparatus won't be easy to move, but I think I can manage it." The girl with the wings, Izumi, once again coughs and then speaks up, "Master Steve, what about the books?" "Oh? Yeah...I guess we need an adjacent library and warehouse, for all those artifacts we're going to be collecting. And some kind of pig pen--wait, where did I get that idea?" He must have stolen a glance at Sanary's drawing without realizing it. "Hmm...self-sufficiency, though. Wherever possible. I like it."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Do we have to plan a trip to take a lot of it? We can help, obviously!" Gudako asks Steve, because field trips are going to have to be scheduled if needed.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To Lezard, Caster shakes her head. "Nothing will grow here. The earth may as well have been salted by all the corruption. If anything does grow it'll probably be hostile and poisonous. We'll have to set up an artificial garden."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NOTEWORTHY FEATURES SO FAR: Obsidian reinforced walls, watchtowers, arena, secret tunnels, animal farm/pen, small garden for food, generic living facilities (kitchen, barracks, big freezer), library, nexus room (w/ Warp Gate), research facilities (tech+magic), power generator (tech+magic), traps/alarms (tech+magic), warehouse (+artifact storage).<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:571|Alexis Maaka (571)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maaka makes a thoughtful sound. "Hydroponics might help with growing crops." She suggests, then adds that while jotting donw what everyone has so far. She also adds something else, before suggesting, "Maybe turrets too. Something you can link up to the security grid while you're at it."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:823|Xiao Li Yu (823)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Xiao looked at Sanary like a deer caught in the headlights. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Silence reigned. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then she not so subtly looked away. "Ahahaha, of course I am!" No. No, she really hasn't.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At Shin's offer, Caster's eyes lit up with stars, excitedly watching. YES, PERFECT, NOW MASTER IS ALL HEEEEERS. -ALL HERS-. Her tail swishes back and forth, evidently a happy fox right now.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Berserker suddenly stutters, then glares at Caster, then back to Shin. "W-What! No no! Berserker's heart is already promised to someone, nya! You got the wrong idea, Shin is just a very good friend!" Then, right back to Caster. "Horrible! Caster is horrible! Same as in life, manipulating people to get what she wants! Berserker will solve this problem!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Berserker leaps at Caster.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The two start catfighting.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako shrugs. "They'll get tired eventually, this happens every other month. Something about Caster saying she's the original and thus better, and Berserker wanting to kill her. It gets weird sometimes."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:803|Steve (803)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hmm, some kind of corrupting field in this world, then," he wonders to overhearing mention of plants twisting into horribly mutated monsters. "...though when you think about it, that could make a cool first line of defense. What if we were to make our own little corrupt jungle outside the wall, then?" He got to thinking on that problem on the interior, though, "The thauminomicon mentioned something called a lamp of growth. I don't know if I can manage it, but...I've noticed some of the new plants in my world have this property, that holds back this nasty stuff called 'taint'. It might give us a little bit of space to grow plants that aren't monsters."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And lastly, he announces a bit of a pet project of his, that he'd like to integrate! Standing up from his table and putting down the pencil, he glances over some of the other plans people are making, and gives a light scratch of his beard. "I've been on a bit of a personal quest -- Maaka here could tell you some about it, but in the end, I'm going to kill a dragon, and take its egg as a prize. I don't know what kind of special powers or whatever it might have, but I think it'd make an excellent centerpiece."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:571|Alexis Maaka (571)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maaka pauses. She stares at Shin, Caster, and Berserker.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shaking her head, she takes another puff on her cigar before sighing heavily. "Christ." mutters the cyborg.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So wait, we're going to have a /pet dragon/? A real-ass dragon?" Ira hasn't actually met a dragon yet so she's obviously very excited about it. "Are we gonna train it to be a mount? Because that would be awesome. Forget fighter jets, go into battle on a /freaking dragon/."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:803|Steve (803)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Whoa, slow down a bit," Steve laughs, good-naturedly, to Ira. "I don't know how long that thing would take to hatch, if it ever does. But...that'd be something for us to study, wouldn't it?" He grins a bit, then, imagining that very same bit. A dragon that can clip through the world itself coming up to sieze their enemies in its jaws. Wouldn't that surprise any invaders. The devil girl that stands beside him interrupts, while he's in day dream mode, "What Master Steve means to say is that he has never actually seen an 'Ender Dragon' egg hatch, so he is unaware of the time table. Though certain, with this many great minds..."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:823|Xiao Li Yu (823)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ira gets a glance on the dragon bit. "Well. If you're volunteering to take care of all it's needs, then sure, why don't we get a dragon~?" Yes, you'll have to clean up after a huge ass dragon, and feed it, and take it on walks, and- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That line of thought is cut as Berserker and Caster start having a catfight. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "On the other hand, I think we have enough pets as it is."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako hms, and then glances down the mountain, towards the flaming city. "I don't think we should touch the city, it makes good defenses on its own... although, the mountain itself..." Steve might have noticed but there's a lot of burnt trees. There definitely used to be a forest around and at the base of the mountain itself. Keyword used. Fire is a bitch like that.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NOTEWORTHY FEATURES SO FAR: Obsidian reinforced walls, watchtowers, arena, secret tunnels, animal farm/pen + hydroponics, generic living facilities (kitchen, barracks, big freezer, etc.), library, nexus room (w/ Warp Gate), research facilities (tech+magic), power generator (tech+magic), traps/alarms (tech+magic, namely turrets and Territory Creation shenanigans), warehouse (+artifact storage). Natural defenses, + monstrous forest?. A dragon from Steve! Eventually. Maid: Alweyn (Lyner plot NPC).<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh, well, yeah, we'll figure it out, won't we?" Ira waves a hand dismissively, "With this many wizards and mages, we'll figure out /something/." Ira at least seems confident that it'll happen, which could be refreshing, "Hey, Xiao, /I/ wouldn't be taking care of it. It'll technically be Steve's."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:803|Steve (803)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hmm, yeah, guess we shouldn't mess with the aesthetics, where we can." Steve can appreciate a blasted landscape for its own sake, just as much as one that's been built up. He glances away from Caster, then, and has that thoughtful look on his face again, that Izumi always dreads. "I've got a back log," heh, "Of saplings from my golems' work. I can probably sneak down and replant them...then it sounds like, get the hell away from it."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Click. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shin shuts off the boombox and then sets it down, "Huh. They're really goin at it, yeah. That went about how I expected it to. Comedic and cascading misunderstanding," He muses, then looking over to Gudako, "Sorry if I made this upcoming Sunday way harder for you. Don't forget to make sure you remember White Day or they may team up on you afterwards," He adds, scratching the back of his head as he mostly then switches into just loitering around near the mage.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:571|Alexis Maaka (571)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Snapping her fingers, Maaka then gets another idea. "You need like, domestic servants or something. Maybe robots? I can get you a crate's worth of those easy." She says, scribbling down 'robot staff'.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:571|Alexis Maaka (571)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maaka also asides to Steve, "I've seen that movie. Evil trees never goes well, even if you try controlling them." She reminds, half-jokingly.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:803|Steve (803)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Steve doesn't seem to be too bothered by the notion of creating something he can't control. "It's okay," he reassures Maaka, completely carefree in his laughter, "We've got axes." Izumi just gives another of those long-suffering sounds that every assistant to TOTAL GENIUS makes.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanary doesn't looked convinced by Xiao's response. She sighs quietly, then glances over at the fighting servants. "We should add beds to the research area, too. Just in case /someone/ doesn't go to her actual bed." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So subtle. "And maybe we can get some of the Zaibatsu's MP batteries as backups in case our other power sources fail. Hell, we might even be able to use 'em to charge ourselves up if we... Figure it out or something." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And the it's time to handle the other kids! Sanary hurries over to where Berserker and Caster are, trying to shove herself between the two. "Hey, hey! Easy, easy!" She's going to regret that soon, isn't she?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:803|Steve (803)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now that he's free to notice, having completed his design work, for what it is, he himself wonders aloud. "Huh..." He then glances between Caster and Berserker, and gives a light scratch of his head. The devil girl, having noticed and intuitively already knowing what he's about to ask, braces herself. The miner then wonders aloud, "How'd you two wolves get to look so much like people?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako laughs at Shin. She'd produce spreadsheets for him, live, but with one arm in a cast she's a bit short on her ability to do everything right now. "Don't worry! I've already planned everything out! I keep to my schedule and I never mess up!" Not true, but who's going to be able to prove it?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Besides Sanary and Ira.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sanary attempts to separate Caster and Berserker. Predictably they're going at it with typical Servant-levels of strength, so she might not appreciate either the claws or the randomly swinging metal mirror. That is, until Steve calls them wolves.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They both stop, Sanary might be thankful. It's to yell, together, with the same voice and tone: "We're foxes!" Although, Caster adds: "Technically, jackals, but nobody's keeping track~." Berserker nyas, "Cats are cooler anyway." And then they are glaring daggers at each other again.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NOTEWORTHY FEATURES SO FAR: Obsidian reinforced walls, watchtowers, arena, secret tunnels, animal farm/pen + hydroponics, generic living facilities (kitchen, barracks, big freezer, etc.), library, nexus room (w/ Warp Gate), research facilities (tech+magic), power generator (tech+magic), traps/alarms (tech+magic, namely turrets and Territory Creation shenanigans), warehouse (+artifact storage). Natural defenses, + monstrous forest?. A dragon from Steve! Eventually. Maid: Alweyn (Lyner plot NPC). NPCs: no PL, whatever +group members want to throw in. Robot servitors, whatever monsters Lezard has on hand to spare, etc.<br> <br><br />
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}}</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3773/God_Will_Rise_-_Finale&diff=127463773/God Will Rise - Finale2016-02-08T03:15:38Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2016/02/06 |Location=The Tundra |Synopsis=The conflict over the Power of God finally reaches its climax. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=8, 385, 495, ..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/02/06<br />
|Location=The Tundra<br />
|Synopsis=The conflict over the Power of God finally reaches its climax.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=8, 385, 495, 714, 757, 821, 908, 915, 916<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
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{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The time had come. Lyner and company set out from their respective locations, through the warpgate to Lucrelia, and off to Mount Luminous. The city in the opposite direction was still ruined, but they could see contruction on the gates if they bothered to look. But that wasn't important now. The people were free of Laurence's control, and the situation was explained to them. The knights of Lucrelia agreed to fortify the city as best they could and keep the citizens safe. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That left the Elites free to scale the mountain and return to the Temple of God up at the summit. The journey was an uneventful one. This would be the third time they crossed this way. And after some time, the group arived safely at the wide, stone walkway leading to the impossibly tall temple doors ahead. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner couldn't help but feel apprehensive the entire way however. Something just bothered him. He spoke to Riva on the radio earlier about that feeling, but no conclusion was drawn. It was just a simple trip. They'd find Eir, take a look at the well, maybe check out any other rooms in the temple, and figure out what they can really do about Laurence, now that it's come to this. Simple, right? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But like they had also said earlier; some things are just never that simple. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After walking some ways, a gruesome sight comes into sight before them. The body of a winged woman lay face down on the stone path. Pooled in blood with rough claw marks and countless thin lacerations all over that had rent armor and flesh alike, it was clear that someone had beaten them here. And that someone had decided that Eir was an obstacle. Based on the fact that her sword was drawn and lay several feet away, there was an attempt at resistance, but perhaps she was overwhelmed? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She wasn't moving. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner grimaced. "This is...." He knelt down to check the body. "...We're too late. Someone's here already! And I think we know who!" Angry now, the knight balled his hand into a fist and punched the ground. "If only we had come sooner...!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MEANWHILE <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Laurence stood deep within the temple, standing before the gates that Gudako and Sanary failed to open last time. Alweyn was also here, looking human, rather than like an Einherjar. She looked no worse for the wear, considering the explosion she got caught in last time. The only clue that she was even affected was the fact that she was now wearing a totally new maid outfit. Ever the professional, this one. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It's here." He announced, smirking to himself with triumph. "That lone Einherjar won't be bothering us now." He raised a hand and pressed it against the gates. Power channeled from him, and into the door, lighting up the various lines and carvings within with a white light. Mechanisms within clicked, turned, and creaked, before finally, the gates began to open inwards. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Inside, was an impossibly wide, pristine, white, circular chamber that extended nearly endlessly upwards. "It is here. Just as I had last left it so long ago..." Laurence muttered, as he stepped inside, peering upwards. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Floating high above in the chamber, were trace flecks of rainbow energy, pulsating and revolving in a slow manner... That was the remnants of God's Power. That which Laurence sought.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Riva approaches. It's no longer Serious Time for the Bee. <br /><br />Now? Now she's angry. The humming power of the environment seethes around the channel of Gaia's power, soaking it in and practically vibrating with the energy. While before she basically sipped at it, passively taking it in, now one can practically see it hum about her, flecks of energy becoming visible as space shifts, distorting slightly. <br /><br />The fallen Eir is just another bullet point. The Templar kneels down next to her. She's not Inga. She doesn't know healing magics. It's all she can do to check for some kind of pulse, maybe see if she can take some of that power that she is drawing on. She doesn't expect it to work, the woman already closing her eyes and murmuring. They're not words of solace. They're last rites. <br /><br />Finally, she looks up to Lyner. "Don't get bogged down in 'if only', Lyner. We're here now. We can stop this from getting worse."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako, accompanied by both Servants, stands by and slightly behind Laurence, usual 8D plastered on her face as she watches the gate open and its contents revealed. Berserker, in particular, seems to already bear scratches and tears to her outfit, obviously sword-inflicted. Her wounds must have been healed already, at least.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So this is what was worth the risk, huh? It seems a bit underwhelming. I mean, what's being a god worth if you're walking right into an obvious trap? It's not like we can come here without the Union knowing."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh, she has a lot to say about the folly of this adventure. It is sub-optimal in so many ways. Laurence's power is already very, very impressive, and the cost of being here doesn't seem to offset the risks in the slightest. Well, stupid people don't tend to live long enough to make two critical mistakes, so sometimes problems solve themselves.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you're just proactive enough to push them toward such.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So, now what? Are you going to become this world's God? That sounds pretty boring, there's not much to do here, is there? It's not even that much power compared to what you already have," Gudako notes. 8D<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's pretty pure, though..." Caster remarks, glancing up.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ah?" Gudako asks.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's raw divinity. Maybe not God capital G, but... for sure, someone could become a god with that, master~. A real god, like in all the myths. I wonder a god of what..." the foxgirl ponders.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>As far as she's able to, Yuna has determined that she's pulling out all the stops for this. Lucrelia may not be her world, but the idea that anyone can steal the power of a deity with anything resembling impunity does *not* sit well with her on any level. Partly it's the fact that she is (as far as she can tell) something of a paladin herself, assuming the Queen of Light is indeed a goddess; moreso, it's a matter of her holding strongly to the religious beliefs that she's grown up with.<br /><br />That said, she's still clinging to some hope that Laurence/Arnest III can be made to relinquish his stolen power without having to sacrifice his *life* ... but if not, then he's earned however painful a death the God of Lucrelia sees fit to dispense. Maybe Gudako will see reason after Laurence meets with his own fate, but given how the Confederate girl keeps treating everything like a game, Yuna's not terribly optimistic.<br /><br />In any case, she's brought the full Matrix of Light, and is switching freely between partners as necessary. Erina of the Sky when Yuna needs to take to the air; Jiina of the Earth for fast ground travel, and Marina of the Sea in the event that she has to traverse the aquatic passage between the two valleys (and might do so out of choice, just in case it'd be a handy second perspective) - and all the while, the little robo-faerie, Elner of Wisdom, accompanies either Yuna herself or sticks close to the two androids whom she's not using.<br /><br />When the group reaches the gates into the temple, Yuna is in her Powered Form; the sight of Eir's corpse prompts Yuna to close her eyes, a look of resolve settling across her face. "We came as quickly as we could, Lyner. Let's just not waste any more time. Elner, scan the temple, find the Confederates and give us the fastest route to them. Presumably Laurence will be with them."<br /><br />Elner replies, "Scanning now," and sets to work with its sensors. While the robo-faerie is doing that, Yuna summons her shield (onto Powered Form's left exo-arm) and the Matrix Divider (in her own hands), and - even without waiting for Elner's scan results - she proceeds into the temple's front hall, looking for other hints of where the Confederates might be.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanary has to admit that she's actually rather surprised at how smoothly things have gone so far. No Union resistance, the Einherjar going down without nearly as much of a fight as the last time they had encountered her... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; No wonder the healer's on edge. "It's been too quiet. They're going to come this way sooner or later, probably sooner." A cautious look is given to Gudako as she says that, and the healer takes a look at the entrance behind them. "It wasn't that long ago, was it?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Her gunaxe is strangely absent today, although she's just as geared up as ever: A massive kite shield in her right hand, an oval one to protect her back in case the green samurai-like armor isn't enough, and two staves clutched together in her left hand. She's clearly taken some of her earlier fights to heart, the Physic and Rescue staves tied together with a fishing line just to keep them from moving around too much. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As Gudako and Caster inquire about Laurence's motives, however, some thoughts do stick a little more to the healer than others. Becoming a god? Even if it's not as much as Laurence himself took the first time... "Even with that little of the stuff left? Interesting... Well, let's get things over with. We don't want to be around when anyone else shows up." The seeds have been planted, but will she bite?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:757|Misha (757)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It would seem that Misha has missed a lot since the last time she tagged along to this frozen little ball of forsaken slush. Yet once again, the Reyvateil is here, wrapped up tightly in the thickest robes to her name, climbing the mountain with her compatriots and not complaining once about the difficulty. ... It's the heights that get her.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though she's sure to stay very, very, clear of edges and ledges, huddling perhaps a little too close to Lyner at points, she doesn't say a single negative thing about the journey to the Temple. ... And looking all the more relieved at reaching it. Only until they find the body.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She remembers this one- mangled and bloody though the sight may be, Misha recognizes Eir, and with a gasp, the Star Singer blanches, losing what little color remaining in her cheeks after the trip up.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Too late?<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Misha is already there checking her with Lyner. "Lyner, you can't mean..."<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maybe- just maybe if there's just a slim thread of life to hold on to for the Einherjar, Misha could do something. But that's making a long stretch of an assumption considering those wounds.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The time had come to end this madness. To say Deelel was angry was an understatement. Some might think her weak but she had a breaking point and the man they are hunting, is far too much like Clu, and yet Clu would also fight himself. This man hid behind mind control victems he was a virus he was liks Abraxis. The memory of the terror that virus let slip upon her world haunted Deelel to that day. She was ready and she was seriously armred too, she'd hit up Alpha and company for some system monitor grade hardware she had translucent glowing armor on her body now to give her addecd protection and she was carrying a number of photon charges on her legs as well. <br /><br /> "We're here to end this, Lyner I'm sorry but we have to stop this now. We can mourn when this is over?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The smoking city seemed a fitting backdrop for the situation. A portrait of the possible future should they fail here. Or rather, should they fail again. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At this point, trailing in the steps of his Master as Tohsaka Rin marched up apprehensively along the path alongside Yuna, Archer had already traced Kanshou and Bakyua, ready to move straight into the inevitable battle. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He had little hope this was going to be as easy as their trek back up the mountain - something nagged at the Servant, as if warning him that one way or another, everything to do with this mess would end here. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But since he seriously doubted this would end out with an amicable ending, let alone a 'happy' one, the Counter-Guardian's only priority at this point was damage control - if they couldn't 'win', he would at least shoot for making sure the Confederacy didn't either. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Of course, the sight of Eir laying in a pool of blood seems to immediately set the tone for this day. The gasp from Rin seems to seal that feeling, the Magus running over to the prone form with an open grimace. "Damn it" Rin muttered, leaning beside Eir's form to check if, somehow, the Einherjar was still alive. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer didn't even bother - a lifetime of disappointments and regrets didn't leave him holding his breath on vain hope. Nor did it leave him terribly shocked that the life he and Rin had fought so very hard to protect a month ago - with Rin even throwing away a Command Seal for it - was felled when their backs were turned. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Still... fate didn't /need/ to remind him quite so blatantly that everything he ever did was an effort in futility. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner's words get a pause from the Servant though - "I think you mean 'if only we had stopped Arnest before now" Archer intoned gravely, gaze hardened as he moved ahead to scout the area. "This is the price we pay for letting him escape. He surely knew about her - no amount of timing would have mattered." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin seems to glare at Archer for his rather callous way of saying 'Arnest living means Eir was dead no matter when we got here', but she bites her tongue on that - she knows how little it helps to rise to Archer's jabs. "Either way... what's done is done. Like Yuna said, all we can do now is find the Confederates - before anyone else dies."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner glanced aside as Misha as she attempted to heal the fallen Einherjar. "...." He watched, and waited, Archer's words lancing into his back like arrows. He was right, of course. They should have stopped Laurence before now. But Lyner didn't want to kill anyone. He wanted to bring the man to justice the right way. Without drawing blood. But it seemed that it would no longer be possible. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Unfortunately, Eir did not move, she did not heal, she did not get better. The healing is too late. She was already gone. Lyner closed his eyes, having a moment of silence, and then he stood up, a look of determination clear as day on his face. "We have to go. Riva's right. We can't let anything more happen now." Misha is given a nod. "Thanks for trying, Misha." He could at least offer that much. Eir's fallen body was given one last look. The Knight of Elemia would not look away from this sight, as much as it pained him. "....." And then he moved forward with the others, forging on ahead into the temple. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Elner's scan would reveal...that the temple was untouched. The people that entered, apparently didn't want anything from it, other than the main gates inside. It was a straight shot ahead, into the main foyer of the temple, where the countless inert Incarnation statues stood, watching over the placee as a testament to times long past. From there, up the wide set of stairs straight ahead, they would find the previously closed gates opened up inwards, leading to a pristine, while chamber...and to Laurence, Alweyn, Sanary, Gudako, and her Servants. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alweyn, who was bringing up the rear, looked back from where she stood at the entrance to the chamber, and towards the foyer below where the Union Elites were arriving. Her eyes lingered on Riva for a moment, and then she calmly stepped into the chamber, uninterested in the remnants of God's power. "As was predicted, we have been followed." She spoke plainly and curtly, coming to a stop at Laurence's side. "I advise battle preparations at once." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Laurence looked aside at Gudako and smiled. "A trap? Nonsense. Once I obtain the remainder of God's power, and complete myself, I will not remain here." He chuckled and nodded to Alweyn as she gave her report, totally unbothered. "Lucrelia is a hollowed out husk. It no longer deserves the attention of God. I will take all of this power, and strike out on my own. I will find new land, new power, and new purpose." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He spread his arms then, and the same rainbow of energy channeled off of him. The remnants in the sky proceeded to gravitate downwards, absorbing into him with some resistance. His back was turned to Gudako and Sanary. He was totally focused on the task at hand. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The rest, he would deal with after.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>She's gone. Riva had steeled herself to that before she even knelt down. Perhaps the Templar's gaze might resemble Archer's at this point, an iron mask of determination. <br /><br />There will be time for grief later. <br /><br />She rises, turning to pick up the fallen Einherjiar's blade, and sweeps it up before her. "Even in death, maybe she'll have something to say about this situation yet." Riva says, turning towards the heights. Towards the temple. <br /><br />With one swift motion, the huge hammer on her shoulder is banished, and she withdraws a slim, well-made rapier with a Celtic patterned handguard. The two blades are whipped out at her sides like wings as she crouches, Anima swirling around her.<br /><br />And with a dull thud, launches forward at high speed, the Templar blurring as she streaks up the path towards the temple.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Of course the Union would show up. Why wouldn't they? It's not as if they painted a giant flashing neon sign on the outside of temple saying LAURENCE IS IN HERE YOU GUYS or anything, barging in like that. Sanary lets out a low sigh as she follows behind Alewyn, keeping her shield and the staves ready even as the Union starts to arrive. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Sure. Whatever. I got your back, Alewyn." It's probably rather obvious to allies and enemies alike that the healer's focus isn't completely there, but... Well, she's got a job to do. Might as well make sure it goes off without a hitch, right? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Come on. We'll handle it on this side." She gives the maid a light nudge with a staff and glances upwards at the rainbow of energy moving into Laurence. Would his plan actually work? Only time will tell. She turns to the Union Elites that are starting to arrive and approaching them slowly, her shield held ready. "Alright, let's get this over with. You know how this is gonna go." She calls out the Elites, not focusing on any of them in particular. There's... Quite a few more of them than she had expected, and part of her is wondering about the wisdom of even standing where she is. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Well, it's not as if they'd just let them leave if she asked, right? "... So. You wanna just let us out once we're done here? We don't have any other business with this place, anyway." It's worth a shot.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:757|Misha (757)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's nothing that can be done.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Misha isn't a stranger to death, but still, the moment strikes the Reyvateil deeply. But her means of coping are quite different from the Knight's. Where Lyner does not look away and seeks to emblazon the image of Eir, fallen, upon his ming. Misha pushes to her feet and dusts herself of snow, something of a dark look forming on the Reyvateil's face as she turns away to continue on. "Mm. I don't think she'd want us just standing around. Let's go, Lyner." She says, voice gentle but firm to help urge him on in the process.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There goes Riva, too. Misha picks up her pace-- but for obvious reasons remains towards the back row of the party.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Seven life-signs, says Elner. And they're pretty much straight ahead.<br /><br />Yuna's expression hardens further as she ignites Powered Form's hover-thrusters, accelerating forwards and upwards, skimming up the stairs with little concern for stealth. She knows what's going to have to happen - and after meeting Eir, and getting to know the Einherjar even briefly, Yuna can't simply dismiss her death as a casualty of her opponents' cruelty.<br /><br />With Riva taking flight up the path and into the temple, Yuna adjusts her speed and path to keep pace with her, glancing at her comrade. The sword she collected from Eir's remains is easy enough to recognize, and for a fleeting moment, Yuna almost envies Riva's readiness for the fight ahead.<br /><br />Because as much as she hates Gudako's casually treating this conflict like a game, and for all her loathing of what Laurence has done and is going to *keep* doing unless stopped ... Yuna still has a hard time wanting to *HURT* them. She has trouble bringing herself to *hate* the people in question, for that matter - it's easier to focus on just interrupting each crisis as it arises. But putting an end to *this* crisis is increasingly likely to mean killing at least one person, probably two or more - Laurence himself, his maid-turned-Einherjar, and depending on whether they're smart enough to cut their losses and run when the chance presents itself, maybe one or more Confederates.<br /><br />There's been too much suffering already, and Yuna would sooner leave that kind of judgment in the hands of a God she trusts in ... even though she's pretty sure Lucrelia's God, if He (or She) survives this, is only going to make one brutal decision on that front. And it won't be painless for the victims.<br /><br />She keeps going, calling out to her allies (over the radio) that she and Riva will take point - which Yuna probably would have done on her own without thinking much about it. Ironic, that she's now thinking too much for her own comfort.<br /><br />The inner sanctum beckons ahead of her, doors standing wide open; Yuna's first target is Laurence himself, and as soon as she can draw a bead on him with the Matrix Divider, she shoots - a single concussive blast aimed for his back, either the back of his head or square on his torso. It's *far* from a killing shot, but the distraction may be enough.<br /><br />May.<br /><br />She has to *hit* first.<br /><br />Only after attempting that shot does she answer Sanary, "As long as you take *NOTHING* from this place that should be left here! God's power *does not leave Lucrelia*!" ... clearly, she meant for Gudako to hear that too.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer watched impassively as Lyner stared at Eir's fallen body, feeling some form of grim nostalgia at the knight's expression. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How many times had that look crossed Archer's own face in the beginning? How many times did he have to learn first-hand how naive it was to try and save everyone - how impossible it was to uphold the storybook ideal of justice? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Today, Lyner had learned that lesson somewhat. And hopefully it would steel his resolve for the future - and for today. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin on the other hand was more sympathetic, having watched in a similar situation with Shirou. Placing a hand on Lyner's shoulder, her expression is stern and grim, but understanding. "We'll make it up to her. She fought and stalled them for us - she gave us a bit of time. So for her sake, let's not waste it." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As they move through the temple and past the dormant Incarnations, Archer's expressions darken as they discuss what they learned via radio; Eir's gashes pointed to one of her killers being Gudako's Berserker, and the lacerations matched the razor-wire attacks of the Einherjar who'd been serving as Arnest's maid, who would no doubt be guarding him. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then, when they reach the actual foyer, Archer sighs and Rin grimaces as they sees yet another familiar face next to said maid - Sanary Rondel. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin's gaze narrows as Sanary speaks, looking both skeptical and disappointed - "What you're doing right now is bad enough. Did you see the state Lucrelia's in right now? /You/ helped cause that, Sanary - and those people didn't even have anything to do with this!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Even though Rin tried to focus on Alewyn by throwing two gems at her to try and distract from Yuna and Riva, the magus's mind was still on the cleric; she no longer had any clue how to categorize Sanary's behavior, the girl seeming amicable yet perfectly willing to dismiss atrocity so long as nobody she knew died. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer had no such issues - there was only one category he needed to place her in; enemy. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Trace; On." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dismissing Kanshou and Bakyua, Archer reached through his mindscape to call forth bow in one hand, while the the perfect weapon to deal with Sanary took shape in the other. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It was a simplistic weapon, yet by sight alone one could easily tell it was impossible for human hands to have forged the hooked scythe-blade. From there, it twisted inward as it's blade was forced straight, drawn back on the bow as an arrow. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; On it's own, it was an unremarkable blade... but the wounds it dealt were not, as they were cursed - immune to any sort of healing save for the passage of time and conventional methods. The bane of immortals - or of mages who relied on magic healing. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Harpe!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And a split-second later, the aptly-named 'Immortal-Slaying Scythe' takes flight straight for Sanary, it's use signifying, unlike Yuna and Lyner, that Archer is fully willing to outright kill his opponents.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel :Does see quite the group's here to dela with this horrible state of affaires she sees Misha arrive and she gets greetings. <br /><br /> "We need to meet in better situations, Misha." <br /><br /> She's going to focus on the matter at hand as she simply looks to Riva and to Lyner now as she makes ready to get ready for a fight. She moves in now keeping a light staff in hand, for the moment as she goes.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I don't think getting out of here is going to be that easy, mister, they're all very pissed," Gudako says, as she watches the king start absorbing the power. She glances at Caster, exchanging unheard thoughts with her.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;&lt;It's not enough, right, Caster?&gt;&gt;<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;&lt;Mmm, the Union people coming aren't weak... just one of them can take us on, so, four, five, six of them... it's not good odds, master.&gt;&gt;<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;&lt;Does he close the gap?&gt;&gt;<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;&lt;Not enough, master.&gt;&gt;<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;&lt;And what if...&gt;&gt;<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;&lt;That might do it, master. If Berserker and I can access our original forms, it might even the odds. I don't know if this is enough power to, though...&gt;&gt;<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;&lt;But it's still better than our current odds, Caster.&gt;&gt;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako produces a knife. It's ornate, complex. The hilt and crossguard are covered in paper talismans, a layer of the slips deforming it slightly. It must have taken Caster weeks to make this-- a single powerful enchantment made of a hundred much smaller and weaker ones. And given the design, a one-use item before magic runs out. Item Construction really isn't her thing.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Without a word, Gudako plunges it in the king's back. And then she talks; talking first would have been stupid, after all.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Sorry, mister. But you're a liability. Our odds without you are better, see? I'd say it's nothing personal but you're really pushing my buttons with this awful plan," she admits, 8D as ever. "Don't worry, we'll beat them! Probably. Maybe! It won't be your problem though. Oh, and Caster says 'that's for mind controlling people!'. I don't get it but whatever."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This ultimately puts Gudako in the way of Yuna's shots, though, and neither Servant is in a position to intercept. They were ready to take Laurence down if he resisted, not protect him. They should have expected it, really, but oh well. She's going to take those shots to her mundane human back, and it won't be pleasant. Unless someone can intervene!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako will /probably/ be alright. Probably, because a mountain of a teenager gets in between Yuna's incoming blasts and Gudako herself. Everyone will see the back of Ira, a giant, six foot tall, redhead, interposing itself between them, arms outstretched. Scortchmarks dot the broad back, flesh sizzling slightly, wounds cauterized by the energy. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Nope, sorry." Ira says through gritted teeth, the first words having spoken to anyone on this whole trip so far. She'd been a solid rock of nothing the whole time, not introducing herself, not making small talk, and barely deigning to look at the other people around her. Only /now/ she seems to interfere, all too happy to reveal her allegiance with Gudako. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Do what you need to do, Gudako. I'll keep you covered."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Misha gets a nod, as does Rin. "Yeah. We will make it up to her." Lyner replied, a certain calm in his tone. With fists clenched, he broke out into a run, headed right for the temple with the others, taking up the second line of defense. Riva's tearing on ahead, along with Yuna's is met with deep sigh. But there was no helping it. They could handle themselves in the immediate moment. Probably. Archer didn't mention any wire traps, so the maid probably didn't bother to set any. That gave them clear entrance into the temple, past the inert Incarnation statues, and then into the foyer, where the knight spotted Sanary and Alweyn standing guard. "I knew it." He muttered, activating the pod slung at the back of his waist, and drawing the white blade whose handle had expanded out. He then draw the dagger on his pauldron, gripping it in reverse to form his usual weapon loadout. Rin engaged Alweyn, and Archer engaged Sanary, Lyner wouldn't focus on them. They weren't the main problem. "Deelel! If you think you can do it, give it a try! Otherwise, leave it!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Whatever that was, Lyner didn't elaborate. Inside, he sped forward, into the chamber, and face to face with Gudako, Laurence, Caster, Berserker, and....who was that? Stopping short, Lyner squinted. "What...What's happening here? Gudako did you just...stab Laurence? Why!?" They were allies, weren't they? Then... "Wait, no... No! You're not going to-" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Laurence, for his part, was caught completely off guard as a knife was plunged into his back. "Almost. Just a little more and-Ghrk!" Immediately, blood streamed out from the wound, and he looked back at Gudako. "What....What are you... Awful...plan?" Whether it was because he was not impervious to harm because of the incomplete power he possessed, or because of the enchantments on the knife, Laurence fell forward and collapsed into the white floor, red steadily staining the one pristine surface. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then it happened. Streams of rainbow energy flowed out from Laurence's rapidly dying body, no longer under his control. God's power was being freed rapidly, and those arcs of multi-colored energy ebbed and flowed, forming into a massive, rippling sphere that was attempting to float it's way upwards, where it previous was. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alweyn meanwhile was distracted by Rin's gems. She crossed her arms over, black gloves adorning them. There was a twang of metal, and several garrote wires whirled into sight, crossing over at various points to form a makeshift barrier. The gems made impact and exploded into bursts of wind and fire, pushing the maid back and slicing into her dress in places, and burning at other places. "....Hmph." Her dour expression worsened and she gave Archer's Master a tired glare, soot and ash marking her previously untouched face. These people were far too stubborn. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A cry of pain from inside caused her to turn her head, seeing the situation inside. Tch. What the hell is Gudako doing? Damn it. Well, she didn't have time to speak up. These bloodthirsty Union people wanted her dead, no doubt. Facing them again, she dismissed the wire barrier, and with a swing of an arm, a new set of wires took their place. Five wires in total. One for each finger. They came whirling through the air from the side, aiming to slice Rin apart. One for each arm, one for each leg, and one for the neck. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With a swing of her other arm, another set of five wires came to life, these ones from above, hurtling down to impede the stragglers Misha and Deelel and slice into them mercilessly. Two aimed in the general direction of the head, two for the legs, and one for the midsection. Each was a disabling stroke. Kind of cruel really.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Isn't it obvious what I'm doing?" Gudako says, simply.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The enchantments on the knife kick in. Unfortunately, the power was claimed the moment the blade dug into flesh. The rainbow light gushing out of the king's body starts streaming into the knife instead, and moments later just sort of torrents down onto Gudako. It's a bit too much to instantly take, even with Caster seemingly trying to guide it using her mirror, but it's enough. Even if there's some leftover, that's fine. She doesn't need all of it, she surmises.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As a rainbow aura surrounds Gudako and she seemingly powers up, she drops the knife, and then spreads one hand towards Sanary, and the other towards Ira. "Ira, Ira~. Didn't I promise you I'd find a way to make you a god, pinky swear and all? Let's all ascend together, woo!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bright white light shoots out of Gudako, and into Sanary and Ira. Einherjar powers! It might even come with a bit of a cosmetic makeover, but probably nothing too dramatic. Certainly nothing they'll be stuck in, since it seems to be a temporary transformation, if the maid is any indication.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako's Servants receive the power more directly from their bonds with their master. Both foxgirls now sport an ADDITIONAL TAIL, which radiates with almost blinding SUNLIGHT.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Sorry mister Lyner, but he wasn't very smart. He had enough power already, why come all the way here and fight you guys? It was a huge waste. At least now the power is in someone who can make good use of it, huh? Berserker, Caster~."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The two Servants nods. Caster produces a set of paper talismans, and launches a stream of divine fire towards Yuna, trailing after the ofuda once thrown. Berserker attempts to pouncetackle Lyner, claws out and extended. Killkillkill, as is her usual, though she's a bit faster and stronger than normal!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>As soon as Gudako moved to stab Laurence, Yuna had a distinctly sinking feeling that she knew EXACTLY what the Confederate game addict was trying to do. She immediately braces herself, planting her feet - or rather, Powered Form's heavily armored feet - solidly against the floor, adjusting the thrusters' output to hold her steady even as Gudako starts trying to turn the stolen divine power to her own ends. "You should have heard me the first time, Gudako, but --"<br /><br />Caster launches an attack before Yuna can finish saying what she was saying; Yuna immediately interposes Shugoseiheki, the enhanced kite shield positioned to intercept the fiery blast, and her thrusters kick up a notch to keep her stable against the incoming attack.<br /><br />Tanking rather than dodging has its cost; Yuna doesn't want to know how much that blast hurts her overall when her defensive aura has to help the physical shield deflect the blast - but she does NOT want to start dodging, either. She moves her shield out of the way again, partly so she can see what she's shooting at - and partly so she can bring both of her beam cannons to bear. Because by the time Caster's assault ends, the lenses on either of the exo-frame's shoulders sliding open to reveal mechanical bits, already crackling with power.<br /><br />"HEAR ME, O GOD OF LUCRELIA!! TAKE BACK YOUR POWER WHILE YOU CAN, FROM THE THIEVES NOT OF THIS WORLD!!"<br /><br />Yuna's loud cry is MEANT to be heard, not just by allies or by enemies, but by the God to whom this temple was dedicated - and to any servants of that God who are still in a position to hear and act. And while the echoes of her voice are still fading, Yuna focuses on Gudako (and ideally on Caster as well), and triggers her beam cannons, raging blasts of concussive radiance ripping forth to pummel Gudako and any other enemies who are in Yuna's firing arc. She warned her allies to get clear, so hopefully they're out of the way.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I /do/ remember this!" Ira says excitedly, a smile on her face despite the pain burning through her. She's never been shot like this before, actually, and she doesn't want to admit how much it hurt, even with her new-ish superpowers earned from the persona. She reaches out towards Gudako's hand, fingertips touching against hers moments before the light shoots into her, melding with her body and disappearing. It doesn't, at first glance, look like there is much of a change-her jawline seems sharper, as do her teeth, but a closer look at her eyes... <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;...will reveal that her sclera have gone completely black, making the amber color of the pupils look a lot more /yellow/ than usual. She flexes her hands and the sizzling scortchmarks on her back quickly begin to heal back over. "Ahhh, Gudako, this feels /great/. Great, great, great! We get to /keep/ this, right? RIGHT?" <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She turns to glower at Yuna with a grin filled with too many sharpened teeth. One hand digs into her coat to pull out a shiny chrome-plated zippo lighter. She looks at the object, squinting, making eye contact with herself, not even flinching at the difference in colors. "Beast." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When the Beast appears, he looks even more bestial than before, which is apparently possible. Normally he would resemble an oversized gorilla-warthog monster in regal finery. Right now, however, it looks more like a gorilla-warthog-manitcore that doesn't even bother with clothes. Massive bat wings jut out of its back and it possesses a long snakelike tail with a huge stinger on the end. Its features are even more hunched over, as if standing on two legs was very unnatural for the thing. Its form constantly writhes and seethes with black mist, making the edges hard to really grasp if looked at for two long. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Beast slams both knuckles into the ground and unleashes an ear-splitting roar, as if moving to counter Yuna's cry to the God of the temple.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel had not intended to sve the king she'd come to take him down, the Confederates betraying him however is not entirely unexpected. Yet Gudako's attuide hits home it's lot like some of Clu's and Tessler's followers, she's now making ready to move in the staff spins several times before it shrinks? Why she's summoning another weapon, she's got something else to worry about. The Basc hears out Lyner's call he knows what she's got to do, she's got to worry about the woman Lyner asked her to save, which is just what the basic is gong to attempt to do. She summons her keyblade and the cyberspaced styled weapon forms into existance in her right hand.. <br /><br /> "Here I go." <br /><br /> She's going to now move in and attempt to save the maid. <br /><br /> "Misha you ready?" <br /><br /> the Program calls out as she now attempts to fight her way past the attack, but that's going to take a bit as she' forced cut her way through the wires or evade them by just not sitting still.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Riva isn't interdicted. This would normally be a major problem if the Feds weren't in the middle of a classic Judas Maneuver. Honestly, Gudako's timed it perfectly. Riva would appreciate it aloud if she wasn't in a /really bad mood/. <br /><br />And perfectly timed, a certain maid appears to try to scythe their back line. The Templar's gaze turns, drawn like iron filings to magnets, and she explodes from her position in a massive cloud of snow. <br /><br />Flakes begin to fall as Alewyn prepares to tear Rin apart, as if the heavens were crying frozen tears for what has gone before...<br /><br />And then there is a burning, red-gold slash as Riva explodes between the pair, the wires severing. She does not look up. "Thus saith the Lord God; Because that Moab and Seir do say, Behold, the house of Judah is like unto all the heathen;"<br /><br />With a sudden turn, she levels the rapier at the maid, Anima surging around her as the blade seethes. "Therefore, behold, I will open the side of Moab from the cities, from his cities which are on his frontiers, the glory of the country, Bethjeshimoth, Baalmeon, and Kiriathaim." <br /><br />As she speaks, she lunges forward in another column dash strike, her blade whipping past and through Alewyn's position, her voice heard above the shreak of supernaturally charged steel. "Unto the men of the east with the Ammonites, and will give them in possession, that the Ammonites may not be remembered among the nations..."<br /><br />And finally, Riva turns, lashing out with Eir's blade, the weapon roaring as she slams it down into the ground, a crude wave of energy ripping into the stone. "And I will /execute judgments/ upon Moab; and they shall know that I am the Lord."<br /><br />A moment later, there is a crackling, brilliant spire of energy that explodes up through the ground beneath Alewyn, shattering rock in all directions.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:757|Misha (757)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Make it up to Eir. Misha can only hope. They were too late to do anything else except catch up. She really DOES need to catch up with Deelel when things are not at their worst. But for now the Reyvateil comes to a dead halt. Jade eyes widen as Gudako, literally, backstabs Laurence.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He kind of deserved that, she thinks to herself.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The flowing outpour of light, however, was probably not something she had really forseen. Okay the truth is, Misha didn't see that coming at all as all the energy rises. It's Alweyn that is... The most problematic for her in the heat of the moment.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I don't even KNOW anymore!" She replies to the Program in a hasty blurt, her first order of business being to fling herself out of harm's way. But it's not that effective. At the most inopportune time she reveals a horrible fact about herself.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Misha Arsellec Lune is a klutz. Slipping on her own feet and tripping saves her life. It does not save her leg from the deep cut that draws a sharp cry. It's not mortal, but it'll probably slow her down.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's fine. She doesn't need to run to sing, anyway.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Because the Star Singer draws a breath. And she begins to sing. A lyrical chant, her voice rises into the melodic language of Hymmnos, strained and stressed, bewildered and confused, but with one singular purpose and goal.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her song is one of desire- but it is not a selfish one as sweet stringed instruments and a whispering chorus of voices join hers from nowhere. That desire is a simple and wholly heartfelt one.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To protect.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You Union people are really trigger happy, you know that? How am I supposed to...? Ugh. Fine, fine, we're not getting paid enough for this. But... You know this place was already getting f..." She pauses to scan the Union's forces. No children? No children. Good. "... Fucked up /before/ we did anything, right? If you wanna blame someone, blame-" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The cleric raises her shield to block Archer's shot head on as it comes flying for her, relying both on the weight of the shield and her armor's guard boosting power to keep herself safe. A loud clang echoes through the hall as the blade hits her shield and spins off, nicking her face as it passes by. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Really...? Ugh. Blame that guy, then!" She turns a bit to gesture at Laurence, glancing over before staring at that whole stabbing display for a moment. "... Well. There you go! So can we go now?" Sanary's sounding incredibly irritated by that point as she stares at the Elites again, already starting to move towards them while pressing a hand to the cut on her face. Despite the healing magic that's visibly flowing into it, it's.. Not healing. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "... Goddammit, Archer." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then she gets hit with that sudden surge of power and a very odd feeling in her back. It's not a bad one, but her armor's suddenly too tight for a moment before going back to normal. By the time it's all said and done, Sanary's hair looks as if it's turned white from overbleaching, her eye is somehow incredibly shiny and a terribly boring brown, and everything just feels.. Slower? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; No. She's moving faster. "...Okay! I.. Kinda get what he was going for now!" Her first order of business: Running around in a circle with more speed than she's ever known in her entire life. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Second order of business: Actually trying to figure out what her newfound power actually does. Keeping her eye on Archer, she holds her hands out to her sides towards Ira and Gudako while channeling this new energy. In addition to giving those two an extra boost of physical and magical regeneration, dense stone shields begin floating in front of the three of them. The shields move with their targets, acting as floating bulwarks!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When Arnest is stabbed by Gudako, Archer is hardly surprised. The mage had been nothing but a manipulative parasite from the very moment Archer had met her - this mess was nothing but a game for the insane Magus. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And she was on the verge of taking a deity's power. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Not this time. He'd seen what happened when lunatics tried to claim power they weren't meant to have - he wasn't going to let it happen again. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thankfully though, they did still have their chance - he was hardly the most adept Mage, but what even what little he had, combined with his status as a Servant, let him discern that something was /off/ about Gudako's supposed 'ascension.' Her body didn't seem to be accepting the foreign power easily. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Granted, rejecting an outside power was natural even if the person in question wanted that energy... but for it to be this obvious meant it wasn't being circumvented at all. Was something in Gudako's own body rejecting the power, or was Gudako just not assimilating it properly? Either way though, Archer couldn't tell if Gudako was aware of it yet... and that gave them a chance. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, he would first have to bypass Sanary - now empowered by Gudako and empowering them in turn. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But that didn't mean she was instantly going to know how to use it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Drawing Kanshou and Bakuya, Archer charges forward to engage Sanary at close range, opting to try and take advantage of his skill to offset her speed and slash for the gaps in her armor. At best he could match her, at worst he could probably keep pace enough to not be killed. But he needed the time - if he was going to use any stronger weapons, he'd have to gather the prana for them. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In the meantime, though... the Servant can't help but, with a slight smirk, note Sanary's situation was something of a reverse for his own - she'd gotten power from an entity's strength like he did, but for different reasons. "Heh... so it seems you've followed my path after all, Sanary Rondel. But I wonder... was there ever any other path you could take?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He leaves it vague - wondering if she will madden herself trying to find out what exactly makes them so similar... well, aside from the hair. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Honestly, what was it about contracts like this that bleached one's hair snow white?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin, seeing the wires coming for her, opts to leap forward and ahead - she lacks a tried defense against such nimble weapons as the threads, the Magus banks on a frontal charge so that the razor-wires hopefully overshoot her. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... or at least that was the intent, before Riva took the matter into her own hands. She blinks once in surprise as the Templar charges the maid alone, dimly recognizing the verses - one of the lingering traces of her days as the fake-priest Kotomine's charge being that she learned alot of Religious passages. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Regardless, the important bit was that Riva was clearing the way for her, letting the Magus focus on moving ahead to try and push ahead. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At this point, she has had enough - enough with the callousness, enough with the senseless greed, and enough of people treating the lives of others like a demented game. So when the 'Beast' opens it's moth to start roaring, Rin - over her own shout of "Oh, shut up!" - lobs three gems at it with the intent of them going right down it's throat. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She doesn't even know if Yuna's pleas will do anything, but either way she's not going to let Ira interrupt her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...." Well, Lyner could agree on that. Laurence wasn't very smart. He was ambitious, but not smart. Coming back here for a few flecks of remaining power was dumb. But it made their job easier. What DIDN'T make their jobs easier was Gudako literally siphoning that power away, back into herself. "....Crap crap crap-" Lyner groused as the Master proceeded to impart God's power into her Servants, as well as Ira and Sanary. Crap. Crap! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The blonde knight was poised to dashed forward and intervene, but his intervention was intervened upon by Berserker, who now had TWO tails. "Gah-!" With his main sword raised, the cat's claws made impact, and he was thrown backwards, with Berserker on top of him. Not a place he wanted to be for very long. Thankfully, he could hear Misha's song from some ways off, and an empowering aura washed over him. She always came through in a pinch, didn't she? "Sorry Berserker, but I have to do this!" Saying that, his feet came up, pressing against her midsection as he veered backwards into a roll...and kicked the Servant off, attempting to break the disavantageous position. Once onto his feet, the white dagger in his other hand crackled with electricity and he swung it upwards, sending a single wave of cutting air hurtling after Berserker. Knowing how strong she was now, Lyner didn't hold back. But still, he didn't plan to kill anyone... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alweyn meanwhile tsked as Misha klutzed her way out of the way of the wires, barring a slash on the leg. Deelel cut her way through, evading the wires she couldn't slash in time. Meh. They were side targets. The real focus here was Rin- No, Riva. The maid's eyes widened just slightly as her wires were abruptly cut, saving Archer's Master from peril. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Those verses weren't familiar to her, but she could feel out the intent from the Templar's actions alone. And then came that dash strike. She wasn't falling for that again! With break to the side, she let Riva pass, clenching her hands into fists as she created new wires. "I could not care any less about your judgments, woman!" Ugh, this annoying woman just set her off. It's like they were fated to never get along. Her dour demeanor was gradually growing more and more annoyed. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Eir's blade is swung, crashing into the ground and sending out a crude wave of energy. That energy seared at Alweyn's body, but she weathered it, arms crossed over. The clenched fists opened, and with a swing outwards, several wires embedded into the ground. What they were going to do, however, was cut short as a pillar of energy /burst upwards/ from below her. Caught completely by surprise, Alweyn was blown upwards and back, roughly crashing back first into a wall next to the chamber entrance with a cry of pain. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...You....You...!" Gritting her teeth angrily, the maid's eyes pulsed red and her hair faded in and out from blue to white, and back to blue. After a few seconds, she closed her eyes and took a breath. "....." And then she dislodged herself and jumped down from the wall, brushing herself off. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Tell me...what is your name, little burglar?" The wires that were pulled up out of the ground then, burst to life with a soul draining, green aura. "...My name is Alweyn. Alweyn Engburg." She intoned calmly, wires writhing around her form. A thin smile formed on her face then. And with a flurry of arm movements, her wires followed, firing an array of draining energy shots towards Riva. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ...Deelel had ample time to sneak in now, didn't she?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If we get out of here alive!" Gudako answers Ira, in all honesty. Just like the king's plan, hers has a flaw, but by necessity of having needed to follow the king here: they have to fight their way out now, and they're outnumbered. Outgunned, maybe? The odds are hard to figure out right now. Best not to assume too much.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yuna comes in hot, and Ira intercepts. But it might not be enough, so, there's no harm helping. Caster's mirror appears, in the way of the bullets that get past Ira; the divine fox takes the hits for her master, who is still relatively frail despite rocking that rainbow aura. Now she's the liability, really. Wounds on Caster close pretty quickly, but they aren't without purchase.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You guys are so spread out and disorganized," Gudako chides, and then points towards Ira. "Come on Caster, let's show them how you game your odds correctly."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;More paper slips! These ones fly for Ira, and provide a complement of stat boosts. Strength, speed, defense, haste, a little bit of everything. It'll stack pretty well with everything else Sanary threw out.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako takes a moment, then, to analyze the situation. Unbeknowst to her, the taint in her body just won't play nice with true, pure divine power. The taint of All The World's Evil just isn't having any of it, and it's starting to cause an assortment of bad things. Internal bleeding she can't feel, and the Power of God itself is diminishing, released in the air little by little. They would need to contain it-- something Caster can't do on a battlefield. If they retreat, she MIGHT have time to, but right now Gudako is too busy analyzing the battlefield.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster's busy buffing; only Berserker could actually dig them a way out right now. And Berserker is held up by Lyner, who is, as a spiky haired swordsman, exactly as strong as expected. Well, that's fine, she can just break off and help dig a way out, righ--<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's a CRASH, as Berserker slams into the temple wall behind her, thrown off by Lyner. And then another, as his shockwave of lightning impacts the Servant head-on. Unlike the usual Berserker, one couldn't call this cat... fox... god... person, very sturdy. As Servants go she has the lower endurance score you can get! A direct hit like that leaves her heavily wounded, which while the divine power can help with, it also drains Gudako's reserves that much more-- and thus her ability to contain it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Berserker, stop hugging the wall! Come on, we need to leave! It's just one guy with a sword, push him out of the way or something!" Gudako demands.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Berserker complies, sunlight gathering around her claws from her tails. She's making a fiery lunge towards Lyner this time, but not to ground him. To try and push him back, and back, and back, and all the way to the other ongoing fight. Like Sanary said, their best hope is to just... plow through.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Aw, shit. Now Archer's focused on her? Sanary grunts as she brings her actual shield back in front of her, the stone shield moving closer to cover the hand holding the staves. Something still feels incredibly strange about this situation, though, since... Right. She's moving faster. She can actually see what the Servant is doing now, and she's even able to process his moves instead of hoping for the best! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Although her defensive techniques haven't actually improved, the speed boost means she's not only able to block effectively, but even backstep every now and then as well. Perhaps luckily for Archer, though, the fact that she's opted to bring only shields and staves means that she doesn't really have anything to strike back at him with. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And to make things worse for her, he's also talking agonizingly slowly. As normal-looking as his attacks appear to be at with her newfound speed, his voice somehow seems even more droning than before. "Come on! Can't you talk faster, at least? And start making sense, too!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Although Sanary doesn't notice it herself, she's talking at nearly double the speed she normally would. A side effect of being sped up, perhaps. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The demi-god cleric isn't going to stick to just defending and banter, though, as she draws on more of her earth-based powers to... Listen to someone singing? No, that's the girl that did some sort of crazy magic singing thing way back, isn't it? Time to prioritize. Spotting an opening in one of Archer's attacks, Sanary jerks herself sideways to let it slash across her shield before breaking into a run towards Misha. She holds her hand out at him before swinging her hand down in a dramatic fashion, sending part of the ceiling collapsing towards her!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The exchange is brutal, the environment shattering as the pair exchange their flurry of blows. <br /><br />But she pulls herself off of the wall, and Riva salutes with the rapier. "My name is Riva Banari. I an a agent of the Knights Templar, and a soldier of God. I stand between Man and the Darkness." <br /><br />The flurry of bolts strike, and Riva slashes out, twisting as she slices the first in half, a second skidding past her. The third hits her arm, causing it to go numb for a moment. The light along the blade winks out as the Anima flow is interrupted from the dangerous soul-draining strike, but Riva pulls back, focusing as she tried to pull on the local ley lines once more... And the light returns. <br /><br />"You're holding back." She says, simply. "You want you kill me, but you're holding back." She says, darting from side to side as she closes in, forcing Alewyn to spread her shots. "... Is it because your master is now dead, and you have no wish to be bound to the one who betrayed him?" <br /><br />There is sudden strike, as Riva strikes once more with that dashing move, but he knows she'll dodge it. With a turn. she brings up Eir's blade... And with a sudden motion, it flares with that red-gold light as she hurls it for where she expects Alewyn will try to escape. "You still have a chance to back out, you know."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"YOU'RE NOT GOING *ANYWHERE*!!!" shouts Yuna, even as her beam cannons are closed away behind those lens-like covers once again. She can't just fire them repeatedly, after all - and the fact that Gudako's allies were able to take that much of the assault for her rankles. It's not just that Gudako treats so much of this like a game that's getting to Yuna, after all; it's the fact that the game addict *doesn't even notice* that it *isn't* a game.<br /><br />If nothing else, for all her normal compassion and not wanting people to suffer, Yuna *wants* Gudako to understand - not just with her mind, but with her *body* - what it really means to be in a battle such as this. To know, right down to her bones, that fights aren't just a game that you can stand back from and watch others play out the results of your orders.<br /><br />Powered Form's hover-thrusters rev up to full power now, and Yuna hurtles forward, attempting to body-check Gudako; she's leading with Shugoseiheki, the kite shield still intact despite Caster's previous onslaught, but if push comes to shove, Yuna's got the suit's other big exo-arm, plus the body of the suit itself - this armor's basically built like a power loader, or a Landmate, and it's built for *fast* overland travel. And the Savior of Light is deadly serious about not letting Gudako get away with so much as a *spark* of stolen divine power - even if it's already draining out of the girl, even if it'll all fade on its own, Yuna has no intention of letting Gudako set one foot *outside* the temple so long as any of God's power remains with her.<br /><br />And it's potentially costing her allies. Elner takes more note of the broader situation than Yuna herself does; Yuna spotted Rin's intervention against Ira's summoned Beast, but didn't have a moment to thank the mage properly. Yuna's focus on Gudako *does*, however, keep her from moving to protect Misha or potentially intercepting any of the other Confederates, no matter how the battle might hinge on them or their respective targets.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel will leave the others to deal with the confederates for now, the king is dead betrayed by the confedew4rates, Deelel will not be able to unsee that but well it only makes her think she made the right choice in joining up, right? She's able to make ue of the buff from Misha and is able to press on head, getting her chance to slip by the wires. Even as everyone edge engages the confederes. She's listening to the maid even as she speaks to the others the wires are going and she frowns a bit. She's going to hae to time this right or it's not going to go very well, not very well at all. Riva also is doing a great job distracting her. She see's she's holding back, but there's no time to worry about that. She redies her keyblade and the energy as before when she was delaing with the mind controlled holds builds up abnd she lets it rip on the Maid hoping to free her of whatever control she is under. She's also very vunrable ot attack while she does this.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Tch!" Ira calls back to Gudako, a laugh escaping her, "Why wouldn't we?" She hasn't encountered the more bloodthirsty members of the Union si why, mostly. She's heard plenty of them in the Confederacy but that was no means at all all of them! Stiil, her prefessional assessment, they were outnumbered. "Time for breaking through! Heh heh heh-ackk-" A hand suddenly reaches for her throat. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The motion is being mirrored by the beast, who is the real sufferer of the 'gems in throt' afflicting. Rin would notice that the persona is quite corpreal so it is very capable of getting things stuck in anatomy. The beast's roar dies as it's airway is blocked and it doubles over, coughing and hacking until the gag reflexes return the three gems to the ground. Although now they're covered in saliva and black gunk that feels vaguely like the power she wields. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Your servant may be onto something, Gudako! Maybe we should go through that exit instead of the usual ones!" Ira manages, her voice rasp and hoarse as she recovers from the gems being caught in her mouth. With a grunt, she turns her attention to Rin-only Ira, though, as the Beast goes thundering off after the powered form of Yuna, the massive, hairy creature aiming to body check Yuna before she can body check Gudako! <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But from Ira-she doesn't so much approach Rin as gesture at her, making circular motions with her fingers, which are traced by the black stuff that seethes around the Beast. Darkness starts to creep around Rin's feet, threatening to crawl up her and root her to the spot. If she looks closely enough, she might even see the occasional eye peeking out of the darkness.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thankfully, it seems Sanary's empowerment doesn't translate to her instantly having the skills of a demigod, so Archer is, if nothing else, able to keep even with her. Combined with her lack of anything but defensive implements and he could at least keep her occupied. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It also seemed Sanary wasn't acclimatized to her new power. Her mind wasn't processing the increased stimuli properly - everything was slower for her, even his words. Though it didn't keep her from matching his speed - she must have been used to multitasking from her ability to heal entire groups at once. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Then, abruptly, Sanary breaks off - an opening in Archer's guard that he expected her to strike at is instead used to side-step him, moving for Misha, and- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... and he lets her. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Perhaps Sanary will pause at that - realize that Archer has shifted priorities... and let her get away from him so as to buy himself the time for it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It was a lost cause - a battle of attrition to keep going as they were. With the power of a god, there was a chance the Confederates were going to simply outlast them. And then they would escape. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So he had to even the playing field. Even if it meant letting a comrade be attacked, lest they all lose. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I am the bone of my sword" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Steel is my body, and fire is my blood." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The atmosphere begins to change - the air heats like the inside of an endless furnace. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I have created over a thousand blades" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Unknown to death, nor known to life" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Any with the ability to perceive it - the Confederates included - will feel the distorting of of the world. The overlay as another's reality is forced unto the one around him. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I have withstood pain to create many weapons." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yet these hands will never truly hold anything." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A ring of fire forms at the bowman's feet, cracks forming in the ground. Even if Gudako and Ira thought themselves Gods... it only applied to this world. In his though... perhaps they would have the chance to change that. One final gambit. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "So as I pray... UNLIMITED BLADE WORKS." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The flames expanded outward in an instant, consuming the world around them... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ...and overwriting it with a sky of unending, monolithic gears and clouds of ash. The landscape - formed of hills that were barren and charred over the course of centuries beneath an eternal forge - was littered with thousands upon thousands of blades, emerging from the ground like a forest of steel. And standing in the midst of it, the Counter-Guardian focuses on Sanary and the others with an impassive gaze. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Caster assuredly will recognize this for what it is - a Reality Marble. One's inner world made manifest... and isolated from the rest of reality, sealing them in. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Granted, it wouldn't last forever, and too much power being thrown around would disrupt it... but, with a field of weapons to aid them now, the Servant of the Bow didn't believe Lyner and the others would give them the chance.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin growls as she faces down Ira and her 'Beast', somewhat irritated that her gems didn't detonate. Did that... thing drain the power from them. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Then the creature turns to chase down Yuna, leaving Rin alone with Ira herself - and she takes note of the shadows forming beneath her feet, immediately hopping to the side to try and move out of their path. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Too many and too staggered for a single gem - so she uses a rapid-fire attack, bracing her right arm with her left. "Gandr!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A black nimbus, of Rin's own, tinged red at the edges, condenses at her fingers and discharges in a spray of magic bullets, meant to inflict 'sickness' on the target by debilitating them - would it be effective on these... blobs, though? Because if not she would have to try moving around - if she wasn't already glued to the floor. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Still... at the very least, it seemed like the tide was turning - she felt the draw of prana as Archer manifested his Reality Marble, steading her breaths as she felt the world change around her in a burst of flame. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin still wasn't used to it - not just to this world but what it represented - but she had no time to dwell on that. She had to focus on Ira, if for no other reason then to keep her from further helping Gudako... and because it seemed Ira and her 'Beast' were linked, meaning that hindering her might hinder the Beast. Or she hoped so at least.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Sorry, not going to let you do that." Lyner spoke quickly, having stood back to his feet and crossed blade and dagger over. "Shield of Bond!" And A pearlescent corona of energy formed in front of the knight then, creating a barrier that Berserker's attacks impacted against. "Ergh...!" He grit his teeth, feeling the pressure from those blows as they attempted to break through. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This power of God really was a problem. Especially in the hands of Gudako. But Lyner couldn't give up. "We're...not going to...let you leave with that power!" He roared, digging his feet into the ground and pushing forward into a dash to try and force the Servant back. Back and away from where she was trying to open to path to. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Despite the barrier cracking continuously, Lyner gripped his blades and forced the charge ahead. He needed to buy time for Archer. ...And that time apparently came sooner than thought, as the surrounding suddenly changed with a wall of fire, and then....swords? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A barren world, filled with swords. Swords as far as the eye can see. Swords from every age and every era. And above in the sky, cogs of varying sizes turned slowly. "What the..." It was enough for Lyner to momentarily forget what was going on. ...Right up until a claw broke through the barrier and tagged his side. "Argh!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That's what he gets for not paying attention! Ignoring the blood starting the drip from his side, he lashed out at Berserker with a dual slash with sword and dagger, aided by a current of wind to increase the speed of the attacks. "Archer, whatever this place is going to do, I suggest you do it fast!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alweyn meanwhile frowned. She followed Riva's movements, her shots spreading out as a result. "I don't care about that man." She answered evenly. "He turned me into an Einherjar against my will hundreds of years ago." Briging her arm back, she brought a single garrote wire to bear and brought it down like a whip for Riva's current location. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I outlived my family, serving at his side for centuries because I had nothing else. And nowhere to go." And then Riva broke forward with a dash that the maid had of course anticipated. "So why should I care?" And then the sword is thrown. Right in Alweyn's path. Eyes widening, she jerked mid dodge, avoiding a chest skewer, but winding up with one of her arms pierced through as the sword embedded into a wall. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That had to hurt terribly, but Alweyn didn't cry. She just grit her teeth and lowered her eyelids painfully. Silence followed between the two, amid the sounds of combat all around them. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "......." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A chance to back out... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...Fine. He's dead anywa-" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; PEW. KEYBLADE LASER TO THE CHEST. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The maid blinked a few times, and then looked down at herself. Then towards Deelel. "...What did you just do?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Before Unlimited Blade Works deployed... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The power that was shedding off of Gudako was gradually streaming upwards, gathering into a slowly growing orb of rainbow energy. It pulsed weakly, as if in response to the battle below. But nothing else happened. Were Yuna's words from before actually affecting something? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Now, that power hung high above in the sky, continuing to shed off of Gudako and gather. Whether she noticed or not, was up to her, but the Union Elites surely wouldn't say.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Exits, right! Exits. Sanary starts putting two and two together as she takes note of the distinctly mountainy... Mountain they're in, and with her Einherjar-like mastery over earth and stone... Well, why wouldn't she give it a shot? Sure, the battlefield might have changed from the inside of a mountain temple to a weird weapon-littered landscape with no clear borders in sight, but... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Too much thinking, not enough acting. Also, goddammit Archer and such. Is he ever not going to get in her way? Probably not. With the plan sorted out, though, it's time to reprioritize... Again! Turning her attention to Ira and Gudako's servants, Sanary directs her energy towards them first, providing them with yet more regenerative magic and layer upon layer of earthen shields! She can't be too careful even with these powers, of course, and who knows when she'll get to use them again? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once that's taken care of, she redirects that magic power into the ground around Archer. "You're talking too slow speed it up already, you wad!" As she shouts at him and focuses her power, the ground beneath the white-haired servant will shift, trying to trap his legs within a thick layer of rock while the ground directly between his legs shoots upwards suddenly in an extremely dense, sharp wedge shape. Said wedge is centered almost directly at... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Well, Archer's a Servant. It's not like he can have children, right?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ah, you're really insisting, huh?" Gudako asks Yuna, as the magical paladin girl evidently chooses RAMMING SPEED as the solution to this problem. Caster naturally interposes herself; she's got pretty high agility, what good does it do if she doesn't actually do anything with it. Yuna smashes into the foxgirl's mirror again, something she should be familiar with. The magically floating construct, guided by the now two-tailed sunfoxgirl behind it, seems a bit stronger than last time, and it probably doesn't help that Caster's tails glow like tiny suns either. She's still struggling, under the force of Yuna's push.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While the Servant struggles, Gudako shakes her head at Ira, seeing as they are now stuck in a hellscape of gears, smog and swords. "It doesn't matter now, huh? We need to take down that Archer, otherwise we're stuck here unless we have a way to overpower it." Which... would require quite the expense of power.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako turns back to look at how Berserker is doing, but is distracted as she sudden coughs blackened blood. That is absolutely not good. In panic she turns back to Caster. "CASTER, STOP WASTING TIME. BLOW HER AWAY."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Right, right! Mantra: Merciful Sky!" Sunlight flows from her tails into her mirror, causing the surface of it to becoming a blinding white-yellow-orange. With Yuna still in full body contact with it, she immediatly takes her chance for a boosted spell. "Amaterasu~ BEEEEEAM~!" That's probably not what it's really called.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But it's pretty much a solar flare laser gushing out of a mirror, so, who's going to take it up with her? Technically if anyone is allowed to call something Amaterasu Beam it's Caster.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And Berserker. Kind of.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Speaking of the cat, she trades blows with Lyner; where claws cut and burn, his sword and knife just cut, but no less effectively. The accumulation of those quick, successive wounds onto the divine catfox are starting to slow it down, and increase the amount of magic drained from Gudako to heal her Servant.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"What do you care, nya?!" Berserker demands of Lyner, growling like a cornered cat. "It's not like master'll use it to hurt this world, so aren't you happy enough you saved it? Nya, selfish people always want more!" Getting pretty pots and kettles in here.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Separation of Day and Night, TSUKUYOMI!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Berserker's body absorbs the ambient light, and she surges towards the knight, trailing a line of pitch black no-light behind her. She even seems to create a few mirror images made of sunlight that strike from different angles with flaming attacks, but the main charge of the Servant is definitely the most dangerous part.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>As the environment shifts into the unnatural realm of the Unlimited Blade Works, Riva continues her battle against the maid-Einherjiar. "I'm glad you could see reason." She says as she reaches out for the blade to let her go... <br /><br />And then the laser. <br /><br />Riva, too is surprised. She looks at the maid, then over to Deelel. She points over to the maid, too. "... What did you just do?" She asks, quizzically.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The Swrods come, not just any sworeds all of them, it seems every sword there ever was on Archer's world is called forth and are launched with out mercy at those he faces. Deelel Meanwhile has manage to avoid getting set on fire, or worse cut up by wires. She listens to the woman whose lived far longer than her people normally do. It was odd to her, basics in muliversal terms lived for centuries generally only dying by violence. She's long got eventually the end of line must happen? Yet to out live all you knew? Is that's what it like for Tron? She doesn't know she however smirks a little bit at the woman. <br /><br /> "Lyner suspeted something was controling I think I freed you from it." <br /><br /> She was being honest, even she isn't sure what she did now. Still ther are other threats to worry about at this point in time. She gives Riva a look for a moment, she's looking a bit ahem embrassed. <br /><br /> "It's like I said....it was never intended to harm."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ira's happy to focus her attentions on Rin with a bit of attention paid towards Gudako and Sanary. Should they mvoe to retreat, she'd certainly follow, but all the sudden retreat seems impossible as everyone is transported into a weird, barren world filled with swords. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The distraction does give Rin a good chance to slip out of Ira's brewing spell and counterattack. The creeping shadow greedily sucks up the nimbus of Gandr and, as a result, immediately starts moving much, much slower. It can't catch up with Rin now at that rate and Ira knows it. With a wave of her hand, she makes the blackness disappate. Instead of a subtle ooze, Ira quickly resorts to some kind of flat-out offensive spell from the darkness, summoning black-flamed fire to crackle upwards from beneath Rin for a few seconds. If she is fast enough, she may be able to slip out of the way. Only this does NOT target Rin. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No, she turns to the creator of the reality marble itself and lays into him with her newly-gained control over darkness. Pound him into disruption, was the strategy. Likewise, the Beast pulls away to aid in this goal, though it can literally engage in pounding with its big, massive, meaty fists.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Amaterasu *what*?!<br /><br />Yuna grits her teeth and *glares* at Caster, even if she has to look past her exo-arm and two shields to lock her gaze on the foxgirl. Another split second, though, and she's almost sorry she was trying - because enough of that mirror extends past Shugoseiheki's edges to be visible to Yuna herself, and when it goes from 'reflective surface' to 'solar laser,' Yuna squeezes her eyes shut TIGHT but the glare is still blinding. She just keeps leaning into it, bringing her own arms up to help cover her face ... which might be taken to mean she's out of arms to do anything with, given one is tanking Caster's beam at literally contact range, and two are shielding her face against the overwash.<br /><br />Except that's only three arms - and Yuna is stubborn enough to use everything she's got to work with ... including that fourth arm, the other of her armor's 'additional' pair.<br /><br />And the right exo-arm swings, not forward, but up and over, with Yuna trying to tank aggressively enough into the teeth of the beam that the descending fist can come down squarely (and *NOT* gently) on Caster's head. If the manipulator fist were smaller, it might be aimed right between those fox ears; as it is, Yuna just wants to clock Caster a good one and push onwards.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Looking at Sanary and to Misha, Archer closes his eyes once in contemplation. He hadn't had much choice but to let Sanary carry through with her change in targets... but if he was to try and protect her, he needed the time to do so. That and he'd hoped that she would be able to defend from the attack - Sanary was many things, but subtle in her approaches didn't seem one of them. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And now, he was in a position to make sure Misha was covered... so long as he could deliver on it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As the ground shifts beneath him, Archer calls a weapon to his hands and cuts into it to keep his legs from being trapped, then bounds off to the side as the spike suddenly shoots up - fast enough to cut into his thigh as he pulls back, focusing on evasion for the time being as he focused his prana for the counter. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Likewise, Archer continues to dodge even as black flames from Ira come at his flank, quickly grabbing one of the many nameless blades in the ground to cut through and diffuse it. His right hand and portions of his arm are scorched, the bowman wincing as his skin blisters, but the blade takes most of the hit, shattering as a result while he keeps dodging for a few more precious seconds... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... and then he stops, his counter prepared. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner called out, Archer's only response, now standing as the Beast and, assumedly, Sanary bear down on him... was a wordless motion of his hand - signaling the movement of /dozens/ of weapons as they pulled themselves from the ground around him, filling the sky with wrought iron. Many of them might be recognized by some present - Clarent, Durandall and Aestus Estus to name the strongest ones in this current volley - before they themselves for not just Sanary and the Beast but for every Confederate, the whole of Unlimited Blade Works reacting to Archer's command. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As a result, the hail of steel bombards the opposing force with the intent to either to weaken them or push them back so that the Unionites can counter, with Ira's Beast likely taking the most hits simply because of it's sheer size. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And truthfully... the bowman is hoping that it helps Lyner break through to the mastermind behind this. He can see Gudako is slipping - for the first time since he'd seen her, she seemed genuinely concerned. And that meant she'd acknowledged they could possibly beat her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin takes note of both the gathering energy over Gudako - that she was losing her grip on the power she took - and, more pointedly, the black blood the Magus coughs out. Furthermore, Gudako actually sounded... worried. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Good. It was high time she realized what happened when you treated life as a game and started losing yourself. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin sees Ira changing tactics - but in turn, the Tohsaka heiress, upon moving away as her coat becomes severely scorched and right forearm blisters, does not try to block the attack or stop it. She trusts her Servant to handle himself - he has seen worse, and lived through worse then that... but she herself must play her own part. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Therefore, when Ira focuses on Archer, Rin herself charges the empowered Confederate, pulling out all five of her remaining gems and hurling them at her. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Sechs, in Flu� Ein Halt. Funf, drew, vier. Der Riese und brennt das in Ende!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Then, the prana within them comes to live, the gemstones becoming homing missiles as they shoot forward like bullets, their power amplified and directed on one target to try and take her down. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And, hopefully, bring that Beast of hers down as well.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Riva seems to accept that explanation. She looks between Alewyn and Deelel, and then back to the maid as she gestures to Deelel. "How do you feel?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "No, but she'll just use it somewhere else. That's not good either!" Lyner countered Berserker's argument, keeping up with her strikes just barely. Once she breaks off to call out...whatever she was doing, the knight didn't waste any time. He raised his main sword to the air, and lightning surged across the blade, down into his body, creating an aura of electricity. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Your Master's already proven herself to be untrustworthy, so she has to be stopped! Here and now! Too many lives have been lost already!" Eir, the people in Lucrelia... No more. Lyner charged forward at the same time as Berserker, meeting the strikes of the Servant, as well as her mirror images in an electrified flurry as he jumped from one spot to the next. He could feel the cat's claws tearing into him at points, but he didn't falter. He couldn't falter here. "Faster...! ...Stronger...! Just a little more...!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With the final pass, Lyner leapt into the air, sheathing his dagger back into his pauldron before gripping his main sword with both hands. "Photon Storm!" And with a heavy swing downwards, a huge torrent of electricity burst out of the blade, taking the form of a flying dragon, jaws opened wide and aiming to devour Berserker entirely in it's wrath. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner landed back to the ground, panting heavily, matted with blood, and not having a whole lot left to give. Whatever Archer was doing, he hoped it would work. ...And that hail of swords looked like it should have been sufficient. He hoped sincerely. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alweyn meanwhile blinked at Deelel. Then felt her chest above her heart. ".....My life force was connected to Laurence's. It was ...insurance." She lowered that arm and closed her eyes. "I can't feel that link anymore." And with that simple admission, she looked aside at the rest of the battle, no longer interested in resisting. Whatever was going to happen now, it was up to Gudako and her allies, as well as the resistance of the Union. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And they were resisting hard. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Meanwhile, the rainbow mass in the sky grew a little larger...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanary can't recall a time in her life where she's ever felt stronger. Better at fighting than others, sure, but actually /strong/ like this? Never. She's used so much energy already, but it feels like she still has plenty to spare, and she's more than willing to take full advantage of it for as long as she can. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I gotcha, Gudako! Freaking... What's wrong with just letting us leave, anyway?!" As she shouts towards the Union Elites, the cleric channels some of her energy into Gudako to try and offset whatever damage she might have taken to trigger that bloody coughing and might take from that incoming strike from yuna. As Archer's countless weapons lift into the air, however, she's forced to refocus her efforts entirely towards defense! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "... Ugh." She's not saying it, but she's definitely thinking it. She slams her shield into the ground as dense slabs of stone pop out of the ground one after the other, practically surrounding the three Confederates and their extensions to provide them with protection from the multitudes of blades coming their way. Although the makeshift shields aren't particular strong on their own, the sheer quantity and density of the demigod-powered slabs should be enough to weather the worst of those attacks.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yuna puts her closed fist right on Caster's face. Predictably she goes flying back, bouncing off the ground and crashing by her master's side, the mirror sort of following in the air magically. She gets back up, slowly, grunting and obviously disoriented. She didn't expect that at all and it really hurt. The curse of being a Caster.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then there are swords EVERYWHERE.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster brings her mirror forward, producting a large magical barrier of sunlight around herself and her master. As swords slam into it one by one and weaken it, Gudako's state seems to worsen, and she actually slumps down to one knee, the hand she's coughing into stained with her blood. She loses her smile and grin, her crazy expression, to stare confusedly at her hand. "I'm not wounded, this is stupid. Caster!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With the reprieve granted by Sanary, the divine fox inspects her master and then frowns. "Your body is rejecting the power, master. Your Magic Circuits can't seem to coexist with it. That... mud from the Grail, it's probably because of that!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako now frowns, before glaring towards Ira. "Well, I'm not wasting this, Caster! If it's trying to get out then I'll burn it all actually doing something that benefits us!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The rainbow magic and aura, what's left of it, gathers in Gudako's hand. She shoots it straight at Ira-- and then, collapses. This causes Caster and Berserker to lose their second tails and weaken, and unfortunately for Sanary and Ira will result in the same happening to them shortly too, as the shards she granted them become dormant or otherwise escape. Ira might be a bit lucky in that regard, if Gudako's plan was up to snuff.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Berserker is having a rough time on her end too. Lyner's swordplay is no joke, and though he may at first just be accumulating more cuts and bruises on the Servant, when he calls out his Photon Storm it's another matter entirely. The Servant is engulfed in the electrical stormdragon, and in critical state, opts to dematerialize. Even immaterial, she's susceptible to some of Archer's swords, though-- Noble Phantasms are sufficiently magical they can strike spirits, after all. So once Berserker reachers her Master and Caster, she's in even worse of a shape for it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako's unconscious, Caster's injured and depowered, and Berserker's pretty much out. The trio isn't doing any more fighting, although Caster still has options if pushed.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>After delivering that punch to Caster's face - not quite where she was aiming, but she had a solar laser approximately in her face at the time - Yuna has to stop and recover a bit. She can barely see *anything* at this point, and Jiina doesn't have independently functioning optic sensors while she's acting as the bulk of Yuna's exoskeletal battlesuit. Elner, on the other hand, isn't quite so handicapped, and the robo-faerie keeps Yuna more or less up to speed, throgh the moment when Gudako chucks what's left of the stolen power to Ira.<br /><br />And the fact that Gudako is actually and legitimately unconscious afterwards.<br /><br />Yuna's aggression drains off quickly after that datum makes its way to her awareness. She can still *hear*, at least to an extent; the ongong sounds of combat make it hard to focus on conversations not carried by the radio. If it weren't for the robotic battleframe which surrounds her, it's possible that Yuna would just slump over while she's catching her breath and regaining her bearings; as it is, the left exo-arm has to plant Shugoseiheki's lower corner against the ground for a brace, or as a sort of crutch, to help stay upright.<br /><br />"Gudako *did* get hurt, didn't she ..." She wouldn't complain about not being hurt if it weren't for some kind of actual injury, Yuna is fairly certain. There's no real satisfaction in the observation, though.<br /><br />"Hey ... Caster. You and Gudako will be okay, right? Now that the stolen power's gone."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Due to sheer size, the Beast /will/ take the brunt of Archer's rain of swords. Extremely problematic since, as Rin observed, the Beast and Ira seem to be linked to some degree. Any damage upon the beast is reflected upon Ira. It is for this reason that the rock slabs summoned by Sanary are absolutely cruicial in the survival of the Beast and its master. The stone is able to weather a veritable storm of swords, though not completely, as the sheer intensity beats and sheers the rock away into rubble after a minute of the sustained contact. In the end, Archer does achieve his desired result. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Swords stick out of both the Beast and Ira, all shapes and sizes at all depths. A normal person would have died easily at this point but the toughness brought on by the persona and the power imbued by both the faded godsharsd and Sanary's buffing means that Ira has the pleasure of living through this extreme pain. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With reckless fury, the Beast and Ira begin to pull the swords from their bodies, discarding them-or most of them, as Ira 'keeps' some of them briefly. She's not sure how effective they would be if thrown at Rin, but she will try, especially as each gem missile slams into the redhead. Four swords are throw in return, the last strike staggering Ira too much to make a return throw. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All the while, both Ira and the Beast have been regenerating, though the latter seems to be more and more incorpreal with each passing second. Perhaps a sign that the persona user was weakening? Her regeneration seems to be coming on a bit slower too, especially following Gudako's fall. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ira's quick to notice this and growls. "You wanna continue this to the death? I can do that. But look at her-her power is gone. Ours is fading." she sounds pretty angry about this. "Are you committed to killing us or just preventing us from leaving with the power of a god? Tell me!" She slips backwards, picking up Gudako and uncerimoniously hauling her over a broad shoulder. "Tell me so I know how hard I'm gonna have to fight to get us out of here."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>While the maid is distracted, Riva puts a hand on the pinned woman's arm. "Hold still." She says, and then pulls it out in a single, smooth movement. She looks down at the blade in her hand, and over to the maid. "Get going. Go live on your own terms. We're even now." <br /><br />She turns away and looks up at that burgeoning light. "There's still something else that needs to be done." At that, energy gathers around her... <br /><br />And she bolts off, heading... away from the fight? What the hell is she doing?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Just like Gudako, Sanary has proven herself in Archer's opinion to be nothing but trouble. "I could ask you the same thing" Archer speaks - though he truthfully knows Sanary probably still can't understand him. "So far, your bid for power seems to have been more trouble then it's worth." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In turn, Archer pushes forward when Sanary summons forth shields to blunt as many of the weapons as she can, though their numbers effectively make it an equalizing move. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That also means that her attention is occupied - and for Archer, that he may be able to break Gudako's metaphorical shield maiden now that their power has fade. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Charging forward himself, Archer once again summons Harpe, expression set and grim as he lunges for her with the blade. He's not aiming to outright kill her anymore, though... but instead he seems to be trying to debilitate her with cuts she can't heal - to the point that she can't provide any support at all. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Some trace of who he was before, then - trying to push Sanary to the point where she will just give up, if at all possible.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Es ist gro�. Es ist klein. Vox got Es Atlas!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reinforcing her body to the point of steel, Rin charges forward, speed and strength enhanced as she charges for Ira. Archer's swords, returned at her, are either dodged or deflected. It's a reckless move - one straight out of Shirou's playbook - but Rin doesn't have any other way to offset Ira anymore, having depleted her stock of gems and doubting Gandr had the power she needed. Hand to hand was the only thing she could use at this point. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Though of course, a human can never truly match a Noble Phantasm; she evades the first one, but the magus is left gasping as her right arm is gashed open by deflecting the second just enough to keep it from hitting her. She jumps over the third one, but the last one bites into her right shoulder as she lands in front of Ira, additionally leaving a slice across her right cheek. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At this point Rin is panting visibly, beads of sweat trickling down her face. Between Archer's use of Unlimited Blade Works and her own Reinforcement - not to mention the prolonged combat both have been through - the prana draw is leaving her gradually more and more sapped. That's to say nothing of her injuries. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin likewise watches as Gudako coughs up blood, body seemingly ravaged by it's rejection of the power she took... and then as she shoots what remains of her energy to Ira, and as the latter hauls Gudako over her shoulder, pausing when Ira questions her. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You're the ones... that started this. You're saying... you'd be /surprised/ if we were committed to killing you?" Rin replies, teeth grit as she clasps the hand of her bleeding left arm over her shoulder, still facing Ira and weary of the Beast even in it's diminished state. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... but it's obvious she doesn't want to keep going either. She's in no state for it, and if she tries... Rin figures that at best she and Ira would kill each-other. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She looks at everyone around her, and at the Confederates... and finally, at Gudako's limp form. Then... she just sighs, looking well and truly tired in spite of her gaze remaining resolute. "Personally... I /don't/ think you should be let go. Killing you might be extreme... but letting you leave wouldn't be my first choice. Especially not for her" Rin gestures to Gudako. "She's proven that she'll turn the world on it's head for what she wants. I'd rather see you all captured." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A pause... and then Rin turns to gesture at Lyner's form. "But... I think that if you give up this 'God's power - and I mean /all/ of it - then I'm sure Barsett-San... wouldn't mind letting you leave, right here and now. This is his mission... so I'll differ to him on this." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It's not ideal for her, letting them leave... but at the same time, she's not eager to keep the bloodshed going if they got what they needed.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner was out of juice. He just stood back sheathing his sword and contracting the pod before putting his hands on his knees and catching his breath. A look upwards would reveal that God's power had mostly left Gudako, after she burned what she had left on...something. It looked like she aimed it at Ira, but he couldn't be sure. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It's then that Riva ran off with a PLAN. "Wh- ...What is she up to /now/?" He muttered, straightening up and watching her run off. ...Well she said it didn't involve explosions, so how bad could it be? At Rin's statement, the blonde swordsman looked in her direction and sighed. "...Gudako is down. Laurence is gone. Eir is gone. God's power has been released..." He looked up at the mass of energy up above. "...Let them go. We're not murderers. And I'm not about to start down that path now." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He closed his eyes after giving that verdict, and after a moment, smiled. "It might sound stupid, or illogical. But... That's how I feel." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alweyn is freed from the wall, and she stared at Riva after, with an unreadable expression. "....." And once the Templar ran off with a BRIGHT IDEA, she simply turned away and walked off. Off in Gudako's direction. Past Yuna without even looking at her, past Laurence's fallen body without sparing a glance, she knelt down to Gudako's unconscious body and checked her life signs. "...She will recover." A simple prognosis. Glossing over the finer details of INTERNAL INJURY FROM CLASHING POWERS TEARING UP HER BODY, but she didn't bother to say anything more. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Without asking Caster for permission, she lifted the fallen Magus into her arms, and stood. "This battle is over. They accomplished their goals. There's no more reason for us to continue fighting." Lyner's verdict is heard, and then she glanced in the direction of the other Elites. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Objections?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yuna shakes her head at Alweyn. "The power taken from this land's God needs to be returned. Arnest the Third is finally dead, and no mortal is trying to take that power - hopefully all of it has drained out of Gudako by now, including the bits and pieces she stole from Einherjar and Incarnations. So long as God's power remains for God to reclaim, I have no problem with ending our battle without anyone trying to hurt anyone else further."<br /><br />She also doesn't have the strength to go back to fighting, especially if it *would* mean fighting to kill. The bad guys have been stopped, and maybe - just maybe - they'll learn something from what's happened in Lucrelia over the past months.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel looks at Alweyn for a moment. <br /><br /> "Your leash is removed it seems." <br /><br /> She nods faintly before turning her attentiona t the fight that's ahead there's still the confederates there, some of the talk on the radio. She start to forumate a plan she sees Gudako is out of it along with Berserker. She's spent a lot of her energy doing that trick again, she's going to have to find a way to train with that but she was making ready to go somthing but Lyner requests they stand down. <br /><br /> "As you wish Lyner." <br /><br /> She does not seem happy about that? Odd but well she's banishing her keyblade she looks at Gusako. <br /><br /> "LEave the power for it's rightful master to reclaim. Go, get out of our sight."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yeah, its totally over. <br /><br />Except for one small detail. Where did Riva go? <br /><br />There is a low roar of displaced air as a form approaches the Temple, resolving into the familiar sight of the Templar. She's carrying something. <br /><br />It's... Eir? OH GOD RIVA WHAT ARE YOU DOING<br /><br />However, at this point, she looks up at the gathering mass of energy, and lunges for one of the cliff walls in a crouch, bouncing off of it to leap high into the air. "HOOOOOOOAH!" She yells, arching dramatically. <br /><br />She's not going to make it. <br /><br />But then, she doesn't have to. With a colossal effort, she uncoils, pushing the Einjeriar corpse with her hands folded around that blade... <br /><br />And hurls it right for that mass of energy, the power of God.<br /><br />Meanwhile, the Templar promptly arcs straight down and faceplants into the side of the Temple because Isaac Newton is a bitch. <br /><br />What the crap, Riva. What. The. Crap.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As Sanary keeps trying to pour more energy into raising more of the rock slabs, she's noticing things changing again. Things are moving faster, the rocks aren't coming out at all, there's a sharp pain in both of her legs, and... Wait. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How did she not notice those swords going through her knees earlier? The power trip? It was probably the power trip. Slowly going into shock does keep her from feeling all of that pain right away, at least, although she does have to fling herself sideways to avoid getting cut again by that damned crowbar-shaped... Whatever the hell it is Archer's swinging at her. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once she does that and aggravates the knee wounds, though, she's going to be cursing like a sailor that just had his boat towed and set on fire in front of him. She still has enough energy in her to remove the weapons in her knees and close up those wounds to avoid bleeding out, at least, even if they might not necessarily be healed over properly. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Guh... Yeah, whatever. I already told you we were good and ready to leave from the start, but.. Ugh." Aside from the horrible tearing pain still shooting through her legs, the cleric actually sounds rather disgusted. "Acting all high and mighty just because 'oh, the power's in it's rightful place where nobody except us great Union-ies can use it!' Yeah, so great of you." She spits on the floor while dragging herself onto her feet, using the shield and staves to steady herself and watching... Riva throw a corpse at an energy ball. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "... Okay. You have fun cleaning up this mess with your self-righteous bullshit. I'm out." And with that, she starts limping towards Ira, trying to get on top of her and providing her with extra healing energy. The healer needs a ride, too!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yeah, I'd be surprised, because I hear you guys are Union and you aren't in the habit of killing other Elites." Ira points out bluntly to Rin, uncaring of the scorn heaped her way. It wasn't that much different from the hate she usually got from normal people on her world. "If you don't plan to let us go either, well, I'm going to have to fight that too. Gudako is my friend." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lyner speaks, confirming what Ira had assumed earlier. "Listen to that guy, sounds like he knows what he's talking about." <br /><br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then Sanary manages to out-bitter the usually bitter teenager. She'll accept the healing from Sanary then haul the healer up onto her other shoulder. She looks a little ridiculous with two 'feds over each shoulder but she seems to carry these burdens without that much problem. She leaves at this point, not really caring what happens to the rest of the power.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"We're not taking this power anywhere either, Sanary," Yuna states. "And if it were a Union member who'd stolen power from a god, I might not resort to violence against them, but I still wouldn't stand for it."<br /><br />She doesn't sound angry - largely because she doesn't have the energy to be angry. It's just a statement of where Yuan stands.<br /><br />... although she just kind of stares dumbfounded at Riva's next course of action. Well, it's not a matter of *stealing* the power in question, but ... trying to use it, sort of. In situ.<br /><br />Her head is going to hurt SO MUCH when the adrenaline clears enough for her to feel it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin looks at Lyner for a long moment... then nods, gaze seeming sympathetic. Perhaps she was seeing a certain red-headed boy in the knight at that moment. Likewise, she turns to Ira and nods. "You're right about that much. I'm not in the habit of killing if I don't need to... but you were practically strip-mining a whole world. if Gudako is your friend, maybe you should remind her that life isn't just a game. After all, from how you sound... I doubt you'd take lightly if someone did what she did to your home, Union or otherwise." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, it wasn't exactly a development Archer was thrilled about, limping away from where he'd had his final clash with Sanary, giving her a few parting words - another ounce of salt for her wounds; "Perhaps. But if we are no more just then you... then what exactly makes you /any/ better, or different, from me? After all... if our positions were reversed and I were the invader in your world, I doubt you'd do any less to stop me." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The gash in his leg had been sealed with swords and his burned arm hung limply from one side, but his expression was still impassive. "After everything they did... you really believe we should let them go?" Harpe was still brandished in his other arm, his intent clear. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However... when Rin looked up - her body still splattered with her own blood - the magus's expression was both resolute and tired... and strangely enough, directed at Gudako. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The truth was... it wasn't what Gudako had done that truly made Rin hate the girl. It was certainly part of it, but just that - a part. The true reason Rin had come to hate Gudako so much... was because the Magus was a mirror of what her own sister had briefly turned into, on the Fifth Holy Grail War's final day - the smiling, callous, aloof demon that took pleasure in power and in proclaiming herself almighty, the world as her game-board. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Her sister who's confidence shattered when her power didn't help her, revealing a scared girl who thought power could make her happy because it meant nobody could punish her anymore. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin hated Gudako for reminding her of that. She hated her because, if the comparison was true... then Gudako wasn't even really evil. Just amoral. Lost. Drowning like Sakura had... only nobody'd shown her a different way. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... and because of that, here at the end with the chance in hand... Rin couldn't bring herself to try and finish the job. Even if she thought she could live through it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'm not going to debate it with you, Archer" Rin finally says, looking him dead in the eye. "Let them go. It's not like you can keep this up much longer anyway." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; True to Rin's claim, the unending rows of gears in the sky were now slowing to a crawl as the Reality Marble reached it's limit, eventually grinding to a halt entirely. Archer himself, though he didn't outwardly show it, was badly drained from the fight... and pushing things would be bad for both of them. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thus, at last, Archer relents, letting out a long breath - and with it, the endless hills of swords fades as Unlimited Blade Works dissolves around them, the Temple of God returning within moments, just as they'd left it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Of course, the sight of Riva carrying Eir's corpse toward the energy Gudako had lost has them both staring in disbelief, though Archer's expression quickly normalizes, curious to see if what the girl is planning will actually work. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After all... at this point, he'd seen stranger miracles, few and far between as they were.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Riva's RIDICULOUS GAMBIT is set in motion. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She tossed Eir's corpse right into the mass of energy. And upon entering the field, she began to float within the mass. ...Nothing seemed to be happening. At least, at first. Eir's body just floated there. But after several moments of stupefied silence, there was movement. The multi-colored mass of energy began to curve inwards, being drawn into the winged woman's body. Like a vortex, that energy was absorbed until it was gone entirely. Fully absorbed into Eir's body. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The energy was gone, but she continued to float in the air limply. At least, until her wounds began to close. And then her broken wings reset themselves. And finally, her eyes opened. Slowly at first, with a few blinks. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "......." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Confusion. Eir raised her hands, processing the fact that she was here and moving. And then- "...I see." Eir's voice finally came out. Apparently whatever Riva did, whatever that energy did, cured her muteness. She peered down below at the ABSOLUTE WARZONE and frowned. Now she remembered. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She descended from the sky and landed in the middle of the warzone with a soft tap. "...So that man finally met his end. After countless ages of having trapped me." She knelt down to Laurence's body, and pressed a hand to it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It immediately turned to stone, and then turned to dust after, the wind carrying his ashes away. "May this troubled soul find peace." And she stood, facing everyone still present. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Silence. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This person, Eir, managed a smile. "Brave souls who risked so much to return things to the way they should be; I thank you."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanary takes a deep breath while draping over Ira's shoulder, continually providing her with a small, yet steady stream of mana. She laughs quietly at Archer's and Yuna's responses, shaking her head for a moment before leveling her eye at them. "Difference is you already have enough power to fix things, but you don't. When we try to get that power to actually fix things, though? You stop us before giving us the chance. Because.. Well. We /have/ to be doing it for a bad reason just because we're not you guys, right?" She gives them sarcastic smile for all of three seconds before promptly coughing blood onto Ira's back, then groaning and wiping it off with her gauntlet. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "... Let's just go. Gotta get this checked out."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster has no objections when Ira and Alweyn pick her fallen master up. It leaves her hands free if something goes wrong, which, through some sort of cosmic alignment, nothing does.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With Gudako suffering from extreme internal damage, they don't really have time to sit around and argue with the heroes, either. It's best they just leave, quickly, when given a chance. And so off they go! Every minute is going to count now.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer glances Sanary when she speaks, tilting his head before responding - "So you don't trust us to have that power... because you think you would use it better yourselves?" This time, a cynical smile crosses the Bowman's lips as he dematerializes; "I here I thought you said we were /different?/" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin in turn staggers and kneels on the ground, tearing off strips of her red coat to tie around herself as makeshift tourniquets. Though she gives Eir a tired, though relieved expression, smiling and nodding in exchange for the latter's thanks. Then... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Archer... get me down to the gate." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She makes a ridiculous reply of her injured Servant, prompting him to stare at her in disbelief. However, she gives him a look that says he can't argue back - "I'm hurt, I don't recover just with prana like you do and you ate up a lot of my stores up today. I think you're entitled to assist your injured Master." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He was sorely temped to ask how helping her was something he was 'entitled' to... but it wasn't like arguing with her ever did any good. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Besides, if she was able to make demands like that, it proved she wasn't dying. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And so, with his customary "As you wish, Master", Archer promptly picked up Rin - against her protests as she never asked to be carried like a bride, though she never specified /how/ she should or shouldn't carry her - and began the trek back to the gate, the ordeal of the 'God's power' finally over for them.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner smiled at... Eir? "It's no problem. We just did what we could. If you are who I think you are...please, keep this world safe." And with that, Lyner went over to retrieve Riva, and haul her off with everyone else. "Seriously... You do the craziest things, you know that?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He said that, but he couldn't get rid of the stupid smile he had on his face. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This was it, wasn't it? There was nothing more for them to do. If God took Eir as a vessel, then all should be well. No more people like Laurence will come along and try to steal that power again. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hopefully.<br> <br><br />
<br />
<br />
}}</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Report:_Lucrelia_(7-Final)_(Gudako_Ordria)&diff=12745Report: Lucrelia (7-Final) (Gudako Ordria)2016-02-08T03:15:03Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2016/02/07 |Location=- |Synopsis=Archived report. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=908 |Tinyplot= }} Written by Caster, old Japanese dialect etc. ..."</p>
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<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
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Written by Caster, old Japanese dialect etc.<br />
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"As of last night, our "ally" King Arnest is dead, and the Power of God has been restored in the region of Lucrelia, rather than being with us."<br />
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"Master, Sanary and Ira escorted the king to the Temple of God, along with his maid, Alweyn. He refused to listen to reason, insisting that he needed to acquire the rest of the power that wasn't already in him, despite the fact what he had was more than enough. On the way there we killed Eir, the Einherjar that guarded the temple."<br />
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"The Union arrived as master put her own plan in motion. Since the king was an overambitious liability, she had me prepare a dagger to kill him and take the Power of God from him. Using it, she empowered Berserker, Sanary, Ira and myself to fight the Union back, along with Alweyn, who didn't seem to mind her master's death at all."<br />
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"Unfortunately, the Power of God was being rejected by master's body. I suspect the Holy Grail's effects on her make her incompatible with that sort of pure and divine energy. This resulted in the power weakening and not giving us the advantage we'd anticipated for very long."<br />
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"Riva, Deelel and Misha were able to defeat Alweyn, while Archer, his master, Lyner and Yuna pushed into the rest of us. When we tried to run with the power, Archer used a Reality Marble called Unlimited Blade Works to keep us from fleeing, and as Lyner defeated Berserker, Master's state worsened dramatically."<br />
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"We could have probably won, on firepower alone, but not without risking master's life. She used the last of the Power of God to try to make Ira's divine infusion permanent, but it might take a few days to a few weeks to see if that worked. With the power freed and used to revive the Einherjar, Eir, we were allowed to retreat."<br />
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"Alweyn pledged her allegiance to the Fangs of Nidhogg as payment for killing her abusive master. She's a maid, and given the group's membership I bet we'll be needing someone with her skills sitting around."<br />
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"Sanary and Ira were wounded but not too dramatically. Master is still in intensive care at the moment. She suffered a lot of internal organ and nervous system damage due to the strain on her Magic Circuits. She should be fine, though."<br />
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-Caster</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3719/God_Will_Rise_-_Part_Six&diff=126383719/God Will Rise - Part Six2016-01-24T22:30:21Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2016/01/23 |Location=The Tundra |Synopsis=The Union attacks Laurence's mansion while the Confederacy recruits him. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=8, ..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/01/23<br />
|Location=The Tundra<br />
|Synopsis=The Union attacks Laurence's mansion while the Confederacy recruits him.<br />
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|Cast of Characters=8, 385, 495, 714, 821, 908, 916<br />
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{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The time has come. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There has been plenty off discussion over this, and now, the decision has been made: Go to Lucrelia, and apprehend Laurence. What comes after, they will work it out. But first, they need to find the man and take him in. That in mind, Lyner Barsett emerges from the Lucrelia warpgate, cloak over his form as usual. "So we're here." He muttered, a pensive look on his face. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He wished they could have talked more. There was still a lot that they didn't know. But now that they had definitive proof, according to Riva, then maybe they could ask later. Yeah. That's what Lyner would hope. Misha wasn't here this time. That was fine. She didn't need to thrust herself into something she had no heart in anyway. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And so, to his allies, the knight speaks aloud. "I hope this all goes smoothly, but..." He settled his gaze upon the gates of the city as they got closer and closer. "...based on experience, smooth is nothing but a fantasy." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sigh. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Be prepared for anything." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MEANWHILE, AT LAURENCE'S MANSION <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In the man's study, he sat at his desk, elbows on the edge and fingers steepled together. "... I see." His gaze slowly moved to regard both Sanary and then Gudako and her Servants. And then his maid, who stood at the door, prim and proper, and without regard for the manner of conversation taking place. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I admit, I'm impressed. I knew that there were...other worlds out there, but I didn't think it would quite as vast as you're describing...I'm interested." He turned to look out the window, observing the rest of Lucrelia from where his residence was located. A bounded field was situated outside the immediate area of the mansion. But otherwise, it looked normal beyond that. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...Well, I have no reason not to believe you. I've seen first hand what...you people can you." And then he turns back and leans into his chair. "But I know for a fact that this won't be simple. Both you and I have made our own preparations. However, those people..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A chuckle is had, and Laurence shakes his head. "Fine. We'll go with your plan of action." He glances at Sanary and nods. "See to it that it happens." And then he glances towards the maid by the door. "Alweyn. Assist them." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The maid opened her eyes, and bowed. "As you wish."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yeah, the people on their way are pretty dangerous! They're lead by a goofy but stoic swordsman, he's probably the most powerful of them!" Gudako answers, judging Lyner without having ever seen him fight. But his archetype, well. The guy could probably screw them all up.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ah? Do you already have a secret tunnel going under the house? If not, we can arrange that!" She glances at Berserker, producing a laser pointer. But she'll wait for the answer, first.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster takes position by Alweyn, pre-emptively preparing a set of buffs for her. Strength, speed, senses. A generic set of enhancements that should help Murder Maid perform, while Caster herself tries to hold at least one person herself. "Don't worry, master, Sanary, your majesty. I can withdraw easily once we're done holding them off, and I'll do my best to see to it your servant survives too." But, well, no promises. This is going to be pretty hectic.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako also hands Laurence a radio, to keep in touch. If Sanary feels like authorizing it, he could be snap-enrolled into the Confederacy and given access to those bands, too, considering the situation, but that's up to the officer!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The last few forays into Lucrelia weren't very fun for Sanary, but today... Maybe today will be different. She's actually trying to live up to her title for once, and she's recommended a more strategic course of action for the king that's standing before her and Gudako's crew. "There's a lot to see, King Arnest. We're just here to make sure you live long enough to see it." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As is her usual strategy for when there's a potential fight brewing, Sanary's decked out in her heavy armor! She's got her gunaxe on her waist and two shields strapped to her (one on the arm and one on the back), and a staff resting against her shoulder that looks like it'd be more useful as a walking stick than anything else. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "And the sooner we get you out of here, the sooner we can send word to the Union that it's already too late. They're... Usually not bloodthirsty assholes, so..." She looks from Alweyn, then to Caster before nodding at the two. "Stay safe, you two."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"I wish we could expect 'smooth,'" Yuna says to Lyner, "but ... given the welcome we got last time, and the chance that he's hooked up with the Confederacy, it's probably going to be everything *except* smooth going."<br /><br />She does not look like a happy camper; in point of fact, she looks like she's holding herself out of misery by dint of little more than a decision not to be miserable about this. She's unhappy that Laurence/Arnest III stole God's power in the first place; she's distinctly displeased that Gudako has been following in Arnest's footsteps, and she's upset that they might actually get away with it as a result of joining forces.<br /><br />But she's also wrestling with the fact that the only way to relieve them of that stolen power *might* be to kill them. She doesn't want to. This isn't her world, nor is it her God in any form; Yuna isn't an agent of the divine in Lucrelia, and those who *are* keep getting their asses kicked and their power taken by the bad guys.<br /><br />It has to stop somewhere. Yuna is hoping - perhaps even praying - that it can be stopped without killing anyone. But speaking in veiled terms, like last time, got exactly nowhere - and may have given the Confederates the chance to enlist Laurence into their number, meaning progress *lost* instead of simply nonexistent.<br /><br />Violence may be the only choice left ... and while Yuna doesn't want to resort to it, she has all her options readied for a fight. Elner is flitting along next to her; Jiina, Marina, and Arina are following - in their armored battle forms, unlike the last time they visited the city - and Yuna herself is already in her Light Suit, letting its protective aura keep winter's chill from biting too deeply.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Oh, Riva is /so/ here. And Sanary is /right/. The Union usually aren't bloodthirsty assholes. <br /><br />But getting decapitated, having to run back through a spirit world full of grieving shades, and then finding her corpse disposed of in a trash pile tend to change your opinions on things. <br /><br />There is no subtlety involved here. Riva is walking directly forward towards the front gate, her two-handed anchor-like hammer on her shoulder and a bandolier of wax-wrapped blocks on her chest. <br /><br />She does not look happy.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel had been out of the loop a little but with keeping tabs on repors Union side, she had enough of an idea about just what was going on she was here with Layner. The program looked to Layner as he spoke listened to him. <br /><br /> "I will be ready, I brought some supplies thanks to a friend of mine. I should be ready, as for the others. She lookled to Yuna and then to Riva in turn. <br /><br /> "We should make ready for that. Well as ready as we can ever be, right?" <br /><br /> She looked to Riva once as she made for the gate and summoned her keyblade, the Dual Disc appeare din hand, and those who could sense the light or magic? It would be like a becon announcing, that she was here.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He wished he could say he was surprised by the turn of events... but truthfully, Archer felt he knew human nature far too well to have ever believed that. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Unlike most present, the Counter-Guardian is fully prepared for what he expects to be nothing short of a bloodbath as Lawrence - King Arnest the Third - would likely never willingly part with the power he'd wrested for himself so long ago. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His Master on the other hand seems more pensive - she knows as well as he that violence is the only foreseeable outcome... yet Tohsaka Rin hopes that, at the very least, not all of Lucrelia is going to be reduced to rubble over the actions of one power-hungry tyrant and one insane, greedy mage. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I suppose the question is how far we take our actions" Archer muses openly, glancing to Rin. "I don't see any reason we should let them have the first move. After all... that's half the reason they got this far." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Looking at Archer for a moment, Rin purses her lips in consideration - and if nobody objects, she finally nods. "Alright. No overdoing it, though." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A simple smirk and a nod was the only response the bowman gave her... before he took a leap backwards by several meters, providing himself the distance for his intent. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin, for her part, opted to move closer to Yuna, giving her a nod and a small but grim smile - "If you see Gudako in there before I do, feel free to beat me to the punch. I'm pretty sure she has it coming." It doesn't need to be said what punch she means. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Trace; On." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As he spoke, Prana flared to life in Archer's hands, shaping and solidifying into a black western-style bow in one hand... and within the other, the same streams of energy wound together, tightening until the spiraling form of a twisted sword emerged. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That sword was warped even further as it elongated and coiled in on itself, the Servant mounting the weapon against his bow. Energy gathered at the tip - a powerful-enough draw that anyone aware of magic would be able to sense it - as the drawstrings were pulled taunt. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Caladbolg!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then it was released, flying for the gates of Lucrelia like a bullet of light as - as if the gods themselves were unleashing their wrath on the city. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And considering what they were here for - who that power would likely go back to if they succeeded... it might not be entirely wrong.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner sighed again. "You're right, Yuna. I just wish there could be a better solution to all of this." He looked behind himself at Mount Luminous. Now quiet and unassuming. "...It just feels like there was a better solution to all of this." He shook his head. "Well, nothing for it now. We'll just do the best we can with what we've got." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then Archer unleashes Caladbolg. The Broken Phantasm pierces through the air and impacts the city gates, blowing the stone structure apart and sending rubble crashing to the ground and causing a small quake. "Wh-Whoa!" Lyner exclaimed, eyes widened as he witnessed the first shot. And then he looked towards Archer and Rin. "...." He wanted to object, but...they ALL knew what they were here for. And it wasn't to sit down and have tea. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Oddly, there was no panicked screams, no confusion...it was silent. Were there even people here? That answer become all too clear when suddenly, from the sky, several volleys of arrows descended. Curving through the air and then raining down upon the approaching group. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The counterattack had begun. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MEANWHILE <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Laurence shook his head. "Oh, my preparations didn't involve an escape tunnel. But it's so very simple. I'll go with your plans, and keep mine...in backup." He stood at that. "So, Miss Ordria, please do create this 'tunnel'." He smiled. "I'm actually curious to see this firsthand." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It was at that moment that the man paused. "...Well, it looks like your friends are here." Laurence said in an entertained manner, sweeping is cape out as he stepped around his desk. "Let's get started. Alweyn, take position. Miss Caster? Keep her alive as much as you can." He smirked. "My first countermeasure should buy us some time, but we should make haste." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alweyn glanced aside at Caster, feeling the empowering spells washing over her figure. She raised her arms, clenching and unclenching her hands to test her power. "I see." Convenient. Without any further comment, the maid turns and heads out of the study, through the hallway, and down the stairs to the front door. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It was opened and the young woman stepped out, pulling on a pair of unassuming black gloves over her previously bare hands. Her expression was even all this time, if a little bit dour. But that may just be how she usually is. "......." Caster gets a sidelong look briefly. And then Alweyn turned her gaze forward. "...Good luck." And that was it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>If Yuna actually know Riva was packing explosives, she might object. ... Or she might not. She *is* more than a little ticked off at Gudako, so Rin's suggestion elicits a nod and what might be a faint smirk. Yuna doesn't expect to tangle with Gudako directly, but against either of the Servants, she has no intention at all of holding back. Deelel's summoning her Keyblade draws a more distinct (and approving) nod ...<br /><br />And then Archer takes out the gate. Hard. "Uh, isn't that over--"<br /><br />She doesn't have time to finish her objection before Caladbolg kicks the town gates in, along with chunks of the nearby wall. And *maybe* some of the structures just beyond the gate. The utter silence of an abandoned city is *almost* a relief as opposed to the screams Yuna's already bracing herself for. "What the ... Elner, search for life-signs -- SHUGOSEIHEKI!!!"<br /><br />She doesn't have time to finish the request to the robo-faerie before the arrows start landing. Yuna leaps backwards as she calls for her shield, and the blue-and-white kite shield materializes on her left arm *just barely* in time to block several arrows that would have made her a pincushion. "Elner, is there ANYONE in the city?" she calls out over the sound of arrows hitting; she moves to cover either Lyner or Rin, whichever of the two is closer and doesn't have other protection.<br /><br />She'd protect the rest of the Union party too, if she could, but Shugoseiheki at its normal size isn't big enough for that. Elner actually takes shelter under the shield as well; Yuna's three android partners have to fall back further, out of arrow range, at least for the time being.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Right, right!" Gudako says, and points the laser pointer down at the ground. Berserker immediatly stands to attention, then slams down on all fours, wiggles her butt a bit trying to position herself, and pounces for the red light. Tearing a hole into the ground, and straight into the mansion's foundations. From there onward, it was just a matter of going down into the hole, and following after Berserker, kept pointed ahead by the red dot. By abusing her already very high strength stat and doubling it with Monstrous Strength, that rabid foxgirl is standing somewhere in the realm of a hundred and sixty times peak human strength. Coupled with her big paws and some Witchcraft, digging a straight tunnel that will hold long enough to get people through, isn't too hard.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And that doesn't even factor Sanary's contributions, which are undoubtedly significant too! It's not exactly subtle, and Gudako can shield neither herself nor Berserker from detection, but since Murder Maid and Caster are going to be distracting people, they might not HAVE to.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With people breaching the mansion's gates, the Bounded Field around it becomes fully active. The standard guards and soldiers of the mansion become bolstered, and minor magical traps arm themselves. The Bounded Field is maintained by paper slips in every corner of the mansion, so it's not the easiest thing to disable without nuking the building outright.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And surging from the inside of the mansion is a volley of ofuda, headed straight for LYNER and YUNA. The paper slips have an assortment of Japanese words on them. WIND, LIGHTNING, CHAOS, STORM. If the paper slips can connect (and they travel absurdly fast), they'll call down slashing winds and thunderbolts on their targets, with enough area of effect to be dangerous to people around them too.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster will come into view moments later, her large mirror already orbitting her, standing just a bit past the destroyed gates. It's weird, she muses, being on THIS end of the arrow rain, for a change. Well, she's not going to complain either.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Elner will pick up plenty of life signs in the city. There are definitely people within and alive. So the peculiarity of the lack of ny hustle is made stranger.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "So glad we're in agreement, then." Sanary chuckles lightly before tossing a small bit of magic power towards Caster to try and keep her topped off. Who knows how much opposition the others will face? "Especially after what happened to the last guy that tried to stay... And he wasn't even royalty." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At least she's leaving the Confederates' part out conveniently. She snickers quietly as Berserker gets to work, taking up the rear guard for Gudako and the king once they start heading into that tunnel. Someone's got to do it, so might as well be the person with the armor! "We should be able to get to the warp gate without too much trouble this way... Eh. Unless they start digging or soemthing." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After a moment, Sanary's going to start watching the ceiling.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>It's rare that Riva is motivated enough to draw upon her power in anything other than a moderate fashion. <br /><br />That's not the case here. The distant ley lines of the mountain are close enough for her, and as the arrows begin to rain down, several of them simply... divert in the air around her, slamming int othe snowy ground without touching her. Others impact her flesh, but skitter off, as if her body itself was made of metal. <br /><br />When the Bounded Field snaps into existence, that changes somewhat. The rain becomes more intense, several of the arrows leaving long cuts in her flesh and drawing blood from her. <br /><br />Riva grimaces at the pain, and her eyes flash gold for a moment, Anima swirling around her in a haze... As she explodes forward, augmenting her speed as she leaps through the shattering gate, hurling herself through the moment Caladbolg blows it apart and running in a blur. <br /><br />She isn't stopping to fight. She has a specific target, and these soldiers are not it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel pause as Archer kicks down the doors with a heck of a lot o style. The civilians are clear, good there's only combat personel at this point it seems. She uses her keyblade to deflect some of the bolts. <br /><br /> "So this is how they want it?" <br /><br /> Her blade comes up and she starts to deflect some of the incomming arroes. She's looking to Yuna for a moment and then comes the attack she'll wait on Yuna about civilaians. She knows who the target is and she's ready to fight her way to them comes more magic. <br /><br /> Deelel like Riva is pushing through and she'll end up casting a protection spell on her allies to help them get through this. Unless someone comes directly for her she's going to keep moving.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Normally, yes" Rin replies to Yuna, her expression still grim. "But considering who we're up against, I don't know if we have a choice." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin seems weary of the lack of commotion from the destruction of the city gates - she didn't remember Lyner saying anything about an evacuation. But it's obviously not empty - the arrows prove as much. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Taking cover behind Yuna's shield, Rin uses it as a mock-cover to try and fire pot-shots back at the shooters, leaning out past the side to call out "Gandr!" and discharge a dozen or so rounds of the curse-bullets at their attackers. Whether or not it hits anything though will be the challenge, between the distance and any possible cover the archers are behind. If Yuna starts pushing forward for the group, she will advance as well, working together to try and clear a path. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Growling, Rin winces as an arrow, bouncing off Yuna's shield, passes far too close to her face for comfort. "I can't believe these people are risking their lives for someone who's just going to let them die to save his own skin!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Then the incoming storm of ofuda emerges, electing a curse from the Tohsaka magus as she tries to warn Yuna about the attack with a half-startled "Look out!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, many of those tags would have to avoid an incoming volley of arrows before they can reach Yuna, the Servant of the Bow's rate of fire being absurdly fast in it's own right as Archer tries to snipe out as many of Caster's tags as he can. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That clinched it - Gudako was most definitely the one behind this. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If that was the case, there were likely more then just a few surprises laying around. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Taking a breath, Archer begins reaching out with Structural Analysis, probing with his magic to try and find any signs of traps in their immediate area - pitfalls, bunkers, secret tunnels - anything that might have been prepared in advance of this attack to ambush or hinder them with. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He'd learned all too well he couldn't ever leave well enough alone with this particular mage, after all.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then came the arrows. "...I knew it wouldn't be simple." Lyner sighed and then crouched low. He tossed his cloak back, revealing a wwhite pod slung behind his waist. With the press of a button, it expanded, a white handle popping out which he grabbed and pulled, revealing a pure, white blade of sleek design. He then reached for his shoulder pauldron with his other hand, pulling a smaller white dagger. "Shield of Bond!" He called, crossing both blades over. Hymmnos runes lit up on the surface of the larger sword, and magic power coalesced into a shimmering barrier that caused the arrows in his path to strike and bounce off uselessly. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Tch...!" But then suddenly, several paper tags flew in and attached themselves to Lyner's barrier, at least the ones that Archer couldn't shoot down. It was just two or three. Once they made contact, they exploded into a storm of cutting blades that shattered the knight's arcane barrier. "Guh! That was definitely Caster!" Lyner grunted, lowering his blades and frowning in the direction of the city. "We need to keep moving! Let's go!" And with that, he dashed forward, though keeping a cautious eye out. Elner said that there were life signs, right? But why didn't anyone seem surprised or...well, where was the activity? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It all became clear when they got closer. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Among the rubble were dead soldiers, taken by surprise from Caladbolg's firing. Once they pass the gates, they will find many many more knights of Lucrelia awaiting them. Bowmen, swordsmen, lancers, axemen, knights on horseback. They were all over. ...And they all had a dead look in their eyes. They were alive, for sure, but...the spark of life, the spark that made a man who he was, was nowhere to be seen. Those were dull, lifeless gazes. And yet, every last one of those knights moved swiftly and precisely, as if operating under one single command, under one single will. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Arrows were fired, melee units rushed in and gave chase. They would do everything in their power to keep the trespassers from getting far. The group would also notice that there were townspeople among the knights, equipped with household tools. Anything that could be used as a weapon. And they had similar dead looks in their eyes. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cannon fodder. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer's Structural Analysis would reveal that nothing was out of the ordinary. ...Except for two very big things. ONE. There were wires ALL OVER THE PLACE. It was like walking into a spider's web. They criss crossed and weaved through the streets at foot level, neck level, waist level, and some at roof level, aiming to catch anyone dumb enough to barrel through. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And who was barreling through but one Riva Banari? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The second thing? There was some manner of odd anomaly happening in the direction of Laurence's mansion. ...It seemed like a new structure was being built? Or maybe dug is a better term. How well Archer can see these things will determine what he can make of it. But something was happening.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MEANWHILE <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Laurence, otherwise known as Arnest, arched a brow at Sanary. How ominous. Who /was/ this 'other guy'? Hmph. Well, not his concern now, was it? His plans were set and in motion. No need to ask questions about things that were not important in this exact moment. "I will leave the defense to you, Miss Rondel. If things go wrong...I have a plan. But I'll hope we don't need it." For the sake of those trespassers, more than himself, is what he was thinking. Nonetheless, he would follow after Gudako and Berserker without complaint. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alweyn watched as Caster sent several paper charms flying out to attack the attacking group, and she calmly eyed her surroundings, adjusting her gloves. "......" Nothing yet. And she wondered if anyone would notice her wire traps. They were all over the place, after all. But...somehow, she had a feeling that she would be seeing someone soon. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Very soon. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The knights around the mansion formed up into a defensive wall with shields at the ready, creating a barrier between Caster, Alweyn, and any potential approaching forces.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Oh look, the nasty version of a speed trap. While Riva can avoid the oncoming enemies, bull through them with her Anima-augmented speed and strength, even strike in a mostly nonlethal fashion with her hammer... Those wires are another story. <br /><br />It happens as she's leapfrogging past a group, treating the mind-controlled formation like nothing more than another hurdle to bypass on the way to her destination when she feels something wrong. A gleam caught out of the corner of her eye warns her what's about to happen a split second before the maid senses a powerful tug on that wire. <br /><br />When she looks, Riva's hanging in the middle of a spiderweb of them, bent over slightly as one of them by all accounts looks like it incised her throat. Blood drips from her body, pooling under her. Looks like she caught herself a stupid Templar.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel keeps going ahead with the rest of the group, she sees the servants are there, the question is where is the master. After all she's been around the multivese long enough to know tht much about them. <br /><br /> "That's the plan Lyner!" <br /><br /> Deelel now starts with the stupid free running tricks as she botls along, she's warned about the razor wire thanks to Archer and at the mid apex of a jump into the air and flips back before she too ends up like Riva does. <br /><br /> Her Keyblade cna lock and unlock thing's pretty sure it's more than just mechanical locks and given hte seeming viral behaviour. She stands there letting a group of melee combatant close with her and she readies her keyblade. The Keyblade reacts a beam of white light fires out of the tip, it's not damaging but it striking at the nearest group of attackers, a mix of troops and villiagers. It strikes them and Deelel is attemping to free their minds by unlocking the mental prisons they seem to be in.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Berserker dig dig digs. Or from her perspective, SHE IS CATCHING THE RED DOT THIS TIME, YOU WATCH HER. In fairness, she's a Servant, and if you were going to bet on anyone ever catching that red dot and The Flash wasn't available to help you, a Servant is probably a close second candidate. Especially a hyperactive Berserker. There's a none zero chance past a point, behind them, the tunnel might give way.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's also a chance it's not a coincidence at all, and Gudako is making fingergun gestures at the ceiling ten meters back, firing black-purple magic bullets at it to cause a collapse. Pew pew.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I like backup plans! You should always have a couple. So mister king! What do you want to do after this? Anything you'd like to set your sights on? I bet you're not the kind of person who likes sitting back and doing a whole lot of nothing, huh?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Might as well get to know each other!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Back at the mansion entrance, Caster continues producing slips of inscribed, glowing magical paper past the waves of cannon fodder. But she seems to be slowing down. Without her master to monitor her, she's actually paying attention to the setup. These people aren't people anymore.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's no intent. No motivation. These are pawns, individuality overridden by the king. The fox frowns, slowing down her barrage. She doesn't mind death, but this is worse. She's certainly unhappy.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She makes no further effort to protect the army, or stop the assailants from reaching the mansion. If she's attacked, she'll fight back, but she would find the death of these people preferable to their continued existence in this state.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Or, as Deelel attempts, their deliverance too. That would be fine.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The situation gets worse in a hurry - those elemental spell-slips, the hordes of blank-eyed soldiers, the maze of razor wire detected by Archer ...<br /><br />... and Riva running in without time to react, dying amongst the wires.<br /><br />It's not going to stick. Yuna knows that Riva has a way of not staying dead. Deelel just *confirmed* that Riva is already 'on the way back'. But Yuna still caught sight of the still-bleeding corpse, and ... there's really very little controlling her reaction when she sees a friend killed.<br /><br />She controls it anyway. Rather than giving her emotions free rein, she clamps down on them *tightly* - because if she goes berserk, there's every chance that she'd wind up sliced apart the same way, and Yuna DOESN'T have Riva's particular knack for not staying dead.<br /><br />There's a cold, almost detached look in Yuna's eyes as she leans out from behind her shield for a moment, considering the situation. The skies may still be populated by enemy archers, but she can probably deal with those if necessary. But other than arrows raining from the heavens, there doesn't seem to be a lot of anti-air coverage, particularly with the barrage of spell-parchments subsiding ...<br /><br />"Rin, you need different cover," Yuna says to the dark-haired sorceress. "Erina, combine; we're going aerial. Jiina, with me; Marina, help protect Rin."<br /><br />Once Marina has moved in to help make sure Rin stays safe, Yuna dismisses her shield and steps away, with Erina joining her - and going translucent, the purple-and-white android 'phasing' over Yuna's body, then vanishing completely with a 'wireframe' appearing around Yuna's Light Suited body. A split second later, pieces of a different set of armor materialize and lock into place, attaching to the Light Suit and to each other; when the transformation is completed, Yuna takes to the air in Flight Form - and at high speed, to boot. She's not busting the sound barrier, but anyone aiming arrows at her is going to have to lead the target *and* get lucky (or maybe be Elite).<br /><br />Yuna's destination: Laurence's house, by flying *over* the intervening buildings and wires. Jiina is flying close behind her as ordered.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Heh.. Leave it to me. Anyone tries following us, I'll hold 'em off for you three to get out." Sanary gives her shield a light knock with her armored gauntlet, glancing back at the path behind them again just in case. Still, she can't help but be a little curious as she follows behind the other three, listening in on her radio and keeping her head down for Gudako to aim more easily at the tunnel. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Sounds like the Union's showed up... Hm. Well, we should be long gone by the time they get here. I just hope Caster and what's-her-face make it." She really doesn't care about the other soldiers. There was something odd about them, after all, but she can at least tell that Caster's alive and the maid... Might be? Probably. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "We've got plenty of resources, so that should help make any plans you've got easier to accomplish." Assuming he does stick around, anyway. It'd be rather rude if he didn't, wouldn't it? "But before that... What's the backup plan for here?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>As soon as he senses the interlocked webs of wires, Archer curses to himself, his first action being to warn his allies over the radio. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; His second... was to begin firing swords from his bow down the streets to try and clear the threads - and any of the guards who don't move out of the way - attempting to make a path for everyone. Though it seems he's too late to save Riva. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In any other circumstance, he'd feel somewhat vindicated by her misstep - that her belief being 'immortal' meant she could barrel through anything had been soundly disproved. But in this instance, he couldn't feel anything but exasperation. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After all, it seemed time would have to be of the essence. Something was happening at Laurence's mansion - some form of... abscess in the structure's foundations, almost. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The moment she sees the corpses, Rin winces and grits her teeth... but it's nothing compared to the expression of barely-contained, disparaging anger at the sight of the townspeople intermixed with the guards, all of them with the dead-eyed stare of people who's minds had been broken, if not erased outright. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This was the kind of thing Arnest was capable of. What the Confederacy wouldn't think twice about. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, she becomes somewhat weary when Caster's vigorous attacks suddenly decrease... but when Rin sees Caster's expression, it causes her to wonder if maybe Gudako's Servant being loyal doesn't mean the vulpine-featured spellcaster approves /everything/ the mage agrees with. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Either way though, she'd keep a tentative watch on her... but if Caster didn't attack, Rin wouldn't provoke her. And when Yuna states a change in tactics, Rin gives a firm nod, wishes her luck and switches up her own attack plan. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Es ist gro�. Es ist klein. Vox got Es Atlas!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin's speed and strength increase instantly, single steps turning into short bounds as she leaps to the top of one building so as to have an easier time avoiding the razor-wire - and to provide better cover for Deleel, intending to defend the Keyblade-wielder's efforts to stop the army. Especially against that maid.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With knights coming for them from all over, Lyner grits his teeth in frustration, but moves to defend himself, as well as keep Deelel free to do whatever it is she plans to do. He doesn't cut any of these knights, soldiers, and townspeople down. But he parries and uses nonlethal strikes, buying time as much as he could. He did notice that Caster's barrage of spell charms slowed down to a crawl, and then nothing. ...Well that was convenient. He wouldn't complain about it. All they needed to do now was contend with the wires all around and get through safely. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Deelel's attempt to undo the mind control that has been exercised on these people is met with relative success. The few knights and towns people hit with the keyblade's beam come to a complete halt. And then the life in their eyes returns. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "....?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "What was I...?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...How did I get here? Wasn't I just...?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Those are the sorts of things everyone hears from the people struck by the power of the keyblade. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ....But there are a LOT more people around. What will Deelel do? Free ALL of them? If she does that, then there is no doubt that Arnest will escape. In fact, that certainly must be his plan. Why waste time fighting when you can instead work smartly instead? He must have known that these righteous people would worry about the individual rather than the big picture. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner glances back at Deelel's results and smiles a tad. "Alright, it works, but... -Whoa!" He raised his dagger, catching a sword strike, and then swerving aside to avoid a lance thrust. "There are a LOT of people still under control here. Deelel, can you do that in a wide spread? Because if not, we're going to be here for a while! I think all of Lucrelia is under control!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Just as well. The people who were freed notice what's happening and mass confusion is beginning to set in. This was becoming very complicated.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MEANWHILE <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Laurence chuckles. "Of course. If you go in, thinking your one plan is enough, you will find yourself very disappointed. But it looks like I'm preaching to the choir here, aren't I?" He was a good natured man still, was that the real Arnest, or simply his Persona as Laurence? Who knew? He watched as Berseker dug and dug, an amused look on his face. If he recalled...she was the one who gave him that not so subtle offer last time. Which meant Gudako was off elsewhere at the time. Mount Luminous no doubt. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But that was neither here nor there. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Anything I'd like to set my sights on?" He brought a hand to his chin, thinking on it as they walked. "Well, first, I think I'd like to see this Multiverse for myself. As much as I can. The rest of the world that Lucrelia came from was a war torn world, ravaged by the greed of other countries, and the complacency of God." He explains, shaking his head. "I took matters into my own hands and relieved God of it's power. But now...none of that matters. I want to see more worlds, I want to see what else the universe has to offer. And perhaps then, I'll find new meaning beyond the borders of this dead country." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alweyn meanwhile perks subtly, looking up as her wires catch a very big mouse. A mouse known as Riva Banari. The maid steps forward and waves an arm outwards. Wires contrict around the Templar and reel her in towards the phalanx of shield bearing knights, and from behind their line, the servant peers. "....." Silent, Alweyn observed Riva, coughing up blood, as well as pooling it underneath. It was unsightly, but she didn't bat an eye. "...We meet again." A simple statement. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Why are you still alive?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; No really, she killed you last time. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yuna's approach, as well s Rin's hopping to a rooftop is met with an even look, taking her gaze off of the possibly dead Templar. And then Alweyn glanced at Caster, noting that she'd stopped attacking. "...Friends of yours?" A deadpan question. She was not actually curious or even under the assumption. In fact, her other arm swept out, and wires that were previously set elsewhere came to life with countless twangs and thwips, hurtling through the air to slice and ensnare the female Master. She'd leave Yuna to Caster. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The wires that Archer shot through are not reset. No time for that.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Laurence glances at Sanary and smiles. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You understand that Incarnations and Einherjar are fragments of God's power, right?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He let that idea simmer for a moment, and then looked on ahead. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...Who controls that power right now?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He didn't need to say anything else, he thought.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Digdigdigdig.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako simply keeps her 8D face on, at both the comment of preaching to the choir of the king's future plans. It made sense! This place was pretty backwater, for a man who dethroned God. Well, a God. Maybe even just a god. But to people like this, it hardly would matter how accurate the claim was.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"People should take their fate in their own hands more often, letting God or even just a random god do it for you is boring. You're ahead of your time! You know, by the reference frame of your world's technology level, it'd take another five, six centuries for anyone to ever think like that and not get executed for it! Ah, I wonder if you all think the Earth is flat, still."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That was probably offense, but since when does Gudako have an internal filter for those comments? She ponders, and then asks: "Say, there was a sealed room in the temple. We never got to see what was in it because grumpy people interfered, and then Incarnations woke up. Any idea what's in there?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE MANSION.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster shakes her head at Alweyn. "It's not that. Sorry, let me make up for it." The assorted talismans in her hands are shuffled, and then laid in front of herself like a grid. She swings her arms skyward, towards the incoming Yuna.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A set of the papers slips launches towards the flying magical girl, scribed with VOID, DARKNESS, CHAOS, DRAIN and a few other similar words. The ofuda glow a bright black and purple as they speed towards the idol, almost teleporting right to her.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On impact, they'll act like powerful bolts of darkness, with a slight power-draining element. These aren't the kind that let Caster 'absorb' the drained energy, though, it's more like a bunch of debuffs and curses rolled in one. Pain, speed down, strength down, generic darkness damage, corrosive burns. That sort of stuff!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>She totally killed Riva last time. <br /><br />But last time, Riva wasn't prepared for it. Riva hangs there, a mouse caught in a spider's web of pain and cruelty, either dead or on her way to doing so again from the way things look. <br /><br />But then Alweyn takes her eyes of Riva. When that happens, the soldiers around her might notice the thin smile Riva makes. There is a sudden spray of blood as Riva slides her arm around, drawing a fine rapier from a back-sheath, the air around her suddenly flickering with the motion of the blade. <br /><br />A moment later, there the wires separate, cloven away from her. <br /><br />There is a loud THUD as she drops the hammer, letting it crack the paving stones at her feet as she pulls out a drink, popping it open with a hiss. "You know..." She rasps, before drinking the energy-drink appearing concoction down. Her wounds begin healing before the assembled group's eyes. "Curiosity is a dangerous thing sometimes." Her voice smooths out, the Templar spitting a gobbet of blood to the ground. "You and your boss? You don't really appreciate it. You took what you wanted. You didn't ask questions. You didn't cover your back. And now?" <br /><br />Her eyes narrow. "Now you betrayed the very people who trusted you all to protect them. And on top of that, you killed me." <br /><br />She sighs. "You know, I can understand a little killing between frienemies. It happens to me sometimes. But you couldn't even have the /basic decency/ to bury me or something. You left my corpse /in a trash heap/."<br /><br />She points. "DO YOU EVEN /KNOW/ HOW LONG IT TOOK TO GET THAT TASTE OUT OF MY MOUTH?" Energy begins to seethe around her as she picks up the hammer in one hand, shouldering it once more as she points that fine Celtic-marked rapider at the maid. "I'm giving you one chance. Stand down, or you're going to have a very bad day."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanary's looking a little conflicted. On one hand, she can't really fault Laurence... Arnest... Whoever for wanting to leave and see more of the Multiverse. The really is quite a lot to see, after all! And taking powers directly from a god certainly isn't any easy feat, either. At the same time, though... The fact that he's seemingly content with abandoning his people doesn't really reassure her, either. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Just grin and bear it. She's still a professional, and Sanary just needs to focus on the good of the Confederacy rather than her own misgivings. Until he proves himself to be a threat... No, enough of that line of thinking. Besides, if he's got the power she and Gudako had tried to abscond with last time? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He could at least be useful. "Hm... Good to hear. I think you'll get along with the others Confederates pretty nicely, then." Yeah.. Maybe this won't go nearly as badly as the last guy. All she needs to do is keep an eye open! Not that she has any others to keep open.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel is doing what she can to free those who she can, she sees that it does seem to work but there's so many people to deal with. She's doing her best to tank what hits she takes in this process. She notices that they snap too. She looks at them for a moment and says. <br /><br /> "Go get clear of here you were being controlled. I'll do what I can get in side, get to cover." <br /><br /> She damn well knows there's a whole lot of people she needs to do. She knows what she's got to do here, but Deelel does have her limits. She looks to Lyner for a moment. "I can try to clear a path. with what I can. We move, we bring down the puppet master than deal with the rest, if I have to deal with this fine, I trust the rest of you can deal with this User." <br /><br /> She means in the context of how he's using everyone. <br /><br /> She does her best to start clearing a path she's done her experiant it works she can try to clear some larger groups but there's no way she can get an entire city at once, she is going to try to clear a path so to speak as her Keyblade gets to work. Given Lyner's, Archer's, Rin's, Yuna's and Riva's abilitie she has no doubt they can handle what's ahead of them.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Of course it wasn't going to be THAT easy, was it? And Yuna can't spare the attention to keep covering Rin - plus, with Rin charging into the fray herself, Marina can't stay focused on protecting her.<br /><br />Yuna just makes the best of it that she can. The armor on her vambraces pops open, deploying the pulse blasters hidden within, and the flying magical paladin begins spraying 'bullets' (actually, miniature energy bolts) at the approaching ofuda, trying to shoot them down before they can reach her. The slip marked 'Darkness' makes it through the defensive barrage, and Yuna can't evade quite fast enough to avoid it; Caster would get to hear Yuna letting out a cry of pain as its effect tears at her - sapping her energy, eating away at the Light Suit's defensive aura ...<br /><br />But it's not remotely enough to STOP Yuna. She practically falls out of the sky, but as she descends, the pulse blasters close up and the Matrix Divider appears in her hands, already flaring as Yuna draws back for a swing. "GET OUT OF MY WAY!!!" Yuna screams at the fox-eared sorceress ...<br /><br />And if Caster does in fact get out of Yuna's path, the attack is never launched. But if Caster DOES try to keep Yuna from getting into the mansion, the blonde's going to swing at full power ...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As the wires stream for her, Rin promptly reaches for anything convenient enough to use as a makeshift defense - a thick drainpipe, a wooden support beam or even a chimney - and rips it free with one hand to try and snare the wires around it instead of herself. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Granted, the erratic flailing of the strands don't make it a clean effort - Rin's teeth grit together as some of them whip, grind and cut the edges of her coat and clothes; the sleeves, the fringes, the back. Small trickles of blood leak out, But because her clothes and body are reinforced - enough to rival the strength of steel - the damage is limited to relatively light cuts. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You heard her" Rin said, inclining her head at Riva, expression one of determination. "Either get out of the way-" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With a sudden yank of her arm, she pulls her makeshift shield away to try and rip away the maid's wires with one firm tug, even going as far as to grab some with her other hand and chance having her palm sliced open if her reinforcement isn't enough. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "- or we go /through/ you!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As he speeds for Lawrence's mansion, Archer once again reaches out with Structural Analysis, hoping that closing the distance will let him discern what Gudako's plan is. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Of course, it will also let anyone with Magic awareness know he's coming since the use of his power was akin to sending out a sonar-pulse - he'd know where they were, but they would likewise know he was searching for them. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But in the end, as the shape beneath the mansion gradually faded - like a bubble moving beneath the surface of the sea - it became far easier to figure out. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "They're underground" Archer realized, speaking aloud for the benefit of anyone who made it this far - and over the radio for those that didn't. "They're trying to dig their way out of the city." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This entire battle - his people, his men, even his own servant. All pawns to cover his own escape. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However... because it seemed that they were sealing the passage behind them, it meant that they couldn't turn around. And that in turn, that meant this plan wasn't made in advance - so they were effectively relying on no-one reaching them. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As a result... something of a grim smirk forms on Archer's face, moving for the closest spot over the group's location as the spiral-sword once again took shape in his hand - <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Caladbolg!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -and fires it at the ground, his obvious intent being to cause their own tunnel to cave in and crush them to death. Or, failing that, unearth them to the point that they would be dragged into the fight they tried to escape from. Either way, he doesn't intend to let them escape - or at the very least he wouldn't make it easy on them.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The numbers slowly but steadily clear as Deelel frees people from mind control. Those freed are completely confused, but seeing other people they know attacking in a mindless frenzy and the warnings from Deelel and Lyner spur them on to get a move out of here. People stream out and into safe havens inside buildings. Some knights stay behind however. "We can't just run away from this! I have no idea what's happening, or how it happened, but...we'll help!" And a good number of knights formed up with Deelel, assisting with keeping her covered as she apparently was the one with the power to break free this strange phenomenon. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Normally they'd probably wouldn't trust these outsiders at all, but this was a pretty big problem! No time for that. Maybe this was human nature under all of that paranoia and mistrust? Who can say. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner nodded, glad to see that things were beginning to clear up with the people. There were still a lot of attacking knights and townspeople to defend against. He avoided any obviously dangerous blows, and parried anything else that looked negligable. "Good work Deelel! Keep it going, I've got you covered!" There wasn't much else he could do. And it looked like the others were handling matters at the mansion. Riva was alive and well. Rin and Yuna as well. Now if only they could break through and find Laurence after all...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MEANWHILE <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alweyn blinked as her wires were torn away by Rin with a strength she didn't peg the Master for having. Well, that's...new. Time to recalculate how to deal with this woman. She didn't see worried about her lost wires. Not until RIVA COMES BACK TO LIFE. Now she visibly frowns, looking between the Magus and the Templar. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Stand down?" A thin smile formed on the maid's face. "Why would I ever do that?" And then suddenly, she raised one arm sharply, and from her gloves, there was a twang as the ground below ripped apart. A single razor sharp wire erupted and aimed to slash into Riva's feet. "Kill them." She spoke plainly to the knights on defense. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And it wa with that, that the phalanx converged on Riva, aiming to surround and crush her with shield and sword in hand. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alweyn looked towards Rin meanwhile and directed her other arm aside. Another wire was pulled from somewhere and slashed through a nearby building, whirling through the air and aiming for Rin's neck at high speeds. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She didn't have time to stop Archer. Not with two opponents to deal with. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MEANWHILE <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Laurence paused and looked up. "...Do you feel that?" There was a faint rumble that got more and more fierce as the moments passed. And then- WHOOSH. Caladbolg pierced through the roof of the makeshift tunnel at that moment. SANARY, YOU'RE UP. IF YOU FAIL, THIS WHOLE TUNNEL COLLAPSES ON EVERYONE. Well. More than it already was. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It was quaking pretty badly already and rocks and dirt was crumbling around them already... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The clock was ticking.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Noticing the odd magical aura from above, Sanary braces her shield a little more tightly as she starts glancing behind her. "Think we might have company soon..." She calls out to the three in front of her as she picks up the pace to practically shadow them. She's not quite sure where the attack will come from yet, but that shaking's not a good sign at all. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Turns out, hwoever, that the shaking is the attack! And just to make matters worse, there's also a familiar-looking screwlike weapon in the ceiling! Or would that be the ground since they're...? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There's not much time for Sanary to worry about semantics as she brings the shield up, trying to keep the cave intact enough to not completely collapse on the four of them. "There it is! What the... God/DAMMIT/, Archer!" Of course it had to be him. She scowls angrily, but she can't act too much on it as she puts all her focus on holding back the dirt and rocks threatening to fall that group, using both her shield and armored body to do it! The innate power of the armor does help boost her ability to block against normally unblockable attacks, but what does this even count as?!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh that is an angry magical girl. Caster eeks, and unfortunately stays in Yuna's way. Necessity and all that. Her mirror twirls and interposes itself between the charging, practically berserk paladin and the fox, and Yuna will find herself slamming into that hard.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With the mirror tied to the Caster the way it is, she ends up pushed back, slamming into the wall of the mansion by the door, and straining with both arms to continue magically directing the mirror to still be her shield. To its credit, there isn't so much as a crack on it despite the impact. To its discredit it doesn't look like it blocked that much damage.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Huff! Master said I had to hold you guys back long enough, and it hasn't been long enough yet! So no, nuh-uh! You're stuck with Caster like she's stuck with you! Juso-Kai - Onten Shukusai! APHOTIC CAVE!"<br /><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A sudden, massive surge of magic flows out of the Caster's mirror, and into herself. With Yuna still pushing against it, and likely crushing the Servant's body against that wall, she manages to slap an ofuda on the back of her mirror. "Juso - Kuretsu! VOID CLEFT!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cue a massive discharge of darkness from her mirror. It's not quite on the level of a Noble Phantasm or anything, but it's certainly reaching the upper tiers of what magic can produce. The blast is corrosive and corrupting, although it's unlikely Yuna of all people has to care about that second part at all. It's really just a big point blank darkness laser beam.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MEANWHILE, DOWN BELOW:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako continues smiling, trucking on ahead. "Huff. Berserker, faster!" With one hand she motions towards her Servant, providing her with an strength buff. Stacking that on top of her already significant strength produces hilarious results, in that for all intents and purposes the earth and stone ahead offers about as much resistance as paper. Berserker continues digging, predictably, as both the Servant and magus leave the defense to Sanary, who specializes in it. The Gate can't be that much further given how long they've been digging, and the pace to boot.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Why? Simple." <br /><br />The wire rips upwards, slashing at her feet, but she's already dodging backwards. "It's because..." <br /><br />The Knights charge, the phalanx pressing in on her. Red-gold Anima surges as she raises her hammer, the weapon seething with energy as she brings the hammer around. <br /><br />"YOU CAN'T KEEP ME DOWN!" <br /><br />There is a dull thud as she hammers the ground... And that energy spreads around her into a mass of magmatic-looking cracks, moments before there is a roaring upheval, blasting the knights away from her with a fountain of red-gold light. <br /><br />A moment later, she is stabbing forward, leaving traces in her wake as she brings that rapier around to slash in towards the maid's neck... <br /><br />But moments before it lands, she twists, bringing the hammer across in a massive sideswipe meant to knock her flying through the wall of a building. "Hope you got some real tricks, lady, because piano wire garotte is getting pretty /old/!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Don't you *GET* it?!?" Yuna practically screams in Caster's face, the Matrix Divider still crackling with radiant power as she strains against the mirror-turned-shield. "I don't CARE about you! I don't even care about your ditz of a Master, except that both of you are protecting HIM!!"<br /><br />She doesn't interrupt Caster invoking spell techniques; she's too angry to think strategically at the moment - angry at Arnest, angry at the Confederacy, angry about everything that the good people of Lucrelia are being used for, about the sins that they're being forced to be human shields against.<br /><br />When it comes to this city, Yuna has a *lot* to be angry about - and she's too angry to keep her emotions contained anymore. So as the darkness flares from Caster's mirror, light crackles not just around Yuna's weapon, but around her armor - and with a sound like circuit breakers being tripped, Flight Form disengages, Erina reassembling behind Yuna as golden light flashes and arcs around the remaining primary Light Suit.<br /><br />"GET OUT OF MY WAY -- <span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">OR BE REMOVED FROM IT!!!</span>"<br /><br />And when the beam erupts from that mirror, Yuna is STILL at point-blank range. It's pitch darkness against divine light, and Yuna is too mad to do anything other than try to bull her way through it - whatever will utterly flatten the sorcerous fox. It's distinctly possible that, in her stated not-caring about Caster, Yuna also no longer cares if the fox lives or dies.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel is not expecting the help from the locals but she's going to take it, she's taxing to do this but what else can she do here? She's working hard, to the point she's not even seeming to breath, she's just got machine like focus on oding what she can for this. <br /><br /> "Thank you." <br /><br /> She does mange to thank the people whom she has freed fo thier aid and it's worth while, she's not sure how long it's going to take but she's focus8ing on it this is the most serious workout of her keyblade since it picked her, and she's not sure how or where this is going to end, but she keeps ar it. All she can do is keep her faith in the rest of the team.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin curses loudly as the razor-wire slices through the building to the side of her, letting herself fall backwards as it snaps through the air where her neck once was - and cuts into the rooftop she was standing on, forcing her to backspring off it as she starts free-falling to the ground. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And as she does, she reaches into her pocket and pulls out three polished sapphire gemstones. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Here's a few more reasons!" the magus shouts out as she hurls the stones at the Mage. Each one is charged with enough detonate like quality grenades - and all of them are thrown for the maid and any forces trying to cover her even as Rin lands on the street hard enough to leave small craters under her feet. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And if the maid is actually still alive after all of that, Rin will pull free two more gems to throw, though will wait until the other actually proves herself a threat. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Meanwhile, Archer frowns as the ground where Caladbolg vanished not the earth is shattered like glass. If he were to try and use Structural Analysis now, with the ground splintered as it were, he doubted he'd have a very clear image. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At the same time though, he wasn't sure he needed to. Now that he knew they were underground, he had little reason to be precise - if he could just hinder them, that would be enough. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Additionally, it helped that Archer felt rather confident about knowing where they were probably headed - when Gudako had attempted to abduct 'Eir', Sanary had tried her hardest to go to the dimensional gate. And if Arnest got off-world to a place no-one could reach him in, it would end any chance of stopping this war anytime soon. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Though in reality, Archer wasn't a fool - nor was he one to cling to false hope. Even if he did succeed in unearthing Arnest... what then? Gudako likely had Berserker with her - a Servant more tailor-made to offset his tactics with brute force. If he did force them back above-ground, nothing was going to stop her from using the other Servant to occupy him... and the erratic feline-featured girl wouldn't give Archer anywhere near enough time to try and draw out Unlimited Blade Works with which to trap Arnest and Gudako with. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; No - even if he did stop their underground traversal... he wasn't likely going to stop their escape. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Though that didn't mean he wouldn't try, if for no other reason then to make it as hard as possible for them to run. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Leaping into the air and aiming at the ground, Archer decides to completely eschew subtlety in favor of coverage, firing arrows into and across the ground at a rapid pace to try and collapse the earth - there was much less chance any of the shots would actually pierce the group's hiding spot, though... but at this point, Archer would settle for making the ground as unstable as possible so that they couldn't move easily without risking a cave-in.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "No problem. Do your best, Lady!" One soldier responded, taking a place by Lyner. And several others followed, shields and weapons in hand to defend Deelel. It was hard. Definitely taxing, but it was working. More and more people were being freed and the resistance from the mind controlled troops was lessening with every moment. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner smiled to himself amid te winding down chaos. They may not have stopped Laurence, but they did something good today. They freed a people from a corrupt man. It was a distraction. A diversion. But it wasn't something they could just ignore. They did their best and that was enough for the knight. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It looks like things were winding down here, Deelel. Good job." Lyner called over the din of combat. "I don't think anyone else could have done this, but you!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Now, what was happening up ahead at the mansion...? Lyner looked that way and frowned.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The soldiers are all blown away inconsequentially by Riva and then she dives forward, sword forward to thrust. Alweyn crossed her arms over, about to execute about trick wire maneuver. But then... "...What-" BLAM. The dour maid's eyes widen in an expression of emotion that was more than her usual. The hammer collides with her, and then several gems launch into her, causing an explosion. And she goes FLYING. Past Caster and Yuna, and with a huge, satisfying impact, she CRASHES through the front of the mansion, disappearing inside with a distant impact, as well as a cacophony of other gut wrenching sounds. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That HAD to hurt. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There is silence. Well. It looks like that's it. She was just human after all. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A L W E Y N H A S D I - <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wait no, there is a pillar of light that explodes upwards into the heavens and then from all around Riva, the earth itself crumbles, coalescing into countless slashing wires. And they all are cloaked in a sickly green aura aiming to wrap around the young woman and drain her life force rapidly. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; From the wrecked hole in the wall that the maid was blown through previously, a white blur surges out and back into Riva's face. It's Alweyn, but something's very different. Her hair is now snow white. Her skin is pale. And her eyes are blood red. Her maid uniform was torn up and she was bleeding in places, but from her back, unfurled a pair of white wings. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alweyn was an Einherjar. of course. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You unsufferable bitch- At first I was just doing my job, but now...Now I want you DEAD. Permanently!" She clenched both hands into fists, tightening her now soul draining wires and attempting to slice into the Templar at every conceivable angle. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MEANWHILE <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Laurence narrowed his eyes. "That bowman is tenacious." He surmised casually, using some power to float and speed ahead after Berserker. "By my estimates, we should be well outside of Lucrelia. Try digging upwards and creating an opening before this cavern collapses over us from that man's errant shooting. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Because it was working. Rocks of all shapes and sizes were crumbling too the floor, and dust was kicking up. They had only a few moments before it all came down!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As the ground-ceiling around them keeps shaking, the strain on Sanary's back actually seems to ease up a bit. Not because she's gotten any stronger, but... "... I think he lost us. It's not as close any more, but... Yeah, this should be a good spot." The timing couldn't be better, especially as the healer shakes off a rather solid rock digging into her side. Although the armor's still intact from the rough handling, that doesn't mean there aren't joints and softer parts on it. It's meant for handling giant monsters, not pointed rocks and sharp stabbing knives! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A certain Servant's already seen to that firsthand. Jerk. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Just make sure to be careful on the way up. Never know if we'll end up digging the exit right into someone's ass." It's a long-shot, but Sanary knows better than to dismiss the possibility entirely. Not with her luck!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"When did I ever say I was happy to protect that sort of person?!" Caster protests, angry. She certainly has no qualms serving Gudako-- ultimately, her intentions are... well, maybe not good, but not bad. Gudako is the sort of master who seeks happiness through power. There's no malice to it, although she does sometime slips into habits that make Caster unhappy. But on the whole, there's a lot worse people out there.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For what little good it does to argue back, anyway. That is, not a whole lot! Yuna is still coming at her with increased firepower and strength, and now she's glowing. People rarely glow for no reason. Charging through it pushes Caster further back. She's lucky enough her massive mirror can cover her from the worst of it, but Yuna pretty much puts the fox through the wall and then some. It's another wall that stops them, with the fox once again in a position of being crushed against it between her magically floating mirror and a wall.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You need-- to CALM DOWN!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That's two fights in a row Caster gets in that she's getting absolutely trashed. But unlike last time, it isn't intentional. The pressure from her mirror acting as a shield is pretty much tearing her body apart, and while she might not visually look in pieces she's in a pretty bad spot right now. Bad enough she can call on her secondary Noble Phantasm, at least.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She lowers one hand, just long enough to be able to activate it. A large, decorated stone appears, slamming into the ground next to her. It glows, and without doubt pumps a very significant amount of magic into Caster's hand, which now shines a bright white and green.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"<span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">Red Spider Lily Killing Stone!</span>"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her hand raises, pushes her mirror aside at the last second, and fires the blast at Yuna point blank, right before Yuna plows into her. On the bright side, Yuna may have just gained access to Laurence's office by way of putting Caster through five more walls. The Servant won't be dead, but will dematerialize to avoid further damage and retreat. On the note so bright side if that's the route she chooses to take, she's going to be taking that extremely powerful magical blast and its hellpoison right to the face.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MEANWHILE:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"BERSERKER IF YOU DON'T CATCH THE RED DOT YOU DON'T GET FISH TONIGHT," Gudako intones-- managing to maintain her perfect 8D expression through the scolding, as Laurence points out they are short on time. And true enough Berserker redoubles her efforts and, following the laser pointer, starts digging up towards the Warp Gate while Sanary shields them from extremely painful, arrow-related death.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though Gudako asks again: "Ah, but, you dodged the question! The door, in the temple. Won't you say what's behind it~?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Laurence glanced at Gudako, and shrugged. "Behind that gate?" He didn't seem too bothered to hide anything. Maybe he really was that confident in himself. "Behind that gate is the seat of God's power." A simple answer. "That's where God's power gathers, overseeing the world from that throne, controlling the Incarnations, and appointing Einherjar." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He brought a hand to his chin. "Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get in. You see, I never fully absorbed God's power. Part of it resisted me, and expelled me. Thus, there are remnants of God locked behind that gate..." Well that was news. "I don't think I need it, but if I were to get past that gate and absorb that power...then I believe that I would transcend mortality and become a true, immortal being known as 'God'. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pause. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It would have been nice to get those last remnants, however."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When Alweyn emerges from the gaping hole in Lawrence's mansion, Rin lets out a curse as she sees the wings emerge from the maid's back, the change unmistakable. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; An Einherjar. The maid was an Einherjar. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That in turn causes Rin's mind to freeze up at the implications. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Arnest had the power of God. Logically, of course that meant he could control Einherjars - maybe even create them himself. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But if that was the case... what did that say about the ones in the mountain? He didn't seem to control them at the moment - anything around before he took the power seemed to still be under the command of the 'old God's will' - but... if he were given the chance... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, Rin pushed that thought from her mind for now when Riva warned her to get back - if they didn't win this battle, it wouldn't matter either way. So she did what she was told - and more.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reaching into her coat as she pulled away, Rin fished out four gems, pivoted on her foot to spin around, drew her arm back and hurled them at the angelic being and the interwoven mass of tainted wires around her. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Sechs, in Flu� Ein Halt. Funf, drew, vier. Der Riese und brennt das in Ende!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then all four of them became magic bullets, shooting through the cables as they arced towards the maid's form - even if they did nothing to her, Rin hoped they would at least distract Alweyn long enough for Riva to do whatever she was planing to do. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And in a different kind of hopeless battle - this one against superior numbers in a race instead of superior power in a grueling battle - Archer lands on the shattered ground and bounds ahead once more, using a series of leaps to try and close the distance to the gate as fast as he can. Though whether he will outpace the digging rate of the Confederates is yet to be seen, he's giving it his best attempt. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With every bound, he fires more and more arrows into the ground - if nothing else, he intends to see first-hand just what forces Gudako brought with her. And with every volley, he wonders just what he'll actually accomplish in the end. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It hardly matters at this point. He won't be able to stop everyone Arnest has with him. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But then again, hopeless battles were his purpose for existing - regardless of if he volunteered or not. All he could do was keep going... regardless of the futility.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yuna does not calm down when 'commanded' to do so. Caster is an opponent who stands between her and an enemy she's trying really hard to stop; additionally, Caster's Master has gotten on what normally passes for Yuna's bad side, just by her cavalier lack of caring about what it means to fight, and by her own interest in stealing holy power for her own use.<br /><br />Really, there's nothing Caster or Gudako could say that would make Yuna stay her hand at a time like this ... but something - maybe an instinctive reaction when Caster pulls out her trump card - causes her to waver before she can unleash yet another attackk. Rather than striking, she brings the Matrix Divider up as if to parry the spell blast; it might protect her from a direct hit - but only by disrupting the focused 'stream' of magic.<br /><br />It hurts. It hurts a *LOT*, and it's enough to snap Yuna out of the near-hypercharge she'd been riding - if not from the pain itself, then from the way Caster's poisonous spell rips away at the Light Suit's defensive aura, shredding and dissolving through the forces which normally safeguard Yuna's body against injury when she fights.<br /><br />Just because the Light Suit protects her has never meant that getting hit doesn't hurt Yuna; if anything, the way her armor reacts to 'damage' means that Yuna is MORE likely to notice when something tries to hurt her, because of the flare effect when the aura has to stop an injury. End result, Yuna collapses to her knees, barely keeping the Divider up far enough to point menacingly at Caster; she can still attack one more time if she needs to. Caster retreating would mean that she doesn't need to. Attempting to follow up on her spell would lead to Yuna pulling the trigger immediately.<br /><br />Elner, for the robo-faerie's part, is more interested in the fact that Yuna has potentially managed to gain entry - however destructively - to Laurence's office, and there could be some very useful information to be gained from within, especially now that Laurence/Arnest is fleeing the city and leaving who knows what information behind.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel is doing her best to clean things up here. <br /><br /> "I intend to!" <br /><br /> She could also help with healing the worst off here, she keeps working her keyblde but it is tyring to her, she's really burning through her stambina doing this but it is worht it to her. <br /><br /> "Thanks, get going catch up with the other Lyner, I'll be fine." <br /><br /> The freed guards are doing fine job of covering the basic as she keeps working her keyblade trying to free the remainer of the people coming for them. Shes' too focused to think about the rest of the operation, this is her part after all and that's what she's focused on.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ARCHER <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As Archer bounded out of the city and towards the gate in the distance, the group, led by Berserker tunnel out of the ground. Right then, the tunnel collapses. Time to get out of there. With everyone out, looking somewhat worse for the wear, Laurence regards the warpgate, and then looks in the direction of Lucrelia. "Hm? ...Well, I see a friend of yours in the distance." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He smirked, seeing the red form of the Servant of the Bow. He was quite far off, but both groups could surely make out each other vaguely. But they were at the warpgate, and Archer was far off. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But then again...he wasn't called Archer for nothing, was he?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Riva was looking all big and bad putting that maid through the wall. Now to claim her vengeance loot and give her a decent burial and-<br /><br />Then maid in the face. "Oh. Ffffff-" Her words are cut out as those wires lash out, ripping into her. Immediately, she feels her power start getting torn away, the Anima energy flickering out. Her defenses, gone. Her durability, pierced. Her offense, pointless. The rapier and hammer drop to the ground, useless, as she is slashed over and over again, each one carving into her energy reserves. <br /><br />"Well. That's a thing." She says, bleeding from a multitude of actually deadly-looking wounds. She staggers forward. "You know... I don't know why you're doing this. I don't think you're in the mood to explain, either." She steps closer, her hands empty and bloody. "You know, those are neat wires. I think you could probably actually kill me with those." <br /><br />One hand dips into a pocket then, and there is a low chirping noise as she pulls out a cylinder, her thumb on the trigger. "But you know what isn't going to kill me?" <br /><br />Suddenly, she lunges, grappling for the Einherjiar and pulling her close, a manic expression on her face. <br /><br />"All these bricks of C4 I'm wearing." There is a laugh. <br /><br />"By the way, wings are a /really/ bad fit on you." She releases the button. <br /><br />A moment later, there is a massive explosion that tears through the area, obliterating Riva and a small chunk of the surrounding city.<br /><br />Did she take the Einherjiar with her? Who knows. It's going to be a bit before she gets back.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanary lets out one of the most unbecoming groans as the four of them finally emerge from that hole in the ground, taking full advantage of the non-underground air that she's able to breathe in again. She doesn't even look over right away when Laurence speaks, instead focused on catching her breath and glancing around for immediate threats before finally looking over. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That coat. That hair. That vaguely similar, yet not quite same skin color. That's Archer, alright. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "... Of course he'd be here." Breathing in slowly, the armored healer hurries over to start nudging Gudako, Caster, and Laurence towards the warp gate. No sense loitering here for long, although if Archer does look over by the time the rest of the group has left? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He'll see Sanary waving slowly just before ducking into it the gate as well. She's not about to give up a chance to taunt him, and she's definitely not mature enough to leave gracefully. She's still technically a teenager, after all!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner nodded to Deelel. "Alright, I'll leave the rest to you. Guys! Keep it up!" The knights all cheered and created a wall around Deelel with their shields. Lyner ran off, swords in hand as he headed up the path opened by Arche- wait, a red blur just passed him. "...Was that?" He mumbled, looking back. But there was no time! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He had to go NOW! It sounded like things were heating up over there! Just a little more and- "Huh?" Lyner skid to stop as he arrived at the block where Laurence's mansion was located. It was a warzone here! Yuna and Caster went crashing through the walls of the house, Riva and Rin were fighting that Einherjar. Rin was retreating... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wait, Rin was retreating? Why? Lyner squinted, watching Riva lunge forward and grab Alweyn. "What? Wait....no. Are you kidding me-GAH!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BOOM. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; From Alweyn's side, she glared, though it began to rapidly de-escalate into her usual calm, dour look. "Why am I doing this? ...I wonder." She responded. Riva's statement is met with an arched brow and a clenching of the fists. She pulled her arms, wires tighening. "I will kill you." She grumbled, aiming to do just that. But then... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "......!?" She was grabbed! "What- What are you doing? Let go of me!" The maid protested, right before the button was pressed. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then everything went white. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once the smoke clears, Alweyn is nowhere to be seen... As is Riva. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner meanwhile was blown away. "Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah--!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Well, he'd be okay at least.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; YUNA/ELNER <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Laurence's office is a mess after they crashed right into it. A cursory search of the room revealing nothing more than papers and documents regarding knightly activities. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But inside a desk is a peculiar thing. What looks like a worn book with a lock on it. A journal? A diary? Something that must be important. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But then there's also the EXPLOSION coming from outside what woul tear through the mansion, and everything else in a three block radius... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Well, Yuna and Elner could weather it. Somehow.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; His eyes fixed on the distant form of the gate, Archer curses darkly to himself as he sees the ground split open in front of it, glaring as he takes note of the forms that emerge from it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Arnest, Gudako and her Berserker... and Sanary Rondel. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How unsurprising. Once again, the bowman found himself idly wondering if things might have simply been better for everyone if he /had/ just flat-out killed Sanary the first chance he'd had. There was only so much you could try to justify before the amount of blood you spilled outweighed the amount you saved when it came to how the Cleric was living her life. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And because of her - as Archer was left wondering if she and her armor were the reason his arrows weren't more successful on the group - the Confederacy was all but taking this world. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Well... if they were, he would at least not let it be a smooth victory for them. Had one last parting gift to give, after all. Something he hadn't actually had the chance to use here. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Something perfect when it came to all four of those at or entering the Gate. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Landing on the ground and this time steadying his stance, Archer summoned forth one last weapon from the depths of the endless field of swords, streams of prana solidifying into an elongated black shape. One that would hopefully leave more of a tangible impact on the group. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A long, ebony-colored handle, bound in red midway down it's length. A curving blade sat at one end, like a hooked scythe. A dull aura of radiance in it's design - an intangible feel that, simply from looking at it, told the observer that it was not a weapon forged by humans. Soon after though, that enchanting form is ruined as the weapon is twisted in on itself like a corkscrew, the hooked blade straightening and shifting until it pointed forward. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It's purpose was simple but frightfully profound; kill those it struck... be they god or mortal. And yet, it's strength was not in it's cutting power, for in that it was no more or less effective then any other weapon. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rather... it's strength was in how the wounds it dealt, no matter what, could not be healed by any other method except natural healing. A divine weapon that harmed all who it cut equally - be they God or Beast or simple man, none would be able to heal from the blade by use of any other means then the passage of time. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He'd taken the image of it from the vaults of the Golden Archer. He'd met the monster of legend who it was used to slay... and now he would use it as his final parting shot as he drew the warped weapon back on his bow- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Harpe!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -and released the weapon of Perseus, knowing that, if nothing else, he would see here and now whether the so-called 'Immortal-Slaying Scythe' of the Greek Gods was as effective a tool as an arrow.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When Rin finally sees what Riva is about to do, she nearly chokes in shock - immortal or not, it didn't mean Rin wanted to see her be blown up! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, she hardly has the time to focus on that, instead turning around to try and get anyone who might even be so much as close to the blast-radius back. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Of course, Rin herself finds out that she herself is a bit too close as the kickback of the explosion likewise sends her flying several feet, though she manages to dig her heels in and grab onto a wall- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - and then her expression goes blank when she sees Lyner flying, before muttering exasperatedly to herself and jumping after, landing far enough behind him to deftly catch him in both arms. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After that, though, she rather quickly let him back on his feet, sighing as she is ever-so-briefly reminded of her world's Shirou. However, she also gives a worried look to the crater where Riva once was, furrowing her brow in concern as she wonders whether or not the Templar's state was recoverable. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After all... 'immortal' in body didn't really mean her mind was immune to the trauma. Though in hindsight, that might have explained a bit to be honest.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Just before they completely disappear through the gate, Harpe is fired. The arrow pierces through the air and just before Arnest can pass through the gate, it grazes past his head. "Urgh-!" He grunted in pain and surprise as blood was immediately drawn from an opened wound on the side of his head, near the eye. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; His first thought was to heal it away of course! ...Except it wouldn't heal. At all. Was that arrow special? Tch, that bowman truly was tenacious. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He glared back at Archer, hand held to the side of his head with blood streaming through his fingers as he vanished through the gate completely.<br> <br><br />
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<br />
}}</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Report:_Lucrelia_(6)_(Gudako_Ordria)&diff=12637Report: Lucrelia (6) (Gudako Ordria)2016-01-24T22:28:44Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2016/01/24 |Location=- |Synopsis=Archived report. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=908 |Tinyplot= }} This report is written by Gudako, rather than..."</p>
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<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/01/24<br />
|Location=-<br />
|Synopsis=Archived report.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=908<br />
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This report is written by Gudako, rather than Caster.<br />
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"Hi, hi! So, Caster's still recovering from that idol's charge, so, I guess I'm handling this one. And that's good, because I've got a thing to say at the end!"<br />
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"So, mister Laurence, who is actually King Arnest, owner of the Power of God after stealing it ages ago, met us and accepted allying with the Confederacy. Sanary was there with me to help with her rank and all! The thing is, the Union eventually showed up as expected, and while Caster set up Bounded Fields they didn't do much good to stop people."<br />
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"We identified Lyner Barsett, Riva Banari, Yuna Kagurazaka, Deelel and that red Archer, at the very least. Sanary suggested we should withdraw, and I agreed! So, Berserker dug us a tunnel out of the mansion, while Caster remained behind with the king's mind controlled armies and his murdermaid Alweyn."<br />
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"Caster says Deelel used some sort of fancy key-shaped sword to free the army of mind control, and that Riva might have killed the maid, but she was too busy getting stomped by that idol when she went berserk over the state of things to really pay attention to more."<br />
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"Us, that is, Berserker, Arnest, Sanary and me, managed to reach the Warp Gate before most of the Union could catch up. Archer tried gunning for us a few times from afar, but Sanary was on the ball defending. He got a lucky shot in with a Noble Phantasm that prevents healing, though, so King Arnest has this wound on his head now that won't close."<br />
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That's it!<br />
<br />
--- LOCKED AGAINST: KING ARNEST<br />
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"I'm gonna be totally honest, he's a liability. He wants to go back to God's Temple to retrieve the last of the Power of God. The thing is, the Union is definitely going to beat us there, or intercept us. He's walking into a deathtrap, especially with that wound on his head that isn't closing with healing magic. Plus, he already has the Power of God. There's no point getting the remnants, the power gain would be minimal! So! I vote we put the Power of God in someone more responsible. Someone who isn't going to take a pointless uncalculated risk! Ah, I don't know. Maybe me."<br />
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"If he goes forward with his plan to return to the temple, I intend to put a very literal knife enchanted by Caster through his back. And make smarter use of his power than him! I already have the spreadsheets ready that clearly outline the best things to do with such a power!"<br />
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-Gudako Ordria<br />
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OOC: If anyone's worried, things have already been arranged with Lyner!</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3673/Tainted_City_in_Flames_-_Stage_1&diff=126123673/Tainted City in Flames - Stage 12016-01-21T03:17:06Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2016/01/15 |Location=Fuyuki City <On Fire> |Synopsis=The Fangs of Nidhogg secure Fuyuki City for further use. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=598, 604..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/01/15<br />
|Location=Fuyuki City <On Fire><br />
|Synopsis=The Fangs of Nidhogg secure Fuyuki City for further use.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=598, 604, 687, 714, 834, 878, 908, 915, 924<br />
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{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>As the roomdesc summarizes, this city is in ruins, ever-burning. The hundreds of thousands of corpses that litter what's left of the buildings refuse to decay past skeletal state, charred grey bones held together by malice. There are rivers of BLACK MUD flowing down from MOUNT ENZOU, around which an anti-spirit barrier wards non-Elite ghosts away and imposes a very slight pressure on Elite ones.<br /><br />People have been called to gather in the ruins of a church, where Gudako's Caster has already erected a weak Bounded Field that keeps those within invisible to the outside world. This allows observation of the city and planning without worries of being attacked by the wandering SHADOW SERVANTS, discolored, black and purple snapshots of previous battles that wander aimlessly. They are not people, really; more like images.<br /><br />Gudako has a map of Fuyuki handy, a bit outdated given circumstances, set on a folding table. She explains, quickly: "We'll need two teams! Team one will have to be composed of people with magical expertise and will accompany Caster. You'll be working to subdue the spiritual barrier around Mount Enzou. It needs to become strong enough to repel the Shadows. After that, this place is pretty much ours, with natural defenses to boot! Team two will accompany Berserker. You're going to create a diversion and destroy as many Shadows as you can, so they don't scale the peak to disturb people working on it. They'll come back in a matter of days, but that's fine, they won't be an issue to us by then."<br /><br />She finishes by allowing Caster to speak. The foxgirl says: "There's caverns under this city we can't reach right now due to the mud. But the mud is flowing out of them. Once we're established, we're going to want to clear that up and explore the caves. Whatever caused this, the source of the mud-- it might be a powerful Holy Grail. Even if it isn't, it's magic on a level we can't ignore. It's unfocused right now, but maybe we could make something of it. Another day, though~!"<br /><br />OOC: Include in your +summary which team you are going with, SHADOWS or MOUNT. The split begins next round, so use this one to organize! Both parties will have stuff to fight and do, ultimately.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Lezard Valeth could not ignore such a place. The very environment is burned, twisted, and scalded with rampant energies that /demand/ his study.<br /><br />Thankfully, it is not simply himself, but also the Fangs of Nidhogg present, as well as other powerful, ambitious souls. Perhaps even souls who might be interested in joining forces. But that's something for the future. <br /><br />The Necromancer of Midgard looks out over the devastation, the seething malice emanating from those bones something interesting to the man, as well as those vague, poltergeist-like murderous shadows. "This place has undergone quite the alteration." He mentions. "This is no place for anything that lives... But that means it suits our needs perfectly. Much like Lordran, this place will be reshaped to our needs." <br /><br />He turns back to the others, his cape swirling dramatically. He can't resist, it's in his contract. "I am fairly adept at dealing with such barriers. I will assist with proceeding into the mountain and creating a safe bastion, along with any others who are capable of assisting."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After a long week of (relative) relaxation, Sanary's looking as rested as she'll ever be. "No climbing, being loud... Yeah, I'll stick with Berserker on this one." The healer laughs confidently as she hits an armored fist against her shield, the chunky green armor rattling a bit from the impact. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'll stick to healing and keeping everyone else powered up unless you need me bashing head." She waves a new-looking Physic staff in her hand for emphasis. Sanary has two of her three shields on her today, the oval metalbent shield worn on her back and the riot shield attached to her forearm. She's still got the gunaxe strapped to her waist, but that might not be needed depending on how the diversion goes. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well... Unless you need me up with the barrier team." She doesn't sound quite as excited to join that team, but at least she hasn't struck down that possibility entirely.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:604|Raine Arland (604)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Raine and Fragarach are here. The former is standing at the table and overlooking the map. The latter is floating off to the side, flipping through a shounen jump or something. She couldn't be bothered to actually be invested in this. "Huh. Well, this hellhole's seen better days, that's for sure." He'd question the logic of making this place a base, but then, that was above his pay grade. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A shrug follows. "Well whatever. I'm not about all that magical voodoo woodoo. So I'm gonna help handle the shadows. Good? Good." Fragarach turned a page in her manga, black and blue gaze sliding over to regard the proceedings. "......" She'd suggest splitting up, but...that would mean actually putting in effort, wouldn't it? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Better not say a word. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Raine crossed his arms and glanced at Gudako. "So, how strong are these shadows? We gonna have a bad time, or are they business as usual?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I-" Ira states, puffing her chest out proudly, "Well accompany /team two/, because it sounds like you're going to need some muscle. Which I'll be happy to provide." The teenager grins widely, showing plenty of teeth, exuding a sort of pent-up aggression that has no doubt accumulated from far too much waiting around and not nearly enough shadow killing in the recent past. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It did not help that the rest of her little persona-user group took off and had a fantastic romp in the Mirror Forest that everyone is apparently still crying and hugging each other over. The very thought of her classmates made her scowl in disappointment. Lezard had a point though. She could usurp control of the group and whip them into shape. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So what's with this whole...post-apocalyptic, ever-burning city thing? I mean, it feels kind of wrong but that's as much as I can...uh...get." Spoken like someone still getting used to having superpowerss.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:878|Vergil (878)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After having seen the Demon World of his own reality, this place was far less oppressive to Vergil then it would be to most humans... and yet it was permeated with a very human-like malevolence all it's own. It reeked of it, as if the black mud itself was the personification of all that was unsightly and foul about human nature. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; More reason then he already had not to come into direct contact with it. But it doesn't stop him from musing aloud on it - "Is this substance unique to the Holy Grails, then? Or is it something that's using the Grails as a vector?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When Gudako gives her briefing and outlines the options, Vergil finds it rather easy to pick - "I know a lot about magics in terms of knowledge, but using it on the level of spell-casting and wizardry is beyond me." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As such, he strides over to what seems to quickly become 'Team Two' - Ironically enough, he's working with Sanary again, which he gives a slight nod to. A more casual gesture then the stoic-faced Son of Sparda seems keen to give. "I daresay I'd be best suited to eliminating the Shadows - you'll need skilled fighters if those phantoms are the remnants of long-ago heroes. Speaking of which, I don't suppose you have any way for us to tell who we'll be fighting down there?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:834|Valentha Summers (834)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Space ripples and sizzles within the church, just above one of the pews during gathering period. Blue light crackles and expands in an instant... becoming a figure wearing the colors of the dying sunset. Shades of blue and purple flow across an elegantly embroidered robe that's clasped tightly closed by an ornately designed gold and silver broach of intertwined sun and moon. Her face is largely obscured by the robe's hood, save for the lower portions of it. Her skin's fair and a few wisps of finely textured blonde hair have escaped the hood's confines.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Where she appeared? Well, hovering a good five feet over some pews. She's clutching a white staff nearly as tall as herself. It's wooden, and quite polished... and it, along with its bearer, simply reek with magical power.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Seems like I made a good choice taking this on for a first assignment. The real estate's uh... charming." The robed woman states in a clear voice and a language that the Multiverse at large definitely doesn't hear much.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The payoff had better be worth all the muck." She murmurs thoughtfully a few moments later, before floating off towards Lezard Valeth.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's there, after she lands near him, that she pulls the hood back and reveals her face. Green eyes and a fair, delicate face that just screams 'nobility from somewhere.'<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Valeska of Bizantium. If you're looking for magical aid, perhaps I can lend some assistance?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>No place for anything that lives, huh? How... familiar.<br /><br />Actually, this place /does/ look familiar. There's a region in the Land of Steel that is covered in a substance like what's flooding this burning place. Ark hasn't personally been, but he's seen the images from the scout craft that got near it. He doesn't think even the A-RAYS go to that part of the world. The superstitious say it's full of curses... but that's ridiculous.<br /><br />Ark stands in the church's ruins, wondering what it's for, while Caster of Steel stands patiently nearby. Ark is mostly at ease, though Caster seems tense. A little bit oddly, Ark is carrying what can only be described as a tome, a big, leather-bound text, the cover locked shut with a heavy clasp. Reference material?<br /><br />"Barriers, huh? You can strengthen stuff like that, right, Caster?" Ark glances to his Servant. "I mean... I can help, too, but this is definitely in your wheelhouse."<br /><br />Caster of Steel frowns, shrugging. "It is worth the attempt," the man in the suit says, vaguely.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:924|Winedark Archer (924)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>'Rider' is here. He has not yet worked with the Fangs despite membership, so it's time to fix that. The fact that this mission involves Grail Wars even makes it more important to him, a strange fascination in how a Fuyuki Grail could go wrong. He's dressed up in his robe, hood over his head with his bow dematerialized, as he glances at the map from afar. Pondering his options for a few moments, he moves over to the group that is becoming Team Two, as he speaks. "I fear that even if these are but images of those long dead, we cannot be so hasty as to dismiss them. For if they had skill once, it is unlikely that all that skill suddenly fades, and we Servants are surely a skilled bunch. Keep your wits about you and do not let your guard down."<br /><br />'Rider' nods to the rest of the group as he approaches them, save for Vergil. In fact, Vergil may notice that he doesn't even so much as look at him! It would seem that he's completely ignoring Vergil's presence, as he instead manifests his compound bow into his hands, musing. "I will provide support from afar, for I have more skill as a sniper than a swordsman. Let us fight to make sure our allies remain strong!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yep! That's why I picked it," Gudako answers Lezard. To Sanary: "The guys fighting will probably need you more."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At Raine's question, the magus answers simply: "Probably less strong than if they were fully incarnated as Servants, but each of them is probably strong enough to kill you if you let them, so, don't let them! They shouldn't be an issue if you take them seriously." In other words, place them somewhere in the 28-32 range if you need a reference frame.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To Ira, Gudako also explains: "We don't know for sure! There was a Holy Grail here, and someone made a wish that made it... explode, split up. This is all that's left. But it's where we have to start if we want to understand things!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To Vergil, she nods. "I think so. I've never seen the mud appear places on its own. It might be using the Grails as its vectors, or it might be like... the Grails' blood. Part of the idea of settling here is to study it. We'll have an ample supply!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As for telling, she shakes her head. "It's a coinflip. Everytime we've come to scout, different ones have been awake and roaming."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A nod to 'Valeska', afterwards! "You'll go with Lezard, follow his lead! The payment will be worth your while, we don't want to risk needing a second trip for this, so go all-out." She'll be paid her weight in gold, more or less, unless she has demands other than money, in which case arrangements could be made.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>~~ SHADOWS<br /><br />Both teams will be taking the same path, up to a certain point; leaving the safety of the Bounded Field means becoming visible. Not all Shadows react; many continue lumbering mindlessly, and some are actually fighting each other like mindless beasts. The occasional flare of magic or flash of light from a Noble Phantasm isn't hard to miss, although most of them are unimpressive, copies in name and appearance only, lacking substance and power.<br /><br />When the mountain comes into view, so does the path leading up to it-- a massive, tall staircase leading up to a wooden, doorless gate. Shadows converge at the base, unfortunately. While the team heading up does so, those who remain behind are aggressed by three figures.<br /><br />The first is a massive man, nine foot tall and with more muscles than anything else. He wields a massive slab of stone loosely shaped like a sword or axe, and has a single glowing yellow eye that otherwise breaks the black and purple discolored veil over him. With blinding speed, he makes Vergil his target, roaring wordlessly.<br /><br />The second is a lean man with a spear, covered in fur and a bodysuit. His fingers extend like claws, his teeth look sharp, and his eyes crazy. Unpredictably he seems to teleport outright, like reality momentarily spasms out and just puts him somewhere else. Unfortunately, that's right in front of Archer, whom the spear attempts to shank.<br /><br />The final shadow is a young woman in a suit. Her hands and feet glow, runes circling them. She's in Raine's face before anyone can blink, swinging a punch that could break metal plating. It looks like the theme here is speed and power.<br /><br />~~ MOUNT ENZOU<br /><br />Lezard, Ark and his Caster, and Valeska break off from the group, headed up the mountain. The anti-spirit field around them likely only has any effect on the Caster (and maybe Lezard), and even then it's more of a tugging pressure and not that much of a bother. With some fine-tuning, it could be made to ignore allies and be stronger, maybe.<br /><br />Ascending the countless steps and passing through the gates, the group finds a ruined temple and courtyard. They stand atop the leylines of the city-- they're powerful, but tainted. It's the leylines that power the field around the mountain, that much is obvious.<br /><br />But they are not meant to have an easy time here! Two Shadows stand here, a robed and hooded woman, and a man in a suit. They immediatly take notice of the intruders.<br /><br />The man surges forward, targetting Ark Line. His blows-- he strikes with his fists, with such power they resound like gunshots. They're wild and unpredictable, messing with one's senses by overwhelming them. A blow headed left actually strikes right, up is down, a punch is actually a claw. It's like fighting blind.<br /><br />Lezard and Valeska have to deal with the woman, who raises her hand and produces half a dozen beams of pink light. Pure magic, instantly deployed.<br /><br />The two seem weaker than the shadows at the bottom, at least. It might be due to the field. They shouldn't take too long to rein in.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The approach of Ark and Valeska are handled in different ways. Ark gains a nod of acknowledgement, his nature and that of his Servant quite known to the Necromancer of Midgard. They are useful and logical people. <br /><br />Valeska, however, gains a measuring gaze from the Necromancer, a pause extending as he considers the unknown being. There seems to be no sign of magical probing, so what is he even looking for? <br /><br />After a few tense seconds, he smiles to Valeska. "Welcome. I am sure your aid will be quite appreciated." Well, whatever it is, it looks like he's cool with the hidden dragon. <br /><br />In the meantime, the ascent up the mount is little issue to Lezard himself, though the pressure of the barrier causes a rippling pulse of crimson around him on contact. He pauses in the middle, feeling the repulsive effects. "Hmm. I wonder what manner of being would expect such a barrier to stop any significant incursion." <br /><br />He shrugs, rolling his shoulders as they reach the ruined temple. Upon entrance, he takes in the appearance of the smouldering shadow guardians. He steps aside as the suited man assaults Ark, knowing the Liner is more than capable of defending himself physically. <br /><br />More interesting is the woman in the robe. The pink beams of arcane energy surge forward, some of them colliding into a mysical barrier around Lezard himself, the attacks diverted with a thunderclap as the air around him distorts. A third beam punches into the barrier, pushing through as he twists, taking the strike on his shoulder as he is sent skidding backwards. the air around him smoulders, his cloak shredded as a bloody, smoking wound is made manifest where he was struck, instantly cauterized. <br /><br />Lezard's expression betrays... irritation, as he reaches up to adjust his glasses. "Well well, a mage... And one that is vaguely competent, to be sure." He glances to Valeska, and then back to the shadow. <br /><br />"Very well. We will show you what it means to contest the will of a true sorceror!" There is a rush of dark power around Lezard as he summons up the Manus Catalyse, the black, twisted rod taking shape out of formless shadow as he raises the object. The ley lines around him surge and flicker as he tests them... And finds them wanting. He cannot sup on these energies without knowing what effect they would have. Instead, he draws from his own voluminous reserves, an explosion of brilliant light spreading out through the air, resolving into a dozen gleaming spears of holy energy. "SACRED JAVELIN!" He calls out, returning fire upon Shadow Medea at high speed with salvos of gleaming holy lances.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Heh. Looks like I'll be sticking to the ground, then." Sanary sounds rather pleased at Gudako's assessment, and she marches off dutifully with the others in her team. It's mostly familiar faces, so it should be easy enough to keep them good and healthy for whatever comes to assail them! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Just as well, too, with the three shadowy figures approaching and targeting three of the five present. The healer's being good about actually doing her job as a healer today, though, opting to hang back for the time being and keep an eye on her allies. Seeing Ira not being targeted specifically, however, she does send some energy towards the Persona user before flashing her a confident grin. "<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Go nuts. I'll keep you all powered up!" She makes sure to say that rather loudly before projecting even more of that restorative magic towards Vergil, 'Rider', and Raine as well. Even if the regenerative aspect of it might not be necessary, an energy boost never hurts! Usually.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:878|Vergil (878)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "So we're going in blind" Vergil sighs, though he isn't quite surprised that they're taking a shot in the dark. Given the environment's nature, they were probably one of the first people to come here in a long time. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He also privately hopes that someone a bit more... sane will be the one studying the black mud. Confederate experts in this field, perhaps - like the witch, Medusa. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When they leave the bounded field's protection, Vergil actually takes in a deep breath, as if something in the atmosphere actually appeals to him more then when he was behind the protective barrier. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In spite of himself, Vergil cannot help but cast a deadpan glance to the so-called 'Rider' as the latter once more draws out a bow. "I suppose I'll make up the deficit in your skills with the blade, then. So long as you make sure our support is covered." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When they approach the mountain, Vergil takes note of the three figures - and in spite of the forms being literal shadows of their true selves, the half-demon is still inwardly surprised at the speed the mountain of a man moves with, the ringing of steel filling the air as Yamato is torn from it's scabbard and clashes against the cruddy-carved stone blade. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It quickly becomes apparent though that the warrior is very much deserving of the title as he doesn't try to simply overpower Vergil - instead, the blade is parried and brought to bear again, axe-blade and katana meeting in a swift flurry of exchanged strokes as sparks begin flying. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, in spite of the man's mammoth size, Vergil seems to be holding his ground fairly well, taking only a few steps back with every exchange - better then he truthfully would have done had his foe been at full strength - though he does spare a glance to Sanary, Raine and 'Rider', noting the latter two are already being attacked as well - as well as some grim amusement to himself as the self-proclaimed sniper is forced into a close-range battle. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Time to see if he was any good at improvising, then.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:834|Valentha Summers (834)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Perhaps it was stronger in years past?" Valeska surmises. "Everything is now in ruins, after all. With nobody to tend whatever rituals may be needed..." She too can detect the barrier's presence. The air being so thick with ley lines, her supernatural senses are ALL a-tingle. ... And not in the best of ways, all things considered. This place is nauseating. So much that she can't hide her disgust. Soft, small lips press tightly together as if to shut out the foul gunk!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But she is ready for combat as the group reaches the plateau. Pink beams of purest, focused mana strike down at her... and slam into a sizzling sphere not unlike Lezard's own defense. Bluish light wars against the pink, sparks flying and shockwaves erupting from the impacts! ... But each hammer blow weakens the defense. Valeska scowls.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So much power from a few words and gestures... I was in the running for a challenge tonight. She might be a bit much!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The green-eyed sorceress doesn't seem TOO bothered though. Just slightly on edge. A glance is aimed at Ark Line. If he can keep the fistfighter busy... she sees what Lezard's up to and decides to attack from a different angle.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Valeska's defense crumbles, but although she's pummeled by a few blasts she escapes skyward... just FLYING STRAIGHT UP under some spell's power. A few brief gestures and whispered words later...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And LIGHTNING, one of nature's fiercest powers, lashes down from the heavens. Bolt after bolt, five in all, converging on the mage-shadow's form!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"These Shadows are something else!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:924|Winedark Archer (924)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>As they walk the path, Archer prepares to break up from the group and begin taking out their foes from afar, where he can't get hit. It's the best strategy he has for unknown Servants.<br /><br />Though, it's destroyed when the canine Berserker turns out to be capable of some sort of odd teleportation, appearing right at him. Just barely he slips to the side, dodging the lance as it comes forth and he feels it 'WHOOSH' past his side. Just one misstep could have cost him his life, had it hit him and pierced his armor. Quickly shuffling his weight, he smashes his hands at the back of the Cuzerker's head with his considerable strength, before leaping backwards and nocking an arrow onto his bow.<br /><br />While in mid-air, Archer begins firing at Cuzerker. His shots aim to keep the Servant pinned, holding his limbs down so that he can't continue to warp towards him. Once he lands, Archer will quickly dodge to the side in case of a spontaneous warp, before firing another arrow straight in the direction of Cuzerker's eyes. Guess he won't be able to support, right now!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:604|Raine Arland (604)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And out of the church, and the bounded field the group goes. They split up at the agreed upon point, with team two holding down the fort. And it's not long before they are beset by hostiles in the form of shadows. "...Wow." Raine mumbled, gaze sweeping between the three that had approached. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But there was no time to be awed. The others could handle themselves. He needed to worry about not getting killed. And that was going to be a bit of an issue. She was fast. Too fast. Before he could blink, a woman in a suit was in his face, fist flying. "-Shit!" He cursed, and immediately ducked low, letting the attack just barely scrape over the top of his head in passing. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Damn, she's fast!" He didn't have time to call up his swords! "Fragarach, stop reading and hold her down!" The young man called over to the floating figure in white a ways away. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With a sigh, Fragarach looked up from her reading and narrowed her gaze. Oh look. People were fighting. How quaint. "....." And with a sigh, she extended an arm, covered in a detatchd white sleeve, and muttered. "Luminous Chain." From all around the shadow woman, several small, white portals formed, and then chains of light burst out of them at high speeds, aiming to restrain the shadow. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Alright!" Raine grinned and held an arm out, red energy converging and materializing into a rather sizable blade. He gripped it in reverse and then held his other arm out. And in that hand, another sword materialized. "This is as good a time as any to try this out!" It was a Sith Vibroblade. That assassin droid gave it to him. May as well put it to use. <br /><br />T "Here goes!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And the man in black lunged forward, aiming to cleave into the shadowy woman with a combo of two heavy slashes in quick succession, forming a cross. The truth was really that this was a bad opponent for him. Ironically, he was a mage killer. Not a one on one fighter. Put him up against someone with speed, power, and skill? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Well, he had to hope Fragarach was feeling charitable on those days.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite appearing as a big, dumb bruiser, Ira actually does take a moment to size up the Shadows as they arrive, Gudako's words clear on her mind about the strength of these things. As much as she wanted to throw herself at every single challenge that came her way, such a thing didn't bring her success as a bully. No, she had to be a careful predator and select her prey wisely. She assesses each of the shadows carefully. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The fast girl Shadow peels off to strike at Raine, the speed dazzling to the persona user, though she merely grunts in response. "Alright. You'll do." She digs something out of her pocket-a zippo, it turns out-and stares at it. "Persona." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A roar echos down the mountain as the regal-looking Beast flares to life behind her, soaring over the six-foot tall teenager with a powerful leap. Big gorilla-like hands reach out to grasp the woman, hold her still, and squeeze as much as possible. This way, Raine can get some free stabs in too. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ira herself searches the immediate area for something that can be used as an improvizational weapon.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ark shoots the Necromancer a quick grin. Caster tips his hat politely. Ark thinks Lezard is an impressive kind of guy, and he'd like to talk shop with him sometime, maybe expand his own limited magical abilities. Caster thinks he's dangerous, and recalls a saying about the distance between friends and enemies.<br /><br />They move. Ark has helpfully brought the same airship he was using before, though with less drake-guts involved. He doesn't want to fly it through the barrier, but he doesn't want to walk near that mud crap either. He and Caster go down when the group go to pass through it, and Ark while Ark doesn't seem to notice it, Caster of Steel frowns in irritation when he pushes through. Ark shoots a look back at him, and Caster waves his hand. "We'll need to improve that barrier if we want to keep anyone out," Caster says.<br /><br />Ark nods, turns, and pushes forward -- into the sight of the courtyard and the shadows. Ark glances at them, and his small group, and holds out the tome he's carrying. Caster of Steel takes it, taking a step back. Ark turns back around --<br /><br />-- and has a guy in a suit come at him almost faster than he can see. Ark's eyes flash with amber light, a surge of poisonous Grain rippling through his body.<br /><br />"<span style="color:#FFC200">CORRECT FUTURE!</span>"<br /><br />The first hit connects with Ark's forearm, the sound of a gunshot echoing through the courtyard. The back of his demi-gauntlet withstands the strike, the strength of the piece of equipment enhanced by the foreign magic surging through it. His stance shifts, but it feels sluggish compared to the overwhelming speed of the other fighter. A second strike comes in, slipping past his guard, clipping his jaw and sending him reeling. Ark can't follow him with his eyes.<br /><br />This is not the first time he's had this problem.<br /><br />Ark jumps backwards, his inhuman speed barely able to keep him from immediately getting laid out flat. Strikes from angles he can't predict clip him but don't do more than bruise, the fake reinforcement of his own body keeping him going. Suddenly, he stops, planting one foot and sweeping the other across the stones of the courtyard, kicking dirt and dust into the air. One hand is extended into it, the young magus snarling a word that translates to utter nonsense.<br /><br />The next swing that goes through it feels like it's hitting a pile of sandbags, needing to power through them to get to the Ether Liner on the other side. Swings like gunshots leave holes in the hovering barrier of dust as if something had blasted apart a semi-solid wall. For all intents and purposes, it is. Ark doesn't do much magic, but this is a sort of material he can mess with.<br /><br />Ark takes a step to the side, around another strike, and jumps straight up as the makeshift barrier gets breached again. He clears it in a single bound, flipping forward with that bone Knight Arm of his clutched in his hand like a blunt, square-tipped dagger. He sinks his fingers into the semi-solid dust cloud, changing his upwards motion into a sharp downward dive, thrusting the conceptual weapon down and forward when he expects the phantom to look up --<br /><br />-- which will conveniently give him a chance to drive it through its eye when it does.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>~~ SHADOWS<br /><br />There's no doubt Sanary's healing will be useful here! In the unlikely event the Shadows land significant blows, nothing beats having a dedicated healer on your side.<br /><br />Vergil and the largest Shadow go at it for a few rounds; swords clash, and under the strain of their combined strength the charred concrete under their feet cracks, barely able to hold the warriors up. The mindless Shadow pushes, and pushes-- intentionally taking steps forward even when it means the katana strikes him. His skin is hard as steel, but what's steel to Vergil's sword? Gashes and wounds accumulate on the massive warrior, slowing his advance. To make up for it, he roars, louder, and with a sudden surge of strength attempts a single, powerful blow to end the exchange.<br /><br />'Rider' finds out that his Shadow seems... very skilled at deflecting arrows. His spear twirls with unusual speed and precision, intercepting as many of the arrows as is possible. One breaks through, striking a shoulder. Before 'Rider' can land, the Shadow has already disappeared, now overhead. The spear is swung like a club, trying to batter 'Rider' straight into the ground he was aiming to land on, with the canine Shadow on top.<br /><br />Fragarach's chains manifest, tying down the female Shadow. She grunts, straining-- new runes appear on her gloves, making them glow brighter and increasing her strength. Despite the restraints, she's able to take one step forward, into Raine's blade. It burries into her side, and then stops there, as one of the Shadow's elbows wraps around the sword and clenches, locking it in place. With her four limbs held down, she takes another step forward, despite the sword inside her. One foot glows, shatters its chains, and then screams forward with a powerful kick, while the arm holding the sword tries to keep it in. It's reckless, but it's one way to disarm an opponent for sure. Or-- that was the plan.<br /><br />Ira rides in, her large Persona bear hugging the Shadow. Unable to reach Raine and counterattack after all, all of her strength focuses into the one leg that's freed, and slams into the ground. The powerful shockwave (and debris everywhere) aims to send Raine and Ira flying back, but it's very indirect.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>~~ MOUNT ENZOU<br /><br />Lezard opens fire with holy javelins; the woman produces a set of barriers of her own, physical shields that withstand the initial strikes but break under the strain of the numerous projectiles. She manages, luckily, not to have her neck cut off, a javeling grazing her side, tearing shadowy robes, and another piercing through her stomach, an injury that heals itself when darkness coalesces into it.<br /><br />Abusing the opening, Valeska lands a lightning bolt that electrocutes the woman, causing her to fall to one knee. She swings one hand to her side, muttering words drowned out by her shadowy state. The air around Lezard suddenly compresses; a spell attempts to lock him in a bubble of air and is causing it to implode. Valeska escapes sky-ward, and is targetted by another volley of bright pink lasers. There's more of them this time, and a central, much larger one.<br /><br />Ark's dust barrier does well to hold his own Shadow back for a moment, since it can't see through it very well. It's when Ark attacks that it resumes its onslaught-- one fist reaches forward for the Liner, blocking the dagger by... well, getting hit. The bony weapon sinks into the martial artist's hand, for all intents and purposes ruining it. It clenches around the dagger though, and tries to pull Ark in. And towards his other fist. One strike, this time, not a flurry. A precise strike for the temple and the back of the neck at the same time. This martial artist is definitely a killer more than a fighter.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Caster of Steel presumably picks flowers and adjusts his monocle, safe from all harm. The eyes of a Caster can easily pinpoint the center of the leylines, where everything connects. The field around the mountain is natural; it might be a result of this place being holy ground, however broken it is now. It pretty much means there's no resistance. Caster doesn't have to fight the influence of another mage to do anything here. But what does he want to start with? Try to take control of the area, boost the effect, maybe set something up to harvest the land himself first? It's pretty rich in magic. Not as much as his world, but it's not bad.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:878|Vergil (878)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A very skilled opponent for what was very likely a mortal figure in life... though given the power in his strikes, he suspected he wasn't entirely 'human'. If he'd thought the phantom was capable of articulating an answer, Vergil might have been tempted to ask the warrior's name. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As it was though, he was the one who was winning - even though he was taking steps back, he was cutting his opponent. The trade-off of the other's brutish tactic of intentionally taking blows so as to close the gap, the behemoth's blows becoming more broad even as they fail to lose their finesse - he was trying to push Vergil into a corner. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At the same time, the Son of Sparda could take this to his advantage a bit, using the gaps in the berserk warrior's guard to swipe at the muscles and tendons of his opponent to weaken him bit by bit, splatters of blood intermixing with the sparks in the air as the steel skin is cut into over and over. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Then the black giant roars as one of the blows pushes Vergil back, readying for what seemed to be a final exchange - an all-or-nothing gambit - while Vergil simply slides Yamato back into it's sheath. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "So... one cut, one kill. Alright, then." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dropping into a deep stance as he puts his weight on his forward leg, Vergil watches the massive stone weapon close on him, time seeming to dilate as the earth-shattering blow comes for him- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -and then the ground under Vergil's feet shatters as he charges into the strike, Yamato's scabbard impacting against the jagged edges of the stone-sword to parry it away enough for him to get within the giant's guard, though the serrated 'teeth' still brush his shoulder enough to lacerate and draw blood just from passing by. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; An acceptable trade-off - and an impressive show of the bestial warrior's strength against a literal demon - as Vergil pulls Yamato free of the sheath and delivers the strongest blow he can muster across the black giant's chest, cutting deep enough to splash it's blood across his face and front. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Whether it kills the giant though... that has yet to be seen.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:834|Valentha Summers (834)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh... pumpernickel!" Valeska exclaims upon Lezard being assaulted by a space-time distortion. She seems to have sensed that spell the moment it was put into practice, but this is a time when probably nobody's paying any attention to where her gaze falls.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not like she can exactly afford to be distracted too much herself. But maybe...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maybe she can turn the tables.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A delicate hand reaches out towards the blasts as her robes billow and wave in the winds of battle. Lips and voice shape syllables at tremendous speed in a largely lost language, Words of Power resonating with a deep wellspring. POWER flows from Valeska in droves. More than that, it swerves inwards from the ley lines in a way only a master spellcaster could orchestrate, woven into her spell expertly.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whatever spell she's casting though...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Is not defensive.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But she bites down on the urge to shriek as the storm of power courses across her, burning her limbs and abrading skin, knocking her sailing through the air with her whole body scorched and sizzling!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet the urge to scream in apain doesn't win. Not for a Wizard of her discipline. Bluish light crackles at the blast's head as it carries her off--<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;... and reappears about ten feet BEHIND the Shadow Caster. Valeska's executed another teleport, albeit the escape wasn't perfect. She's far from unscathed. Her robes are scorched. A few holes've been punched through them and blood's clearly spurted all over them from within. Yet... she still stands.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Still casts.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The last words of power leave her throat just as she gestures wildly... and the air's filled with the cling-clang-rattling of chains! Glowing, phantasmal chains of sparking hot white metal(?) and wreathed in a blue aura flow in droves from her robes and fingertips. They move in arcs to encircle the Shadow then CLENCH TIGHT.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;These chains are more than physical binds. They sap strength, both spiritual and physical!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Are you quite done, restless phantom...?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She casts a look down to Lezard Valeth below. Hopeful that both her constraining will work and he can capitalize on it!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The magical duel between Lezard and Valeska against Caster rages on. The Necromancer of Midgard hisses as Caster proves to be resistant to dying, like many Servants are, and he gasps as the bubble clenches down on him, the pressure intensifying quickly. Pops and snaps can be heard from his body as she crushes down on him, and he grimaces, raising the Catalyst and smashing it into the side of the bubble. There is a burst of energy as the side of the spell ruptures out, causing the implosion to blow out unevenly, leaving Lezard dropped to one knee and bleeding from internal ruptures. "Well..." He hisses. "I suppose it is time for the kid gloves to come off." He mutters, spitting a gobbet of blood to the ground as he scowls. <br /><br />He stands back up, planting himself right where he is, and an explosion of Power gathers around him as he summons up a greater amount. Sizzling lines burn around him, a spreading array of lines and sigils that form a complicated, erudite array. This isn't one of his normal spells. In fact, it's not a magic of Midgard at all. Once he's seen the Shadow reconstitute itself from the blow, he realized he has to do something more... direct to prevent her from continuing to heal herself. <br /><br />He thrusts out the Catalyst, intoning, "<span class=" bold_fg_w bg_n ++ hw">Breath of the White Dragon</span>."<br /><br />There is a sudden eyesearing explosion of white as a beam lances from the Catalyst, tracing forward through where Shadow Caster stands... And then there is an explosion of white as gleaming, blue-white crystals rip upwards, ensnaring, consuming, and shredding through anything caught in the momentarily delayed attack, shearing with deadly arcane power. <br /><br />But that is not all: Those struck by the blast begin to crystallize, the cursed breath of Seath the Scaleless emulated in the strike as they begin to have their life forces entombed within. Even should one survive the strike, if they cannot shake off the curse, it will follow them still. <br /><br />It sure is inconvenient that Valeska is trying to hold her still, isn't it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"C'mon, get her!" Ira barks at Raine as the persona keeps the binding solid with his big, beefy, hairy arms. The gorilla-warthog-looking combination of a Prince grunts and squirms, struggling to hold the Shadow still despite its bigger size. In terms of power, the Beast might be matched or perhaps even exceeded by the lone Shadow. All the better that the three of them are ganging up on her. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From one of the crumbled buildings, Ira grabs an exposed piece of rebar and yanks at it. It bends but does not pull free of the concrete. Snorting, she plants her feet and pulls some more, cracks spreading as the stone starts to crumble. With one final, herculean yank, she draws the bendable metal free with a not-insignificant piece of concrete still very much atatched to the rebar. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As she does this, the Beast continues to struggle to hold on to the woman Shadow but cannot do so for very much longer. With a grunt of warning, his muscles unclench and he backs off, seemingly freeing the woman to continue her assault against Raine and his chains. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But it is in this moment Ira comes sweeping in, the rebar held low, the concrete-covered end aimed at the Shadow's head with a powerful upward stroke. A grin of malice is firmly on the girl's face, the teenager reveling in the unrestrained violence she finally gets to engage in.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:604|Raine Arland (604)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ah crap. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It sorta worked, and then it sorta didn't! Raine landed a strike, thanks to the chains, but this stubborn woman just grabbed into the blade. It's not long after that she shatters the chains binding her and lashes out with a fierce kick. "Crap-!" Raine had two choices. A; Take the hit and keep both swords. B; Lose one sword and evade. Considering the power behind those strikes? B, B, B! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Without wasting any time to think about it, Raine released his hold on the vibroblade, keeping his original sword as he jumped back, barely out of the path of that kick. And even still, the rush of wind following it reminded him that just one hit from this lady was all it would take to put him in Citadel Medical for a week. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Okay, now what...now what..." He mumbled, eyes sweeping immediate area. Should he have Fragarach cast another spell? Should he just go all in? Or maybe- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nevermind! Ira's Persona grabs the lady, and creates an opening. "Heh! Nice. Let's get this over with then!" Flipping his blade, the man in black gripped it forward and lunged dead ahead ina dashing thrust. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At least, that was the plan before she used her free leg to slam it into the ground and create a huge shockwave. "...Well, fuck." Raine cursed as he saw the indirect attack coming. "God damn it, I'm too committed! I'm going all in! Sanary. prepare to heal after this is over" Fragarach, gimme a boost!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The white lady glanced up from her manga and looked towards the ongoing battle. "...." Another sigh. She raised an arm, pointed in Raine's direction. "Zephyr." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A current of wind immediately burst to life around Raine, forming into a drill like cone emission that theoretically would help him in his attempt to barrel through the shockwave. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Alright! Vortex Thrust! Haaaaaaaa!" Yelling spiritedly, feeling the roar of force and stone debris battering him, Raine charged straight ahead, aiming to pierce the shadowy woman.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Eye darting from fight to fight, Sanary's attention eventually settles on the Shadow that 'Rider' is facing. That seems to be the most disadvantageous matchup here, so perhaps it's time to tip the scales a little more in their favor! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In a moment, anyway. First things first: actually using that PHysic staff instead of just keeping it around for decoration. Pumping some energy into the staff, she directs a long-ranged burst of healing energy at Vergil to help take care of that shoulder wound hastily. She keeps that staff in hand, but her next move... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... Is to start assisting 'Rider'! "I needed a live test of this, anyway..." She mutters to herself while focusing energy into her eye, taking a moment to adjust to the feeling of using a different matrix. Being careful not to prepare the wrong one, she breaks into a run at the Shadow while howling at the top of her lungs with the riot shield braced in front of her. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She doesn't try to ram into it, though: That'd just be foolish without swapping the staff for the gunaxe. Instead, she takes aim with her eye and fires... Nothing? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nothing blatantly visible at first, anyway. Instead of something more obvious like the exploding heat laser, Sanary instead fires a thinner, grayish beam at the Shadow. She's testing her Break matrix today in an attempt to turn the offending Shadow to stone! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Getting close, apparently, was just to be as loud and obnoxious about it as possible.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Just as Ira swings upward, the shockwave strikes and blows her backwards. Even someone as heavy as her is definitely effected, though the beast less so due to his superior bulk. Ira, however, tilts backwards adn forces herself to throw her makeshift weapon down to anchor herself. Through this, she manages to not fall over.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Caster of Steel mostly stands out of the line of fire. He doesn't feel the need to help the rest of their little group in fighting the phantoms; if he has to, he's going to ruin the temple up here when he does it, and nobody actually wants that.<br /><br />But it's a hat he adjusts, not a monocle, thank you.<br /><br />Caster skirts the edge of the battle, holding a clipboard against one arm and a pen in the other. He makes notes about the energy here and there, avoiding the fighting and doing administrivia instead. When he gets far enough away to be out of convenient lasering angle -- not range, but rather in a line of fire that'll make it easy for Lezard to interrupt the phantom -- he starts working on the actual alterations.<br /><br />Caster pulls a cylindrical mechanical calculator out of his pocket, about the size and shape of a hand grenade. He uses it to run some numbers, focusing on strengthening the barrier to keep more phantoms from getting in and flanking them. Actually properly claiming the place is next, but slowing down anything that could give them more trouble is a priority.<br /><br /><br />Meanwhile, a short ways away, Ark has a bad time.<br /><br />Ark's Knight Arm is not, strictly speaking, a dagger. When he has it folded up, it looks like a flat-tipped long knife, and it's narrow enough at the end to sort of fake it. It requires more force to use it like that, though, but given how tough it is to even scratch it, Ark doesn't care about using the extra muscle.<br /><br />He ruins a hand, and he's pulled forward. Ark grits his teeth, tugged against the semisolid sand wall. The fist comes at him, a potentially killing blow if Ark has ever seen one. This isn't someone who fights for the thrill of it; this is (was?) a guy who was focused on fighting to kill.<br /><br />In spite of the situation, Ark's face split into a fierce grin.<br /><br />The first doesn't quite connect. Ark's body twists, his free hand goes up, catching the strike. He feels an explosion of pain from his hand and wrist, but the Liner ignores it with all the practiced expertise of someone who has had to fight while wounded time and time again. His elbow bends at an angle he doesn't want it to, adding another source of agony to the growing collection. He tenses, bending with the hammerblow instead of trying to fight against it. He doesn't lose his footing, which is probably the most important part.<br /><br />Ark gets in up close and personal. He tries to twist the arm bearing the phantom's wounded hand by using Correct Future as leverage, the Knight Arm burning with Grain's poisonous power. Ark turns, yelling in equal parts pain and fury, slamming his shoulder into the man's chest the second he releases the uninjured hand with his now-wounded one. He goes through a quick and practiced motion, trying to lever him off his feet, swing him over his shoulder to slam him into the ground at his feet. His Knight Arm will have to be wrenched free, and he's going to make sure it hurts.<br /><br />Helpfully, this would put him into face-stomping range. Ark leans on Correct Future's power, increasing the force of his downward stomp. If he doesn't meet fake-flesh, he is going to shatter the stone and crater the ground.<br /><br />It is going to suck when the shock from that travels up his leg in a second.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:924|Winedark Archer (924)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>As the Berserker turns out to be quite skilled against Rider's brand of murder, he realizes that he's going to need to think outside the box. And that means he's going to need to figure out exactly how he stands compared to the battlefield.<br /><br />Raine and Ira are fighting Bazett. Raine is charging straight at her, which means any attack against her has a chance of hitting him. However, with Sanary Rondel at their side, any wounds could likely be healed, so this is not a pressing concern, as with the Beast. With Bazett having her focus on two combatants, she will likely not be able to dodge in time if she is attacked from another side.<br /><br />The Berserker fighting Archer is skilled against arrows and can teleport, but it would seem that he does not have precise control over his teleportation. This means it can be used against him. He is almost feral in his methods, which also mean that distractions and taunts should work well enough for Archer's methods. Archer has a fair amount of strength, so once the Berserker is distracted, he should be able to overpower him enough to move. It is also likely that the Berserker is not smart enough, or doesn't care enough, to refrain blows from the other Shadows if it is forced into it. As such, Archer deems this plan not only workable, but likely the most efficent, especially with Sanary already using her new petrification attack.<br /><br />All of this analysis happens within seconds, as Archer is slammed to the ground by the strike. Dodging his spear narrowly as it slams downwards, as it slices right past the side of his armor, Archer uses Sanary's distraction as an opening, shifting his weight in an attempt to slam Cuzerker off him and away, as he leaps up to his feet and back. Ripping off his hood, he stares the Berserker in the eyes, shouting confidently. "A manged mutt such as yourself should not be using such a proud weapon. You are nothing but vermin that needs to be put down like the waste you are!" He begins moving, expecting the beast to chase after him. And he's expecting that warp spasm to be used immediately. And that's what he plans on abusing.<br /><br />Attempting to mentally calculate at what point Cuzerker will warp spasm, he waits until seconds before that, before changing direction at Bazett. Getting close to her, he turns towards Cuzerker...and barrels out of the way right as he predicts him to warp spasm, hoping that the Hound of Culainn will appear right at Bazett and strike immediately. Only time will tell if this actually works! It's going out a bit on a limb, but then, there wasn't much else he could do. Physical attacks are not his strongest suit, especially against another physical attacker, and his ranged attacks weren't going to work. So the next best thing was deception.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>~~ SHADOWS<br /><br />A single strike exchanged between Vergil and Heracles. The ground breaks and the two warriors pass one another. Heracles draws blood by sheer proximity; Vergil claims the giant's chest in exchange, bisecting the massive man cleanly in two. There's a thunderous crash as the torso hits the ground.<br /><br />And then it stirs. Like time rewinding itself, the dead giant surges up with new life, his injuries sealed and battle condition essentially reset. He was definitely dead, there wasn't a doubt to be had there. Now he's not. A hero with multiple lives. He roars, currently disarmed. Without his rocky sword, his massive fists swing for Vergil instead, with an occasional kick tossed in. His body doesn't seem to be able to handle the movements he's making, sadly. The giant warrior is skilled, but something about his muscles is slowing the strikes. He might be more dangerous if he was coherent and didn't have those weird bony protrusions here and there. Not that getting punched by him right now would be pleasant either.<br /><br />Ira applies UNRESTRAINED VIOLENCE to the problem. The woman's head bends to the side with a loud crack, skull shattering but the Shadow still standing.<br /><br />Raine freeing herself, the sword is withdrawn from Bazett's body. With the same gesture, she attempts to put it inside Ira instead.<br /><br />Then Raine hits, hard. His strike hits the woman in the chest, tearing her apart. Leaping aside, she is now missing half her torso and an arm. A very inconvenient loss. She raises her one remaining hand, and runes begin spinning in the air. They're healing her-- resetting her battle condition.<br /><br />Until the mad dog, hot behind Archer, accidently beheads the woman with his spear, having suddenly warped by her and thrust with monstrous strength. There's a pause, and the raging dog glows a bit brighter in anger.<br /><br />He pulls his spear back, and it erupts with red light. He is about to throw it, when Sanary's spell locks him in place. The petrification doesn't take hold, but it seems to paralyze him for a second.<br /><br />Plenty of time for people to realize the glowing red spear is bad and to focus their fire.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>~~ MOUNT ENZOU<br /><br />Valentha's chains wrap around Medea. Her strength and magic sapped, it doesn't look like she'll be able to free herself from those bounds. She struggles, reaching into her robes to pull a weird, zig-zag knife out.<br /><br />She manages to plunge the tip of the knife into one of the phantom chains, and for the briefest moment it looks like she's undoing the binding. This is interrupted by Lezard being angry. Engulfed by the blast, Medea is crystalized. In the wake of the beam of light is left nothing but a crystal statue, of exceptionally poor quality. The Shadow isn't really a Servant after all, so as prizes go she's a meager one at best. Still, that battle is won.<br /><br />Caster begins the process of giving the barrier a boost, after mapping the area out. There's no doubt that map will help Lezard and Valeska when they're done dusting themselves.<br /><br />Ark Line puts up a fight and refuses to die. The poison of his weapon will overwhelm the fighter it's lodged in sooner or later, so really all he has to do is survive. A shoulder slams into the Shadow's chest and pushes him back. He sweeps him off his feet, and onto the ground-- and as Medea dies, Ark Line notices something incredible. Whatever enhancements made the killer superhuman vanish. His grip on the Knight Arm is now null, and moments later his face gets stomped into the ground. And so the Shadow dies.<br /><br />Leaving the team to do as they please on the mountain.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:834|Valentha Summers (834)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Valeska's torn the moment that dagger appears. She KNOWS it must bear some kind of special power... but between it and the onrushing crystal breath? She decides to vamoose. A difference of seconds and the chains would be dispersed as she pulls away from 'Medea' moments before they blast engulfs her...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The similarly-dressed sorceress from Bizantium swoops through the air, gracefully landing near Lezard Valeth again. She does look like she's taken a beating... there's CLEAR bloodsoaking seemingly from her side and legs, but it's hard to say, under those scorched robes, just how injured she really is. Since she's FLOATING, not putting too much weight on the legs is... easily avoided!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So there's no limping. Just a slight grimace. "Well done, wizard. Are you injured...?" She glances him over... and not just him, but the nearby Ark Line!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:878|Vergil (878)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As Yamato carves through the giant's body, Vergil's face is splattered with the dead behemoth's blood, though the Son of Sparda himself is all but unscathed. Letting out a breath, he flicks any lingering traces of blood off of Yamato's edge- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then finds himself staring in subdued yet still-visable surprise as the corpse reanimates, the bisected halves pulling together with a regenerative rate that even the highest of demon-lords would have been hard-pressed to recreate. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This could /not/ have been a simple human. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However... it seems he didn't return perfectly, as the force of his own strikes seemed to be overextending his joints and muscles. As such, while the giant was fast and certainly had strength on his side, Vergil felt he was undoubtedly faster. And without that ragged stone blade, his opponent's reach was considerably reduced - as was his ability to guard himself, letting Vergil make opportune cuts for his limbs. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But, much to his irritation, Vergil found that Yamato was surprisingly losing effectiveness against the mountain of a man - almost like his opponent's skin had somewhat adapted to his weapon. Granted, it was minor, but it was still noticeable. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Time to change tactics, then - even if Yamato wasn't nullified, best to at least make sure his hunch was right, as well as to hit with a weapon that would give the full amount of damage. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Summoned Swords." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pulling back a bit, blue energy flares to life around the demon-hybrid, forming into eight spectral blades that fired for the raging warrior - one for each limb, three for the torso and one for the head. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And if that downed him, Vergil would be sure to decapitate the corpse and slice it apart - regenerative ability or not, there surely had to be a limit to how many times he could cheat death. It was just a matter of pushing him over that limit... and considering Vergil saw himself the better warrior here, he had little doubt he could do so.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>And that ends quickly enough. Lezard does in fact dust himself off, brushing away some stray shards of crystal as he approaches the crappy statue. "They say it is ill to speak unkindly of the dead, so I will simply say... Nice try." He says, smug as hell as he just leaves the statue there. It's not even worth his time to pick it up immediately. Maybe if Val is lucky he'll forget it's there and she can bogart it. <br /><br />In the meantime, he heads over to Caster of Steel, who is already getting to work. Lezard appreciates initative. "Caster of Steel, how goes the work?" He asks. "Have you already gathered the information we need to alter the barrier?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Ira regains her even footing, she feels a shooting pain in her gut. When she looks down, she finds a spreading stain of blood on her shirt and Bazett's sword being stabbed into her stomach. A pained groan escapes her and she wrenches herself free just as Raine strikes the woman. She steps backwards, one hand pressed to the wound, her whole body shaking. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She has never been wounded this severely before. The pain is immense. "Sanary-" she croaks, "Sanary, I need your help." <br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Distantly, she hears radio chatter. Stuff being bandied about about a noble phantasm and how damn dangerous they are. Even without really knowing, Ira can see with her own eyes the red light growing around the raging dog like a big, bad warning signal. She turns, only to stagger as another wave of pain hits her, forcing her to use her impromptu weapon as an impromptu walking stick to lean on instead. "Beast." she says to her persona, who has now recovered from the strain of holding Bazett down. "Get him." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's all the command needed. The Beast launches forward, loping on all fours, kicking up dirt and dust in its passing and its fervor to reach the dog-servant. Nostrils flare, steam rising from each, the eyes of the Beast glowing with fury, as if fueled by his barer's pain. When it arrives within arm's reach, it actually runs past Cuzerker, aiming to clothesline him right into the ground. Should that succeed, he will immediately jump on the Shadow and begin savagely tearing at it with his claws. All the while, he grunts and snarls, not unlike an animal.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "So that's how it works..." Sanary's sounding rather pleased with herself at the effects of the Break matrix. Has she even tested it before? Probably not. Still, it seems to have done it's job, and just in time, too! Although the fight's not quite over yet with the spearman still standing, she does take a moment to use the Physic staff to send more healing magic Ira's way at her request. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I gotcha, Ira! Don't get too in over your head now." Thankfully, the healing from the staff comes as a burst of recovery rather than her usual regeneration boosting magic! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With so many injured to focus on, she'll just have to trust that he and the others that had been occupied with the Shadow lady can finish it off even with that ominous glowing spear. Which is... Apparently, some sort of Noble Phantasm. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Well, shit. Rider's and Raine's wounds will just have to wait a little longer, then, and the healer throws herself back into the fray! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... By literally throwing herself at the spear. Not the tip, of course, because that'd just be suicidal. Instead, she's aiming to grab onto the back end of the glowing spear and the spearman's arm, putting the full weight of herself, her armor, and her shields on that one limb to try and keep him from throwing the thing at all!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ark crushes the phantom with a move that still makes him connect with solid ground. The Shadow dies, and Ark yells, adrenaline up and heart pounding in his ears. He breathes hard, sweat running down his face. His good hand clutches Correct Future with a white-knuckled grip. If he was paying attention, he'd notice he was shaking.<br /><br />That felt /really/ good.<br /><br />It's going to be a couple seconds before he realizes how bad he feels. Valeska might be able to see that his left hand isn't closing right, and he's holding that entire arm a little awkwardly. When he takes a couple steps, he limps, favoring the leg he didn't slam into the ground hard enough to break stone.<br /><br /><br />Caster of Steel looks up, turning the clipboard around. He's made extensive notations, though a lot of it is in equations based on the Land of Steel's use of Grain. It works, here, though it's more scientifically-minded. Still, he's got the boundaries down. "I've begun strengthening it myself," he says, "to prevent interference. It will be very simple for me to claim this region as our own."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:924|Winedark Archer (924)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Archer's plan worked right as he expected it to. Though now there's the situation of Cuzerker preparing to use his Noble Phantasm! Getting back to his feet and drawing his bow, Archer begins to fire several arrows at Cuzerker. He's expecting him to block them, but if he does, it'll just leave him open for the others' attacks. Vergil should be able to handle himself with the other Berserker, and then they're done. Fingers crossed!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:604|Raine Arland (604)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Raine skid to a stop on the other side of Bazett, panting heavily as he recovered from the act of carving through the blast and piercing through the shadow. He didn't even bother to look back as the shadow with the lance inadvertently finished her off. It was only when Archer mentioned 'Noble Phantasm' over the radio, that he turned to look. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well shit-" He groaned and then turned, picking up his fallen vibroblade and glaring over at Fragarach. "Hey! Gimme another boost! And make it fast!" The floating girl didn't even bother to look up. She just turned a page before carelessly directing an arm his way. "Prominence." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Both of Raine's swords burst to life with flames, and he grinned. "Okay, guy! Let's see how you handle this one!" And he dove forward, forcing his body to move despite it's protests. Mid-dash, he flipped the grip on his original sword to reverse, and then spun, creating a whirlwind of flaming slashes as he aimed to slash the mad Servant apart before he could let that Noble Phantasm loose. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Better safe than sorry, he'd say.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>~~ SHADOWS<br /><br />Vergil conjures a hail of blades. They pierce through the giant's skin-- some of them, anyway. Enough to matter. Chest and heart pierced, head lopped off, the giant falls to the ground one more time. It does not get back up, this time.<br /><br />Ira, wounded, commands her Beast to attack the canine Berserker. Knocked to the ground violently and then torn to shreds, the Shadow loses its off-arm and significant chunks of its body to the gorefest.<br /><br />Sanary hurls herself at the downed warrior, trying to grab his weapon. Even torn apart like he is, he continues moving and fighting-- the loss of a limb and of significant body mass is nothing. This Shadow, whatever warrior he used to be, can fight even when critically wounded. Apparently another theme for today, as all three of the Shadows were that sort of fighter. He is doing his best to keep hold of the spear with the one arm, even using his feet to try to kick Sanary away. Well, the one good foot he has left, after the Beast was done with him.<br /><br />A few arrows from the Archer impede the Berserker's ability to fight Sanary back though, lodging themselves in what's left of his chest and striking his heart.<br /><br />In a last ditch movement, the Berserker sees Raine incoming. He hurls his spear away, presumably with Sanary holding on to it, so that she lands a safe distance away. He also puts the last of his strength into kicking Ira's Persona at least a meter back if he can.<br /><br />And then he's shredded by Raine's whirlwind of fire.<br /><br />Did he intentionally knock the two girls out of the way?<br /><br />Ah well. Like every Shadow besides Medea, the Berserker's body (and weapon) dissipates into black mist, which seeps back into the ground.<br /><br />It's around that time that the party can feel the barrier around the mountain going up full strength, courtesy of the other team. Shadows won't be bothering you now.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>~~ MOUNT ENZOU<br /><br />It's lucky for Ark Line that 'Valeska' is a skilled healer. If she deems him worth healing, anyway! That's up to her whims.<br /><br />Eventually joining Caster of Steel is Gudako's Caster, the foxgirl having helped size the area up a bit. She's mostly done her best to make the other Caster's life easier, since he seems to complain he's not much of a magic guy every now and then!<br /><br />Without interference, it'll probably take five minutes for the group to bend Mount Enzou to their will. Twisting the leylines right, assuming control of the field to redefine its targets, and focusing its power would allow it to repel the Shadows without having any ill effects on those considered 'friendly' by the field's owners, and that'll be perfect.<br /><br />Now they just have to start planning on what they want to build here.<br /><br />But that's for another day!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:834|Valentha Summers (834)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wow. Brushed off. Valeska blinks a few times, her expression spoiling faster than raw meat on a hot summer day. IGNORED! Oh well. She just huffs lightly and adjusts her robe, pulling the hood up over her head.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then gets to work with aiding the project.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:878|Vergil (878)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Finally, as the giant falls to the ground, Vergil decides he will not take chances this time - before the corpse even finishes it's decent, the Son of Sparda slices it repeatedly, all but disassembling it as he slices the body into multiple pieces. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... finally, after a few moments of gazing at the pile of flesh - possibly dissolving back into 'prana' at this point - to make certain his opponent is well and truly dead, Vergil shakes the blood off of Yamato's length with a single flick of his wrist and promptly slides it back into it's scabbard. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; An interesting opponent to say the least - and one certainly worth the title of hero, to have gone up against a demon such as himself. In a way, it actually made Vergil somewhat minutely regretful that he never got to learn the name of the historical warrior whom he'd bested today. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With his own battle done, he takes the chance to gaze back at the other fight as it winds down - and sees the lance-wielder's puzzling final act of discarding his weapon and kicking the other opponent aside. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That did not seem the kind of move one in his position would make. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "How strange" Vergil muses as he approaches the group somewhat leisurely in the wake of his own battle's end. "It looked almost like he pushed them out of the way of that last attack. How strangely chivalrous." He doesn't sound impressed though - simply curious. "Perhaps more then just their fighting abilities bleed through in these 'shadows'?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Something else to study, it seemed - which they would likely have ample time for now, as Vergil can sense the barrier strengthen around them... though if anyone could perceive it, the swordsman actually seemed somewhat annoyed by the dispelling of the inherent darkness in the atmosphere. A rather telling indicator of just what kind of affinities the Son of Sparda had. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I suppose we're done here, then."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The bleeding stops, but the pain lingers. Ira seems reluctant to move her hand away from the former site of the wound. It was ultimately kind of surreal since abilities such as these were virtually unknown on her world. But for the sake of living, she will happily accept that they exist and move on. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She wheels herself around to watch the Beast do his work. She's almost about to command it to pull Sanary off the Berserker Shadow (why waste a good healer?) But between Sanary being chucked away and the Beast being kicked, dragging Sanary off will not be necessary, or feasable. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After the kick, Ira lets the Beast disappate. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hmm." she sees, watching the black mist left over that was the Beserker, "I kind of liked that one."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanary lets out pained grunts and mild curses as the Cuzerker kicks at her, undeterred by the risk of concussions and head injuries! She can always get that checked out in Medical if it gets bad, anyway, and it's not as if she's not wearing a helmet today! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Still, that ringing in her ears probably isn't a good sign. As predicted, she does indeed hold onto that spear even as it's thrown away, tumbling around a few times in a confused daze once she finally stops rolling. Did he just throw her /out/ of friendly fire range? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "... Weird. Chivalrous, I guess, but... Hm. Yeah, that was an interesting one." Picking herself back up, the healer props herself up on the riot shield before grabbing her Physic staff once again and looking up at the top of the mountain. "Looks like our job's done on both ends, then... Heh. Good work, everyone." With the fighting out of the way, the healer goes back to what she does best: Healing anyone that comes close! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You okay, Ira? Alright... Come on, everyone. I got plenty of energy to spare!" Ira gets her initial focus after that bout of bleeding, of course, swapping from the staff to just plain energy, aiming to speed up the Persona-user's natural recovery instead of... However the hell her Physic staff works. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Not like she really understands it herself. Or cares, even.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Lezard nods to Caster of Steel. "Excellent work, as always. We will assist with our own specialties. We should have this handled before too long." <br /><br />Lezard is wounded, but he seems to be doing his damnedest to ignore it, as if his wounds were an irritation more than anything else despite their severity. The question from Valeska, however, gets a look from the mage, pushing up his glasses slightly to adjust them as he shakes his head. "It is nothing I cannot handle." He says. "Our concerns should lie with the ritual. Worry not about me." Perhaps he is attempting to mollify the woman he had ignored for slightly too long, or maybe it's something else. Regardless, he sets to his work, using his own runic knowledge to begin reshaping the area and preparing it along with the multitudinous disciplines of the others here.<br> <br><br />
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}}</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3645/Matters_Between_Cats_and_Foxes&diff=125683645/Matters Between Cats and Foxes2016-01-15T00:13:24Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2016/01/10 |Location=The Realm of Gensokyo |Synopsis=Konoe asks for tutoring in the art of being a shrine maiden. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=847,..."</p>
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|Date of Scene=2016/01/10<br />
|Location=The Realm of Gensokyo<br />
|Synopsis=Konoe asks for tutoring in the art of being a shrine maiden.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=847, 908<br />
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}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Konoe had been thinking for while after that incursion into Blight Town some time back. It was there that she witnessed someone who...well, exhibited grate talisman skill. It kind of made her feel inadequate. But rather than mope about it, the miko decided that it would be a far better use of time to talk to the target of her...well, admiration? Envy? Something like that. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And so after briefly calling on Gudako for Caster, she headed off to the base of Youkai Mountain in Gensokyo. Waiting in a grassy plain with a small stream nearby. "....Mmn..." Will this work? Caster seemed like a decent person. More than her Master anyway. She still thought that whole grail war nonsense was arcane. But eh. It was a little more understandable than modern technology. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That was for sure. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...." Wonder how long she'd have to wait. Her golden and red gaze settled on the stream, staring at her own reflection idly.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For once seen without her somewhat psychotic master, Caster is able to take some time to enjoy the locale. And if anything, Gensokyo is probably very, very nostalgic to her. It's kind of a snapshot of the era she lived in, give or take maybe a century. The spirits are strong and healthy, there's Youkai apparently everywhere, and let's be honest this is pretty much ancient Japan in every other way imaginable.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The blue-robed, pink-haired foxgirl of a Caster arrives at the designated area, not flying but walking. Maybe she's a bit late because of it, but she got distracted by sights on the way, and the amazement she could walk through a human village without anyone actually caring all that much about her tail or ears.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hello, miss Konoe! So this is Gensokyo? It's so cool! It's like I've gone right back in time, haha~. But without the pitchforks and angry imperials, and all the dying that ensued."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Caster's arrival prompts Konoee to turn around slightly to take sight of the Servant. "There you are." She turned fully at that and faced her, bowing slightly. "Thank you for coming out here and seeing me on such short notice." Pause. "...And I guess I should welcome you to Gensokyo." Not the most ideal welcoming crew, but she'd do. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Humans still fear Youkai, but it's a complicated relationship. Some get along just fine, some are feared greatly, the circumstances change wildly depending on who and what it is." She smiles slightly. "But for the most part, if you don't cause trouble or eat too many humans, most won't bat an eye." Funny, the way she just casually talked about eating people like they were a normal food. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All of that aside, Konoe stepped forward in Caster's direction. "Um...Caster-san, there's something I wanted to ask you. It might seem silly, but....ah..." Fidgeting awkwardly, she averted her eyes, seemingly embarrassed before she even said it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ahah, I probably shouldn't mention what I do for my master then!" Yeah, let's not talk about the casual murder and eating. Which she definitely doesn't do. Ever. Nope. It's easy to forget that Caster isn't exactly a nice person, under that chipper attitude she puts on. She's a rather vengeful and spiteful person, really.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The fidgeting and awkwardness causes the foxgirl to peer, then adopt an obvious &gt;:3 and push her luck. "That's fine! I get that a lot. You want to touch my tail, right? It IS pretty fluffy, the fluffiest in fact! Master can't ever get enough of Caster's tail, so it's natural other people covet it! Ah~ if you ask nicely, you can hug it for a while."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clearly this is going just as planned?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Y-Yes, I- wait, what?" Konoe did a double take, taking a bewildered step back. "Your t-tail...?" And now that it was mentioned, her gaze slid right on over to reard that fluffy appendage. "....." It WAS actually pretty fluffy looking, she couldn't lie. It looked like you could lay in it all day and- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; No! Stop! This isn't why we're here! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stay on target, Konoe! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "N-No!" Konoe protested with a red face. "Why would I want to touch your tail? I have my own! And besides, isn't that...embarrassing? Having your tail touched so closely?" Pause. "Wait no! This isn't what we're supposed to be talking about! Ahhhh!" And thus the cat freaked out, mussing up her hair with her hands. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This was ridiculous! How did it turn to this!? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After a deep breath, she recovered enough to finally say what she wanted. "I...I wanted to ask for your instruction in the talisman technique! I've seen what you can do, and you're much better than I am!" Ah, so that was it. "I want to improve my own technique, so Caster-san, please...!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A 90 degree bow followed that request, and she held it, awaiting an answer.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ah, is it? But it's natural to want to touch things you like, right? And if it's done in reverence of how amazing my tail is, then I should be proud of it!" ... and then she'd be spiteful the moment the person doing it had any sign of liking her ONLY for her body, but, that's just how she is. Again: kind of a horrible person, spiteful and vengeful. And way too proud and vain despite that.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On the other hand, she was kind of looking to mess with Konoe a bit, so she laughs as the cat freaks out and then approaches her to pat her on the head. "There there, come on. We're between Youkai, it's alright! Just a bit of teasing~. Ah, my talisman-crafting? So you want to know how I do Witchcraft?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She blinks a few times, pondering. That's a broad request.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, why don't we start by you showing me what yours can do? And then you can tell me what you're looking to improve, in specific!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "O-Oh, okay. Um..." Straightening up, Konoe took a few steps back for space. With flick of the wrist, several ofuda appeared in one hand. They had the character for PURITY written on them with a red border surrounding it. "The things I do are simple, like..." She reared back, each seal bursting into flames before she tossed it forward. All five or so of them pierced through the air at high speed and likely burned up somewhere without a trace. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "And..." Another flick of the wrist, and more ofuda were in hand. She knelt down to the ground and with her other hand, took one ofuda and slapped it to the ground. Spiritual power manifested in a spell circle that caused searing power to erupt upwards. "And then there are barriers, like..." The remaining ofuda where tossed out, and they went rigid in midair, forming into large white luminescent barriers for a short time before fading. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Other than differing forms of attack, and defensive barriers, I can heal others with my power, purify unholy entities, and...that's about the extent of what I know, contained to just talismans." There was plenty more, but that wasn't important to this subject here.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster watches with interest as Konoe displays the variety of 'spells' she can perform. One detail immediatly catches her eye, though otherwise she's busy inspecting how the magic comes together. It's not the same as her Witchcraft, but it relies on similar principles in that the spell requires a physical component like a talisman to anchor itself and, well, go anywhere.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Standard shrine maiden skills, though Konoe is obviously more gifted than the average. It'll make it easier to teach her, that's for sure.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So, you use the same writing for all of your spells? You don't use different words and images for different effects? That's one of the basics for me. I inscribe the paper as I make the spell, so it takes hold more efficiently."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After Caster's appraisal and inquiry, Konoe shook her head. "Um...No." She looked aside. "I...actually can't write or read, so I don't know what a lot of characters mean." Well that was unfortunate. "I only learned some time ago that the letter on my talismans means 'Purity'." A sigh followed. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I feel like I might be doing it the hard way." She produced another talisman and stared at it. "I've been using the same writing for everything, and instead imagined what I wanted to do really hard...and well, I get what you saw." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then Konoe tilted her head a tad. "So...writing different letters on them makes the effect hold easier then?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"For me, it does. Your magic is a bit different, but the ideas are the same. You're thinking of what you want to do, putting it in paper, and then shooting it. Witchcraft... is a bit more complex, under the surface," Caster brags a little, "Since it's less that it makes the world affect you and more than it makes you affect you. But a fireball is a fireball no matter how it comes into being, right~?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster produces a blank slip of paper herself, holding it between two fingers. She concentrates a bit and the word FIRE appears on it, in old Japanese dialect. She throws it, sufficiently far away and at nothing in particular. Maybe a tree, if there's any nearby, or a very large rock. On impact, the talisman sticks like glue and causes a large tornado of fire to form overhead and crash down in a spiral centered on the target, before calming down and vanishing. The paper slip is consumed entirely in the attack.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Like that! I'm not sure if being able to write and read helps. I don't really think about how to write it down, I just think about what I want to do. It might not hurt to learn to read though, but I'm not a very good teacher for that. I heard the Union has a lizard girl person who specializes in languages?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She wouldn't know for sure.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If not words, though, maybe images. What's important is that the talismans are made with intent. You could probably scribble anything you wanted on them, as long as you made it with the intent to do a specific thing."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...Eh?" Konoe just tilted her head a bit at Caster's ego stroking. And an ear twitched. "So...you use witchcraft, but you employ them as talismans." She tilted her head the other way. "That...sounds kind of like a mix between Marisa-san and Reimu-san." In theory anyway. Magic deployed as ofuda. How strange, and yet it looked so effective. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Enough for her to seek the Servant out for tutelage. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Watching the fiery display, Konoe couldn't help but clap her hands in moderate applause. "Ooooo...that was very impressive, Caster-san!" It really was. She couldn't just pull something like that out. She needed a spellcard, plus other preparations. It was kind of a downer! "I actually have someone teaching me already. She's very good too." The miko smiled genuinely then. Names were omitted for being of no real importance to the subject. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "So...images can work?" That in mind, Konoe produced a blank paper, and then concentrated. After a moment, a red dragon scrawled itself into the surface. And then in that moment, she threw it, likely towards the same rock or tree Caster had. In mid flight, the talisman exploded into flame, forming into a...somewhat disappointingly sized serpent, fashioned out of flame. It opened it's jaws and spiraled around before descending and biting. That bite then caused it to explode and vanish. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "....I...that was...much easier. And I don't feel as drained." She frowned after that. "It was so small though. ...I'm still not strong enough..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ah, it doesn't have to be talismans, but that's what I grew up with. Some witches might use potions, gems, dolls, or even the body parts of Youkai, based on what they want to do. Water a Kappa swam in might be good for warding or healing, Tengu feathers to hasten things, that sort of stuff! I just use talismans, it's easier than hunting for rare reagents." Proudly she puffs her chest up a bit, hands on her hips. Well, her Witchcraft is ranked EX after all, she's immeasurably skilled! ... well, that's what she'd say, anyway.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster pays close attention as Konoe replicates the feat in her own way, her eyes catching the subtleties of the magic at play. For a given value! Danmaku, and Konoe's particular arts, aren't Caster's after all, and she's prone to missing details as a result, but obvious things she can help point out.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"For a first try that wasn't bad at all! It's a matter of practicing and practicing until it does exactly what you want! The better you get, the more complex things you can pull off, and eventually you even learn to inscribe multiple ofuda at the same time. First you start by repeating what you're good at using the different method, and then you move on to what you're really awful at. If there's a religious facet to what you're doing, try finding religious symbols and patterns for your talismans instead of just images, and appeal to the concepts in your religion. Since I, ah... ~worship~ Amaterasu, I might want to use references to the sun, heavens and universe for my more powerful spells."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'Worship'. Sure.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The varying numbers of catalysts described by Caster got a wince out of Konoe. Youkai parts sounded...creepy. Oh well. As long as no one came around trying to get parts of her! "I see...that kind of magic isn't my specialty. I'd leave that to Marisa-san, Alice, or that magician in the mansion..." But that was getting off point. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Ooo...so you're so powerful that you only need to use talismans and lettering?" Her eyes grew wide, glimmering with admiration. "Amazing, Caster-san! I want to be just like you!" Konoe, don't feed her ego! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Caster's following critique is met with periodic nods. "I-I see...okay, so just practice...and practice...and practice." Mention of Amaterasu got a blink out of Konoe. "Eh? The sun goddess? Really?" Pause. "...That must be nice. Having a god to worship..." Sounds like she didn't have one. The miko shook her head after and smiled. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Still, this has been very helpful. Thank you for the pointers, Caster-san! I really appreciate it."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Of course! As a Caster-class Servant, I'm one of the best at magic! O-Of my world, of course, ahah..." Right, let's not put it on too thick, even she can tell when too much is too much. Though she doesn't know who Marisa or Alice are, the mention of not having a god to worship gets a brow raise out of the fox.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ah...? You're a shrine maiden, but you don't believe in a pantheon, really? Or... are you really a shrine maiden, and not just using talismans because you were taught to?" She wonders now. Maybe she misjudged this girl! "It sounds like you know who Amaterasu is, so Gensokyo must at least be familiar with Shinto."<br /><br />Well, strictly speaking if Konoe were to come to worship Caster, it would very much be the same thing as having a goddess to worship by proxy. In a round-about way. Well, one-ninth of a goddess, anyway?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Um...It's not that I don't believe, but..." Konoe trailed off, thinking of how to put this. "Well, here in Gensokyo...well, a lot of Gods are present, and take in the prayers and faith offered to them." She pause. "And a Miko serves as her proxy." Well, that was all basic. Caster definitely knew this. "Well, I...ah, I don't really know how I came to be. I just woke up one day and...I was me." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Now that's strange. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I just knew how to do the things I know. I don't know why or how, but...that's it." She shook her head. "And now, all this time, I've just been trying to figure out what to do, who I am, where to go...that sort of thing." A sigh followed. "Maybe I'm not actually a miko...I guess, I just do this because I know how..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Looking vaguely embarrassed, she glanced at Caster. "...I-Is that weird?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Just came to be, with shrine maiden abilities?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster muses, shaking her head. "No, no! That's not weird. Unusual, maybe! A little bit nostalgic~. Ah, maybe you're secretly a god!" She laughs a bit. But there's that hint of seriousness behind the suggestion too. "There's a lot of things it could be. Amnesia, or someone made you, or you're a reincarnations. Or, really, you could just be a natural! History is ripe with prodigies who don't know where their gifts came from. It's not a big deal, as long as you use it for what you want to use it."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The fox taps her chin, before asking: "Were you with anyone when you came to? Maybe a tutor or parent figure? Or did you just wander around until you found people to hang out with?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Phew...okay. I was afraid that it really was incredibly weird..." Konoe chuckled a little at Caster's guess. "Me? Secretly a god? Ha! ...That would be too convenient." It really would. She shook her head and let it go. "Um...I can't remember anything from before I woke up, but...I feel like I did have some kind of life before it. I just don't know what..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In fact, thinking about it was giving her a headache. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I wasn't with anyone. I just woke up in the wilderness, knowing things. As for what I did? I..." Her face turns red at that point. "I kind of ran around beating up other youkai on sight. It got so bad that there were organized hunts made for me. I got chased around, fighting pretty much every youkai that came my way, until my...current friends found me and beat me up." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sigh. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "And then they talked me out of what I was doing. They told me to do something more sensible. Look at things as more than just black and white."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That's a lot of beating up, sheesh," Caster comments, before nodding. "At least it sounds like you found people worth being with in the meantime! You might want to look into people who might be able to conjure up the past. I'm only good at divining the future, and that's really rough around the edges. But there's nothing wrong with not knowing, either! Maybe you'd be happier not knowing, who knows?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, it's circumstances she can certainly relate to, anyway.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ah well! If it gives you a headache now, maybe it means you're not supposed to remember. A seal of some sort. I'm not equipped to take a look here though, we'd need to do this somewhere I have a workshop set up... ah... it might be best not to mess with it, anyway. It could hurt you!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I...I just branded all youkai as evil and went on a warpath." She raised a hand as if meant to cut off any interjection. "Yes, I understand the irony of that statement already. I just...oh nevermind." Ah this subject always got her down. Best to move on. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I think I'm okay not knowing for now." Konoe stated tentatively, turning away to face the nearby stream again. "I'm making progress in my own way, as I am now. If I find out who I was before, it might ruin things." Looks like she didn't want to risk that. "Thank you, Caster-san, but I think I'll let it be." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She turned back to the Servant and smiled a bit. "Mmn...that's all I wanted you for. Thank you again for your instruction. I'll practice on my own and try to get better!" Pause. Inadvertently, her gaze locked onto Caster's tail. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "......" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "............" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And with a red face, she half mumbled. "...C-Can I touch it after all?" Weak. So weak. Work on your willpower, Konoe.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ego fed. Caster regains her &gt;:3 and puffs up proudly.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm sure you'll do fine! I'll look forward to seeing how you are in a few months! And of course! You can directly correlate my power to how fluffy and huggable my tail is, after all! Ah, I used to have eight more, you know? I guess this Servant body really couldn't handle it all." Some of that might not be as accurate as claimed.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But to her credit, that tail is really fluffy and huggable.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; While Caster gushed about her tail and it's correlation to power, Konoe just crept up and... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Touch. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A smile managed to worm it's way onto her face, and before long, she wound up hugging it to herself. "Hehe~ This is a good tail. Let me...inspect it for a little while longer-" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Right. Inspect.<br> <br><br />
<br />
<br />
}}</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=20160112/Monkeys_With_Silver_Sticks&diff=1252620160112/Monkeys With Silver Sticks2016-01-12T21:52:52Z<p>Waterpuns: Waterpuns moved page Monkeys With Silver Sticks to 20160112/Monkeys With Silver Sticks without leaving a redirect</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/01/12<br />
|Location=The Radio<br />
|Synopsis=Ren becomes concerned about Staren, and attempts to give him some unsolicited advice.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=165, 42, 7, 908, 925, 920, 909, 828, 151, 901<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=<Die Reisenden> Maimen of Maids Janine Liberi says, "Meh. I couldn't sleep, and I had a lot of tagalongs."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Geralt of Rivia says, "Mm."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Damita Stark, a touch grumpy, "Not that I'm even sure I can do broken bones, because it's never come up."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Weird Science Staren says, "I'm not snubbing the compliment, I just don't see any way to continue this conversation that's not gonna <br />
drive people nuts."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Geralt of Rivia says, "Then don't?"<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Maimen of Maids Janine Liberi says, "I don't care how you take it Dork."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Weird Science Staren makes a 'whatever' sort of grunt.<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Ainsley says, "I made cookies, if anyone wants some."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Sneaky Dude Ren Tanaka says, "I'll take one."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Sneaky Dude Ren Tanaka comin' outta nowhere with that cookie snipe.<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Maimen of Maids Janine Liberi says, "What ingredients did you use?"<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Weird Science Staren says, "Cookies would be good."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Ainsley says, "Flour. Sugar. Butter. So on. I refrained from adding crickets, people tend not to like it when I add those."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Weird Science Staren says, "Probably for the best."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Damita Stark says, "No thank you, I need to watch my weight."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Geralt of Rivia says, "Would, but I've had enough portals for now."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Maimen of Maids Janine Liberi says, "If it's not top-grade ingredients, get it out of my face."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Something Witty Hoshi Amakasu quietly, "If you need workout tips, Ms. Stark, I can offer some."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Damita Stark says, "Lower body work? My archery does wonders for the top./"<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Something Witty Hoshi Amakasu audible facepalm.<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Ainsley says, "I'm glad you think so highly of yourself, ma'am."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Maimen of Maids Janine Liberi says, "Stark, there's no better fat burner than a life-or-death situation. If you eat only to mantain <br />
your figure, you'll crash on us."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Maimen of Maids Janine Liberi says, "Pig out. Life's too short for celery and hummus."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Something Witty Hoshi Amakasu says, "Yeah. Let me know when you want to meet, I can give you a regimen."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Ainsley says, "You don't need to have any cookies. Staren, do you want them wrapped up?"<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Damita Stark, amused, "What do you think my diet consists of?"<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Maimen of Maids Janine Liberi says, "Knowing girls like you? Not enough."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Weird Science Staren says, "Make life as long as you want it and enjoy the food you were biologically programmed to! With technology! <br />
I will have many cookies. They sound delicious."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Damita Stark says, "'Girls like me' ...?"<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Something Witty Hoshi Amakasu says, "... I'm done for the night. Goodnight, everyone."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Ainsley says, "Good night."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Geralt of Rivia says, "Mm."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Maimen of Maids Janine Liberi says, "You know, the girls who put too much stock in how they look, what they wear, what other people <br />
think of them."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Weird Science Staren says, "People should be able to look however they want and wear whatever they want, though, right?"<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Handyman Kazimir Volkov click, click. "It is not that easy."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Maimen of Maids Janine Liberi says, "Eh, sure. But eating only bland, boring shit all the time isn't worth it."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Damita Stark, snapping a little, "I'm not like those brainless blondes that make up half of the cheerleading team, you know."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Maimen of Maids Janine Liberi says, "Yeah?"<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Damita Stark, with a stifled chuckle, "I'm a brunette."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Maimen of Maids Janine Liberi snorts after a long pause.<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Weird Science Staren says, "Huh? No man, that's dumb. Have your cake and eat it too. Medical nanotech can reshape bodies. Or you can, <br />
like, use direct-brain-interface technology to taste food without ever actually eating it. Lots of options. I'm not trying to show off, I think <br />
/everybody/ should be able to enjoy these conveniences."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Weird Science Staren says, "People putting themselves through starving or agonizing over how they look... there's enough suffering in <br />
the world already, ya know?"<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Ainsley says, "Staren..."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Handyman Kazimir Volkov says, "In perfect world, you would be right."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Ainsley softly says, "They are high school girls."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Handyman Kazimir Volkov says, "But people do stupid things to one another for stupid reasons. This is life."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Sneaky Dude Ren Tanaka remains silent.<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Geralt of Rivia says, "Yeah."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Damita Stark, weakly, "I took the Mirror thing on a /dare/, based off of gossip from the blondes."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Maimen of Maids Janine Liberi says, "There, see? They're awful. Cut 'em out of your life."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Maimen of Maids Janine Liberi says, "Before they cut you out of it for not meeting their standards."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Weird Science Staren says, "Huh? Man, it's not stupid reasons. People should be able to look how they want, and staying healthy is <br />
important if you don't have technology or magic maintaining it. I'm just saying, there's easier ways."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Sneaky Dude Ren Tanaka thinks this over for a few moments. "Staren, telephone for you."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
PHONE: Phoning Staren, Ren Tanaka says, "It's me."<br />
<br />
PHONE: Staren says, "Yes yes I should stop messing with high school life and let them live it how they're accustomed to, I get it."<br />
<br />
PHONE: Phoning Staren, Ren Tanaka says, "No, this is something else."<br />
<br />
PHONE: Staren says, "It's like... you know how we always have to tell the bad guys that we /could/ have peace, before they inevitably make us shoot <br />
them, because when it works, even though it almost never works, it's so much better? Same deal here -- huh?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Damita Stark says, "Oh, don't worry, I know Kohler by sight, I'm already half out of the group already."<br />
<br />
<br />
PHONE: Phoning Staren, Ren Tanaka says, "Staren, maybe it's just because I've only just really started paying attention to it in the last few months, <br />
but in the last few months I've noticed that you seem to have become a little more... little more... hmm. I'm not sure how to put it."<br />
<br />
PHONE: Phoning Staren, Ren Tanaka says, "So I suppose. Has anything really changed for you, significantly, recently?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Maimen of Maids Janine Liberi says, "Then go all of the way out. Take all that superiority out of their sails."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
PHONE: Staren says, "...Not that I've noticed..."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Little Miss 8D Gudako Ordria says, "Leave one of their corpses as a message for the others! Smart people usually stop bothering you <br />
after that."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
PHONE: Staren says, "I've always believed in helping people and fixing things... so /that/ hasn't changed..."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Damita Stark says, "No!"<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Maimen of Maids Janine Liberi says, "We don't need that kind of attention."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Little Miss 8D Gudako Ordria says, "Find a ditch, then!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
PHONE: Phoning Staren, Ren Tanaka says, "It's just that recently you seem to have become a lot more... vocal about your particular proclivities. As a <br />
matter of fact, pretty soon I think it'll be the only thing new people start to recognize about you."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Sneaky Dude Ren Tanaka says, "Thank you, Gudako, we'll consider it, please go back to doing whatever awful little thing you were doing <br />
before this."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Little Miss 8D Gudako Ordria says, "Hey, if you're having people problems the optimal solution is just for there not to be people <br />
you're having problems with, don't blame me, blame the spreadsheets!"<br />
<br />
PHONE: Staren says, "...I thought maybe it was safe to talk about them again. I don't get it. We're heroes. We do stuff because it's /right/. Why does <br />
everyone get so... uppity about me having ideals all the time? I just wanna help people!"<br />
<br />
PHONE: Phoning Staren, Ren Tanaka says, "Staren. Do you remember when you were investigating the burned out oil well in Amarillo?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Damita Stark says, "Nope, nooooope."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Motormouth Kotone Yamakawa says, "I was as bad in highschool..."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Motormouth Kotone Yamakawa says, "Now I weighh over 150 kilos or so."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Little Miss 8D Gudako Ordria says, "Murder is humanity's oldest problem solver! I guess you could settle for intimidation, though."<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Handyman Kazimir Volkov says, "Too many side effects. Not all of us can clean up like you."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
PHONE: Staren says, "Uhhhh, yes, and I imagine you'll make the relevance clear shortly?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Damita Stark says, "Ugh."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
PHONE: Phoning Staren, Ren Tanaka says, "Yes, when you tried to introduce your power armor to those two men, they immediately got rather... agitated. <br />
Theirs is a world which has never seen that level of technology. You were undoubtably the first time they'd ever seen something like that."<br />
<br />
PHONE: Phoning Staren, Ren Tanaka says, "And what happened there?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Motormouth Kotone Yamakawa says, "We all know where that got the likes of Cain."<br />
<br />
PHONE: Staren says, "It... helped them see through the glamour that was keeping them from seeing the truth?"<br />
<br />
PHONE: Phoning Staren, Ren Tanaka says, "Yes, but moreover they freaked the hell out and pointed guns at you."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Little Miss 8D Gudako Ordria says, "Immortalized as a probably very high-tier Heroic Spirit?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
PHONE: Staren says, "A lot of people point guns at me. If I hadn't opened their minds we might never have solved that mystery."<br />
<br />
PHONE: Staren says, "But, I get that while in that particular case the gains outweighed the losses, that probably won't always happen because people <br />
are smallminded, fearful idiots that I value for no justifiable reason, apparently."<br />
<br />
PHONE: Phoning Staren, Ren Tanaka says, "...Staren, if there's a word of advice I could give you, and I dunno, you've probably heard this before, it <br />
would be to be less selective with your memory. You tend to concentrate on aspects of memory that reinforce your perspective, and don't give enough <br />
thought to the ones that threaten it. There is something... primal in the human mind that averts them from accepting future technology. Probably <br />
because inherently everyone believes that what they're being exposed to isn't possible, and inherent animal fear of the unnatural drives them to get <br />
away from it."<br />
<br />
PHONE: Staren says, "...Maybe it'll never work out. Maybe I should only care about people who can know better than that."<br />
<br />
PHONE: Staren says, "...Seems like that's likely to just put me on the wrong side of a bunch of heroes with pointy sticks though. I dunno. Morality is <br />
hard. People, people should be able to be /better/ than that. Because /only/ by being better can they sieze control of their world, and their destiny, <br />
and advance, and allow eachother to reach their potential!"<br />
<br />
PHONE: Staren says, "Can I really give up on their ability to do that? When they could make something so great, for eachother, for everyone?"<br />
<br />
PHONE: Phoning Staren, Ren Tanaka says, "You'll fail, if you look at it that way, because the point I'm trying to make is: the fact that people reject <br />
what you often offer them is, as far as I can tell anyway, inherent human nature. People reject it because a deep-down part of the mind says, 'this <br />
isn't natural'. Now, the thing is that the human mind can /change/, it can /accept/ things like this over time, by being exposed to new experiences. <br />
But everything needs /time/. Not even everyone in the Union is willing to accept everything, I expect even the ones who have seen planets burn and <br />
worlds born."<br />
<br />
PHONE: Phoning Staren, Ren Tanaka says, "It'll take a jolly long time before everyone in every world meets your standards."<br />
<br />
PHONE: Staren says, "I'm... gonna have to think about this."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<Die Reisenden> Motormouth Kotone Yamakawa says, "Prehaps, I know little about such things."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
PHONE: Phoning Staren, Ren Tanaka nods. "I just don't think it's a question of morality. It's a question of the ape in the forest being scared of the <br />
big silver chimpanzee, and his shiny log that sunbeams come out of."<br />
<br />
PHONE: Staren says, "This conversation is too philosophical and I am too tired. I'll... work it out, somehow."<br />
<br />
PHONE: Phoning Staren, Ren Tanaka says, "I'm sure you will."<br />
<br />
<br />
}}</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3640/Who_Watches_The_Watchers&diff=125133640/Who Watches The Watchers2016-01-11T00:44:12Z<p>Waterpuns: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/01/08<br />
|Location=The Great Mountains<br />
|Synopsis=A desperate team invades the Tower of Lezard Valeth in order to rescue a kidnapped defector from an oppressive army. What dangers will these heroes face in order to save the Grigori, Sophia?<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=10, 42, 598, 626, 691, 756, 779, 780, 860, 880, 908, 911, 927<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>MIDGARD<br /><br />THE TOWER OF LEZARD VALETH<br /><br />The infamous Tower of Lezard Valeth is an imposing sight. Standing a dozen or more stories, the tower is a massive, overbuilt affair of pulleys, levers, and windmills, all endlessly grinding against the wind that constantly howls around it. There is no entrance on the ground, only pain and death from the constantly roving undead that hunt forever in the dead forest that surrounds the edifice. There is only one entrance: At the rooftop, where a landing facility for flight is present as well as a durable, iron-barred gate that leads inside. <br /><br />Once inside, one is immediately confronted by the smell of exotic components, strange materials redolent with unfamiliar natures, acrid chemicals that can sting the nose and eyes... And old blood. All of this hits you like a wave as you enter, seeing a large room with deep, glowing runes incised in the walls. The room bears a large, rune-ringed pad, emitting a light remarkably similar to that Lezard has when he teleports. The grinding of machinery does not prevent faint screams from echoing up through the stonework. <br /><br />MEANWHILE, in a much nicer area of the Tower, Lezard sits at a table, sipping wine. "Tamiel and I expect the heroes to begin their assault shortly. I have set the teleporter circle to divide them throughout the Tower, rendering them vulnerable and unable to support one another. Once I have received signals that they have appeared, I will facilitate your assault upon the invaders." There is a pause. "Do what you can, but do not put your life on the line. I am... prepared."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Yari Takane sits at the table, the ninja dressed in a midnight-blue kimono. She crosses her legs, head tilting as she sips from a sake glass. Tail flicking, looks Lezard over, then offers a salute to the man. <br /><br /> "Divide and conquer then. You seem to have impressive security, so I'll be sure to make good use of it, Lieutenant." <br /><br /> Finishing off her glass, she sets it down, and checks her equipment. Sliding her umbrella into better drawing range, she takes a deep breath as she looks to the others. <br /><br /> "Be careful everyone. Let's all come out of this alive." Some Feds /do/ care about their allies.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:927|Chica Mendez (927)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It'd been a legitimate surprise when Chica's burner commlink had rang with this job. She'd been thinking that the Confederacy had enough badass people to uphold their interests. Once she'd ensured the means to get to the tower, she'd gathered up all of her gear, set her ballistic mask on, and made her way out into the cold Seattle night. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The trip into this room had been both facinating and actually pretty goddamn terrifying. Her being here on the goodwill of the owner was painfully obvious. Despite that, she still was far too curious for her own good; as she made her way she opened up her Astral Perception to see what sort of information she could glean. What was there brought a sour taste to her mouth that wanted to make her retch. The teleportation spells were amazing, but the mana here felt polluted. "Disgusting," she grunts in English. Her voice modulator picks up her voice and scrambles it immediately, making it sexless and deep. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once she's in the room, the shadowrunner stays off to the side, looking over everyone that had come to join them here. She professed no knowledge of anyone, though she'd heard some of these voices before. Halfway through, she spends a few moments checking her guns and loadout. APDS for her Super Warhawk, Stick-n-Shock for her SMG, plenty of regular rounds for the both of them. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When the speech is done, Chica moves forward. "My contract," she says bluntly. It's all fairly standard, but the biggest provision is that she's only beholden to protecting and working with everyone in the room for this mission, and no further. Signed under is 'La Llorona'. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I want to talk about my fee, as well. I expect to get well-paid for this."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shin Tokuyama is not hear today. His bike is currently in a storage unit and his normal outfit is folded up next to it. Instead, there's a whole new guy here today that nobody recognizes. He's also being polite enough to not go straight to the top of the tower, but we'll get to that later. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He's wearing a set of loose pants and a set of wrestling tights that leave his arms free and look like a low-cut tanktop. He's got on a big, golden luchador mask made to vaguely resemble a tiger. He's also wearing, over all this, a hooded sweatshirt which reads 'La Monta�a Virtud' across the back in glittering letters. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He arrives on the back of a burro, with a steel chair strapped to his back, wrapped in canvas as if it were some ancient blade. Whether by luck or skill (it's luck), he avoids most of the wandering undead and dramatically rides up to the base of the tower, expecting to throw open the doors and begin his protagonal adventure to the top of the tower through numerous floors of traps, as is appropriate. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Only he finds there are no entrances. Briefly, he begins to speak in Japanese, "Heeey this is-" He cuts off and then instead begins speaking in INCREDIBLY BAD Spanish instead, "&lt;Oi. This confusing being is. Door to the interior there is not and puzzlement. It is the perogative of the villain to entrance supply to heroes in cases of known arrival. I am being of angry at this rudeness.&gt;"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako is currently busy.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It seems Caster sustained significant injuries the day before, and while that doesn't really matter to her because she has the mana to just send Berserker out... well, Caster is a demanding fox, and overacting her injuries. As such, she may have requested Gudako stay home with her and wear a nurse outfit and take care of her.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That's alright though! Gudako sent Berserker.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Look I found a thing!" comes the red-robed pink-haired foxcatgirl Berserker's voice, as she hurries to the table holding a vial of shiny gold dust sealed with care. "Lezard! Lezard I can't get the shiny thing out of the bottle!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She falls to the ground, using all four limbs to tug at the bottle violently. And then her mouth. And then all four limbs again. Roll roll roll. She bumps into the table.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"LEZARD HOW DOES THIS WORK, BERSERKER WANTS THE GOLD THING INSIDE!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What /is/ it with wizards and towers? Staren thinks to Lazlo's tower of learning, a shining beacon of hope, tolerance, and knowledge that can be seen for miles...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ah. So this is a shining beacon of what, selfishness and egotism? Or perhaps a 'I built this tower, do you /really/ wanna mess with someone this powerful?' sign.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But today, the heroes gathered here /do/ want to mess with someone that powerful. At least they're landing at the top so they don't have to go through all the floors. I mean come on, that would be stupid. The grating is dealt with (this is not a stealth mission. The wizard surely saw them coming a mile away,) and then...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh. The top floor isn't the sanctum either. Clever wizard. Staren looks down at the floor. "Can anyone give me a reason /not/ to blast a hole in the floor?" Well, to try to, anyway.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:779|Tamiel (779)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tamiel is just staring at... someone. That featureless mask she wears makes it hard to tell if it's Chica or Berserker that she's staring at. Oh well. "Rather bold of them, even so. I'm looking forward to it." She's in 'business mode' right now, though... which means she's a woman of very few words. Also she's dressed in the typical bodysuit rather than the fancy dresses she's been wearing to more social functions.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:780|Kay (780)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Truth be told, Kay was rather touched at how gung-ho Kyra was to rescue Sophia. Kay herself... actually doesn't care for the angel, though she's very pragmatic about helping an ally, even one that's basically a defector. So she's going to be with Kyra, letting Berserker hang out however the princess of yandere wishes to hang out. That is, Kiyohime Berserker. This could get confusing. Anyway.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We aren't just blowing a hole because, oh, I don't know... do you think it's a good idea to blow a hole in the tower of a wizard that blasts open city gates and walls and commands hordes of undead below us, immediately escalating everything to threat level purple? Or do you think it's a better idea to go in, grab stuff, and leave rather than attempting something that will just make them mad, aware how much firepower we have, and probably won't even work?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She shrugs, grabbing her kit behind her, and slides down to the roof. As if expecting Shin to have messed up like this - or maybe she was the one who messed up - she ties off a rope and tosses the other end over the tower. Getting inside of course has a teleport pad, and no other entrance. Well. "But keep it in mind for our /exit/ strategy."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Ah yes." Lezard arches an eyebrow at La Llorona, glancing down at the contract. He flips through the pages idly, and nods, reaching over to pull up a quill out of an inkwell and sign his name in a flourish to the contract as well. "You will be well-paid. I have no reason to stint, considering this is an active combat mission against Union forces. Do you wish money? Items of power? Knowledge? Make your choice quickly, they are breaking in now."<br /><br />Berserker's question causes Lezard to twitch slightly, but his face remains placidly calm. "Please, let me see it and I will show you how to open it." He says to the cat.<br /><br />When the cat hands the vial of gold dust over, he holds it up, tipping his head as if making some quick mental calculations... <br /><br />And then pithces the vial at the wall, where a section slides open for a moment. The vial of gold dust gleams in the gray light of the afternoon around the tower, being exceptionally cat-attracting. <br /><br />The vial then lands right in a pocket of La Montana Virtud's sweatshirt. <br /><br />"Servants." Lezard sighs as the cat is thus sent on her Grand Adventure.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:10|Crys Gattz (10)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The Tower of Lezard Valeth, there was a name that put legit fear into Crys's heart. The man was driven, powerful and nothing would stand ion the wya of getting what he wanted. Sure he could play nice, she knew that. He wasn't a fool who used force mindlessly, after all being polite and words cost one nothing. She was on edge as she made ready to go into the tower regardless. She lookd from sTaren to Kay for a moment then focused her eyes on Kay. <br /><br /> "I may have a mean for quick exit but I suspect Lezard's wards would intefear with a telepipe's use, it's an option though if we really get in a fix." <br /><br /> She semed as ready as she could be really as she had already summoned some sort of massive mechanical claw weapon from her photon trap and the thing covered he arm. It oddly looked a bit like some Ork or Imperium of Man power claws. Likely made to do the same thing in the end, right?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren scratches his helmet. "He stole an angel and he knows we're here to steal her back. We're armed to the teeth -- not literally, although maybe I should give this body a mouth laser just for the sake of the expression -- but... As you say, he's a powerful wizard with a whole bunch of people on his doorstep. He /has/ to have seen us flying in and he's probably watching us right now, I mean /I/ would be. How is threat level not /already/ purple?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren looks at the pad, then back at Kay. "Heck, he probably has control of that teleport pad, and it being programmed to teleport us straight into a cell in the dungeon is one of the /nicer/ things that could happen. I mean, why not program it to just incinerate any unauthorized user who steps on? Or turn us all into frogs? Like booby-trapping your front door. Except this is the back door. You know what I mean."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Normally, Kyra would be all for doing this the 'proper' way, which is invading a dungeon from its typical entrance. However, in this case and mission, the thought of at all being 'traditional' goes out the window. <br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though it also turns out that the tower doesn't have a traditional entrance. They're going in from the top and Kyra is providing the transport. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Falcon-class Rafflesia is an odd ship to look at, resembling a giant metallic shark covered in "Floran Engineering" (vines that survive in space!) Kyra can even seem to pilot the ship on her own with a medium amount of guidance from the on-ship AI. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After easing the ship down and letting everyone exit, the Rafflesia slips upwards, disappearing into the clouds, assuming an 'evasive-orbit' routine where it can lie in wait for when they need to make their inevitable escape. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm sure Lezard wouldn't be afraid of dropping a big meteor on our heads if he saw us bombarding his tower from afar." Kyra adds to Kay's objections. "Anyway, like any good dungeon running team, let's try to stick together, okay? Bad things happen when we're separated."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:860|Berserker (860)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kiyohime, for that is what we will call her to keep her from being confused with Catzerker, materializes behind Kay. She'll diplomatically handle Staren! "Oh, I'm pretty sure that isn't what it is! And if it will make you feel better..." She turns around and blasts the floor with a fireball! She doesn't actually expect it to penetrate, it's just to make a point to Staren that it's probably harder than it sounds to blast through the floor. "There, we've attempted to blast through. Now my beloved wants us to move on, what say the other couple?"<br /><br />Couple? Oh, she's looking at Kyra.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:927|Chica Mendez (927)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once her contract is signed, La Llorona takes it back and folds it carefully, stashing it within the folds of her armored coat. "Currency," is her demand. There's a reason for this. She's got a strong reason to be concerned that any magical item she picks up here will carry the same taint that holds this place. Or something that could be used against her later. Better this so she can get her own damn magical items and telesma. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once all that's been taken care of, Chica takes hold of her SMG hanging from it's strap and makes her way outside, and waits near the door. The lenses in her mask allow her to see the AR interface put up by her commlink; she starts tapping away to connect to the tactical channel for the mission and engage her privacy settings. Then she waits. She'll have the time to go soon.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For the entire ten seconds Lezard holds that vial, Catzerker is jumping up and down and quickly intoning: "HURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRY[...]"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then he hurls it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Servant is after the vial in an instant, her pupils in huntress mode. She crouches down on all fours, wiggles her rear and wags her tail, figuring the best angle to go at it from. And then ZOOMS after the vial, with sufficient start-up that the ground around the table trembles and some of the stone is rocked out of it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Predictably, this results in an immediate crash-course for NOT SPANISH SHIN AT ALL, the foreign hero in danger of being tackled right into a secret wall passage that leads into large, steel elevator, more like a prison cell that happens to move up and down design-wise.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Yari just /stares/ at Berserker. Lezard throws a thing. It leads the kitty off to stop the assault!? The woman will need a moment, and then just sighs. <br /><br /> "Remind me to never get a Servant." She shudders, instantly thinking of what it'd like to contract the cat. Or Gawain. <br /><br /> Then, the ninja stands, and finds herself a spot to wait for the signal to begin the operation, tapping on her magitek gauntlet to thumb through whatever data on the tower's defenses Lezard might have given them. And most importantly, seeking out a good choke point to ready a few traps of her own to catch their assailants.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:880|Nero (880)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nero was of course present...in spirit form. It appears that she's not going to show herself until the time comes that it beccomes a necessity. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At Kiyohime's mention of 'couple', the Roman Emperor's voice echoed out from somewhere around Kyra's general vicinity. "You will find no objections from me. Let is forge ahead and see to it that this task is completed with proper grace." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Despite saying that, she couldn't actually be arsed to materialize and assist with the hazardous scenery. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Good job, Nero.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;La Monta�a Virtud is already beginning to climb his way up the rope that Kay gave him. He lets out a grunt of effort, only for a vial to land in his sweatshirt pocket. Immediately after this happens, he's tackled off the rope by a flying Catfox that sends him flying into a wall and into the interior of the tower. As he goes, he cries out a mangled: "&lt;ACK! I had no way of seeing the next!&gt;" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then he's gone and slammed into an elevator, sitting there stunned for a few moment, "&lt;Ugh... my all is pain.&gt;" He grumbles in more mangled spanish, sitting up. The impact has knocked loose the scarf he was wearing under his sweatshirt but over the leotard and wrestling outfit. This means that the entire elevator is now filled with the flapping, billowing scarf that Shin is UNABLE TO MAKE STOP MOVING. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"&lt;Hello Lady. Please, I ask where I can be the hero.&gt;"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From the outside that must have looked pretty ridiculous. Fortunately, Shin and the cat are now inside an elevator and don't need to worry about the judgmental eyes of outsiders! Unfortunately, they are now inside an elevator.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the metal deathtrap starts rumbling and moving down the tower, Catzerker flails back onto her feet, eyes darting around. "Shiny vial! Lezard promised Berserker shiny vial! WHERE?!" Left, right, up, down, where did it go?!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She can't see it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But she can see the scarf. It taunts her.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She is too focused on hunting to recognize it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"NYAAAA!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Catzerker hurls herself at the scarf-- missing LA MONTANA VIRTUD, and slamming into the wall of the elevator with such force it shakes and-- the cable breaks, causing the elevator to start its freefall. A panel broke open at the top, too, giving view of the dark stony shaft.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"AAAAAAAAAAAH!" The masked form of Shin is trying his best to avoid being mauled by a hyper-stimulated catgirl that is currently rampaging in an enclosed space with him. He's dodging around the elevator, causing the billowy ends of his scarves to move around after him, "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The screaming only intensifies once the cable breaks and the elevator is in freefall! A fact which is baffling in its own right, because he entered on the ground floor. Damn Wizard Towers. The masked professional wrestler immediately chucks the bundle from his back up through the hole in the ceiling of the elevator and then follows after it. He plans his feet on one side of the shaft and starts short-hopping his way to try to slow his descent. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately, all this does is cause the scarf to swish-swoop-swish-flick behind him with every motion as he tries to ascend the shaft to meet up with the group. He is beginning to understand why Gudako calls her 'Berserker' despite her originally seeming so chill.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>When the group takes the teleporter, because they eventually will, they fade out, teleported... <br /><br />And end up all over the tower, because the teleporter was designed to do that. Douchebag. <br /><br />STAREN: <br /><br />Staren manifests in a pristine-looking laboratory setting, albeit alchemical in nature. Many glass tanks are set up along a wall, shining with burnished brass, glass, and steel. They are full of bubbling goo, with small forms hanging within them Should Staren look closer, they look kind of... Fetal. <br /><br />The opposite side of the room seems to have a large grate inset into the floor. A teleporter pad is set up beyond it, already activating as somenoe else begins to appear...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>KYRA AND NERO: <br /><br />The White Mage and her Servant appear in a dark room with flashing lights, a dull thudding noise seems to resonate through the large hall, and ominous shapes seem to take form, making orderly lines as they crouch, uncaring, over piles of cloth and plastic. A great light flares in the distance, brilliant and terrible in its elegant horror, as a terrible demon shrieks blasphemy into the air. <br /><br />Oh, it's Elizabeth's concert hall. Want to buy some merch from the zombies? The CDs are discounted right now. Thankfully, she's busy being an idol so you're probably safe at least until the set is over. <br /><br />Tamiel might not agree, however. Think Liz likes mosh pits?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Huh. It really went straight to his lab?" Staren comments, stepping off the pad. "Sorry, I guess I was wr--" Staren turns and then sees that noone else is here.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...Oh."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But the pad's activating again! Staren waits to see who it is. Must be some kind of randomizing program on the teleporters, and someone tried activating it again.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>KAY AND BERSERKER: <br /><br />Kay and her Servant appear in a bubbling forge area, where metal is rendered down in crucibles, rendering away impurities over alchemical benches which seethe with bits of elemental matter and pieces of eldritch creatures, along racks of bubbling beakers and liquids, foul and redolent, being distilled down before being decanted. A shadow moves near the teleporter on the opposite side of the room. <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:927|Chica Mendez (927)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And out comes a black-clad being, a balistic mask covering their face with a painted-on deisgn that looks like a screaming, rotting woman. An aspect of Death carrying a gun. "You're trespassing," comes La Llorona's modulated warning. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once she's stepped off the plate, La Llorona doesn't wait to be shot at; she immediately dives into cover. She was facing what /looked/ like some kind of battle suit. That meant there was something alive inside. Good news. She can't really summon any spirits here, as awful as the mana was, so instead she digs out her Super Warhawk heavy pistol from under her coat and loads up a clip of Armor Piercing Discarded Sabot rounds. Locked and loaded, she jumps from the opposite side of her cover, on Staren's right, and starts firing off this party.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:911|Elizabeth Bathory (911)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The room is... Packed with zombies, who are rocking out. It's like a huge concert with a pit, and Kyra and Nero stumble through the teleport into the Concert Hall. Liz is up on stage, performing her newest smash hit single, 'The Axe Of My Love ~ Severing Lonliness (And Also Your Neck)'.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's basically about exactly what you think it's about. The chorus goes a little something like 'As my heart goes buku buku, your bleeding neck-stump goes blupu-blupu! That's what happens when I swing my axe with love[[User:Remliel|Remliel]] ([[User talk:Remliel|talk]])!'.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The area's actually pretty open in the back, where Kyra and Nero are, and there's another teleport rune on the other end of the room, literally an exit (stage) left. But, between them is a veritable sea of ZOMBIE MERCH PUSHERS. They press in in a swell of groaning capitalism.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:10|Crys Gattz (10)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Crys Gattz says "Expect anything and be wary of anything that seem harmless. I would say it long been so. If one paid attention. Still she seems on edge her long ears droop slightly as she thinks abotu what's waiting in there. <br /><br /> "At least the walls are not alive and part of a cosmic horor...I hope." <br /><br /> She would be seeming very concerned and Staren's not helping. Wait how does he know so much about being an evil wizard?! She'll take the teleporter that Stare used but isn't certain she'll end up in the same place he might have gone.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chica is right to dodge. As soon as Staren sees she's not an ally, he shoots first. The armor's right arm mounts some kind of double-barreled beam cannon -- it may or may not damage the wall, but it looks like it would probably do more than tickle for sure. Staren's head follows her movement, but while he's considering how to deal with her, she's already at the other end of the lab bench shooting him. The first shot hits some kind of forcefield, a multilayered amber sphere of force that';s suddenly visible. It leaves a mark where it's damaged, though, and her next shot as Staren runs for cover shatters one of the layers -- Hard to get a good look in the blink of an eye, but there must be at least two or three more but probably not, like, ten.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren considers for a few seconds. "...You sure you want to do this? ...Yeah, alright, but if you change your mind and wanna tell me where the angel is, feel free." As he's talking, he reaches into his bag. Two things fly up over the other lab bench he ran behind: A fly-sized camera drone, and a small missile the size of a magic marker.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The second turns to fly towards her. It tries to home in and explodes with the force of a few grenades, though the explosion is focused to within a few feet so as not to wreck /too/ much scenery.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It doesn't take long before TEAM RESCUE runs into their first devious trap. Namely that Lezard has rigged the teleporters on the roof to split the party. Kyra will grumble about him knowing that they were coming sometime later. For now, the best she can do is scowl and look for the way back as she finds herself plopped in the middle of a teeming zombie mob. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her first instinct is to start laying waste to the zombies with her magic. As a white mage, it was one of the few times she could actually feel like a frontliner since undead could not resist her. But this thought goes right out the window when she hears /Elizabeth/ singing for all of them and she quickly discovers the indominable barrage of CAPITALISM that permeates the room. "...ugh...!" she huffs at the rival musician and extremely dangerous servant. Causing a fuss would be deadly, attract attention, and slow them down. "Nero..!" she whispers. "...we will not challenger her here today. We must sneak by and achieve our objective!" she half expects her to remain cloaked in spirit form. Kyra sinks her hoodie down further over her eyes and starts to shuffle-sneak. Shuffling, of course, so she blends in with the zombies a little better. Her extremely pale skin is an asset here as she holds her breath and pushes her way through squirming, distracted zombie flesh.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The virtuous and masked Spanish hero does his best to avoid the cat, with striking success right up until he has to start scaling the elevator shaft. Now stuck about ten floors up from the loudly crashing steel cage below (don't forget to dodge the whipping cable!), Shin clings on for his dear and starts Megaman X'ing his way down via wall slide. Unfortunately, the gleam of Catzerker's crazed, amber eyes down below surge out of the falling metal coffin.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Crashing into the wall by Shin, digging in with her paws like the stone is comfortable, clingy foam, the Servant glares at his scarf, following its every last movement with her eyes.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Gonna catch you! Nya, nobody can outhunt a cat!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She is preparing to lunge! The tells are pretty obvious, she's doing the buttwiggling again, and there's that slip of drool coming out of her half open mouth. She might have already forgotten about that vial. Maybe Shin is getting out of this with it intact! It's kind of like payment, right? Could be valuable, once he figures out it's in his pocket.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shin could try to attack the Catzerker, or he could hop into either the tenth or ninth floors. The doors are fortunately open, although it's hard to tell what each floor contains!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:780|Kay (780)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Appearing in the lab, away from everyone else but Berserker and Levi, Kay lets out a sigh. She has a submachine gun out today, glancing around the lab with it at the ready. "Well, I guess there's nothing for it. Levi, you head on ahead. 'zerk, you're with me, watch my flank while we find the exit. This is probably a trap. Try reinforcement or something, whatever it is you do." She'll walk forward slowly after saying that.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Levi, of course, will move forward, cracking her knuckles, and draw a large, heavy blade. The earth elemental sniffs the air, but she's advancing far less cautiously.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:880|Nero (880)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And the teleporter SPLITS THEM UP. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How utterly expected. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kyra arrives at...a concert hall? What were these lyrics? And all of these zombies! Wait, they're selling Liz merch...is this Elizabeth's concert stage!? Well then, this is an unexpected surprise. Nero was actually....quite interested in Lezard's Servant. But no, for now, their objective was to get by and complete a different objective. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Drawing Liz's attention wasn't part of the plan. Thus, the Saber Class Servant remained in spirit form, voice faintly responding to her master. "Very well. I will remain hidden for now." She would follow Kyra through the crowd, remaining quiet from there on. "Still, I must say, this is quite irritating. I suppose it should be expected of a Magus, that his stronghold would be laden with such hinderances." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Can't make it TOO easy, can they?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:10|Crys Gattz (10)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Crys doesn't have to wait long to find out where she's going to end up, the one eyed newman gazes into the lab just intime to hear the masked woman. <br /><br /> "Yes, yes we are, and we're for the angel. Be spart you can't spend a paycheck if your dead. If not?" <br /><br /> The Claw clanks. <br /><br /> "You'll meet my friend here." <br /><br /> She holds off for the moment, maybe homing the other will back down? It's unclear or is she up to something else.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>STAREN AND CRYS:<br /><br />Just when you thought La Llorana was bad enough and you'd have a chance to outnumber her, there is a hissing noise, and a splash of burbling liquid as one of the tanks opens up, spilling out its contents onto the floor amidst a wash of scentless liquid. The large mass of flesh, formerly hidden in a tank near the back, quivers for several moments. <br /><br />And then it unfolds, a mass of twisted internals and branchlike bones, hanging from long, spindly arms. With a piercing shriek, it howls at the invaders, immdiately pouncing for Crys with an explosion of corrosdive, deadly flame.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shin kicks a foot into the wall and uses it to exit the elevator shaft, crashing into one of the floors and rolling on the ground as his downward momentum abruptly ceases. The martial artist lets out a grunt and a cough, "&lt;The impact is substantial. My ribs with break are, thoughful.&gt;" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He vaults back to his feet, and then tries to find a corner to hide around. Berserker is a cat, right? Well, according to the internet, cats have habits and various traps you can set for them. Shin tosses the canvas wrapping off of his chair and unfolds it. He sits down in it for about .5 seconds, then gets up and runs off, leaving it out in plain sight as he tries to duck around the corner and out of sight (efficacy may vary due to scarf). <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once he thinks he's out of sight, he shouts loudly, "Hey! That chair is mine! Don't sit in it, because that's my spot and I was just sitting there!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No cat can resist this.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*splash* One of the creatures is attacking. "Oh my god, seriousl-- AH!" Staren starts to comment and then is startled as some kind of bone beast THING runs past his camera towards Crys.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:779|Tamiel (779)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's another occupant here. The winged angelic being that shimmers into view from the teleporter is, as always, masked and prepared for battle. The place chosen makes her sigh faintly, but she'll bear it. It's not that she DISLIKES Liz's music... but music is not one of her hobbies, and she tries to shut it out in favor of quieter pursuits.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sneaking through the crowd is a good idea. However, sneaking by Tamiel will be harder, both due to her supernatural senses, and for the simple reason that she's /expecting/ someone to be here. "I suppose I should be prepared, after the last encounter I had with a Servant..." A bright flash of yellow materializes an actual suit of armor this time, and a summoning of a long-bladed sword into her hand.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also fifteen more swords that flash into existence orbiting her body, just in case.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:927|Chica Mendez (927)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Under her mask, Chica's face twists in distaste. That was a technology that most certainly didn't exist in her world. This bastard had deflector shields. Chica ducks back down quickly once Staren goes into cover himself. Trying to burn all those down one by one will just make her run out of APDS. Thus, she holsters her Warhawk for now and brings out her SMG and loads it with regular ammo. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An angel? The hell does she know about an angel? "Won't learn anything. Don't know where the slot is," is her blunt reply. She peeks up over her cover--and just manages to spot that little missile on her way. And it's tracking her! Just as it gets close, she tries to jump away to lessen the blow, but it still sends her sprawling back, hunched against the wall. "Ngh. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then came someone else. Chica scowls under her mask and brings her SMG to bear to fire on her, until suddenly there's a FUCKING DUSIGUSTING MONSTER that's apparently... Not trying to kill her, at least. It's a start. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her attention goes to Staren. Her hand raises as she opens herself up to the mana here, grimancing at the feel of it, drawing in just barely enough to stop her from Overcasting. Her Mentor Spirit howls encouragment to her--PROTECT--her hand pushing forward as sparks begin to gather around it. Following soon after is a bolt of blazing lightning that arcs and sizzles towards her opponent.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:860|Berserker (860)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kiyohime didn't waste energy disguising herself tonight. She's in her petite normal form, with the odd horns as well. She'll linger near Kay, just shy of looping her arm with hers, and advance with her. Fan at the ready, the Berserker just fans herself for now.<br /><br />At Kay's request, she does concentrate, throwing up a light reinforcement of both with a charge of mana. It should help Kay tank hits better, which is the major point.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> ~One Ninja Transition Later~ <br /><br /> With go-time fairly well on, Yari'd use Lezard's method of transport around his tower to arrive just ahead of the duo of Berserker and Kay. She's rigged up several trip wires around various tables, connected little cloth balls, and in one case, a mine that's set to blow into small metal shards when stepped on. <br /><br /> Yari herself has found the darkest corner of the bubbling lab that she can: a somewhat difficult task, but she's tucked herself in the shadows behind a large desk. If Berserker and Kay are particularly observant, they might just catch a glimpse of that shadow opposite the teleport just before she ducks into hiding. <br /><br /> No knives in the dark just yet, as she awaits to see if the two trip her traps. A quick handseal, and she has a twin right beside her as she studies the Servant and Master from her vantage point, body nearly flat to the ground as an eye peeks out briefly, which narrows as she notices Berserker's concentration and magic charge.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...and as my heart goes buku buku..." Kyra hums as she weaves through the zombie crowd. Really, singing along is an attempt to blend in. It's not because Elizabeth's song is RIDICULOUSLY CATCHY. It's not because that song is now hopelessly stuck in her head. "~swing my axe with love~..." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tamiel's display does not go unnoticed, though. Kyra stops sneaking and tenses up in the direction of the bright flash of light. She stares, seeing the Grigori summon /fifteen/ floating swords into the air along with her regular sword AND armor. That is sixteen swords too many for Kyra. "Nero." she whispers. "The Grigori that fought Kay last time-Tamiel-she's here. We have to move quickly! Get ready to intercept her if she comes after us!" <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At the very least, Kyra can slip a hand under her shirt and snatch up one of her darts, jabbing herself in the arm with it. Seconds later the world seems to slow down on her as the haste mixture takes effect. She makes a mad dash for the teleporter on the other side of the room, intent on slipping by before Tamiel can react.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren doesn't know what a 'slot' is -- local slang from this person's world? But he can believe that a security contractor doesn't know. "Then you are free simply to run." Crys's arrival brought hope they could end this quickly, but it seems she'll be busy. Staren peers over the bench, aiming his missile pistol when a freaking /lightning bolt/ strikes the forcefield. The next layer glows white as it absorbs energy and shatters (Two of the discs on Staren's chestplate are smoking now), a shower of sparks raining around Starenm and the layer behind that also glows, then shatters unevenly, sections of transparent amber force flickering. The forcefield array is more than half gone now -- Two more layers beyond that one. And there are five discs on Staren's chestplate. Makes sense.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Gnngh!" Staren grunts as he stumbles back slightly from the force of the thunder. He fires another missile, then leaps onto the bench and across the room, apparently deciding that if he charges her he can stop her from spellcasting!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shin escapes to the ninth floor!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Catzerker pursues, roaring (well, mewling loudly) as she chases. As she comes into view of a chair, and a demand not to sit in it, her instincts kick in. She must sit in that chair. Also, Mad Enhancement dictates she dislikes taking orders anyway. She only tolerates them when she feels like it, and generally only from her master and her other-self. And that last one depends on her mood a lot.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The cat pounces, and slams down on the chair. It probably breaks, but she settles down and curls up in a ball, proud. Then she licks her tail, grooming herself a bit. The pursuit made her dirty.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;UNFORTUNATELY FOR SHIN, this tower is a horrible place to be. Maybe he didn't notice the smell due to the chase, but he might notice the stinking, hot breath of something near him now. If he turned his head, he would notice the rotting corpse of a (relatively small) dragon, twice the height of a person. Its purple scales are only half there, the other half exposing bones and the rotten contents of a dragon. Despite this state it seems completely conscious, and is now hungry for Shin flesh.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Trapped between a cat and a dragon!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Think fast, masked hero.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:880|Nero (880)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kyra would hear Nero idly humming along to Elizabeth's song. Snapping out of it only when she mentioned to be ready. "O-Oh, right. Yes, of course, Praetor." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Not that there was a ton for Nero to do to prepare while in spirit form. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ...... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "As my heart goes buku buku, your bleeding neck-stump goes blupu-blupu! That's what happens when I swing my axe with love~..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Damn it all, these lyrics were horrible, but it was SO CATCHY. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SEND HELP ASAP.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:780|Kay (780)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Levi is the one going first, and less cautiously, and it's Levi that discovers the traps first. With a short squeal of surprise and pain, the eruption of shrapnel and gas bursts underfoot, sending Levi reeling back and choking. The demon isn't immune to poison, though she's so heavily-resistant that the shrapnel is the bigger worry.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The important thing to note is that this has basically, at least briefly, taken the Familiar out of the fight, leaving the much weaker Summoner with 'only' Kiyohime as a defense. Kay whips her SMG up into position, scanning the room... then squinting, as she adds her supernatural vision to her sight. It won't actually help, since Yari isn't immaterial or anything, but she does it anyway.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:779|Tamiel (779)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dashing via haste is a good idea, actually. While she's fought supernatural creatures that move swiftly, Kyra's speed is something that Tamiel was not expecting, and that's always good for at least a few seconds of safety. Well... maybe not safety, but surviving. The swift motion gets Tamiel's head to whip around, and a half-dozen blades dart out, embedding in the floor as they launch after Kyra... too slowly, leaving a trail of blades after her. It's close enough to get a look though. Nero might be able to tell better that the blades, while basically high-quality, are of mundane quality and not on the level of a Noble Phantasm. They ARE made of mana though, and are already starting to deteriorate now that they've been flung. A matter of minutes is all that they exist.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is all academic compared to the fact that Tamiel is moving swiftly as well, darting forward toward Kyra with her blade in hand, making for a quick thrust. She's /expecting/ to get intercepted by Nero at least. "Not exactly the most epic of soundtracks," she remarks. Pop music is not battle music!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-1 Chair, +1 Freedom from Pursuer. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A momentary success for the masked luchadore as he leans against a wall and sighs tiredly. He'd rub a hand over his face, but the mask sort of prevents that from being a valid emote. Instead, he takes a moment to catch his breath. And then another moment to realize that it smells like Lezard's Zombie Army right now. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But it's not a zombie army at all. It's a zombie dragon! Shin shuffles in his footing for a moment and tries to figure out what to do. He's not completely sure he can take the Zombie Dragon in a fight, but he doesn't want to get chased by Berserker some more. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He quickly pulls out his phone and runs a Google search, "Uh... uh... uh..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He begins reading at the dragon off his phone screen, "A number of philosophers argue that Kripke's ideas about a posteriori necessary truth facilitate the defense of physicalism. They urge that even if a zombie world is conceivable, that does not establish that it is possible in the way that matters. Conceivability is an epistemic notion, they say, while possibility is a metaphysical one: 'It is false that if one can in principle conceive that P, then it is logically possible that P'. Chalmers has responded in several places." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"His most detailed version of the conceivability argument (2010) uses the framework of two-dimensional semantics. This enables him to distinguish two kinds of possibility and, correspondingly, two kinds of conceivability. In the primary sense conceivability entails possibility, and it is conceivable that water should have been a substance chemically different from H2O. In the other, 'secondary' sense, it is neither conceivable nor possible that water should have been chemically different. The difficulty for the conceivability argument can be expressed by saying that even if zombie worlds are primarily conceivable and therefore primarily possible, it does not follow that they are also secondarily possible."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:860|Berserker (860)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Traps. How inconvenient," Kiyohime sighs. She fans herself, frowning... not because it's dishonorable or anything, but because it will force her to act so... inelegantly in order for her beloved to progress. "Ah. Allow me to disarm them, Lady Master," she declares sweetly. Has she seen Yari? Maybe. Maybe not. It doesn't matter.<br /><br />She needs to disarm traps.<br /><br />Kiyohime's solution to this is quite straightforward. She flicks her fan into position, and with a steady motion, gestures repeatedly, each gesture sending an explosing fireball blasting out to erupt over table, beakers, potions, anything. There's no need to worry about traps if she can just BURN IT ALL DOWN.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:10|Crys Gattz (10)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Crys Gattz is about to say more when a horrible thing that smells like death, pounces on her. Crys turns rapidly but it's not enough to save her fully the Numan is caught in the flames. Her barrier kicks in but it's not enough to stop the full force of the thing's flames, her clothing and skin are eaten away. Which gets a cry of pain out of Crys. She backs off trying to figure out how to get into melee range. <br /><br /> She doesn't summon a pistol into her off hand, she raises said hand however, mutters. <br /><br /> "Barta" <br /><br /> Sending a wave of freezing cold at the creature. She's got her distraction off and she now attemps to deal with the effect of the last attack. <br /><br /> "Staren! Deal with them! I have to handle this thing!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:927|Chica Mendez (927)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Direct hit! And it seems those shields are running out. If she had a way to simultaniously damage all of the panels, she might straight out overload the system and prevent them from recharging at some point in the fight. Really, she's not sure if that's how it works at all, but it's a better gamble than just wasting ammo plinking at this big bastard. At least he's apparently willing to show quarter. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The fact that this thing has a /missile pistol/ in addition to all of these other things makes Chica growl under her breath, but she's a little more practical about it this time; she fires on the missle as it comes towards her. It's a tiny target, but she's got a lot of lead to throw out with her SMG. Eventually one hits, just a few feet from her cover, pushing her back somewhat but not causing near as much pain. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But now he was coming for her! Turning, she fires off the rest of the rounds in her clip before dashing off. She's trying to load a new clip in and keep the mech off her ass.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It was a good thing for that Haste spell too. The blades arc at her but to Kyra, they look like the slow-moving projectiles seen during one of those really artsy scenes in action moves. She has ample time to slip under them or use nearby zombies as shields for the majority of the blades. This is to say nothing of the final strike performed by Tamiel herself that Nero will HAVE to jump in to intercept. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While she can manage fifteen mundane swords, sixteen, again, is way too much. A panicked squeal escapes the mage as the Grigori homes in on her, intent on sticking her with the blade. "Nero!" she squeaks.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> The gas and shrapnel make an opportunity for Yari as that blasted familiar is taken out for now! But Kay is cautious, and the ninja can't immediately find a good attack position. And then, there's Kiyohime. <br /><br /> Fire. Fire /EVERYWHERE/! Hopefully that lab's insured, because soon much of it is burning, and Yari and her clone have ducked down enough to barely avoid being torched. Half of the desk is an ashen mess. It's going to be hard to be stealthy, but the ninja gives it her level best. <br /><br /> Almost immediately after the smoke from her poison clears, a figure leaps out from behind that desk. Fake-Yari makes a head-on charge in a strange leaping and zig-zagging rush between what little cover isn't on fire as she makes to draw her hidden blade and stab right into Berserker! Though an illusion, it might just be enough to distract. <br /><br /> A few moments later, Yari exits her cover, and leaps up along the wall and then to the ceiling, magic letting her run along it. Only once she's gotten right above Kay will she then leap down, trying to stab her from above between the shoulder blades while she tosses a trio of kunai at Berserker! More fire is likely to spread as the explosive tags attached go off in a loud krump of bomb and smoke around the woman!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The Barta blast crashes into the twisted being, causing it to howl as the frigid Photon Art repels it. There is a skittering noise as it scatters from one side to the other, staring from unblinking, black marbles for eyes. <br /><br />It has like a dozen of them. <br /><br />With another shriek, it spits more gouts of fire, unleashing a hellish firebreath before pouncing forward, tearing cruel claws downwards with gravity assistance to try to shred into Crys. It has no intention to let Crys get out of melee range.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Predictably, spouting philosophy at an undead dragon doesn't seem to impress it. It's probably because Shin can see the inside of its skull via an empty eye socket, and there's nothing in there. Just theorizing!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An actual dragon might give pause to the paper being cited, but this zombie dragon just opens its maw wide and breathes poison at Shin. It's some awful green and purple mist. Might be lethal to a normal person, but this masked hero can assuredly sweat it off if he tries.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Or dodge! Dodging is probably better.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On the bright side the way it's all rotten and magically animated, it's not the sturdiest looking opponent defense-wise. Then again, punching zombies was never the best way to deal with them either.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Around the corner, Catzerker's ears perk but she continues grooming herself. Wasn't she actually doing something before sitting down?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chica would be happy to know that the shields, even if not fully damaged, regenerate too slowly to be of extra help in combat, and when one overloads, Staren needs to repair it anyway.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She /would/ be happy to know it, but she doesn't know it so she can't be happy about it. Alas.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chica's the first person Staren's run into who thinks of blowing the missile away! It takes a focused burst on target, but when she manages it, the missile explodes harmlessly!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The spray of bullets wears away at the forcefield, finishing off the third layer and eating into the fourth. It doesn't look like it takes bullets well, each one knocking a small chunk off. Which adds up to a lot, the way that thing churns out lead!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Rrrgh!" She's getting away! It seems like sooner or later they always figure out his field's weakness is bullets, lots of them. Why does he keep using it? Oh right, because even so, every bullet the field eats is one that doesn't get /him/.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wait, if she's running away, does that mean he has a chance to just bypass this area? He starts looking around for any way out, or another teleporter pad or something... Oh wait, then he'd leave Crys behind. Well, he can work that out once he /finds/ a way out.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For now, he drops the empty missile pistol (it had four shots) and snaps a couple more beam cannon shots at Chica to make her keep her head down so he can get a good look at the room.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:880|Nero (880)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Well. There it was. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nero materialized, Aestus Estus in hand, and immediately swung upwards, parrying Tamiel's thrust away from Kyra before taking a protective stance in front of the girl. "And I was wondering whether or not we would slip by you." The Servant muttered, a smirk forming on her face. "But I suppose not." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nero did not waste a second longer and immediately stepped forward, gathering Prana into her body. Her blade then burst to life, covered in fla- wait no, what was that? What was it green!? And why was it beginning to cover Nero entirely? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It's a shame she didn't notice. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Instead, with her sword reared back behind her, Nero attempted to strike. "Rosa Icht-" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But then something went wrong. Like a wrench being thrown into the works, something went out of place. Nero realized it too late. Instead, her body began to get smaller and smaller... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; TOAD <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Where the Roman Emperor once stood, there was now a small, green toad sporting a red cape, a lone ahoge, and a mini Aestus Estus. Needless to say, she was no longer a threat. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "......" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "....Ribbit! Ribbitribbitribbit!?" And then Nero-toad immediately began to angrily complain in frog speak.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:10|Crys Gattz (10)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Crys Gattz normally is one to fight in melee, but this thing's fire breath has made things very complicated for her. It's clearly got enough power to render a portion of her normal protection no longer as effective s it normally is. She's able to keep it off blance with her barta, it seems not to like it that much, prehaps it's time for a weapon change if she's got to keep close. Lezard is proving that he doesn't mess around even with his likely disposable assets. <br /><br /> She banishes the brutal claw and summons a pair of photon sabers, the twin blades glow blue and the air freezes about them. She attempts to dodge dodge the flames, she's able to do so this time. <br /><br /> "Staren worry about the objective I'll be fine. I been hunting monsters all my life get going!" <br /><br /> She parries the claws and attemps to break the deadlock and counter attack.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Shit shit shit!" Shin says, watching the angry, zombified dragon as he looks for a way out. Backwards surely leads to death and forward leads to zombie death. This puts him in quite the predicament. But he'll improvise as best he can. He's pretty sure the cat is stronger than the zombie, so if he can turn the cat AGAINST the zombie, that will turn out better for him. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So okay, Cats like hunting. Cats are also possessive and vaguely territorial. Shin looks down at the scarf around his neck. He immediately rips off the luchadore mask and tosses it to the side, hoping Catzerker will be too distracted to tell him with a mask on apart from him without a mask. Then he takes off the scarf and throws it at the dragon. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"OH NO!" He shouts at the top of his lungs, "This monster took the gift that Berserker gave to me and is keeping it for itself! The precious gift that cat-sempai gave me has been taken and claimed by another!" He bemoans loudly, trying to run and duck out of the way of the poison where he can, rolling along the floor to keep from getting caught in its noxious (and assuredly lethal) poison. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Whatever will I do!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:860|Berserker (860)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yes, burn everything and there will be no traps to worry about! The simplest solution to protect her darling Kay! Kiyohime blasts table and desk, methodically torching the room with a pleasant smile on her face.<br /><br />"Aha! The culprit appears!" Kiyohime gleefully whips about, ready to blast Yari as well! And she promptly does so! The Yari clone, at least. As it stabs toward her, the blade slices into her shoulder... but she lets loose a wave of fire, eyes alight with glee, far more than should rightfully be in the pleasant girl's demeanor. Too bad it was a fake.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The distraction works well though. Kiyohime is not able to see ahead of time the incoming kunai that detonates, hurling her backward and into some of her own flames. Well surely that's taken care of her for good, hasn't it? That's quite a squeal she let out!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Claws clash into the photon blades, and somehow, the claws don't immediately get severed on contact with the weapons. This thing is built Lezard Tough. <br /><br />Or more accurately, Lordran Tough, but neither of those present were hanging out in Lost Izalith so they might not know a Chaos-altered experiment when they see one. <br />5rThe struggle goes back and forth, the claws sending up sparks as it wrestles with her, pushing back and forth around the tunes... And then the lock gives, hurling the beast back and leaving a painful looking slash across it. The creature bleeds a noxious, smoking ichor that hisses when it hits the ground... and explodes into flame.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:779|Tamiel (779)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tamiel's blade moves in a silvery lunge of death, aiming toward... Kyra's leg? No, she's just wanting to draw out Nero without wasting her own energy, attempting a modicum of tactical thinking. And in this, she succeeds brilliantly! Nero has manifested and now she can engage in the battle she desired against another Servant!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Only... Nero turns into a frog.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tamiel skids to a halt, literally digging her heels in to slide and stall. Wings spread to slow her, bringing her to a stop still some distance from either. Despite her mask being a featureless blank slate, somehow she still manages to convey a look of utter bafflement. What sort of plot is this?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hesitantly, the feared angel of death and destruction pokes her swordtip toward the frog. "Is this your final form?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:927|Chica Mendez (927)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chica manages to get into cover with a grateful sigh, and being able to slap in another mag makes her feel a lot better, too. Glacning around, she does her best roady run as flashes of beam fire flash near and around her. One of them hits one of the fetal-like containers and shatters it, sending it spilling all over the Shadowrun as the largest piece of the container thunks on her head. "Agh--FUCK!" Disgusting! This shit was /rank/! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And now she's furious. No way she's going to let this one slide. She was covered in disgusting necro-juices. Standing, Chica takes advantage of Staren's temporary distraction and starts charging her spell. She takes and takes from the ambient sick mana until it starts to become painful to hold. Then she releases. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chica gasps and goes to a knee as she feels some of her life force slip away with the spell, but the result is an Overcasted manaball that flies towards Staren's side of the lab. It detonates in pure white light, raw mana that causes living material it hits to literally begin rotting with celular death. Like a magical explosive necrotizing fasciitis.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Staren's examinations of the room shows that there's no way out other than that teleport pad opposite the one you came in on. Lezard probably doesn't even USE the teleporters himself, and they're just there to troll people who are invading.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The sword has been intercepted! But Kyra does not continue running for the exit teleporter. No, running around Lezard's tower alone is a bad, bad idea. What kind of Praetor would she be if she abandoned her dear servant to the stalwart Grigori, anyway? An awful one. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Plus something has gone wrong. Kyra can FEEL the wrongness of the MP that Nero draws from her as she starts her attack. Kyra opens her mouth, ready to warn the Saber, but by then it is too late. Nero...is a toad. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tamiel is confused. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyra takes advantage of this confusion. "Final Form? FINAL FORM? Hah!" Kyra rushes in through the zombie swarm and bends down, scooping up Emperor Toad and thrusting it into Tamiel's face. "This isn't even her final form. BEHOLD!!!" <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There are a handful of ways to cure a Toad in Kyra'd disposal. One was a little more perishable than the other two, which are esuna (could wild magic again) or a remedy (need to fumble through inventory for that). Kyra opts for option three. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She turns Toad Nero to face her and makes a very big show of kissing the toad on the toad lips.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:780|Kay (780)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Berserker, I don't think-" Kay starts to say... and then she starts burning things anyway. Sigh. "Levi, are you all right?" She doesn't actually need to ask, thanks tot he Familiar link. She can feel the throbbing pain from the coughing demon's lungs and wounds, as a dull ache in her own muscles. At least Berserker is guarding her, right? She can work on approaching the teleporter.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Except that Yari gets the literal drop on her. She looks up just in time, but the blade sinks into her shoulder... deep. It doesn't quite get in between her shoulder blades, but it's a very bad wound, blood fountaining everywhere! And the only thing she has to reply with is...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Submachinegun fire at point blank.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shin turns the corner again, having carefully prepared his trap. Catzerker suddenly jumps up her seat, recognizing Shin. "Shin! What? Oh no! GRRR, EVIL THIEVES!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Directing the Servant at the dragon zombie has very, very predictable results. There are dragon guts, bones and entrails flying in every direction moments later, and then Catzerker returns with the (somewhat dirty and smelly) scarf. She proudly returns it to Shin, puffing her chest up, a hand on one hip and looking the part of a cat handing its owner the results of her hunt as a gift.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Nya! Have you seen a masked man? Berserker was trying to find her gift from Lezard but lost track! ... maybe Berserker should go ask Lezard for another one."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That went surprisingly well.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Er... no, I haven't. But he said you scared him off, so you must be the best hunter ever!" Shin comments, rolling up the scarf and sticking it into a pocket where it still tries to billow against the inside of the sweatshirt. He looks over at Catzerker and then says, "Sorry you lost whatever it was, though." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then, he remembers Kay's advice from a while ago. He takes a step towards the proud-looking Catzerker and reaches out a hand. He arms to go around her hips and then scratch the base of her tail right above the tailbone with the tips of his fingers, "Uh... Good kitty? Thank you for saving my scarf." He notes hesitantly.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:880|Nero (880)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Ribbit!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nero-toad croaked and jumped back away from Tamiel's poking blade. And then back another way to avoid the foot of a shambling zombie. Argh! What to do!? Why did this always have to happen at the most inopportune times!? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; M-Maybe she could still fight Tamiel as a toad! Yeah! All she had to do was BELIEVE! She could do this. She could totally do thi- That line of thought is cut off once she felt herself lifted up and turned around. "Ribbi-" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; FROG KISS INITIATED <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; THE PACT HAS BEEN SEALED. YOUR FIRST BORN CHILD IS MIN- wait no, wrong thing. There is a flash of light, and where she was a toad, Nero appears, back to humanoid form. "P-Praetor! I have too many things to say, but there is little time at this moment." And with a face tinged slightly red from the indignity of this entire situation, Nero turned around and pointed Aestus Estus at her opponent. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "My apologies! But no, that was not my 'final form'." A smirk followed. "Nonetheless-" And then, without warning, the Servant grabbed Kyra by the waist and leapt backwards, away from Tamiel and aiming to land on the teleporter. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ACTIVATEING FAKEOUT.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Kiyohime's fire proves effective, as that Yari is all but right up in her face when she unleashes it. There's a burning, a scream, and the figure is blasted to the ground before finally falling still. Could that be it!? <br /><br /> That explosion rings out, and with Yari's first opponent tossed into a wall, the fake dissipates into motes of silver-moonlight magic. But that still leaves Kay. <br /><br /> Just as she gets that stab in, up comes Kay's gun. She's forced to let go of her weapon, leaping bag just in time to avoid being shot in the face! There's a spurt of blood, though, as she's caught in the side with that burst as she ducks into a spinning backflip, landing and sliding across a table into a crouch. Her kimono starts to darken from the blood, but the ninja's still in the fight. She weaves a few handseals as she slides to a stop, and sucks in a breath. <br /><br /> "SUITON!" <br /><br /> A blast of murky, oily-water spills from her mouth as Yari attempts to get Kay all coated in that sticky, likely flammable magical oil-tainted water! She'll probably need one heck of a drycleaner after this. For now, Berserker goes unharmed, 'downed' as she is.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:10|Crys Gattz (10)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Crys Gattz hs never been to Lordran before, she knows of it but not in enough detail to make the comparison. She does think this thing is a dangerous and horrible monster. It's powerful, skilled and clearly pissed off. Finally as the parry and counter parry play ends? Crys scores a hit at last on the beast, however the smoking ichor causes the ground where it falls to burst into flame. Crys says nothing but if Lezard is watching remotly or has some means to record the fights happening in his domian? Crys would have this /You have got to be kidding me/ look on her face. <br /><br /> She attemps to dance about to burning blood, but is not entirely successful and she's cooked more, she's also clealry hurt at this point some of her clothing now a melted mess of syntic materials glued to her flesh amd it's not a happy thing for the long time Union fighter. She attemps to bite through the pain anbd launche into a brutal combo trying to put the beast down.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Another teleporter pad! Good! Wait, no. Even if he sneaks onto it /with/ Crys, they could be seperated again. This mission has become a /mess/. Staren has no idea what's going on with the others, but he's not hearing any 'I found the angel! Mission success!' or the like on his radio, for sure. Charging ahead doesn't seem safe, but taking down every defender they encounter sounds incredibly tedious...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh shit, she's casting a spell! He draws his laser pistol, but the manaball is already flying towards him! It explodes and everything goes white...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And... he's undamaged? Staren looks over himself for a few seconds in confusion. His HUD doesn't indicate any damage, and he doesn't /see/ any damage... "What did you do? ...What /was/ that??"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren's currently uploaded into a robot body. Sadly, there is no living matter to attack -- if this were a console RPG, <span class=" bold_fg_n bg_n ++ h">IMMUNE</span> would flash over his head.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, at least she has a moment of confusion to try something else, though he'll probably take cover again soon enough!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shin touches the base of Catzerker's tail.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She immediatly blushes and takes a step back, evidently feeling weird! "E-Eee, t-t-that's-- B-Berzerker didn't know you felt that way about Berserker, nya! Berserker already has a husband, though!!" It's true, when she says 'master' it actually alternately translates as 'husband'. It's a quirk, much like how Caster uses the maid-honorific for master, which is significantly more formal and owner-relationship than the simple use of the English word 'master' like most Servants do.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"T-This is awkward now, nya!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh god, what to do. Catzerker looks left, looks right. "B-Berserker should probably get back to Lezard, Berserker was here to deal with something important that might happen tonight! Oh! Maybe Lezard would hire Shin?!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh! No! I don't!" Shin holds up his hands and waves them, "You don't really kick off the Love Interest vibe, I mean!" Shin shakes his head, looking equally awkward, "My friend just told me that it was a thing you do to cats! I was trying to be friendly!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Aw geez!" He MAY... MAY be playing up this awkward misunderstanding for the sheer sake of his love of tropes, "It's so awkward!" He holds up a hand, "Oh, hold on," Shin reaches into his sweatshirt pocket and pulls out a plastic bag full of a strange pink material. He opens the bag and throws it right up and then... there are cherry blossoms fluttering around. He brought his own bag of cherry blossoms.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"There, sorry." He then coughs and says, "So awkward! I'm so sorry for this incredibly awkward misunderstanding! I think this is the part where I should just..." He bows his head repeatedly, "S-S-sorry!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then he stereotypically runs off without responding to the last part of her statement.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:779|Tamiel (779)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tamiel only balks at killing Kyra and Nero because of the bizarre situation she finds herself in. More swords flash into appearance as the original set begins to decay and disintegrate, the mana holding them together failing now that she's launched them. The one in her hand is fine, though, and as Nero takes on her original form, Tamiel prepares for an EPIC BATTLE just like she should have had right away.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Except Nero then decides to make an EPIC RETREAT instead.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is probably the right decision, because immediately when the attempt is made, all fifteen of the summoned blades launch in a flurry of steel, the deadly rain whizzing toward the pair as the Servant leaps away. They're glowing yellow this time, too, empowered to strike and pierce even the insubstantial. Sadly, they still must go through intervening obstacles, and though walls may not be in the way... several of the moshing zombies are instead lanced right through, providing some cover for the pair that has, in fact, tricked their way past the Grigori.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>CRYS GATTZ: <br /><br />Crys launches forward, and so does the beast. It comes down to who strukes first. <br /><br />Crys does. The impact crushes into the beast, cracking mutated bone, shattering internals, and tearing it into pieces. With an agonized howl, it falls to the ground, whimpering. It sounds almost.... Human. <br /><br />And then it explodes into a pyre of flame. <br /><br />KYRA AND NERO:<br /><br />Kyra and Nero leap onto the teleporter, and vanish. <br /><br />They appear in a dark place that stinks of blood and screaming. <br /><br />No, it's not Elizabeth's other concert hall. God. <br /><br />No, between the dull thumps, the howling, the moans of despair and weeping, the stench of fecal matter and rot, that this is some kind of prison. <br /><br />WELL THEN. This seems like where the Grigori would be if they're anywhere. <br /><br />In fact, it doesn't take long before Nero and Kyra manage to locate said Grigori, chained to the wall. They appear to be unharmed, meaning Tamiel seems to have kept to their promise, at least.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:927|Chica Mendez (927)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chica's not the type to let such a thing interrupt her actions, but she could tell when her spells weren't having any effect. Apparently, the kid was a freaking rigger. Go figure. A vicious set of curses come from her as she drops her SMG and lets the strap hold it for her, going for her Warhawk. Two more rounds in the clip, both of which Chica fires towards a particular target--the leg joints of the robot. If she can't kill the rider, she might at least cripple it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once she's empty, she dives to the side regardless of what sort of actions he might be taking, snaking her way under a table to reload with her second and last clip of APDS rounds. "I'm not sure if I can keep him from advancing," she sub-vocalizes into her commlink. Out loud, she grunts, "This place is a fucking maze. As far as you know, that'll drop you off a goddamn cliff. You're on the wrong side of this, kid." Maybe she can make him leave?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Go go go!" Kyra whispers, peering around over Nero's shoulder as the (much shorter!) Servant carries her away. Kyra is at least light, strangely enough. Not having the super-heavy gold and platinum laden CURE-ALL on her helps this. "Whew." Relief is clear on her face. Even with her powerful Saber she really did not want to try for a fight with the Grigori-after all, she was able to take on Berserker just fine and get to Kay. Kyra didn't want to know if Tamiel could get through Nero. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thankfully, they escape into Elizabeth's OTHER concert hall. Which happens to also be a functional dungeon. The only difference is there is a little less hawking of Elizabeth merchandise. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once Nero has kindly put her down, she's quick to go searching, hoping that Sophia hasn't already been taken to Lezard's lab for experimentation. Forunately, this isn't the case, "Hey!" whispers, unzipping her hoodie and rifiling around for a certain mixture. She's quick to produce it too-a superconcentrated oxidizer made from Rust Monster digestive enzymes. She dumps it on the chains. "We're getting out of here!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:780|Kay (780)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kay isn't all that great compared to some, but she is way faster and stronger than a human has a right to be. Not fast enough to avoid the spray of oil that blasts over her, making her stumble back and... er... well it's oil. The blonde grunts as she slips, then lands with a thud.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is bad because the area is still smoldering, and her clothing catches fire right away now, the accelerant igniting and setting most of her ablaze with a screech! Kay rolls aside, but it isn't just to try to put herself out.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Levi, coughing and spitting blood, is back in action. The familiar rushes, bleeding profusely, with a bestial growl and a much faster lunge than Kay has, whipping her massive blade forward for a dangerous stab with supernatural stength behind it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:880|Nero (880)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nero may be small, but she can still pick you up, Kyra! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And she's not small! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once the escape is successfully made, barring the sacrifice of a few poor zombies, they make their way into what appears to be a prison of sorts. She wrinkled her nose at the fetid stench of the place as she set her Master down. "Ergh! Do these people not know the meaning of the word 'clean'!?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For now though, she follows along after Kyra, blade in hand and ready to intercept anything that might potentially jump out at them, while the white mage worked on the chains. ...She probably could have just slashed them apart, but too late for that now! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For now, she was effectively standing guard.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:860|Berserker (860)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Know who else is on fire? Kiyohime. Know who doesn't care? Kiyohime. The Berserker hisses angrily, lobbing uh... more fire at Yari, because THAT sure fixes everything, doesn't it?<br /><br />Like the other Servant, her main goal is the safety of her Master, though. To that end, she grabs the flaming Kay and murmurs, "We're leaving, Lady Master." A quick yank, and she's pedalling toward the other end, letting Levi keep Yari busy.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:779|Tamiel (779)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sophia is pretty calm for someone who has been imprisoned. Her wings are in good condition, too, though she isn't completely clean. She's in better condition than most of the rest of the dungeon though! The Grigori waits patiently as the chains are dissolved, glancing at Nero before she looks at Kyra again. Her expression is puzzled. "You came to rescue me after all?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Apparently the sort of goodwill she's seeing is confusing, given the danger. Not that she's objecting. She rubs her wrists, standing up and then already moving to find the exit. The collar and manacles she once had are gone, it might be noted. "Thank you," she manages awkwardly.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Targeting the knees is a good idea!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shame about that forcefield. One shot partially breaks it -- the second goes through a hole and hits a knee... Staren's surprise gives Chica a chance to target a weak point in the armor and blow the knee armor apart... The external armor. There is a clearly-metal knee underneath.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren ducks behind cover again. "I can deal with a cliff. But it's you who are on the wrong side. I don't care how much money Lezard has, or how fancy his magical defenses are. We're taking her back. Also, c'mon, the guy's a jerk. If you weren't human under that armor, you'd be nothing more than mindless cannon fodder to him. /That's/ sure not the right side."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So, I notice you want to try talking now that it's two-on-one. Got anything else to say?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Two things come at Yari: Fire, and then through the fire, Levi and her stabbing! There's a brief moment of a curse and blood splattering as smoke obscures the area where the monster and the ninja struggle! There's a voice over Yari's radio and a flash of magic as Levi and the burning Yari crash into a burning desk, sending up smoke everywhere. <br /><br /> When it all clears up? Levi has the ninja pinned to the desk, weapon through her chest and the ninja hardly moving at all. It seems the trio are home free. <br /><br /> About two seconds before the two get out, they might spy that pinned ninja dissipating into illusion magic-motes. Back in Lezard's Nice Room, the ninja thuds down into a chair. There's a first aide kit, and she's trying to patch up her burns, the bullet wounds, and of course Levi's lovely stab right into her /good/ shoulder. She's a bloody mess, but mission possibly accomplished.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Grigori, Kyra has determined by now, handle emotions a little differently than humans. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The metal is simply reduced to red powder, which drops to the ground quickly. "We did." Kyra nods, "Were you not expecting a rescue? Actually, don't answer that, we need to get out of here." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She gives a thumbs up to Nero and heads for the teleporter they came into the dungeon through.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:10|Crys Gattz (10)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Crys Gattz is able to take it down at great cost, she's burned badly her clothing for the most part has melted and is clinging to her. She listens to the thing is as it goes down and she pulls the weapon back. She hears the almost human wimper and that brings back bad memories of things deep in the dark on Ragol she's about to move in to end it's suffering when thet hing explodes, her barrier takes the worst of it but she's sent flying and she's a burned mess. She won but she's not going to be much of a threat to anyone for a while after this.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:927|Chica Mendez (927)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In her ear, she hears the command pass along the tac-band. Whatever the Union had been looking for here had been found, and fighting any further would be pointless. Plus yes, now this /is/ two-on-one, odds she's not feeling like taking right now. The robot was clearly able to take more punishment than she was willing to give, too. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From under her table, she holsters her heavy pistol and comes out with her hands raised and palms out. An aside glance is sent over to Crys and her little issue, before looking back to Staren. "Two on one, huh. I've gotten new orders. You have what you wanted, I've been told to let you retreat." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With that, she shrugs and drops her hand, and motions to Crys. "You should probably deal with that, by the way."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:880|Nero (880)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nero nods and after taking a glance behind them, steps through the teleporter first to meet any threats. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Well, it would seem that the mission was accomplished. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mostly. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Barring that whole TOAD thing. Could have done without that!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren is silent for a moment. He has his own radio too, of course. "Confirmed. I will cease hostilities." He holsters the laser pistol and stands up... then rushes over to Crys, sucking air through his teeth when he sees the damage. "Hang in there, Crys." From that magic bag of his comes a bandage with some sort of lump on it which he wraps around the worst-burned area. It seems to include helpful chemicals and nanomachines that work to stabilize her. "One second." He rushes back over to pick up the gun he dropped and put it away, then he helps Crys to her feet or picks her up if need be. "This pad had better go to the exit, or I /am/ gonna start blowing holes to get out. Your boss knows I'm a walking armory." Onto the pad they go!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:779|Tamiel (779)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An irritated Tamiel reappears as well, uninjured but having never gotten the fight she wanted. The silent masked grigori has dismissed her armor and weaponry, and now wears her body suit again, along with the mask, and an Elizabeth Bathory t-shirt.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:927|Chica Mendez (927)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Staren starts making his way to help Crys, the elf moves forward to look over the mess. There's a contact card in her hand. "Here, kid. Pass it to your friends. I'm sure someone will get a use out of it." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Typed in bland letters on the front reads 'La Llorona', the reverse has what looks like a contact number. Probably to a means of connection that she can burn easily.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Seriously?" Staren doesn't expect the person he just fought to /give him her business card/. "...You might want to check out something called the Syndicate. Ask for the loud guy over the broadband, he'll hook you up."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He doesn't throw the card away, though...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:10|Crys Gattz (10)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Crys Gattz Says "I have a telepipe...if we need to try it." She doesn't say much else she smells like cooked meat which is not a good thing. She's been hurt before but it's been a long time since she got burnt like this. If not for her personal barrier? She'd almost certainly be covered in third degree burns. Thankfully whatever STaren is pumpting into her is doing a heck of a number on the main though.<br> <br><br />
<br />
<br />
}}</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3557/Scars_of_a_Plague_Before_Undeath_-_2&diff=125093557/Scars of a Plague Before Undeath - 22016-01-10T02:44:00Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2015/12/21 |Location=Great Painting of Ariamis <PoA> |Synopsis=Continued efforts to clean the area around Blighttown. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=..."</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/12/21<br />
|Location=Great Painting of Ariamis <PoA><br />
|Synopsis=Continued efforts to clean the area around Blighttown.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=1, 6, 42, 70, 168, 183, 253, 570, 575, 598, 626, 705, 847, 906, 908<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:70|Priscilla (70)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The difference between the soaring, sunlit peaks of Anor Londo and the miserable place that nobody remembers the real name of, now only referred to as 'Blight Town' in distasteful murmurs, is quite literally like night and day. Gone is the brisk mountain air, the gleaming marble, the warm winds and the bustle of the city, as the entire thing is completely underground, buried beneath miles of natural rock, hewn masonry, and the full gradient in between. The destination in question is a gargantuan cavern, carved out by hundreds of subterranean tributaries over lord knows how many years, still audible as a constant, echoing tumble of babbling streams pouring from hundreds of feet up in the ceiling.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Predictably, it is essentially pitch black, save for the weak, combined glow of hundreds of blazing torches, barely pinpricks at a distance, set all over the dilapidated, ramshackle apparatus that could only be called a village in the most charitable sense of the word; a rambling cluster of old, sodden wood nailed together in whatever haphazard fashion that seemed to keep things falling over, hastily stitched together by endless ladders connecting myriad platforms supporting one or two hovels each at most. The entire thing is hoisted well, well above the ground floor on dangerous looking stilts, seemingly recently padded over with thick columns of dried clay, as the entire thing is a massive, unified lake, impossible to tell the depth of for the fact that it surface is totally opaque, covered by a thick layer of glistening oil, green-grey scum, bubbling gas from decaying matter, and jagged, floating debris.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's hot, even underground. It's humid. It's stagnant. It stinks to hell. The only reason the place isn't crawling things with more than four or less than two legs is that the previous excursion through has more or less killed them all, as evidenced by the faint haze of acrid battleship fumes and gunsmoke and the scent of biomass charred by prana fire, though the myriad corpses are probably either rotting at the bottom of the swamp, or have been eaten by the pulsating shapes still bubbling to the surface here and there, representing the more difficult to be rid of hostile elements.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At the other end of the cavern, the entire back wall is covered with what must be a thousand tons of spider's webbing, the nest the size of a large building, which nothing goes near. The 'native inhabitants' certainly don't, not in the least because at a third visit, they are neither trying to kill anyone in a state of Hollowed madness like the first, or skittishly avoiding everyone by scampering into the shadows like the second. The torches are well out on display they've gathered outside the hovels on whatever open space they can find, an entire community of people covered in tumours, boils and lesions that have only recently been rendered less than cancerous, gangrenous, or other such lovely things.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:70|Priscilla (70)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To the first time initiate, it's still horrifying to look at so many people so heavily disfigured by disease so hideous as to border on mutation, but to returning visitors, it's actually fairly surprising to see no oozing open sores, skin tones other than that of a waterlogged corpse, and it seems actually a little body weight here and there. The medical examination from last time has had plenty of time to complete with Kyra's quality samples, and so there's apparently been quite a train of aid following in the same vein. More than a handful of Lordran natives are here, a great many members of the clergy judging by their attire, though a great many others simply former pilgrims or bodyguards, the latter surrounding the former and in turn surrounded by droves of 'villagers' as they patiently wait for food handouts and magical healing for the ailments not so long-term as to require more dedicated medical assistance. The obvious guess is that Solaire has brought them from Anor Londo, as the god turned man turned god again is easily visible amongst them by standing head and shoulders over the crowd and his distinctive pot helm, conversing with Priscilla.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yang is practically choking, the only thing stopping her from doubling over is the scarf she wears. It's pulled up over her nose and mouth, dulling the rancid edge of the areas stench. "What a place..." she says, looking around at the others. "So, what're we here for again? Monster hunting?" she asks, looking around with stinging lilac eyes.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:253|Psyber (253)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Psyber has long since learned to wear special clothing when he comes down to Blighttown in person. No long coat and no sneakers for him. Instead, he's wearing a pair of jeans tucked into some decently shin-high boots and a t-shirt with a short-coat over it. He's also got some cloth tied around his face to cover the lower half of it, slightly damp with fresh water and a dab of cologne to let him breath a bit easier. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He answers Yang blandly when she asks, "We're here to clean this place out. Last time, we cut out a lot of the downstream infestation to make some headway and some room, now we're probably going to go upstream to the source of the blight and take it out there so that it can effectively be cleaned and not become re-infested. This will open up an area for urban development as Lordran expands due to an incoming population boom." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The half-angel is carrying a shotgun that he lazily rests up against one shoulder as he strolles through.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:575|Ayako Hasekawa (575)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ayako is here dressed as a witch, and sitting side-saddle on her floating broom as usual. Not too high, though! She's floating only a few feet above the ground, with pale blue flames floating about her to help give everyone a bit more light to see with. Her gaze is often looking about... she appears to ba admiring the cavern. Water carving out this much space is something that brings a smile to her face, after all.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once in a while, she takes her witch hat off to fan herself with the brim. Ungh. Why is it so hot down here? Shouldn't it be cooler? However, as she looks downwards at the massive, polluted lake, she can't help but frown. "I... that lake..." Ayako shakes her head quickly. "That. Lake."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She then looks over towards Psyber quickly when he mentions the 'downstream infestation' and the 'source of the blight'. "I... Psyber, I'll go with you! I don't like seeing water that looks like this." Ayako frowns slightly and then floats over towards Psyber's side.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe has returne to Blight Town to help with the clean up here there's a heck of a lot of things to do here. Creatures to cleaure out, santation issues to be handled and locals to help. She's brought some healing items if she does run into them. She's also carrying a crate of supplies of some sort if is a break through with the locals she's brought some food and medical supplies with her. <br /><br /> "Monser hunting, sanatation work and humantian aid, Yang." <br /><br /> Comes the voice of Tomoe though she's in an different from that Yang would have seen her before the towerin form of a Salamander rather than a small human woman. <br /><br /> "Right then Pysber I'll fall in with you sir, just let me leave these supplies for if we have any luck with any non hostilt locals down here." <br /><br /> She seems ready and looks over to Ayako. <br /><br /> "Ayako, don't worry we'll keep any nasties off you."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:183|Mizuki (183)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All things fade with time, for good or for ill. If one were to eat the same banquet for days on end, no matter how diverse nor how delicious the food therein, that meal would eventually become dull. If one were to listen to the same song for generations, there's no doubt that one would grow ill of it as well.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is a fact of life that normally torments Mizuki, that grates at her to no end, but in the specific case of this locale it is a tremendous blessing. Mizuki has been here on at least four, more likely five separate occasions at this point, and she has more or less managed to 'break in' the rotten odors and the nauseating sights. In fact, she really doesn't mind the latter anymore: it's such a stark contrast to the world she usually dwells in that it wakes her up, in a manner of speaking. Yes, it's a veritable 'bucket of iced water to the face', but where once that might have been painful now it's right and truly just... distinct. Different. She's not quick to admit as much, but at the same time she might internally feel somewhat proud in the knowledge that she has overcome one of her greater phobias.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Still, all this doesn't mean that she feels comfortable appearing her with any of her flesh exposed, even if her physical manifestation -is- mostly for show. She's come wearing the same black cloak that she wore during the confrontations with Gwyn and Kalameet, and she has for the most part blended in to the environment in the backdrop near Priscilla and Solaire. She's glad - more than glad, really - to see that those winged monstrosities of yore have been routed, but all the same she's deep in contemplation. What on Earth can she do to clean up the rest of this mess? Yes, she recalls that, once, she had suggested using her portals to more or less 'strain' the bile out of the local water supply, but she can't quite recall -how- she had intended to do so. The moment she does, however, she will likely pitch this idea to the crossbreed and all the rest.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For now, though, she stands rather idle, eyes cast toward mess of cobwebs on the other side of the, erm, 'village'. She wonders briefly if Quelaag might prefer to be given some more normal form as well. She wonders briefly if such a thing would be possible -- it's not every day that one happens upon the perfectly preserved corpse of a witch, after all. Still, it's something to occupy her thoughts, primarily since she's reluctant to clean up the webs while they still might serve as someone's home. Even if she hasn't spoken with either of them much, Mizuki has developed something of an affinity for these 'Chaos Siblings'. So she will be their advocate whenever possible.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1|Kirito (1)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oss n��a n�tt lysa auga!"<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Or, translated, 'Give us eyes that illuminate the night!'<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;These are some of the first things Kirito says after emerging into the hot, humid, stinky hellhole called Blighttown. It's accompanied by a flare of magical energies from his body, rings of golden words matching the incantation swirling around it and locking into place...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Spriggan has quickly realized that this is no place to be blind in.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That was the spell for NIGHT VISION, and anyone nearby him who didn't resist it will find themselves not barred at all by the darkness. Everything is ten times clearer, the tiny torchlight being more than enough to illuminate far, far into the distance... hopefully.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirito, though, who joined this outing because several of his allies are in it... is disgusted and horrified at what he SEES upon his sight clarifying further than the normal Spriggan Nightvision advantage. A grimace quickly shifts into seething anger. "Who let things get so bad to begin with?! That anyone could live in conditions like this, that's a testimony to their will to live, alright..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyra Hyral learned that some of the natives here needed wide-scale genetic hacking, which was something her world was not yet capable of in already-living creatures of this complexity. -well, wasn't capable of to Kyra's knowledge. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's arrived here with a cart, or perhaps even small caravan behind her, baring the food and medicine that they were providing on this visit. Kyra herself looks loaded down with gear, primarily consisting of the basic treatments the Union developed for the most common diseases and parasites they discovered from the samples taken previously. She's also wearing half of a gas mask, covering her nose and mouth, which helps block out the smell. The white mage looks to be at peace, feeling pretty safe with all of these other people here.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Blight Town. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Konoe had heard vaguely about this and decided to tag along with Reiji and his people to see if she could help... She wasn't prepared for how bad it actually would be. "Ghnk....This is...-" The smell was horrid. Dizzying in fact. Her enhanced sense of smell was not helping her in this case. It was making it worse. She'd try and cover her nose, but really, that wasn't going to do anything. Maybe she should set up a barrier around herself...no that was a waste of energy. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ugh, self control, self control... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pushing down her instinctive disgust, Konoe plodded along towards the area where medical attention was being administered by the clergy. "H-Hello, is there anything I can do to help? I can heal wounds and minor afflictions." She spoke promptly to the nearest clergyman, not wasting any time, and doing her best to smile patiently.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:168|Nathan Hall (168)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I am glad you asked." Nathan says. Oh god, NOW you've done it. He's right next to Psyber, though you wouldn't know it was him without the voice, since that armor composed of ice is covering much of his body. "As was the case previously, we have several relevant priorities. We must remove toxic ecological elements and purge local parasites, administer medical care to local inhabitants, chemically cleanse sewage elements, reinforce unstable architecture, and create new channels for appropriate water flow. However, the local toxic ecological elements and parasites are now absent; they seem to have been thoroughly managed by various factors, and the sewage factors are no longer persisting, as the Undead Burg above was lost to Kalameet."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alright, now that he's got some stabilization for the local structure, and now that Kyra's made the initial social headway, he's going to turn and give a short, quiet nod to Psyber, giving him free reign to head where he likes, while Nathan gets to work. Time to focus on his specialty. Social things! He needs to see if there's any ongoing social difficulties that the locals appear to be having -- he may, in fact, wind up wandering over to the village itself and quietly speaking with various people -- or otherwise direct himself towards more diplomatic issues. Time to hassle around.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:570|Kimiko Shinobu (570)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shinobu Kimiko has not been here before, even once. That being the case, she's only had descriptions to work with, and Lordran once again impresses with how little mere descriptions can do it justice. She's here transformed, in her outfit as a Puella Magi, that faux-Victorian dress presently lacking in arms and armor. It does not, normally, include a mask. It's for that reason that, with a knife produced from somwhere, she's tearing off a long strip from her skirt.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Given Ayako's cooperation, she wets the cloth before wrapping it around her nose an mouth. That'll work better as a filter than mere cloth. Until it dries, anyway.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Thank you."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji Arisu has invested quite a bit of time and effort into the rehabilitation of Lordran. To see him here, attending to this particular enterprise, should be of no real surprise. In anticipation of what they might find down here, the exorcist has elected to wear a long-sleeved version of his usual outfit, and his head is covered in what can only be described as a mixture of a cowled coolie hat and gas mask. Its thick lenses shine briefly in the firelight as he descends into the depths.<br /><br />He is not, however, alone!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accomapnying the exorcist today is a small squadron of similarly dressed individuals, though none of them do bring nearly so much weaponry as the man ostensibly in charge of their excursion. Most appear to be carrying a variety of mystical or scientific tools inside one manner of container or another.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Who is at fault doesn't matter now," Reiji says, though his voice is somewhat muffled beneath his mask. "We're here to clean up this mess, make this place liveable again. Once we clean out the poison, the swamp below will hopefully follow." He pauses, taking a moment to gesture towards one of the technicians behind him. The woman nods under her and begins fishing through her pack for similar apparatuses to the headgear that she and the other Shinra personnel are wearing.<br /><br />"Incidentally," Reiji coughs into a fist, "We can do a bit for the smell, if anyone needs a mask."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Monster hunting?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As usual, Staren brings to bear the weapons of advanced technology. The seldom-seen S-3, his father's first successful invention, refined over decades, walks through the tunnel alongside the other visitors. A stout humanoid a dozen feet or so tall, mostly a 'torso' with stumpy limbs and no head, overlapping armor plates painted red. Staren is crammed into a tiny cockpit inside -- it helps that he can control the machine by thought instead of having to move.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It carries some gear packs of one sort or another, and between them and Staren's matter manipulator, who knows what he's brought?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'Let things get so bad...'" Staren's voice comes over speakers. "I wonder if they even had a choice. Apparently it was even /worse/ before. But now, we'll reward their will to live by making things better. We'll put an end to the monsters threatening them, and bring light to the darkness... Medicine, and comfort... They couldn't possibly /prefer/ living like this, right? I mean if they do, I suppose I can always just... go home... but it's worth at least offering, right?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eventually, Nathan lays things out. "So, we still need to administer medical care and do some irrigation, and maybe hunt some more monsters? That doesn't seem so bad..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:70|Priscilla (70)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The mildly amusing effect of tall and taller talking to each other over the heads of the more ordinary people around them breaks up a bit when the Union starts to filter in more fully, Priscilla briefly excusing herself from the conversation to go and meet them. Solaire nods with a little clack of heavy armour, before starting to head in the opposite direction, neither of them having any difficulty parting a crowd, though Priscilla seems more wont to simply hop over the various gaps present than try to take ladders around them, taking a few jumps that look a little too wide to be done so casually.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well met, those of thee joining us new for perhaps the least pleasant and most inglorious task thou couldst hath possibly chosen. Consider this an initiation into the scope of work before us, even if not its general nature. As thou hath no doubt been made aware of, this place, this 'Blight Town' layeth deep beneath the surface of the Earth, directly beneath the formerly most populous human city in the country, which hast recently been completely destroyed. The original inhabitants were those who fled the city above, unwelcomed within Lordran's borders and living as refugees, unlikely to be bothered in this place where all waters for hundreds of miles rinse themselves of their accumulated filth. As a great crisis hast passed, thine assistance is most welcomed in rendering this area, at the very least, save to traverse, if not pleasant to liveth in."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The mire below is the most obvious point of contention, having becometh a self-sustaining ecosystem of rot, still infested with the more elusive of its natural predators, which must be purged more or less all at once. These living conditions art also obviously abhorrent, and must be replaced. The people living here hath no quarrel with mineself or any other, and so art to be rendered thine compassion. Lastly, the Daughters of Izalith hath some plans to removeth that . . . nest, of sorts, but hath communicated little else." Every so often, the dingy blackness; more of a dim, washed out grey for people now benefiting from night vision; lights up with a soft flash of brilliant gold and a sound something like bells or soothing chorus as a cleric invokes a minor miracle in the distance, punctuating the subdued murmur of babbling surrounding them.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:575|Ayako Hasekawa (575)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ayako smiles brightly at Tomoe. "Ahh, I'm glad, I'm glad! I'll be counting on you!" She idly fiddles with her hat for a moment... before floating over to Kimiko quickly to give her some clean water-at least at first. When she notes what Kimiko intends to do with the water, she gives her some light blue Healing Water to wet the cloth mask with. That will make a much better filter and won't dry nearly as fast. "Eheh... you're welcome!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She floats back idly towards Psyber as she thinks and talks to herself. "I could help purify that... 'lake' down there. But... it won't do much good unless we take care of the source of the pollution, huh..."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1|Kirito (1)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Of course it matters." Kirito retorts Reiji's way, but he doesn't seem eager to press beyond that. There's business to take care of. Which is why he's pacing out onto the wooden walkways to survey the place while he listens to Priscilla's explanation. He eventually turns to listen to Priscilla's explanation. Well, that's that.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Living in the sewers... that explains a lot."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The boy in black sends a nod Staren's way. "Hunting down the predators sounds like something I can do! Although in a place like this we also need to make sure Ayako's covered with protection. Sounds like she's key to cleansing the place."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe looks over at Kirito for a moment tilting her head a bit at him. <br /><br /> "This is an imrpovement over how it was. The world was dying to put it shortly I'll explain more later though there are others who could explain it better than I could. We need to fix things not play the blaim game, also thanks for the buff." <br /><br /> She'll gesture for Kirito to follow here since she is going monster hunting. <br /><br /> "Understood Ayako." <br /><br /> She's very hopeful that Ayako can help purify the water, it would be a huge thing ot help this place. <br /><br /> "Rip out the source of the cancer or cleaning things is pointless." <br /><br /> She pauses to listen ti Priscilla and seems to get it the last part about the Daughters of Izalith having a plan seems welcome from the look on her face. <br /><br /> "Hunting the preadtors and protecting Ayako is what I'll be best helping with."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:70|Priscilla (70)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Solaire seems to pay Mizuki a little more mind, not so perennially used to her narrative whims of presence as Priscilla, stopping partway to crouch down slightly and look at her. "Is there something you've been meaning to say? You've been very quiet for quite a while now. I don't think you would have come if you weren't intending to help, knowing you even as little as I do!" It's reassuring to hear that his tone is just as warm and tinnily muffled as ever, despite the kind of 'brewing thunderstorm' aura he gives off everywhere he walks now, Dawnbreaker slung over his back. He briefly waves over to Kyra and Reiji, indicating along a clear path that thankfully only crosses /one/ rickety bridge of nailed together planks, zigzagging badly as the two platforms it connects sway with the distribution of changing weight on each of them.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The nearest person to Konoe is in fact a young woman who looks like she can't be more than a couple of years older than Kyra, though has clearly the opposite disposition, dressed in relatively simple white, form-obscuring clothes, like someone who intends to blend into a mass of others identically dressed rather than someone holding a symbol of office like many of the others here. A fairly complex circle of old, archaic, unreadable runes surrounds her and a sickly looking child standing before her kneeling form, her hands on his head, humming faintly with divine power as motes of trailing light rise from the floor, apparently painlessly mending what appear to be a pair of broken fingers and an open, infected wound on his forearm, no doubt from scrabbling over this five flags tetanus wonderland of a living space. She looks to Konoe only as she is finished, the boy looking wide eyed to the youkai through too-long and yet patchy hair in his face before running off behind someone else. "You're very much in the right place then." she says softly, patting down the place next to her where some of the boards have at least been dried and cleaned by a burly, dutiful looking older man with a greying bowl cut in multiple layers of lamellar standing a short ways off to the side. "We've no shortage to the unfortunate here. If you wish to display your compassion to the gods, anything will do."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:70|Priscilla (70)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nathan will find a surprising lack of social friction here, though maybe that shouldn't be so surprising at all considering how this is pretty much as altruistic as it gets in most respects. These are men and women of either faith or simple human compassion doing work they feel is right by volunteer, amidst a generation of their fellow man who has been so neglected as to never see sunlight, obviously mistrustful but unlikely to snub such gifts after going their whole lives (and un-lives) with so little. He'll see the odd group stewing out of sight of the dispatch from Anor Londo, and especially from the Union Elites, but ultimately the only real grumblings or bubblings of hostility he will see are from some of the more dressed up (and commensurately, usually more powerful) clerics here and there; the grumblings directly amicably to one another, and the displeased looks going towards Priscilla.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:70|Priscilla (70)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Those going monster hunting will have a simultaneously tougher and easier time of it than last. Though the walls no longer crawl with demonspawn and the air no longer thrums with murderous parasites, everything dangerous is now (safely) contained to the least convenient place to deal with it; the swamp. It's a relatively easy way down (ignoring any fears of breaking one's neck, descending through that jungle of feeble wood and rusted nails and rope), but once one hits the gravel-strewn shores of the cave bottom just barely high enough to peek over the morass of sickly green-brown, only a distinct sense of 'now what?' lies in wait. The irregular movement in the water clearly indicates living things in there, easily enough to make it potentially dangerous to trying and work with the the lake, but the opaque and hazardous mess offers no clear clues as to what those things may be, or how to get rid of them. As usual, the last portion is the most stubborn.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'Infested with the more elusive of its natural predators' Priscilla says, which translates to 'nasty aquatic monsters' to Kyra. She shudders a little, picturing things with snapping teeth and writhing tentacles. Maybe both. Or giant water spiders, gliding across the water silently, similar to the other monsters they burned out the last time they were here. Kyra shudders again and keeps close to her carts. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Speaking of moving carts, she along with Reiji finds herself directed towards a path...with a rickety bridge to cross. Quietly, Kyra slips close to the cart and lays a float spell on it in order to lighten its load for a little while and hopefully prevent them it breaking any bridges. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hi." she greets Solaire as she passes him, it in tow. "There's more on the way, this is just the first wave. I think the rest'll show up one each day." Kyra explains, tapping the side of her cart, "I probably won't be bringing it personally though. As for the medicine, I tried to cram as much as I could in it, based off the common infections and infestations I've seen here." Nodding politely to Reiji she continues onward, braving the horribly rickety bridge. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She even looks down at one point, not liking what she sees at all, and forces herself to look back up.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:253|Psyber (253)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Psyber nods to Ayako, "Yeah. We need to take out the source, otherwise we're just fixing cancer with a band-aid." He agrees with her with a tired sigh, adjusting the cloth over his face, "You try to get your stuff together, Ayako, and figure out what you need. I'm gonna go off and do my thing." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Psyber adjusts the shotgun across his back and then utterly abuses his immunity to fall damage. Rather than carefuly navigating the paths and treacherous ways down, he steps off the side of one of the rafters and falls down rapidly, keeping a casual look about him as he descends and falls through hole after hold in the rooves and walkways. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's right before the bottom that his wings appear, flaring out just once to create a counter-push that slows his descend and sees him land along the shoreline, "Tally ho, then." He remarks, trying to mill through how to properly aggro most of the lake without inconveniencing everyone else.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:183|Mizuki (183)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mizuki turns to face Solaire as she is prompted to do so, at which time she rests a hand against one of her cheeks, canting her head. "Come to think of it," She begins, "I really don't believe that we've had the opportunity to speak at length since all this began. Suffice that to say, I have seen much of -you-, Solaire. Enough to make me quite confident in your new role as one of Priscilla's chief advisors and retainers. I felt it somewhat necessary to note that before I say anything else as I feel myself appalled at the notion of two people being in such close proximity on so many different occasions without ever once striking up conversation." With that, she forms a small smile form him, letting her hand fall back to her side as she makes something of an abbreviated curtsy for him. "I am Mizuki, by the by. Please remember the name -- I am quite proud of it in spite of its brevity."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ah, ah," She continues, "but, yes. The matter of what I wanted to say, correct? Well. I'm afraid I'm quite useless here on my own, but with some aid from others a select few of my talents might be helpful in purifying this place. I can, for example, do this." In an instant, she summons her blade. In the next, she cleaves two parallel portals in front of herself, drawing a pen from a concealed pocket so that she may toss it in one and see it flying out of the other. It would ultimately have landed somewhere in the muck, but never one to indulge littering Mizuki is careful to catch it in a third portal linked to her home before it can make contact with the ground. "So you see," She continues as the portals collapse around her and her sword disappears, "I can use these to 'reroute' things, as it were.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And it's my understanding," She continues, "that if any sort of a lasting solution to this area's problems is needed, that we may simply construct a fountain. Fountains do wonders when it comes to circulating the nutrients in water supplies, and they prevent nutrients from concentrating on the bottom of otherwise stagnant liquid bodies. A fountain would rectify such an issue quite completely, so really, all we must do for the time being is remove the -existing- contamination. And my portals could move quite a lot of -that- in a relatively short timeframe, were someone else willing to give the trouble areas a bit of a 'push'. Better still, were someone able to construct a 'grate' on top of the first portal we could filter for specific particles and preserve some of the water. But ah," She shrugs, "that's just one idea. I am sure the others could think of many other, likely better solutions, so I will simply serve as a back-up should the need arise."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:570|Kimiko Shinobu (570)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Protection is one thing Kimiko can do, but it's already been offered for those walking forward--and Psyber doesn't need any, she'll at least trust. The people here have their own bodyguards, and a concerted attack will most likely have some warning. There are few other talents the Puelli Magi of Armor can reliably draw upon. Frustrating, but not at all unusual. She's aware of her own limitations.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The healing-mask certainly helps, and Kimiko is doubly thankful to Ayako for that. Glancing over toward Mizuki, she raises a hand in greeting to her and Solaire, a knight she is slightly surprised to see here. It shows, she supposes, the seriousness of the effort.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rickety bridges. Rusted nails. Wood and scrap. There's not much to this place--it must have seen its fair share of collapses, she'd assume. If it has, that would mean...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kimiko steps off a ledge, hits the rock wall, and slides and scrapes her way down on feet that, in a flash of silver light, are now appropriately armored. She is as sure in her poise as ever, making her way down the columns to try to find the wreckage. Broken things, twisted things--things that could be mended, if reforged. If anything like that is about, and she'll have something to help.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Lezard Valeth is present. <br /><br />The Necromancer of Midgard is present in all of his shadiness, his expression looking slightly irritable as he stands with the others, his arms crossed. "This place has experienced great suffering." Lezard states. "But it can be resolved. It is simply a matter of how and where we choose to apply our skills. Frankly, the solution is absurdly simple. The question is more that of how much of what has transpired that one wishes to preserve, and what form of replacement living conditions would one wish to fashion."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren expects humanitarian aid to be more difficult to provide, so he heads to the swamp first. The terrain seems like it should be treacherous, but Staren compensates with excessive use of grapples and jump jets and so on to get down carefully. This leaves the mecha looking at the swamp.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What now indeed.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well... I don't know if Ayako's purification works with the monsters still in it... if so, it might help us see what we're dealing with. Failing that... We could electrify the water to kill everything... or just chuck explosions and heat into it until it all boils away, killing whatever's there, then we let it recondense, monster-free. Those are the first options that come to /my/ mind. I've been told I tend to think of problematic solutions, though."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ah, people running from her. That wasn't new. Konoe just blinked at the child that had done so, and then looked towards the young lady who'd addressed her. "Um...okay." Well, that was easy to say, but... She looked about, surveying the locals. Hmn. Well only one way to actually find out. She stepped aside, giving the working girl her space. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Having procured a breathing mask from Reiji, Konoe fastened it on before kneeling down to the ground and placing a single ofuda onto the ground. From it, spread a complex magic circle, and then the seal burned up into nothing. "I'll try and take some of the load off of your shoulders then." The miko spoke to the girl beside her, and then raised her tone a little. "Anyone not being treated, please form a second line here!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That is, if there were any not too afraid to be treated by a youkai. It's okay, she doesn't eat humans...most of the time. ......At least not these ones.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I thought of the best thing to bring this world!" Gudako screams, as she comes in with Lezard. Though she is dressed normally (with the exception of having a scarf on, pretty much plastered with a dozen paper talismans. Both of her Servants are visible, for a change-- and both are dressed identically, save for their haircuts, Berserker sporting a ponytail where Caster has the twintails. Both wear bright red Santa outfits, complete with hat (and holes to let their fox ears through), and carry very large white bags over one shoulder. Suspiciously people-sized bags.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Why are you all being so glum anyway? Half of you look like you're here for funerals. CAST--" She turns to glance at Caster, then Berserker. "Hey, I thought I said turn into Santa, not turn your clothes into Santa."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I don't want to be a big fat man," Caster frowns.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And what's her excuse?" Gudako glances towards Berserker.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Berserker refuses to look worse than Caster, nya!" Berserker answers.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well you two just ruined Christmas, now they'll forever think it's foxgirls that give gifts, not Santa. ... huh, on the other hand, maybe this is an improvement."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>(Do not eat the people, Konoe. They will probably give you seven different kinds of plague and at least one type of cancer.)<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji inclines his head towards Psyber as the angel begins moving to deal with the more... pressing threats lurking Blight Town. While the pollution and the plague are definitely problems that need to be dealt with, it's unlikely that a disease will explode out of a swamp and instantly swallow you up into its tooth-lined murder-maw. "Konoe," he says to the priestess, "Take care of the rest of the brigade."<br /><br />"I'm going hunting."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With that, the exorcist boldly leaps off one of the rickety platforms overlooking the swamp below. He lands on another far below, kicking a bundle of detritus off the edge of the rotting, wooden planks. Again he descends, lower and lower, hopping from wood post to wood plank, until he alights not far from Psyber, way down below.<br /><br />"So," Reiji says, glancing across the way, "What's the plan?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:575|Ayako Hasekawa (575)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ayako floats down to the surface of the swamp water once everyone else goes first and dips a foot into it immediately. She knows better than to go ahead of everyone! A shudder goes through her body. Eww. While swamps aren't always a bad thing-the natural ones are teeming with life! This one... just looking at it, she can tell it feels very, very wrong. She closes her eyes for a moment as she feels about in the water. At least this way, she can tell and quickly call out if something tries to jump out of the water to ambush them all!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She nods her head slowly towards Psyber. "I..." Ayako inclines her head to the side as she thinks while stirring her foot around in the swamp water. "Hmm... maybe I can try to do something once the source is gone." She shakes her head slowly. "I can't really tell until we get rid of the source of this... ickyness."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:183|Mizuki (183)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mizuki quirks her brow at Ayako. "Is there still a source? I was under the impression that there was little new filth being introduced -- only a mess of what has already accumulated here." She rubs her chin a moment. "... I suppose that will be revealed to us in due time, however. As many other things surely will be."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1|Kirito (1)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirito gets a good look at Solaire over his shoulder, and it's pretty obvious he's impressed by the guy! But he's got things to do in here. And the enemies he'll be facing are all... likely... toxic beyond belief.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So he starts fingering through his menu, which to everyone else just looks like him making random gestures and poking at the air like he has a smart phone nobody else can see. Some of his gear visibly flickers blue and is replaced with others. Rings, a charm, bracers, and a few other odds and ends are swapped out for optimal POISON RESISTANCE.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It may or may not be any use against 'real' poison, but his body is digital. These things tend to work out.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Lots of problems in that occur to me. For one, electrifying everything might start fires or affect who knows what this is connected to. Or it might not do anything at all and we'll just end up with a massive amount of angry creatures. Boiling all the water away isn't clean. Vapor can carry the toxins into the air so you'd have to evacuate EVERYONE first, and wouldn't actually clean anything... oh, need any antidote items, Tomoe? Or are you all stocked up?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well if she needs some he'll trade some. But whatever the case... he decides to take this fight to where it matters.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In this case, that means taking a FLYLING LEAP over to the nearest cliff face and just sort of sliding down it at high speed. ... Right to the mucky swamp bottom... it's a WILD ride, that's for sure, kicking up lots of dust.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Time to go hunting!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:253|Psyber (253)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Psyber rubs the underside of his nose in thought as Reiji asks him what the plan is, watching the water in front of him. He lets out a soft 'tch' noise and says, "I guess we could try dynamite fishing," Psyber muses idly, "Toss explosives in the water, see what we scare up out of it. I'd rather flush them onto land than engage them on their own turf." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As if to emphasize his point, Psyber holds out his hand and lightning ripples along his arm before Einherjar appears. The lightning then pulses along his arm, across his shoulders, and into his left hand as he muses, "Then we just kill whatever surfaces."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe is hopeful about how they cna do this and is glad to be working with Kirito again, she draws Dawnbreaker and does much what Kirito does she learned from last time as she moves to pot on poison reist accessories as well. <br /><br /> "I"m stocked up after last time. It was brutal I'd never seen debuffs that lasted that long and it got past my battle healing too." <br /><br /> She moves to follow after Kirito at this point. She pauses for a moment watches him heading down and she laughs. <br /><br /> "You forget what I do on your roof Kirito!" <br /><br /> She pauses looks back to Ayako but she's protected well enough for the moment, they need to go flush things out, and like Kirito? She's utterly expendable here. <br /><br /> "Ayako hang right we'll see what we can to do clear out things this way." <br /><br /> With that she heads after Kirito in much the insane fashion!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:575|Ayako Hasekawa (575)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ayako inclines her head to the side gently once Mizuki asks her that. "I can't tell for now... All I know is that the downstream was cleared out and now we have to check the upstream." She glances down into the swampy water. "That and... there's a lot of things in here..." Her amber eyes narrow slightly.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:183|Mizuki (183)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mizuki nods to Ayako. "I will leave you to it, then. I suppose it will be clear enough when, and if, I can be helpful after you have amassed the relevant details." She sighs faintly. "You'll pardon me, but I do get rather restless whenever I come here. A history with things attempting to kill me within moments of my arrival, and all that. You understand."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The plan is discussed over the radio for a bit. Problems are identified, workable parts isolated. Plan MACHINE GUN FISHING it is! With... parts of the other plans.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A portable reactor and cables /is/ in one of the packages. Staren dismounts to set it up. It's quick, since he's just planning to shock the lake instead of something careful and controlled, like powering the village. "If you're that worried about it spreading, just radio the town and tell them not to touch the water for a bit. Ready?" Staren climbs back into his machine. "Phase one, BEGIN!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If this makes creatures angry, well, they're about to get a whole lot angrier... Phase two, BEGIN!" From the assembled armaments, a bag of plasma grenades is opened up in such a way as to fling them all across the lake -- between pillars, though -- and let them sink for awhile before going off. They're less about concussive force and more about flash-boiling parts of the water. A few missiles are contributed, but it's not the huge macross missile massacre one might expect from Staren's mecha, because most of the missiles he brought today are about piercing and breaking armor, which turned out not to be what he needs -- yet.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Here goes phase three!" Once those are done firing, the mecha starts firing energy weapons into the water -- it has some beam cannons built into the arm, and the RAISER rifle, which is equivalent to dumping something like half a ton of TNT in the water as heat.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Annoying the creatures? Yeah, this should annoy the hell out of anything down there! "Get ready! Anything this doesn't kill outright is gonna be pissed!" He'll shut off the electricity as soon as any creatures actually show up.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:70|Priscilla (70)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Conjuring their sword without forewarning would probably be an ill-advised move for pretty much everyone in the exact situation as Mizuki. Only by virtue of having fought alongside each other on several occasions does Solaire go no further than one gauntleted hand flying upwards to the hilt of his own blade like a flash of lightning, snapping hold of the weapon reflexively. It's a motion so instinctive that it serves as a rare reminder of what his divine domain /was/ before being excommunicated, though once his grip eases back away again at the demonstration, he sounds no less mild and jovial than before. "Ah, I see! That /is/ a power I haven't seen before in these lands. I appreciate your confidence in me, but I dare say you might be underselling yourself for such a minor breach in manners! Not every road travelled need be filled with chitchat, after all." He laughs quietly. "A lovely suggestion! I'm surprised anyone hadn't thought of that. At the very least, it'd make this place a lot more attractive!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He looks to the wagon with . . . well Kyra can probably imagine it's pleasant approval. Stupid helmet. "Every day? You're certainly dedicating a lot to this. I'd hate to think it might be beyond your means, though at the same time I cannot rightfully turn it down. It's been a very long time since anyone has been making the little things like medicine. Weapons and armour are everywhere, but ancient relics are easier to find than simple herbs these days." Konoe meanwhile seems to be having better luck with people who aren't little kids. Oddly enough, her slightly less-human features are immediately less of a worry once the spell circle appears, as people immediately recognize a foreign cleric (right?). The girl next to her seems to be pretty popular, so plenty are content to wait in line and stay, but the less conservative of them seem to shift over, giving wary looks to each other, and some who might be their parents, many of the few actually dressed in newer, cleaner looking clothes probably delivered only recently. "Lady Gwynevere bears the burdens of my life with me, but you have my thanks regardless." the girl next to her says. "I am Rhea, of Thoroulund. May I ask as to your name?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:70|Priscilla (70)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Psyber has the easy cheater's mode way down, whereas Kimiko has the coolkid's way. Both of them find much the same however, in that the floor of the place isn't really meant to be traversed much. There are little islands here and there 'out to sea', mostly around the larger pillars and ruins of what might have been buildings ancillary to the belltower within the spider's den, but otherwise they'll be traversing flotsam, greying sand banks, and oversized tree trunks. Kimiko will have a bit of a tedious, but ultimately easy time, finding some of the many sections where something has collapsed through the town above, and as it seems, most of them seem to have been caused relatively recently by who she can presume to be 'adventurers', judging by the surprising number of not-fully corroded pieces of equipment floating in with the planks and pots. There isn't terribly much metal native to the place other than the nails and odd lock or chain, but plenty in the lost armaments of clumsy pilgrims.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:70|Priscilla (70)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako's cynical predictions may actually be correct. Nobody who lives here has even seen a santa /outfit/ before, never mind the big guy himself, or any of his various depictions. The red outfits are more associated with the channelers instead, though being known for a similarly positive reputation as travelling healers, troubleshooters and wise men, this may be to her benefit. Gifts may be a little out of the question normally, but that doesn't mean that she isn't immediately swarmed by sickly looking kids keeping just out of easy eyeshot, predominantly the ones who have already received basic healing and thus escaped from her parents. It's a rather unfunny parody of Christmas morning, what with a dead-eyed sociopath with ghost-slaves dressed as santa bearing gifts for diseased disaster refugees, but it is what it is. As is predictable, there is absolutely zip, zilch and zero magical talent down here save for the clerics, which vary the spectrum from fairly average to surprisingly high class, the Divinity rank of Solaire, and the other magic she already knows the source of from deep within the webs.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Lezard glances over to the shenanigans of Gudako and smirks to himself as he watches and listens the various plans and preparations going around. The beings here would not appreciate Lezard's own form of medicine, ilikely. <br /><br />Regardless, he generally does them the favor of ignoring them, stepping out onto the rickety wood to look out over the devastation that Staren is laying down into the filth. He looks to consider things for a moment. He sighs, and simply waits for it. <br /><br />Finally, he speaks up. "Windmills." He says. "Yes. Definately windmills."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1|Kirito (1)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirito's descent goes unchallenged, and he manages to drop in near Staren's S-3. Since he has the heavy artillery, the Black Swordsman hasn't even drawn his weapon yet. But he's got his eyes peeled for any trouble down here in the muck. he's SURE that lighting the place up will rile up creatures living in the filth and in burrows and other places....<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then it'll just be a matter of cutting through what Staren can't just plow through.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We've sure got an 'easy mode' option here." He remarks. It's ALMOST a complaint as much as it is admiring the simplicity of this solution.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He IS a swordsman, after all. On the other hand...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now that he's DOWN here, the stink is WORSE. His nose wrinkles rather visibly. And a hand goes to plug it. "Blegh. Though, the sooner we're done with this the better I think. I'll need to wash these clothes AND bathe afterwards..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;... Does he really need to do that?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This might be a symptom of being in SAO for years and doing that ALL THE TIME.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:183|Mizuki (183)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mizuki is at first surprised by Solaire's reflexes and then just as much when she releases where his palm had flown to, though it takes her several moments more for her to come to the realization that she was the reason she had done so. "Ah," She just as instinctively mumbles in response, "m-my apologies, I... I hadn't been thinking. It's rather rare that I converse with those who are unfamiliar with my abilities, you see, and..." She actually might flush, somewhat. "Well, I trust that's rather self-evident by now. Again, I apologize. Just as I thank you for having the restraint to not run me through." This apology is accompanied by something of a small, awkward bow. At least it's clear that she's genuinely contrite for the tragic misunderstanding that would have been.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Though I thank you just as much for your appreciation of the suggestion," She continues. "That was certainly my hope: to make the area down here more 'livable', at least until those who occupy this place may find more suitable areas to inhabit. And even if there comes a time when most creatures -do- abandon this place, I will be ever so glad to know that it was left better for my - and for our - involvement here. I've... formed a sort of attachment to this place in spite of myself, you see? Hence, I can't quite bear to see it left this way, and I'm glad that Priscilla made its 'refurbishment' a priority."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For want of more to say, however, she eventually meanders back to the other subject of their conversation. "... though you are quite right," She tacks on. "Insofar as this world didn't exactly lend itself to pleasant conversation before, that is. That was something I rather liked about it, really: that interactions between humans were so sparse made them more valuable, more rare, more 'special'; it made even silence shared between two living things so precious. I admit I shall miss that quite a lot, though I imagine there will be many other people things to come with its rebirth." Turning up the corners of her mouth just faintly more, she finishes, "You will see to that. Won't you? You and your newfound sun."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe has no issue making it down and lands in a crouch by Kirito near Staren's own S-2 as well. The Iron Lily rises up now shaking her head for a moment. <br /><br /> "Don't complain Kirito." <br />% She gives him a bit of a silly look on her face. She's got osme ideas to help delaing with this. She looks at Kirito for a moment and nods in agreement. <br /><br /> "Yes, I think I'm going to need a very long shower after too and get all of this gear cleaned." <br /><br /> Tomoe also shows a similiar mind set which likely is habit from SAO, then again she knows this world somewhat and well she doesn't want to cart something out on her avatar after all. <br /><br /> "I'm ready here." <br /><br /> She casts a few buffs on her self as she makes ready to tank whatever might come out of the murky depths.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:70|Priscilla (70)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji and Kirito join the others down in the muck at about the right time. Ayako stirring her presence into the swamp does affirm that there is actually water in there, even if it is quite viscous and nasty. It seems a little less simple than just being full of decaying biological matter though. Her intimate attunement to the element is immediately enough to tell her about the amount of bacteria and parasitic microbes teeming in it, as well as heavy metal elements and inorganic toxins corroded from various debris submerged in the caustic sludge for what might very well be centuries. Removing it all would leave the lake significantly shallower, though still deep enough to steer a boat through. Other than that however, the currents coming in seem relatively clean, for what it's worth. It's all rain water for the most part, picking up a lot of sediment and mossy grime, but not much worse than a mountain tributary that goes through a forest. The issue is that the filth below is deep and thick enough that things can feed on it, breed in it, and then die and decay in it, perpetuating the cycle.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirito makes the smart move that Tomoe didn't have the luxury of last time, but even then it's going to be a hell of a slog. There are so many different kinds of poison all at once that resistance gear seems to be more of a matter of delaying it rather than having any potential to nullify it, building up as a rather pronounced bar in his HUD. Restricting himself to short forays of a couple of minutes each, followed by a little while of sitting outside of the muck to let it drain off, should be safe, but he'll have to pay careful attention regardless. His death game buddy wasn't kidding.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Remarkably, Staren seems to have had an idea go by without issue, even getting backing from Psyber, which more or less stamps it as perfectly workable. The amount of ordnance he has on hand obviously isn't enough to really mess up the whole lake, but as he's probably guessed, the things that live down here are used to the dark and dank, being more sensitive to temperature and humidity and light than much else. Firing plasma and beam weapons into their habitat is a really easy way to get their attention, even very far from the impacts where the water only raises in temperature a couple of degrees from heat dispersion, and within seconds of his barrage ending, and even to a degree while it's still going on, shapes begin bubbling up from the surface. Thick, misshapen, sluglike masses of oily, tar-like flesh; ropey coils of squirming somethings that look like inside-out intestines, and here and there, the hulking, bus-sized shapes of the rockleeches that had been buried under the mud instead of clinging to the walls; creatures resembling a splayed human hand of insectoid claws supporting a massive, rippling, maggot-like abdomen and surrounding a grind-mill of nasty teeth.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They rise from the shores hissing, chittering and burbling, crawling straight on to dry(ish) land and up the wooden supports, where they are immediately in direct contest with the Elites for space. For looking like oversized pond parasites, they are unfortunately extremely aggressive, capable of making alarming leaps onto warm flesh and sinking in all manner of pointed barbs, teeth and suckers through even light armour. The rockleeches are slower due to their size, and proportionately, probably much more dangerous.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Right, so kids think she'll eat them. INACCURATE! ...She'd wait for them to grow up first! Okay, no. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once the first person steps up, and a line starts to form, Konoe proceeds to get to work, pressing a hand against the circle on the ground. Upon the first patient stepping into the circle, she'd focus, channeling healing and spiritual energy into the body via the circle. It coarses through, attempting to heal or cure any afflicting elements it comes across. It's a pleasant feeling overall, regardless of it's effectiveness in the end. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Certainly any deeply ingrained illnesses will need to be treated with material medicine and time, but this should at least clear up most anything else. While the priestess worked, she glanced aside at the girl next to her, blinking a few. "Um..." Smiling slightly, Konoe nodded in greeting. "You're welcome...and sorry for not introducing myself." She turned her gaze downwards for a second, and then looked back. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'm Konoe Kanno...of Gensokyo." Well, odd as that sounded, it was correct. "N-Nice to meet you, Rhea-san."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Er, every day for the next week or so." Kyra clarifies, which pretty much means that for the next week she's going to be pretty much unavailable, hard at work making sure the rest of the supplies are taken here. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"After that, they'll probably start sending some other people in with this stuff. Plus I'm sure the Union can produce it a lot faster than I can on my own." She laughs nervously. "Please, don't think it's trouble for me or any of us to do this. We want to help the recovery." Once she's sufficiently down the provided path, she starts cracking open boxes, passing out the medicine... <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;...that is once she has the locals accustomed to her again. She doubts it'll be as bad as last time when everyone ran away from her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:253|Psyber (253)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, they're comin' up now," Psyber comments, hand tightening around the lightning sword in his hand. He's not going to waste or dirty the Lifehunt Blade on literal gutter trash monsters like these. He, on some level, feels like that would almost be disrespectful to the sword. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So instead of going in against the monsters, he backs off a little bit and thrusts his hand forward, sending a massive arc of holy lightning out from his palm and sword. The snapping bolt of electricity tries to slam into and then lance down the side of one of the disgusting monsters surfacing from the water in the wake of Staren's bush-rustling tactics. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Take em out! Try to avoid anything too risky, but blitz them down fast and hard!" He commands.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yang's still here. She didn't have much to say in the course of proceedings. Now there's an enemy to fight though, she grins, and deploys her Gauntlets. The shell casings in the chamber gleam a dull red in the dark light. "You chumps will never learn huh... Alright, lets DO THIS!" she leaps over the side, and drops down toward one of those big, bulbous tentacled monsters, punching down into its 'back' as she drops down onto it. Each punch looses a packet of red flame and light, which explodes on impact.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, it's probably not the best way to wake up an entire pond full of nasty, plague-bearing monsters, but lasering the crap out of the place seems to work well enough. Reiji dutifully withholds any complaint. Instead he just watches on from behind his tinted goggles and gas mask as the mad inventor goes to work.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sure enough, all that ordnance disturbs the locals. Whichever beasts didn't burn in the initial onslaught begin crawling towards the shores. There's something strange about committing ecological genocide that sits... strangely with the exorcist. But it is difficult to argue with just how utterly /impure/ this place is.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He voices no mercy when the first crack of gunfire explodes from the barrel of his oversized shotgun. Hollywood is joined swiftly by a blade of roiling, roaring flame. Wood and fire dance together as Reiji joins in the melee, striking and shooting whenever one of the creatures draws too close.<br /><br />If he knows his plague-beasts right, they shouldn't enjoy being set on fire one bit.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Windmills?" Gudako questions Lezard, before turning her glance to her swarmed Servants. Caster and Berserker resume having jolly expressions, and begin distributing gifts from the former's large bag. They're all gift-wrapped boxes, containing random objects ranging from the useless to the useful-- phones, tablets and the like in the useless column, at least for these people, while the useful column contains proper toys and some first aid kids. Most of the objects have been blessed to bring good luck, for what little good it'll do those children. Then again, a bit of good luck might be useful for their health.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster's bag empty, Berserker noticeably does not start handing things out from hers. Fortunately there was probably enough junk in the one to satisfy every kid. Nevermind the blood slowly starting to stain the second bag.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Say, who is that man?" Gudako questions, to Lezard or anyone else still close enough to them to answer, gesturing towards Solaire. It would in fact be hard to ignore his aura.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe was far more prepared this time, Tomoe's own items were just slowing it, but it's building she's going to have to operate much the same way Kirito is, not saying in for too long getting out letting it drain off then move in again. Seriously an old expression came back to her her father told her, this world hates you and wants you to die. It seemed apt somedays here, but she's more worried about what's coming out of the water. <br /><br /> "Here they come!" <br /><br /> Tomoe then starts firing off the taunt abilities and getting into the crewatures faces as best she can. She also tries to not think about what she saw she's also got an idea to also get thier attention as well. She also sees the tentacled monsters and feels this /feeling/ of dread just being near one f those things. However she's starting to chan t a spell causing bright rays of light to fan out into the monsters like laser beams, this should hopefully also help get the monster's attention. <br /><br /> "Glad you could join us Yang! Watch the posion it's insane!" <br /><br /> She's also putting her blade and other abilities to work, trying to keep the monsters after her over the others.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:183|Mizuki (183)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Land sakes alive, and just when she thought this place had stopped being an affront to her very existence, /more/ festering putrescence comes oozing out of its orifices.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mizuki turns away from Solaire to face the lake at the sound of the explosion, quickly turning her body translucent in effort to evade any oncoming sludge; naturally, keeping herself clean must be her top priority. Only once she is -dead certain- that the pestilential rains have abated does she fade back into reality again, holding her sword horizontally out front of her to channel... whatever in the world it is that she channels for energy. In time, a sphere seems to rise around her person, causing the air about her to warble as though it had been tainted with gaseous fumes. If one were to step -inside- this bubble of influence, however, they would find that the world inside looks... perfectly clean. Idyllic, really, down to the last, immaculate blade of grass. She's projecting her influence to temporarily make Blighttown look less miserable.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not just that, though, thankfully. She attempts to spread her influence further out front of her until it reaches the shoreline from whence these ungodly abominations have emerged. And once they are cleanly within her range, butterflies - yes, the usual ones - begin to form in the area around her. These flutter into ideal locations before transforming into daggers and launching themselves toward Mizuki's quarry en masse. She's going to make /every plausible attempt/ to deal with these things at a distance before acquiescing the necessity of more direct, melee-oriented combat on her part.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once Mizuki has set all this in motion, she makes her rounds, focusing on a smattering of individuals to endow them with quickened reflexes should they accept her aid. Flickering, monochromatic outlines attempt to wrap themselves around Kyra, Psyber, Reiji, and Kirito to help make all their movements faster, and any velocity-dependent strikes more powerful.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>It was time. <br /><br />"Dark Savior." Lezard's voice calls out, and blurred, actinic slivers of inky Dark manifest in the air, shearing downwards in the vague shape of swords and spears like a rain of anti-light at the bidding of the black, twisted staff in Lezard's hand. He stands well away from the battlefront, taking advantage of his higher position and distance while the others serve to interpose themselves. While the battle roils, Lezard continues to rain down the piercing attacks, acting as artillery while they fight. Thankfully, he has no intention to strike his erstwhile allies. Also, he continues to speak, responding to Gudako's question. "That would be Solaire, a wanderer of Lordran. Apparently he has some connection to the former lord of this land but the relation is... murky. Lady Priscilla holds him in high esteem, however. He is generally quite sociable, oddly enough, considering he must have dwelled in this place for quite some time." <br /><br />He gestures into the distance, then. "Gudako, did you hear the sounds in the distance? If I remember correctly, there was a lift mechanism along the side of the cavern, and if I judge the connections properly, we are quite close to the Valley of Drakes. If we should drive a shaft from the cavern into the crevasse of the Valley, we would create an outlet for the filth buildup here and allow for it to flow on its considerable course, likely to the ocean, as it should be. Similarly, we can mount one or more windmill mechanisms to take advantage of the valley to power any processing and filtration systems they care to install."<br /><br />He pauses and then comments offhandedly, "Of course, we would have to probably eliminate the drakes from the valley in order to preserve the mechanisms from their usual habits..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1|Kirito (1)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirito... makes... the most DISGUSTED face. He's had to jog around onto dryer places to let his poison meter dwindle down. He's never seen this mechanic before! Just a weird quirk of the Multiverse. Or maybe new content that's being worked on but not implemented? He'll have to poke around some of the odd new dungeons...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But that's neither here or there!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What IS here, unfortuantely, is... lots of REALLY ugly creatures. He draws one of his weapons with flourish, twirling it in hand and dropping into a forward-leaning battle stance.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thankfully, a number of weird BUFF ICONS appear on his HUD too, courtesy of Mizuki. As with all such Multiversal effects, the system that covers his strange 'wandering' effect can't fully understand things in game terms... but he can FEEL it, and that's enough. "Thanks!" He waves with his free hand Mizuki's way...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then... takes a step forward. Except it's with blinding speed. The quickest he can go, he tries to simply CUT ONE OF THE GIANT LEECH THINGS in half with Vox Unitas, then whirl around and chop again DOWNWARDS.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:570|Kimiko Shinobu (570)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh, looks like a plan worked. All manner of horrible things are coming out of the water. Kimiko frowns at this, in the middle of divesting corpses of their metal implements and armor. The latter comes off strangely easily whenever she touches the surface. A set of gleaming, silver chains bind the loot together; they are clearly not something she'd also found within the muck.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kimiko leaps, strikes the wall, and leaps again. A gauntleted hand comes out and creates purchase for her, and her next arc, net full of arms and armor slung over her back, lands her with one foot on the nearest, giant, tentacled wall-hugger. One arm flashes in a circular motion slicing a meter-deep opening in its side before the summoned blade morphs into a pick, and she continues back up toward the village.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:575|Ayako Hasekawa (575)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ayako yelps as Staren's 'Stage One' enters the water! She doesn't even need to stay any longer for 'Stage Two' and 'Stage Three' to know what's going to happen next! She quickly floats up away from the water and over back towards everyone else. "Incoming!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As she floats by the people ready to fight the surfacing monsters, she thrusts her hands out towards them and shouts out, "Purifying Barrier!" each in turn. Every single person she passes by has a light blue water barrier of swirlling water that tries to counteract the poison of the environment! After all, it might be a bit hard to concentrate on fighting with that poison all over the place!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Applying large amounts of power and force is a simple, straightforward solution. Staren's good at those, so when it's time for that to actually work as a solution...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;...You get angry leech and slug monsters, apparently.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The original S-3, so named because Scott's first attempts at a full-sized mecha and a smaller powered armor design didn't work out, was built with parts from a junkyard and let Staren's father uproot a lamp post and go toe to toe with one of the Rowdy Ruff boys, in a time long ago and a universe far away.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The modern version has seen some substantial upgrades.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the monsters begin to surface, the S-3 reaches back and yanks the cables allowing it and the external reactor to pool their power for electrifying the lake, and Staren gets to work. So there are fast little wormy things and big slow slugs? Ports open in the machine's arms and shoulders, and over two-dozen /more/ missiles lock on to rock slugs and shoot off at supersonic speed, aiming to ram into and explode them with minimal collateral damage. Then Staren enters the fray, the machine manifesting an energy sword to slice at the intestine-wormy-things while blasting at rock slugs with the beam cannons if he can ever get a free moment of /not/ being under assault!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:70|Priscilla (70)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yang swiftly encounters the fact that she is accidentally slightly overprepared for this. Should she wind up tosses into the drink undesirably, her Aura will keep her safe for a brief period of time before starting to get debilitatingly ill, and as evidenced by the creatures 'evolutionary' designs on display, both fire and blunt trauma are absurdly effective against their squishy, amorphous, damp and clammy bodies. They're far from pleasant to punch, the sensation being more gut-tinglingly revolting rather than the satisfying crunch of a broken Grimm jaw, but each blast from Ember Celica rips the things open like burnt tissue paper. Their sheer size makes for easy platforms and their distended abdomens are difficult for them to reach, though after churning through a couple, she'll have gotten ample attention, and within a short span of time, one of the others is open her, more out of a desire to eat her than to defend its 'comrades' though. Rather than attempting to grab or latch on to her as could be expected however, its weird, hand-like forebody spins into a whirling blender of thick, hefty, chitinous blades with a grotesque contortion of its entire body like the length of a wet towel, easily enough to slice a couple of people in half stood side by side.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meant for swimming through viscious, soupy water, the critters that crawl to land are not especially agile there, and so Reiji, Psyber, Mizuki and Staren have an ample window of shooting fish in a barrel, none of their targets being particularly well armoured, and thus easily shredded open by hails of wood, metal and lightning. The kind of gore that results from them being hit would probably be disgustingly excessive on a vertebrate, but for these things it just looks like popping big, nasty blood bags. Insects don't even have pain receptors, right? This should barely even be a sweat for a veteran Hunter, and still a fairly banal exercise for the other two sat from afar, though they do take more physical trauma to get them to stop moving than energy fire, due to how full their bodies are of heavily dispersed, primitive organs.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They're significantly more lively in close combat, even with Kirito and Tomoe but still not particularly smart. Playing cautious means it's not too difficult to back up and take them out one or two at a time, but not paying attention to where one is going means that it becomes easy to accidentally back up into another platoon of the nasty things from behind, especially with the great majority of them converging on the latter elite, popping taunts and firing off blasts of much-hated bright light. Kirito's speed plays to his advantage as DPS is more useful against the massed, meaty fodder; low soak high HP; though it's Tomoe being besieged with the things, and threatened to be bogged down in them, that gives him room to dance around them. Kimiko creates a brief opening for Tomoe to gain some distance from encroachment, as the little critters seem to steer clear of the big ones instinctively, even when a bathtub worth of blood comes pouring out of it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;About half of the things have been carved through when Lezard opens up, and as is predictable from the archetypical black mage 'nuke caster', that number immediately drops to a quarter. More bizarrely however, though the slivers of Dark don't seem to be such bane to the critters as good old fire, the area being bathed in it immediately makes them start to turn tail and aim back for the swamp, willing to tolerate the half-boiled water rather than face that.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They keep killing, but there seems to be an endless supply of monsters...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, if they /keep/ killing, the monsters should eventually all be gone, right?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That this may be genocide doesn't bother Staren. These creatures are primitive and seemingly mindless -- their value to civilization, to the lives of the people in Blight Town, is negative. Every slug or worm killed is a little closer to a brighter future for those people.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And tireless steel and circuits can work as long as it takes to make that happen...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren cuts through the monsters. Are they even able to /damage/ the S-3's armor plating? It's certainly harder than any natural skin...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Need some help there?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren's machine stomps up to Tomoe, and tries to lift her out of the group and place her on its back with one hand, while cutting down the worms with a great swing of that plasma sword with the other.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lezard is definately a helpful person to have around today, Staren notices. Like a dark mirror, Lezard's applications of extreme and flashy force are what the situation calls for... but some of the monsters are running! "Great, we're gonna have to get more explosives and blow up the /rest/ of the lake to catch those things...!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:570|Kimiko Shinobu (570)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kimiko expected the monster matter to be handled swiftly, and it is. It isn't yet entirely done, but with those gathered here, she has trust it will be.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Placing one hand on the edge of a platfom, bracing a leg below it, she kicks her other leg up and over before finally dropping her large chain-net of pilgrim's gear onto one of the lower, but habitable, parts of town to start sorting through things. Only, it' not so much 'sorting' as it is 'causing the wood, cloth, and leather bits to drop off' as she magically encourages the metal to flow around. Apart from a complete lack of heat, it's much like reforging, as what she touches is briefly, or all intents, liquid steel.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She makes her way back up toward where people are actually staying. She'll start in the most used areas and work outward, finding spots where the rust and wear on the pins holding this ramshackle place together show the most threat of going. She's no carpenter, nor architect, but she has the strength to hold up a bridge, and the power to make rust slough off, and now she has plenty of material to fill in the cracks that that will leave.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yang is enjoying herself, it's not like nailing a Beowolf in the face hard enough to dislocate its entire skull from its spine... but the explode satisfyingly. She does get a little concerned, when that other one comes and whips at her with that mass of bladed, barbed tendrils.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yang brings her arms up, and tanks the hit, being knocked out into the dank water, from which she LITERALLY explodes with a blast of flame.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Leaping clear of the water, she wallkicks then comes down on the offending slugmonster from above, her hair blazing gold in the darkness, actually glowing with flames licking from within the golden strands. Once she's dealt with that thing, she looks over towards Staren and the fleeing monsters. "Hit me!" she shouts to him. "Hard as you can!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:183|Mizuki (183)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mizuki sighs with relief as she sees the last of the beasts slithering back into the boiling cesspit that they came from. Thank fortune for the small favor of delivering her from that short skirmish unscathed. Still, she dusts off her sleeves to glean some further measure of psychological comfort, of closure, before allowing the sphere of distortion surrounding her person to collapse and her blade to fade into nothingness once more. She joins the tips of her fingers before allowing her hands to fall to her waist together as though she were making the 'closing' gesture of Tai Chi. She gives herself a few more moments of pause to simply breath and recompose herself before looking to Staren.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Don't fret," She says. "I don't believe they will be able to survive in the water for long now. Either they will die in hiding or return to the surface where we may have another go at them, but no matter the means, they will be finished in the end. I believe, therefore, that we may call this a success. For the time being, at least."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;... or perhaps they won't even need to wait that long. It seems that this person demanding that Staren 'hit her' might have another plan in mind? Mizuki quirks her brow in interest, balling a hand at her chin in curiosity.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Never, never a dull moment.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:70|Priscilla (70)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"There's no need to thank someone for something so obvious!" Solaire insists to Mizuki shortly beforehand. "You've done more than enough to be deserving of far more trust than that after all!" He then turns to look at the rotting, fetid swamp as the others clamber down to it, and then engage in battle with its repulsive denizens. ". . . it does have a way of doing that though, doesn't it? Amongst many others. They stick with you, in a sense. It's hard to entirely forget them, where their experiences become part of any seeker of strife." The literary minded author can likely imagine a faraway smile following. "Indeed. There is plenty enough to see to. Absence makes the heart grow fonder as they say, but it's a little too painful for people to be apart forever."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Konoe finds her magic working equally well as the native equivalent in this instance, being rooted in the same kind of basis in most every appreciable way, despite the distinct cultural twist on it. The results are rarely particularly pleasant. There's a lot of purging of built up gunk in the lungs, veins and other organs going on, which makes for less than pretty and glamourous work, though seeing the inevitable deep, clear breath or equivalent afterwards is perversely satisfying in the way of popping and draining an especially large and irksome zit. "Ah, a cleric of the East then." Rhea says, clutching some kind of white and gold cloth talisman to her collar for a moment. "I think this may be my first time meeting one. The only other from your country I've met was a rather surly masked fellow." She may be confusing local, vaguely Japanese customs for an actual fantasy Japan somewhere else. After all, what are the chances they could be coincidentally similar, right?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"By the end of one week we'll likely have twice as much as we need!" Solaire replies boisterously to Kyra elsewhere. "I scarcely believed the scale of what we were doing here until I had the ledgers from your representatives. The fact that a covenant like yours exists out there is a wonderful reassurance that such a common good unites people even in strange and distant lands." Kyra may be a minor celebrity at this point after last time. After all, she sticks out enough to be memorable, and this did all clearly stem for her attempts at initiation, and so it isn't long before she's crowded in. Gudako is getting much the same effect as soon as the kids realize what the boxes are full of, which requires a couple of parents coming in and being strict to stop them going back for seconds or thirds, having no idea how this works. It doesn't prevent a couple from trying to get into Caster's tails though. It's easy to be full of energy after you've just been cured of double leukaemia.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So you want us to dig a hole and wipe out some dragonoids? You know, their scales and organs are usually pretty high-tier components for stuff. It could be worth the trip!" Gudako answers Lezard, after taking mental note of what Solaire's deal is. Well, if Priscilla holds him in such high esteem that must mean he's off-limits. "Ooh, why don't we invite the Fangs over for that? It'll be like tea and biscuits social except more like... tunnel digging and dragonslaying social. Plus we'd want enough people on hand that none of the bodies go to waste!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster and Berserker being done handing out junks to kids, they'll probably entertain them with magic tricks. Failing that, Berserker is a very large fox and cat rolled into one, they can pet her tail and ears or something. Or Caster's! It's kids, so it's alright.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The thing about trying to kill an entire swamp is that there is often a whole lot of swamp to kill. Reiji is a man with far too many weapons to ever be reasonable, but he still only has two arms to fight with. Still, as Lezard calls down the heavy artillery and his compatriots tear through the slugs little by little by little, Reiji continues to dedicate himself to the wholesale slaughter of a species gone rampant.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Still, regardless of whether they destroy the entire lot in one go, all they need to do is to ensure that their numbers are reduced to the point that any further outbreaks can be dealt with by the people of Blight Town. And, if these creatures are responsible for the poison in this place, maybe eradicating them- and their toxins- will prevent them from multiplying further?<br /><br />But that's pure speculation for now.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hollywood clicks empty as he discharges its final few rounds into a cluster of fleeing worms. They're in the water, now. If he intends to chase after them, then it'll be in their own territory, but Reiji is not without his methods of dealing with the creatures. He packed an extra tool for just such an occasion.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The exorcist snatches a uniquely odd pistol from a holster at his hip. He joins it with the shorter of his three swords: the lightning blade Chirai. Reiji swings the katana from its sheath, unleashing an arcing crescent of lightning into the waters surrounding the fleeing beasts. He follows up with a few shots from the handgun, its bullets immediately erupting into tiny electrical suns as they leave the barrel.<br /><br />It's a fine piece of Grathmelded technology, this Brahmastra Vajra. He'll have to thank Misha for it again later.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regardless, with the creatures on the run, electrifying the waters around them is probably the best bet for clearing as many of them away as possible. And so Reiji keeps up the assault, launching wave after wave and bolt after bolt of lighting after the fleeing beasts.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe is glad they got some really heavy hitters like Psyber and Kirito are here. New faces like Yang are welcome too along with the rest of the team in the fighting. Staren's plan has worked well but she might be getting over her head. She's got a lot of attention which is her job but it's possible for her to be overwhekemd and it's looking like this might be a possiblity here. She could usre some help but she doesn't call out for it everyone else has thier own issues, thankfully? STaren bails her out of the fire as she will get lifted up. <br /><br /> "I owe you one!" <br /><br /> She'll use her sword to slice into those things they get close and up to Staren's gril for the moment. She's not to proud to accept help however that's just asking for it. Once she gets a moment to center herself she'll get back into the figtht and she's learned a few things. She'll end up acting like a turret for the moment firing off light spells and the odd burst of flame. All the while with each cast the glowing golden runes dance about her. Still it seems to be about over here. <br /><br /> "Not bad Yang! Not bad at all!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>SPECIAL INTERRUPT POSE!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The S-3 turns and looks at Yang for a second or two. It's not immediately clear where its optics are, but the impression of staring might get across anyway. It can't really shrug, though. "Well, alright. Tomoe, hold on or hop off!" The plasma sword deactivates and the mecha grabs a metal pole off it's back -- Scott never forgot that fight when he showed up to fight /without a weapon/, so ever since, every version of the S-3 has always brought its own metal club /just in case/.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The S-3 starts running towards Yang. The jetpack kicks on, adding to its speed. It holds the metal pole with both hands clasped close to one end like a baseball bat.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's the windup...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And as the mecha runs up to Yang, it SWINGS, clubbing her with all of its robot strength and momentum. Hopefully whatever she's going to do works or this is going to be super embarassing and painful.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ah, that was always pleasant, watching built up pus and gunk filter out of someone's system...and by pleasant, she meant not at all. But Konoe kept a straight face, smiling patiently and working through her line of people brave enough to be treated by her, applying as much healing as she could manage. Her ears twitched at the sounds of combat off in the distance and she looked in that direction for a moment. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Given the condition of this place, she didn't want to know what they were fighting out there. No, instead, she glanced at Rhea and nodded slowly. "Cleric from...the east?" Was Gensokyo 'the east'? Probably. And so the youkai just nodded. "Y-Yes...This is my first time meeting a cleric of your kind as well." She looked towards the locals lined up for her and smiled a tad under the breathing mask as she focused back on her work. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "The people seem to like you."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1|Kirito (1)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;These creatures go down easily! But... messily. Blood and guts and gore is left in Kirito's wake. Ewwwwwwww.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Still, they're slow and predictable. He easily fends off beastly aggression with the flat of his blade and backflips out of danger. At other times he 'sidesteps,' dramatically skidding out of the way with a simple kick-off. He's having NO trouble weaving in and out of the masses... only a few times does he take blows to his back or sides, leaving him at eighty percent HP.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then he sees what Tomoe's up against... and draws his other weapon. Divination, the crystal-blue longsword to match Vox Unitas. Twirling both... he draws them back. "Uuuuuuoooooooaaaaaghhh!!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The swords GLOW. More than that, they IGNITE. Crimson light merges with raging flames. Kirito saw how potent fire was against these things and he's doing the same.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Dual Blades ORIGINAL Sword Skill... DOUBLE CIRCULAR!" He yells as dramatically as he can manage in accented English, throwing himself forward into the mass. 'Double Circular' turns out to be quite a move. Eight strikes of spinning! First a horizontal spin for wide sweeping, then a plunge forward with both swords twirling for energized blows like a weird drill!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CLANG! The swing stops cold as Yang grabs the Club, absorbing the force and gaining a very /dangerous/ look in her eyes. They even change colour! Glowing blood red in the gloomy darkness. She growls out. "Thanks." and then, she leaps up to kick off the S-3's shoulder, onto the wall and with a wallrun and another kick-jump, she leaps into the air above the water.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Get behind something!" she shouts, then with both gauntlets, fires down into the muck with those explosive bolts... are they /bigger/ now? Whatyever the case, they pierce into the rancid water, and EXPLODE like depth charges... likely trying to blast the fleeing monsters either apart directly, or back onto the dryish land for the others to take out.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:183|Mizuki (183)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Seeker of strife," Mizuki echoes in her conversation with Solaire. "Quite. I had always thought of strife as something more mental than physical, but this place has... done much to broaden my perspective on that issue, all told." As to the second comment, she can only sigh faintly. "Were it that no one had to, and that some perfect balance could be eternally maintained. But if such a perfect proportion of things is attainable in earnest, I've so very far to go in learning the 'how'."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Gudako proposes bringing in the Fangs to make this a group effort. Lezard, noting the fire, not Dark weakness of the monsters, ceases his assault, especially when Staren jumps in. He does not seem particularly motivated to chase the remnants, instead turning to Gudako to consider this. "That is an excellent point. It would do much to show that we, too, have much to offer in our own... special way." The last is said with a slightly dry note. "Also, it would benefit them to get used to the local nature of Lordran, some of them may be interested in both the proximity of New Londo and Lost Izalith for research purposes. There are many beasts here who may possess useful components, including said drakes." <br /><br />He nods. "Yes. I will make the necessary arrangements."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:70|Priscilla (70)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If anyone has heard Gudako's and Lezard's secret villainous dialogue, nobody is about to stop them. Unlike what seems to be a fascination in most worlds, /nobody/ here likes magical, flying, fire breathing lizards, and the problem is simply that nobody is tough enough to get rid of them; aside from the one whose hatred of them is so legendary that he has an entire hall of the Anor Londo palace dedicated to mounting their heads. It /might/ be possible that some people are totally willing to not look this particular gift horse in the mouth, as that valley used to be a crucially important travelway before the awful things moved in. Really though, who could possibly be /that/ evil when accompanied by such generous Servants with such wonderfully fluffy tails? Nobody, that's who. Just look at all those happy children, some of whom may actually even eventually be educated as to what a tablet is and/or does.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The bog beasts don't seem to be getting out of this one though. They've had their thousand years to make a mess of things down here, and they've failed to clean it up in time for Darwin coming home from vacation. As awful as it is, the water is still water, and thus the impurities in it conduct electricity admirably from Reiji, arcing through the metallic compounds especially and frying scores of the things as they plunge back into the bath. Those at the advancing shoreline are wiped out in an instant by Kirito spinning across them like a buzzsaw of destruction, those slipping around the beginning and end of the sword skill mowed down by Tomoe's levelled up magic skills. Once Yang thoroughly overdoes the excursion in the name of adrenaline-infused showmanship, scattering tattered flesh and steaming blood all over the gravel bank along with great big globs of sizzling gunk, it's a simple matter for Staren's mechanical prowess to steadily grind through the rest, hardly posing much of a direct threat in such dwindling numbers against a non-fleshy target. Finally, Ayako can do her work in /peace/ for a while.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kimiko will find that a good deal of the equipment dredged up, as is fairly common for Lordran, features very large amounts of thick and heavy steel and related alloys, and here and there certain articles are etched with very small quantities of titanite, making for a haul that is surprisingly much larger than it initially seemed, since most cloth and leather is barely a superficial covering now after having rotted for so long. She'll have a laborious process ahead of her though, as the pieces of the framework crucial and stressed enough to require metal reinforcement are uniformly close to failing as a rule nearer the water, simply due to the humidity and faint air acidity, though she has enough purified scrap to /add/ extra stability wherever she so desires.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:70|Priscilla (70)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"There's no sense dividing the physical from the mental. Adversity is adversity, and seeking it makes the soul grow stronger." Solaire replies matter-of-factly to Mizuki. "It might sound more sophisticated to put labels on it, but try not to fall into that trap. Hardship is, in the end, the only way to become a better person than you were, that always works, if you can survive it. If it came from only one kind of living, we'd see a lot less wisdom in the world! After all, it only exists by being a perpetual state of imbalance, doesn't it?" It takes some serious working, but eventually Konoe and Rhea have essentially run through their crowd. Though some linger around, there's really nothing these people /own/ that they can give as gifts or repayment even if they wanted to, so the exchange is a little awkward. "I imagine it must be interesting. At least I think it is." she says. "That there are foreign gods who answer the same prayers, in their own ways." She smiles vaguely. "But then it isn't about being liked. It's about letting people know that there is a power out there that cares for them, and to give them the chance to know its tales and to seek its light."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And finally, speaking of light, things wrap up in a spectacle as the gigantic mass of spider's webs at the far end of the cavern goes up in a building-sized ball of flame, silent one moment and spontaneously igniting into a roiling fireball the next, the backwash of prickling heat palpable on bare skin even a mile away. A pair of figures swathed in black can be seen exiting the inferno unharmed, turning to watch as the pearly silk burns away to slowly reveal ancient stonework underneath, strangely, or perhaps deliberately, untouched by the damp of so many years under all that obfuscation.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>SOON AFTERWARD<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stomp. Stomp. Stomp. Stomp. Stomp. Stomp. Stomp.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The twelve-foot-tall machine, soaked in ichor, makes its way to the town.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Your swamp monster problem has been taken care of.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It walks off again.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:575|Ayako Hasekawa (575)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ayako blinks her eyes slowly. Explosions! Fire! Electricity! Blades cutting apart these monsters like nothing! People would probably pay to see something like this! Ayako certainly would. But that's besides the point! Once the action quiets down-and it does take a while-she slowly floats over to to the lake's water and dips a foot into it again.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She thinks quietly to herself for a moment. "I... I think I can clean up the swamp here! It might take a while for me, and I might have to stay here for a while, but... I think I can." Ayako smiles softly and (ungh to anyone watching), slips into the ichor soaked, disgusting swamp water up to her waist. "Besides... I can help with healing the residents here at the same time too!"<br> <br><br />
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}}</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Report:_Lucrelia_(5)_(Gudako_Ordria)&diff=12508Report: Lucrelia (5) (Gudako Ordria)2016-01-10T02:42:57Z<p>Waterpuns: </p>
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<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/01/09<br />
|Location=-<br />
|Synopsis=Archived report.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=908<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
}}<br />
Written by Caster ,old Japanese dialect, ETC. ETC.!<br />
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"A few nights ago, another trip to the Lucrelia region was organized by Unionite Lyner Barsett; with him were the Archer in red and his master, Rin Tohsaka, Misha, Riva Banari and Yuna Kagurazaka. Sanary Rondel came with myself and master, and I had Berserker shapeshift into me and accompany the Union to throw them off-course. While they visited town to confront Laurence on what we'd learned, we would be headed back to God's Temple, to capture the Einherjar known as Eir, or find other things of value."<br />
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"Temple-side, we found a magically sealed gate, but were interrupted by Eir before we could open it. Attempts to capture it were made, but Archer's master was present, and used her Command Spell to summon her Servant and shield Eir. We left empty-handed due to wounds suffered, and the fact the fighting awakened a dozen or three Incarnations."<br />
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IMPORTANT NOTE: Archer's master only has one Command Spell left. If she's forced to use it, her Servant will need to find a new master or will die.<br />
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"Village-side, the Union pushed into Laurence's mansion. They uncovered something important, but due to our betrayal wouldn't share. BUT! ... surprisingly, Berserker pulled through. I don't know how she did it but she got Laurence to call us back to talk alliance. He admitted to being King Arnest the Third, possessor of the Power of God and immortal."<br />
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"The Union is definitely going to make their move soon. They might try to kill him. If possible, we need to save and protect him, so we can see what he has to offer the Confederacy. If that's not possible... we need a trap ready to spring, so that the moment he falls, the Power of God doesn't go to waste."<br />
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"Master requests backup for the Union's inevitable strike. King Arnest is allowing us to stay in Lucrelia to help prepare; I'll be setting up a Bounded Field around the town to detect intruders, and more powerful wards and traps around his mansion specifically, but... it's not really my specialty, I hate to admit."<br />
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OOC: Look for the next scene scheduled by Lyner! I (and likely Sanary) are going to need backup, but we're at least afforded time at the village to set the field up in our favor, so contact Lyner if you want to set stuff up.</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3630/God_Will_Rise_-_Part_Five&diff=125073630/God Will Rise - Part Five2016-01-10T02:41:28Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2016/01/07 |Location=The Tundra |Synopsis=Further adventures in Lucrelia and its mountains! |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=385, 495, 714, 757, 821, 9..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/01/07<br />
|Location=The Tundra<br />
|Synopsis=Further adventures in Lucrelia and its mountains!<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=385, 495, 714, 757, 821, 908, 916<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LUCRELIA <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With the holidays passed, bodies rested, and the truce over with, it was time to head back into the thick of things. Lyner, after briefly leaving a message on the public band, passes through the warpgate leading to the Lucrelia region. Cloak wrapped around his form, he steps into the snow, and proceeds on towards the distant city gates. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It will be a bit of a walk, as usual, so there is plenty of time for those who have elected to approach the city to decide just what they will do and what they will say in regards to various things. There was a lot to think about. The Incarnations, the Einherjar, the mystery of Laurence, or at least, someone who looks like him. The name, King Arnest The 3rd...Lucrelia's role in the past conflict against God... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There really was a lot to think about. Lyner sighed and shook his head. "So, while we're on the way, let's recap. What do we know, and what do we plan to do?" He spoke up towards the others who have likely arrived. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MOUNT LUMINOUS <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This treacherous place, potentially crawling with fearsome Incarnations and Einherjar, is as unsettlingly quiet as usual. Not a sound to be heard, save for the wind itself swaying the trees. Those that choose to go this way surely know the path to God's Temple above. Those that didn't could be guided. Eir, the Einherjar they unsealed last time they were here, is nowhere to be seen. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The stillness is almost uncomfortable. Like this entire place has been sealed inside of a bottle. But those details aren't important. There is reason and purpose for coming here. What are they? Only those who choose this path know.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It would appear that CASTER has been sent to assist the Union group, should they require it. She arrives without Gudako, the blue-robed pink-haired foxgirl having shapeshifted her ears and tail away to blend in with the crowd. Insofar as someone wearing light robes like her can blend in here of all places. She seems unusually peppy and cheerful, but then very few people here really know what she's like.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hi, hi~! Master won't be making it, so she sent me!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She takes a backseat to the action though, staying behind the group (or however behind Archer will allow, anyway). She will probably make a lot of comments about shiny things she spots. And god help you if Rin whips jewels out. CASTER sure seems to be in a good mood.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Riva walks along with the others heading towards the town. In the aftermath of the revelation from the Well of Knowledge and the very /interesting/ timing of the Incarnation attack, she seems intent on heading back into town, perhaps for information, perhaps for other things. "Well, we know that the humans and the Einherjiar had mostly mutually annihilated each other in a battle, the last survivor appearing to be that King guy. We don't know where he's been since then or what happened there. Before we could find out, we were attacked by an Incarnation who drove us away from that well." She ponders for a moment. "I was thinking about checking city history and then nosing into some places I might not be allowed to go... officially." She smiles a little, wearing some cold-weather gear that looks to be more appropriate to the local genre.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:757|Misha (757)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's back to the snow and the cold. Misha Arsellec Lune is beginning to get weary of the same frigid reaches in the middle of nowhere! But the Reyvateil does not complain. Complaining isn't really her style, and that's why the Star singer has just opted to once again bundle up, even if it's just to visit Lucrelia again, rather than head up that forsaken mountain. Forsaken- but not God-forsaken, apparently, anyway.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Recap? "Well at the very least, we know, Laurence probably isn't telling us everything. At least I think he isn't, anyway."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;LUCRELIA:<br /><br />Yuna emerges from the warpgate shortly after Lyner puts his call out on the broadband. She's in civilian clothes this time, bundled up a bit against the cold - not in a cloak, but in more modern winter clothing - and atypically, she's accompanied by three more girls who aren't quite as bundled up but also appear to be civilians. There's also Elner, of course; the little robo-faerie looks basically like always, flitting around and generally hovering near Yuna to monitor the situation from her vantage point.<br /><br />Yuna gives Caster a slightly wary look, but bows politely to the foxgirl. "How was Christmas for you and your Master?" she asks - again, being polite; it never hurts, it rarely costs much, and it can save quite a lot of trouble. Yuna offers similar greetings to the rest of the group as they arrive; once everyone's gathered, she turns her attention to Lyner and the question he asked.<br /><br />"We know that sometime in the past, the people - and leader - of Lucrelia raided thet temple on the mountain to steal the power of the God who dwelled there," Yuna recounts. "We have good reason to believe that somebody in Lucrelia still has that power, and we think that's why the Incarnations have started attacking it. Right?"<br /><br />She's been thinking this over off and on since the last visit to Mount Luminous; Yuna takes matters of trespass against divinity rather seriously, and while she has some further ideas as to what's going on, she's not about to lay all of her cards on the table just yet.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Back to Lucrelia once more! After the last incident at the mountain, Sanary's not showing up unprepared. No, she's wearing her heavy guard-boosting armor today! And just in case, she's got all three shields on her as she's been in the habit of doing lately: One on her back, one on a forearm, and one in hand. Hopefully, she won't need it today, but... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... Well, that Einherjar wasn't exactly happy to see anyone the last time the whole group was up there. What were the odds it'd be happy to see her now? What if there were other Einherjar around, even? Or Incarnations. She still hasn't figured out the difference yet. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Either way, she's on her way up the mountain! If there isn't anything to stop her, she'll just start digging around once she reaches the chamber from her last visit here, trying to find any sorts of clues or discarded objects that might actually be worth looking at. Something they missed last time, something that wasn't there before... Even something shiny!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako and Caster return to God's Temple, with Sanary. The air still as it is, and Caster having created charms to conceal both her and her master's magical presences, as well as Sanary's, at least to basic scans, the Servant-- not the Master-- has devised this ploy to create the minimum amount of opposition possible. Gudako is busy playing a CELLPHONE GAME, for what it matters, and is fine letting Caster take charge. Gudako isn't much of a liar, so letting the nine-tailed fox handle it is just smart. Though she's not entirely sure about the exact plan that was used being... well, foolproof.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You know how Mad Enhancement is.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And jealousy.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Not much further, now," Caster says, to both Gudako and Sanary. "Mhm, I wager the Einherjar might still be there! ... and if it's not, we can just take those statues. I could probably shrink them for transportation, but we'll have to be careful not to use so much magic one wakes up. I guess if one does, plan B is to capture a live specimen."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As the two red-clad forms exited the warpgate, Archer sighed to himself with an exasperation that, admittedly, was only half-caused by the budding complexity of the situation around them. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ever since Yari Takane's near-death, Tohsaka Rin had refused to let the Servant out of her sight, forbidding him from acting independently for the time being - and whenever a mission came up where she felt he should go, she would come right along with him. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She obviously still blamed herself for what happened with Takane, even though Archer felt she had little reason to. And as a result, she didn't want him acting severely out of turn. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It certainly wouldn't help them here. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As the group recounts what they know, Rin - the newcomer here - gives a belated greeting to those she is only just now meeting such as Riva, Misha and Lyner himself; "Hello. It's a bit sudden, but I'll be... accompanying my Servant for the time being. I'm Tohsaka Rin - Archer's Master. I look forward to working with you all." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; While Rin listens to the accounts to catch up everything she needs to know, Archer likewise offers his own input - "The entity 'Eir' stated that one with the so-called 'power of god' would likely be immune to aging. Considering that Lawrence bares a very striking resemblance to this 'King Arnest', it's likely we are facing the same individual who assaulted the Einherjar in the past." He pauses, thinking back on something. "At the same time though, I see little reason to leave the Einherjar themselves alone - at this point, I doubt either side is truly innocent anymore." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You think I'd let you go up there yourself?" Rin quips, mild annoyance splayed across her face - if anything, she seems to think she would be the one better suited to studying something like this. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "At the very least, I'd have a higher chance of surviving" Archer counters, noting the female magus' annoyance rising yet again. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You'd also blow the mountain up, probably" Rin deadpans, tilting her head to the rest of the group. However, she does chew on her lip a bit as she thinks back on the reports, knowing it would be a big risk to leave any stones unturned. Finally, she sighs and settles on a compromise - "If anyone thinks anything is still up there, then one of us will go up. But /they/" - she gestures to Lyner and the group - "can decide which of us should go. I'm not going to make that kind of decision alone when this is a joint mission." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Glancing wearily at the other Servant, Archer seems rather doubtful of the honesty in Caster's sentiments, finding her good mood to be somewhat disconcerting. "Oh? And just where is your Master today? Out hiking?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He doesn't even bother hiding his suspicions on where Gudako might be - clever though she was in how she did things, the level of ambition and blatant disregard for consequence she'd shown made her destinations rather predictable. After all, she'd already used this tactic - everyone else who could so much as disagree with her was here. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After all... it really was too much to hope that seeing one person play god and fail would dissuade that girl from thinking she would have any better luck.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LUCRELIA <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner nodded, looking between everyone as they gave their theories and ideas in general. "Right, that's about what we know." He nodded to Yuna and Misha, a hand coming out of his cloak and to his chin. "What we saw in the well raised a bunch of questions. I thinking that we'd go and ask Laurence about it. But then, maybe that might be too straightforward, huh?" He glanced at Riva next and chuckled sheepisly. "W-Well Riva...I mean, I guess as long as you're not caught? I still feel bad about it, but I can't be sure if we'e got time to be floundering around." Caster's arrival is met with a blink. She was...oddly chipper, wasn't she? Did someone give her some fried tofu!? He had no idea. But Lyner, being Lyner merely smiled. "Hey Caster, you seem happy. Something good happen?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer and Rin were given due attention after that. This /was/ the first time Lyner had seen Rin, so he nodded, offering a silly half salute-half wave. "Hey Archer! And...Rin? This is the first time we've met, yeah. Your partner's been pretty helpful in the investigation going on here, so thanks to you both." The mention of Mount Luminous gives the knight pause. "The mountain? Hmm...I'm not sure. I do remember that the temple we went to last time was mostly unexplored. Eir just led us through one wing of the place, to a special chamber. We were attacked before we could see the rest." More chin rubbing. "...There might be something up there, but I can't be sure..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; While all of that talk happened, the group steadily made their way towards the city gates. And once they arrived, they would see that it was like the last time they went there. Two guards posted out front, wearing standard issue platemail with a long lance, and a sword at the hip. Their helmets obscured their faces, but it could be assumed that they were being watched as they approached. Up top the walls, other guards occasionally passed by in patrol. Nothing special going on here. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once in speaking range, one of the guards spoke up. "Halt. What business do you have here in Lucrelia?" His tone was gruff and impatient. He definitely did not want to deal with these weirdo multiversals. And it seemed like they weren't going to just raise the gates for the group either. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What to do? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MOUNT LUMINOUS <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanary, Gudako, and Caster make their way up to the temple unhindered. Not a single Einherjar to be found. They would eventually figure out why when they arrive within the temple's main chamber. The damage from last time was still there. But within the various indents in the walls, they would be able to see all of the stone Incarnations currently standing at rest. The bird from last time, the titan that attacked Yuna and Riva, and several others. And even the fire giant from last time. Didn't they kill it before? It must have gotten remade, or something. Who knows? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As far as paths, there is the door dotted hallway to the west, leading to the Well of Knowledge, another hallway to the east that lead to parts unknown, and a massively wide set of stairs that led up to a huge gate that was...currently firmly closed. It didn't look like it would open without some trick. Or if you had the strength of a titan. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There seems to be no indication of living activity so far...<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yuna smiles, bowing politely to the guards on duty. "You might recall that we were investigating the source of the Incarnations who've been attacking Lucrelia over the past while?" she asks as she straightens back up. "We've come across some information that could guarantee Lucrelia's safety, but we need to speak with the town's leader - Mr. Laurence - about our findings. Particularly," she adds with another slight bow of her head, "since what we've learned could also guarantee the town's eventual destruction, if he doesn't listen to what we've learned ..."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well, don't forget that I can keep you supplied with some of that. I don't wanna have to carry something that big all the way down the mountain." Sanary gives Caster a slight smirk as she says that, already expecting the latter because of her luck with... Well, everything. She still keeps her shields ready in case they're needed, of course, but the lack of activity in the area does let her rest the kite shield against her shoulder as she trudges onward. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Upon reaching that chamber, the healer watches the statues closely before glancing over at Gudako and raising a thumb in approval. "Nothing's moving. Uh. Looks like there's some paths, though... And a door. I could try and get it open, but no promises that none of those Incarnations'll behave the whole time. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Not that she isn't willing to try it if given the go ahead, of course.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;LUCRELIA:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CASTER answers Archer's question via radio, and truthfully. Gudako is in fact handling her New Year's farming in multiple games, and didn't originally want to divert attention from that at all. Then to Liner, the Servant nodnods vigorously. "It's always a good day when I'm chosen to represent master, nya!" She is after all the important one right now. The one that matters!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With their path blocked by a guard, she frowns, pouting. "This again! Humans, huff." What is with this village stopping them at the gates?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MOUNTAINS:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster observes the statues, then the path and the door. The Well's knowledge is probably too local to be immediatly useful as an objective, so that extra path, or the door, are better targets.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Last time, their stone slumber needed magic to cancel out. Hopefully that'll stay true this time too! Here," Caster answers Sanary, before producing a set of talismans that she gently throws towards the shieldbearer. Most of them are incribed with words like STRENGTH, POWER, ENDURANCE, etc., and aim to increase her strength. Hopefully to the levels necessary to open the door.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako obtains a rare material in her game. Her smile widens a bit but she otherwise remains completely uncaring of the situation, focused on her game before what's going on.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Riva's already said her piece on what needs to be done with the mountain (e.g. NOT blow it up), but she gies give Yuna a big thumbs up for providing superior recap power. "Right! I forgot about that!" She exclaims. Man, does she forget a lot or something? <br /><br />When they get ot the gate, Riva waves to them, a bubbly smile and expression on her face. "Hi guys! We just got back from the mountain. Fought some Incarnations, killed some Einjerhar, you know, the usual. But besides what Yuna said, we need some more supplies to keep progressing! Any chance you could let us in so we can get on that?" She holds up a pouch that jingles with a money-like sound. Oooh, money.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And so the choice is made, though Archer is somewhat discontent with it himself. If he'd had the option, he would have headed up to the mountain and left Rin in the city... but she was too concerned he'd simply destroy whatever he might find. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Not as though that might not have been the case anyway. Given everything that had happened, simply destroying the mountain wholesale might actually have been the simplest solution to this mess. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Then again, they didn't know that for sure. And so they would bank on that risk. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Taking her leave of the group - and giving a courtesy warning of "Keep an eye on Archer for me, will you?" as if her Servant were a pet, Rin starts moving for the mountain itself, leaving the annoyed bowman behind. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A moment later, Rin, closing her eyes- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Es ist gro�... Es ist klein... Vox got Es Atlas." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -and takes off for the mountain paths. She reinforces her body to increase her speed - not because she feels a need to rush but rather just to get started as quick as possible, as well as warm herself up with both the cardio and the use of her Magic Circuits increasing her body heat. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer in turn simply resigns himself to playing the guard dog with the rest of the group, following them into the town. He lets the others do the talking... but he takes note of the guard's reluctance to so much as address them. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Perhaps Lawrence already knew what they were really here for... and if so, things might have just become even more troublesome.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LUCRELIA <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The first guard goes silent at Yuna's 'information' and glances aside at the second guard. The second guard meets his gaze under that armored helmet, and after several seconds, shrugs. "Very well. Ain't our business what Captain Laurence decides. I didn't see anything." A gruff admission from the first guard. The second steps forward and turns around to look upwards. "Open up the gates!" He calls. A few moments later, chains rattle and the city gates rise, giving the group entry. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Don't cause trouble." The first guard warns, and then holds a hand out to Riva. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pay up. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Inside the city proper, they will find that it's as cold and rustic as usual. The last time they were here, Laurence came out to greet them, but now they were totally on their own. No Laurence to be found anywhere. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MOUNTAINS <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With Caster's blessings, Sanary attempts to open the great gates above. But she will find that they are VERY heavy, even with strength reinforcement. The most she can get is a faint creak and the groan of stone scraping the ground, but progress is minimal. Sanary may or may not have the magical senses to tell that this gate is being closed magically. The leylines flowing through the mountain can be felt converging to this gate. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And if Sanary couldn't sense it, then Caster definitely could. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One thing is for sure: Whatever's behind that gate, someone does not want people getting in to see. Not without a fight. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin reinforces her body and dashes off towards her destination. Given her speed reinforcement, it will likely only take her several minutes to arrive. But given her lack of experience with the place, she will have to contend with charting the place. Unless Archer has given her the rundown on the correct path forward. Radio contact is convenient.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MOUNTAINS:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"O-Oh, it's magical," Caster notes. "Sorry, miss Rondel! I should have checked first. It looked like a heavy door, so the obvious route was worth a try!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Right, well, let's see. If the leylines converge into the door, it means either they power the spell that keeps it sealed, or... no actually that's about all it can mean. So, either find a counterspell, or just divert power away and have Sanary try again.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'll reroute the magical power going through the door elsewhere, try opening it again~," she informs the shieldwoman, before producing another set of paper slips. These ones spread to the corners of the temple, attempting to tap into the leylines to power a Bounded Field she's deploying on a whim. The Bounded Field is designed to detect the presence of active life within its boundaries, which thanks to the leylines SHOULD be able to cover the whole temple. It doesn't do anything else.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That way, if one of the statues wakes up, they'll know.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;... hopefully.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But a lot could go wrong. The leylines are top-tier here, and could be difficult to just reroute like this. And it's a lot of power for a simple, improvised Bounded Field. If she'd had more time, she could have constructed a better one, but they don't.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;LUCRELIA:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CASTER suggests going to the barracks, and otherwise continues following the group. Though she sides up to Archer, getting all over his personal space. "So you're kind of a pet too huh? Maybe you should get cute cat ears, they'd go great with that hair!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Riva, without even breaking her expression, grins as the gate opens. "Man, you guys are great! It must suck being stuck to stand out here in the cold, though. Here, have this and go get something hot to drink when you get a break." Riva isn't surprised the guards are corrupt. If her guess is right, that's just the tip of the iceberg. She shakes out a handful of silver coins (gold would be too suspicious) and hands them to the guard. He can split it (or argue about it) with his compatriot later. It keeps attention off them. <br /><br />Once they're inside, Riva stops smiling abruptly, sighing. "I wish the world wasn't like that sometimes." She says to no one in particular." She looks to the others, and nods. "I'm going to go get a few things and start poking around. I'll meet up with you later." She breaks down an alley once they get the chance, and she heads for the local markets. <br /><br />There, she makes a show of picking up some climbing gear (Rope, grapple, pitons, etc), some rags and lamp oil, and some food and waterskins. After spreading out some cash, she leaves, ducking down another alleyway to head back towards the barracks. This will take her a bit.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After grunting and straining for a minute or two, the healer finally gives up and picks her shields back up with an annoyed grunt. "Yeesh... Yeah, this thing ain't opening up. Think we might have to go a little bigger to get that thing open, but..." She glances at the Incarnations warily, making sure they aren't going to move suddenly before speaking up again. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Heh... Don't worry. You got this. Better than what I was planning, anyway." She makes a mental note to look into this 'rerouting' thing later, moving back from the door to set two of the shields down again. She'll even direct a small bit of energy Caster's way before getting back into position by the door. Not that she's really expecting her own addition to do much for the Servant, but... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It beats standing there. "Could always blow it up, but... Well, I'll cover you if those things wake up."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yuna headtilts slightly as Caster goes 'nya' ... but doesn't react to it otherwise. The guards get a smile and another polite bow, plus a peppy little, "Thank you!" before she proceeds through the gate into Lucrelia proper.<br /><br />Laurence's failure to meet them doesn't exactly surprise her - particularly if Archer's right about him having some idea of why the group is here again. The barracks seem like as good a place as any to find the guards' captain, so she heads that way as well - with Elner flitting up far enough to sort out where they are and what's the best way to get there.<br /><br />Yuna's contingent of ordinary girls trail along with her; if any of them want to go exploring the city, they suppress the urge, limiting their curiosity to window-shopping in transit.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LUCRELIA: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer sighs to himself as Riva proceeds to bribe the guards to let her in. Once again, greed proved to be the dominant force in human nature. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Though it did show something useful - namely that the guards weren't undyingly loyal to Lawrence. Perhaps something could be done to turn them against their superior, if they found Lawrence to be as complicit in this as Archer suspected him to be. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; While weary of Caster's suggestions - and clicking his tongue in annoyance at her quips - Archer admits they would likely be the ones who would know where Lawrence is, or at least where to look for him. But just in case, he opts to keep a vigil for any signs of animosity - as well as mentally help guide Rin up the mountains through their link, letting her know where to go. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They wouldn't try to cause trouble... but for many of those present, trouble seemed to have a way of finding them first. And in all honesty, Archer didn't expect Lawrence to be anything /but/ trouble once they found him. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MOUNTAINS: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin, thankfully, had Archer as guide to help her navigate up the mountainside at a relatively-decent pace. After she climbs up high enough though, it becomes a bit easier to decide where to go - the Leylines of the mountain are both strong and powerful, flowing freely with potent magic. Once she finds her way to the frozen oasis, all she has to do is start following the pathways and the magic. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Depending on how close she gets though, sensing the manipulation of those same Leylines will abruptly put her on edge - and depending on how quickly the bounded field is deployed, those controlling it will likely sense her presence just as much as Rin herself will recognize what she's just walked through. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Either way, Rin and the Confederates are likely going to soon realize neither party is alone up here.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LUCRELIA <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Riva's leaving the party to go BUY THINGS isn't met with any resistance. As expected, the economy is pretty trash. Everything seems to be inflated, but business is business and no one turns away an outsider. Riva does get weird looks though. But money is the same, no matter who's handing it over. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So she gets her things and heads over to the knight barracks <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The rest of the group makes their way over with Elner's guidance and soon come upon a stone building with three floors. A castle can be seen distantly from there. Must be where the current king resides, if reason is to be followed. Back to the barracks, soldiers can be seen filtering in and out, some heading around the side of the building to what looks to be a horse stable, outside training ground, as well as other minor facilities. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nearby guards spie the group coming and arch a brow at each other. One particularly curious guard, a young fellow by the looks of it. His helmet was in his arms, leaving free view of his short black hair. "Uh...hello? I remember you guys from the tavern a while back. Are you looking for the captain?" Well that was fast. "I remember he met with you over drinks, so..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MOUNTAINS <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Caster's Bounded Field is set up without a hitch, and the Incarnations do not move. The magic power being channeled to the gate is diverted, leaving it open to be opened. Or attempted to. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, right at that moment, there is a distant crackle of electricity from the eastern wing, and a bolt of violet chain lightning surges through the hall, veering out into the chamber and then splitting apart and arcing right for Caster, Gudako, and Sanary. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin is spared by virtue of not being in range, however she may have heard the roar of thunder from within the temple. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They were definitely not alone. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A clack of heels can be heard echoing through the eastern hall before a figure steps out. Wrapped in a battle dress and armor, with long white hair, pale skin, and golden eyes...It was Eir. The white wings on her back shuffled as she stepped into view, leveling an ornate blade at the trio. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Seeing as how she was mute...she couldn't speak, but her look made everything clear. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 'Why are you here?'<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It just had to be lightning, didn't it? Why couldn't it ever be fire? Or even ice, if Sanary was wearing that other armor? No, she was just doomed to face people throwing lightning all the time. Without the shields in hand and much ability to dodge in that armor, Sanary just eats that blast of lightning head on! With any luck, it'd only be one of them getting hit with rather than all three. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Either way, though, she's not in great condition by the time she sits up from the ground. She's twitching, there's burns everywhere, and her own healing magic can only do so much in such a short time. "Nice way to greet guests... Ugh. Hey again." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She's not in any rush to get up, either, although the healer does drag a shield over while raising her other hand in a lazy wave to Eir. "We're here to.. Uh." She clears her throat and looks over at Gudako and Caster, waving at them briefly before pushing herself up with the shield, letting her healing magic work its... Magic. "Interested in getting some revenge on the people that screwed you over?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yuna smiles warmly at the young guard, half-consciously turning up the charm now. He doesn't look much older than she is, and she has it on fairly good authority that she's more than typically cute or pretty - she wouldn't have won an interstellar beauty contest otherwise, right? "Actually, yes, we're looking for Captain Lawrence; we ran into some details in our investigation that we really need to talk with him about. I do hope," her voice turns wistful, "we didn't come all this way just to find that he's drunk or something and can't understand how important this is ... do you think you could help us find him? We'd *really* appreciate it ..."<br /><br />Rin's sudden exclamation on the radio ALMOST throws Yuna off her stride; who could be up on the mountain? ... besides, she thinks, a sticky-fingered game-addicted Confederate girl who's well on her way to re-enacting local history, at the rate things are going ... except she's supposedly not here.<br /><br />Yuna does not turn to look at Caster, though. Just because somebody is on Mount Luminous provoking the wrath of the local God doesn't automatically mean it's THAT one girl, after all.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;LUCRELIA: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer takes note of the boy's relative youth, sighing to himself somewhat melancholically. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If there was one thing that most youths had in common, it was that many of them wanted to do good with their lives... and often threw themselves into the millhouse as it's gristle. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once more, Archer stays to a more observatory role, preferring to keep the majority of his focus on looking out for ambushes - they had come straight to the barracks and yet Lawrence still didn't seem keen on greeting them. Either he was too caught up in his own affairs to bother with it directly... or he flat-out didn't want to be in their company. Neither of these conclusions bode well for alleviating Archer's suspicions of the man. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Of course, much of that is forgotten when he senses Rin's distress across through their Master/Servant link, as well as the alert on the radio that Archer's suspicions were correct - something was up on that mountain. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And if it was who he thought it was, then the first thing the bowman would be contemplating would be whether or not he could do something about a certain vulpine Servant to help even the odds... right behind the fervent hope that Rin didn't get herself killed before she could decide she needed him there to help her.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MOUNTAINS:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Before they can see what's behind DOOR NUMBER ONE!!!, Eir finally appears. Gudako actually pries her attention off her cellphone for the event, glancing at the Einherjar. She muses, but says nothing, just continuing to stare with her dead-eyed 8D.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster frowns, muttering something about timing. If Eir had appeared earlier, they could have immediatly engaged her with optimal setup. The fact she rode in just as they setup to do something else is bothersome. Bounded Fields are hard to change on the spot, and for that matter making offensive ones is pretty hit or miss.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Miss Sanary, I don't think there's a point lying to her. Miss Eir, we're interested in the power of God, in whatever form it takes. If you can't hand over your shard of it, we'll just have to do this the hard way~."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Talismans are deployed, another wave. Four, bearing the words STAY, STATIS, PRISON, WEAKENING. They attach to the edges of the Bounded Field, but don't take effect immediatly. Honestly, resorting to Witchcraft might be more efficient.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;LUCRELIA:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CASTER continues hounding Archer. But since he's pretty good at not responding, she eventually just huffs, puffs, clenches her fists, trembles comically, and then accusingly points a finger at him. "You're impolite! And a jerk! You should pay attention to nice people who try to talk to you, mister!" ... she doesn't even look threatening, she just sounds extremely childish right now. "Grumblegrumble I should just bite you."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MOUNTAINS: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It's as the Tohsaka heiress is entering the temple in spite of her weariness over the abruptly-established bounded field that she first contemplates that something is up here... but was the bounded field the work of the Einherjar, or someone else? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The many statues add to her weariness, installing an almost claustrophobic feeling simply based on the angles they were situated at. At the same time though, Rin can't help but feel some degree of fascination with them, wondering what exactly they truly were - and what history might have been behind them. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A history that someone seemed bent on repeating it seemed - Sure enough, Rin pauses as an audible gasp escapes her lips at a thunderclap echoing throughout the temple. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She didn't just hear that - she /felt/ that. The discharge of raw power was so immense that she would picked it up even if she wasn't in range of hearing the impact. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That clinches it. Someone was here - and someone else wasn't at all happy about it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Muttering a curse to herself, Rin picks up the pace for the site of the disturbance, after first alerting everyone else on the radio that something was indeed wrong here, moving as fast as she can through the hallways - with the many statues now worrying her far more as she feels they are almost /staring/ at her, waiting for the chance to be released from their stony prisons and set loose. On her... and on Lucerlia. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What the hell was going on up here - who could have possibly thought this was worth antagonizing an entire army of entities like these? With a populated village down below to get caught in the crossfire no less? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Whatever or whoever it was... she only hoped she could get there in time to try and avert it.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LUCRELIA <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The soldier meets Yuna's gaze and blinks. "Uh...well, um..." Unable to maintain eye contact, she half looked away, a tinge of red coloring his cheeks. This was...awkward. Okay stop. Think. You're a soldier! Not a schoolkid! Yeah! "A-Ah...I actually haven't seen the captain all day. But he should be at his home." A pause. "Oh. I guess I should show you the way." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So awkward. So pure. So easy to manipulate. As if trying to hide his own embarrassment, he donned his helmet at that point, obscuring his face like the rest of the soldiers. "I'm pretty sure he's not drunk. I don't think I've ever seen the captain drunk at all actually." Well that was delightfully random. "So, uh, is that whole thing going well? He asked you to check out Mount Luminous, right?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Finally, someone mentioned the proper name of that place. Caster's antics is met with a brief look and a confused 'huh'. Lyner and Archer, and the others are nodded to, and then he heads off, leading the way through the streets. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner, for his part, was content to let the talking be done by Yuna. never underestimate the power of a cute girl. Caster however gets an arched brow for her antics. She was acting REALLY weird. The Caster he'd seen was more...proper? Mature? She was acting like a child now. Was she high? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After several blocks, the soldier stops, gesturing to a large house at the end of the city block they were on. It was a nice place, considering the era of this city. A plume of smoke from a fireplace could be seen rising up from the chimney on the roof. There was definitely someone in there. "There it is. I've never been inside, but I know he lives there. Good luck with your investigation!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And awkwardly, after staring at Yuna for a second too long, he turned and walked off, his job done.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MOUNTAINS <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Eir's golden gaze smoothly slides between Sanary, and then Gudako and her Servant. "......" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Revenge? What in the world was Sanary talking about? Yes, that all happened, but...there was no need for her to- Oops, Gudako came out and just said what they were after. That threw any hope of negotiation out the window! The Einherjar narrowed her gaze at the Magus and gripped her sword tighter. streaks of violet electricity began to spark across the blade, which was as good an answer for someone who was mute. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "....?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Caster's talismans confused her at first. She was expecting a direct attack, but was lost to find that they did not actually explode or shoot magic. No, they reinforced the bounded field. Not about to wait to find out what they did, the Einherjar's wings unfurled and she dove forward towards Gudako, lashing out with a wide swing of her blade. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lightning exploded from it, hurtling through the air and going right for the redhead. Seems like she was going to attempt to take out the weakest looking link here. Sanary and Caster were both momentarily ignored for this. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Meanwhile, Rin would find that she was fast approaching ground zero. The sounds of a fight started up are as plain to the air as ever. Someting big was happening here for sure. Those stone Incarnations still do not move. But it definitely does feel like they are watching...waiting...<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Someone who never gets drunk? In a city like this one? That's bizarre - but Yuna sets that aside, nodding to the young guard, still smiling. "Yes, we've been investigating to find out why the Incarnations are attacking Lucrelia, or trying to. I think we're pretty close to pinning down the answer, but we really do need to talk to the Captain about a couple of things to make sure Lucrelia is safe."<br /><br />Mount Luminous is the name of that mountain? Both Yuna and Elner file that tidbit away for future reference - it's good to know the proper name of a place, and in Yuna's opinion, 'Luminous' is entirely fitting for a holy mountain (or at least, a mountain on which holy ground exists).<br /><br />Caster's antics don't particularly evoke a reaction from the idol; she's more interested in following the young guard to Laurence's home. "Thank you very much!" Yuna says, smiling extra-brightly before she bows to the young man. "You've helped us out a lot; I hope I'll be able to repay you properly for this favor sometime."<br /><br />And she really DOES appreciate the help, too - maybe not enough to actually go out on a date with him, but he doesn't look like he expects that; he may be too innocent to hit on her when she's here on business. It's kind of a nice change from some of the fanboys she's had to deal with. Once the soldier is on his way back to the barracks, though, Yuna takes a moment to relax and re-center herself before looking around at the others. "So, who wants to be the one to knock on the door - or is that my job too?"<br /><br />She *did* kind of take the lead at getting this far, after all ...<br /><br />Meanwhile, Elner has grown more concerned about the situation at the mountain; the little robo-faerie tries scanning in that direction - but there are multiple factors which could impede its sensors. There's the distance involved, there's whatever ambient energies surround the mountain as an effect (side- or otherwise) of the leylines, there's the possibility that the mountain itself is physically blocking sensors or that the holy barrier interferes somehow ... and then there's the fact that mountain!Caster was actively trying to cloak her party ...<br /><br />But on the other hand, Rin's pretty much confirmed SOMETHING is up. Elner's just trying to get a better sense of 'what' if possible.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "That's what I was getting at." Sanary chuckles lightly at Caster's bluntness, although she's thankful for that brief opening to just let herself recover from the lightning. She'll have to check that none of her clothes are fused with her skin, but that can wait until after they've already left with the Einherjar's power. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With or without the rest of the Einherjar in tow. With a fight apparently starting, however, the shield cleric's ready to throw herself into the fray! Scooping up her shield on the way, Sanary finds herself rushing headlong into the path of Eir's lightning, acting as a bulwark standing between the Einherjar and the Master! Surely, with two shields to bear the brunt of that shock- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Okay, no, that lightning is still incredibly painful. Granted, it's not nearly as painful as it was the first time around, but still. On the plus side, she /does/ manage to stay on her feet this time around (even if she's cursing to high hell afterwards). <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Freaking... Alright, if that's how you want it!" Bracing herself against the riot shield, the healer funnels some of her energy into the eye before firing off a heat laser at Eir, triggering an explosion either on contact or immediately after passing the Einherjar to try and catch it from behind.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LUCRELIA <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There are indeed a number of factors making scanning a problem. The distance, as well as the myriad energies surrounding the mountain do plenty to muddle up any sensors. But a careful individual may be able to faintly sense a number of spikes within the readings, suggesting that conflict may have been happening. Of course, it would be faster to just talk to Rin, wouldn't it?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MOUNTAINS:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Woops, boss engaged.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako gives Caster a thumb up. "Good job, Caster!" 8D<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No sarcasm. She's completely honest here. That saved them a lot of time and hassle, and that's good behavior!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eir lunges straight for Gudako, identifying her as the weakest present. Which is very true. Sanary intercept, but the magus is still knocked a foot back from the impact, glancing towards Caster. "Caster, nevermind the field, we don't have time. We'll just do brute force today."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fingerguns! Gudako points them at Sanary, pew pewing a weak healing spell at her. It's not much, but it's a reminder Gudako IS a magus and can support people.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster nods, meanwhile, and pulls a duo of paper slips. EARTH and HANDS, the two talismans are hurled towards Eir's feet! They cause a rumble in the temple's ground, a short quake before hands of solid earth and marble surge out. They're trying to grab the Einherjar's feet, but a few try to punch her ankles and knees too. It'd be pretty brutal to get hit by, for sure.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Miss Rondel, focus on strikes that can disable her nonlethally. We can just sling her over a shoulder and leave with her if needed, right?" Caster tells Sanary, while Gudako glances back towards the door. Well, wasting time is a sin. Gudako will break off the encounter and poke the door with a stick, see if it still won't budge to normal human strength.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;LUCRELIA:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Berserker makes no effort to turn back, being in a public place. But she creeps up to Lyner and licks him on the cheek affectionately. "Nya! This was Caster's idea, actually. Master really didn't want to get out of the house, she really likes those cellphone games. I don't feel like fighting though. Hungry! Anyone have a snack?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Well, that helps to distract things from deciding who takes the bold step of knocking on Laurence's door. Trying not to look relieved at the unexpected reprieve, Yuna attempts to sidle up behind Bersercat ...<br /><br />And reaches up to scritch her between/behind the ears, just the way cats are *supposed* to appreciate. This may escalate into full-on proper petting, or as close to it as Yuna can fathom doing to a 'cat' in a human body.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MOUNTAINS: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin, pushing farther and faster then is likely safe, will likely reach the site of the battle quick enough... and when she does, she just barely bites back a vicious curse, lest she tip anyone off to her presence - more so then they may be already at least. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She wasn't really surprised to see Gudako, having quickly developed something of a loathing for the selfish girl. She was a bit more surprised to see Caster though, considering she thought that Servant was in the town. However, the one that gets the most surprise out of Rin is Sanary, stunned - and perhaps somewhat disappointed - that the mercenary was willing to endanger the entire city, as well as suffer injury, for someone else's power-games. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, dealing with that would have to come later - based on what she saw, Caster was responsible for the bounded fields. Perhaps had she not known what Gudako had done before, she might have paused to consider who attacked first... but based on the premeditated nature of the tapping in the Leylines, it made it hard to believe otherwise - and so Rin took the path against those who seemed to be the aggressors. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After all, someone should try to show this 'Eir' entity that not /all/ humans were obsessed with power. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bracing herself, Rin leaps forward to push through the bounded field - which would announce her presence to Caster quite loudly - one arm already braced against the other. "Gandr!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But Rin's targets aren't any of the Confederates - it's Caster's paper-charms that she's aiming at, intending to incinerate them all and dispel Caster's attempts to weaken 'Eir's powers, hopefully giving her more more of a chance to both defend against Sanary's attacks and a better chance of taking the Cleric out of the fight. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer had tole her how Caster's magic seemed to work. However, she doubted that would be all - Shirou had theorized Caster's identity as being that of Tamamo-No-Mae... and if so, paper-slips likely weren't going to be all she could do. But if nothing else, destroying them would set the pair back. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After firing her first volley, she takes a position to support 'Eir', leveling a rather harsh glare at the Confederates along with pointing her 'firing arm' at them. "Just what the hell do you think you're doing, here?! And don't even bother trying to run - I've already told everyone else you're up here! We're trying to stop this damn war and you're going off doing the exact same thing that started it?!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;LUCRELIA:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Berserker is soothed further by Yuna. She purrs appreciatively. At least she's not getting involved in your business! In fact: "Let's go to his house! Maybe he has food and he'll share!" Gotta stay on track! The track to food. The Servant cares more about that possibility right now than anything else.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LUCRELIA: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer for the most part retained his silence, feeling a mix of exasperation and bemusement at how easily-manipulated the young guard was by Yuna. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Not that he couldn't sympathize - he himself had been rather... ill-equipped to deal with women. He still was in a way, but perhaps that was more due to the fact that there /wasn't/ any reliable way to ever properly deal with women. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At the mention of 'Mount Luminous' - what an unsurprisingly melodramatic title - Archer casts his glance back to it a moment, again hoping Rin was doing alright. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He should have been the one up there, not Rin. But there was little he could do about it until Rin deliberately requested he come to help her. Not that it lessened his concerns - especially considering who he felt was likely on that mountain with her. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then he hears back from Rin, and everything becomes far worse an issue. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It wasn't Caster with them - it was Berserker... and if Berserker went off in this city, they could easily be accused of being aggressors. Exactly what Gudako had boasted she could do whenever she wanted. She'd planned this out. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Now they had three different problems; Gudako having caused an issue with the entities on the mountain, their unfinished inquiry with Lawrence, and the ticking time-bomb that was Berserker - whom Yuna was working to pacify even now. Plus there was Riva's impromptu... well, Archer hesitated to call it a 'plan' - flight of whimsy would be closer to how he'd describe it. Once again, he cursed fate - and especially Gudako for forcing them into a battle on two fronts. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Still... there was at least one way out on that front. Whether he could achieve it was the question. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As such, while he cautiously readied himself to confront Lawrence, he subtly worked to visualize one of the smaller, yet no less potent weapons embedded among the endless blades of his inner world. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If Archer played it right, he would kill two birds with one stone. It would just be a matter of getting the stone ready, and then making the throw without missing. A gamble - one that would involve Rin's life, no less. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But if he was pressed into that situation... what choice would he have?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MOUNTAINS <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanary, damn it! Stop tanking! You're a healer! Go and pick up a staff and adorably fidget off to the side worrying about how weak your heals are- I mean what? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Eir's attack is intercepted by Sanary, and she stops short, leaping back to gain distance from the sudden intrusion. Lightning surges up again and the Einjerhar prepares another volley. Sanary's eye laser is met with a simple sidestep...or it would have, if Caster had not interrupted with those seals! Rin managed to burn away one of them with a Gandr, but the other got through, and one of Eir's legs was grabbed by the ground below. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ".....!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Unable to simply sidestep, she raised her sword, letting the laser strike the flat side of the blade. The explosion following threw her back, but since she was being held by one leg to the ground, she tripped backwards from the momentum, landing on her rear. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ".....!?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Crap crap crap! This was a terribly disadvantegous position to be in! She was wide open. Rin's presence was noted right about then, and she inwardly groaned at another intruder, not realized that Rin had helped her. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But right now, she needed to defend herself. Eir's wings spread, and lightning crackled along them. And then with a flap forward, a volley of sharpened, electrified feathers burst out from her wings, darting for Sanary and aiming to overwhelm her with sheer volume.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LUCRELIA <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner sighed at all the radio chatter, as well as Berserker being Berserker, and approached the front door of Laurence's house, bringing up a hand and knocking three times firmly. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Several moments later there was a click, and the door opened, revealing....a maid. A young lady that looked to be in her twenties, wearing a somewhat dour looking expression, with a head of short blue hair and a modest, black and white maid's uniform. Her eyes looked between everyone present. "...Good day. If you are here for Master Laurence, then I must inform you that he is busy. If you wish to leave him a message, then I will relay it to him." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ANOTHER BLOCK. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This was beyond suspicious now. Lyner quirked a brow and glanced aside at the others. "Well..." Were he not himself, he would have pushed through. But now he was figuring out what to say. Well, they at least had to buy time for Riva...whatever she was doing.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The harder Laurence resists seeing them, the more Yuna wonders what he's up to ... and that still applies even if our working theory is wrong and he *ISN'T* the same man as the king who stole God's divine power from the temple on Mount Luminous.<br /><br />So while Yuna is still scritching Bersercat, the blonde smiles at the maid, "It's really kind of urgent, I'm afraid. Our investigation of Mount Luminous has turned up some disturbing information; the city of Lucrelia is likely to be in grave danger that we can't protect it from. I don't think this can wait for another day."<br /><br />Why lie when the truth serves you just as well? Yuna doesn't see a need to make up some story that she's going to have to work to keep the details straight on.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>MEANWHILE...<br /><br />Riva is working her way through the city according to Lyner's information, coming up towards the building from a different direction. Optimally, she could approach from an alleyway or a nearby building, one or the other. She also looks around for a decent place to use that grapple she bought to climb up and get inside through a window, or maybe something more exotic. Who knows? She has to look first.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MOUNTAINS:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though Rin is just a magus, and there's no way her magecraft could measure up, she doesn't have to. Tactical elimination of what powers Caster's magic can do pretty reliable damage. Like the various sigils in Medusa's Blood Fort, the talismans act as guides and anchors for the spellwork at play. Destroy them and you weaken the effects. It'd take a bit more than that to completely destroy the Bounded Field or spells, but the damage is noticeable.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the Bounded Field finally reconfigures, very loosely, it projects a very, very weak prison and weakening effect. Neither Eir nor Rin are weak enough to be affected, though, but if someone were to beat them up and lower their status to critical, they'd have a harder time resisting the effect.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster produces her massive mirror, and returns the favor to Sanary then. She gets in front of the healer and tanks, mirror up front. Many of the feathers slam into the shiny surface, bouncing off; but some of them make it past, striking legs, hands and one even catching the side of Caster's face. It looks pretty painful, but she's grinning.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Miss Sanary, don't heal me."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An odd order. Caster lunges for Eir, and-- swings her mirror. Well, 'swing'. It never actually touches her hands, and floats magically around her, so it's more like she makes a swinging gesture and the mirror suddenly flies in an arc like it's a baseball bat. Which, given its side and durability, it may as well be.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If magic becomes unreliable, smacking someone never does. And that mirror is deceptively punchy as a 'melee' weapon, too.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako continues poking the door. C'mon, open sesame, damnit. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;LUCRELIA:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Berserker immediatly approaches the maid. "Ah! That outfit! That's so awesome, do you have a spare? I need it! For things! Master will be so happy at Berserker's initiative!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Nonlethal. Right." Shit. Well, at least Sanary knows about it sooner rather than later! Hopefully, that little... Explosion won't be too much of a problem. Gudako's healing actually appears to help the defending cleric stay on her feet, and Rin's appearance... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wait. Rin's appearance? Is she supposed to be here? Trying to play it off as nothing big doesn't seem like it'll work, so maybe... Trying to make Eir think Rin's working with them could work! "Oh, hey Rin! Nah, we're ditching the good cop bad cop. Just kick her ass and get the transport ready!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Seeing the Einherjar fall and prepare another volley of electrified bullshit, the healer is about to brace herself for the worst again, but Caster's sudden interference keeps her from having to deal with that! And as if on cue, the request /not/ to heal her comes just in time to stop the healer from... Well, healing. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What a strange day. But with Caster going after Eir, that leaves Sanary free to deal with the new intruder. "Uh.. Watch out, Rin!" She calls out in a rather exaggerated manner before running straight for the Magus to try and just tackle her with her shields in front of her, looking not unlike a very spiky football player.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; RIVA <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There is a convenient raised porch on the second floor leading inside the house. There is a door as well. From there, the attic window isn't too far up.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LUCRELIA: <br /><br /> It seemed Lawrence really had no intents on seeing them in any capacity. If Archer wasn't sure the man was involved before, he was now. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Likewise, he silently approves of and supports Yuna's efforts in using the truth to their advantage. "Indeed - if we felt that it could wait, we would have made a more formal request to see him when convenient. As it is, though... I fear time is of the essence." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He also keeps his attention fixed on Berserker - Yuna may not be able to distract her forever. And if push came to shove, he would have to act before the Servant realized what was happening - thankfully though, she seemed very easily distracted, so for the immediate time she wasn't a direct concern. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If Gudako called for her, though... he'd have to keep an eye out for that. He'd only have one chance. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He hoped Rin would be alright for the time being... and in regards to their current predicament, he hoped Lawrence wasn't on a higher floor of his house - knowing their luck, Riva would enter the building in the exact same room he was in.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LUCRELIA <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Berserker is given the most withering stare this lady could muster. Which was to say the look she was giving Berserker was akin to the the look one would give when regarding garbage. Or a crushed insect. "...I will inquire with Master Laurence if he is open to handing off a spare uniform." Said so simply, and professionally, and yet the look on her face was just...fed up. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...Is that so." The maid responds offhandedly to Yuna, rolling her eyes in a manner that suggested she really could not care any less than she already didn't. "Well, I'm certain your urgent information can wait." She is about to slam the door in their faces, when... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "......" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She inclines her head aside, looking into the house from where she stood. "....Really now..." A deep sigh is had and for some reason, she opens the door wide and steps aside. "...Master Laurence is in the study. Follow me." She spoke with deep resignation, closing her eyes for a moment, as if she was staving off a headache as she pinched the bridge of her nose. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then she lead them off. The inside of the house was pretty fancy for a medieval styled place. Laurence must be well off for his station. The maid headed for the stairs to the second floor. ...But why did she suddenly change her mind?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>MOUNTAINS: <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Oh, no you don't!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It is here that Rin works to try and prove herself as being on 'Eir's side as, with a strike of her Reinforced leg in a slow sweep, she pounds the earth-hand to try and shatter it so as to allow 'Eir' to dodge Caster's mirror. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She then gives 'Eir' as much of a reassuring glance as she can, complete with smile. "In case you're wondering, I'm not with them. In fact, they came up here without telling anyone else. So what there doing here pretty much makes them enemies." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gudako gets a more angry look, as if the Tohsaka magus cannot wait to wipe the smirk off the other woman's face. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With that, she orients herself to face Confederates alongside 'Eir', bracing one arm and reading Gandr again to target any paper-seals Caster deployed. "I'm probably not on par with you... but you won't complain about having some help, right?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At this point, Rin is trying to debate her options - in terms of a straight-up magic fight, she would lose against Caster... and knowing first-hand about Sanary's power, she couldn't hope to out-last them either. And with Gudako free to meddle with the doorway while she and 'Eir' were occupied... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Speaking of Sanary - it seems Rin is actually starting to feel less guilty about Archer's misgivings for the Cleric, and her expression makes it very clear she doesn't buy a word of Sanary's claims. At the same time though, the claim of 'watch out' at least gets her attention, though with Reinforcement running through her body she is left deceptively strong... but not strong enough to throw Sanary away as opposed to be left locked against her, clinching her teeth in frustration. "Why are you here?? I can understand Ordria, but why you? What the hell is worth endangering that whole city for?!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As much as she hated the idea of having to do it... history might very well repeat itself in a different way - Rin's history at least, as she considered she would have to even the odds a bit. Even if it meant using up the second of her Command Seals to do so.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Thank you!" Yuna expresses her gratitude to the maid in good cheer, and follows the maid inside with the others; since this isn't the kind of house where you take your shoes off at the door, she settles for wiping her feet on the mat before stepping inside. Now where *is* the study ... upstairs? Probably.<br /><br />Elner takes the time to scan the house's interior and map things out - how the rooms are arranged, how thick the walls are, any camouflaged panels that might open onto hidden passages or secret cabinets, concentrations of holy power ...<br /><br />No, Elner's not being polite. And while the robo-faerie doesn't expect to detect magical signatures, the robo-faerie *IS* the creation and servant of the Queen of Light, the same being who bestowed power on Yuna to act as her champion. Holy power might just stand out to the robo-faerie's sensors.<br /><br />As for the three girls who've been accompanying Yuna, they meander inside as well, probably bringing up the rear. They won't come upstairs to the study, though.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MOUNTAINS <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For Gudako's part, the gate still does not budge. It no longer has magical backing, but the issue now is that it's HEAVY. The ideal setup would seem to be diverting the magic power, and then having a strength assisted individual pull it open. Or one could simply open it the correct way. But since that didn't seem to be possible, Gudako may or may not be stuck. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Perhaps Eir can open the gates. Or maybe there's no one currently here with the capacity and authority to properly open them. With things gone to hell here, is it worth finding out? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Eir blinks in surprise as Caster, the apparent mage, takes the attack for Sanary, who looked like a tank. Now things have just gone upside down. Gritting her teeth, the Einherjar worked to break the earth holding her foot down, but it was taking too long. And Caster was coming right for her. But then it broke off on it's own? No it was that lady who had just arrived? Was she...not with them? Either way, it was just in time for Eir to stand and feel a mirror impact against her armor. It was stronger than it looked, leaving a deep dent and forcing her back. "....!?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Seriously? This MAGE was going to face her in melee combat? Frowning, Eir gripped her blade and dove forward, lashing out with her blade and striking the mirror with each pass. But she found that more of her strikes did nothing. They just bounced off! What kind of mirror was this!? Did Caster actually have an unexpected advantage!? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin's words are met with a quick panicked look and a nod. Seeing as how Eir was mute, she couldn't speak, but her actions said it all. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 'HELP. NOW.'<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LUCRELIA <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Elner's scan reveals that the usual rooms, kitchen, storage, what seems to be a small library, washroom, and such are on the first floor. The second floor contains a large bedroom, another smaller bedroom that must be a guest room, a large room that must be the study, and stairs leading up to the attic. The attic is one open space just under the roof. There are some things stored up there, but nothing especially arcane to the senses.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If it counts for anything, at least Sanary's not trying to just kill Rin outright! She does seem rather impressed when the Magus doesn't just get bowled over, though, even grinning after a moment. "You should teach me that one. Or... Is it from those rocks you sent me as a present? 'cause I still have those." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Right! Priorities, then banter. An Einherjar to capture, a Magus to stop from preventing said capture... Wait. Why was she trying to just push her over with those shields? "If you have to know..." The cleric mutters something inaudibly, waiting a brief moment after saying that before releasing one of the shields suddenly, then trying grab Rin by the face and kick her in the shin with an armored foot!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MOUNTAINS:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Calculated strikes hit Caster. She's actually pretty good with her mirror, for someone supposed to be a Caster, but she's making very intentional slip ups. The blade draws blood-- cutting Caster's exposed skin here, her robes there. No dangerous strikes, but each parried blow seems to be intentionally striking the Servant, and she accrues a fair collection of bruises and small wounds.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I guess it's two on two now! You should make sure to protect your friend, miss Eir, I don't think she could handle the blows."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster slaps a paper slip on the back of her mirror. It shines with an icy aura, leaving a trail of supercooled air in its wake. And she twirls it, now making much larger arcs with it as she spins and pushes. Wouldn't you know it, making bigger, longer arcs means it goes a bit faster and hits a bit harder.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster plays aggressively, trying to control the battlefield. As the mirror flies it can shoot from angles attempting to deny Eir much movement space, while trying to bash her. And the ice enchantment won't help, trying to slow her down or freeze her. Unlikely it can do the latter, but it might be able to do the former.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako stops poking the door, just watching the fight for now. Occasionally checking her phone.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;LUCRELIA:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Berserker is very happy she might get a maid uniform and continues being distracted by Yuna, one assumes. She is the contributest.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Oh, handy. With a quick looping of her grapple, she whirls it around for a moment, pitching it upwards to get it to hook on the raised porch. With a tug on the rope to set the hook, she immediately begins shimmying up, pulling the rope along with her so the dangling line doesn't attract attention. <br /><br />Once she gets up to the porch, she looks around and checks for anyone who might be watching, before going for that attic window. Hopefully, everything will work out.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LUCRELIA: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So he was finally moving to see them in, was he? The ever-present indicators one was likely hiding something - a home well above their pay-grade. Most men in positions like this tended to live relatively humbly even if they had the money for more - or at least the ones that were actually somewhat respectable. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Trace; On." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Like Yuna and Elner, he also elects to start scanning the house so as to get an idea of it's layout through Structural Analysis - perhaps between the two of them they could find something. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If nothing else, they could at least locate the study where Lawrence was - as well as pinpoint Riva's approximate location and where they should distract Lawrence or his housekeeping from looking at. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Of course... he kept in mind that he might not be able to stay long. He could feel it through his link to Rin - she was being pushed back. Whatever Gudako was trying to accomplish, the callous girl was willing to destroy all the effort Lyner had put into alleviating this 'God's' wrath just because of her selfish whims. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What was she hoping to accomplish? In the end, it hardly mattered what power you attained - you could never save anyone with power alone. It was a mistake so many had made - a mistake they had seen take place here barely a few weeks ago - and that girl was so willing to repeat it anyway just because she believed she was different. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once more, Archer felt helpless and lamented that fact... and hoped that Rin wasn't going to be killed because of it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> MOUNTAINS: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You're Yari's friend... so because of that, I'm not going to try and kill you." Rin finally grinds out, staring the Cleric straight in the eye. "But if you really care so little about those people that you'd follow that /lunatic/ and her delusional plans, I won't hesitate to stop you!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When Sanary seems about to speak, Rin tries to hear what she's about to say - and hisses out a gasp as Sanary grabs her by the face and tries to kick her legs out from under her. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, it's somewhat less effective then Sanary might have hoped - if being suplexed into a stone floor hard enough to shatter it by a certain blonde-haired Finnish narcissist couldn't stop her, being kicked by a metal boot wasn't going to either. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It had certainly hurt, though - the grunt of pain and buckling of her leg was evidence of that - but it only seemed to make Rin more pissed off with the Cleric, any sympathy she'd had for the girl seeming to dry up. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Then... she lets go of one hand and lets Sanary push her back, using the chance to pull out six gems from her coat and throw them. Rin trades in her maneuverability for the moment to try and interrupt Caster's attempts to dominate the battlefield. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Sechs, in Flu� Ein Halt. Funf, drew, vier. Der Riese und brennt das in Ende!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And from there, the six gems thus transform and become six magic seeker-shots, four of which arc for Caster's mirror - or rather, the back of it, trying to disrupt it's orbit - while two shoot for Gudako. Either Caster was forced to block the strikes with her mirror's front and give 'Eir' a chance, or she would be forced break off the attack entirely to protect Gudako - either way, Rin knew she was practically just stalling for time at this point to try and get 'Eir' a moment to recover. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Now though, she was on the ground with Sanary poised to pin her - if nothing improved right now... she would have to summon Archer to her directly. She was unprepared and ill-equipped to stop these three, but she wasn't willing to let them just get away with whatever they were doing.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; RIVA <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The porch door is thankfully not windowed. But who knows what room it leads to. Best to not tempt fate and continue upwards to the attic window above. A quick glance around reveals no immediate issues. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Speaking of which, once Riva reaches it, she'll find that it's locked. But a look inside tells her that the attic is clear. There are boxes and other old goods about, but nothing immediately strange. But now...how to get through without causing a scene? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It's not an especially advanced window. It's basically just wooden shutters locked into the closed position.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LUCRELIA <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The maid, who did not bother to name herself, led the group up to the second floor and to the right once they reached the top. Approaching a door, she knocked twice. "Master Laurence, your guests." A muffled 'Come in' can be heard, and then she opens the door, stepping inside and then making way for the others to do the same. Lyner stepped in, looking about curiously. "Hello, Laurence. It's been a while, hasn't it?" He greeted the man with a smile. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Laurence mirrored that smile and nodded from where he sat behind his desk. "Indeed, it's been quite some time." On his desk was a load of papers and books. He had one opened with a pen resting on it. He must have been writing. "I heard that you have news? How is everything going?" How did he hear that? He wasn't at the door, and the maid said nothing. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Speaking of which, she turned and walked out, leaving the group to talk. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Maybe she was getting Berserker that maid uniform.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>So far, so good. Riva climbs up, hanging off the window and poking at it. "Well damn." She mutters, but this doesn't stop her. Reaching behind her, she pulls out a wallet and fumbles with it onehanded, removing a credit card. She transfers the wallet to her teeth and wiggles the thin strip of plastic in between the shutters, trying to see if she can jimmy the latch open so she can climb in. <br /><br />Man, getting locked out of her apartment all those times is paying off.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MOUNTAINS <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Eir found herself frustratingly on the defensive with Caster, who seemed to be controlling the momentum of this fight at her leisure. Eir was landing her slashes, but it felt like she wasn't actually doing much, oddly enough. And then came the ice enchanted mirror in wide arcs. Parry after parry, Eir didn't have must room to do anything else. No time to charge up lightning while being pressured like this. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It wasn't until Rin finally made an opening, firing off those gems, that Eir took the opening to leap back. Once distance was created, she raised her sword, lightning building up more strongly than previously. With her sword raised, she then turn it downwards and stabbed it into the ground. And all at once, streaks of violet lightning hurtled across the ground, spiderwebbing out and attempting to electrify the Servant from below. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There wasn't much of a chance to do much else. Otherwise, she would have attempted to off Gudako again. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WHILE ALL OF THIS WAS HAPPENING... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The statues all around began to shudder...<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Well, if the maid doesn't provide Bersercat with a spare uniform, it's something Yuna can keep in mind to potentially bribe the Servant with at another time. For now, she just bows politely to Laurence and waits for the rest of the group to file into the study. "We've learned why the God of this land is targeting Lucrelia, yes. And ... quite frankly, it's very bad news."<br /><br />If there are chairs to sit in (and enough to go around), Yuna settles into one. Otherwise she stays on her feet, hands folded in front of her thighs. "Many years ago, there was a raid on the temple at Mount Luminous, led by the man who was Lucrelia's king at the time. You might recognize his name: King Arnest the Third."<br /><br />She watches to see if Laurence reacts to the name, but continues speaking: "He besieged the temple there, his soldiers fighting to overcome the Einherjar and Incarnations who defended it ... and when the temple was defenseless, he entered it in person to seize the power of God from where it resided. But I'm sure I haven't said anything yet that you didn't have cause to know of ..."<br /><br />She smiles, as warm and friendly as usual, and sees how Laurence reacts. She seems casual enough about it. Elner, by contrast, is quietly primed to react in whatever manner will best protect Yuna and the others - activating her Light Suit if there's any hint of Laurence preparing to attack them, or even teleporting her out of the house entirely if push comes to shove.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MOUNTAINS:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako had been wondering whether the door or Eir was more valuable to her. The temple takes that decision for her; as the statues begin waking, their ability to stay dies. And so, Eir it is.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rin hurls a volley of jewels, straight for Caster. The powerful explosions of magic knock the Servant back and seem to cause significant damage-- her low endurance is to blame. With effort, Rin could kill this Servant.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Huh... you're pretty powerful for a modern magus, girl," she says, with a bit of regreg for taking the hits dead on like that. She didn't expect them to be that powerful. And to make things worse, Eir launches an attack of her own, electricity blasting out from the ground under Caster. Talismans spring to life to protect her, barely in time; she's still singed from the strikes, and falls to one knee, panting.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"M-Master, I can activate it now," she says.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Stop wasting time, fox." Gudako replies. 8D<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster nods, and stands straight. She extends her hands to both sides, and a large rock appears in front of her. It glows a sickly green and breaks into light, gathering in the Servant's hands. That-- is a Noble Phantasm. The influx of power doesn't lie.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"RED SPIDER LILY KILLING STONE!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She slams her hands together where the stone used to be, and it unleashes a tunnel of green mist and light towards Eir-- and if she doesn't move, Rin. The blast of magic is extremely powerful, and poisonous as hell. A normal human would die if they so much as came in contact with something the gas touched, according to the Killing Stone's legend-- it's probably not worth testing out.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And if it weakens Eir enough, the Bounded Field might even be able to take hold and weaken her some more, allowing Sanary to do her thing next. Unfortunately, that means they'll be giving up access to the door. Alas.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; RIVA <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Goddamn it, Riva. Stop getting locked out of your apartment and building up strange skills! Lest you find yourself using them! ...Like now. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A latch clicks and the shutters loosen. Of course, they're still in the way. But Riva probably doesn't care about property damage at this point, does she? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If she does break in via property damage, she will find entrance into the attic of the house. HOME FREE. Well, not home. But now she's free to check things out. At least while the group is busy speaking with Laurence.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Glad we're on the same page, then." Sanary's still grinning, almost looking pleased at Rin's complete and utter defiance against her. It's not an interesting fight without someone who's heart isn't into it, after all! "... Rin! I'm not going to betray the people that helped me." The grin fades quickly as she says that, levelling an intense stare at the Magus. "Even if the orders suck sometimes." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When the Magus goes down, she doesn't follow up on that or even follow her down. Instead, the healer just hunches over quickly to pick up her shield, her grin returning and growing significantly wider. Did she see something just then? She's not saying anything if she did. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Catching the movement of those statues, however, Sanary's path is clear! Not physically, but in a figurative sense. "Anyway... Uh. Behind you!" She gestures at the statues, then turns and just runs straight at Eir. She doesn't have time to admire that Noble Phantasm, instead trying to follow up on it by wrapping her arms (shields and all) around Eir and activating the AANS to fly the hell out of there. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Out of the very same hole they had been shot at once before, even.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Riva totally breaks in, fo sho. <br /><br />Quickly, she begins sneaking exaggeratedly through the attic, rummaging around in the boxes. Maybe she can find some kind of historical documents, or maybe some inheritance papers, or something showing what Laurences relation might be. Or something. whatever, she'll rummage until she finds something interesting.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; RIVA <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There's...actually not a whole lot worth mentioning up here! Old novels! Old artwork! Old clothes! ...Wait, those old novels were REALLY old. The pages were brittle and the binding was fraying horribly. The art was unremarkable, but the clothes... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If Riva could remember what King Arnest looked like in the flashback...he was wearing this outfit, wasn't he? Except it wasn't as ratty and worn as it is now. This looked like it should be in a museum exhibit. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But then, right at that moment... There was a glint of light shining in a line near Riva's neck... if she didn't notice or move in time, then she would find a wire aiming to slice right into her neck precisely and kill her on the spot.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LUCRELIA: The Servant is only just about to leave for the stairs up to the study... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then it happens. The call. A line of thought from his Master. A desperate attempt to change what was about to happen. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It seems he would have to entrust Yuna, Lyner and Riva with this for the time being... because if he didn't act now, Rin was going to die. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Let me know what you find" he tells the others, as outwardly gracious as he can be, giving a nod to the maid if she is present. "See to it my allies are treated well. I myself cannot stay - it seems I have... an errand to run." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And as soon as he's out of the house- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Trace; On" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -streams of prana flare to life, the Servant's fingers wrapping around the ebb and flow as it condenses into something he'd rarely ever summon in this state; a large shield-shaped object that looked to be made of mauve crystal. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Normally he never summoned it in it's inert state... but he needed to have it pre-readied for this instance. He likely wouldn't have the chance otherwise. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... and no sooner does he do so then he feels the pull on him - the forced pathway that burned through the second of the three miracles to achieve. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He just hoped she timed it right.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MOUNTAINS: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Orders?? These were orders? Then... this was a damned mission? By who? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... No. That's not the question she should ask here. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Are you actually saying that if you were ordered to turn on someone, you'd just do it? You think not killing them makes it better?" Rin actually sounds somewhat upset this time, her mind flashing back to someone else she knew who followed directives to the point it destroyed him. "Don't you get it, Sanary? You're going to end up like Archer if you do that!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, any further protestation is cut off when she senses - and sees - the draw of raw prana being carried out. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin's breath freezes in her chest, eyes widening as she recognizes the stone being called out - the conformation of Caster's identity. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She could never counter that on her own. Never in a million years would she have the ability to equalize a Noble Phantasm alone, especially not since she used up her gems. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She'd be damned if she gave up, though. Even if she has to force a miracle to happen herself as something on her left hand starts to glow beneath her glove, praying he could stop it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "ARCHER!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At that moment, Sanary's vision was likely going to be at least partly blinded as a familiar red light filled the room - but instead of binding with a command, it was an instant summons as something materialized at Rin and Eir's side in a burst of energy. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; An energy that, as it dissipated, revealed a red-cloaked form wielding a multi-part crystalline shield, awareness returning to his eyes as the green tunnel of energy came to life. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "RHO AIUS!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The next instant, the shield transformed, transitioning from an object made of seven crystal segments into a seven-layered barrier that stood between Eir and Caster. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The layers erode one by one. All the way up to the fourth petal, they shatter and dull, dimming as the damage they receive eats away at them - and at the wielder, black vein-like marks spiderwebbing across his outstretched left hand as the poison, though diluted, starts burning his body. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Servant that he was, Archer would not be fighting off the poison easily, even if the Aius did succeed in stopping the attack... which was yet to be seen. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin, in the meantime, catching sight of the Incarnations awakening, now realizes she really doesn't have to last out forever - just long enough, prompting her to lunge for Sanary to try and grab her from behind just like she does for 'Eir', having at this point resorted to simply try and dislodge them both from the entity's body with a simple tackle. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nothing if not persistent, it seems.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Boring, boring, pointless, useless, boring, Oh, hey, this looks interesting. Riva looks over the clothing, about to examine it in more detail, until she sees that glint of light. <br /><br />And then it promptly decapitates her with a low 'gurk'. Her body promptly drops the clothing as she topples over, dead on the spot. <br /><br />The only warning the murderer might have that something might be up is a faint trail of golden hexagonal energy floating away from the corpse on the spiritual plane, kind of like a line of honeycomb.<br /><br />ON THE SHADOW WORLD: <br /><br />Riva reappears... At the mountain.<br /><br />She swears, and begins running back towards the town. This is going to take a while.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LUCRELIA <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Huh? Well...okay." Lyner nodded. If the chaos he was hearing on the radio was any indication, he was needed elsewhere. That left the rest of them to speak with Laurence. And what was Riva doing? He thought he heard a weird sound on her end, but he couldn't comment on it right now. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Laurence meanwhile listens to Yuna. He nodded along, giving her his full attention. The mention of 'King Arnest' is met with a quirk of the brow, and then nothing. "I see...so this King Arnest led his troops to Mount Luminous in the distant past, fought the Einherjar and the Incarnations, and took the power of God for himself." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He steepled his fingers together calmly, looking contemplative. "...So they are attacking this place in order to retrieve the power of God from humanity, which you imply resides here in Lucrelia?" He raised his gaze to them then. "...And what of it? What is to be done now?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MOUNTAIN <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Eir's attack was successful...but it seemed like it played right into Caster's hand. She really was controlling the momentum of this fight from the very beginning. Einherjar she may be, but even she wasn't completely impervious to poison. At first, she dove forward, aiming to cleave into Caster and take her out before it affected her. There was no escape, so why bother? At tht moment however, Archer appeared and Rho Aias was deployed. ".....!?" She stumbled just before the shield, confused beyond reason. Where did this come from? And that man in red, she recognied him, but where did he come from too!? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Well, good news, and bad news. Good news? The poison was staved off. Bad news? SANARY COMES BARRELING IN and Eir is grabbed and picked up. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Scooped up into the healertank's arms, she was picked up like a sack of potatoes, silently protesting and banging an arm against Sanary's back. ...but wait, Rin had grabbed on too! Were they going to end up spiraling across the mountain sky like this!? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MEANWHILE <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Incarnation statues fully came to life. The first to step out of it's indent is a massive white golem wreathed in an azure glow. Each step it took shook the temple. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; TIME TO GO.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; RIVA <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; From the shadows steps a certain maid, casually adjusting a pair of specialized black gloves. "....." Well, it looked like the little burglar was dead. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But what was that golden light? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .....Well whatever. Time to clean up this damn mess. With a sigh, she knelt down and pulled the corpse aside for disposal.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"The God whose power was stolen almost certainly wants it back," Yuna continues, her smile fading - not vanishing all at once, but ebbing noticeably. "Stealing the power of a deity is a deep sin, and immortal beings tend to hold grudges. If that power is still in Lucrelia - and we have no reason to believe it's elsewhere - then the God of this land will continue sending Incarnations to attack the city until that power has been reclaimed .. and given what we've seen of the Incarnations, it's unlikely that they'll spare innocents who happen to be in the way."<br /><br />Yuna's smile fades further, finally replaced by a serious and somewhat worried look, as she continues, "If the bearer of the stolen power does not relinquish it, fully and voluntarily, then everyone in Lucrelia is in mortal danger. The stolen power *MUST* be returned to this land's God, or God will destroy this city and everyone in it to take that power back."<br /><br />If challenged, this is admittedly the part where she no longer has certainty to support her words from what the group has seen or otherwise learned .. but everything holds up. The Incarnations *HAVE* been attacking Lucrelia, and this is the most likely explanation. If Laurence really is King Arnest the Third, this is the point where he admits it - one way or another - or doubles down on his deception.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'll find out when it happens!" Sanary's not lying, at least. Rin does seem to have struck a sore point for her at comparing her acts to becoming like Archer, but the healer will have to come up with a witty retort later. First things first: Getting Eir out of there! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The good news is that she's actually able to get a firm hold on Eir (albeit with some painful banging on her back). The bad news is that Sanary's lack of overall speed means Rin's able to get a hold of her legs before she even gets out of there. Although that doesn't actually cut off her ability to power the anklets hidden in her greaves, it does throw off her ability to aim her flight properly. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Seriously...? Well, hold on if you don't wanna die!" Anyone watching the mountain might see a weird mass coming out of it, steadily at firstm then spirakling around in midair wildly. It dips and rises erratically, and even starts picking up speed after a while! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There may also be projectile vomit involved. How nice.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako's eyes stare as Rin uses a Command Spell. That's an investment! They really must want to stop her. Sanary also informs her this is her second one, so that glove does little to obscure facts-- she only has one left. ... unless Rin has more than three. A possibility! Gudako has five left, after all, but then again she has two Servants and made a very weird wish.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster winds down, and she can't do much of anything anymore; Archer likely has more strength than she does despite tanking that Noble Phantasm. Therefore, it's best not to stay. Also, well. Incarnations. Everywhere.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With some effort, the blue-robed foxgirl produces a pair of talismans with PHASE on them, applying one to herself and one to Gudako, not really realizing the former is kind of redundant. And then they leave.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By walking through the walls.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This effect would fail completely if they were trying to enter a place that was magically warded, but conveniently, they're inside Caster's Bounded Field, and as long as they avoid the protected rooms or the Well they should be fine. By the time they're out, they'll have new charms on to blend in with the snow, and get back to the Warp Gate. It's a bit of a hike, but they'll manage. Maybe they can keep an eye on Sanary if their route allows her, but Caster isn't in a shape to help.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;LUCRELIA:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Berserker perks up, as things become serious. It seems she's receiving instructions, because as she speaks she sounds just a little bit more lucid than she usually does. Less, uh... childish. "Ah, master says if King Arnest was smart and somehow still alive, he would contact the Confederacy~. That's a weird hypothetical what-if, huh?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then she grooms herself. Well, the back of her hands, which she then takes to her hair. Shapeshifted or not she can't help it.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LUCRELIA <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner nodded at Yuna and looked to Laurence. "If you know anything about what's happening, then please, tell us. It could e intrsumental to saving this city and solving the problem." He said urgently, stepping forward. He'd elected not to sit. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Laurence was silent for a long while. And then slowly, a shook his head. "That's quite a shame. But Yuna...that is your name, right?" He canted his head aside a tad. "...Why do you sound so accusational? It almost sounds as if you're blaming me for something." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Straightening up, he sighed. "But that can't be the case. After all, I've been here this entire time." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Berserker gets up and leaves, with that totally not subtle message at all, and Laurence just blinks. ".....Well, that's an amusing one. She's more energetic than when I last saw her." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He was denying everything, but...Riva found something, didn't she? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shame she was currently kinda dead, huh?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LUCRELIA <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Berserker may also find a folded spare maid uniform sitting on a chair on the way out.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yuna twitches a bit as Bersercat extends that 'offer'. She suppresses her reactions beyond that, though - bad enough that the potentially still-alive Arnest could reach out to the Confederacy; that would just escalate everything about the conflict ... maybe beyond her ability to do anything about it.<br /><br />So she remains focused on Laurence. Actually, actively, *looking* at him - studying the features of his face, matching them up with the vision of the past which Eir shared from the Well. She'll want Elner to help confirm it, but for now, Yuna is ascertaining that for herself.<br /><br />"Yes ... if our information is right," Yuna says softly, "you've been here the 'entire' time." She rises to her feet, bowing formally - almost *too* formally - to Laurence. "At any rate, we have reported our findings and our understanding of their meaning. If you believe no further action is required, that is your decision as the captain of Lucrelia's garrison. You know how many lives hang in the balance if the city comes under attack again, far better than I could count them up."<br /><br />She wishes, deeply, that she could do more than merely try to persuade Laurence. That she could somehow force him to show his hand, to admit that he has the stolen holy power, *something* that might let her convince him better to relinquish the stolen power.<br /><br />But if he's genuinely innocent, she really *can't* do anything except try to hunt down the real thief of God's power. ... Apart from Gudako, that is.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MOUNTAINS: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At this point... Archer looks rather clearly like he has seen better days. The Aius' seventh petal was in the process of being eroded away before the poison attack was finally nullified, the Servant of the Spell living up to her reputation as the aspect of a Goddess. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer's posture is slightly slumped as a result of the exertion, grasping his left shoulder in automatic response to the pain. The poison has all but mangled his left arm, leaving multiple sores across it that have split into bleeding lesions, portions of his sleeve darkening as they gradually dampen with fresh blood. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The bowman though, in spite of his injuries, seems to be smiling grimly. "So... that's the mythical stone born from the death of a goddess-turned-mortal? It's impressive - even the Aias was strained to the limit just to stop it." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He narrows his eyes as Caster takes Gudako out of harms way, not exactly being in much of a state to prevent her departure. Even if he was, those phasing charms weren't something he could likely counter off-hand. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The girl was certainly a slippery one. Even after all that had happened, Archer couldn't recall one instance where anyone had managed to so much as injure her. Still, it seemed they had stopped her from coming away with anything this time - more then anyone else had done. And maybe 'Eir' could tell them what exactly was possible with the other fragments. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Of course, he had to catch up with her. And with so many of the Incarnations waking up, no less. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hardly taking the time to register the surreality of how the trio had left, Archer opted to simply curse his luck as he gave chase after them, pursuing them as quickly as possible. Even if he was in better straights then Caster was, he couldn't fire his bow with one arm injured like this - and even if he could, he would run the risk of hitting Rin or 'Eir'. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All he can do is chase after them like a loyal hound in what is now shaping up to be a demented game of 'catch the Einherjar.'<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; IN FLIGHT: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... no. No, no, no! "Oh, GOD, NO - NOT AGAAAIN!!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At this point, Rin rather quickly goes from a determined Magus to a half-panicked girl clinging to Sanary for dear life. "What is it people and relying on some hell-spawn's brainchildren as a viable form of transport?! Sanary-San, are you insane?!? It's over! There's no reason to-" when she sees what the Cleric is trying to do though - namely fly out in spite of being in a near-uncontrolabe state - the magus' face turns paler then the snow. "No, no, no - wait! WAIT!! Don't you dare-!!!" What follows as they shoot for the exit and blast out of the mountain is something of a feminine shriek that sounds almost like a mangled exclamation of "We're going to die!!!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At this point, Rin digs her reinforced fingers into Sanary's armor to try and grip on harder, casting something of a borderline-desperate look at 'Eir'. "Can you fly?! Please tell me you can fly?!?!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Depending on the answer, Rin with either opt to just hold on as hard as she can until the mercenary eventually lands somewhere if she responds 'no'... or try to pound Sanary's leg until the rockets give out if she says 'yes', basically trusting that if 'Eir' gets free that she'd save them. And by 'them', Rin meant both of them, since she'd catch Sanary herself - enemy though she was... she wasn't about to just let Yari's friend die like that. She owed her that much. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Of course... that was assuming she was strong enough to break Sanary's armor. Even reinforced, it wouldn't likely be easy.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Eir was having a very hard time believing that this was actually happening. Did she really just get grabbed and flown off out of her home? Was there seriously someone hanging from her captor's legs? Were they really spiraling through the air like mad? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yes. Yes they apparently were. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Damn it all! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Eir's wings flapped wildly, and she continued hitting Sanary's back with her balled up fists. A shame she'd dropped her sword back at the temple out of surprise at all of this. If the Einherjar could speak, she'd probably be saying 'Let me go!', but she could only say it with her eyes. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin's question from below is heard and Eir blinked once. Then twice. "......" After processing the inquiry, she nodded. Of course she can fly. Those wings weren't just for show!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In-between bouts of spinning and occasionally raining vomit on anyone unfortunate enough to be below them, Sanary's actually able to maintain enough control to speak properly and see where she's going! Barely. It's hard to really pay attention to that when she's got both a crazy Einherjar and a suicidal Magus whacking her, though. "Freaking... Are you two trying to get us all killed?!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Her armor's holding strong against those whacks, but with Rin dragging her legs down and pounding the hell out of one? That leg is getting worn down from the constant impacts, and she's barely able to keep the spinning from going completely out of control with only her other leg actually directing the magitech anklets. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Their general flight path (if it can even be called that) is taking them vaguely closer to the rendezvous point with Gudako and Caster at the warp gate, but it's just mostly out of control. They're also going higher. Much higher. Even Sanary's getting worried! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hey, Rin? Nguh.... Who do you think's gonna get up first if we fall from up here?" She tightens her hold/shielded bear hug on Eir while pumping more magic into the AANS, increasing not only the speed of the spinning, but also the rate they're sort-of approaching the warp gate (and the velocity of the projectile vomit)! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If it counts for anything, though, at least she's not willing to kick the Magus in the face just yet.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; IN THE AIR: "I oughta ask /you/ that!!" Rin all but shrieks, wincing - if not outright trying not to gag - as some of Sanary's 'projectiles' graze against the flaps of her coat. "You do realize that you've probably just sparked another war here, right?!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, she keeps enough focus on Eir to see the entity's response. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alright, then. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A deep breath is taken, trying to still her nerves as Rin's steels herself for what is likely not going to be a pleasant next few minutes. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I don't think either of us, Sanary... so if I were you, I'd brace yourself!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The next instant, she angles her elbow against Sanary's leg and simply starts driving it down against the armor as hard as she can, the pounding of metal echoing out along with the tearing of fabric as some of the spikes cut through the Magus' coat and leave cuts along her arm. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ON THE GROUND: Archer at this point has rather lost patience with Sanary Rondel - even before being forced to dodge around her little 'improvised bombardments' as he went, one arm hanging rather uselessly at his side. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Still, for the sake of at least being prepared, he had still materialized Kanshou to use if it came down to a fight when he inevitably reached whatever destination Sanary was headed to.... though the path itself was vaguely familiar. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So Caster's Master was trying to kidnap 'Eir'... even when doing so was guaranteed to destroy any fragile chance of even solving the mystery behind the conflict, let alone stopping it, as well as potentially spark a retaliatory war between this world's 'God' in the wake of resurgent human aggressions. All because of one girl's greed. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If only he'd gone to the mountain himself first. If only Rin hadn't been so distrusting of him now of all times. The division wasn't needed anymore then the one Gudako had caused between the group's agendas... and now all he could do was play catch-up. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He just hoped he wasn't too late.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ugh. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With all of this ridiculous spinning and turning, Eir could feel herself getting rapidly dizzy. Thankfully she hadn't eaten anything...probably in a long time. So there was nothing to vomit out. That would have been terribly disgusting! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As Rin runs her gambit and Sanary puts more power into her flight, their trajectory turns, veering them...into the direction of the mountainside below. With the speed they were going, there would be a huge collision in 10-15 seconds. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Einherjar was too out of it to struggle anymore. Whatever Rin was going to do, she had better figure it out now! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Because they would be making impact in 7...6...5...4...3...2...1...!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hey, I tried-urghl... Trying to negotiate with her first!" Technically not a lie, but Sanary would leave that for Rin to judge on her own time. Her main priority was trying to sort out what direction they were moving in and preferrably not dying, after all! Hearing Rin's warning, however, the healer somehow manages a grin at the apparent challenge. She's not one to back down unless it's completely unwinnable, with Rin continuing her assault on that leg... No more time to hold back. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cutting the flow of energy to the AANS completely, the healer focuses all of her energy on pre-emptively healing herself even before impact. She also brings her hands away from Eir's front to instead latch onto the Einherjar's shoulders. Is she planning to use her to cushion that fall? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Probably. Better then landing flat on her face! And certainly better than letting a potential resource be used by someone else.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> IN THE AIR: Rin had wanted to stop Sanary's escape... and in the end, it seemed to have worked too well. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Sanary... !" Rin half mutters, numbly aware that they are now in a rather dangerously-sharp descent angle, heart pounding loudly in her ears as she tries to think of something to do. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Of course, at this point, she's left trying to counterbalance Sanary's actions - the woman was armored like a tank and was going to use Eir as a cushion?? Between the ground on impact and Sanary's armor crushing her from behind, even an entity like that was going to be hard-pressed to survive. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Damn it!!! Like I'd let you-!!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With Sanary's AANS now offline, Rin bets on having an easier time shifting the group's momentum and, as a result, grips onto Sanary's body as hard as she can and throws her own body-weight sharply in one direction, trying to shift them all enough so that Sanary and Rin are the ones facing the ground... though given how fast they're going, she might not be capable of doing more then just angling it so that all three might just have an equal risk of harm. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The only thing she had left to count on now was Archer... and since he'd had yet to truly fail her, she desperately hoped he wasn't about to now.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>r<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ON THE GROUND: If Archer hadn't already been in a bad mood before, the moment his Master began spiraling with 'Eir' and Sanary towards the side of the mountain would most certainly have done so. As it was he found himself cursing darkly as he pushed every trace of prana he could into reinforcing his body enough to try and catch up. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At this point, the only chance he had was to go for broke and try to catch the entire group, or at least stop them enough to make the fall non-lethal. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But still - best to try and soften the blow as best he could even before that point. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I am the bone of my sword." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The form of Kanshou evaporates away, streams of prana instead condensing into an ornate, almost decorative-looking vermilion longsword. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Think ten steps ahead here. Calculate the trajectory - reinforce the body as needed - swords form under the skin of his limp left arm - don't stop moving. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The blade in Archer's right hand ignites, crimson flames pouring out from it's elegant contours as he swings the tip forward. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Aestus Estus!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The explosion of wildfire shoots forward ahead of the Servant, impacting with the icy side of the mountain as the elements abruptly quench each-other in a massive explosion of smoke and steam - an impromptu air-cushion to try and soften the impact, even if the steam itself was probably at least hot enough to be uncomfortable even with the cold air. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That done... Archer's next action is to focus all the prana he has left into his legs - and leap ahead in an all-out sprint, angling himself to try and catch the falling group. In this case, he would end up mostly grabbing Eir since she is the one facing the ground and, as a result, Archer himself. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Not even a Servant is likely to stop the momentum of such a fall instantly, though, so catching the group will likely still send them crashing down the side of the mountain, though Archer will try his best to take the brunt of the impacts, resulting in in at least four of the ribs in his body breaking, along with his arm itself due to it already being in bad shape. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A disturbing sound of creaking metal will also likely be heard, as some of the swords reinforcing the Servant's body will either break or warp enough to the point that the tips of a few might actually start poking out of his damaged limb like grotesque protrusions of bone. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... whatever the case, the Bowman is more then willing to bet his life on catching the group.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanary attempts to use Eir as a cushion for her fall. Though the Einherjar may have survived that, it would have been a terrible place to be in. Thankfully, Rin intervenes and uses her weight to shift the falling angle. As it was right now, all three of them would hit the mountainside equally. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This was going to hurt. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3....2...1...! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then suddenly, an explosion of flame hits the icy mountainside, immediately kicking up steam. The rapidly rising substance does much to break their fall. It was still going to hurt like hell, but at least now they weren't going to become almost paste. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But the red bowman takes it even further. He uses his own body to attempt to catch them. Can he do it? In his condition? Yes, he was a Servant, stronger than any ordinary human, but this...could it work? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They would have to find out now because impact was made. All three bodies collided with Archer, who likely was thrown back against the ground beneath, kicking up a cloud of snow in the process...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The landing is much rougher than Sanary expects even with that assistance from the mysterious explosion and Archer (as much as she'd hate to admit getting any assistance from him), and she can taste quite a fair amount of kidney and rib after the first few coughs. She doesn't get up right away, just groaning painfully and letting her healing magic keep her insides where they should be. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She'd really like to just lie down for a while longer, but she can't stay there forever. Not with her leg going in-oh, that's not a direction her leg should be going in, should it? If nothing else, though, the healer's quite the persistent one! Grasping for Eir, she takes a deep breath before setting her non-busted foot down and redirecting her magic energy into the only working anklet, trying to do... Exactly the same thing that led them into this mess in the first place. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Persistence! Still, anywhere's better than here, right?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The feeling of the impact differs between Master and Servant. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For Rin, she is acutely aware of the steam rushing against her, drenching her clothes in condensation from the melted ice, followed closely by the jarring of her bones as they reach the end of their descent. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For Archer, he is more painfully aware of his ribs cracking and breaking as they slam into the mountain and are pushed back a fair distance, all the way back into the snow at the edge of Aestus Estus' impact radius. His chest-armor cracked with the strain and tears were opened up in his red shroud as they skidded back into the white drifts.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Furthermore, the swords beneath his skin, unable to withstand the entirety of the damage as Archer opts to use his presently-useless limb to blunt the impact, grinds loudly with the sound of warping steel as the tips of several burst out of his already-limp left arm. Blood trails out after the group as it small drops splatter across the snow or across the trio he worked to catch. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Finally, though, as the snow kicked up from the impact settled back down, the coughing and breathless form of Rin manages to push herself up out of the tangle of bodies enough to check... and finds to her relief that the Bowman, at the very least, survived, even if badly injured. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That and the fact that Eir was likely on top of Archer as well, the Servant's good arm having wrapped around her waist for the most part and just far enough to reach Rin's coat. The Servant in turn is leaking blood from the corner of his mouth from the impact, as well as from a cut in his temple, but after Rin confirms his question of "Are you alright?" with a shaky nod, he sports a more familiar grim smile... complete with cynical commentary; "Heh... you certainly don't like to lose, do you? Burning through a Command Spell... and then fighting with someone in mid-air... just for one person's sake? You really are... an impulsive one, aren't you, girl?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then the pair take note of Sanary's actions, Archer's expression turning grim - though not entirely unsurprised - with Rin's becoming incredulous... and from there just plain angry. In fact, at this point, Archer could almost swear there's a vain visibly throbbing on Rin's forehead as the Tohsaka heiress pushes herself up as best she can and proceeds to simply deck Sanary in the head as hard as she can with her already-bleeding arm. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Are you /kidding/ me?!" Rin all but screams, looking almost like she intends to throttle the Cleric... and yet, she sounds far more concerned for Sanary then vindictive. "After all that, you really think you're going to try again?! What the hell is wrong with you, you idiot - can't you see you're in no state for it?!?! You don't even owe that lunatic anything, so why are you trying so hard to /die/ for her?!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That impact, while no longer fatal, broke one of Eir's wings. Along with some internal damage, and bleeding in her hair. She must have hit her head, because she was firmly unconscious. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She'd survive, but that didn't matter right now. What mattered was what these three were going to do now. In this state.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; By the time Sanary's able to move anywhere with that single anklet, Rin could probably just walk right up to her to catch up. And she does! The healer winces at the whack to the head despite it not hurting too much, but it does keep her from even bothering to fly any further for the moment! Instead, she sighs and lets go of Eir, settling back to sit on the ground in a more comfortable position. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hey, I tried. Can't say I didn't now." The healer laughs painfully and coughs out some blood, smacking her lips a few times at the taste of kidney coming back. Time to circulate some magic in that general region again. "I'm not trying to die for her. I like not being dead. But..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She looks from Rin to Archer, squinting at him for a moment before laying back on Eir. A convenient pillow! "Tell me. What /do/ you expect me to do, then? You know who I work for, right?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin's arm at this point is stinging rather badly - between the cuts and scrapes along her forearm and elbow, her hand now ached from punching against reinforced steel. However, she didn't seem as concerned about that as she is about Eir, Archer and, in spite of the unwanted trip, Sanary. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer in turn, while breathing painfully through grit teeth, tightens his own grip around Eir's body to keep Sanary from prying the Einherjar away easily. Just looking at him was enough to say that the Servant didn't seem afraid to die if he didn't back down. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, when Rin opted to spare another glance at her Servant's state... what caught Rin's eye in that moment was, ironically enough, Archer's face. Or rather, his hair. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Be it from the steam or from hitting the snow, Archer's hair, drenched with water, had fallen out of it's normally slicked-back trademark state, his bangs falling loosely over his head in a way that seemed to frame his features with a slightly more youthful appearance then normal. Additionally, because of his bleeding temple... some of his bangs had been stained as red as his coat, adding to the familiarity of the sight. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In this state... coupled with the look of grim determination - and under that, traces of concern evident even though the pain he must have been in - set into his expression... he looked so very much like- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "To answer that... I'll ask you a question in turn; /why/ do you work for them?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The memory of Archer in life - or who he had once been at least - fades a bit for Rin as his question, while directed at Sanary, snaps the magus back to the present. She turns back to Sanary, keeping an eye on the Cleric even as Archer keeps speaking - "What exactly makes it so worthwhile to you, potentially being known as a warmonger? What do you hope to gain?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin, pausing for a moment, sighs and shakes her head as she remembers what Sanary told her, a question of her own coming to mind as she actually falls back into the snow alongside Sanary, clutching her bleeding limb. "Tell me something, Sanary - what if the people you work for ask you to do something you don't want to? Tell me just /how/ far is 'too far' for you?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanary sighs lightly as neither of them actually answers her question. She's blaming Archer entirely for it, of course, but that bloody arm does draw just enough sympathy from the healer to toss a bit of regenerative magic Rin's way. It won't fix much more than bruises or cuts over time, but at least it might ease the pain and bleeding somewhat. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer, meanwhile, gets nothing. SHE'S STILL SPITEFUL. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You know I used to be completely blind?" She gestures at her eye, then feels along Eir's side while looking the being over for any blatantly obvious injuries. "If it wasn't for the Confederates, I'd be back home and probably one of those zombies /someone/ blew up." She's not very subtle about that one. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "No job, pretty much useless outside of healing, maybe even captured by raiders. Not much work in my world for blind people unless you're one of those crazy-awesome blind fighters." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Another sigh, and she sits back up, actually turning around to get a better look at Eir properly, a stern look on her face. "Are you expecting me to just betray them?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer sighs as he notes Rin's injuries healing but his own remaining untouched. "Hate me if you wish... but do you really believe that, had I done nothing, the outcome would have changed?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Whe Sanary explains her situation a bit, he tilts his head... and if anything, he seems strangely sympathetic to what she is saying, somehow, even if his words remain those of a cynic; "And that means you should be indebted to them for the rest of your days? Overruling even yourself for the sake of their goals?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Then... he actually does say something that reflects some degree of empathy. "That's how I started out, you know. Perhaps not the exact same circumstances, but I too used to be powerless to affect my situation or that of the world around me... but in the end, I paid a price no-one should have ever paid to try and change something that couldn't be changed." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At this point, he lets out a grim chuckle - a breathless, humorless, self-patronizing one at that. "Another naive fool who believed that he could save everyone if he only had the strength... and now I carry a debt that can only ever end with my existence itself being erased. So I do know something about what it means to be indentured." He now fixes the Cleric with a more inquisitive look, as if trying to see through her. "Are you really willing to pay that price?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin in turn shakes her head when Sanary asks if the magus expects Sanary to defect. "No. I just want to know if you're even capable of saying 'enough is enough' anymore - if there's still a line you won't cross just because they tell you too. You said you don't intend to betray people... but you have friends in the Union, right? And in neutral lands like Dun Realtai. And with people like Lezard and Gudako... you realize they're going to either be your enemies or maybe be in the crossfire, right? I'm asking what you're going to do if you end up having to make a choice between what you want and what they want from you?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After a few moments, Rin lets out another long sigh, looking at Sanary with something of a pleading look. "Please... before anyone else comes here and it becomes a fight again, get out of here. I'll tell them we couldn't stop you." And it wasn't really a lie, though Archer privately mused that he /probably/ could still make the effort if he pushed himself. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; His Master truly had become soft-hearted, had't she? The question though was whether this was for her own sake, Sanary's, or that of Yari Takane?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Doesn't mean I can't still be pissed at you for it." Sanary actually smirks just a bit at that, although it fades rather quickly. "And don't forget about that time you stabbed me. Could've at least said 'hi'. Besides. It's not like they're completely wrong." She stretches her arms out and braces her hands on her busted leg, taking a moment to psyche herself up before snapping it back into place with a painful scream and crunchy crack. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She then proceeds to curse like a sailor. Thankfully, it doesn't take that long until she just devolves to muttering it instead, then directing healing magic into that. "There's... Ugh, bad idea. There's only so much you can do until you stop being able to help everyone and just fail 'em all instead. So... I'm just focusing on helping the important people. My friends. The ones that helped me." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She almost looks like she's going to stand, but drops back down a moment later. "If there is a line? Haven't hit it yet." She chuckles lightly and pulls that leg to her chest (or as much as she can with that armor on). "And my friends on the Union side have shot at me plenty of times, so don't give me that. I still go to class and chat with 'em no problem. Besides, those two aren't dumb enough to go after anyone in neutral territory." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Right. She still needs to get that hoodie. She looks from Eir to Archer and Rin again, then shakes her head and waves a hand dismissively. "I ain't going anywhere any time soon. You two should probably go before they think you're letting me off easy, though."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At this point, Archer's expression becomes both grim yet questioning. "Would you have acted any different if told not to? If our positions were reversed and you thought I was a danger... would you hesitate to do the same? Hate me if you want, but I do not hold a grudge against you, Sanary Rondel. I only did what I thought was necessary. In that... you and I aren't truly that different." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The question is a veiled one - 'how far can you go before you end up like me?' <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Lezard Valeth invaded Dun Realtai, attempting to take Emiya Shirou" Archer states coldly, with Rin going ridged as she recognizes too late where her Servant is taking his train of thought. "If he invades the town itself for the boy and you are assigned to him - if you helped him make Linh's home a battleground because of Confederacy agendas... how exactly would you justify that to her? How would justify to Yari if something happened in the crossfire that you couldn't control?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It's a barbed statement, but one that seems to hold genuine curiosity to it... and maybe even genuine concern. "Can you guarantee, here and now, that if the 'important people' get in the way of your orders, you would make the correct choice? You have a smaller world to protect - a world comprised of those close to you - but that doesn't change the fact that sometimes being obligated to something carries a high toll... and every day you might be asked to pay it." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Don't drag Linh into this" Rin states, her voice sounding rather soft now - subdued anger or maybe just adamant to not see anyone hurt. "She's just a kid." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I wouldn't try to, nor would I want to" Archer replies evenly, still looking at Sanary. "I simply want to know if Sanary understands how little good intents can prevent obligations from making the choice for her." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin winces at the statement. She winces even more when Sanary states she hasn't hit her 'line' yet, in spite of everything she'd done here and on Hyrule... and when Sanary states she's not going anywhere, she sighs to herself and nods her head. "Alright, then. But we'll be taking her back with us. After all that, she's going to need treatment and we don't know how her body works - we'll have to take her back to the mountain, probably... unless those things are coming for her even as we speak." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At this, she gives her own version of a wry smile, making Archer once again comment to himself how his Master can be terrifying at times as she does her far-too-sweet-looking smile. "You're braver then I am, Sanary-San - asking us to leave you out here when Incarnations are probably going to be looking for us all... I'm not sure I'd enjoy facing them all myself. Especially if I didn't have a way to placate them like giving them back their... leader, I guess. But if you want us to go and leave you here without a bargaining chip, suit yourself." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With that, Rin shakily pushes herself up to her feet and proceeds to try and help Archer and the unconscious Eir back up... or at least as best they can with Archer's dead arm and broken ribs while Sanary insists on using the entry as a cushion.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So he /was/ dumb enough to go after someone in neutral territory. Sanary actually looks caught off-guard when she hears that, a long sigh escaping her after few moments. "I'm going to have to talk to him about that. That's..." She looks from Archer to Rin slowly, then Archer once more before letting out frustrated groan and adjusting her eyepatch. "... Thanks for letting me know." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That's probably got her more irritated than anything else today. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At the comment about Eir, she takes one more look at the Einherjar before waving a hand dismissively. "Eh, take her. Not like anyone else is up here yet." She takes a quick look around to make sure, of course, and even pushes herself up carefully while using the riot shield to balance on. "Can't promise we won't be coming back for her, but... Eh. You know how it is." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The healer sighs and raises an eyebrow slowly at Rin's last comment, what little humor was still on her face fading rather quickly. She doesn't look too happy about having to face all those things on her own. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...Yeah, I'm coming with."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer sighed at how Rin actually looked pleasantly surprised that Sanary was unaware of what Lezard did. Like she'd regained some hope that the mercenary had a moral compass after all. "You're welcome, Sanary-San" Rin replies. "And... when you get the chance, maybe you could let Yari-San and her daughter know, too? If nothing else, they'll know to look out for something - maybe even get out of the crossfire before it happens." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer /could/ voice surprise that Rin would give such an option to an enemy and her friends, but given his current state, even he has to admit that it's best not to drag anything on. <br /><br /><br /> Additionally, Rin also gives something of an appreciative smile at Sanary's words - "Thanks for the heads-up." She also can't help but laugh a bit when Sanary opts to tag along on getting Eir back to the mountain. "Well, like I said - I wouldn't want to be alone with that many of those things myself, either." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Maybe next time you'll let me do what should have been my job in the first place" Archer snips, moving very carefully since his broken ribs are only being kept from piercing his own lungs by an internal cast of swords. "Most Masters can't wait to let their Servants do all the work for them." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "If I'd done that, you'd probably have just fired off an arrow and blown the whole mountain up" Rin deadpans. "I'd like to see how you think we'd stop a war after doing that." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "One side would be gone, so there would hardly be much of a war" Archer replied offhandedly, using the chance to finally smooth back his hair to it's original state so as to not resemble a certain boy any longer. From Sanary's viewpoint, this might look amusing how quickly Master and Servant get absorbed in their trading blows with each-other, making others feel like they're watching a comedic routine. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "And I thought Caster's Master was the one repeating history" Rin mutters. "Let's just get back to the mountain, get her home and then try to get out of the cold." She glances back to Sanary, as if regarding a stubborn classmate - yet there's something of a half-bemused smile on her features. "All of us, right?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And so, Archer wearily proceeds on their trip to get at least far enough up the mountain to return Eir. After which, they will either return to the group down below or just make straight for the warpgate. Either way... it has been a very long day that Master and Servant will both likely be feeling for a while.<br> <br><br />
<br />
<br />
}}</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Report:_Lucrelia_(5)_(Gudako_Ordria)&diff=12506Report: Lucrelia (5) (Gudako Ordria)2016-01-10T02:40:59Z<p>Waterpuns: </p>
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<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/01/16<br />
|Location=-<br />
|Synopsis=Archived report.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=908<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
}}<br />
Written by Caster ,old Japanese dialect, ETC. ETC.!<br />
<br />
"A few nights ago, another trip to the Lucrelia region was organized by Unionite Lyner Barsett; with him were the Archer in red and his master, Rin Tohsaka, Misha, Riva Banari and Yuna Kagurazaka. Sanary Rondel came with myself and master, and I had Berserker shapeshift into me and accompany the Union to throw them off-course. While they visited town to confront Laurence on what we'd learned, we would be headed back to God's Temple, to capture the Einherjar known as Eir, or find other things of value."<br />
<br />
"Temple-side, we found a magically sealed gate, but were interrupted by Eir before we could open it. Attempts to capture it were made, but Archer's master was present, and used her Command Spell to summon her Servant and shield Eir. We left empty-handed due to wounds suffered, and the fact the fighting awakened a dozen or three Incarnations."<br />
<br />
IMPORTANT NOTE: Archer's master only has one Command Spell left. If she's forced to use it, her Servant will need to find a new master or will die.<br />
<br />
"Village-side, the Union pushed into Laurence's mansion. They uncovered something important, but due to our betrayal wouldn't share. BUT! ... surprisingly, Berserker pulled through. I don't know how she did it but she got Laurence to call us back to talk alliance. He admitted to being King Arnest the Third, possessor of the Power of God and immortal."<br />
<br />
"The Union is definitely going to make their move soon. They might try to kill him. If possible, we need to save and protect him, so we can see what he has to offer the Confederacy. If that's not possible... we need a trap ready to spring, so that the moment he falls, the Power of God doesn't go to waste."<br />
<br />
"Master requests backup for the Union's inevitable strike. King Arnest is allowing us to stay in Lucrelia to help prepare; I'll be setting up a Bounded Field around the town to detect intruders, and more powerful wards and traps around his mansion specifically, but... it's not really my specialty, I hate to admit."<br />
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OOC: Look for the next scene scheduled by Lyner! I (and likely Sanary) are going to need backup, but we're at least afforded time at the village to set the field up in our favor, so contact Lyner if you want to set stuff up.</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Report:_Lucrelia_(5)_(Gudako_Ordria)&diff=12505Report: Lucrelia (5) (Gudako Ordria)2016-01-10T02:40:01Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "Written by Caster ,old Japanese dialect, ETC. ETC.! {{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2016/01/16 |Location=- |Synopsis=Archived report. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=908 |Tinyp..."</p>
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<div>Written by Caster ,old Japanese dialect, ETC. ETC.!<br />
<br />
{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/01/16<br />
|Location=-<br />
|Synopsis=Archived report.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=908<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
}}<br />
"A few nights ago, another trip to the Lucrelia region was organized by Unionite Lyner Barsett; with him were the Archer in red and his master, Rin Tohsaka, Misha, Riva Banari and Yuna Kagurazaka. Sanary Rondel came with myself and master, and I had Berserker shapeshift into me and accompany the Union to throw them off-course. While they visited town to confront Laurence on what we'd learned, we would be headed back to God's Temple, to capture the Einherjar known as Eir, or find other things of value."<br />
<br />
"Temple-side, we found a magically sealed gate, but were interrupted by Eir before we could open it. Attempts to capture it were made, but Archer's master was present, and used her Command Spell to summon her Servant and shield Eir. We left empty-handed due to wounds suffered, and the fact the fighting awakened a dozen or three Incarnations."<br />
<br />
IMPORTANT NOTE: Archer's master only has one Command Spell left. If she's forced to use it, her Servant will need to find a new master or will die.<br />
<br />
"Village-side, the Union pushed into Laurence's mansion. They uncovered something important, but due to our betrayal wouldn't share. BUT! ... surprisingly, Berserker pulled through. I don't know how she did it but she got Laurence to call us back to talk alliance. He admitted to being King Arnest the Third, possessor of the Power of God and immortal."<br />
<br />
"The Union is definitely going to make their move soon. They might try to kill him. If possible, we need to save and protect him, so we can see what he has to offer the Confederacy. If that's not possible... we need a trap ready to spring, so that the moment he falls, the Power of God doesn't go to waste."<br />
<br />
"Master requests backup for the Union's inevitable strike. King Arnest is allowing us to stay in Lucrelia to help prepare; I'll be setting up a Bounded Field around the town to detect intruders, and more powerful wards and traps around his mansion specifically, but... it's not really my specialty, I hate to admit."<br />
<br />
OOC: Look for the next scene scheduled by Lyner! I (and likely Sanary) are going to need backup, but we're at least afforded time at the village to set the field up in our favor, so contact Lyner if you want to set stuff up.</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Christmas_2015:_Gifts_(3)_(Gudako_Ordria)&diff=12418Christmas 2015: Gifts (3) (Gudako Ordria)2015-12-26T00:26:58Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2015/12/25 |Location=- |Synopsis=Christmas gifts! |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=908 |Tinyplot= }} Nero: A gold bracelet with four stars attache..."</p>
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<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/12/25<br />
|Location=-<br />
|Synopsis=Christmas gifts!<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=908<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
}}<br />
Nero: A gold bracelet with four stars attached. A fifth star is included in a little bag but not attached to the bracelet, with a note saying 'One for being a Saber, one for being blonde, one for being short, one for the green eyes and a bonus one for effort! Sorry, you're not Welsh enough to earn that last one legit! -Gudako'<br />
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Wo: 'I didn't know what you get a ship, so I paid someone to figure it out!' Wo gets a replica of the Armiger Princess to put on a desk somewhere as a reminder of having saved her.<br />
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Kay & Berserker: A very large bronze bell with room for two people inside. It doesn't have a clapper inside, but on one side is a little handle that opens part of the bell up like a door to go inside, if it's on the floor. Kay gets a note from Caster saying she tried making it fireproof but no promises. Berserker gets a note and a key pointing out the bell door can actually be locked from either side. In case she wants to be with Kay inside the bell. Or keep her in there. Your pick!<br />
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As usual, more posts forthcoming if I forgot someone.</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Christmas_2015:_Gifts_(2)_(Gudako_Ordria)&diff=12400Christmas 2015: Gifts (2) (Gudako Ordria)2015-12-24T00:58:17Z<p>Waterpuns: </p>
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<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/12/23<br />
|Location=-<br />
|Synopsis=Christmas gifts!<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=908<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
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Shin: To the Hero of Fists, an enchanted scarf that never stops flapping. Even when there's no wind, it flaps dramatically to the side. It's close to seven feet long to accentuate the effect, and if damaged Shin needs but invest a bit of his energy into it to repair it. The gift is not signed from Gudako, but from Berserker.<br />
<br />
To the Fangs of Nidhogg: Group members receive a patch in the likeness of the official group insignia, which can be magically grafted onto their choice of clothing:<br>http://i.imgur.com/1DBRuKZ.jpg<br><br><br />
Sanary: Six bullets for her gunaxe. Rather than offensive spells they're imbued with an assortment of blessings from Caster, allowing Sanary six buff shots without having to spend her own magic on it like she normally would have to. Also a second group emblem for her shield.<br />
<br />
Janine: A fancy new fencing sword! It's not magical or anything, but it's a pretty good one. Also a written promise if she lays a hand on Caster again she won't be responsible for what happens.<br />
<br />
Misha: A Lyner effigy. It can only transmit minor annoyances, not real pain. (OOC: And also if he ever gets annoyed at it OOCly it will break. Consent etc.)<br />
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Finna: A box of dog treats and a chew toy.<br />
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Yuna: Elizabeth Bathory collectibles and song singles.<br />
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Riva: For generally being the sane one in the excursions, a good luck charm! From Caster.<br />
<br />
August: Another cake.<br />
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Ark Line: Since he seems so damn fascinated by grass, a conveniently room-sized square of artificial grass. That he can put in his living room or something. Requires no upkeep! Besides maybe vacuuming once in a while.<br />
<br />
M... maybe more gifts coming if I forgot people?</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Christmas_2015:_Gifts_(2)_(Gudako_Ordria)&diff=12399Christmas 2015: Gifts (2) (Gudako Ordria)2015-12-24T00:57:22Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2015/12/23 |Location=- |Synopsis=Christmas gifts! |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=908 |Tinyplot= }} Shin: To the Hero of Fists, an enchanted scar..."</p>
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<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/12/23<br />
|Location=-<br />
|Synopsis=Christmas gifts!<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=908<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
}}<br />
Shin: To the Hero of Fists, an enchanted scarf that never stops flapping. Even when there's no wind, it flaps dramatically to the side. It's close to seven feet long to accentuate the effect, and if damaged Shin needs but invest a bit of his energy into it to repair it. The gift is not signed from Gudako, but from Berserker.<br />
<br />
To the Fangs of Nidhogg: Group members receive a patch in the likeness of the official group insignia, which can be magically grafted onto their choice of clothing: http://i.imgur.com/1DBRuKZ.jpg<br />
Sanary: Six bullets for her gunaxe. Rather than offensive spells they're imbued with an assortment of blessings from Caster, allowing Sanary six buff shots without having to spend her own magic on it like she normally would have to. Also a second group emblem for her shield.<br />
<br />
Janine: A fancy new fencing sword! It's not magical or anything, but it's a pretty good one. Also a written promise if she lays a hand on Caster again she won't be responsible for what happens.<br />
<br />
Misha: A Lyner effigy. It can only transmit minor annoyances, not real pain. (OOC: And also if he ever gets annoyed at it OOCly it will break. Consent etc.)<br />
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Finna: A box of dog treats and a chew toy.<br />
<br />
Yuna: Elizabeth Bathory collectibles and song singles.<br />
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Riva: For generally being the sane one in the excursions, a good luck charm! From Caster.<br />
<br />
August: Another cake.<br />
<br />
Ark Line: Since he seems so damn fascinated by grass, a conveniently room-sized square of artificial grass. That he can put in his living room or something. Requires no upkeep! Besides maybe vacuuming once in a while.<br />
<br />
M... maybe more gifts coming if I forgot people?</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3540/God_Will_Rise_-_Part_Four&diff=123223540/God Will Rise - Part Four2015-12-19T01:31:37Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2015/12/17 |Location=The Tundra |Synopsis=A return to the Lucrelia region has the heroes meet a live Einherjar. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=385, 4..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/12/17<br />
|Location=The Tundra<br />
|Synopsis=A return to the Lucrelia region has the heroes meet a live Einherjar.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=385, 495, 513, 757, 821, 908, 916<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It was time again. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Over in the snowy region of Lucrelia, it was time for Elites to gather once again and make an attempt at scaling this mountain, crawling with Incarnations and other unknown dangers. It was a task that only they could complete. One that only they could be able to get to the bottom of. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Last week was kind of a mess, given all of the mishaps that had taken place, but surely this time would be a bit smoother. Right? Right? ...Yeah right. Given barrier detecting their entry last time, there was no point attempting to be stealthy. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As such, there was nothing to do but just head straight in. The barrier was previously could be felt once again as they passed, scaling the mountainside until they got to the clearing where everything had happened previously. It was silent. As if the chaos of last time had never even happened. The only evidence that it, was the fact that the cave entrance from before was sealed with rubble. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They could try and get through if they wanted, but that might have been a waste of energy. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Now that they knew the way forward, it was a perhaps not so simple dip through the lake portal, through the other side, and back into the next clearing. The one where Yuna, Finna, and Riva had come to. Hope they had barriers or something. Lyner stepped away from the lake edge, peering about carefully. "So this is where Riva, Yuna, and Finna got to last time, huh?" His gaze swept across the surroundings, taking note of the trail leading further up the mountain, as well as the mountain cliffside on the opposite end, then the lake behind them. "I don't see that patrolling Incarnation from last time, either." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It would be kind of hard to miss that huge thing, wouldn't it? "...Lets hope it doesn't come back." Their return trip has been rather quiet so far. He hoped it stayed that way a little while longer. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Time to move.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once again, the Servant of the Bow found himself trailing silently alongside the group in his invisible spirit form, acting out the role of the silent bodyguard for some of the group. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And keeping a rather close eye on the lone Confederate in their midst. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In all honesty, he was somewhat surprised when Gudako had kept her promise to send information... though on the other hand, it didn't alter the fact that the girl had endangered everyone on the mountain and in the cities below, her own allies included. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Then again... it wasn't like the Union was entirely like-minded in their objectives either, some still hoping that peaceful consensus could be reached when Archer truthfully expected that only slaughter would result from this. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He only hoped they'd all be ready for that when the time came. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Keeping relatively close to the group, Archer opts to play the part of the guard hound and, as last time, leave the scouting in this instance to Finna and the other Servants, dubious as he was of Gudako's motivations. After all, he could better provide support for them at a distance as opposed to the front-lines - for a time at least - if they were ambushed. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And given the lack of activity from the Incarnations, Archer wearily found himself wondering how long - or short - a wait they would have before that potential inevitability.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Last time was not Gudako's fault at all! Technically if someone hadn't pointed out what she was doing and attacked her, they would have all run away, coordinated, with teamwork! So really, WHO IS TRULY TO BLAME HERE.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's certainly not the empty-eyed, constantly smiling Grail-tainted magus, nope sir. She is definitely innocent in all this, totally and absolutely.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She did live up to her end of the bargain admittedly! She'd forwarded her findings to the Union Net (+bbread 26/30) as promised, and all was well all-around! Thus she is around again for a trip into Incarnation country. Caster is with Gudako, the blue-robed pink-haired foxgirl offering an assortment of WATER TRAVEL CHARMS for people who don't want to get wet. They'll make an air bubble around people and just sort of let them move without having to swim. That's how Gudako gets to the clearing, anyway; if others want to get wet, they have no obligation to take the gift!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Huh. Makes you wonder how the non-flying non-swimming Incarnations and Einherjar get around here if this is the only way. Maybe they ask for a ride from the others? Could be more secret caves too! Say, what do you think we'll find this time?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Maybe the Confederacy took the Incarnation out too," Yuna muses under her breath, glancing briefly in Gudako's direction. At least it's not like there's anything to be gained from fighting those things ... other than your continued existence, of course, but Yuna would sooner avoid tangling with any more Incarnations if she can help it.<br /><br />Once Yuna's out of the water she reverts from Marine Form to the basic Light Suit; Elner teleported to the destination this time once everyone was within the perimeter 'curtain,' while Jiina and Erina simply flew up the mountain. It provided the Matrix of Light with an extra chance to do some surveillance and reconaissance while the others were en route, and Yuna's hoping that information turns out to be handy - at least for avoiding lost time trying to get their bearings ...<br /><br />For now, Yuna just takes a look around the valley, a look that she didn't really have much time for on her previous visit because the Incarnation showed up.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:757|Misha (757)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You know, Lyner, your weekly idea of a date is starting to freeze up. You really need to take a girl someplace better than the barren snowy wastes. Warmer too." It's just a light jab from Misha. The Reyvateil is here as well, wrapped in her heaviest robes, arms folded across her chest. "If it does come back, I can sing Purger again, but we probably shouldn't be getting into a knock down drag out fight, in case there are more." Noted mildly.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So yeah, the Star Singer is here.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh, Finna is here and scouting indeed. From right behind Gudako.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The white fox hasn't strayed from watching her like a hawk, not since the moment she appeared.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And waves off hostility practically ROLL off her.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She is entirely upset that Gudako is here, and takes every possible opportunity to bare teeth at her.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The arrangement is much like walking around with a knife constantly pressed to your back.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But the little fox has no trouble navigating the snow or keeping her ears open for anything unusual happening out there...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"If you're looking for date ideas, I could always make a few suggestions~" comments Riva. <br /><br />Wait, where did she come from? She's standing behind Misha and Lyner, smiling brightly as she's back in her nice and dry winter gear, a WATER TRAVEL CHARM stuck to her forehead. She points over at the path up. "But furst, let's get going up thataway!" She suggests, immediately heading off in that direction and letting Archer be a Grumpy Cat behind them.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Huh?" Lyner looked aside at Misha, blinking dumbly. "A...date?" This was a date? He didn't know! He was reasonably sure this was work. "Ahahaha..." And then he laughed lightly, averting his eyes. "Sorry about that." Maybe he should take her somewhere sometime. It's been five thousand years. Figuratively. But that was something for later. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yuna's muttered comment earns her a curious look. He hadn't heard anything about that, which might have meant that it was just conjecture. Gudako didn't seem like she was hiding anything to him. ...But then, this was the guy who'd trust anyone in some capacity. "Well, we'll see." He might have felt a little bad for the Magus, practicelly boxed in at all sides, eyes on her. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But well, given last time, he couldn't blame the others. If this arrangement was what made things work, he'd let it be for now. Riva's sudden appearance makes Lyner jump meanwhile. "BWHA-" Oh, it was Riva. WAIT WHY WAS HE SURPRISED!? "D-Date ideas? Uh..." Somehow that felt ominous to him. He decided to conveniently avoid answering and look on ahead. "R-Right. Let's get a move on!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The trip up the mountain trail was similarly quiet. The flying gree incarnation from last time was nowhere to be seen in the skies...Which probably didn't bode well. There was still more mountain to scale. And that thing was kind of huge. Where could it be? What about the big, ice based one? How did these things hide!? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Regardless, there were no encounters, and eventually, the snowy mountain trail began to even out into a straight, level path, littered with stone tiling that got more and more numerous the further they got. But more importantly than that, they would be able to see the beginnings of a temple carved out of the mountainside. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stone pillars spaced evenly apart lined the sides of the path leading to a staircase going upwards, and a pair of tall, ruined gates. Big enough for an incarnation to fit through. And they were open. They probably hadn't been closed in centuries. "This is new." Lyner commented, unarmored hand coming out of his cloak and resting on his chin as he walked with the others. He looked left and right, finding nothing suspicious in vie- "Wait...what's that?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He squinted, seeing a figure far ahead of them. Details were hard to make out, but it looked like it had wings outstretched. It was also unmoving. "Is that...?" An Einherjar? Similar details seemed to suggest so. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The rest of the distance was crossed in time, and the group would find themselves stopping before another statue-like presence. This one was female, knelt down to the ground on one knee. Her eyes were closed and her hands were clasped together. And her wings were fully outstretched. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It looked like she was in the middle of casting some kind of spell... Except as unmoving as she was, this may have been a long time ago.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yuna didn't see the 'statue' Einherjar in the cave before, although she did hear people talking about it on the radio last time - and she knows Gudako tried to extract something from that one, thinking there was an 'achievement' of some sort associated with it.<br /><br />She manages not to grimace at the memory; her experience as an idol singer has some practical benefits.<br /><br />Yuna walks closer to the statue, visibly wary; she doesn't want to get so close as to trigger a hostile reaction. "Elner, full scan, anything resembling life signs or other activity?" she asks the little robo-faerie. Elner starts scanning the 'statue' thoroughly as requested, right down to the microscopic level, and is sifting through the data for anything that *MIGHT* indicate magic at work (since Elner can't detect magic directly).<br /><br />As for Yuna herself, she just ... not so much 'listens' as 'feels'. If there's a sensation of holiness about the statue, not only is she not going to poke or prod at it in person, but she's not going to let anyone *ELSE* poke or prod beyond Elner's sensor scan.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:757|Misha (757)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ghn!" Misha near leaps out of her skin with surprise when Riva APPEARS behind her. It takes her only a beat to regain her composure, though, smoothing out her robes like nothing had just happened at all, and she hadn't been caught off guard in the least. "It's fine, Riva, I'm sure even Lyner can figure something out now that I've dropped the hint."<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That's a lot of faith in him right there.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nevertheless, onward and forward, back up the bone-chillingly cold mountain, grumbling all the way. No encounters doesn't particularly bring a feeling of safety with it though, the Reyvateil keeping a keen- or perhaps even paranoid eye out along the way, but she just about comes to a halt. "Huh... She's just like the last one. All frozen and stuff-- well not FROZEN, but. You know what I mean."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ruins! Gates! Stairs! And another Einherjar!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako seems largely unfazed by the eyes on her; she is used to it by now, and isn't the sort to worry about it. People can watch her if they want! Draw whatever conclusions they want. It will have very little effect in the end.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Coming across another Einherjar in some sort of petrified statis, or sleep, Gudako wonders-- and makes no secret of it as she does so out loud-- what it might have to say. "Hmm. Caster! We don't need another sample, so let's wake this one up. The last one gave us a vision, maybe this one can talk!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster gives a nod, and produces a single paper slip. It engraves itself magically with the symbol for LIFE, glowing a bright pink.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Frozen! Maybe. Or asleep!" Gudako tells Misha.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster, meanwhile, lets go of the paper slip in her hand. It pretty much immediatly teleports to the Einherjar, attempting to latch onto her forehead. And then it buffs! It grants life, energy, mobility, power. Why wait for scans? Let's do this the magus way. BY EXPERIMENTING!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the paper tags fly... Finna vaults! Right on over to... GUDAKO'S HEAD. BRRRRRR, chilly padded fox-feet! And she wastes no time delivering a message. "Pull anything like last time and I'm gonna be acquanting myself with your next incarnation a LOT sooner than you were planning, got it? This is TEAM TIME."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;HOP!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And right off of the head she goes, landing in the snow. Still glaring out of the corner of her eye, but also taking time to approach the strange 'frozen' statue. Yet.. she doesn't get any closer than fifteen feet.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Meditating, maybe? I've heard of martial artists who do this for DAYS, but... this is a bit much!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer just barely manages to suppress a sigh at Riva's propensity to be anything except subtle, wondering if he was the only one - with the possible exceptions of Yuna & Finna - who were taking this as seriously as it should be. Lyner, for all his good intentions, seemed far too much like Emiya Shirou for Archer to bank full faith on him and Misha seemed more interested in turning this into a /date/ of all things. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, those concerns are pushed aside for the time being as the group approaches the immense temple-like arrangements of structures... and Archer comes face to face with an Einherjar for the first time. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Servant of the Bow regards the winged being with a mix of weariness and impassiveness, remembering the level of power that one could unleash simply by being disturbed - <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then Gudako says something utterly ridiculous. And does something as just as foolish to match. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Trace; On." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The moment Caster stars trying to stick her paper-slip to the Einherjar, Archer rematerializes roughly behind Gudako, Kanshou and Bakyua forming in his hands as a black blade is brought to bear against Gudako's head and the other is pointed at Caster. "And just what do you think you're doing? Did you forget what happened the last time you were so reckless with these creatures?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He does not trust her - she is reckless, selfish and has no concern for anyone's gain but her own. And the short time he's known her has already convinced Archer the odds he'd ever turn his back on Gudako were close to zero. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Especially not when she was practically trying to prod a powerful entity just for the sake of getting a reaction.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner just smiled quietly at Riva and Misha's banter, but chose not to comment, lest he dig himself a hole he couldn't get out of. Dumb as he might seem, he was more perceptive than people gave him credit for. His mind was already at work on that subject. Though not at the forefront for now. He'd figure something out. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But more importantly, this Einherjar knelt before them like a statue... "She's just like the last one. Not moving at all." And if what happened last time was any indication...these people were still alive. "But why were they just sitting stone still like this? I don't get it." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Elner's scan reveals to her that the Einherjar knelt before them is definitely 'alive'. In the sense that a certain 'energy' can be detected from within. It pulsed through the stone form periodically. It wasn't just magic, but rather, life itself. It was a strange concept but it was there. This thing was alive, but dormant. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yuna's own senses will reveal to her that there is indeed some manner of 'holiness' to be felt from this dormant hero. But given that Einherjar were humans gifted with God's power, perhaps that wasn't much of a surprise there. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then Gudako has a Bad Idea(TM) <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Caster's talisman is created, and then thrown, latching onto the Einherjar's forehead. Right at the same time, Archer materialized, Kanshou and Bakuya drawn and held towards the Magus and Servant's necks. Lyner blinked at this chain of events, and then held both hands up. "Whoa hey, what's going on here?" He stepped forward to peer at the talisman stuck to the Einherjar. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "And what's tha-" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; FLASH! A ripple of electricity erupts from the statue, traveling out in small torrents that eventually fizzle out. It's not icredibly powerful, but it should be avoided, unless one likes getting shocked. The clouds above begin to darken, and thunder rumbles. After several seconds, a single bolt of lightning parts the sky, and hurtles down, striking the Einherjar in a brilliant explosion of azure light. "WHOA- Get back!" Lyner cried, shielding himself with his cloak, and standing slightly in front of Misha. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once the smoke cleared...the stone woman continued to remain kneeling. But soon, color returned to her form. The gray was slowly replaced by white. Much like the man in the cave, her hair was white, her skin was ghostly pale, and her clothing consisted of armor over some kind of battle dress. "........." And silently, her eyes opened. They were golden. Her wings shuffled, and then folded behind her figure as she slowly stood to full height. Seeming mildly confused at being awake, the woman looked around, her eyes settling onto the group. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "....?" She reached a gauntleted hand up, pulling the talisman from her forehead. "......?????" Her gaze narrowed at it, and then she turned her eyes back onto those ahead. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "........" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It looked like she was waiting for SOMEONE to say SOMETHING. At least she gave them that courtesy.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"AYIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!" Finna, suddenly panicking, turns tail and BAILS, skittering away from the thing moments before the lightning starts flying. And just in time! She's nearly caught by a bolt. Seems she knows Bad Signs(TM) when they appear! The weather changing that fast was definitely one of them.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet after she skids to a halt and glances back at what's happening... her eyes narrow.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She knows that look. She knows it very well.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's one simple answer to it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"GOOD MORNING!" The fox barks out, as if this were some big congratulatory jubilee.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finna and Archer both make threats-- perhaps it's a testament to Gudako's insanity, or a statement of her confidence in her two Servants, that she neither moves, blinks, squints nor yelps. Her eyes trace from the Lunar to the red-clad Archer, and she gives a wide shrug. Caster is much more uneasy aboutt he situation, but does not escalate it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The lightning bolt and sudden re-infusion of life and movement likely takes people's attention off the magus, but she doesn't move, or do anything else. She jut stares, shielding her eyes a bit from the light at some point. When the Einherjar seems to stare at them, she looks at Caster, who seems to be about to open her mouth to speak to the newly awoken lady.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But Gudako covers her mouth.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No no, Caster. Let's see what THEY can do~."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The two stand back (or as far back as Archer will let them, anyway, so 'not out of view') and watch, to see how people handle this. The talisman, in the Einherjar's hand, is basically an inert piece of paper now.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>If Yuna had time to react, she'd probably have tried to grab the talisman and remove it again before anything could happen ... but she's not fast enough. The sudden gathering of the clouds prompts her to back away a pace or two from the Einherjar.<br /><br />It may not be enough; at the very least, the lightning bolt frizzes her hair up (and out, mostly out in fact) like nobody's business, but she seems relatively unharmed - arcs of stray energy crackling over her armor, as she lowers her arms from shielding her eyes and face.<br /><br />She looks at the maybe-no-longer stone figure for a couple of seconds, then bows deeply and politely to the Einherjar. "Please forgive our disturbing your slumber, honored warrior of this world's Heaven," she says - more politely than she usually speaks, but at least she manages the honorific grammar without too much issue. "We came to this land seeking knowledge, and our deeply held hope is that you might guide us on our way."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:757|Misha (757)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No, Misha's not trying to make THIS into a date. It's called dropping a hint for later. There's a time and a place, and she knows that. Right now, though, she's hunching forward, hands on her knees to inspect the petrified woman-- at least until she's unpetrified courtesy of Gudako and Caster.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A yelp and the Reyvateil doesn't really need to be told twice, the crackl of voltaic energy already making her hop back, before Lyner, as reliable as ever, taks his place at her vanguard. This is an awkward moment though. Because... She's actually waking up.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Uhhhh... Hhhhhi?" Not as jubilant as Finna. "We don't mean you any harm." Not as polite as Yuna either, but she does lay down that one important fact. Now hopefully this woman won't mean the group any harm, either.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"All right! I guess he's the kind of guy who needs them, huh? Good luck~" Riva replies to Misha, giving a thumbsup. <br /><br />They travel up towards the mountainside temple, only to see not only a Temple, but an Einherjar! Riva's never seen one before so she naturally immediately hovers around the starue. "Oooooh, pretty!" She says, walking to try to poke it. <br /><br />Gudako beats her to it, however, with a talisman. "WAAAAAGH!" Riva yells, leaping back from the statue as it releases electricity. There is a grimace, but... Here she is, alive and uh... Well? <br /><br />"Hi there!" Riva waves to the former statue, smiling... And then her eyes cross for a moment to fall on the talisman that's still blocking half her face. She emits an 'oh', suddenly removing it and sweeping it behind her back with one hand and continuing to wave with the other. "What's your name? Mine's Riva!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer doesn't bother replying to Lyner's question - he believes the situation should be perfectly obvious. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Then the lightning strikes, seemingly called forth by the creature's awakening, the bowman, though he did not flinch, keeping his blades pointed at the Confederate Master & Servant - Christmas truce or not, he would not be letting them go if Gudako continued to recklessly endanger everyone and everything around her because of her insanity. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It was only because of said truce, and the trouble it would cause Rin in the Union, that Archer hadn't already moved to cleave Gudako's head in two. But if she kept proving herself an untrustworthy element... well, he could use Rule Breaker to strip her of her Servants if worse came to worse, though he would likely be required to return them. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, the Bowman more openly scowls when Gudako tries to leave everyone else to clean up her mess. "I think not" Archer snorts, this time pressing his blade closer to her so as to all but force Gudako and Caster closer towards the awakened Einherjar and the rest of the group so that she doesn't have the luxury of trying to stand idle. "You wanted it awake and you woke it - once again without so much as consulting anyone else. You can deal with and share in the consequences just as the rest of us must." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sadly, this wasn't a position he could likely maintain forever. Not if he wanted to be capable of providing a defense for the group if the Einherjar became hostile. But for the moment, he refused to let this sociopathic child dictate the situation with her callousness.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner's reaction was much the same as the others. "Uh...Hi? Sorry to wake you up and all-" Gudako gets a pointed look. "-But we're kind of curious about a few things, and we're hoping you could give us some answers?" Okay, that wasn't actually the plan, but he could roll with it. It was much better than being attacked without a word. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Though this one's silence was a bit unnerving. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "......" More silence from the Einherjar. Her gaze narrows even more. She doesn't look like she trusts them at all. But, there's someting else too. She seems a bit...unsure about something? What could it be. Looking at Finna, then Yuna, and then Lyner. She hesitated for a moment before raising a hand, index finger extended. Light gathered at the tip, and she began to write in the air before her. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Runes of light were written. And then they flipped themselves to be read by the others. Though an ancient language, the nature of the Multiverse seemed to allow them to read it still. The words written read... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 'I am incapable of speech. My apologies for that. My name is Eir. I am an Einherjar in service to God.' <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The runes vanished, and then she began to write again. But in mid sentence, the lady named Eir, jerked up, as if something had just surprised her. She calmed a second later and nodded to herself, erasing the runes and writing again. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; '...It seems that I am to lead you lot to the place where the knowledge you seek lies.' <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They erased again, and she wrote another sentence. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 'I have been informed that you have caused quite a commotion the last time you were here.' Her eyes narrow, and she appends something else onto it. 'If you cause trouble again, I will show no mercy.' <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And with that, the runes erased themselves again, and Eir turned, walking away from them and towards the temple ruins a distance ahead. Looks like she would be expected to follow. Did someone know they were here, and had informed her to bring them? ...Well that was convenient. And also suspicious. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Eir hesitated a moment, and then wrote something else out while walking. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; '...If I may ask...what year is it now?'<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>While Yuna can understand fully why her allies would love to use Gudako for a meatshield, she sees two problems with that. First off, trying to position Gudako most prominently also gives the game-crazy girl an opportunity to seize all possible credit, bad *or* good, and Yuna can't see THAT as being a good thing. Sure, waking Eir up seems to have been the right thing to do, but it could just as easily have blown up in everyone else's faces.<br /><br />Secondly, Yuna has this *little problem* with killing people, whether they're friends, acquaintances, total strangers, a thorn in her side, or bitter enemies (and that last category tends to stay empty, with a few occasional exceptions). She's not irked enough at Gudako to want her dead, anyway.<br /><br />She isn't about to speculate on the nature of the 'commotion' to which Eir refers, although she's pretty sure she can guess what the Einherjar means. In any case, Yuna walks along without argument - and she'd rather take the lead than let Gudako stay first in line. "I'm afraid we aren't well acquainted with the local calendar," she admits, "but by Multiversal reckoning, the year is AU 23. I doubt that's a useful reference for you, though, and I apologize."<br /><br />Jiina, Marina, and Erina are bringing up the rear of the group at this point; Elner is flitting along next to Yuna's shoulder. None of them particularly have anything to say, although Elner continues scanning the surroundings - partly for 'mapping,' partly to watch out for potential trouble. Presumably no Incarnations will bother the group while they're on an Einherjar's good side.<br /><br />At least, so Yuna is hoping.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako tilts her head at Archer slightly.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While the Einherjar chats everyone else up, she addresses the Servant very bluntly, and very honestly. "I would pull those swords back if I were you. The schism between humans and divinities in this world is already pretty wide, ah? It wouldn't be very difficult to widen it even more. They're already wary of outsiders, and my Servants can shapeshift. If I wanted, I could make you very, very unwelcome here, very very quickly! And not just to the humans either."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Perhaps she should appeal to his practical nature though.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, also, Berserker is right next to me, and let's be honest, your swords will be half-swing when her claws sink into you if you try. And that's assuming you can get past Caster."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cut to the blue-robed foxgirl, who eyes only briefly narrow at Archer, but cause a slight shimmer in the air between Gudako and the swords. Judging from the shape and size of the odd transparent effect, her massive mirror must be invisible and right there already.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So! Come now, Grump Archer, we're on a field trip! Did you have field trips when you were young and still people? Come on, I bet you can relate if you try really hard!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako turns back to look at the Einherjar, shrugging. "I just made it more interesting! We needed information and had access to a sleeping native, it would have been stupid to just let her sleep. Ah... that makes me wonder."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Suddenly, shouting at the Einherjar: "Hey, hey, miss! What were you doing like that, anyway? Static? Sleep? A curse? Self-imposed, lying in wait for the chosen ones? That was kind of a weird position to be in."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer likewise tilts his head down to Gudako, gaze impassive and cold. "And that matters to you? Besides, I doubt the Einherjar or the humans would believe such a ruse... considering you just announced how you would do so right in front of one of their members as well as our entire group."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She really did need to learn to control her mouth. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He keeps both blades aimed at the girl and her Servant - he knows about Berserker. He knew about her even before he leveled his swords against her. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, that was also precisely why her claim didn't faze him - "I don't really need to get past or even defeat either or your Servants. I care less about whether your other Servant's claws will hit me before my strike connects - only that it does so before I die." And there was another advantage he had over the girl - name "And as a Servant, my life is expendable anyway - yours however is both a proven liability and instability." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A rather clear message - I'm perfectly willing to die to tale you out if you cause more trouble. Are you? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Finally, he gives a rather pointed glance to Caster... and actually lets himself smirk a bit. "Unless you actually plan to fight me, you might as well retract that - especially since it really wouldn't do her much good if I were serious about killing her right here and right now." He still had Rule Breaker - while he wasn't sure if it would work on the mirror or not, it likely would work on Caster. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In the end, the bowman, declining to reply to her further prodding, didn't retract his blades - lowered them enough for the pair to move forward as a fight right now was ill-advised... but he kept the weapons out and made sure to keep close enough to be within striking range. If nothing else, he felt he'd made his point clear that he wasn't going to back down if she tried something foolhardy again. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As the girl asks her questions, Archer likewise glances at the restored Einherjar - or at least he does after sighing about what Gudako considers 'interesting', musing that she and Riva share a lack of any sense for danger or boundaries - and wonders just what the purpose of this 'Eir' was. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Was she some form of guardian? A gatekeeper? An oracle meant to guide someone? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Either way, it seemed they were about to find out... and hopefully, they would deal with the problem /without/ any more issues amongst themselves.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Oh, she's mute. Well, that's a thing. Riva nods to the Einherjar and reads the runes, tapping her chin. "Sorry about that. I didn't know my hair would freeze!" She says, as if completely ignorant of Gudako's actions last time. <br /><br />She walks along with the Einherjar, listening to the other questions people ask and answer. "So how did you become an Einherjar, anyway? Were you a human before, or were you always like you are now?" Riva asks.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:757|Misha (757)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Okay so she can't speak. Jade eyes squint at the runes as they properly articulate for the Einherjar woman, and Misha promptly jerks a thumb at Gudako and Caster with a 'it was all them' sort of look. On the topic of commotion, anyway.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's AU23. Sorry, I don't know how that works against the calendar back in town though. But. Well I guess wherever you're taking us will probably tell us but... What's your opinion?"<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Reyvateil lets that hang a moment. "On this whole conflict?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I don't know this person!" Finna exclaims, jabbing a paw in the air over at Gudako. "But she's the troublemaker from last time." Anything, ANYTHING Finna can do to put all kinds of heat on Gudako is fair game, it seems. Why let Archer have all of the fun?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But now that she's facing someone, remaining as a talking fox seems silly. Her flesh shifts and flows, exploding outwards into human form as she rises to her full height.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh come on," She complains Misha's way. "The locals of this world don't even know what year it is in their own calendar?" Her gaze slides over towards Lyner next. Maybe he knows!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But a deep breath later, the foxgirl claps her hands together and adopts a different demeanor. More reserved, sharper-eyed. Honestly, it's almost like an entirely different face. What's going on there?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "......" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Indeed, AU23 means nothing to her. Eir let out a sigh and shook her head. She wrote out a 'Thank you' with her hand before proceeding along. Archer and Gudako's nonsense was given no amount of attention. These people's problems weren't her business. She should still have been sleeping. Why in the world...no, HOW in the world did they wake her? She looked at the piece of paper in her other hand and frowned. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Curious. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Putting that aside, the armored woman paused at Gudako's question. And then at Riva's question. Why was she asleep? How did she become how she is now? "....." A frown formed on her face at those questions. She didn't answer immediately, and instead shook her head. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 'You will discover why and how in due time.' <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That said, she plodded on ahead, looking left and right at the ruined state of her surroundings. The frown that adorned her face deepened at this sight. It was obvious that this bothered her greatly. It didn't help that she had no idea how much time had passed, but given the state of things...it must have been a long time. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The inside of the ruins are vast. There are stairs leading in multiple directions, as well as hallways leading elsewhere on the same level. And set in the walls of the place at various points, are massive stone statues. Their forms are familiar. Lacking in detail, only having vague humanoid or animal shapes. Were these sleeping Incarnations? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It would seem that Yuna may have been correct after all. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 'This way.' <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Eir wrote, leading them down a western hallway. On the walk, they would spy various doors leading to other places, though they were all closed. It seemed like their destination was a chamber straight ahead. One that had no door blocking it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Misha's question of Eir's opinion on everything gets her a mildly surprised look. She actually stumbles a tad, and then looks let and right before pointing to herself as if to say; /you want MY opinion? No one wants my opinion!/. But after a moment, she hesitantly raised a hand and wrote. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; '...I am...not certain. I do understand why the humans have done what they did, but good reason does not make a misdeed correct. For those who would do wrong, who would threaten not just God, but their fellow man with their actions...lessons must be imparted. Even if it takes millenia.' <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Eir left her opinion at that, leading the group into their destination proper. It was a wide, circular chamber, with steps leading partway down. And once those steps ended, a shimmering substance that looked like water could be seen. Strangely, it looked like images could be seen floating through the reflections on the surface, fading in and out periodically. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Eir stopped and gestured to the pool. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 'This is the Well of Knowledge. It records the world's history without exception. Every last detail of every last man, all the way up to large scale events. I have been given permission to use the Well of Knowledge to show to you, the information you seek.' <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After a pause, she held out a hand, the light on her fingertip extending to her entire hand. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 'I will begin now. You will see for yourselves, the truth of what is happening.'<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At that moment, the pool glows bright, and a white light engulfs the room. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When everything clears up, they find themselves in a city. Particularly in an old war room. There is a round table, and politicians and high ranking knights appear to be having a heated discussion. One of those speaking is someone who looks suspiciously like Eir, minus wings, and with brown hair. On the table is a large map with pieces on it that seem to represent armies and territory. There is more of neighboring countries than their own. They are surrounded on all sides. It's a seige. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The image changes to Eir, and a man familiar to those who entered the cave last time as the Einherjar who caused the quake. They're locked in battle with enemy troops, leading their forces valiantly. But at a pivotal moment, infighting seems to break out from behind their ranks. Were they betrayed? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The image changes again. Those dead on the battlefield, including Eir and that man are covered in a golden light. Their wounds recover and they stand up, confused and lost. From above, a single winged entity known as an Einherjar descends from the skies. He speaks simply. "God has need of your bravery, heroes." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The image changes again. This must have been a huge cut in time, but now human armies are fighting against Einherjar and Incarnations. ...And oddly enough, the humans are wielding magical and supernatural powers. Is this what they meant by God granting the humans blessings last time they saw a vision? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Another image. A temple very similar to this one. The human army has invaded, and leading them is a man...who looks nearly identical to Laurence. He has a calculating smirk on his face as he stands back, watching the temple be raided. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The final image is of that same man walking through a sea of corpses, human, Incarnation, and Einherjar, and stepping into a chamber alone. High above is a massive collection of energy. he speaks. "...I have waited a long time for this...God." He spreads his arms, and the collected power begins to absorb into him. The view cuts to outside where wounded and weary Einherjar look on as God's power is taken. They close their eyes and turn to stone. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It ends there.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>It answers a lot of Yuna's questions, to be sure - most especially 'why is God trying to wipe out Lucrelia'. She watches most of the history lesson attentively but without particularly reacting ... but at the last image, the 'final scene,' she winces and closes her eyes.<br /><br />"Somebody invaded this place to steal the power of God ... no wonder God is fighting them now," Yuna murmurs, shaking her head slowly. She has a mournful look on her face as she opens her eyes again. "And ... that was Laurence's ancestor, wasn't it? If the stolen divine power is still in his bloodline ..."<br /><br />She looks to Lyner. "Does he even know he still has it? And -" Yuna's gaze shifts to Eir. "- if we bring him here, can he willingly give that power back to your God without sacrificing his life at the same time? Or would he be required to die for God to take back what was once stolen?"<br /><br />Yuna is very pointedly NOT turning to look at Gudako at any point in this - the game-crazy Master probably has too many ideas already after seeing that.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:757|Misha (757)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In response to Finna, Misha lifts both hands, palms out. "I don't speak for them, don't look at me. I am but a lone, wandering, problem solving Reyvateil. Not a timekeeper."<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BUT the stumble and finger point are met with Misha setting her hands on her hips and giving a nod. Half expectant, half pointing out that yes she, genuinely, wants the Einherjar's opinion.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The answer doesn give much to go by though. "Mmm. But. Just what did they do?"<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Well if Knowledge however answers. Into the temple, and jade eyes dart to and fro before her attention is brought to the limpid pool of vision, and the events of times gone by play out.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That looked a lot like... And he took god's power? But why? For what? Especially if they're just going to sit there in the cold in a town that welcomes no one?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ah? If you believe people are so quick to make rational judgments when someone is destroying their homes and lives, you mustn't have been in contact with humanity for a while, huh?" Gudako asks Archer, ever so... not really THERE, or caring.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"People are usually too busy trying to assign blame to listen. They'll hang an innocent man or scapegoat if it gets them reassurance. And besides, Lyner is an outsider too! He said so himself. He's got as much weight here as any of us."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But, really, it doesn't matter. Perhaps she grows bored of arguing with the man, or listens to reason, but sooner or later she's following Eir with the others, passing through those halls of statues and finally settling by the Well. She muses what a great target this is. Maybe when this is all over... yeah, she could probably get a handful of friends and come siphon this place dry. Is the Well useful, though? If all it can see is what's in this particular world, it's definitely not as useful as it could be.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But not useless, either.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Still, she watches the flashback, as humans greedily seek the power of God, start a war over it, and then a very familiar man acquires that power. It also explains the stone statis, although it doesn't explain why only some of them underwent it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No, no. There's a much more obvious question," Gudako says, after Yuna. "If God's power was stolen, why are there still Incarnations and Einherjar roaming around, not sleeping? Either that person was very sloppy and missed some of it, or whoever has the power now is making you do their dirty work for them."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There are a dozen other questions she could ask, but let's point at this one for now.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer gives something of a dry, cynical smile to Gudako when she shoots a response to him."No. Rather, I was talking about the Einherjar and our fellow group-members who could hear you quite plainly - a rather large hurdle to overcome in trying to deceive anyone is when everyone who can stop you overhears your plan." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer snorts as the girl keeps speaking, actually looking amused - "And yet you don't seem to conceive of the fact that, after what you said in the bar before, you out of all of us would probably be the /last/ person they would trust - and the first one they would hang if you tried to sow chaos. So I'd ask you not make threats when you have less weight then anyone here." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After they enter the temple itself though, Archer's focus becomes more directed at keeping watch for threats... and he lets out a long breath to expel the tension crawling up his spine in the presence of what appear to be dozens of inactive Incarnations. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That said, he still directs as much attention as he could to them while still keeping a vigil on Gudako. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yet in spite of that... Archer couldn't help but note with a touch of irony that 'Eir' herself was not certain on the reasonings behind whatever had happened between humans and this 'God' that 'Eir' and the Incarnations served. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The answers are soon given though. And as Archer glances between the silvery pool and 'Eir' when the latter acts, he endures a situation that is somewhat vaguely familiar to him - the feeling of knowledge not his own being shown to him, the images of the past flashing before the Counter-Guardian. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A war. A land under siege. A woman - a pre-Einherjar 'Eir' perhaps - sitting on a council of knights. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A last stand. An abrupt rout. A likely betrayal... and from there, a rebirth into what seemed to be what this world would call 'soldiers of God'. Human souls conscripted after death to a higher power... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What a horrific irony that it almost mirrored Archer's own fate... only Archer had been fool enough to /choose/ his torment, which only made the consequences of it worse. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then... there, of course, was exactly the outcome he'd expected. The catalyst for this misery, sourced exactly where he suspected it to be. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once again... mankind had brought suffering upon itself, and the world was simply repaying their transgressions. It was their own fault - as /always/. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And the man shown to be behind it causes Archer to grind his teeth even harder in thinly-veiled aggravation. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It couldn't be confidence that a man with that same appearance was one of those in charge of the city's defense. So when Yuna brings up her interpretation... Archer states his own - "You assume they are two different people? If he took the power of a deity - one capable of creating the Incarnations and the Einherjar - then would it be so surprising to consider him immune to the passage of time? They are far too similar to simply be family." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He also sighs when hearing Gudako's quip, denoting it's probably close to the truth... though there's still pieces missing from the puzzle. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And if they wanted to solve this... they needed to find them soon.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Knowledge. <br /><br />History. <br /><br />Treachery. <br /><br />Information is shared with them all. Riva is left stunned and speechless for moments as she struggles to accept and process what she has seen. <br /><br />After that, she goes from stunned to quiet. Her jovial demeanor is gone, as she looks downwards, tapping a foot with her arms crossed. "Why... would they be attacking... if the power of God was taken already..." Her expression screws up into one of intense confrontation. <br /><br />She looks back to the Einherjar and asks one question. "Is God dormant right now? Are there any actual Incarnartions under his control moving around?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Empowerment by the Gods. The Gods' Chosen. You and I are kindred spirits, in a way." Finna exclaims, amazed, having picked up on the hints in the vision after it's finished. She's rubbing her face though. VISIONS are always the freakiest things to endure.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She ends up nodding to Archer though. "Good point. Might still be the same guy, changed his name, changing with the times..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner shook his head, about as clued in to this as everyone else here. All he could do was watch and contemplate. This was a lot to take in, and it left them with even more questions in the end. He had nothing to add to what everyone had already asked. Instead, he watched and listened for the answer...or, well in Eir's case, read the answer. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Eir looked at Yuna and blinked. Then she raised her hand and wrote. 'Indeed, that was the case.' She paused at Laurence and thought to herself. 'I...do not know this Laurence. That man you saw was the King of Lucrelia long ago. King Arnest the 3rd. ...He was a conniving traitor who sold his own people out to a higher power, all in an effort to save his own hide and realize his own plans.' <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Eir had deep feelings about this. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 'I am afraid that I do not know. If this man you call Laurence is truly his ancestor, then perhaps. There is no way to know than to try it first hand.' Misha gets a look after, and a nod. 'I am uncertain. King Arnest never explained his plans. He merely used people, cut a path forward, and took what he desired...' <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gudako then asks a question then gives Eir pause. 'I...when we were outside, I was contacted by God. I was told that it's energy...it's existence was wavering, and that I should show you, outsiders not from this place, the truth of the matter.' Archer is looked at next. '...God is ageless. God has no concept of physical existence. ...If King Arnest has stolen God's power, then...he should be ageless as well.' But that left a very good question. If he stole God's power, then who contacted her? 'I....I believe that he may not have succeeded in absorbing all of God. ...Otherwise, I would not be able to be contacted by God...But...' She looked down, unsure. 'It has been a long time...the last thing I recall is going to sleep.' <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Riva asks another pertinent question. 'God...is not dormant? I think?' Eir looks even more unsure. 'I was contacted, so...I believe he is still here, but weak?' She really doesn't know. But then an idea strikes. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 'I have an idea.' She extended her arm towards the well. 'If I look into the well, surely we will be able to find out what has transpired in the time since those events...' <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It was right at that moment, that a quake shook the temple. And then another. And another....and another. It sounded like stone was crumbling, and debris was falling out in the main temple area. It also sounded like something massive was moving. Eir lost her footing and tripped, using her wings to keep in the air at the last moment. 'What is going on? Have you people done anything before I awoke?' She wrote in an accusatory manner. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner meanwhile stumbled, but kept upright. "Gah! What the- That sounds like trouble! Huge trouble! I don't know what's going on, but I think we've got to go!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yuna shakes her head at Eir, "We didn't do anything just before awakening you, no - not *this* trip ..." She shoots a glower at Gudako. "So unless whatever's going on is fighting back after last week -"<br /><br />"Argue later, evacuate now," Elner interrupts. "Jiina, merge for Powered Form. Erina, Marina, take Misha and Lyner." All three of the androids, the aesthetics of their armor so similar to Yuna's Light Suit, respond by action rather than speech: the green-and-white Jiina of the Earth goes translucent and 'phases' around Yuna, the larger exoskeletal frame of Powered Form constructing itself around Yuna. The other two simply move to pick up Misha and Lyner; the Reyvateil gets the offer of a lift (bridal carry style) from the slender, winged purple-and-white figure, while the orange-and-white form of Marina is clearly prepared to just pick Lyner up and sprint out.<br /><br />Yuna's secondary transformation completes, and she spares a brief, half-hearted glare at Elner before engaging her hover thrusters and starting to follow the path that led the group through the temple to the Well of Knowledge. Marina and Erina are both close behind her - Erina first, since Lyner would probably insist that Misha's safety matters more than his own - and Yuna's job is partly navigation, partly making sure nothing gets in the group's way on the route out ...<br /><br />And whatever's going on outside, Yuna has to admit that being geared up for a fight is PROBABLY a good idea.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"King Arnest..." Riva nods. "Ageless... And not dormant, but weak... Hmm." Riva frowns for a moment. "Okay, I think I have an idea what's going on here-WHOA!" <br /><br />She stumbles as the entire area shakes. "What the crap is even doing that?" She yells. <br /><br />Then she looks to Lyner and nods. "Good idea. Come on guys, we better hustle! Eir, come with us! We can explain later!" She calls. If she has to, she'll drag the Einherjar along, but they need to get out /now/. <br /><br />Uf her hunch is right... "I wonder if an Incarnation is doing this..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:757|Misha (757)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;King Arnest. Misha furrows her brow. He sounds like the root of all this, then. Someone to go SEE maybe, for some answers.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But before she can voice the thought, the templ begins to quake. "Wah?!" The Reyvateil blurts in surprise, taken from her internal reverie when she's-- hoisted. Squirming as one of Yuna's robot-fairy companions grab her. There is some comical flailing right about now as she's spirited away!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Intrigue and mystery!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is a lot of information. Gudako, before it's time to leave, manages a quick guess: "You know, it's totally possible that's not God who talked to you. Maybe God is dead, and there's someone still running around with his power."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But, really, there will be better times to ponder this.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The fact the temple is seemingly crumbling causes her to glance around. Unhappy...? She's not frowning, as usual she's smiling wide, but it's obvious this bothers her, too. Without knowing what's happening, it might be a lost cause to try saving the temple too. Reinforcing it, while it could delay it, wouldn't do anything without the root cause being addressed. And if it's something like an actual earthquake, it won't matter long-term.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Someone doesn't want us using the Well of Knowledge more, I bet. Or risking waking up more of these things." Just a guess.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Caster, buy us just a bit."<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a mhm and a nod, Caster produces another set of paper talismans, and throws them in a wide circle around herself. They latch onto walls, pillars and the ground, and apply raw reinforcement to the structures. It won't last, but it'll buy them a few minutes.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"... say, master, why didn't we just do that in the cave?"<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"... huh." That would have been a thing.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BOOOOM! Here goes a quake. Finna reacts instantly by deepening her stance, seeming to have no trouble staying balanced no matter how badly the ground shudders and rumbles.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That wasn't me!" She blurts. "Don't think this jerk's gluttony the other day could make the GROUND shake either!" She's actually freaked. For the first time in a while she looks very visibly worried.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Let's do that stupid thing of hunting a source!" The girl then blurts!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 'Eir's words seem to validate the Bowman's beliefs - the man they knew as 'Lawrence' was likely very much connected to this, if not the one behind it as King Arnest. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What kind of 'God' were they dealing with, exactly? From what Archer could tell, it seemed like there was a form of power-struggle going on with the entity they call 'God' having lost much of his strength to King Arnest. And what was the reason for this witch's hunt to the mountains and back? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Answers to that will likely have to come later as the structure around them begins to shake and rattle as an attack seems to start ponding against the mountain. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sparing a dubious glance to Caster and Gudako, Archer contemplates simply hauling the girl out himself as opposed to the risk of turning his back on her... however, at the same time, he was well past the point of caring if she got herself killed in her selfish quests, so the most he offered was some advice - "You have two Servants, right? Have one get you out of here while the other keeps this place stable a bit longer." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That done, Archer will - if no-one else has seen to him, grab Lyner and get him out of the cave, hauling him out by the collar. If she needs the help, Archer will also grab Finna on the way out, otherwise the Servant of the Bow will likely be running astride of her. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Who could possibly be attacking the temple? The Incarnated seemed an obvious choice, but this place was seemingly connected to their 'God' and also appeared to be their 'home' for lack of a better word. Why attack? <br /><br /><br /> ... unless something had superseded their will. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Either way, it seemed that things were, unfortunately, only going to get worse from here-on out.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner's first thought once all of this happened was of course; grab Misha, run. Typical vanguard. But before he could act, he found himself hoisted into the air and carted off. "Bwuh-?" Whoosh! Off of he went. "Hey wait what, gah!" And after a little surprised flailing, Lyner grudgingly allowed himself to be flown off. A strange situation to be sure. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Caster's seals prevent the Well of Knowledge from crumbling under the quake, allowing everyone else to book it out of the chamber, through the hallway, and back into the main portion of the temple. Eir was the last to follow, wings flapping as she coasted through the air and brought up the rear. It was there that they had discovered just what was causing all of this. As Archer had assumed, it was an Incarnation. One were familiar with. It's massive, white form was shaped vaguely like a bird, covered in an aura of green. They would be able to spot one of the indentations in the temple being empty, signifying that something woke this one up. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Without making any sound itself, it swung it's massive wings, kicking up huge gusts, cutting through stone pillars, and stomping around the area. It was a huge mess and attempting to fight that thing looked to be a fool's errand. From where he was being carried, Lyner gawked. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It's that one! Oh man, it's so much bigger up close!" And of course, as soon as it was verbally acknowledged, the entity set it's sights onto them, swinging it's wings in their direction. What followed were multiple cutting gusts of wind barreling through the grounds and aiming to crash right into them. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Better dodge around this one.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>As soon as Yuna's out of the temple and in the open, she starts evading, watching the paths of incoming attacks and steering as far clear of them as she can. While Powered Form is very good at high overland speed, it's not made for precision maneuvering; tanking through stuff is her normal best defense, or blasting things before they can get close. That's not to say she CAN'T dodge in Powered Form, mind you - and at the moment, conditions do allow her to dodge, slewing hard to the left to evade the cutting-wind blasts.<br /><br />That does leave the question of whether to fight, or just to run like hell. Against the first Incarnation she encountered, Yuna had to summon El-Line, and while at least one Incarnation has gone down without a giant robot fighting it, Yuna has her doubts that Misha can sing effectively while being carried around at high speeds.<br /><br />Running like hell really sounds like the preferable option as far as Yuna's concerned.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Master, look!" Caster says.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hey, I'm not blind. Distract it!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Killing it might not be on the table, but Gudako intends for Caster to make a dent... and to sneak a little thing in, while at it. She prepares another line up of paper slips-- one glows a dark purple, another orange, another blue.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Juso Enten, Hyoten, Kyuse! Frigid Heaven, Fiery Heaven!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All three paper slips are hurled for the Incarnation. The orange one erupts into a massive fireball, striking first to attempt to scorch the being and distract it. The second would latch on afterward, producing enough ice and cold to potentially freeze it solid. The final one doesn't attack, per se-- that curse, Kyuse, is spirit theft. A more concentrated, less precise but faster version of the draining she'd performed on the previous Incarnation and Einherjar. Then again, if it's frozen solid prior to it, the fact it's less precise might not matter.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As before, the Caster otherwise uses her large mirror to shield her master-- getting hit by the cutting winds herself too, and sustaining several gashes as a result, but avoiding her master getting shredded.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Past time, it's run away time!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nope, nobody needs to grab Finna! instead she shifts straight to fox form and goes speeding out!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;... Just in time to get an eyeful of ANGRY INCARNATION.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The nastiest series of snarls and curses comes flapping from her tongue as she vaults straight up in the air and around to take shelter on the rock. A razor wind cuts into her side with a slight graze, but it was a VERY near thing.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Okay. What is YOUR problem?! Aren't you pals with the Gods' chosen here?!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As soon as he set eyes on the green-hewed form of the Incarnation, Archer grit his teeth and planted both feet in the ground, kicking upwards to try and jump over and away from the wind-blast, immediately taking off back for cover when he hits the ground. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I doubt we can stand and fight on the mountain - especially of more Incarnations begin awakening" Archer grunted, glancing down at Lyner. "And we need to find out what connection Lawrence has to this." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Unless anyone has any standing objections, Archer will begin leading the way for everyone else to follow. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But not before trying to stall that creature a bit longer. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The blueprint emerges from the endless field of swords, prana giving it shape as it's experiences are synthesized, every manufacturing process being improved. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The blade takes shape - a weapon beyond human hands, gifted to mankind by Heaven itself. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If they served 'God'... perhaps turning that power against them would prove effective. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gripping the blade in one hand, Archer pivots enough to line up with his target- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Durandal!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -and hurls the weapon at the creature, hoping it will at least be enough of a pain or distraction to ensure their escape as he again makes off with Lyner still in tow. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Well, provided he's still conscious from all the high-speed maneuvers Archer had to engage to get back down the mountain, that is.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Eir shook her head, and then shrugged her shoulders, indicating that she had no idea why this one was active, and attacking the place AND them! Especially her! And it was far too frantic to be writing out messages, so she simply veered about, dodging wind blasts and escaping over the large creature. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Caster's triple seal combo did the job of stalling the creature, along with Archer's Durandal. Gudako's hidden little gambit managed to go off without a hitch, and Caster would find herself with another bit of Incarnation essence to handle. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But that was for later. The frozen white bird was already breaking out of the ice. The group booked it out of there, with Eir tagging along. And as soon as they had cleared the temple and ran down the mountain trail, they would find that there were no pursuers. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Whatever caused that Incarnation to awaken seems to have stopped. Once everyone safely gathered in the clearing, Eir landed onto the snowy ground with a soft tap and looked back to where they had come from. "......" After a moment of silence, she began to write into the air again. "I will stay here. An Einherjar has no place in the world of man.' For the first time since she woke up, she managed a tiny smile. 'Be careful on your return. I do not have a good feeling about this situation.' <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With that, she flew off, leaving the others to go about their way. Lyner sighed, rubbing the side of his head. "...Looks to me like we've got some investigating to do." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That they did. But for now...it was time to go.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>They explode out into the mountainside, and Riva is faced with... well, that. "Wow, bingo." She says, grinning... <br /><br />And then that grin disappears as the Incarnation shrieks and attacks. "WHOA, BINGO!" She yells, hurling herself away from a pillar as the screaming wind kicks up hunks of ice, crushing the spot she stood in a moment before. <br /><br />She looks up at the beast, her eyes narrowed. "If you think you're going to stop us that easily, you've got another thing coming." She yells back at it. "Hope you're ready for Round two!" She reaches up for her weapon... <br /><br />And then turns around and bails, running like hell as the delays are put onto the beast. <br /><br />When they reach the base of the mountain, she looks around, folding her arms for a moment, contemplating. "Yeah." She replies to Lyner. "Yeah, we do." She pauses, and then smiles again. "I think we might need to pick up some more supplies back in the town before we head back again, don't you?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
<br />
}}</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3526/Die_Reisenden_Go_Shopping&diff=123213526/Die Reisenden Go Shopping2015-12-19T01:31:06Z<p>Waterpuns: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/12/16<br />
|Location=Alberichstadt <P:WTWM><br />
|Synopsis=Janine calls everyone out to buy supplies for the new shack. And once again, runs into another Persona user.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=7, 165, 513, 901, 908, 909, 915, 920, 925<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:909|Janine Liberi (909)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lebkuchenhaus Mall, contrary to its name, is a beast of a building, massive and bristling with glass and steel. Only completed a couple of years ago, it's a shining example of the modernity that has recently graced Alberichstadt. Certainly, most of the older residents still prefer the mom-and-pop brick-and-mortar stores they went to growing up, but Lebkuchenhaus is /the/ place for the youth.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At present, it's decked up for the holidays, tinsel and baubles clinging to giant plastic trees, stores mobbed for their wares to be wrapped up and put under the tree. The smell of fresh-baked gingerbread houses actually wafts through the air, several stores capitalizing on the store's name by handing out pieces with purchases.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Here, Janine has called everyone. She's sitting on the edge of a fountain, defying the cold weather outside by eating gelato while kicking her feet and regarding the people filled with Christmas cheer with a very Grinch-like expression on her face.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:901|Hoshi Amakasu (901)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Making her way over to Lebkuchenhaus, Hoshi was perhaps a little bit slower than she might normally have been, rubbing the bags underneath her eyes irritably. This is what she got for doing dumb things, clearly. A shiver comes over her when she feels a breeze pass under her skirt, and she starts to pick up her pace while clutching her pea coat around her tightly. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Spotting the unmistakable grump of Janine, Hoshi makes her way over and bows from her waist. "Hi, Ms. Liberi. I hope I didn't make you wait long." She turned around to see if anyone else was coming, but she asides quietly to Janine as they wait. "Thank you for the chocolates, by the way. I shared them with my mom. She wasn't very amused by the card, though."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kotone Yamakawa was eager top get out here after the eariler operation she'd been concerned for Hoshi to be honest, and she would be following up Hohi's arrival she was dressec casually but yes her style of clothing did lean a bit cyberpunk really. She never deined the comment entirely. <br /><br /> "A curious gift the chocolate was some of the best I'd had in a while. Though the comment has given me ideas." What did she have in mind for Jaine? Who knows but she's clearly got an idea. <br /><br /> "Hello Hoshi."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako likes shopping malls. Japan's are her preference, for a lot of different reasons (the gachas being a huge one), so she couldn't miss a chance to go shopping in a place she hadn't before.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thus does the girl arrive, immediatly gravitating towards Hoshi. "Hello! Hoshi, yo! And miss The Ogre, and also Kotone. Who else was invited?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With her are her two Servants-- but rather than wear the robes they normally do, they are dressed NORMALLY for once. Also their fox features are gone. Caster-- the one with the twintails-- wears a striped pink and white jacket, half open, with a pink bikini top under, and a black skirt, thighhighs and black boots. Berserker-- the one with the ponytail-- wears what probably looks way too much like a maid outfit, with cuffs and white thighhighs and all. And the big red collar with a collar bell on it. At least, she isn't wearing those big cat mittens and boots. Berserker has crazier looking eyes too, like she's constantly extremely hype about something.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ira hasn't been to a mall in a while. With no money to spend and no real people to hang out with, there was no reason. If by chance she needed something, she could buy it online, right? She doesn't exactly make good company either, especially in a 'Christmas crowded' mall. She hunches a little as she walks, joining the others by the fountain, appearing to somehow radiate an anti-person aura. Maybe it's one of The Beast's special abilities? <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...hey. I guess I should get people...gifts." It seems foreign to her to do, "...can't say I've gotten any for people outside my family before though. If I buy your gift in front of you, you'll have to just..deal. I guess."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:165|Ren Tanaka (165)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ren Tanaka is dressed as Santa.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Because of course he is. "Ho ho ho!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is the first time he's met Ira and... Janine, he thinks? /And/ Gudako, for that matter. In fact Hoshi is the only person here he actually recognizes so far. He takes the beard off once he walks over. "Surprise, it's me."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We decided not to go with the outdoor market after all, then?" he asks her, not that he seems upset about it or something. Probably just as well, mulled wine is probably less accessible here. Probably.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Someone will find it if they desire so strongly enough.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Perhaps someone can teach Ren about how to not buy crappy gifts for everyone...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:909|Janine Liberi (909)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Janine glances at Hoshi, the first arrival! All she gets as a greeting is, "Wow, you look like shit." No follow-up to ask why this might be the case or anything, of course. Looking to Kotone as the two thank her for the gifts, she adds, "'Course you liked 'em. Privilegio is the best in the world."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Gudako and her entourage approach, Janine stares hard at them. "A bikini in this weather? And... huh. Man, can't you live out your maid fetish at home?" She shakes her head and clucks her tongue, glancing at Ira with a slight sneer. "What's the matter, all the festive cheer getting to you? Here, I'll make it easier; don't worry about getting anything for me."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then Ren shows up as Santa. "Oh my god are you serious?" She has a look on her face like she wants to palm it, but her only good hand is occupied by gelato. "Yeah let's walk around a public mall with people dressed as maids and Santa. THAT won't draw attention at all."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The last of her waffle cone is bitten into with extreme prejudice before Janine daps at her mouth with the napkin that was wrapped around it. "Right, let's get this over with. First thing is food. Packaged and canned shit only, things that will keep without refrigeration. Cheap plates, bowls and utensils too. And a can opener, can't forget that. Let's go."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And with that, she strides off towards the supermarket the store has on the ground floor! It's a slightly upper-crust one, where things you can get elsewhere are slightly more expensive because of the locale. "Take a trolley each. Clearly some of you don't know how to shop incognito, and some of the stuff Kaz wants is already gonna get my card on a watchlist. So I'm not making multiple trips."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"They're Servants! They don't care if it's hot or cold, unless it's like, MAGICALLY hot or cold," Gudako explains to Janine, shrugging. "They picked those clothes! To be honest, it'd have been more efficient for them to just shapeshift new clothes on, but they really wanted to go shopping. And now we're shopping again! It's like a horrible timeloop, except in a mall!" Well, she doesn't seem to mind it THAT much, given her unfazing 8D.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Berserker looks like she's agitated by Janine's critism; for a moment she almost looks ready to jump at her throat. Caster holds her back, though. "There there! At least we hid our fox ears and tails, right? That would have been way worse! I'm sure no one will care, we're in-doors, they'll probably just think we're staff or that we know we'll be here for a while."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"BERSERKER," Gudako says, to defuse the situation.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You push the trolley~."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The ponytail'd pink-haired foxgirl in a maid outfit immediately does what can be best described as 'vibrating with glee', especially as they enter the supermarket. And she takes a trolley. And just. Pretty much runs off with it going 'WHEEEEEEE', randomly picking food off shelves. Most of it is canned fish or fish-shaped treats. Goldfish crackers.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako and Caster don't follow, and rather stay with Hoshi. It's time to pester her FAVORITE PERSON IN THE WHOLE WORLD. "Say, say! Tell me aaaaaall about Christmas here. Are there decorations in the Mirror Forest?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:925|Damita Stark (925)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Damita Stark is a unknown figure to all but the Drachenblatt students, as she has had no run in with anything multiversial yet so far. Heck, she's not even aware of a multiverse! She is doing her shopping at said upscale grocery store, having decided to pick up a few treats for herself. Standing in the check out lanes, she can't help but recognize her fellow classmates... after all, everyone's made a name for themselves... <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And not like that! <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She lifts an eyebrow at the people she does recognize, and the second eyebrow goes up when she sees the people she doesn't recognize. The whole grouping together is odd; Damita's been at Drachenblatt long enough to know the cliques, and who is in them, who isn't in them, who knows each other, and why, not to mention, of course, who is dating who. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tucking her candy into her pocket, the petite girl tugs the warm black jacket around her shoulders, her jeans tucked into a pair of heeled snow boots before she hangs back to watch the crowd curiously. What's this, then?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hey Gudako." Ira grins. Given she DID get a gift from her, Ira feels at least to respond in turn. Gudako was neat, after all. <br /> <br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Augh augh so many people showing up-some Ira definitely does not recognize, like that super cheerful guy in the Santa suit. "Oh god." Ira mutters under her breath, putting a hand up to her face. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Janine provides some choice words and sneers, both of which are answered in kind by the redhead, her mood immediately worsening. "Giant crowds of idiots bother me." she grumbles unhappily, "Oh, you know, I actually /was/ going to get you a thing. But now that I've been exempted from that /by your permission/, then I'll gladly save my money." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She turns and actually...leaves? More specifically, she seems to be moving more deeply into the mall, "I gotta go take care of something. Be back in a bit." She's actually going to get Gudako something but she's not going to say that in front of her.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finna's shown up in... tight-fitting blue jeans and a white shirt. Quite plain, but also comfortable and enough to show off without drawing too much attention. One has to wonder if she actually bought those clothes or if she's mimicking them.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Probably the latter.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Wow. get a load of THAT getup!" Finna finds herself snickering at Ren's outfit. Oh, she's seen Santa stuff before. But that just stands out like a sore thumb in the area.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:901|Hoshi Amakasu (901)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hoshi rolls her eyes at Janine's response to seeing her. How nice. "Thank you, Ms. Liberi," she says with a sigh. "I didn't sleep well." Clearly. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She held her hand up to wave to everyone she saw... though she cringed inwardly when she saw Gudako and the Servants behind her. "Hello, Ms. Ordria," she says tonelessly. "Berserker, Caster." She gives them all a bow and tries to look around for any means of escape. She's too close. She's also in just the right place to get in between Janine and Ira. "Please don't. Not today, alright?" She's just too tired to play peacekeeper. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then there's... a Santa Claus. Hoshi blinks and leans forward to figure out who it is--oh brother. "Tanaka... Is that really the best idea?" They did stick out REALLY badly, now. After a moment, she just gives a wry chuckle and a shrug. "Hi Tanaka. At least it's not a fish." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When everyone starts going in, Hoshi of course follows, rubbing her eyes wearily as Gudako snaps in next to her. Crap. "I'm used to Japanese Christmas. You are too. There's nothing to really explain there. And no, the Forest isn't decorated. Who even would? It's the same as it's always been, as far as I'm aware."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kotone Yamakawa seemed to be in good spirits none the less and pauses at the clothing staring for a moment. She looks at Jaine for a moment then back to Gudako's entourage gets a heck of a look from Kotone. She may use rampant Cyberpunk like fashion but this is something else. <br /><br /> "I don't think a Bikini is quite suitable for something like this." <br /><br /> This coming from the lady who has the form fitting stealth suit. Either way she falls in and she's nod to Jaine about food supplies. <br /><br /> "There's a few things I need to pick up but I'll have to get those back home." <br /><br /> She'll get to work on the food and such otherwise.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:165|Ren Tanaka (165)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"One day, I'll give you something even better to make fun of me about than that very first thing," Ren insists. It seems as if he's got a lot of attention immediately, which is a nice change, honestly, so he rolls with it. Maybe he'll be able to take attention off of Gudako's servants. "Hello, everyone! I'm Tanaka, might be the first time meeting me for a lot of you."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He puts the fake beard back in place before any children notice. "But today, I'm part of the League of Substitute Santas!" He's got a 1-day membership card and everything!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He gives Damita a big wave. "Good day, young lady! I'm just helping some friends shop for winter provisions!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:920|Kazimir Volkov (920)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>It's about this time that someone else arrives. <br /><br />It's Kaz. He's dressed in a winter jacket, warm hat, work gloves and boots. Everything looks kind of beaten up, like he's worn them for a while and uses them regularly in situations where things get messed up. He's got a cart of stuff already, neatly packed and stacked for stability. He pulls up near the group, looking them over and arching an eyebrow. With a quick motion, he pulls out his silver watch.<br /><br />Click. Click.<br /><br />Open, and closed in a couple seconds. "Close enough." He says, nodding. "Everyone know what they need?" He asks, before looking specifically at Ren. <br /><br />There is a pause. <br /><br />The pause goes a little longer.<br /><br />He just looks away, then, sighing. "You make a bad santa." Kaz comments.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I know! Our Christmas is just a big commercial gig! And then we eat KFC, I guess that's a tradition," Gudako nods to Hoshi, although she immediatly doubles back to the Mirror Forest. "Why not, though? How do you know the Huntsman or the Wolf don't celebrate Christmas? OH! What if someone who was really obsessed with it tried playing the Persona Game? Maybe their Shadow would decorate the place, huh?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is a horrible subject to talk about publicly.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Maybe we should try finding someone?" 8D<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WELL it just got worse. Hello Hoshi, remember this is your best friend, try not to KILL her today. Or at least make sure you figure out where to hide the body.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While Berserker runs rampant, Caster is more the sort to skid towards Damita, curious. "Hello! We haven't seen you before. You must be a new member? Are you also one of those game survivors?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:909|Janine Liberi (909)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Servants," Janine deadpans. She meets Berserker's ferocious look with a cool expression. "You certainly don't have to dress like one for this vacant-eyed idiot." And with that, the shopping run begins! Ira's departure is mostly ignored. Janine, as someone with one hand, just busies herself by checking up on everyone, as well as dumping Privilegio sweets into their carts.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As they move between the aisles, Janine glimpses Damita staring and frowns deeply. Oh yes, she knows that type. The girl is only given a long stare of 'what are you looking at?' though. Ren though, has his arm yanked. "Shut up, just pick out food. Go, now." Finna gets a look of familiarity. "Oh, the wild animal." Half-shrug.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then they run into Kaz! Who is already done it seems. "Oh wow, you're on point." She doesn't even have anything sarcastic to say about it, only a thumbs-up. "Wait for the others to finish, and I'll come along to pay for it."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then... words. Words that SHOULD NOT BE SAID IN PUBLIC. Janine grabs Caster's hair and yanks her away from Damita! "Forget this idiot, she's too invested in some mobile game. Sorry Merry Christmas." The intense stare she's giving the preppy girl suggests that 'Forget this' is not a request.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Did someone just call her... yes. Someone just called her something...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finna tromps over and POKES Janine in the nose. "Try a name next time!" OUT COMES HER TONGUE! Her answer to being called that is NOOOOOOOOOOOOPE.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But she does flip over to Kazimir's side. Almost literally flips. Thankfully it's more of a sideways hop. Still an odd little display of acrobatics!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And a hand's clapped on his shoulder. "Not really. So I'll hang around and pick it up as I go along!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:925|Damita Stark (925)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Damita's head turns, tracking people like she's some sort of owl, which she just might be. Her head locks onto Hoshi as she says words that she wasn't expecting or didn't know of - Berserker, Caster, /forest/. She spares a tglance at Ren-Santa, her dark eyes taking him in before she's ambushed by Caster. Oh god why. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Her long, owlish blink considers both of these 'outsiders', yet before she can speak, Janine has interrupted. Liber(at)i(on), if you will. That long stare plus the implied 'forget this' has her narrowing her eyes, before she speaks. Her voice is lyrical, soft, rolling the words. That's definitely a Spanish accent in there. "Hello, it's nice to ... meet you all." She gives her classmates a hard, long look. This one says 'nuh-UH, I'm not going anywhere.'<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:901|Hoshi Amakasu (901)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Hoshi walks, she sets her face into a non-expressive mask and stares straight ahead while Gudako prattles on. Eventually, she holds up a hand. "We're trying to keep everything quiet, remember?" She whispers tonelessly. "So let's just stop having this conversation." She even tries to pick up her pace to get out of this, stopping by Kaz and bowing to him. "YOu... came here a lot earlier than we said, huh? That's fine. I'll help cover everything else, if need be... And we'll be removing excess junk, too." She sends a meaningful look at Gudako. She knows what her Berserker is doing. Finna's appearance next to Kaz gets another bow from Hoshi. "Hello, Ms. Finna. Thank you for joining--" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That's... When she heard something /bad/. Hoshi flips around immediately when she hears Caster blabbing, but Janine rushes over to pull her away. Hoshi, meanwhile, goes to push Caster from the front as she hastily looks over Damita. "Ah--p-please, don't mind her. They get weird ideas in their heads, and..." Just... push away! Away! "Sorry, it was nice to meet you!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kotone Yamakawa Says "KFC is not a tradtion it's a clevery marketing ploy The company did in Japan to make people /think/ its the tradtional meal. I have to give them they were clever on that." <br /><br /> Though the shole thing seems to be a bit of an annoyance to her. <br /><br /> "I know what I need to pick up." <br /><br /> She lkooks ove to Hoshi for a moment and sighs but things seem to be handled for the moment. She seems in good spirits more or less as it's time to stock up on supplies.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:165|Ren Tanaka (165)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Janine may find Ren's arm surprisingly difficult to yank. He gives her a brief look that's not- well, not necessarily /judging/, admonishing perhaps, but almost certainly a bit disappointed. He then, with great delicacy, picks out a singular can of edamame and puts it in Berserker's care. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, it is my first day," he says with mock-apology to Kaz.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He shares a brief moment of wordless examination with Damita, and after a little bump in the tracks personally he's all smiles. He lifts his hat, revealing a ... 'HELLO my name is Santa' badge with 'TANAKA' written in the insert name here section. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hat goes back down.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Christmas certainly is a time for fateful meetings!" he comments broadly, "And a time for cheer and community. Don't forget to leave some room in those carts for a few cookies and presents!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Luckily for Janine, Gudako just doesn't care for insults. 'Vacant-eyed idiot' is actually a very fine thing to be called! It means people don't really expect her to be smart, or to do anything worthwhile or dangerous. A normal person would hate being treated so worthlessly, but not her. It's a boon in disguise.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But it's when Janine grabs Caster by the hair and yanks that she finds-- the Servant does not budge. The feeling of having grabbed something explicitely superhuman by the hair is pretty omnipresent. Though she certainly does note the effort, especially with Hoshi now pitching in from the front. Caster blinks confusedly-- to Janine's benefit, she doesn't see this as an attack, and actually finally allows herself to get pulled away.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh! Oh. She's shopping with us but she doesn't... know? Gee, alright, don't mess my hair up," Caster says, apologizing.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako pitches in, too. "I don't think Caster likes mobile games very much, that's me. Though, honestly, I think you should just tell her the truth, because she's going to find out sooner or later and you're wasting time and her safety not telling her," the magus says, bluntly, but never changing her expression.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster hms thoughtfully, but then just goes with: "It's nice to meet you too, miss! I'm Caster, my over-eager twin-sister over there is Berserker," she glances towards the trolley-armed Servant still collecting food from shelves.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And I'm Gudako!" the magus interrupts Caster, introducing herself.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:909|Janine Liberi (909)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;God in heaven, this just gets worse and worse. This girl won't back off, Gudako just makes things worse and worse. Is everyone in the Multiverse just a huge goddamn idiot?!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"She's not with us, she's just staring because you lot stick out like sore thumbs! You goddamn idiots!" she swears at Gudako and co., slipping into Italian to properly cuss them out.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Where's Ira when you need her? She can actually be intimidating.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She stares hard at Damita, stepping right up close to her so she can whisper in her ear. "Listen you. If I hear any of this even being /breathed/ after this, I'm coming for you. Do you understand?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:920|Kazimir Volkov (920)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kazimir watches continuing shenanigans. He sighs to himself and turns to just keep doing what needs to be done when Finna appears and claps a hand on his shoulder. "Well, feel free to come along then. We do not need to be flashy. We are just shopping." <br /><br />The antics with Caster and Damita cause him to just facepalm, however. "We should stop wasting time. More people are going to show up and we will be wasting time standing in lines all day. Amakasu, have you cleared the list yet?" <br /><br />He pulls out his phone and checks things on it for a moment, asiding to Janine. "Relax, Liberi. You will blow a blood vessel like that." He pauses. "Besides, no one actually believes you will do it, except maybe the Ogre, who would want you to."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:925|Damita Stark (925)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'm Stark. Damita Stark, if you please. It is a pleasure to meet all of you for the first time, and ... to see some of you outside of school." Damita doesn't shake any hands, keeping them shoved in her pocket for warmth, perhaps. Her gaze does turn to Janine. Something is off here, and if the clues she's been having have been a clue... <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She clears her throat, and responds back softly to her fellow student. "Looked in the mirror, lately?" It's a very, very idle question, by all rights.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finna's feigning great cheer - well okay it's not ENTIRELY feigning - but Caster and Gudako have her attention. This is an opportunity for her to study them and learn a few things about them. They were trouble before. Will definitely be so again in the future!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's my first time in a place like this, would you believe it? There's NOTHING like these stores where I call home. ... And if there was, the smell would be overpowering..."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:901|Hoshi Amakasu (901)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hoshi can hardly contain how grateful she is that Caster isn't trying to resist them like she might have. She's about to try to pull everyone away from Damita so they can continue their shopping. That was, of course, when Gudako had to open her big mouth. While Janine rages, Hoshi just gives a long-suffering sigh and palms her face. Hearing Damita's statement, she turns around slowly and digs into her coat to pull out her locket. "More than I'd like," is her grumbled response. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Looking over to Kaz, Hoshi grunts and starts moving in to pick up some items of her own. Essentials, of course. "I will as soon as I buy some stuff today. We're going to have to clean out the all of cupboards, so I'll get some of those cleaning whipe things... Maybe some bleach, too."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Every damn day!" Ira exclaims from out of sheer nowhere, having returned to catch up with the grup, slipping up from behind like some gigantic, Irish ninja. "And I have to live with it." Whatever she was up to, apparently, she is done, now lugging a giant shopping bag with her. Peering down into it reveals...wrapped packages of all kinds of sizes. There aren't names on any of them for those sneaky people that might try to peek (Berserker, Caster). <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She eyes the girl which, after a moment, she recognizes. Who /wouldn't/, really? "Oh, it's you." she seems defensive, "What's the big deal about mirrors?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:909|Janine Liberi (909)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"... are you actually kidding me?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Janine walks away to start banging her forehead against a shelf. Store staff stare on with concern as she mutters. "Can't... even... leave... the house... anymore..." Thud. Thud. Thud.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After a long moment of resting her head against the shelf, she looks back at Damita. "If you're saying what I think you're saying... we'll talk later. We need to get all this stuff somewhere." She looks to the group and slaps her hand against her leg to get attention. "Line up at the checkouts! I'll cover everything."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And indeed, should people do so, Janine comes along and swipes a very fancy-looking credit card. And each time, the payment is cleared without a hitch. Who is this girl?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kotone Yamakawa :has been keeping out of the verb barbing and she's trying ot not make things worse and Finna thankfully gives a very good hel;ping hand in that. <br /><br /> "Really? With how long you been aorund I'd have thought you would have before and smell?" <br /><br /> Nope for all her enhancements her sense so smell is about the same as it was when she was born. <br /><br /> "Still I don't get to go to places this upscale too often unless it's for adventuring hardware to be honest."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:925|Damita Stark (925)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Damita watches them check out. She hangs out at the door, arms crossed underneath her chest as she watches Janine pay. This answers a lot of things and confuses way more. Then, finally, she responds to Ira, a cryptic enough answer for anyone but the group as a whole here. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I didn't like getting pulled into one, is all." She finally responds, calmly.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A number of different reactions flash through Ira as Damita says this. Surprise. Rage. Irritation. Maybe even a little despair? But this is all capped off as she smiles, laughing uproarously. "Oh yeah." claps her free hand on Damita's shoulder and squeezes. "That introspection stuff sure is rough, isn't it? You might just waste away and DIE if you stared too deeply! Ha ha ha!" <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ira's big meaty paw slips away. "Maybe you should grab some eggnog and relax."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:920|Kazimir Volkov (920)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Smells better than a lot of places." Kaz responds to Finna. "Workplace does not have, how you say, 'morning fresh' smell." He lets Finna follow around and spy on Gudako. It's none of his business, and she seems like she can handle it. He also doesn't seem to particularly react to Damita' oblique comments, but he does nod. "You should come check out our place sometime." He replies to Damita. "Has a nice mirror. Probably will not fall in." He nods to Hoshi, of course, and comments, "Make sure to leave windows open when using bleach. Vapors are terrible." <br /><br />At that point Janine ushes them throug hthe checkouts and she pays. Kaz doesn't seem to care. <br /><br />Reflexively, he opens his watch again, checking the time. Click. Click. "Going to be behind schedule." He mutters.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:909|Janine Liberi (909)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Needless to say, all those shopping results in a lot of bags to carry. Janine does not offer to help. This, at least, is somewhat understandable.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She looks to Damita and Ira and rolls her eyes. "You two are not Cold War spies, stop with the code talking. She probably did what we think she did." To Damita, she adds, "We're probably going back to... 'our place' now, if you want to tag along."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She glances at Kaz before looking around. With a slight smirk, she nabs one of the shopping carts. "Put the heavy stuff in here. We'll take it with us."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:925|Damita Stark (925)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I don't really like eggnog, but if you insist." Damita remarks, that sort of surprising meek obedience leaking through. She finally rolls her eyes at Janine as she waits in the doorway, before pitching her voice just high enough for the group to hear, a touch waspish, "I'm going to feel glass in my palms for weeks from the bloody chase!" <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Oh, yes, /now/ they're going to think you're insane.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Something kinda like it!" Finna clarifies for Kotone. "This is much bigger!" She is, in fact, rather mystified by the stores. The idea of having THIS MUCH OF ANYTHING just AVAILABLE... ever since rummaging through the Multiverse this has just not ceased amazing her. That any place would have so much FOOD simply AVAILABLE...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And it LASTS for MONTHS without getting too yucky...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WITHOUT a lot of hassle?!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You've not smelled Icehome on a bad day. Leatherworking, fishery stuff, all kinds of little industries that make nasty smells.... yeeeeeugh."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ira is in for further shock as Janine actually invites this girl along. She smoothes her reaction through that one too. "Sounds like someone isn't getting into the holiday cheer." Ira taunts a little, half-turniing away. She doesn't put her own bag in the cart that Janine grabs, suggesting that she probably really /did/ buy people gifts. Strange since she never really seems to have enough cash on her for herself, nevermind other people. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She snickers at Damita as she keeps talking but doesn't needle her further. "We done here yet?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:901|Hoshi Amakasu (901)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eventually, Hoshi returned from wandering around the mall, carrying the various products that she'd said she would get. That being said... it seems she's carrying a couple of extra bags that she'd purchased herself. One of them is a jewelry store bag, and anyone that brings it up only gets a fierce stare and silence from her until she finally looks away. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Sorry that took me awhile," she says when she makes her way to the line. Damita gets an uncertain look and a nod while Hoshi steps down her items on the register. She's about to pull out her card, only for Janine to get in the way. At first the kendo girl huffs irritably, but there's not much they can do about it. "Do we have everything that we need?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:909|Janine Liberi (909)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Joke's on you, I never had any. Hard to be cheerful when your bones hurt," Janine shoots back at Ira. Indeed, she does seem to be clenching her bandaged fingers a little to work out the kinks.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She stares long at the bags of groceries... and reaches into one, pulling out a chocolate bar and ripping it open with her teeth. Chewing on a mouthful, she then nods. "Weh dom 'ere," is muttered around a mouthful of nougat and caramel. Pushing that pilfered trolley with one hand, she leads the way out of the mall!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kotone Yamakawa says "Mass production I guess, we kept finding ways to feed more and more people on my world." <br /><br /> She's busy getting things that are not tuna and gold fish crackers. She also gives Finna a look. <br /><br /> "Leatherworkings more of an artform than something for mass production these days but I could get how the smells I was born in costal town there some people sitll fished commerically."<br> <br><br />
<br />
<br />
}}</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Report:_Lucrelia_(4)_(Gudako_Ordria)&diff=12320Report: Lucrelia (4) (Gudako Ordria)2015-12-19T01:30:17Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2015/12/18 |Location=- |Synopsis=Archived report. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=908 |Tinyplot= }} Written by Caster old Japanese dialect ETC. E..."</p>
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<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/12/18<br />
|Location=-<br />
|Synopsis=Archived report.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=908<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
}}<br />
Written by Caster old Japanese dialect ETC. ETC.!<br />
<br />
"Hello, hi! So we went back to Lucrelia, again! Not the town, the mountains near it where it's said God sleeps and Incarnations roam. The usual crowd was present! There was that Grump Archer in red, the cocky fox, mister Barsett, Misha, Riva and Yuna, along with my master, myself and Berserker, obviously."<br />
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"We headed to the lake again, where last time it sounds like Riva, Yuna and Finna found something. Using charms to travel quickly, a secret passage through the water and leading to another part of the mountains was used. There, we found an ancient set of ruins, and another sleeping Einherjar in some sort of stone statis. Since everyone was dallying about what to do, master decided to have me wake it up."<br />
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"The Einherjar introduced herself as Eir, one of God's chosen warriors. She had been asleep for a very long time and was confused, but then said we were likely meant to show up and help. She took us to the temple, where we passed countless sleeping Incarnations, maybe some Einherjar. A pool in a room, called the Well of Knowledge, was used to show us the past."<br />
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"A king who looked a lot like Laurence, the guard captain of Lucrelia, was seen leading human armies in raids against the Incarnations and Einherjar, wielding supernatural weapons we didn't see when we visited Lucrelia, and which their soldiers definitely didn't have. This culminated in the king stealing God's power, and every Incarnation and Einherjar turning to stone to slumber, feeling betrayed and hurt."<br />
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"It's at this point an Incarnation attacked the temple. We distracted it and ran, and I collected another piece of divinity from it, this one aligned to wind and speed. More importantly, it struct everyone as odd that a creature on God's side attacked God's temple and chosen warrior. Knowing the king stole God's power countless years ago, it's possible that this man is still alive, as that much power would render a man immortal, or at least unaging if not undying. He may be the one controlling the Incarnations, and stopping us from learning more."<br />
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"Master says, she would really like us to recruit this man, if that's the case. There might be more to gain from doing that than from stopping him. But right now, all we can do is continue investigating."<br />
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"On that note, master was basically being watched the entire time. The fox, Yuna, and the Archer, barely ever took their eyes off her. If we want to keep our ability to do things there, we're going to need some backup."<br />
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"We don't know how much of the temple survived the attack, or if the Well of Knowledge survived, but if it did it's something else to consider. The temple was filled with divine creatures in statis, and the Well of Knowledge could be an invaluable asset."<br />
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-Caster</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3527/Risen_from_Kardashev%27s_Locker_-_2&diff=122713527/Risen from Kardashev's Locker - 22015-12-15T07:20:07Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2015/12/14 |Location=Great Ocean - Southern Loop |Synopsis=Zwei tracks down the previously coined 'Armiger Princess' and the final standoff ensues;..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/12/14<br />
|Location=Great Ocean - Southern Loop<br />
|Synopsis=Zwei tracks down the previously coined 'Armiger Princess' and the final standoff ensues; the true nature of Whispered Revolution revealed in the process, as the heartbreak of a faithful warship gives some small insight into its mysterious master.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=253, 582, 596, 637, 680, 685, 863, 908<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
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{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:596|Zwei (596)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thankfully, responders have the luxury of not being already under assault when repeat contact is made. It's perhaps unsurprising that Zwei would eventually find the mysterious 'Abyssal', being the only accessible Elite around with full knowledge of its technical abilities and pre-programmed behaviour before sinking, and with equipment specialized in picking up on it. This time, the target has been illuminated well off at a distance, coordinates uploaded in real time to even the most basic GPS or radar systems brought along via the wonders of advanced battlefield intelligence networking.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Asche is the sub-unit present, holding position at low altitude over a nondescript expanse of empty ocean, already armed with heavy, long-ranged weaponry. The 'princess' is beyond visual range due to simple physicality, but all instruments indicate that it won't take very long to change that if going at full steam. It's perhaps slightly telling that nobody from the Flotilla, ostensibly Zwei's closest allies, are here at all this time. "I am currently intercepting the renegade's long-distance sensors. She-"<br /><br />/*It.*/<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"-she has held this position for the past three hours, siphoning carbon and hydrogen from the ocean current and recharging her power supply. It is likely she will resume movement shortly. Draw your plans before closing into visual range. I cannot render you invisible to the naked eye."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A full-sized fleet carrier, or at least the shell of one, cobbled together of weathered steel plates with still-glowing-hot weld seams, this is the Wo-class' answer to the ocean fit out. Unlike the fleet daughters, however, she remains on the deck of the ship, standing just outside the island as she communicates silently with the bulk of what becomes an extension of her body. Radio and radar are attuned to the transmissions from Zwei, and in addition to her own glowing, golden eyes, she 'sees' with that sort of information. "I under-stand," she broadcasts in return. "Thank you - for your assist-ance, in this matter." Afterward, she glances back to the lone Confederate ally she could muster on such short notice; fortunately for her, as evidenced by the last time, it is more effectively three. Two and a half?<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ally Gudako," she says, her monotone voice somehow growing more serious despite no real change in personality. "It is like-ly, the Union...will also arr-ive. They will, try to sway her." Her eyes then glance back forward, to the direction of the ship's movement, though the speed of the turbines has been dropped, to allow the situation to briefly develop ahead. "If it - comes to it. We will fire, upon her. She cannot fall, into their hands." Adding to the promise of full force, she holds out a black gloved hand and gestures, level to the horizon. Elevators raise from below decks, beginning to load full-sized versions of Abyssal aircraft onto the deck. They appear to be modern, jet designs, curiously, though they still have the worn metal plate, and human jaw, aesthetic that the Abyssal fleet is well attached to. In addition, the anti-air and defensive batteries angle skyward, at the ready.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then, the wait, as the slower speed draws the ship closer to what could become an active battlefield, shortly, if the scenario so-turns. The large, toothed maw of the carrier hull burns with its inner fire, casting an ominous, crimson light into the waters ahead of it. Not exactly a stealthy craft, this, despite the aircraft it is carrying.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Upon getting the information that the "Abyssal Princess", Nagato has ordered the Fleet to sortie out. Nagato herself, along with Ryuujou starts heading towards the location given by Zwei, "They found the ship. Time to go see what it's made of." she mentions to the fleet, "I want everyone to be on guard for anyone else. All light carriers scout out the area. Get the Saiun's up." Nagato's face frowns a bit, o O (What in the world is this thing...) comes a stray thought, o O (What is her purpose...)<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, Ryuujou's scroll folds out from its roll with plane shaped strips of paper on it. With a soft chant, hand signs and obvious magic, the planes start shooting off the scroll and into the air, markings designating most of them as a saiun and some as the type 0 recons. "PLanes up! Let's go, let's go! We'll have the Admiral's praise after this if we do good!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Woooo, look at the view, Caster!" Gudako says, on Wo's deck.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The blue-robed Servant behind her crosses her arms, just sort of looking out at the sea. "I don't know. Doesn't it kind of weird you out we're ON an ally?" she asks.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Just on cue for Wo to speak up. Caster EEKS, Gudako just continues grinning, 8D ever unfazed. "Gotcha! I have an idea. You know, there's a lot of stories that have people change when they see the future, huh? The big revelation that makes a hero or villain turn into someone else to stop or rush it. Caster!"<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"M-Master?"<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You should show it its future. With us!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The foxgirl turns to Wo. "Do you think master's plan might help? We've never really dealt with things like the Abyssals before." Well, can't blame Caster for making sure Wo is fine with it. Gudako wasn't going to bother, but having Caster do it is fine too.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:863|Haguro (863)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Haguro's geared up and ready for a fight, launching with the rest of the Fleet Daughters. After the last engagement, she appears to be a little more confident in her movements, having some idea of what to expect this time around instead being caught completely off guard. She's even trying to stay closer to the front of the group, her turrets ready and loaded! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All the confidence in the world doesn't keep her worry-free, though, and the Heavy Cruiser is unable to figure out whether to switch to something more suited for long range combat or something more suited to close-range and to draining those shields as quickly as possible. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "U-understood. Will we be attacking from range or trying to get close this time?" She frowns pensively. "Or... Admiral. Do you think we'll be able to talk to her? After last time, she... She looked like she was in so much pain. If we could stop her without hurting her more..." She takes a deep breath while adjusting her turrets' firing angles just in case. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She just needs to be ready for whatever's going to happen.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:253|Psyber (253)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From underneath the waves, emerges a nautical signature. It's pretty large and clearly metallic for anyone with the sensors to tell. It is, in fact, a remodeled and upgraded Type VII U-Boat. Months of Union resources were spent gutting parts of it and modifying it to run on a two-man crew after Wo delivered it to Boston Harbor. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It breaches up through the waves, the black tower sticking up out of the water as a hatch unscrews with a hiss and opens. Psyber steps out, dressed in a long coat and a scarf, smoking a pipe, "Yarrr." He says as he steps out onto the platform. A voice from behind him calls out: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That's PIRATES. Not submarines!" From the ladder into the ship, a white-carapaced man known as Lawless Crimesolver emerges looking more like a noir detective than a submariner. He and Psyber go straight to bickering. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Whatever. It felt appropriate." <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well it wasn't! It was dumb. You embarassed us both!" <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hey woah, I embarassed YOU. I'm fine with how that all went down." <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Fine, I'm embarassed enough for two people, so I count twice, see?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Psyber takes a slow drag from the pipe and then exhales some smoke, "I'm here to hunt warships and make shitty movie references. I'm well stocked on both." He notes to Asche and gives him a thumbs up. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He puts on a Sean Connery accent, "Now. Let'sh go shink ush a ship!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He hops back down into the submarine. Lawless Crimesolver follows behind him, "Oh my You," He uses that particular phrasing just to harass Psyber, "I am gonna have to deal with this shit all night, aren't I?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:637|Kongou (637)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Scout planes, scout planes~," Zuihou hums to herself as she draws an arrow from her quiver and pulls it back along her bow. Aiming upward, she releases it, the arrow soaring. In midair, it glows, then separates into a flight of five green aircraft with yellow tail markings, which bank off on separate vectors. Recon is key! "Go find them~!" Though she's confident, Zuihou still reaches back, pulling free two more arrows held gently by the fletching. The arrowhead shapes indicate these are bombers.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A few yards to her left, and somewhat ahead, Kongou skates along at a steady pace, her hands resting on her hips, "So it's the same ship that attacked the base~?" Head tilting, she slows to a halt, glancing towards the horizon. The radars on her headband swivel in place, adjusting their angles, before she glances back towards Asche, "And just what is it you expect us to do~? There's more than a little thirst for &lt;Revenge&gt; in this fleet after--"<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A submarine surfaces.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kongou suddenly isn't there.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Squawking an objection, Zuihou discovers a new hat, when a battleship literally scrambles up onto her shoulders and clings to the carrier's head like a startled cat. The gun turrets bristle on her rigging, eyes wide and intensely staring at the U-boat. She only relaxes when Psyber emerges on deck, but refuses to get down.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:685|Kuma (685)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuma and the Fifth Fleet sortie in support of the Flagship. They take a double Line formation, with Kuma and Yamashiro heading the columns, and Chitose taking up the rear with Nowaki and Shigure in the center. They're all in Land Fit-Out for now.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chitose hears the orders, and with a swivel of her launch rails, she aims skyward. "Zuiun, launch. Observation pattern." Hisses of steam herald four floatplanes blasting into the sky to join the carrier-based planes already launching. "We'll wait for your orders, Flagship." says Yamashiro to Nagato, as the fleet comes up alongside the northern fleet flagship.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:596|Zwei (596)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Aircraft seem to have a much easier time going forward now than before. Asche was telling the truth. Even if weird Abyssal wuju seems to be going on here, the ship was originally of Licht make, and so Zwei knows every fine detail of how to deal with the original model. The 'Armiger Princess' doesn't pick up on anything as they close into observation range, scanners reporting nothing but clear skies and calm waters, and her actual eyes closed as if in sleep or meditation; or at least the one visible through the broken visor is, still mysteriously left unfixed. The water froths faintly around her feet, occasionally flickering with tinges of electrical light, the air shimmering visibly from the combustible fumes separating from it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though the planes have to close into her unfairly massive anti-air range, she doesn't open fire, and likely won't until they get close enough for her to actually hear their engines fairly loudly, though it seems quite probable that her shield is up in this relaxed state, and probably fully charged after being left alone for so long. Still, she's been caught completely unaware and unprepared during a resupply routine. The chances of a surprise attack working don't get much better than this.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"In the interest of fair distribution of information, both superfactions are present. This case affects the fundamental, driving cycle of a world, removed from the politics of the Union and Confederacy. I hope you understand why." Asche says, holding position even should the others begin moving up. It'd just be Weiss if Zwei only intended to observe. It's quite likely he can shoot from this distance.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"As you - wish," the Wo-class' humanoid self responds, lowering her hand now that a full flight of dive bombers is ready for launch, if necessary. There is just a hint of fatigue in her shoulders, somehow, as she admits, "This was...an un-expected, complication. If it can be re-solved, that way, then - you have my su-pport." She then turns her eyes to Caster, which also involves a shift of her head, causing the bulbous weight of her hat atop it to pivot. Both sets of 'eyes' stare, in consideration, "...un-certain. She was - still fresh-ly awoken, before. Lost. Angry. But...it is worth, a try. Perhaps, being beaten...will have given her, some sense." Appealing to some baser instinct, like self-preservation, or revenge, seems like the best bet, but the carrier does not articulate that point. It is already beyond her to guess what the nature of this new Abyssal could be.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Princess - types," she somehow sounds reflective, in her subdued tone, "Like surface dwelling, ones... Their person-alities, can be. Ecc-entric." Yeah, real helpful and insightful. It's just another problem of trying to guess what this already unfamiliar Abyssal might want, as her voice is not clear enough, in the shared headspace of the Abyss. A perhaps more useful thought follows, "Re-mind her...of where she, tru-ly belongs." To a good portion of the world, just another sea monster, like the Abyssals she has emulated.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is about this time that Wo also notices other radar contacts, far on the horizon. They aren't certainties, just yet; more like probabilities. She had predicted that they would not be coming here alone, though. "They're here," she remarks, with conviction ill-fitting the data available, though not seeming to feel strongly about it. It's also likely good that she doesn't catch Kongou's embarassing antics. She might have to break her monotone just to tell her to Kan Up.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As that strange feeling that something is 'wrong' just over the horizon threatens to consume her thoughts, the end of her cape receives a tug. It is a tiny person with a bulbous, chubby head and button eyes, wearing a bomber jacket. She gestures meaningfully out over the sea. "...it's danger-ous," the carrier reminds, but the small girl seems to be adamant. "...o-kay, but - only for, scouting. If you are - fired upon, re-turn." The terms and conditions seem to be agreeable, and the fairy scrambles away to the other end of the flight deck, boarding what looks like a model of an F4F Wildcat, scaled to her size, and starting the engine. The tiny fighter plane climbs ahead, as Wo frowns, vaguely after. Can she actually get worried? "If 'they' are, here," she remarks, "They'll recog-nize it. So be it. We're not - here, to be subtle."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With eyes in the sky now covered, the large carrier closes in on visual range. She appears dormant, but that sort of thing can be deceiving, especially when dealing with such a familiar-yet-not entity. "I'll hold - a cruising pe-rimeter, here," she asides to her passengers, "And watch - your back."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:253|Psyber (253)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Before vanishing down into the bowels of the submarine, Psyber gives Kongou a chipper wave, "Kongou! Did you and Zuihou form Mecha-Shiva?" He inquires as he climbs down in, "Good work! Ride into battle gloriously as a carrier with the guns of a battleship!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CLANK. Turn-turn-turn. Hissssssssss. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He and Lawless are climbing down into the depths of the U-Boat, both of them squeezing through the tight passages to make their way to the mostly-automated command center. They click a few switches. The submarine lets out an audible 'BWOOOOOOM' noise from the horn before it begins to sink and go forward. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If this were a normal submarine, crew would be running around and making sure everything is working properly. If it were properly manned, the same thing could be observed. But most of it is automated, so instead: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Alright. Uh... B3." Psyber says, rubbing his chin. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Miss. C10." <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hit. Damnit, you sank my battleship. Motherfucker." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fortunately, as a submarine captain, he won't be around for as much of the action and exposition as everyone else. This is totally not Psyber's plot to avoid writing a report.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:637|Kongou (637)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A dark shape silently slices through the sea, a meter or two below the surface. Its nature is unknown. If one were to treat the idling Princess as a central point, this shape approaches her from the side opposite the gathering Daughters, an somewhat perpendicular to the Abyssal aircraft carrier. It leaves no trail, its method of propulsion unknown, and against the deep, it's nearly invisible.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Admira~al!" Kongou whines from her comrade's shoulders, "You shouldn't bring a submarine, don't be mean~!" Beneath her, Zuihou groans, wobbling on the water's surface, which gets the battleship's attention, "--Ah! Sorry, Zui~!"<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a 'hup', she hops down, then straightens her haori. As if nothing happened, she perks up and thrusts her hand out, "Now~! I think a surprse attack would be the best move! What do you think, Flagship?" Glancing aside, she adds, "Would the carriers be able to catch her off guard~?"<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The dark shape is soon joined by more. A handful. And then more. More still. Identical, sleek creatures rapidly approaching the idle Princess.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ahh~..." Zuihou, now much less burdoned, folds her hands primly, "It'd have to be a surprise attack. Her anti-air is really good. I had a lot of planes shot down last time." With a nod, she adds, "That's why my cute little Saiuns are holding their distance today." She turns a bit towards Kuma's crew, "Chitose, I hope your Zuiun doesn't get too close, it'd be a shame if she was lost!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So the end line, you guys are kind of unpredictable and it's hard to generalize, huh?" Gudako surmises, while looking ahead to the seemingly dormant ship. She watches Wo interact with... what is that even? A tiny ship girl? Oh! It's a tiny plane girl! That's adorable.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, either way, the plan seems worth a shot.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Go ahead, Caster~."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On the deck of the Wo-class, Caster gives a nod, and extends her arms to either side. A dozen slips of paper appear around her, circling her rapidly. They glow an intense pink, and then she motions forward, toward the sleeping !Abyssal.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The paper talismans pulse, and then disappear.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They reappear ahead, forming a large circle around the would-be princess. They discharge their magic immediatly, and it'd be pretty difficult for Caster to hide that she's the source, especially if anyone had eyes on Wo.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The spell ATTEMPTS to give the !Abyssal a vision of the future. A what-if, presenting it life in the Abyssal fleet. People it can relate to, powerful allies it can fight with, and freedom. How long or short it is, how detailed it is, depends entirely on her resistance to being shown such a thing. If she actually takes to it, the vision could be pretty faithful to reality. It might also clearly show that the approaching non-Abyssal fleet isn't friendly, mostly from being the Abyssals' enemies.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The appearance and dissapearance of Psyber and Kongou's reaction cause the Battleship to shake her head... "If we can get contact and air superiority... but then we have to worry about any Confederates coming in." Nagato's eyes close and she nods, "Bomb her but keep on the lookout for anything other than ... that new Abyssal." she starts, "Load up your best dive bombers and get covering fighters in the air. "Let's close in and finish this. If we can get this Abyssal and sink her, perhaps we can make this one less abyssal for the enemy."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ryuujou nods and more papers come out, red marked papers that launch off the scroll quickly, covered in magic and Ryuujou's own hand signs to get them going, followed by a set of green marked planes. "Okay okay! All you carrier aircraft! Get to work! Get to work!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:863|Haguro (863)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Are those.. Other Abyssals? Haguro's breath speeds up slightly as she starts to get more wary of the whole situation, her eyes darting around to try and determine just how many targets they have to focus on. Hearing Nagato's orders, Haguro nods before loading her anti-aircraft ordinance. Getting as close to the giant as she did last time isn't something the Heavy Cruiser's keen on doing, but... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But if she doesn't, who will? "I... I'm ready, Admiral. Anti-aircraft shells loaded. WHether you need me here or to move ahead, I"ll.. I'll be ready!" Even as she tries to sound determined about that course of action, Haguro keeps her turrets trained in the sky for the time being. She's ready to speed forward at the moment's notice, and she's still keeping her gaze focused on the giant ship. "And then we can save her... We have to save her!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:685|Kuma (685)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chitose nods to Zuihou. "They are keeping station with your Saiun!" she calls back. But as Nagato calls the order to strike, she launchest additional units. "Zuiun! Form up and attack! Coordinate with the Carrier planes and destroy the enemy!" Hiss-CHKAK! go the rails on her arms, and sprouting from her backpack rigging, launching another four Zuiun. They reset, and repeat until a full 16 Zuiun are in the air. "Drop your bombs and return immediately!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yamashiro rotates her cannons into position. "Load Type 3 shells!" she announces, the cannons clankclicking as the loaders arm the weapons. "Airburst, 2 seconds from predicted impact." she looks over to Nagato. "Ready to open shelling on your command, Flagship."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuma, Shigure and Nowaki shift position. "We will close to torpedo range after initial shelling, kuma! Be sure to cover our approach, kuma!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:596|Zwei (596)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's an odd thing for a being formerly purely of technology to be shown its future through magic, in a way that could almost be called a dream when once it had no concept of something closer to sleep than death. The lack of subtlety is no real issue, as the ship is not properly equipped to divine the details of spellcraft anyways. It is a conflicted slumber, to say something of it. Though 056-237-001 has risen in the proper form of the Abyssal that should normally follow a sinking like hers, or perhaps even somehow styled herself in that way, it was jointly the Abyssals that had sunk her to begin with. It's difficult to so easily accept them as friends, rather than simply beings of the same breed, even entertained in imagination, but then after all, she is supposed to be on the same 'side', right? Now that she understands their suffering, and now that they might understand hers, in some form. That's not all she wants though. Not really. If someone were closer, they might see the uneasy way her exposed brow twitches. Thoughts of an Admiral of a kind, who has nothing to do with these girls, and yet mirrors them so closely.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One end of the mental scales is shoved down like a bratty child grabbing it by hand as the currents of water stir faintly around her feet, waking her into a brief boot-up and re-check routine to try and account for the obvious error since she hadn't detected any missile being launched, lasting just long enough to be a sitting duck when the wave of Long Lance torpedoes strikes from out of nowhere. The 'Abyssal Princess' disappears into the resulting spray of skyward-hurled sea foam, and then the ensuing explosion of ignited hydrogen as the separated gas catches flame, blossoming into a spectacular fireball visible for miles all around, already filling the air with the scent of ozone as the shield shudders violently from such a massive blow, dropped instantly below the halfway threshold. She's barely recovered her senses in time to see the waves of dive bombers swooping down on her, pelting her mercilessly with their gravity-dropped munitions, spraying her with a wave of secondary detonations.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wo seems to have been correct in that some of that homicidal fury has worn off, or at least sorted itself into place, after some time alone, because for the first few moments, the 'Princess' seems more stunned than angry; confused, alarmed, even scared, completely uncertain of how this surprise attack was even possible, never mind what to do. Right away she begins backing up, thrusters whining towards full burn as she looks fearfully up to the sky, her impressive anti-air battery coming online and divying up its targets, abruptly lacing the air with dense, crisscrossing streams of point beam weapon fire, mowing down the straggling last wave of the bombers before they escape from range. With her sensors still being intercepted, she can't even find the Fleet Daughters, never mind shoot at them, and so her movement towards Wo is more instinctive, or perhaps accidental, than anything. A handful of fusion missiles rocket into the air, climbing to high altitude to gain a visual on the seascape below, briefly catching sight of the Union formation before their targeting is jammed and they drop out of the sky as a safety measure, but no sign of the source of the torpedoes. The telltale pulse of red light can be seen on the horizon, indicating the charge of those devastating raiser batteries.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Those teasings of radar returns earlier resolve slowly into certainty. Both from other ships and varied Elites, as well as the aircraft being launched and the scout craft already in the skies. The F4F fairy in the sky places a hand over her eyes, as though shielding it might allow her to see better, as she has her serious face on! While she speaks no words, a telegraphed signal returns to Wo, further confirming the composition of the opposing(*) forces. "Looks like - your Caster might get, some 'help'," Wo asides, watching this action seemingly more through her mind's eye than her physical ones, for a moment. "It appears...they plan, to attack the new - one." While it means little from this far out, there was no sightings of that strangely familiar destroyer, the one that calls herself Hayashimo. The one on their side that had tried to appeal to reason before, and could have been another complication.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Conflicted feelings follow for the fairy aboard the Wildcat, as she noses slowly over and briefly tracks some of the incoming aircraft from the light carrier Ryuujou, from a high vantage point. After a moment, she gives a shake of her head. "...you don't, have to," Wo remarks openly to the air, in a strange display of understanding. It is not completely altruistic, however; the fleet daughters and their allies attacking the ship reinforces the point Caster is trying to make, with her visions. In the Abyssal thoughtscape, Wo adds her own reinforcement; she can be more articulate, in this realm of the shared voice, than the one than many surface dwellers can hear. "An incoming force is about to attack you. If you join the fleet, I will do my best to cover your escape. If you refuse this offer and continue to act on your own -- then you will be considered a rogue element." With unsaid consequences.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yeah, after past experiences with Kongou and Yamashiro's Abyssal selves, and even though this seems to be a Princess-class borne of a mostly unfamiliar vessel, she is just going to lay it out. She confides as much to 8D, seeming to return more fully to the here and now, "I have - given her, our con-ditions. Whether she, chooses to hear it, we will see." With other strike aircraft in the sky, there is no more time for hesitation, regardless of the outcome, as they could come under attack just as easily. "Co-ver, your ears," she instructs, as the jet turbines aboard the full scale Abyssal fighters fire, causing a high volume and pitched whine to resonate around the area. They take turns lining up at the catapult, the sound of hydraulics propelling them forward as they rocket off into the sky.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A wing of air superiority fighters, they lack obvious torpedoes or bombs, but retain large caliber cannons. Though they have glossy areas like cockpits, they are mirrored over in a sickly, black finish, and their nose areas sport human-looking teeth. Already, the elevators are moving again, and the actual bombers are being loaded. There is something odd, though, that the Wildcat fairy above reports on. Several strikes confirmed, but from whom? The fleet daughters' force looked to still be getting into position. It causes another frown to form on the face of the Wo-class carrier, "...a-nother, com-plication." Yet somehow, not surprising, given the complicated circumstances of Armiger's 'rebirth'. "Moving into - screen-ing position. We will - buy the Princess, time. That is all."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hold - on, Gu-dako, Cas-ter." With that, the carrier's frame surges forward, turbines humming to full steam as she moves forward. It's not quite enough to knock someone off their feet, as it's not that rapid an acceleration, but the easily motion sickened would not enjoy it. Anti-air batteries level upward, but refuse to fire upon anything until the Princess, herself, makes her choice.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The downside to Caster's spell is that she has no way to see the visions themselves. Or to tell if it worked. Beyond the fact the sleeping Princess didn't immediatly fire at them in rebutal, whether it was successful or showed what needed to be shown is up in the air. Gudako is not lacking in faith in her Servant, but it'd be a mistake to bank too much on something the results of which can't be seen.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And Wo confirms that she saw the attacks, too. And they're moving in! Alright, naval action! The magus nods to Wo, while the Caster produces another set of talismans.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Caster, shield Wo! Everything is up to her now."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster nods, and with a flash of magic spreads the talismans to the various parts and pieces of the Wo-class. Her cannons get attack buffs, her engines efficiency buffs, her radar and sonar arrays get accuracy and range buffs. Most importantly, and where the Caster's magic is focused strongest, the hull plating of the Wo-class gets a defense buff, and a magical barrier. Every little bit counts, right?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It does not really occur to Gudako staying on the deck is probably a bad idea. That'll be extra work for Caster and Berserker, most likely, but the master really is enjoying the view too much to head inside.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:253|Psyber (253)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"... aaaand... B13." <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"God DAMNIT, LC. Last one. You win." Psyber grumps, slamming the cover on his game board closed and pouting a bit, "So what do you wanna play now?" Psyber asks as he looks around. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, they're fighting up above." LC points out, waving vaguely at the instruments and readouts that show the battle topside is beginning. He quirks an 'eyebrow', "Should we help them out?" He inquires, adding, "I dunno why we're even in this. Aren't you actually stronger on foot?" He asks blandly. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Probably, but. It's fun to play along. We'll think about helping out later." He muses as he leans back, "But let's play a few games. Kongou was scared of torpedos, right?" He inquires as he looks at a folder next to him, "Or Submarines anyway. Maybe..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The U-Boat does surface, briefly. And when it does, the WHUMPH of a torpedo leaving the tube echoes in the air. It then tries to vanish under the waves as silently as it arose. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The torpedo isn't aimed at the Abyssal. Instead, it streaks through the water towards the Wo-Class. It does not, however, have any chance of hitting her. Instead, when it gets about twenty yards away from her, it detonates very obviously in her eyeline. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Psyber is curious to see if Wo has enough memories of her old life to be startled by torpedos, but he's not willing to actually hurt her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:637|Kongou (637)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Right!" Once ordered, Zuihou shifts her grip on her arrows and draws one back, aiming skyward. This is right when the explosions go off, relayed to the carrier through the frantic transmissions of her scout planes as the sudden appearance of that fearsome anti-air curtain throws the entire aerial unit into evasive maneuvers. It's so unexpected that she nearly drops her arrow, fumbling for it, then shooting a bewildered look at Ryuujou. A heartbeat later, she glances towards Nagato, "T-torpedo detonations, reported at the Princess! Ryuujou's only using dive bombers and I haven't gotten my Tenzan into the air!" <br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Straightening, Zuihou rapidly switches her two bomber arrows for a fighter, drawing it back, "Nnn~ go!" The bow snaps, the arrow taking flight and splitting into a squadron of green-marked aircraft. With her fighters airborne, she switches to the bomber arrow she's already holding, drawing it back and releasing, following the Zeros with a slower, lower wing of Tenzan torpedo bombers.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kongou shades her eyes as the aircraft take flight, a frown forming while her radars swivel, "Hmm~... I can't see where those could have come from." A sidelong glance, "Kuma, was it &lt;Long Lance,&gt; maybe? Do you recognize it?" Either way, as she speaks, her guns rotate forward and elevate, loaded with Type 91 armor piercing shells. She'd used these against the Arimger when it was just a ship, and so she recalls this should work well again. Though she holds fire, waiting for Nagato's command.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the distant sea, a black shape emerges from between the troughs of the rolling waves. Indistinct, its appearance shifts, obscured. There's the faint glimmer of black metal amidst the shifting exterior. Billowing about with the foe's motions. There's a bursting impact overhead, the sputtering of an aircraft's engine, a shattered Zuiun spiraling down from the sky.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The shape stops, whirls about, and a human arm snaps out to snatch the wounded aircraft out of the sky. While the plane burns, the stranger lowers it, another hand emerging. Gently, though quickly, the unknown girl pulls open the Zuiun's cockpit and extracts the fairy between two fingers, then reaches back. Two fairies emerge from the side of her rigging, welcoming the rescuee aboard. She then lifts up the ruined aircraft.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Seaplanes..."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Turning back to face the Princess, Kiso discards it over her shoulder, dropping it into the sea behind her.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Don't need 'em."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:685|Kuma (685)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chitose winces as her trailing Zuiun get carved up, the fairies bailing out as their planes literally fall apart around them. The one caught by Kiso bows gratefully, and clambers in to hide within the Cruiser's rigging. Chitose releases the arm launchers, and lets little strings fall from clenched fists, holding them out as her remaining Zuiun return. They drop low, skimming the water as they line up to the catch lines, swinging for a moment at full power before shutting down. "Be safe... everyone." she says, retrieving her planes and turning to move out of range. She doesn't have any Main Batteries, and her AA array wouldn't so much as tickle the Armiger, so she's backing off to let the others focus on the engagement.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yamashiro tracks her eyes as her Spotters confirm the target. "Track, 219 degrees, elevation maximum. Extreme Range." The cannons swing out on arms, lining up in a broadside across her shoulders, their barrels angling skywards, and the Battleship holds up her right arm, then chops it down towards the Armiger. "FIRE!" Four reports, followed by another four reverberate across the ocean, bowling the water before her out as the shells fly free. They're set to detonate and spray the area under their detonation zone with the white-hot magnesium and tungsten within, since that seemed to work better in the previous engagement.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuma blinks... lifts her hands up to rub at her eyes as that shape emerges. She then beams brightly, hopping up and down and flailing her arms. "LITTLE SISTER KISO!!" she bellows. If the opposing forces didn't know she was there before... they do now.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:863|Haguro (863)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Haguro's seemingly at a loss on what to do for a while, looking from Fleet Daughter to giant to the Abyssals present. It's not until new orders come over her radio that an affirmative grunt comes from the Cruiser, and she starts to pick up speed. "Understood, Admiral. Guns engaged!" Her turrets aim upwards slightly to compensate for the distance between herself and the Armiger. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'm sorry, but... But we'll save you. We'll save all of you!" And with that, she begins firing anti-aircraft ordinance at the Armiger, once again going for quantity over quality with her shots. After the last engagement, she's not even sure if armor-piercing rounds would work at all against those decidedly unnatural shields. Thus, her strategy this time is to just try and bombard it as much as possible!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:596|Zwei (596)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Likely not a ship designed to fight a reactionary battle, the 'Abyssal' doesn't seem to want to stand and deliver, picking up speed quickly as she starts to accelerate over the previously placid waves, skating back and forth without slowing her retreat vector with the side-mounted verniers on her armoured leg assemblies, weaving between as many bombs and shells as she can. Burning magnesium and red hot tungsten rains down on her, catching her in washes of flames and shrapnel as she skirts away from the incoming vector of each shell, diverting fire to try and shoot down ordnance rather than aircraft. Already so hard-hit right off the bat though, her shields are visibly quivering in a tenth of the time as before. It really seems as if she doesn't know what to do here, having been caught lost and alone with no support and little idea of where she even is, attacked by unknown enemies from nowhere. Perhaps the way those circumstances could be compared to her original sinking are actually paralyzing her, in a way.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's only when Kiso finally appears, at last putting a face on the attack to direct her attention at, that one of the oldest of the fleet of Whispered Revolution reacts in any concrete sense; her sole visible eye shooting wide open, pupil contracting into a black pinprick in a sea of luminous green, followed by her lips contorting into a grimace of despondent outrage. "Go away! . . . leave me alone!" she finally cries out, shredding the airwaves with that horrific static, both arms hauling their hefty, featureless gun banks to bear, circuit patterns coalescing beads of bloodred energy into firing points, and then loosing a quartet of volatile hardlight cannon bolts at the new arrival.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Just . . . leave! I don't . . . understand! Why?!" She hisses as a second barrage ripples across her shield, strained to its breaking point as the torpedo detonates near Wo, causing her to swerve violently inbound towards the carrier, diverting one battery in Kuma's direction and returning ultra-long distance fire. "They're . . . only going to throw you away! I'm not wrong! . . . Why . . . do you hate me so much?! Why . . . won't you realize that?! Why. . . won't you just sink?! It's all . . . we can do! To sink . . . and be forgotten! I'm already . . . useless . . . so why do you keep hurting me?! Just sink already! Sink! /Sink/!" The last 'sink' is punctuated by a volley of missile fire, this time far better aimed and coordinated than the panic dump from last time, screeching at hypersonic speeds over the sealine in sleeting curtains for each Fleet Daughter target, only to fall silent out of the air, intercepted by digital-warfare codes a tier above her own.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The 'Abyssal' doesn't respond directly to Wo, but she flees straight to her, the sole eye of reassurance in this storm of uncomprehending violence. It's odd that a ship that claims to already be dead would fear dying again so intensely, but she seems more than willing to make that alliance of desperation more than anything else. Asche remains relatively impassive, but the whine of charging weapon banks is audible regardless. "So your resolution is to kill her?" he asks in utter neutrality.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the carrier surges ahead, a single torpedo is loosed in its direction, and while primed to detonate harmlessly some distance away, there was no way to know that ahead of time. The deck tilts ever so slightly as an evasive maneuver is executed, though cut a bit short as the warhead explodes some distance away. Though she is safe from it, especially with Caster's reinforcements applied, she still visibly flinches from the sound, thankfully void of creaking or ruptured steel, this time around. When she looks up from holding her forehead, she grumbles faintly: "That sub," Wo confirms the track, from its brief surfacing, and having her Wildcat's eyes on the area. "Gh...is he, trying to - get me, to leave?" There is little time to second guess what Psyber is doing down there, and she certainly would never guess that he and a buddy had just wrapped up a round of Battleship. Now back on course, though with a few seconds lost, the freshly enchanted ship rushes through the sea.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is a bit too late to save the Princess from the bulk of the shells and shrapnel now pouring her way, but the effort is, at least, honest. The bad part about attempting to screen for her is that it is now Wo's turn to line up in the direction of the fire, should the Armiger pass behind as expected. The large carrier is not precisely the most heavily armored thing, and the bombers even now are trying to streak off on the catapult ahead of the inevitable. Most of them make it out to join the fighter wing, but at least one falls prey to the peppering of shots coming in from range. The ship itself continues to hold, for the most part. A combination of the Wo-class' stubborn nature and Caster's reinforcement, though she does call to her Confederate allies, "Get - in-side, if you must." Despite that, she seems to be resolute to remain where she is, as despite the protective magic, the boards on the deck become scorched and pock-marked. One incoming shell even glances across the hull. She doesn't look even a fraction as concerned as she did against the torpedo. Regardless, the monster-fied profile of a Yorktown carrier is presented.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With all the planes in the air, the anti-air batteries finally level at the incoming aircraft of the fleet daughters. They track for a few moments, and then begin to fire. The full-sized Abyssal aircraft don't seem interested in that side of the engagement, instead trying to climb over and take a direct course at the fleet daughters' lines. The poor little Wildcat continues to hover, as though it isn't certain what to do - it similarly remains out of the engagement, for the time being. The fairy pilot feels conflicted to the extreme, but is thankful to not have to engage potential friends of hers.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If she's Abyssal, this is the way it happens. We sink her and, with hope... she comes back with memories. That's how the Fleet is." Nagato responds to Asche, "If there is any other way, we would opt for it." with the direction it's going... Nagato gives a nod and an order over the radio. "Full speed ahead! I'm going in." Ryuujou drops back to join the carrier squad, launching planes along with the others to have cover fire for the Admiral. "Unknown voice, I am going to try something."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nagato's guns dissipate from her rigging and slowly, most of her rigging dissipates as well, just battleship and turbines going in a line as fast as they can carry her towards the Armiger Princess... "Nowaki's right, it may be late for diplomacy but I will make amends... First wave. I have something similar." with radio pings updating her position, she continues forth, "ARMIGER!" she shouts and, as useless as this might sound, "WAIT!" the focused woman takes a brief look up.... aircraft. Jets... nngh. She shakes her head and continues on her way forth, trying to meet up with the Armiger Princess.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nagato's got an idea...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:685|Kuma (685)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shigure listens to the radio, then nods, kicking off forward. She squeaks as the Raiser beam slices through the water toward Kuma, but continues onwards to join up with Nagato. She swings her backpack out and grabs the cannon-fa as abyssal aircraft come streaking in. She lifts the barrels and opens fire with rapid blasts of flak shells, filling the sky with black explosions in the path of the incoming aircraft.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuma blinks a little, the flash of the raiser blast occurs a fraction of a second before it strikes, giving the cruiser a very brief window to begin a though. "Oh..." she says intelligently, as she's caught full-face by the starship blast. She goes flying backward, skipping across the water before coming to rest, half submerged. "... ow."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yamashiro stows her main battery, instead opting for the smaller secondaries to fill the sky with flak and tracer fire, adding to the AA fire from Shigure. Nowaki also joins in, opening up with flak shells and machinegun fire from her own rigging. They're shifting tac entirely to defense, easing off the pressure on the Armiger.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's kind of hard for Gudako to tell what all is going on. The fight is happening at a distance, and while Wo is getting closer, it doesn't seem like those firing at the Princess are all in visible range. For a normal person, anyway. What she CAN tell is that when Wo gets close enough, she's the one taking fire. And then things start shaking! And there's explosions, and shrapnel, and all that incredibly fun and safe stuff.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Told to get inside by Wo, after she refers to someone trying to make her leave, Gudako ponders, and though she seems rather happy to be on the deck, if her constant expression can be called a sign of that, she eventually wanders inside-- she is curious now, anyway, what is even inside Wo.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Do Abyssals have the need for crew quarters, cabins, entertainment rooms, observation decks? She'll discover! Let's find out what's inside a horrible dark corrupt ghost ship thing.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster remains on deck, having produced her very large mirror to act as a physical barrier between herself and shrapnel. It's still not perfect, and she's still at risk on the deck of the Wo-class, but it means nothing.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Another set of paper talismans is produced, and sure enough like the last set it lances out from her. Towards the Armiger Princess. Glowing a bright pink and blue, these blessings are all focused on defensive buffs. Speed, armor, a generic magical shield, and even regeneration. Unfortunately, since the Armiger class is primarily technological, the regeneration spell won't be worth all that much. It might seal the lighter and smaller holes in its hull, at least.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She even throws in a mental clarity blessing. Wo had mentioned this ship might have been angry, confused and conflicted, so trying to ease that may help at least a little bit.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:637|Kongou (637)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the Fleet Daughter formation breaks up for combat, Zuihou leans aside and breaks off, turning away. Once she's clear, she surrounds herself with glittering silver light and bursts forth into the distinctive flat-topped silhouette of her fully sized aircraft carrier form. As the flight deck solidifies, another wing of aircraft--fully sized--rises into position on her central elevators. In the air, the tiny toy model Zeros and Tenzans expand to match, then break apart. The Tenzan dive low, merely 100-200 meters off the sea's surface, while the Zeroes climb and break off into a chaotic dogfight with the Abyssal fighters.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While Zuihou's fighters dance in the sky, and a second wing ascends from the carrier to assist, those four Tenzan torpedo bombers swing around and form together. With the order to leave the Princess alone, they've chosen the next largest threat: The massive fleet carrier made out of teeth and malice. Incoming planes are no doubt going to attract the anti-air batteries' attention, and so the squadron dips low and drops their torpedoes at a long range before banking away to regroup. It's dangerous, but far enough out that the spread could be evaded. It might cause some mis-positioning, though. Is that Zuihou's real intention?<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Standing on the sea, Kiso raises her visible hand to scratch the side of her face, "...Yeah? You're Abyssal, ain't ya? You'd sink me on sight, listen to you sayin' it. Sinkin' you is just self defense." She jerks aside, narrowly avoiding a crimson beam. The next slices through the bulk of her cloak, sending off sparks where it clips her equipment and, as she recovers, there's smoke from the gear attached to her back, "..Heh.. They come up with better 'n better ones.." Leaning forward, she accellerates across the sea, weaving through widespread laser fire. The launchers on her thighs swing forward, though a sudden beeping catches her single eye's attention, "--Mm?" Squinting forward again, she nods, "Fine. She knows what she's doin'." Kiso swings to the other side, and the launcher on the side of her rigging flips forward instead. On a different trajectory, five black-painted torpedoes are launched into the water. It spins around, switching to the second launcher, which follows suit. These, not aimed at the errant Armiger girl, are instead aimed in a spread that carries them across the enormous aircraft carrier's path, "Solvin' another problem, instead!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:596|Zwei (596)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whispered Revolution is most definitely getting behind the big, protective, almost sisterly bulk of Wo's presented carrier side, clinging to those earlier visions of . . . even if she can't quite believe in friendship, something at least that doesn't involve being hunted down and shot! The shots still trailing after her start to fall short, glancing here and there at sub-optimal angles as Caster's buffs take effect, prolonging her flight to safety until the fleet's fusillade lets up, and switches to focusing on the aircraft, but her primary defensive system really is at its limit. Some of the panic fades from her expression as the last blessing takes effect, and yet the primal confusion of fear seems only to give into another kind of conflict as she is more clearly able to determine why it is that nothing about this makes sense.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I said . . . go . . . /away/!" she screams to Nagato, taking aim at her even as she approaches completely unarmed and almost unarmoured, offended on some deep level beyond having simply just been attacked. The dual-quad raiser sets charge, focus, and then one is blown asunder as matching energy weapon fire rips from over the horizon and crashes into the weakened shield, blunted by Caster's magic to the point where, though it manages to tear through the cannon assembly and the 'wing' behind it, it skirts off the point defense belt and only grazing the girl's arm, spraying a strangely iridescent fluid in place of oil; the flames issuing from the damaged equipment blue-white instead of ruddy orange. Even if it's not a hulling shot, it should still be a listing one, due to how light the armour seems to be under that shield, and how little there is in the way of robust or redundant systems, but she doesn't seem to be actually lowering in the water. Losing performance very quickly, yes, but not properly sinking like a real ship spirit should to signify its flagging life force.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It seems she's clear-headed enough to tell what's happening now though. The way the enemy has ceased to even attack her, instead focusing entirely on Wo. It's cruelly poetic. Once again, she is rendered useless; nothing but an inconvenience to the ship trying to help her, crippled by another of her creator race and set up to fail, caught unawares and unable to fight back. Desperate to at least do /something/, she forsakes her refuge from behind Wo, throwing out her arms at the incoming Fleet Daughters. "Stop it! Leave . . . her alone! She . . . understands! You can't . . . take her away! You /can't/! This isn't . . . /fair/! Why do you . . . keep doing this . . . even though you have everything?!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You want someone who understands?" Nagato shouts out, though with the laser coming in and breaking off part of the Armiger, Nagato continues her quest forward. "Shot down... sunk... left as a test bed for nuclear weapons." she continues to shout out, things that the fleet will more than likely hear. Nagato's story. "I did not do much during the war in which I was sunk, girl. I know what you're going through, you're without purpose, without a home, without being!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nagato frowns, her voice turning a bit more passionate, "I sank... I sank with regret... with hatred towards them... towards the same people who built me! I became THEM... the very thing you are running to. A being full of hatred and lost dreams who wallow in their own being.. because they can't remember who they were or how it felt." she shakes her head and shouts, "We do not have everything, we do not come close to having everything. We're in a war with our other halves... the Abyssal ships... the ones you are mimicing..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She looks back towards her fleet then back forward, "I'm here... to show you that we do want to understand you, that we want to make sure you... become the one you want to be... they became what they are because of my help and the rest of the fleet. I want the same for you. We fired because that's what we're used to doing, how this normally works, but you, you don't follow it do you?" Nagato's completely guessing here, "Come.. join the fleet, cast off the Abyssal garb you're wearing and we can give you purpose, we can give you understanding... we can give you what the First Wave never gave you."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Recognition and care. An identity. You."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If Nagato's close enough, she's going to be bold enough to end things with an embrace and armorless.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inside, curiously, it is replicas of all the equipment and mechanisms that one might expect to see in the original, including the hallways, but it all has that same rough hewn appearance as the exterior. Various stations that almost look like they could be used by a human crew are around, at least unless one actually tried to push any of the buttons, or twist any knobs. There is a conspicuous, crumpled area near the bow of the ship, however, where the radiant heat might make it difficult for 8D to approach. That is likely where the infernal furnace that one could see from various vantage points, outside the ship, has been forced into the frame, the rest contorting around to accomodate it. Cabins and bunks are all there, but are in a curious state of lacking any detail of being 'lived in', or even previously occupied. What can't be made of solid material is omitted. The atmosphere feels a little bit like a skeleton without its flesh. Regardless, it is likely safer in here than outside, and the red lighting everywhere really sets off the decor.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Suddenly full-sized aircraft are a bit more considerable than their prior form. The Abyssal jets buzz and emit digital-sounding static between each other, and the fighters break away from the bombers to engage their counterparts. Despite what one might believe of technology gaps, Zuihou's more conventional aircraft still appear to be holding their own; the sleek airframes of the Abyssal planes are more suited to high speed flight, and they have to fight themselves, and their stall speed, as much as they do the enemy planes. The end result is more parity than one might expect, with cannon fire being exchanged between aircraft. Two of the original six are eventually peppered with rounds, one of which suffers a catastrophic airframe failure as it bursts into flames, where rounds barely keep from sawing off a wing. The others don't seem swayed, not even the damaged one.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For their part, the bombers continue. Unlike their fleet daughter counterparts, they climb high into the air, before beginning a dive, releasing an Abyssal mockery of a bomb each; two head for Yamashiro, one for Kongou and two for Zuihou. Unfortunately, the level of concentrated anti-air fire the collection of fleet daughters on the other side can leverage is a bit much. A full three of the original five essentially disintegrate in mid-air. A fourth is billowing smoke as it turns up, its wing creaking from the stress and threatening to break. The accuracy of the bombs in those conditions is questionable, though the planes themselves, at this size, are also dangerous, as their burning wreckage falls out of the sky. The Wildcat fairy has had enough, and turns back to return to her carrier -- but will there even be one to return to, at this rate?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wo turns her eyes on the deck to Zuihou's incoming bombers. Gesturing with her staff, she directs the anti-air batteries in their direction, but she knows that when it comes to torpedoes, it's better to just not be there in the first place. Through either luck, or mercy, she manages to pull ahead of their spread, and while she does her best to remain in position, it does nudge her out of the space. It's about that time that a sting goes through her head, and she quickly turns to Caster, "Brace--" It could have been a lot worse, and Gudako will feel this even below decks, but one of the torpedoes from Kiso just struck near the bow. The welds of the metal plates on the exterior ripple briefly, like some kind of cool, slow motion video of a guy getting punched in the face. And then several shatter and break off, exposing framework, as well as more of that inner furnace. While it is just the metal creaking, it is almost like the carrier itself growls.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When it all clears, the carrier is intact, for the most part, but many more strikes like that won't help the cause. The Wo-class, herself, has dropped to one knee on the deck, propping herself up with her staff, and twitching visibly. The planes being shot down, being torpedoed, it's all a bit much at once. And then the other, more freshly awoken 'Abyssal' appears to have had enough of having another suffer for her, which catches the carrier by surprise. About then, the Wildcat also lands on the deck, scooting to a stop in front of Wo, which requires a harder landing than usual to even come to a stop. Fire from the Wo-class ceases, for the time being. Almost as if she is also hearing Nagato out. "...kuh," she gasps out, a trickle of black oil coming out. "--if only, it were - that easy." Knowing that the fleet isn't likely to fire further with their flagship and Admiral in the vicinity, Wo remains steady where she is. Anti-air and defensive batteries raise, as though being stowed.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Believe who you want," she speaks through the shared, Abyssal voice space again, where she can be a bit more articulate, "But if you go with them, I won't be going with you. There are too many of my sisters, like me, for whom those answers won't come. And I won't abandon them until everyone gets to come home." With that, the carrier once again enters a cruising pattern, nearby, but it seems the fighting from her is over.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako will likely spend the next while exploring this REAL LIFE GHOST SHIP. If she's bothered by the atmosphere, it doesn't show; actually, she finds this pretty homely. It might be taint of the Grail making her feel like that, or it might just be that she's that much of a sociopath she feels at home in an empty skeleton ship. She'd likely go all the way to the furnace, and then widely back off and decide she doesn't need to see what's there THAT badly.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's too bad all those levers and buttons don't do anything!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maybe if she looks hard enough she can find an admiral's coat and hat.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On-deck, the Caster's mirror is put to work; incoming artillery, at least, can be deflected, or worst-case detonated on the mirror to spare Wo one or two hits, at the expense of the Servant's own health and magical reserves. It's really not a situation in which she can truly shine-- she can play a mean support game, but it's not her best talent by far.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Wo and Nagato give the Princess her choices, Caster pitches in, in support of Wo. "They came here to sink you. We came here to save you and give you a home, and whatever you want after that. It wouldn't take me a long time to pick a side. They can hide it behind pretty words, but it won't erase the fact they tried to kill you. Twice."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Due to the betrayal in her own life, Caster doesn't forgive easily. So where her advice is concerned, it's pretty obvious she'd pitch to the Princess not to overlook the two sinking attempts so far. Even if one was, admittedly, in self-defense, and probably doesn't count.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As they idle about, Caster does at least focus her magic into another quick spell. A half-dozen ofuda shoot out, three at the Princess, three at Wo's damaged hull. Healing spells, this time-- no fancy stuff, just raw healing. Likely more effective on Wo than the Princess given the former has a heavy spiritual component to her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:685|Kuma (685)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yamashiro stares upward defiantly as she clears the sky. A bomb slams down into her #4 turret, ripping it completely out and blasting shrapnel into the sea surrounding her, but she remains resolute. "We all have our own hidden pain..." she says softly to Nagato's speech, finally wincing as the ruined turret falls free from its mooring, splashing down into the water before the magazine inside detonates.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shigure, for her part, hovers near to Nagato and the Princess, but doesn't turn her guns on either, keeping her eyes firmly locked onto any approaching aircraft, ready to shoot them down, or throw herself in the path of their attack.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nowaki watches stoically as Nagato makes her speech. She remains stone-faced, but any Daughter would know the turmoil boiling under that placid surface.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chitose wheels about, after Kuma gets knocked sprawling. "Kuma's taken a heavy hit! Moving to assist!" She skates over, and stoops to haul the cruiser back up.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:637|Kongou (637)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Trailing smoke, a Zero spirals out of the sky and into the water, a tiny parachute floating down a few moments later-- far too small for a human pilot. Jets against Zero dogfighters is always a hairy situation, and Zuihou always has a hard time managing against the likes of Wo simply because the Abyssal has more aircraft to commit to a dogfight. It's Ryuujou's assistance and the combined anti-air power of the gathered shipgirls that helps bring it down to parity, more than the disadvantage of low speed combat on the Abyssal fighters. Another Zero suddenly rips into a steep slanting dive, the left wing tearing off courtesy of cannon fire. A third breaks off and dives, making for its mother carrier, trailing black smoke from the engine compartment.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alongside Zuihou, a bomb explodes in the water. Seconds later, the second impacts the flight deck just forward of the central elevator, shattering wood and twisting steel. The girl shrieks, audible outside the ship, "Ahh~! They got me!" Fire suppression hisses to life around the resultant fire, while she frets, "I-is the flight deck okay?"<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The fairy flying the damaged Zero pulls off, avoiding the bomb hit and surveying the damage. After a moment, the button-eyed little sprite shakes her head and banks the plane away. The cockpit slides open and she jumps free, while the plane ditches into the sea.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At a much more sensible size, Kongou leans aside from incoming air attack, presenting her back to where the bomb lands. The blast, quite large, pushes her forward but she refuses to fall down. Smoke gutters from her rigging's twin stacks, until her boilers recover from the concussive impact. Her guns lower, trailing smoke, while she hears out Nagato's speech.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Some distance away, Kiso raises a hand to shade her eyes, squinting at the sky with her one visible eye, "Retreatin'?" A glance downward towards the smaller abyssal, "...Heh." Her equipment's double launcher swings up to a rested position, torpedoes loading back in while she slows her speed to a more leisurely approach. "No sense firin' that close. Guess she gets away."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:596|Zwei (596)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In amidst the chatter of machine gun fire, the percussive boom of cannons, the screech of shells and whistle of falling bombs, and the roar of deafening explosions, it's that tackle from Nagato that seems to jostle the Armiger Princess the most. It's such a slight impact compared to the countless blow she's already weathered, but the stiff jerk of her body sends the broken visor tumbling from her eyes, finally exposing her entire, surprisingly youthful face, and the expression of numb, shellshocked grief etched across it. The snarls of bared teeth opened across her rigging remain still and silent, the glow fading from their hellish maws as her body begins to tremble, and then the tears roll down her corpse-pale cheeks.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But I /do/ remember . . ." she chokes out. "I remember . . . all of it . . . every second . . . every day with her . . ." Her shoulders twitch up and down, her lower lip contorting pathetically as she struggles not to yell. "I don't want . . . a new admiral . . . I don't want . . . a new fleet . . . I just want . . . to go back . . . I want to see the others . . . I don't want to be . . . the only one left behind . . . to be the only one thrown out . . ." Finally, she drops to her knees, the water splashing around her legs as she crumples. "I hate her . . . /s-so much/! . . . but I still . . . I remember when she was different! . . . Before she changed! . . . I don't know . . . what happened . . . I don't . . . understand! Did I do something . . . wrong? Is it . . . my fault? Am I the reason . . . she's so unhappy? I don't get it! I just want . . . her to be happy again . . . so things can go back to normal! Our war is over! We're supposed to protect . . . the peace! Not . . . kill humans! But don't I have to? She . . . she told me to so . . . I had to do it . . . b-but . . . I just . . . I didn't want to be alone! . . . I don't want to die alone . . . not when . . . all the others are gone . . . not when . . . she only has us left . . . I still want to help . . ."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is a series of explosive pops as tiny flashes light off in the joins of the rigging, purged from her frame by micro-explosives, leaving her in just the bodysuit and leg thruster array. The rigging turns to dust the instant it hits the water, sloughing off into an ugly lagoon of carbon slag. Her arms briefly squeeze around Nagato's waist before she picks herself back up again, looking back to Wo. "I can't . . . leave her . . . just yet. She's suffering too. I can't . . . leave them all alone as well. I don't want to fight . . . for no reason . . ." For one instant, her vocalizations resolve into a brief strain of crystal, high-definition clarity; soothing, warm and even. "I have to make sure she's alright first, before I can do something like that. I'll be seeing you."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her arms then slip free of the Fleet Daughter, drifting away as she does, turning towards the damaged carrier listing off with one, long-lasting second glance.<br /><br />/*I'm really going to let it go huh?*/<br />//Study proves conclusive for tier 2 intelligence.//<br />/*That's not the point.*/<br />//056-237-001 - Whispered Revolution has been confirmed destroyed. She is freed from military service. Her workings are now sufficiently entangled with supernatural phenomena as to be considered black-box, and there is no risk of a breach of intelligence. The prodigal sister reaps what she sews here. I will not execute one of our own.//<br />/*Ugh, yeah yeah I get it. I'm just hoping this isn't going to bite me in the ass later.*/<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Then I shall wait for you." Nagato returns the gentle squeeze, giving the Armiger a nod. "Very well. Go see her, make sure she is well. We shall meet again soon." and with a radio call, "Fleet. Cease fire, fall back." she nods and stays where she is, just watching. Ryuujou slowly sails up, her planes recovering to her. Ryuujou looks between the Wo-Class, the Armiger and then the Admiral. "Shall we follow?" she questions, before Nagato gives a shake of her head.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No, Ryuujou. We wait here until the Wo-class is free of the area." comes Nagato's voice, it's strange to hear but it's not her usual stoic, commanding voice. "Sometimes, the best victory is hard to obtain, Ryuujou. And I am... one to think that when we see her next, it will be on the best terms and we will welcome her with open arms." Nagato stands there, hands at her hips, arms spread out... assuming that commander pose. "We did well but... I wonder about the Wo-class at times.."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shaking that brief thought out of her head, she nods, not even resummoning her gear. "Good work, fleet..."<br> <br><br />
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}}</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3505/God_Will_Rise_-_Part_Three&diff=122443505/God Will Rise - Part Three2015-12-11T20:55:34Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2015/12/10 |Location=The Tundra |Synopsis=In a mountain clearing, those investigating Lucrelia's woes find some answers. |Thanks= |Cast of Characte..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/12/10<br />
|Location=The Tundra<br />
|Synopsis=In a mountain clearing, those investigating Lucrelia's woes find some answers.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=385, 495, 513, 714, 757, 821, 908, 916<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Today is the day. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A week back, a meeting with Laurence, one of the knight captains of Lucrelia, shed light on the situation that this little corner of the world was going through. It was agreed upon in the end that they, as Elites with powers beyond what the typical knight is capable of, would make the journey to the mountains in the distance. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After all, Incarnations came from there. And yet no previous attempt at entering has ever been successful. This is the best chance they have to find out what's really there, and what's truly going on. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That being said, one Lyner Barsett can be found trudging through the snow, a now familiar white cloak wrapped around his person. By the point clasping it closed, there was also a talisman affixed. Gudako would know what that was. Hey if it helped with the coold, he was all for it! The last time they'd come this way, they were heading in the direction of Lucrelia. But this time, they were headed away from it, the city growing smaller at their backs. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It's been a while since we've come this way, huh?" The Knight of Elemia casually mused aloud. Though fresh snowfall had covered it up, there was definitely no mistaking this clearing as the place where they fought that first battle two weeks back. ...Well, they did. Not him. Eventually, they passed through this area and finally arrived at the beginnings of what looked to be the closest mountain base. There was no one here to greet them. No soldiers, no Laurence. No one. They were going to go at this alone. Lyner came to a stop, as they arrived, intending to let any stragglers catch up. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I met with Laurence earlier in the day. He said that he was going to keep a secure perimeter around the western walls of the city. In preparation of what may come." An arm rose out of his cloak, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, he didn't have anything important to share. Seems like this place is a total question mark." That said, Lyner turned to look up into the distance at their target. It was a silent, serene place, blanketed by constant snowfall. And now that they were so close, it became obvious to those with magical senses that the place was brimming with energy. This was definitely the place to be. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner turned back to everyone and smiled. "With our skills, we'll probably be the first the chart it in recent years. Or I guess 're-chart' it. So be prepared for anything. We're going in blind."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"It's been a leeeeeeeeetle bit." Riva says, strolling along with Lyner. She's wearing a hoodie today with a winter coat over it. It's kind of weird. "But of course it's a question mark, all of their people who have come near the place got smashed. No sane people would head near it." <br /><br />Riva then smiles brightly and laughs. "Which is why we're diving right in!" She spins her big anchor-like hammer in her hands before resting it on her shoulder. "Let's make this happen! We'll figure it all out as we go."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once again does Gudako answer the call of ADVENTURE, accompanied by her blue-robed Caster. The pink-haired foxgirl tails after her master, while a second Servant idles while incorporeal. It seems not to be paying attention to anything, so one can assume Berserker is napping. Ghostnapping. Ghostcatnapping.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oooh, are they afraid we'll stir the nest and then they'll get attacked? I guess that makes sense, but them preparing the walls is pointless. They couldn't beat one Incarnation, much less multiple! Ah, it would have been more efficient for the captain to hand everyone a knife to make it short."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It should be pretty obvious what Gudako is implying.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Caster~!"<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yes, master?"<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You should go ahead and scout."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is with this simple command that the blue-robed Caster suddenly transforms into a white-furred fox, blending into the snow more or less perfectly, if one ignores the fact she still gives off the magical aura of a Servant. She scampers off ahead, to take a quick look, and warn of what's coming up. If anything. She'll try to stay a fair bit ahead of the group as it moves, at least until they cross something worth stopping.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:757|Misha (757)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whelp. Misha's here. She's bundled up, that's for sure, remembering the biting chill of the Tundra as clear as the last time she had paid a visit, fur trim lining added to her luxurious purple robes to give her an extra edge against the cold. "So we're headed to the mountains huh. Well that sounds dangerous and like a bad idea, but, I guess I'm used to being pulled along for bad ideas."<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is a pointed look at Lyner. A familiar, playful and teasing, yet definitely very pointed look.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Anyway, I'm not worried. You all know the drill, keep me in one piece and I'll keep singing until I can sing no more~."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>While Yuna missed the meeting with Laurence, hearing that the group was going to venture into the mountains brought her to pitch in - and she's got the whole Matrix of Light to back her up this time, since there really *is* no knowing what lies ahead.<br /><br />Apart from whatever those Incarnations come into being through, at least. That's the objective, isn't it?<br /><br />Yuna doesn't have a nifty cloak; her Light Suit keeps her warm despite the hostile conditions, although the risk of getting caught in a snowdrift is still present if she doesn't watch her step. She's staying generally alert and has Elner flying further up to keep watch on the surroundings; she's not sure what kind of wandering monsters might show up besides Incarnations, but at the very least, between Elner and everyone else who's keeping watch, there should be plenty of warning before the group might wander into an ambush by another Incarnation or the like.<br /><br />And on the subject of mapping, Elner glances up towards the robo-faerie. "Elner, you're already mapping, right?"<br /><br />"Of course," Elner replies - not loudly, but relying on its link with Yuna for her to hear the response.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;COLD! SNOW! The natural element of a white-furred fox that has been quietly tailing Riva. Somehow the small creature walks atop the snow without leaving tracks, all but entirely silent. Just prancing along like it was nothing. She's so perfectly blended in that the only thing really revealing her presence at all is her black nose and icy blue eyes.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yeah. The cold and the snow just have nothing on her at all.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's currently plodding along next to Riva, but periodically pauses to listen to the surroundings or peer at people she's not spent much time with before.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Like Gudako. And her shapeshifting Servant.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She does pause again when Caster goes bounding off in a shape similar to her own, kicking up embers of indignation in her gut.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Show off." The little fox complains, hypocritically.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That's HER job after all!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer, for the most part, spent the trip in his invisible spirit form so as to conserve prana. After all, they had no clue what was dwelling at the mountain... and his staying out of eyesight meant he wouldn't be immediately attacked and possibly have the chance to counterattack before an enemy knew he was there. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A tactic shared by the Master of Caster it seemed, as her second Servant was also lingering invisibly. Insane though she seemed to be, the girl was practical enough to know battlefield tactics - which was proven when she sent her Caster up ahead, taking advantage of the Servant of the Spell's shapeshifting ability to make a more effective incognito scout then Archer himself could have. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At the same time, he felt a more... mixed response to Gudako's words, agreeing with the fact that the city couldn't have held against the Incarnations in force, yet finding a discrepancy in her statement. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Namely that... if this 'God' was capable of sending out more then one Incarnation, why hadn't it already done so? Could it not send more then one? And if it could... then what was it waiting for? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He was cautious about using Structural Analysis to try and detect any abnormalities in the terrain - there was no telling what could or couldn't set these 'Incarnations' off - so for now, Archer was operating purely on reinforced sight and hearing. Though given what they were facing, that may as well have been the same as being blind, just as Lyner said. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So for now, aside from keeping himself prepared - the blueprints for his blades already called to mind for the event of disaster - Archer silently followed the group. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And he hoped that those assembled would be enough to stop whatever they found.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner looked towards Riva and chuckled lightly. "Diving right in, huh? I guess that's basically what we're doing. No information and all." Gudako's rather grim commentary earned her a mildly sheepish look from the blonde knight. "Ah...haha, well, I mean technically you're not wrong, but I don't think that's a very good outlook to have!" He shook his head and sighed. "Of course, if anything gets by us and approaches the city..." A pause followed. "...Well, we'll just have to try our best to keep that from happening, won't we?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Misha's mention of bad ideas and a pointed look, teasing as it may be, is met with an equally pointed, guilty aversion of the eyes. "W-Well hey! We're all still alive, so I think that counts for something, don't you Misha?" He reached over and set a hand atop her head playfully. "No worries! I'll do my best to keep you safe!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; and Caster and Elner move forward to parform their respective tasks of mapping and scouting, they both may come to feel a peculiar sensation. A feeling akin to passing through water. Just for a brief moment. And then it was gone. The others who were behind would soon feel the same sensation. Did they pass through a barrier? That was the immediate conclusion one could draw. But what was the point of a barrier that could be so easily passed through? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Putting that aside, Caster would find that there was nothing immediately suspicious to be found. The snowy mountain terrain continued onward normally, though there only seemed to be a single worn path stretching around a bend before going out of view. The rock wall of the mountainside was too steep to simply climb, though one could fly if they really wanted to. It might be risky. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That risk became immediately clear when a shift in the wind could be felt. From high above, if one looked, they would be able to spot a familiar aesthetic of a large, pure white body cloaked in an elemental aura. This time it was green. It had an impressive wingspan, and it circled overhead for a moment before veering off out of sight. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That was definitely an Incarnation. But oddly, it did not attack. It left them alone. Now why was that? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It was becoming increasingly clear that their presence had long been detected by the mountain. Or perhaps God itself. There was no way to tell.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Once again, Riva doesn't seem to notice STEALTH FINNA until she mutters something. With a 'Huh?' She looks down, and then blinks. Hands twitch... And she quickly slides the hammer onto her back before leaning down to try to scoop Finna up. "Ooooh, Finna! Come here!" <br /><br />She will, of course, get scritched and petted relentlessly. "Who's the best fox? You are! /You/ are!" She doesn't go so far as to get super cute-voiced about it at least.<br /><br />As that's being handled, they pop through the invisible barrier and head up the snowy side. "Man, this place feels /awesome/. Really fresh and clean, like mint!" Riva breathes for a moment, inhaling deeply and looking up to the sky with her eyes closed. She opens them just as the Incarnation passes over. <br /><br />"WHAA?!" She yells, momentarily, before she slips and topples backwards, POMFing into a snowbank. "Wooooooooow. That was huge!" She calls from the snow.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>A 'barrier designed to be passed through' sounds an awful lot like a detection perimeter of some kind to Yuna - and when Elner picks up on the 'barrier,' that's the first thing Yuna thinks of as it's reported to her. Maybe kind of a crude 'tripwire,' but effective enough ...<br /><br />Particularly given that there's an Incarnation in the sky.<br /><br />Yuna wills the Matrix Divider to appear in her hands even before she passes through the 'barrier'; she could probably use Shugoseiheki too, but the Matrix Divider needs both hands. She's also considering the practicality of El-Line - and quickly determines that it wouldn't be a great idea unless the situation gets really dire. The group is on snow-laden mountain paths, too much noise could bring more snow down to bury everyone - and missed shots, even if they hit the terrain away from her allies, could bring snow AND rock down on everyone else.<br /><br />Still, Yuna takes a moment to have her three 'doubles' prepare for action, and Jiina, Erina, and Marina - all in their armored, not-quite-human-looking combat forms - close the distance, forming up behind Yuna and readying their respective weapons, just in case. That done, Yuna quickens her pace to try and help Riva back to her feet. "You okay?" she asks, attempting to provide Riva with some extra leverage for getting out of the snowdrift.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After three days of bed rest, Sanary is ready and raring to go! It takes her a little longer than she'd like to actually find the group leaving Lucrelia, but she does eventually spot them in the distance. Some mild jogging later, and she eventually catches up to start matching their pace instead! "Not too late, am I? Aah... I miss anything?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Apparently not, since she was just in time to feel that odd feeling passing through her. Or herself passing through it? She can't really tell, but it's enough to put the cleric on guard. The kite shield from her back is brought to her front quickly, although she keeps her left hand free for the time being. "Easy, everyone. Let's see now..." Her eye glints briefly as she activates the Libra matrix inside it, scanning what she can only assume is an Incarnation, widening after a few moments. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "... Shit. This thing's got really strong magic /and/ it's fast, but... If we need to, hit it with the biggest rock you can."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finna's no sorceresss. She's not even a particularly occult-aware Lunar! Hasn't honed her senses much down that path. But she feels the tingle of magic through her fur, down her spine, even as Riva scoops her up! The most bizarre thing follows.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The white-furred fox submits entirely to the barrage of adoration, squeaking and wriggling before *yipping* at Riva as if she just got her senses back. Maybe she's just sliiiiiightly worried.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And for good reason. The strange thing goes flying overhead, leaving Finna to take a place on Riva's shoulders. "We might've just tripped an alarm! A ward. I felt us slip through SOMETHING..."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:757|Misha (757)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A pat on the head? The surly pout that crosses Misha's face is quite possibly the most epic look of irritation a girl could give a man. But she recovers rather quickly with a small huff. "Geeze, you just don't get it, Lyner." That said and done, she adjusts her robes, pulling them tighter to blot out the cold as she follows along. The snoy mountain is pretty in its own desolately chilling way but...<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That thing just saw us didn't it."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The idea of a barrier you can go in or out of freely isn't new to Gudako-- Bounded Fields, unless created with the intent to keep someone in or out, are just overlapped effects, not proper boundaries. So she has to assume this is something similar. But what does it do? She's not a very good magus, so she can't tell. On the other hand, she knows who can! Maybe. Probably.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Caster! Stop foxing around, we stepped through a field."<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The white fox perks up, nods, and reverts to her human form. She makes her way back to the group, and with them stares up at the Incarnation.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But her gaze quickly moves around, trying to narrow the origin and purpose of the barrier they stepped through. It didn't seem to affect them, at least not yet-- maybe it's a home field advantage for the Incarnations? Just an alert to warn them when people come close? To a delayed trap.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yeah! That's okay, finding it faster is better for us, right? Now we can just wait to see how they act on their territory! If they're not hostile, it could mean things!" And stuff, certainly.<br /><br />One wonders if Archer's appreciation for Gudako's tactical mind would change if he knew the reason Berserker is incorporeal is because the Servant is in fact catnapping right now, and not because of any tactical advantage therein.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As Archer moves in tandem with the rest of the group, he takes notice of another white 'fox' - or rather, something in the shape of a fox, the silvery-sheen across the ears and tail, even if it did't have an existence similar to another Servant. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If not for the fact he'd met Finna before, he might have assumed her to be another fox-like Servant in Gudako's employ - the red-haired Master seemed found of them. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer also takes note of Sanary Rondel's approaching presence, wondering if she was here to take /this/ world's prosperity or power like she apparently was doing in Hyrule... though he wasn't going to turn away assistance, regardless of the motivation, unless she became an open obstacle to their mission. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, Archer's attention becomes more heavily focused on their surroundings as they pass through a barrier - or possibly a bounded field. Something that was obviously not meant to keep intruders out - in fact, it was more likely a form of early-warning system. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Either way, it was unlikely their entrance would be unnoticed now... even without Riva's cartoonish response to seeing the form of the Incarnation above them, which was a stark contrast to Archer's sense of dread. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Prana flows through his body as Archer moves to the flank of the group - still invisible - ready to summon forth his bow as soon as they know whether or not they are in active combat. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After all, he'd prefer not to have to fight it out so soon - or at least not until it was necessary. After all, they needed as many of their number intact as possible to reach the center of these Incarnations - whatever part of the mountain that 'God' resided in. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Best to not start a fight unless they had to... though Archer had few hopes that they could escape it in all honesty.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A pat on the head. Whether Lyner was just messing with Misha, or whether or was really that dim, there was no way to tell behind that idiotic smile of his. But that moment passed soon enough as they passed through the bounded field of sorts. He definitely felt that. Lightly shuddering from the sensation, he took a cursory glance around before his gaze rose. Riva's comical exclamation clued him in and he frowned. "I think it's pretty safe to say that it just did." Lyner muttered aloud in response to Misha. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He stayed by her side as a precaution, arms falling under his cloak as they all moved. Sanary's Libra report earns her his attention. "That sounds about as bad as the last one. I guess there's no point hoping they get weaker instead of stronger." For real. But what were they to do for it now? "Well! Nothing to do but keep pressing on!" So the optimistic one says. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Caster's search would clue her in to the source of the barrier being underground. If she focused, she might have been able to sense something akin to leylines beneath the surface. Magic was flowing through the mountain in this manner possibly. As for the barrier itself, it seemed to be nothing more than an intruder detection system. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But certainly, if they were not hostile, then they must have had plans. Or were being led by someone who /did/ have a plan. Who knew? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All of that aside, the group is unopposed as they travel the mountain path. The altitude gradually increases with each step made, bringing them further and further into the mountain, and away from civilization. Eventually, they come upon a clearing. A clearing with a moderately sized lake on the other end. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The lake isn't frozen, oddly enough, despite the weather being relatively freezing. The water was still, nothing around to disturb it or create ripples. The clearing was surrounded on all sides by sheer rock wall extending upwards, and there didn't seem to be any other outdoors paths left to follow. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, upon second glance, one would be able to spot a small cave opening in the rock wall off to the side. Both the lake and the depths of the cave were giving off magic energy signatures, particularly that the underground leylines from previously intersected and split off of two different directions. There were no Incarnations about, creating a peaceful feeling locale. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What will you do?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A weird lake, a weird cave near the lake, a weird flying bird thing, and a general aura of weirdness all around her with some weird ghost she may or may not notice behind her. It almost seems normal to Sanary, considering how the whole situation is just so... Uniformly weird. She does seem rather relieved when the bird Incarnation doesn't attack them, and her shield lowers just a bit. Instead, her focus goes to that cave in the distance. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Can any of you hold your breath for a long time? 'cause I can't, so..." She gestures at the cave in question, and starts heading in that direction with her shield ready once more. Her free hand reaches for the inside of her armored jacket, fishing out what looks like a folded-up cube. It's not clear what it is yet, but she keeps it ready!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ugh, water. Last time I threw Berserker in water she pouted at me for several hours. No way, the other fox can get wet if she wants," Gudako gestures towards Finna, before walking towards the cave, evidently unbothered by the fact they've been watched this entire time, and this has all the makings of walking right into the monsters' den.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Let's go say hi! We intruded, so they already know to expect us anyway. Ooh, I wonder if they'll have food waiting for us. That'd be new and special!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster follows her master in, although she seems a bit less happy than Gudako about just walking in like this. At the very least, the foxgirl summons her very large mirror, which orbits her slowly. It's not much but if something happens at least it'll be out, and it does make a very good shield.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Riva get helped up! "Thank you!" She calls to Yuna as she stands back up and shakes off, Finna becoming a handy Shoulder Fox (TM). "Wellll, I'm sure they saw us coming anyway, right?" Riva comments, shrugging a bit. They travel on, Riva immediately getting a spring back in her step. Is it becomes of the leylines? <br /><br />When they get to the clearing, she looks over the place, nodding happily. "This is amazing! Is that lake not frozen, that's ridiculous, it's so high up here! I wonder if it's a hot spring?" She draws closer to the lake and hunches next to it, reaching out to dip a finger into the water. "Ooooooh." She says, watching for ripples. <br /><br />She'll follow Gudako into the cave if nothing interrupts, though. This isn't a swimming area.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:757|Misha (757)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh Lyner. Ever so intent on pressing onward. Well, there's no use crying over being spotted now, Misha isn't quite sure if this was intended to be a stealth mission anyway.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Given an option however... "I think I'll pass on joining the polar bear club." Noted in regards to taking a dip in the icy drink.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's sticking close to Lyner, but the cave does draw her eye. "Hmmm. Hold on a second..."<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's a little ballsy. Standing at the mouth of the cave, she draws a breath. Though her lips move, it's as though no sound comes out. She's chanting in Hymmnos, but it's on a range that might feel funny on the ears. It will probably make anyone with sensitive animal ears very angry, but Lyner should recognize this spell.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Misha's voice acts as a sonar, firing down the cave and bouncing along walls- and anything else that might be inside, before hopefully bouncing back to her rather informatively!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yuna figures most of the group is probably going to prefer venturing into the cavern ... but somebody should still check out the lake. And she has one good way to do that herself.<br /><br />Marina of the Sea promptly seems to go transparent, 'phasing' over Yuna's battlesuited form; as soon as their shapes have aligned, Marina vanishes entirely and a wireframe shape forms around Yuna. Immediately thereafter, pieces of another suit of 'armor' begin to materialize, interlocking with the Light Suit and with the other pieces, with the end result that Yuna's outfitted in a 'mermaid'-like armor - complete with a sealed, transparent visor that covers her head entirely without impairing her vision.<br /><br />Transformation to Marine Form complete, Yuna rematerializes the Matrix Divider and dives into the water. Elner follows suit; Jiina and Erina just stand by on shore. (They could head into the water too, but they might be needed elsewhere while Yuna's exploring the lake.)<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer's gaze narrows as the Incarnation seems to let them pass without conflict. What was the goal of these creatures, anyway - what was their plan? They didn't seem to feel keeping their group out was a priority or even a concern... so what had been the point of that alarm? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... unless it was just to ensure whatever was in the mountain had the time to prepare a response, or trap, for them all. Something that was accented by how that flying Incarnation didn't see them as an issue. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer had little trouble ascending the mountain as the elements didn't affect him - in fact, as he was still invisible, he was unsure if anyone aside from Finna, Caster and her Master were aware of where he was. Though, because this wasn't something that demanded correction or affected anything negatively, he left it be. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When they entered the clearing, Archer could feel the concentration of prana flowing through the area; he wasn't exactly a potent mage, but even he was capable of sensing the leylines this place served as the intersection point for. Evidently one of the reasons that this 'God' had taken up residence in this mountain. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He also noted the lack of other exits from the clearing made this place the perfect grounds for setting up the possible ambush he suspected was waiting somewhere for them. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Glancing over the unfrozen lake, Archer seems rather weary of the waters - hence why he soon is left fighting back an aggravated sigh as Riva once again blithely temps fate by just reaching out to /stick a finger in the lake/. She really did think she couldn't be killed or stay dead, didn't she? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He really hoped she wouldn't have to learn the hard way what having such an unrestrained curiosity could have very dire consequences. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Approaching the cave entrance, Archer takes up something of a guard position against the entrance - he wasn't planning to go in quite yet, but neither was he leaving those who did without any backup. As such, he would stay by the gap in the stone-wall until he had an indication of which side would need assistance he most - and thus be able to quickly commit to whichever group required it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He also takes note of the impromptu sonar the girl is using - as well as the risk of drawing something out, the Bowman remaining tentatively alert. Though it wasn't like he could advocate against it - when facing unknowns, every choice was likely to have repercussions, so concessions were needed. This sonar attempt - if it worked - would make the path ahead easier if nothing else. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hopefully, that was /all/ it would do.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finna hops off Riva's shoulders, but not before SURPRISE LICKING HER NOSE once. And OFF she goes, prancing a path towards the lake. She wastes little time here though. First pawing it. Then licking it for a taste - nice, freshwater? Not salty?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whatever the case, she doesn't DRINK any of it. It is an odd lake. NOT FROZEN in this temperature? Worth checking out, if only a little. Finna doubts anything's really down there.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And by the time she's done getting a feel for it at the shore... she's changed shape into a seal. And just sort of amble-wobbles on in...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CAVE: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Misha's Echolocation is definitely familiar with Lyner, who followed along and stood by to await the results. The soundwaves traveled in unhindered, bouncing off of walls as they went further in. The cave started out narrow, but then widened a bit into a large chamber. There was something in the center of the chamber. A person? The sounds bouncing off of them seemed to sense a human shape, but it felt inanimate at the same time? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The only way to tell was to go inside and see for themselves. And it was dark inside, befitting a cave. No torches or lighting to help them. They'd have to create their own light. But given the spread of abilities here, creating a fire certainly shouldn't be difficult at all. If done so, and once they head in, they will find that the cave does indeed start out narrow and widen out into a large chamber. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What that chamber actually looked like, was that of a surprisinly immaculate ruin, chiseled out of the inner mountain. There were no doors or entranceways leading anywhere besides the way they came in. And in the center, is a single human figure. Male, young, and seated cross legged with his arms in his lap. He bore wings upon upon his back and his eyes were closed. ...But somehow, he did not seem alive. His hair, complexion, and clothing were all a familiar white. Similar to an Incarnation. He looked more like a statue, than a living being. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And despite the sudden abundance of visitors, he did not budge a single inch. And if anyone tried to sense anything, they would tell that the leyline leading into the cave stopped right under him. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What to do about this? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LAKE: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Riva's finger poking into the lake creates a ripple that distorts the surface of the water. It's not nearly cold as one would expect a lake in this environment to be. But yet, it is not frozen over either. That aside, once the ripple cleared up, she may or may not have been able to notice that the reflection in the water. Immediate and obvious was her own. But past that, she would be able to see the sky. ...But something was off. Weren't they closed in by mountain sides? That did not show in the lake reflection at all. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yuna and Finna dive into the water meanwhile, and swim through. The water isn't as cloudy as it seems. On both sides, there is rock wall, but below is something very odd. There is no lake floor. In fact, it looks like the lake opens out into a clearing identical to the one they came from. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Is it a reflection? It looks too real to be a reflection, however. There are no ripples in it. It is clear as day. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What will they do? Proceed on?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NO LAKE BOTTOM is an incredibly creepy thing to come across. But the entire lake is vaguely strange. It's too clear, too pristine. She cannot even detect any life.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's NOT fishy. That makes it fishy.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Upon seeing how strange the bottom is, Finna decides to just PRESS on and swim straight down!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yuna continues downwards as well; *she* can at least communicate with the others, although she'd be happier if she at least had Elner's sensors helping her out. Rather than diving straight towards whatever 'bottom' there may be, Yuna has Elner join her underwater (and the robo-faerie accedes, teleporting down to join Yuna), then follows the inverted 'clearing' from the lower edge of one of those stony 'walls'.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A person!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako does not stop to think and examine. Rather, she just moves forward, Caster at her side, and stops in front of the-- man? statue?-- to examine him. Is he alive? Magical? Otherworldly? Ah, her eyes really aren't that good at telling this stuff. She turns to her Caster, who is actually the one paying attention to the magical nature of this person. Thing.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hello, hello!" Gudako greets, to incite a reaction. Caster just observes, trying to gauge energy levels, divinity, relative power-- connection to the leylines, especially. "Are you God? Or an Einherjar? Oh, maybe something else. Hm! Won't you say hello? We came all this way to meet you. Maybe."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If it's alive, surely it'll respond?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanary glances back at Misha at the strange feeling in her ears, looking rather intrigued by the soundless... Thing she's doing. She certainly recognizes it as some sort of magic, and the information over the radio does confirm it as some sort detection magic. She opens her mouth, but shuts it before saying anything and continues onward into the cave. If she wants to find out what that was, she'll have to ask the woman later. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For now, the healer's focused on the task at hand: Figuring out who or what is in this cave! Spotting the sitting figure mentioned over the radio, she glances over at Gudako and gestures at the figure with her head before unfolding the cube in her hand into a riot shield. By the time she finishes, though, she notices that Gudako's already moved ahead to speak to the mystery manstatue. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... Well, it couldn't get any worse if she tried that, too, right? "Uh... Hey, there! You from around here, or...?" She stops a few yards away, putting on her best grin while watching the man/statue for movements. If there's no response, she'll inch forward to try and give it a light nudge with her shield.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:757|Misha (757)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Confident that there is only one person in the cave after flinging her echoing song down the cave, Misha can't really find much of an excuse to not go in with the others. "What?" Jade eyes flick in a sideward glance to Sanary, but she doesn't jab any further than that. So in she goes. Now though, that she can see the figure up close, she scrunches her brow.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Those are wings.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You know, I don't know much about gods and stuff, but doesn't he kind of fit the bill of an angel?" Asided as simply thinking aloud. Gudako's already trying to talk at him anyway.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At this point... perhaps the time for discretion was ending. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Then again... that might simply be because many members of this group seemed intent on doing everything /except/ being discrete. Granted, Finna & Yuna diving into the lake to cover their bases was a more tactical move, but with Gudako & Sanary all but jabbing a stick at whatever was reportedly inside the cave, Archer wasn't entirely certain if they knew what they were doing or were just making it up as they went along. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... then again, no plan ever survives contact with the enemy, so even if they had some clue as to what they were doing, it likely would entail they improvise at some point or another. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If nothing else, the cave seemed to be small, so he could easily reinforce quickly if need be. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, at the moment, he was following the buddy-system - namely that no-one should be left without a partner to watch their back... and with the groups split between the lake and the cave, only Riva seemed to be still out in the clearing itself. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Until she either went into the lake or the cave, Archer opted to silently keep an eye on her... and additionally wondered if he really was unnoticed among the group outside of Finna, Gudako or the other Servants, given that nobody seemed to have verbally acknowledged his presence. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Not that he minded having some proverbial peace and quiet... but it didn't exactly breed much faith in their abilities to watch their backs if they /couldn't/ tell where he was. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It did make him feel like he was making the right choice watching their backs for them, though.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CAVE: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner walks in, along with Misha. His right arm rests back upon the casing of his blade, ready to move at a moment's notice, but hoping they won't have to. As they arrive, Lyner takes in the sight of the sitting, winged man with an arched brow. "...Huh. I....doubt that's God." He brought a hand to his cheek, scratching lightly with a finger sheepishly. "I mean, it's kinda early, isn't it?" His myriad adventures taught him that one! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He ran thoughts through his mind meanwhile, as he observed the figure that Gudako and Sanary were attempting to speak to. "...He doesn't look alive either." But just in case, the knight stepped in front of Misha defensively. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Caster's observations tell her that this figure sitting here is 'probably' alive in some way or form. With the leyline below him, he seems to be brimming with magical energy. Maybe he's serving as some kind of conduit, hence the ascetic-like pose? There was definitely some divinity lurking in this man, but...he probably wasn't god. Nor was he an Incarnation. Process of eliminination would suggest that he was likely an Einherjar. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All of that aside...he did not budge still. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It's Sanary who finally does the stupid(smart?) thing and touches him. The moment the tip of her shield makes contact, a chain reaction begins. A red streak of liquid escapes from the corner of his closed eyes. Blood. Tears of blood? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Immediately following that, is a flash of white light that envelopes everything in the chamber. ...But it's not offensive. The light gives way, and what is revealed is some kind of vision. Or perhaps a flashback? Maybe a memory? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What they see is the very same man, alive and well, sans wings. He is standing at a cliffside of a mountain clearing, looking over the into the distance at what must be ancient Lucrelia, if the archaic architecture is to be believed. But it is not a good vision. Out in the distance, masses of specks that can only be considered an army of humans is closing in. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The man frowns and turned away, leaving the cliffside. The view pans out to various white entities that must be Incarnations. They all follow after the man, prepared for battle... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The vision ends there and the white clears up. And once it does, the group finds themselves back in the cavern. Lyner blinks. "...What...was that?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Einherjar remains unmoving, the bloody trail of tears being the only evidence that something had happened at all.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> LAKE: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Finna and Yuna press onwards, heading right for the bottom of the lake and the 'reflection' below. Once they get down far enough, the strangest thing happens. They break the 'surface' of the reflection, and emerge upright in a clearing much like the one they'd been to previously. The only difference is, the mountainsides that were enclosing the clearing before were gone entirely, giving way to sky, cold, and snowfall again in a disorienting fashion. Down became up, and up became down. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Was that lake a connection to another part of the mountain? The clearing they came out in now had two points of interest; a path leading further upwards into the mountain, opposite of the one that lead downwards in the last clearing. That one was gone now, replaced by mountainside. And off to another side was a cliff edge, overlooking the mountain. If they took the time to check, they would find that they were ludicrously high up. Much higher than they were in the last clearing. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But it seems like the peaceful exploration was coming to an end. A periodic stomp coming from the direction of the trail leading upwards can be heard, which shook the ground. And after several moments, a huge, white entity stepped into the clearing. It was smaller than the flame giant, and the wind bird. It was about ten meters, give or take, stocky in build with thick arms and legs, and bearing a shimmering blue aura. Was ice it's aspect? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nonetheless, it was clear; this was an Incarnation that they had just come upon. It didn't seem like it noticed them. But it was on the lookout. It's featureless head slowly swept from side to side, 'looking' for something or someone.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanary flinches at that sudden stream of blood coming from the statue man's eyes and the flash of light, wincing at the sudden shock of white to her only functioning eye. She remains stock still as that vision plays out, her brow furrowing. Does she even have her eye open at this point? Either way, she's focusing on whatever it is vividly, and she doesn't speak up right away even as it ends. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She is cheering inwardly, however. Touching things randomly worked out this time! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "... So. Uh. Anyone else see that? I'm guessing this guy was their leader or something?" She shrugs lightly and looks from person to person, eventually turning back to the statue. Should she poke it again? Probably not. "But why would a.. Ein-her-jar be leading those things?" She pauses again, then glances around slowly while trying to avoid looking at any specifically. "... Also, what's an Einherjar?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A vision! It's cryptic, but also not. The past? The future? In theory, the message delivered doesn't care for context. Whether a war happened, or is coming, it would have the same impact on someone who hates war, wouldn't it? Or someone who, maybe, just wants to stay holed up?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako ponders, while Caster crosses her arms, staring intently at the figure, before realizing he's not making another move. She decides to take her eyes off him, and look about the room. What do the walls say? Are there carvings, symbols, writing? Tellings of a story or prophecy? It's worth a quick look.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako, meanwhile, explains to Sanary: "Einherjar are people who obtain a fragment of God, and use its power to fight alongside the Incarnations! The townspeople seem to hate them. I think we just found our other side of the coin! Maybe. I wonder why he's not doing anything though. Just sitting here. Collecting power!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lightbulb. "Caster! Stop staring at walls, come here."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"One moment, master~."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yuna's certainly not inclined to draw an Incarnation's attention if she can help it! She stays in the water, letting Elner surface to observe and to scan the surroundings. If the possibly-ice Incarnation doesn't move to investigate the lake any closer, Yuna's content to wait for it to go past before possibly exploring the new clearing any further.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:757|Misha (757)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Misha doesn't overly mind much when Lyner takes place right in front of her. But the Reyvateil still peels out from behind the youth's white armor, hands on her hips. She pales visibly, shuddering somewhat at the sight of the bloody tears, but then the flash of light hits, and Misha yelps.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When it ends, the Reyvateil is left blinking, rubbing her eyes, and grunting with bewilderment. "I saw it." She confirms for Sanary. "And I've got no clue. Maybe if they've got a fragment of God they-" Gudako says it better than she really can. "But. It looked like the people were coming to attack, instead of the other way around? I get the feeling everyone in Lucrelia isn't telling this story quite right."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Archer might look away for a moment. When he does, Riva's gone. <br /><br />This is because she emerges from the other side of the lake behind Yuna and Finna with a splash, climbing out onto the clearing and looking around, confused for a moment. "Wow, this is... different. I've never been in a two-sided lake before." <br /><br />She turns around pondering for a moment... And then realizes something. <br /><br />She's wet, and on a super cold mountain. She immediately claps her hands to her sides as a gust of wind blows by. "Holy cow, it's coooooold!" She shivers, grimacing. "Why did I think this was a good idea..." <br /><br />She pulls out some hotpacks and begins stuffing them into her clothing in various areas. "Uggggh, this is the worst!" She mutters... And then blinks as there is a stomp. <br /><br />She looks up in surprise, and immediately dives into another snowdrift, looking around. "Heeeeey guys." She whispers. "What's goin on in this thread?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The first thing Finna does upon emerging from the other lake is shift back to fox form.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then look around while staying low, surveying the surroundings. Good thing too because THERE IS THAT INCARNATION OVER THERE. Finna quickly glances around for cover, hoping to observe a little more. So she eventually dives for the same snowdrift as Riva, though hisses, "Are you NUTS? Sopping clothes and cold weather is badbadbadbad. Did you never learn about survival in the cold? Gods. You're lucky you're superpowered or you'd be dead in half an hour."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In spite of still playing the role of the guard, Archer felt more and more ill-at-ease about this mission. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; According to Finna and Yuna, the lake was some kind of gateway... and gateways worked both ways. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If something was up there with them, it could follow them back if it saw them. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That is, unless whatever interaction the group had with the being inside the caves - one of the 'Einherjar', or so the group was speculating - had already started drawing eyes on them. And it had already interacted with them it seemed, having apparently shown the group something if Lyner's disorientation on the radio was any indication. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It was enough that Archer finally decided that, with the groups so badly split up, that he ought to inquire over the radio what had happened. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And he wasn't sure he liked the answer. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A war between these Incarnations and another army. A /human/ army, if the Master of Caster was to believed. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How typical. Humans making the charge forward. And depending on whether or not the vision was of the past or not... well, it wouldn't surprise Archer in the slightest to learn that humans had caused an issue in the world or brought misery upon themselves with their own actions. That would make this yet another one of humankind's messes that he was cleaning up after... just as he had for countless ages before in his never-ending, utterly pointless task of 'saving' humanity from itself- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then a certain /fool/ of a woman decided to make the most reckless, ill-advised and nonsensical decision Archer could have imagined; Riva dove into the pool and emerged on the other side right near where an Incarnation was apparently located. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It was such a horribly-foolish move that Archer really felt no pity for her if she ended up being killed - permanently killed that is - as a result of her own foolhardy stupidity... but unfortunately, so long as he was with the Union, Archer couldn't exactly abandon his allies. It wasn't practical considering what they were up against - or economically beneficial in maintaining amicable ties to the rest of the Union. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Muttering a curse to himself, Archer moved up to the lake's edge and finally returned to corporal form. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Trace; On." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Materializing his western-style black bow, Archer gazed into the lake awaiting a signal to fire if need be, though held back on tracing any arrows. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; if this pool was a direct gateway to another lake... then firing an arrow straight down into the pool would theoretically cause an arrow to emerge from the other side and, if nothing else, distract the target enough for the group to make it back. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Provided that a miracle hadn't occurred that kept the Incarnation from noticing Riva, that is, or that some plan wasn't already in effect by the three on the other side.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CAVE: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner nodded to Sanary. "I definitely saw that." And then he glanced down at the seated, winged Einherjar. "...I'm thinking this guy must have gone through some hard times..." But that was just his assumption. He didn't have anything else to work with. And there wasn't much else in here, was there? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Caster's cursory observation of the ruin walls would reveal that there were indeed writings etched out on the walls. Stretching around the entire chamber in pieces, it was like some kind of historical diary. Given Caster's understanding of magic, and the Multiver'se translation effect, the garbled runes became something readable. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 'God has given the humans blessings. In the hopes that they would pave the way to a better tomorrow.' <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 'I am not certain of whether or not man is deserving of God's continued blessing. They claim to be virtuous and yet...' <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 'An ambassador of the settlement Lucrelia has arrived. He says that God should not hold back on the power contained here. They require more. When I ask why, I am told...'for peace'.' <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It cuts off there. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner noticed the cave writings, but since he wasn't an accomplished Magus, he had no idea what it was saying. "Hey, Caster? Gudako? Can you read that?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LAKE: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Meanwhile over at the other side of the lake portal, the Incarnation stomps into the clearing. "......." It's gaze sweeps left and right. Nothing. Nothing. Nothi- "....?" What was that...frozen red appendage sticking out of that snowdrift? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If the thing had the mental capacity, and facial features to look unimpressed, that's exactly what it would have looked like. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Determining that there was indeed a foreign element here, the huge creature lifted a leg, and then stomped the ground hard. Upon doing so, sharp ice pillars immediately began to shoot up out of the ground, rapidly tunneling towards Riva's position behind the snowdrift.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It says," Caster begins, and then she reads the text aloud. What of it she can make out, anyway. Finally the puzzle's missing pieces. So it's all the humans' fault, then? Ah, how nice that would be, if it were that simple.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako glances towards the entrance of the cavern. It seems the Archer has turned his attention away. She gestures towards Caster.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If you're done reading, Caster, let's go."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a nod, Caster approaches the Einherjar again. Then she produces several rows of paper talismans, inscribed with a variety of symbols and words meaning 'DRAIN' 'SAMPLE' 'COLLECT' etc. Gudako, meanwhile, produces a pair of SCIENCE GOGGLES that she slaps on, with her big usual grin. "Science! No, wait. MAGIC!" the master says.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On cue, Caster activates the spell. She attempts to draw a portion of the leyline's energy out, and into her mirror. And then she digs deeper, and attempts to drain the Einherjar too. Much like she did the Incarnation-- to steal a shard of divinity, or whatever is inside him. The difference is that instead of crystalizing it right now, she's stuffing all of it inside her mirror. She'll crystalize it later.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Hiding to avodi drawing attention is one thing. Hiding for her own safety while something attacks her allies?<br /><br />That's something else.<br /><br />Yuna engages Marine Form's microtorpedo launchers, sending a barrage flying out of the water and through the air to bombard the ice-using Incarnation; at the very least, that should break its attention away from Riva and Finna. She follows up by surfacing far enough to fire a blast from the Matrix Divider -<br /><br />And then dives back into the lake, letting Elner linger to see if the Incarnation is going to follow *her* or stay focused on Riva.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Really sounds like he did... Hn." Sanary grunts lightly as she steps over to the statue, peering at it once more. There's definitely something odd about it (beyond the blood and the weird positioning), but she can't quite put her finger on what. "Maybe he was..." Betrayed? Used? Or was the vision trying to use them? Either way, it all sounds bad, and the healer lets out a low sigh before holding a hand out to the statute. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She does have the sense to wait until Gudako's finished before actually doing anything, of course. Once Gudako does her thing, the cleric turns to Lyner and Misha. "Better be ready in case this goes bad." She takes a deep breath, then channels some of her magic into the statue. Raw, unfiltered, and fairly potent health and magic regeneration all in one convenient light cloud package! She's not expecting it to go great, but... Well, she can at least hope /something/ comes of it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Riva rummages around in the snowdrift, doing SOMETHING behind Finna as she makes the fox guard the hole she made diving into it. The noises are somewhat mysterious but she sure is moving around a lot...<br /><br />There is a pause, and Riva can be heard asking, completely unaware that her hair is poking out of the drift, "... What's that noise?" <br /><br />A moment later, ice erupts through the drift. Riva explodes out of it with a loud "WAAAAAAAAAAAGH!", ice chunks ripping upwards the shred past and into her. <br /><br />She's also dressed in her Templar uniform... What the hell, did she change her clothes that fast in the snowdrift? <br /><br />When she hits the ground again, she tumbles and comes to a stop, holding the wound in her side. She looks to Finna, and after a momentary radio exchange, scoops up the fox again. TIME FOR ANOTHER PLAN. Riva turns, running /away/ frin the Incarnation. She also runs past the lake, instead heading for the edge of the clearing. <br /><br />She stops at the side of the mountain, looking down at things below. <br /><br />"Hold on!" Riva calls. <br /><br />Wait. What? <br /><br />And then she jumps off. "WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" She calls, flying through the air. <br /><br />When she eventually hits the ground, there is a little flash of gold and a hexagonal, honeycomb-like ripple that spreads out from the point of impact... And she appears to be completely unharmed. <br /><br />Of course, that only applies if she doesn't land on some hilarious slope that doesn't mean she bounces down in some cartoonesque manner and completely kills the cool factor, but that's an entirely different matter.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well... the weird red appendage might be unimpressed, but Finna answers it with a look that's at first sheepish... then the biggest cheshire grin a fox can pull off.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And when you're a Lunar, that's one hell of a grin. Although... it's likely to more unsettle Riva than this weird appendage.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That's our cue!" Finna has a plan. She ALWAYS has a plan.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well... almost always. Easily able to detect that incoming ice wave, she looks to Riva until about the last moment - and is SCOOPED UP.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Both eyes go WIIIIIIIDE. Shocked. WHAT. What is Riva doi--<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ZOOOOOOOOOOOM!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finna gacks at first at the way that Riva just decides to go LAUNCHING OFF A MOUNTAINSIDE but eventually this transitions into screechy-yowling triumphantly. But only for a few seconds. She's not out to gain MORE attention for both of them.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BOOM! The landing goes pretty well... leaving Finna looking back up where they left to see if the thing's gonna follow. "Crazy girl."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As soon as he saw the lake's surface quaking, Archer bit back a curse as he knew his fears were confirmed. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That woman's recklessness had alerted the Incarnation - and potentially endangered everyone here by causing a fight to break out. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thus... the time for discretion had fully ended. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yuna had said to be ready to lend assistance... and the first shot hitting would go a long way in distracting the creature and opening up an opportunity for a counter. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Or at least that had been the original plan. Until two things happened. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The first... was yet another reckless, borderline-moronic stunt from Riva - namely to take Finna and /jump off the side of the mountain/. Something that even Servants wouldn't treat lightly... and yet that fool woman decided to do so with such flippancy that Archer wasn't even sure if she was foolhardy or simply insane... or perhaps the 'immortality' she seemed to have become almost reliant on had deadened her perception of 'risks and consequences.' <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Either way... at the very least, she actually seemed to come out of it shockingly alright, leaving him to stare at her with bow ready and just about to trace an arrow to fire at the lake. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Finally though, he let out an exasperated sigh - "You really have no sense of caution, do you?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... although in truth, this might actually be a good thing as, with Finna & Riva out of immediate danger ... it freed Archer up to handle the /second/ thing, at least until Yuna emerged from the lake. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Servants of the Caster-Class had potent magic - enough that even Servants born of 'second-rate magi' like Archer could tell it had gone active... and when he turned to look back at the cave reinforced vision allowed him to see the symbols of those charms; the same symbols of the spell that Caster had, according to Gudako's slip-up in the bar last week, let her drain a fragment of an Incarnated's essence. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer was already on humanity's side against the Einherjar, regardless of what he felt personally... but that didn't mean he was going to let the Confederacy, let alone someone as provenly-restrictionless as Gudako - try to claim more power so blatantly - hence why the bow originally meant to fire at and distract the Incarnated from Riva, Finna & Yuna was now trained at the red-head. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prana flares and flows through his hand, drawing from the imprint left buried in the endless field of blades, taking the shape of the Hound of the Red Plains as opposed to the originally-planed Spiral Sword. He had a straight shot to her, but the distance was too great to risk Caladbolg - he needed /unerring/ accuracy... and the weapon that never missed so long as his target remained aimed at was the perfect tool for that. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She should have waited until after he'd already committed an attack on the creature - been drawn into that battle. He wasn't going to give her a second chance. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hurnting!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And in the breath of that thought, Archer fires, the weapon shooting through the air with the intent of either splitting Gudako's skull or forcing her Servants to defend her - and as a consequence, split whatever uneasy truce was between the Unions and Confederates... but it was better that then letting that girl take any more power unchallenged.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CAVE: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner nodded to Caster, taking in the explanation before bringing a hand to his chin. "Sounds pretty bad..." He would have gone on with his thinking out loud, were it not for a certain BAD IDEA. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPEAKING OF BAD IDEAS... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Caster prepares the spell and on Gudako's order, proceeds to apply it. The energy of the leyline is drawn out. It has no elemental aspect and is instead pure magical energy, uninfluenced by it's surroundings. And then Caster digs deeper, attempting to drain the Einherjar. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At is at this point that Hrunting comes hurtling through the air, past Lyner's head(who jumped aside with a 'WHOA!'), and aiming to split Gudako's skull, should she not defend herself properly from the soaring broken phantasm. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It is at this point that the Einherjar's eyes open. But only slightly. As if roused from the foreign meddling of the leyline, and the chaos that broke out not soon after, but his eyes are not focused. His gaze is half lidded, staring slightly downwards in his still statue-esue posture. Sanary's healing flows into his body, but he makes no indication that it is even doing anything for him. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But everyone present would be able to feel the beginnings of a slight rumble. It was nothing dangerous yet, but more like a warning. A warning of what was to come, should this meddling continue.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LAKE: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fortunately for Yuna, this Incarnation did /not/ have the power of regeneration. Unfortunately, however, it was sturdy. The missiles make impact, chipping away at it's white form, but otherwise, it is still standing. Watching Riva make off with Finna to the cliffside. "......" It turns it's body to stomp after them, but a blast from the Matrix Divider pushes it back a step. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It's attention is now drawn to Yuna, and it began to stomp towards the lake, blue aura around it shimmering even more violently than it was before. Several ice clusters form in the air around it. About ten in total. And without any indication, they burst forward, through the air, aiming for her retreating form, and Elner by virtue of being in the path. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Riva's and Finna's BAD IDEA MK II is...actually works!? Riva sails through the air and lands! She lands and....doesn't disintigrate her legs. What was that golden light? Either way, they jumped a great distance, mind bogglongly so. Where they stood now was an outcropping peering over the rest of the mountain below. A sharp eye would be able to notice the old clearing that they had come from originally, with the cave and the lake, as well as a certain grumpy red Archer. ...And let's not forget about the rumbling that was gradually beginning to pick up from where they stood. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Things have rapidly gone out of control now. What will they do?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Elner has a very simple reaction to attacks being aimed in its general direction: the robo-faerie just teleports away - and Yuna takes the precaution of zigging and zagging, in case any of the missed 'shots' happen to come in her direction. Yuna's headed for the underwater crevasse, though - the passage that leads back to the FIRST clearing with everyone else.<br /><br />The same clearing that Elner appears in after its teleport. Jiina and Erina quickly ready their own weapons, taking to the air and preparing in case that Incarnation DOES chase Yuna all the way back through the 'lake'.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako seems unconcerned. This isn't fully accurate, but it sure looks that way. With her face in that perpetual 8D, you couldn't tell when she's calm, losing her shit, or playing bingo.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fortunately for the master, the sudden burst of prana that comes from his activation of Hrunting causes the foxgirl to turn her head slightly. Her hands and talismans don't move-- she doesn't heed the warning, and pushes through. She intends to get a piece of that Einherjar for her master, come hell or high water. But she doesn't need to move her hands to defend her master, either.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Helping Sanary defend is Caster's mirror, which flies in the way of the blade. It's absurdly sturdy-- the hound of an arrow will be deflected, but probably only once or twice. Hrunting, unfortunately, does not strike only once or twice, and any single ones of however many he intends to pursue would be letha to the magus.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And that's where Sanary will come in!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Or that's the hope.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So much for that plan. Sanary steps back when the Einherjar's eyes open, cutting off the flow of energy. "Guess he's still-" Her comment is cut off whens he hears /something/ whizzing through the air and headed straight for the cave. Her suspicions that it's not a good something are confirmed fairly quickly when she spots Lyner jumping aside, and she acts completely on instinct bringing her shields up! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And just in time, too, what with the odd-looking blade first getting deflected by Gudako's shields, then getting wedged right into her shield and partially into her arm through the shield. "What... The hell?" Her brain doesn't even register what happened for a few seconds, and she twitches slightly as she stares at the blood seeping through her sleeve. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "... Can we... Just go now?" She's looking and sounding mighty irritated right now, but her focus is elsewhere. Namely, on trying to keep that sword from bounding around any more and from worsening the wounds already inflicted on her (main) shield arm.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Fortunately for Yuna, she had a head start on the Incarnation - and Marine Form is pretty swift in the water; after all, it was *designed* for underwater movement and combat. Yuna knows to expect the inversion of gravity when it comes this time, and she just keeps right on going as fast as her armor's mer-tail will propel her.<br /><br />Fast enough that when she breaches the surface of the original clearing's lake, she practically flies out of the water. "Erina, switch in!" Yuna calls out; Erina of the Sky abandons her 'standby' hover and flies to intercept ... and one transformation sequence later, Marina is re-assembling into her android form while Yuna takes to the air properly, in her Flight Form. She's still not sure WHAT'S going on with Gudako or with anything else in the cave, but she's anticipating the emergence of the icy Incarnation from the lake; the Matrix Divider is in her hands and ready, a charge building up as she flits further back from the lake.<br /><br />Also from the cave. She's still trying to sort out what's going on in there beyond what she's heard on the radio, but what she *HAS* heard and comprehended does not sound good ...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ooooooh. We're not too far from the place we just left! Why is that linked again?" And then there's that rumbling. She's still not sure where it's coming from, so she hops out of Riva's grasp and puts an ear against the snow to try and pinpoint that...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Riva makes a peace sign as they land. "Hell yeah! That's how we... huh?" She tips her head, listening. "That's kind of weird, that sounds almost like..." <br /><br />Suddenly, riva turns and grabs Finna. "WE GOTTA GO KAY-THANKS-BYE!" With a yelp, she leaps off of the ledge and continues rushing down the side of the mountain. "RUUUUUUUUUUUUN!" She yells to the others.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; LAKE: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As Yuna bursts up from the surface of the lake, she switches to flight mode, ready to take on the Incarnation likely following her. And after several moments, it became clear that it had. A huge, white arm burst up from the surface of the lake, grabbing the edge and pulling itself up. Water washing off of it, it steps out onto land, lumbering menacingly. It immediately spies Yuna and her associates, and rears back and arm, swinging mostly towards the airborne girl with a fist cloaked in freezing air. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; To Finna, the source of the quake would quickly be pinpointed to the cavern everyone else was in or near, originating at a single point within, and radiating outwards. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CAVE: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE. Sanary is hit by Hrunting after several deflections by Caster's Mirror. The action gives Gudako enough time to continue draining the Einherjar to collect a shard of his essence. But the very act of doing so causes his eyes to open completely. Without a word, the earthquake intensifies. Following that, a wave of pure magical power is unleashed. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A raging flow threatening to blow everyone back. Of course, Lyner was already not staying a moment longer. Without even bothering to confirm, he scooped Misha up into his arms in a princess carry, and dashed off before the first wave was released. "Come on! We're going! Now! Hold on, Misha!" And the Knight of Elemia was out, veering left and right as the ruins above began to crumble, causing debris large and small to fall from above, threatening to crush anyone standing in the wrong spot. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Outside, Lyner skid to a stop, finding Yuna engaged with the Incarnation from the other side of the lake. "Damn it, Yuna! We're getting out of here! Don't bother!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And as if things couldn't get worse, the intense earthquake seems to have roused another disaster. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If one looked into the mountains above, they would be able to spot a rolling wave of white gradually plummeting down the mountainside...It was an avalanche. "Not good, not good! Come on!" And comically, Lyner turned and ran off down the mountain trail like a bat out of hell.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And so Gudako's true colors were shown... and through a heated confrontation with the Confederates, Archer soon learned Gudako really didn't seem to give one damn about the rest of them. Even her own ally Sanary was just a means to an end. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; but in the end, the Incarnation's arrival interrupted further discussion as it pursued Yuna, and the Einherjar's impending awakening meant that the situation was getting much, much worse - because of Gudako, that creature's wrath was going to likely bring that whole mountain down. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And it seemed the Confederates were really willing to risk that just so that Gudako could try and claim a little more power for herself - after all, Archer had no illusions that anything Gudako claimed would be shared among them. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Magi like here were horrible liars, after all. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At the very least, he offered to take Sanary out - if for no other reason then the fact that he felt she wasn't insane like Gudako was - but... in the end, she refused to place faith in him even when the person she was helping could care less about bringing the cave down or potentially sacrificing everyone in the city to this creature's wrath. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So be it, then. If she was going to doom herself to that path, he wouldn't offer again. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Flooding his legs with Prana, Archer kicks off hard enough to leave a crater in the ground and leaps for Yuna, letting her grab onto him - hopefully his back so that he still has his hands free - and take them both out of the path of the Incarnated's attack. As soon as he hits the ground- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I am the bone of my sword" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -the form of the Roman Emperor's intricate blade forms in his hand, the bowman stopping only long enough to aim the weapon, which quickly is distorted into a grotesque arrow. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Aestus Estus!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The blade shoots for the Incarnate, the burst of flame upon detonation hopefully buying them some time. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He didn't have the time to charge it - it was hardly the kind of firestorm that would kill that being... but it would, with any luck, distract it long enough as Archer proceeds to speed out of the clearing with Yuna as fast as he can, dismissing his bow switching to carrying her bridal-style as he sprints and leaps down and out of the clearing. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Evacuation is the priority now, it seems... though inwardly he still curses his luck, gritting his teeth and wondering what all Gudako will manage to get from her miserable little antics at the expense of everything else. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But whatever comes of it, they will have to wait until /after/ they regroup to deal with it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The massive debate over whether this is the right course of action or not has largely caused Gudako to start whistling to drown it out. Caster presses on the drain, and not a second too soon is she done. The Einherjar wakes up fully! ... and it is angry.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Caster's mirror moves in front of herself, to act as a shield. This is not worth much, as the Servant, her master, and likely Sanary, would be blown back by the magical shockwave. And then the cave is collapsing on them!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With everyone having run, Gudako brings her Berserker in. The red-robed twin sister of her Caster immediatly starts chasing falling rocks around like a hyperactive, superhumanly fast cat. And boy can she grind rocks into dust fast. But the Einherjar is still there. This is not a viable escape plan.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Caster, Berserker. We're making a new way out."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster's talismans, infused with the leyline energy she stole, begin being flung at one of the cavern walls. Explosions of magic dig a tunnel, one blast at a time. Then Berserker jumps into it, and starts mauling a tunnel out. Gudako and Sanary can follow after her, and Caster will man the rear, projecting a bubble to intercept the cave-in if it catches up and threatens their escape tunnel. In other words, she's making a solid magical field around them.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They'll come out a side eventually-- probably not in sight of everyone else, and definitely away from the Incarnation if they can help it. Berserker will demand rewarding headpats, while Caster will just sigh heavily.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>That Incarnation looks a whole lot bigger on this side of the lake, thinks Yuna, already backing away from it in mid-air as she gathers power in the Matrix Divider. Then the Incarnation actually swings a punch at Yuna.<br /><br />She bolts even faster, letting loose with her charged blast and zigging hard out of the punch's arc, then letting her weapon vanish and pouring on the speed in a straight line. Archer said 'grab on' but unless the silver-haired Servant is even faster in the air than Yuna's own Flight Form is -<br /><br />Turns out that he is, as far as she can tell when the Servant grabs her and leaps out of the area. Her Flight Form wings might interfere a bit with the bridal carry, but not insurmountably so.<br /><br />That leaves Elner to teleport itself, Jiina, and Marina back to whatever rendezvous point the others are mostly heading towards - the city, a warpgate, wherever. They're not hanging around to watch the fallout, though.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanary struggles just to get Hrunting out of her arm, attaching the portable riot shield to her gauntlet and freeing her hand up to resume pulling. She's also muttering to herself as she does so, turning around only when she feels that shaking getting worse. Luckily, it's just in time to get knocked off balance and nearly onto her ass without the proper use of her arms to protect herself against the blast! The mirror's protection does help keep the cleric from failing at that utterly, at least, and she's more than willing to take cover with the Berserker and the bubble-shield. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Is this really...? Uh." She pauses to consider the other option of leaving in direct view of everyone else, then shrugs and starts channeling her energy outward. "Good enough." Although she's sorely tempted to use some of that energy to soothe the pain of the weapon still lodged in her arm, she knows it'll just suck more to extrat for proper healing later. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So where does she put that magical energy? Into Caster and Berserker, of course! She can't use the magic for anything productive on her own at the moment, so why not funnel it into the Servants and act as a secondary mana battery?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Just... everything is going bad. Super bad. Mega bad. Terribad. <br /><br />Hey, that's a neat word. Riva makes a note to save that one for later OH WAIT RUNNING. <br /><br />With a dramatic slide down the remainder of the cliff, Riva hits the clearing at a living run (because a dead run is too morbid), hustling as Archer explodes things behind them. She continues carrying Finna as she bolts for the mountain trail, trying to get ahead of the rumbling force of the descending avalanche. <br /><br />You can fight an Incarnation. You can't fight an avalanche. It's like City Hall except warmer and more caring.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, there's only one response to THAT fact. "Baaaaaaaad!" Finna promptly warns her friends to LEAVE the cave over the radio, but... all hell STILL breaks loose. But she's scooped up before she can do much more and carried sort of indignantly down the mountain!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The fox just sort of grins. She'll... wait until later to tell Riva that she could probably have gotten down by herself faster.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the meantime, if Riva falters Finna will gladly switch roles!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>It's true, Riva has no idea. But that's what makes it funny.<br> <br><br />
<br />
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}}</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Report:_Lucrelia_(3a)_(Gudako_Ordria)&diff=12243Report: Lucrelia (3a) (Gudako Ordria)2015-12-11T20:54:19Z<p>Waterpuns: Waterpuns moved page Report: Lucrelia (3) (Gudako Ordria) to Report: Lucrelia (3a) (Gudako Ordria) without leaving a redirect</p>
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<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/12/11<br />
|Location=-<br />
|Synopsis=Archived report.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=908<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
}}<br />
Written by Caster in ancient Japanese dialect etc. etc..<br />
<br />
"Hello! As usual, master is making me write this report. So yesterday we headed to the mountains past Lucrelia. Present were Lyner, Grump Archer (the one who wears red and uses swords), Misha, Finna, Riva, Yuna, and of course Sanary was there to help us."<br />
<br />
"Under the eyes of an Incarnation circling us overhead but not attacking, we reached a cave and lake in a clearing in the mountains. Finna, Riva and Yuna headed down the lake, while the rest of us headed into the cave, with Grump Archer standing guard at the entrance of the cave. Inside we found a man like a statue, meditating atop the central point of the local leylines, accumulating power. The scribblings on the wall said that God blessed humans a long time ago, but unsatisfied with that power they tried to obtain more. It seems likely now the Incarnations and Einherjar are just defending themselves; but the war seemed to start so long ago that humans don't even remember it. It's pointless, but the humans deserve it. We also got a vision of a battle a long time ago."<br />
<br />
"Master decided it was time to get our sample, though, and had me begin draining the Einherjar. This seemed to wake it up, causing a small quake, but I continued the spell. Outside, the lake party seemed to have gotten the negative attention of an Incarnation, too."<br />
<br />
"At this point, the Archer in red invoked the name of Hrunting, the legendary sword of Beowulf. He used magecraft to create it, but there's no doubt about it, it activated like a proper Noble Phantasm. I'm more familiar with Witchcraft; modern magecraft seems rudimentary, and I don't mean to sound condescending, also very inefficient. And since nothing about that Archer matches the legend of Beowulf, that must mean it's not even his sword. Consulting some of mister Valeth's data, I think we can narrow it down to a type of magecraft called Projection, which the magus Emiya Shirou also specializes in. Replicating Noble Phantasms wholesale shouldn't normally be possible, so it must be this particular Heroic Spirit's specialty too. That's the only explanation."<br />
<br />
"Ah! Well, that doesn't matter right now. He fired the sword-arrow at my master, but Sanary shielded her. I finished the drain, but the Einherjar woke up fully. As it made the cave collapse and established itself as a threat, master used Berserker to dig a tunnel out of the cave while everyone else ran the other way."<br />
<br />
"I compared the Einherjar fragment with the Incarnation fragment we got. Like it, it has two primary aspects. The Incarnation fragment is aligned with regeneration, and fire. The Einherjar one is aligned with power, and earth. It also has a fair bit more power-- in other words, an Einherjar is a greater divine entity than an Incarnation. The power is otherwise very similar in nature. More samples would be needed to draw further conclusions, but getting them might be more difficult now that the Union is angry at us."<br />
<br />
"Another expedition is planned in the near future!" OOC: +scene 1512!<br />
<br />
-Caster</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Report:_Lucrelia_(3b)_(Gudako_Ordria)&diff=12242Report: Lucrelia (3b) (Gudako Ordria)2015-12-11T20:53:57Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2015/12/11 |Location=- |Synopsis=Archived report. Forwarded to the Union. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=908 |Tinyplot= }} After passing through..."</p>
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<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/12/11<br />
|Location=-<br />
|Synopsis=Archived report. Forwarded to the Union.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=908<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
}}<br />
After passing through the required screening processes, a message from Gudako's Caster has been forwarded to the Union databases, in old Japanese dialect, as promised and arranged with Lyner.<br />
<br />
"Hi, hi! As promised, here's what we found out."<br />
<br />
"The divine power Einherjar and Incarnations have seems to be two-faceted, not unlike magus from our Earth. They have a specialty, and an elemental affinity-- an Origin and an Element, but let's avoid being technical just yet! The Incarnation we fought the first trip was aligned to fire, and specialized in regenerative powers. The Einherjar we drained yesterday was aligned to earth, and specialized in raw power, like that wave of force it let out."<br />
<br />
"The two types of essences are very, very similar. The only major difference is that an Einherjar actually has a fair bit more power and divinity! ... in other words, "God's chosen heroes" have more divinity and power than "the fragments of God". So that's weird!"<br />
<br />
"The crystalized essences mostly seem like they would be useful to craft objects or items; they're not really enough on their own to replicate the creatures they were taken from. Samples not big enough! With more time, I could probably drain one completely dry to transfer the power to someone else, but that's not really my specialty, and it probably wouldn't accomplish much."<br />
<br />
"That's all we got! It sure looks like the humans deserve the mess they got into trying to have more of God's power though, huh?"<br />
<br />
-Caster</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Report:_Lucrelia_(3a)_(Gudako_Ordria)&diff=12241Report: Lucrelia (3a) (Gudako Ordria)2015-12-11T20:52:14Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2015/12/11 |Location=- |Synopsis=Archived report. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=908 |Tinyplot= }} Written by Caster in ancient Japanese dialect..."</p>
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<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/12/11<br />
|Location=-<br />
|Synopsis=Archived report.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=908<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
}}<br />
Written by Caster in ancient Japanese dialect etc. etc..<br />
<br />
"Hello! As usual, master is making me write this report. So yesterday we headed to the mountains past Lucrelia. Present were Lyner, Grump Archer (the one who wears red and uses swords), Misha, Finna, Riva, Yuna, and of course Sanary was there to help us."<br />
<br />
"Under the eyes of an Incarnation circling us overhead but not attacking, we reached a cave and lake in a clearing in the mountains. Finna, Riva and Yuna headed down the lake, while the rest of us headed into the cave, with Grump Archer standing guard at the entrance of the cave. Inside we found a man like a statue, meditating atop the central point of the local leylines, accumulating power. The scribblings on the wall said that God blessed humans a long time ago, but unsatisfied with that power they tried to obtain more. It seems likely now the Incarnations and Einherjar are just defending themselves; but the war seemed to start so long ago that humans don't even remember it. It's pointless, but the humans deserve it. We also got a vision of a battle a long time ago."<br />
<br />
"Master decided it was time to get our sample, though, and had me begin draining the Einherjar. This seemed to wake it up, causing a small quake, but I continued the spell. Outside, the lake party seemed to have gotten the negative attention of an Incarnation, too."<br />
<br />
"At this point, the Archer in red invoked the name of Hrunting, the legendary sword of Beowulf. He used magecraft to create it, but there's no doubt about it, it activated like a proper Noble Phantasm. I'm more familiar with Witchcraft; modern magecraft seems rudimentary, and I don't mean to sound condescending, also very inefficient. And since nothing about that Archer matches the legend of Beowulf, that must mean it's not even his sword. Consulting some of mister Valeth's data, I think we can narrow it down to a type of magecraft called Projection, which the magus Emiya Shirou also specializes in. Replicating Noble Phantasms wholesale shouldn't normally be possible, so it must be this particular Heroic Spirit's specialty too. That's the only explanation."<br />
<br />
"Ah! Well, that doesn't matter right now. He fired the sword-arrow at my master, but Sanary shielded her. I finished the drain, but the Einherjar woke up fully. As it made the cave collapse and established itself as a threat, master used Berserker to dig a tunnel out of the cave while everyone else ran the other way."<br />
<br />
"I compared the Einherjar fragment with the Incarnation fragment we got. Like it, it has two primary aspects. The Incarnation fragment is aligned with regeneration, and fire. The Einherjar one is aligned with power, and earth. It also has a fair bit more power-- in other words, an Einherjar is a greater divine entity than an Incarnation. The power is otherwise very similar in nature. More samples would be needed to draw further conclusions, but getting them might be more difficult now that the Union is angry at us."<br />
<br />
"Another expedition is planned in the near future!" OOC: +scene 1512!<br />
<br />
-Caster</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Christmas_2015:_Gifts_(1)_(Gudako_Ordria)&diff=12240Christmas 2015: Gifts (1) (Gudako Ordria)2015-12-10T21:06:15Z<p>Waterpuns: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/12/10<br />
|Location=-<br />
|Synopsis=Christmas gifts!<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=908<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
}}<br />
Jeanne d'Arc: It's a snowglobe! But not at all. This small crystal orb is very hardy, obviously enchanted by a powerful Caster. Initially showing a figure on a pyre, if you make the mistake to shake it, embers are produced, like snowflakes. If they fall to the bottom of the globe, it lits the pyre for a hour, providing lighting and warmth for your living room! It comes with a note. "I won't tell if you won't. 8D"<br />
<br />
Members of Die Reisenden: $50 iTunes cards for use either on iTunes or whatever other product that accepts them. A list of very playable and amazing mobage games is included.<br />
<br />
Hoshi Amakasu: A pack of 12 stress balls.<br />
<br />
Lezard Valeth & Elizabeth Bathory: A pair of matching scene costumes, so that Lezard doesn't cramp Elizabeth's 5star idol style too much when they perform. (OOCly undefined so you guys can work out the most amazing thing.) Additionally, for Lezard, a sample of Black Mud. It's not a very large sample, and due to being bottled has lost a lot of its punch.<br />
<br />
Sir Gawain: A Foxy plush toy. http://tinyurl.com/h9uupmw<br />
<br />
Ira MacNally: It's a new phone! Some iPhone model several years ahead of her world. Some choice games are already installed, namely the Idolmaster mobage! Also another $50 iTunes card. And a paper talisman from Caster, inscribed with the word LUCK in Japanese. Wear it on you and guess what happens! (Spoiler: good luck does.)<br />
<br />
August Kohler: Cake.<br />
<br />
Staren: A picture of cake. August's cake, specifically.<br />
<br />
Emiya Shirou & Archer: A futuristic-looking version of the Rock'em Sock'em Robots 'board game', so they can settle their disputes with awesome robot battles.<br />
<br />
Lyner Barsett: A paper talisman he can stick on his favorite cloak, scarf or shirt that provides minor cold resistance, for those annoying days in the snow.<br />
<br />
Tommy Wahagi: A pack of Magic: the Gathering booster packs, a good luck talisman, and a note saying: "WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME THESE ARE LIKE GACHA EXCEPT MORE CARDY?!"<br />
<br />
More gifts may come later!</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Christmas_2015:_Gifts_(1)_(Gudako_Ordria)&diff=12239Christmas 2015: Gifts (1) (Gudako Ordria)2015-12-10T21:05:58Z<p>Waterpuns: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/12/10<br />
|Location=-<br />
|Synopsis=Christmas gifts!<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=908<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
}}<br />
Jeanne d'Arc: It's a snowglobe! But not at all. This small crystal orb is very hardy, obviously enchanted by a powerful Caster. Initially showing a figure on a pyre, if you make the mistake to shake it, embers are produced, like snowflakes. If they fall to the bottom of the globe, it lits the pyre for a hour, providing lighting and warmth for your living room! It comes with a note. "I won't tell if you won't. 8D"<br />
<br />
Members of Die Reisenden: $50 iTunes cards for use either on iTunes or whatever other product that accepts them. A list of very playable and amazing mobage games is included.<br />
<br />
Hoshi Amakasu: A pack of 12 stress balls.<br />
<br />
Lezard Valeth & Elizabeth Bathory: A pair of matching scene costumes, so that Lezard doesn't cramp Elizabeth's 5star idol style too much when they perform. (OOCly undefined so you guys can work out the most amazing thing.) Additionally, for Lezard, a sample of Black Mud. It's not a very large sample, and due to being bottled has lost a lot of its punch.<br />
<br />
Sir Gawain: A Foxy plush toy. http://tinyurl.com/h9uupmw<br />
Ira MacNally: It's a new phone! Some iPhone model several years ahead of her world. Some choice games are already installed, namely the Idolmaster mobage! Also another $50 iTunes card. And a paper talisman from Caster, inscribed with the word LUCK in Japanese. Wear it on you and guess what happens! (Spoiler: good luck does.)<br />
<br />
August Kohler: Cake.<br />
<br />
Staren: A picture of cake. August's cake, specifically.<br />
<br />
Emiya Shirou & Archer: A futuristic-looking version of the Rock'em Sock'em Robots 'board game', so they can settle their disputes with awesome robot battles.<br />
<br />
Lyner Barsett: A paper talisman he can stick on his favorite cloak, scarf or shirt that provides minor cold resistance, for those annoying days in the snow.<br />
<br />
Tommy Wahagi: A pack of Magic: the Gathering booster packs, a good luck talisman, and a note saying: "WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME THESE ARE LIKE GACHA EXCEPT MORE CARDY?!"<br />
<br />
More gifts may come later!</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Christmas_2015:_Gifts_(1)_(Gudako_Ordria)&diff=12238Christmas 2015: Gifts (1) (Gudako Ordria)2015-12-10T21:05:15Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "Jeanne d'Arc: It's a snowglobe! But not at all. This small crystal orb is very hardy, obviously enchanted by a powerful Caster. Initially showing a figure on a pyre, if you ma..."</p>
<hr />
<div>Jeanne d'Arc: It's a snowglobe! But not at all. This small crystal orb is very hardy, obviously enchanted by a powerful Caster. Initially showing a figure on a pyre, if you make the mistake to shake it, embers are produced, like snowflakes. If they fall to the bottom of the globe, it lits the pyre for a hour, providing lighting and warmth for your living room! It comes with a note. "I won't tell if you won't. 8D"<br />
<br />
Members of Die Reisenden: $50 iTunes cards for use either on iTunes or whatever other product that accepts them. A list of very playable and amazing mobage games is included.<br />
<br />
{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/12/10<br />
|Location=-<br />
|Synopsis=Christmas gifts!<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=908<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
}}<br />
Hoshi Amakasu: A pack of 12 stress balls.<br />
<br />
Lezard Valeth & Elizabeth Bathory: A pair of matching scene costumes, so that Lezard doesn't cramp Elizabeth's 5star idol style too much when they perform. (OOCly undefined so you guys can work out the most amazing thing.) Additionally, for Lezard, a sample of Black Mud. It's not a very large sample, and due to being bottled has lost a lot of its punch.<br />
<br />
Sir Gawain: A Foxy plush toy. http://tinyurl.com/h9uupmw<br />
Ira MacNally: It's a new phone! Some iPhone model several years ahead of her world. Some choice games are already installed, namely the Idolmaster mobage! Also another $50 iTunes card. And a paper talisman from Caster, inscribed with the word LUCK in Japanese. Wear it on you and guess what happens! (Spoiler: good luck does.)<br />
<br />
August Kohler: Cake.<br />
<br />
Staren: A picture of cake. August's cake, specifically.<br />
<br />
Emiya Shirou & Archer: A futuristic-looking version of the Rock'em Sock'em Robots 'board game', so they can settle their disputes with awesome robot battles.<br />
<br />
Lyner Barsett: A paper talisman he can stick on his favorite cloak, scarf or shirt that provides minor cold resistance, for those annoying days in the snow.<br />
<br />
Tommy Wahagi: A pack of Magic: the Gathering booster packs, a good luck talisman, and a note saying: "WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME THESE ARE LIKE GACHA EXCEPT MORE CARDY?!"<br />
<br />
More gifts may come later!</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3489/The_First_Beat(down)&diff=122373489/The First Beat(down)2015-12-10T08:42:16Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2015/12/06 |Location=Vocaloid Japan <VC> |Synopsis=Haku calls for assistance with ruining a Hatsune Miku concert and ends up with opposition from t..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/12/06<br />
|Location=Vocaloid Japan <VC><br />
|Synopsis=Haku calls for assistance with ruining a Hatsune Miku concert and ends up with opposition from the Union! Fights ensue!<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=8, 533, 560, 626, 650, 714, 901, 908, 918<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:918|Yowane Haku (918)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A few hours before the concert begins. It's still a bright afternoon in this version of Tokyo, crowds bustling at the front of the building, workers and roadies helping load more equipment from various vans in the back to the backstage of the concert hall, rent-a-cops waltzing around and around looking for signs of trouble. It seems like it's going to be the perfect concert for Miku and definately able to draw in more fans as well. Something that the grey-haired woman hiding behind a solid metal fence would definately want to ruin as fast as possible.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Security is tighter than normal..." her emotionless voice mutters out, looking through a few holes made into the fence to keep eyes prying into the movements. "Fortunately, it's just contractor security, it shouldn't be too much trouble for you all to handle, now should it?" a brief smile is given as she looks behind her shoulder to those gathered to assist her. "We need to get inside to wreck the equipment, we... I need to make her sound horrible in front of her fans... in front of the streaming for the concert. I need you all to help with this."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Haku turns to look back at the rent-a-cops and frowns, "I'll show you who's the better Vocaloid, Miku..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While the mission is being explained, Gudako Ordria appears to be playing a video game on her cellphone, as she follows after Haku. Peeking over her shoulder reveals it is the official VOCALOID MOBAGE, or as official as it gets. She is currently rolling the gacha to collect assorted Vocaloids and also scene costumes.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"10 rolls, 10 rolls, it's like my soul is singing~" she hums, with her big smile and empty dead eyes. There is a luck talisman attached to the back of her shirt, and one might notice she's basically getting good draws from the gacha.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rolls like unlocking several copies of Miku in her limited-edition original series costume. And also some very very rare scene costumes! Like the sexy nurse one. It's a good roll. Now she'll be getting mad fans and points.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Two Servants appear to be with her, but they are incorporeal. Those with magical senses can definitely pinpoint the presence of the two superghosts, though. It's hard to hide Servants, even when they're invisible.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One has to wonder if she's capable of the subtlety Haku requires. Fortunately, she IS listening to instructions, even if she isn't reacting.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Do we want to do this quietly or loudly, then?" Standing beside the gray-haired woman is a black-haired girl with a guitar case slung over her shoulder. Sanary's actually dressed somewhat to match the event, wearing something vaguely resembling a kimono and an apron to blend in with the more eccentric cosplayers at the event. She peers through the fence before turning to Haku and Gudako, adjusting her eyepatch briefly just to make sure it doesn't slip. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I can work with either, but I someone from school is gonna be there. With my luck, probably even a few others." She furrows her brow before squatting in place again, nudging the fence a bit just to see if it can be widened a bit more. She's not exactly the thinnest girl around, after all! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "And.. Uh. Civilians. Lethal or nonlethal?" Despite the composed-look on her face, she's inwardly grinning. Just gotta play it cool and sound like a professional!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:650|Eiko (650)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kono Eiko is here, almost perfectly blended into the crowd. Sure, the sheathed katana is kind of weird, but otaku carry all sorts of things, and there's no way it's /real/, right? The backpack's pretty normal, with the sheathe stuck through it and the hilt above her shoulder. She's got her thumbs in the straps, keeping the pack situated while craning her neck around, trying to spot something. Alas, finding that thing is proving difficult, as it's the same thing the Confederates are looking for. 'A way to skip the line and get inside.' Unlike them, she's not about to bonk guards to make it work.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not without a better reason than 'I wanted to skip the line,' anyway. It's not like the concert starts for awhile, so it's too early to try to grab a choice seat. Still, she's looking. Maybe some of the crazier fans will provide a distraction? That seems like a reasonable hope.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately (?) for everyone involved, Kyra is also waiting in line. Initially she was very excited about this upcoming concert but as the waiting wore on, she grew more and more bored. Impatient as usual, she eventually resorted to shutting herself off to the world by slipping her high-end headphones onto her ears. They're hidden under her hood so it's hard to tell that she's hard at work listening to the various other Vocaloids out there via Youtube. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, except maybe for the tinny sounds of Hatsune coming from within her hood, that might be a good sign!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:533|Sir Gawain (533)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ever since he met the Lancer Elizabeth Bathory, Sir Gawain has been interested in J-Pop, and learned of 'Vocaloid' via his research on such. Using his Union salary, saved up over time, he bought a pair of tickets to the Hatsune Miku concert, which is also his first ever music concert. Therefore, he has been studying 'concert etiquette', and has dressed approprietly for the concert.<br /><br />This is why the blonde-haired, 30-something Knight of the Round Table is wearing a Hatsune Miku t-shirt, a pair of shorts, sneakers, and a...foam finger. He's waiting in line eagerly not far behind Kyra, looking around to see when the line will next move. He has a photo tucked in his shorts pocket, a picture of Hatsune Miku in case he's lucky enough to get an autograph. He doesn't exactly have his hopes up, but if it's possible, he'd love to get one!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel had come hear Miku sing to be sure, she'd been generally fond of Vocaloids work in general given how much like her self they were in purpose. She'd really just come to enjoy the music, she's weaing much as she normally does, she's just looking for some time off and she's in line a bit behind Kyra and Gawain. She seems happy and quite chipper about the show all things considered.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Emiya Shirou, on the other hand, is not much of a J-pop fan! But ever since Elizabeth's songs started rattling around in his head he's found himself in need of some good earworms to clear them out. Or well, that might be the excuse he'll give. It's really only part of it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He's also come to try and make sure Sir Gawain doesn't make a fool of himself... unusually so! And because Gawain bought the tickets, it'd be very impolite not to give it a whirl. "You're sure enjoying yourself, Gawain!" States Shirou, who's standing near the overly dressed man in more casual clothes. Casual, but well-groomed. he's also smiling! ... because ever since Gawain came back from his Grail war all mopey, Shirou's been hoping to see him cheered up more.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Seems he can only smile when others are smiling!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:918|Yowane Haku (918)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"As long as I can get in to damage the equipment, I do not care how you two do it. Maybe act like crazed fans so I can get around." a small dome of light surrounds the vocaloid and her outfit's changed to her basic one. Pants, shirt, tie, ribbon... "Try not to hurt the fans, /I/ need them." she nods. The fence gets widened more and more for Sanary and Gukado, as she looks back to them, "I'll have Kazuki provide payment at the end of this, regardless."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Haku takes a peek over the fence this time, "Whenever you two are ready... I'll be right behind." Haku makes a few taps upon her synthesizer panel and starts adjusting a few things, a brief nod. "Song set loaded. Module set loaded. Synthesizer programmed successfully." a small breath, and a sip of the sake bottle carried with her, "Some of the fans look like they have swords. Be careful. There's people I don't recognize around the line... but get going. I need to get this going quickly."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Master~," comes Caster's voice, telepathically to Gudako and her 'friends', "There's another Servant here." This seems to cause the magus to lift her eyes from her cellphone, smile widening, and replying to Haku immediatly.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh, you don't care? Okay."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako produces a laser pointer.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She points it at the side of what would have to be the backstage area. Sweetly, she says: "Berserker~!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On-cue, bright blue wisps of magic form into the pink-haired, red-robbed Berserker, the foxgirl immediatly lunging towards the laser dot on the wall, with those big cat mittens and boots.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And wouldn't you know it, that wall gives in like paper.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako calmly follows after, directing the laser pointer towards anything that looks important. That sure looks like a console! Oh, and that's a sound engineer, sucks to be him.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That's something of a relief to the cleric. No stealth, someone else handling the actual tech work. All in all, a fairly straightforward decoy job! "Sounds like a plan. Alright... Wish us luck." Smirking at Haku and Gudako, she sends a quick hit of healing/energy boosting energy their way before slipping through that hole in the fence. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And once she's in, it's time to make a scene. Not by being destructive or violent, though: That'd be too obvious, and probably way too much of a tipoff that something's going wrong to those on the outside. No, her approach for today's mission is a little more... Not subtle at all with Berserker blasting right into the wall. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Well. So much for not raising a ruckus completely peacefully. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Making a beeline for the nearest security, Sanary throws herself right at them while feigning fear and shock and all sorts of displeased emotions! "What the hell is going on here?! I-I'm just here to bring Miku her special... Uh... S-service package!" She's not quite expecting that to work, of course, but it's worth a shot even if she's not sure what 'special service' is supposed to mean. It sounded a lot better in her head than it did coming out.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:650|Eiko (650)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Waiting is totally boring. But that's what handheld consoles are for! Eiko's found some nerds playing Big Game Hunter and is killing virtual bear-dragons for sweet (bear-dragon) armor pieces when Berserker appears. She doesn't quite catch the crazy cosplay Servant, but she does notice the damage. And then there are on-radio explanations, so she's got the gist of it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Compared to everything else going on, she's not all that conspicuous, but that may or may not last. Tucking away her game and bringing out her phone, she starts tapping away with practiced speed, gives a nod, and tucks that back away, too. "Alright."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Quite a bit louder, "Alright! Free backstage access! Get in now or you're not getting in at all!" She's not sure just how crazy these fans are, but if anyone actually listens to her and starts storming in through the hole in security, that'll give her a crowd to stay in that much longer. She can't spend too much time on it, so whether her goading works or not, she's going to be heading in herself. Maybe she'll be leading a mob, or maybe she'll be elbowing people out of the way, or maybe (hopefully not) she'll be rushing in alone, but whatever happens, she's getting in there, smiling all the way. Then, she'll start looking for the star's room. Might still get an autograph chance, who knows. Those are worth cash.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:533|Sir Gawain (533)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>As Berserker is sent at the wall, Gawain can sense her. It isn't until he hears the wall coming down that he equates it with a threat, sliding back as he begins to figure out what's going on. And as he does, he's very upset!<br /><br />"Attackers! Do not let them harm Hatsune Miku!" In a flash, Excalibur Galatine appears in Gawain's free hand, the one without the foam finger, as he tries to track the Servant with his eyes. When he can't quite see her, he slams his way through the doors in her direction, making sure to close them afterwards, before charging blindly in her direction. "Servant! I will not let you to harm this concert, or the Staff, or anyone here! Surrender at once, or there will be consequences!" He says, as he waves a foam finger in her general direction. Very seriously and sternl, though, of course.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:901|Hoshi Amakasu (901)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Just when you're thinking a day might be calm and peaceful, something has to happen that screws everything up. Hoshi had been having a (mostly) restful day after her Fleet Daughter training. She'd given herself an ice bath to soothe her sore muscles, but it hadn't really helped with the paintball bruises on her back and legs. Or the giant one right on her right cheek. "Of course this stupid stuff has to happen, and of course she's involved..." she mutters darkly to herself as she gets ready. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It takes some time, but soon Hoshi is running towards the venue, dressed in her kendo gear again--sans helmet, letting the big shiner on her cheek show off. Looking up the stairs, Hoshi is immediately discouraged by the people lining these stairs. She'd have to push her way through them, or... "Excuse me everyone! There has been a fire alert, and--aw, c'mon!" Suddenly a lot of them were rushing in! Eventually Hoshi just groans and starts pushing past them. She pulls out her special hair tie from her gi belt and wills it to change into it's sword form. She doesn't draw it yet, instead choosing to keep the sword in her belt as she runs. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gawain charges off--that's probably going to be a problem--but Hoshi instead goes to force her way into the building. "Rosamond, I'm going to need you on this," she mutters, and pulls her locket out from under her shirt, clicking it open. Right now she's about as ready as she can be.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;KABOOOOOOOOOOOM!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;... And there goes a wall. Shirou flinches, eyes widening and muscles tensing all at once. "WHAT?" The boy exclaims, voice choked from shock. WHO? Why?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, answers are clear pretty fast over the radio and by looking around. FEELING around a little.. oh yeah, there's a Servant nearby.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With walls collapsing, people are already starting to PANIC, but Shirou dives over to a wall even if he has to take a few empowered leaps to do so. Because then he YANKS ON A FIRE ALARM.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If that doesn't get people FLEEING NOW, nothing much will... "Saber! We don't know what they're after. Keep your eyes peeled!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The busted wall? Unheard by Kyra. A lot of things are unheard by Kyra with the exception of the Broadband. She actually has that piped in from her phone into her headphones since listening to it was a pretty good way of passing the time. It's the only way she realizes that something has gone really, really wrong backstage. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also that there was a Master with Servants lurking around. That's bad enough to make her want to retreat to somewhere safe, given what happened the last time she was caught anywhere without Nero. Kyra makes a face and pulls her hood down lower, slipping out of line. The rest of the line will probably be leaving in a second as the fire alarm goes.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel is not able to sense things but s things get a bit crazy s Gawain sense thing and calls out there being touble. With out much fangair she summons her Keyblade much like Gawain has got his own blade out and she's now making. she thinks that it's a good idea on Shiou's part to get the Fire Alarm going that should clear people out and she can get to work. She hears that they are going after Miku and he's gong to set of to try and make for the divital Diva.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:918|Yowane Haku (918)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Good, distraction get. Haku bursts out running towards the now open door and with the distraction, her visage shouldn't be too much of a concern, maybe. Tapping a bit into the speaker system, and warning her allies, a creepy, emotionless voice slowly starts singing out of the speakers, intent on driving fear.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Kagome kagome, nani shite asobu no? Yoake no ban ni nakama ni nareru ne... Kagome kagome, ushiro no shoumen daare?" she starts, looking for a few control panels if she's not stopped from getting into the door at all. She continues her singing regardless, "Kagome kagome, maketa gaki tachi wo, kagome kagome, nige rarenu yooni, yoake no ban ni, kubi wo kiri otose, kakome kakome, "ushiro no shoumen daare?""<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gawain intervenes!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What he comes across is the red-robed Berserker foxcatgirl just kind of. Eating the neck of a poor sound engineer. Nomnom. To his magical eyes it is immediatly pretty damn clear that she isn't just eating his neck (and/or killing him), but has absorbed the man's magic (what few specks there may have been) and life in general.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Strictly speaking this isn't necessary, given Gudako's absurd mana reserves, but by habit her Servants harness magic when they can. It means they can go all-out and then some.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako stands a few meters behind her Servant, laser pointer in hand. "Ah? It's the Saber! Just like on the radio. Hello mister! I hope you don't mind, but my cat gets antsy when she doesn't play for a while, so."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She points the laser at Gawain.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Berserker~."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Perhaps unsurprisingly, the pink-haired foxcatgirl lunges towards Gawain with a thunderous 'NYAA!'. Faster than Gawain, the Berserker does have a bit of a disadvantage right now-- at this time of day, Gawain is physically stronger. Sadly that won't stop the cat from being a freight train, and those goofy looking cat mittens from being intensely sharp.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Haku's song seems to have no effect on Gudako-- her wide smile and empty eyes remain such, fixated on Gawain. Berserker... is a cat. She is intensely focused on catching that red dot right now. IT WON'T ESCAPE HER THIS TIME, AND SHE'LL GIVE IT TO HER MASTER AS AN OFFERING.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:918|Yowane Haku (918)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile the crowd, upon hearing 'free backstage access' starts going nuts! Despite the fire alarm, there are /THOSE CRAZY PEOPLE/ who will rush head long into things to get to Miku. Some of them are your token creepy otaku, some are just die hard fans and there's even cosplayers running towards the hole in security. "WOOOO BACKSTAGE ACCESS!" "Such a day to be alive!" "MIKU MY LOVE, YOUR HUSBAND IS COMING!" "HEY, THAT'S MY MIKU YOU FREAK!" "Miiiikuuuuu!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The fans overrun some of the guards, and even their will to see Miku is overriding any sense of fear, even the fear that Haku's trying to sing into them...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Things sure are getting a little wild, aren't they? Sanary wastes little time in driving the security guard headfirst into the ground in the confusion between the chaos from the fire alarm and things crashing around them. With the warning about the song coming through, she tears chunks of his uniform off (only the sleeves!) to cram some of that fabric into her ears as makeshift earplugs before heading for the stage itself! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The cleric raises an eyebrow at spotting that rush of people coming in (with Eiko) as well, but doesn't do anything to stop them considering... Well, it doesn't look like they're trying to stop her, either. If anything, having all these civilians around might even help! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Something does catch the girl's eye quickly enough, however. Something a little more... Sword-shaped. Several, even! Leaving Gawain to Gudako and her Servant, the axe cleric bounds to the middle of the stage to point dramatically at Hoshi while setting her guitar case down to grab a spare microphone. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You there! Are you here to fight for the maiden's honor?" She grins wildly as she says that, ignoring the fact that the microphone might not even be working properly. It's not what she had planned, but it's... Something!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:533|Sir Gawain (533)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Despite the fact that he is facing a Servant who is also a Berserker who is also a cat, Sir Gawain is handling this surprisingly well! That is, knightly! "You fiendious feeding feline! I urge you to drop the body and think about your actions! I will not allow you to harm another soul, even if I must cut you through!" He readies both his blade and his foam finger, before turning to Gudako as she speaks to him. "You! Put your hands up! Drop the laser pointer! W-wait! Don't point it at m-"<br /><br />The Knight has no time to react, as Berserker lunges at him, knocking him backwards and into a nearby wall. That's going to cause a dent! Despite the force, Gawain's Numeral of the Saint skill allows him to resist the attack, which may have otherwise left him vulnerable, jumping to his feet. He doesn't have much space to move though, what with a catgirl trying to beat him up, so he needs to distract her!<br /><br />This is why Gawain rips his foam finger off, flinging it behind Berserker. It's also flinged right into the path of the laser pointer, which hopefully should give him some time to leap away. If he does so, he's going to take a second to recollect himself, draw his sword, and move into a defensive guard. Next time she pounces, he'll be ready!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:650|Eiko (650)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Woah, creepy background music. Eiko has no particular defenses against this, so it's actually pretty frightening, even with the warning, though all it really does here is make her more cautious in her approach. It sounds like some scary stuff is going on out there and, honestly, she'd get splattered if she got between something like Berserker and Gawain without a plan, fear effect or no.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Seems like the mob worked. Sweet. Eiko rides in on that before elbowing, ducking, weaving, and face-smacking her way to the front or side and out, just so she can get out and sprint, along the quietest-looking route she can find, for someplace that seems sufficiently 'backstage.' Still gotta find that singer. If her temporary employer wants her to do anything else to help with the chaos, they'll have to send another message.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Emiya Shirou's ill-suited for the situation. It's CHAOS and... and... ... and some of the people are completely ignoring the FIRE ALARM?! The boy's left balking for a few crucial moments. "What-- don't be idiots!" He yells in vain, incomprehending of such behavior. THE DEPTHS OF FANS, they're insane. This... this is why he really isn't a fan of much.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then. THEN the utterly freaky singing starts. Right amidst an incredibly bad circumstance as it is. The amber-eyed youth develops one of the WORST cases of the willies he's ever had. is someone really circling the building maybe? Is it just mind games? Someone singing in triumph? Who knows. Which gets him gulping. Not that these craaaaazy lyrics helped matters.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shaking and shivering, he's held firmly in place by waves of dread and a little nausea, but...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"T... trace on...!" Magic Circuits flaring to life, he conjures up his favored weapons in the blink of an eye. Kanshou and Bakuya appear in his hands just as the boy decides to leap over the crowd and force his way backstage!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Time to investigate!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel is seeng the guards are getting over mnaking for Miku well but there's crazed fans she lets out a high some users seem to have no self preservation drive it sees. She's going to have to star vaulting over them oe trying to get past them the music Haku is putting out is certainly starting to effect her a bit sometthing not right here and it's starting to scare her. This may start to leve her prehaps a bit more open to making a error in judgement, which could be dangerous in a situation like this. <br /><br /> For now she's having to weave through and vault over the die hard fans and she just gets a wonderview of an aspects of her gods which is creepy as /heck<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:901|Hoshi Amakasu (901)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thankfully the sudden influx of people going inside means Hoshi can just follow them through and split off, which she does. She can't protect these people by herself, and Kyra said that she'd be able to handle getting people free. As soon as she gets free of the crowd, Hoshi clicks open her locket and starts running for backstage. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Just then, she starts hearing that super creepy song. Shivers come to her against her will, and she grits her teeth against the aural assault. "I... won't run... I won't! Persona!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BURNING UP! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The figure of Rosamond appears behind her in blue haze, the green coat that covers her eyes flapping lightly in the disturbed air, tapping adress her muddied wedding dress, carrying a giant broadsword in one hand. Just as Hoshi was about go run backstage, Hoshi hears a familiar voice, and turns to regard Sanary with a dark frown. Slowly her sword is drawn. "Must you try to ruin everything you get involved in, Ms. Rondel?" Hoshi says coldly. "You will not succeed here. Go, Rosamond!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Persona's hidden gaze turns to regard Sanary, and for a moment one golden eye shows under the hood. Then the Persona is charging, jumping up onto the stage in a single bound while she delicately spun in the air, and tried to bring her blade down on poor Sanary's head.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:918|Yowane Haku (918)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Haku grins and rushes into the building, her song still in the air as she continues her singing. With some of the control panels destroyed and the sound engineer engineering a new paint job for the floor, Haku makes her way across the backstage, now plainly visible to anyone who gets a good look inside, like a certain mob of people or dual blade user or servant. "Alright, Miku's room should be around here somewhere..." she mutters, swinging the sake bottle around to knock a few of the guards out, she goes back to her searching.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's not aware of the fear effect actually working, she takes a quick pause and looks. Okay, there's a solid hologram emitter... that needs to be destroyed. There's some more sound equipment... there's ... not a room around. "No... was I?" she frowns and cracks her knuckles. "Time to get to work." With a dash, if she's not stopped, she rushes the hologram emitter and starts pounding at it, denting it in a few places. It, and everything attached to it, is quite solid... "Hey, I need some help here!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This way! Come on!" Kyra is pointing and yelling, trying to direct the fans fleeing to evacuate in the most orderly fashion. Between a fire alarm and a fear-inducing song, it seems to be working for /most/ of them. The creepy song itself does make Kyra want to join them quickly but, as she promised the others, she was focusing on getting everyone out of harm's way while they fought. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Except a few die-hard fans are thwarting that. The thought of having to go anywhere near rabid fanboys does make Kyra's skin crawl but they were still people that needed to get to safety. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reaching under her hoodie, Kyra produces a gun-the needlegun of the bunch, which she loads with darts pulled from a bandolier also hidden under her hoodie. "Alright kids, it's time to /go home/, on threat of RESTRAINING ORDER!" Kyra has no qualms against popping someone with a dart filled with her own brand of fear-inducing serum that instigates the 'flight' response in those that intake the chemical filled in the dart's resevoir.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If Sanary hadn't seen a Persona before, she'd be rather freaked out right about now with Hoshi's Persona appearing out of nowhere. "Miss...? Oh, /you're/ Amakasu!" Grinning even more as that moment of recognition sinks in, her attention is momentarily diverted when Shirou and Deelel just go right past her on their way backstage. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Wha... Hey, hold up!" She can't afford to stop them just yet, however, grabbing that guitar case upwards by the thinner end and swinging it upwards to meet Rosamond's sword head on. The case, made of high-quality wood and finely crafted by an artisan, promptly falls apart when it meets that sword, although the gunaxe inside does its job at keeping the healer's head where it belongs. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Good thing it was just a prop she stole and spent no actual money on. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "So this is where it's gonna be, eh? Fine with me!" Although her clothes are frilly, her approach is anything but as she pulls back with the axe, then shoves it forward violently to try and throw the Persona back with brute force. "And I don't ruin /everything/ I get involved with! We just happen to be on different sides of the same... This thing!" She's not attacking just yet, however, just holding her free hand out to Hoshi and gesturing at her to come forward.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gawain's foam finger sacrifices itself, like a true hero. It is mauled and shredded as the Berserker, who momentarily saw the red dot on it, attempts to locate her prey. Where is it?! Where did it go?! Well, it's gone. No more red dot. And there's foam finger everywhere!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako tilts her head a bit.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ah, that's weird. You can't fight a lady, mister knight? Hm. Berserker! Pin him down, that way he won't be able to move! Look!" Laser pointer, meet Gawain again.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This time, Berserker does not lunge.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She produces a set of ofuda, and hurls them at Gawain! They... bounce off his Magic Resistance bubble completely. The paper slips fall to the ground, burning and disappearing, without affecting the Saber.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ah. Ah, right! Sabers have high resistance. Woops."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The laser pointer moves from Gawain to the ground at his feet. Without hesitation, Berserker leaps again, smashing into the ground in front of Gawain. This causes a terrible rain of concrete shrapnel and a dust cloud to kick up! And from that crouching, the foxcatgirl lunges again, essentially tackling Gawain by applying her face to around his waist level, and attempting to wrap her arms around him.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Is she... tacklehugging him?<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's definitely trying to squeeze hard, but she's not clawing!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh, the fear effect's working. It is working indeed. But Shirou tends to behave rather WEIRDLY when he's scared.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Because he cares far more about how everyone else is scared and endangered than he is afraid for himself.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No way, I've got trouble to end! Get out of here!" Is Shirou's retort for Sanary as he goes bursting into backstage!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After a bit of running around, the sound of SMASHING gets his attention... and he sees that it's a girl doing said smashing of equipment. A girl he doesn't recognize WHATSOEVER.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A girl whose voice matches that of the one going over the speakers, geeze...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Emiya Shirou doesn't really look like much. Just a frowning young man in jeans and a two-toned shirt. And oh, he's angry. And... carrying two short swords, one of yin and the other yang!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oi! What's the meaning of all this?! You're with these people wrecking the concert..."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:901|Hoshi Amakasu (901)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, of course it wasn't going to be that easy. Forcing her shivering legs into action, Hoshi runs after her Persona and jumps up onto the stage. Rosamond gets pushed off and jumps back, landing delicately near Hoshi. Both regard Sanary with intese scrutiny. "I'm sure the Kokiri would disagee with you," Hoshi grunts wryly as she takes her standard swordsman's stance against Sanary. "Whoever was running this concert would probably, too. Same with the fans. Do you even bother to ask why you're doing all these terrible things?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Words done, time to fight. Rosamond lifts her sword up above her head, catching the gleam of the sun with it and redirecting it to Sanary. Strangely, the light seems to reshape itself, forming into golden talismans and prayers on paper around Sanary's person that suddenly erupt with violent Light magic. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;During this time, Hoshi chooses to charge, letting out a fierce "Kia!" as she begins to close the distance.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:650|Eiko (650)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, it doesn't look like Eiko is going to find that room. On the contrary, she's pretty lost. Dammit. Probably not getting much loot out of this, either.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The smashing sound catches her attention, as well as that call for help. Hey, she can help smash things. She's got a sheathed sword that works pretty well as club. Also, some other stuff, but you don't want to spray plasma fire everywhere, it gets messy.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Still under the effect of that FEAR debuff, she makes her way cautiously over to... some place Emiya Shirou has already reached. And is confronting her employer. Well, smashing one thing or another, doesn't make much difference. With a feral grin and total silence, Eiko sneaks up to try and give Shirou a smack to the back of the neck with her club-like sword. She puts all her weight into that, too--a normal human would probably die if they took it wrong.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanary sighs lightly as she stretches her arms out at her sides, settling into a wide stance with the gunaxe held in front of her. "Oh, everyone's always disagreeing with everyone. I can't make everyone happy, so what's wrong with just focusing on the ones I care about?" Oddly enough, she doesn't take that opportunity to take a potshot at Hoshi. Instead, she just keeps circling around slowly while letting her own magical energy circulate around inside her, raising an eyebrow at the sight of those talismans appearing around her. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then the light explodes around her. She howls out painfully and buckles, just barely managing to keep herself from dropping to one knee. Flesh is singed, everything hurts, but keeping that energy moving around inside her does mitigate some of that damage as her wounds visibly regenerate while Hoshi draws closer. Finally, the axe cleric rushes forward as well, channelling some of that magic into the Ice sphere in her gunaxe while swinging it upwards at the Persona-user. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There's not much in the way of technique or finesse in that swing. It's just raw power, a bit of speed, and a trail of ice following that slash!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:918|Yowane Haku (918)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The room doesn't exist. Miku's not even going to be here. All that effort.. wasted .. OH well, that doesn't matter to her right now. She is getting the concert cancelled today and this place damaged to delay it for a long time. That's her goal now. Then... that voice. "What do you care." comes an emotionless reply, the song still going over the loudspeaker, "What are you, some sort of fanatic for Miku and her creator?" she takes a large swig of the sake bottle and frowns, "If so, you've come to the wrong person. I'm here to ruin her rep... not help it." obvious answer is obvious.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Haku's eyes look towards her contracted worker "What does it even matter to you? I know you aren't a fan, I know you aren't my creator so... Just... Leave." she sounds pointed before the song abruptly ends... and another one begins, something designed to bring tears... "Mayonaka kanaderu... Tokei no tsubuyaki... Chikutaku to yume no... Hajimari wo tsugeru..." the voice is slow, soft and filled with a sad emotion.. for now.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As she sings, she drops the bottle and drops into a stance, a ... not so normal martial arts stance, something akin to drunken boxing. Upon the swing done by Eiko, Haku rushes in and goes for a quick downward strike upon the head.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel has encountered Sanary Deelel gives her a look for a moment her eyes narrowing a bit. Sanary wasn't normally a problem but with the cvhaos here and a known fed showing up? Well that just makes the basic supious of her. Deel leeps her keyblade ready, however Hoshi has intercepted Sanary so she keeps moving and she busts back stage after Shirou she pauses knowing something else is up here and she narrows her eyes as she arrives with Shirou. <br /><br /> "Might I suggest you stop this and /leave/?" <br /><br /> There's an warble to her voice it's faint but it's very oddly akin to the same sort older vocaloids like Miku have.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:533|Sir Gawain (533)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Berserker is unarmed, and also not entirely sane, and also a woman. And a cat. Therefore, Sir Gawain cannot attack her unless his life is in danger, and right now, it isn't! He /can/ keep to a defensive position to stop Berserker from killing more people, though.<br /><br />As the magic hits him, Gawain stares at her. And then at himself. And then back to her. "I think you should probably use something that isn't magic! It only tickles!" If she's going to try to fight him, it should atleast be fair-ish!<br /><br />But then, Berserker pounces at his feet, pinning him to the ground. Sir Gawain stares at her, before he gets a brilliant idea, and attempts to pry himself from her. Then, very sternly, he stares at Berserker, and wags a finger at her, frowning. "No! Bad kitty! Don't pounce others without permission. If you go sit in the corner and behave, you'll get a treat for learning!" Or, Sir Gawain's training plan for his dog. Now applied to cats!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:901|Hoshi Amakasu (901)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hoshi's teeth are tightly grit, trying to keep the mental assault of fear from overwhelming her as she moves. "Rgh... That's just an excuse! You're just as selfish as the people that keep sending you out. The only difference is you're too cowardly to acknowledge that deep down!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She's glad to see that the spell was able to do some damage, but she wasn't expecting Sanary to get back up and start healing /right in front of her/. And as she came close, she went into Sanary's attack range. Oh dear. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's no way to dodge it, and there's no way a katana could block something like that. So Hoshi does something else. She puts in more speed. This helps her get just past the swinging axe head and get hit with the shaft. The ice spell still triggers, causing Hoshi to let out a pained yelp as ice expands over her midsection, over her gi and into her skin. Still, now she's in Sanary's arc range, and she's gripping onto the shaft with her arms as hard as she can. "Rosamond!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It soon becomes clear what Hoshi is intending. Rosamond suddenly flies forward from where she was a moment ago, the Persona flying toward Sanary to hit her with a giant shoulder-check while Hoshi holds Sanary's weapon hostage.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "So what if I'm selfish? It's better than trying to make everyone happy and disappointing everyone!" There's a mixed scowl and grin on Sanary's face as Hoshi comes within headbutting-range, both amusement and irritation showing in her features. Thankfully, she does have enough sense to actually try that, and she's even thrown off a bit by the girl's unorthodox method of evasion! Just to make matters worse for her, Rosamond even scores a direct hit on the cleric. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Unfortunately for Hoshi and Rosamond, Sanary's also got some unorthodox maneuvers of her own. Instead of just letting herself lose that weapon with nothing to show for it, the healer instead latches onto the Persona herself. "At least I... I'm not running away from how things really work! Not everyone gets what they want, so why shouldn't I try to make sure it's me?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Channelling energy into her magitech eye, she wrenches her head sideways to stare right at Hoshi, then tilts her head up and fires a heat laser upwards. It detonates and triggers a concentrated explosion mere moments later, and the healer doesn't seem to have any regard to her own personal safety while doing it!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Berserker attempts to hold onto Gawain. This is initially difficult, because Gawain is much stronger than her right now (by a factor of three! damn rank EX absurd skill). But then she seems to... warp a bit? Her features twist, and become a bit more feline and canine at the same time. Berserker sheds a layer of humanity, not a large one, and becomes slightly more monstrous. In other words, she becomes a bit more furry on the catgirl scale.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This seems to be accompanied by a fairly significant burst of strength, allowing the Servant to almost match Gawain! They struggle, and she starts losing out again.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Geez, mister knight. What's wrong? You don't seem to want to fight? Mm, mm! CASTER!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On cue, Caster appears!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Next to Gawain.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She produces an ofuda with the word MIRROR on it, and immediatly creates a number of mirror images of herself. The blue-robed foxgirls all approach Gawain from different angles, grabbing hold of his limbs-- he's got one foxgirl per arm, one for each leg, the foxcatgirl hugging his chest, and the final, real Caster just standing a bit behind him.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"He's kind of cute, master!" Caster says.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Berserker could just eat him up, nya!" Berserker says.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, mister knight? You could go help your friends, or you could try to fight, or you could just let my foxes give you a massage or something! Sometimes it's nice to just kick back and relax, you know?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shirou's rather grateful that Deelel's also made it backstage. He just doesn't have any opportunity to speak to her. Well...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His heart's still doing all kinds of weird emotional flips. It has him in the most twitchy mood ever. All these heart-string-yanking songs! "That's why this concert was crashed and so many people were enda--"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He only doesn't get out the rest of his angry condemnation because the boy does something Eiko probably wasn't expecting. Something SHIROU wasn't expecting either. Eiko was completely silent. There's no obvious way that Shirou could have possibly realized he was in danger, right?!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well... apparently, wrong. The boy's whole body twists slightly in a flash of instinctive panic. Kanshou and Bakuya meet the clubbing at a weird angle. Sparks fly as a lot of the blow's power is deflected off mark. Yet... the weapon still manages to smash into his arm and shoulder with enough power to send him staggering backwards. And right into a wall with a WHUNK.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Aaaaaarrrrrghhhhhhhhkhhh---!!" The arm's not exactly rendered limp, but it's definitely taken quite a nasty blow. Emiya Shirou glances between Yowane and his stealth attacker. "Just to wreck a concert, you'd go through all this...?! You're crazy!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This shift in direction gives him a better opportunity to deal with two opponents. With his back to a wall he cannot be flanked! But he still has Haku coming straight at him. His eyes go a little wide with confusion at the stance she takes. Kanshou and Bakuya are crossed and raised. Sparks fly when robot strength encounters illusory Noble Phantasms and the weapons crack. Shirou's arms wobble and tremble under the impact, muscles SCREAMING in protest. yet...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet a metallic CREAKING joins in with with the scraping. A creaking of metal that isn't Haku's? Weird.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You girls ruined my Servant's day. Ruined it for hundreds of people! And for what?!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a mighty yell he just BARELY manages to force the offending punch away and executes a small leap that takes him behind some of the equipment for cover.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then... Then he simply HURLS Kanshou and Bakuya in tight arcs around the equipment. the weapons pack a punch despite being so small. Yet he stands disarmed behind all that gear, glancing around in a panic as if not sure what to do next!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:901|Hoshi Amakasu (901)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The moment before Rosamond comes in to smack Sanary off, Hoshi scowls as she spits out from behind chattering teeth, "So instead you ruin hundreds of people's lives? For what? What could possibly be worth killing and hurting so many people?" Nothing, in Hoshi's opinion. So then, was this a physical fight, or was it actually a fight of ideals shaping up here? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sadly, as much as the Persona would like to shake the woman off like a fly, she doesn't really have the time or capability, and she winds up getting a face full of magitech laser explosions. Almost immediately, Rosamond's form begins to dissapate as Hoshi screams in agony, dropping the axe as she goes to her knees and presses her hand against her face, trying to rub away that horrible burning feeling that was left behind. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rosamond fades away as Hoshi's concentration is gone, but Hoshi herself isn't down. "You... can't make everyone happy," Hoshi says thickly as she pushes herself to her feet. "That's right... you can't. Everyone makes sacrifices--but how dare you sacrifice things that aren't yours to give? You didn't even consider the option that there was another way, did you?" Scowling, she kicks Sanary's axe off the stage and slowly lowers herelf into her combat stance... but she's really shaky now.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:533|Sir Gawain (533)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>There is a problem with this situation. That is that it's unpure to be covered in ladies, especially for a knight such as Gawain. He actually seems to panic a bit, as he shouts. "Ladies! I know I am fabulous, but you must not get carried away! No physical contact! Remain atleast five feet away at all times!" But they are unlikely to listen. And while he does not want to hurt them for previously stated reasons, he must protect order! So, he lifts his arms to shake off the two foxes attached there, and then...tries to run away, shaking the foxes off his legs and sides. If he manages to get away, he turns around, glaring at Gudako. "This is not relaxing! I have succeeded in keeping you from harming anyone else, so I am proud of most of what I have done here! However, I cannot abide by such unchaste conduct! Either surrender or flee, or I will be forced to knock out your Servants! With the blunt end of my blade! Don't make me do it!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:650|Eiko (650)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eiko put all her force into that, so she's pretty off-balance afterward, even if she carried through despite the surprise block. "Dang, man. You're pretty crafty. Guess I gotta work on those rogue skills." She's eyeing those twin blades of his. They don't seem quite like ordinary weapons, whereas her katana is... utterly ordinary, unadorned, but also unscratched. The sheathe didn't take the slightest damage despite the force of the blow-and-block. Conversely, the fancy swords get cracked by a punch? Weird.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's not immediately responding to what he said, since that was mostly directed at Haku, so far as she knows. The backstory to this isn't really any of her business. Or, maybe it IS relevant, but... naw, read the quest log later. There's nothing superhuman about the burst of motion with which she brings the undrawn weapon around to block Kanshou (or is it Bakuya?) coming at her, and this time she's the one driven back hard with the impact. There's nothing superhuman about her endurance, either--she doesn't even have magecraft to boost herself up. Overall, apart from the sneak attack, she's at a huge disadvantage if things drag out and Haku can't make up for it--which Deelel is seeing to. Ah, shit. Oh well. Maybe she can still make something out of this before it gets too dicey.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'Fu...' Exhale, inhale. With a shiiiing, her katana is drawn, and she finally calls out a response. "Just a job, man. Gotta make a living somehow. I wanted to see some music, but hey, I'm getting more than the price of my ticket back. If you didn't want me here, shoulda made an offer first!" She's rushing at his location, but she won't move around either side to actually get at him until after she, seemingly, swings her blade at empty air. A gust of smoke seems to fly off from it, go right through the equipment, and home in on Shirou. It won't hurt him directly, if it works at all. It'll just randomly exchange his 'fear' and, if the second song affected him, 'sadness' for some other curse effects, like 'blind', 'disable,' 'freeze,' 'burning,' 'bleeding'... Eiko doesn't know what, but figures it'll give her another surprise advantage when she swings the tip of her blade across his chest, which she's doing as soon as she's in reach.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyra looks up from the small crowd of what stubborn fanboys remain even after most of the fans have evacuated. Even after a trio of servants are around to "duke it out" (with laser pointers and foam fingers). Even after the songs of fear and sadness play. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyra backs away so she has a better view of the stage where Sanary and Hoshi are fighting, giving her a better, clearer view of the exchange. She reaches under her hoodie and starts loading up more darts into her needlegun. "I warned her." she mutters, putting the last green liquid-filled dart into the chamber with a snap. The green liquid contains an e. coli variant Kyra engineered herself. Fast acting. Smelly. Tends to so chaos in the digestive system. May induce vomiting. Or worse. The good news is that the strain self-terminates after a few minutes.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Calmly, she takes aim, and shoots three such darts at Sanary.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel Says "So why are you doing this? I don't get what your malfuction is for doing something like this!" <br /><br />She keeps her blade ready as she watches Hakiu but her music does seem to be effecting Deelel a bit. <br /><br /> "This is how you want it? " <br /><br /> Then fine she can't do much about Eiko for the moment but she's going to try to engaged Haku as she keeps the strange blade in her hand and triest to get in attack using the flat of the weapon to strike but it might leave her pretty open to a counter attack.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanary scrambles back as Rosamond fades, clutching her head painfully and focusing her energy into keeping those burn wounds and broken ribs in check. It's certainly not a long-term solution what with the bones healing in the wrong way, but it'll have to do while her mind and body are preoccupied with facing Hoshi here. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And yet, she's still grinning. It really was worth coming out to fight here today, wasn't it? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Very easily, actually. It's... I mean, it'd suck to hurt people I actually like to help people I don't." Some of that bluster from earlier fades as she says that. It's not really a dramatic answer at all. Luckily, it returns shortly afterwards! "So there isn't any good option at all if you think of it that way. Might as well take the one that's better for me!" Forcing herself onto her feet, she narrows her eye as Hoshi kicks that axe off stage, clattering on the ground below rather loudly. Thankfully, it doesn't fire off anything without the magic power to actually get it going. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...Real mature. So. You ready to give up yet, or am I gonna have to beat your head in until you do?" She glares defiantly at the Persona-user despite her lack of a weapon, haggard appearance from all the tumbling around, and her apron having a slight case of being on fire. She doesn't even notice those darts until they've already pierced into her side, and her gaze falls in Kyra as the color starts to drain from her face. "... I noticed that! I'll... I'm coming for you next, Kkkhh." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She's already getting a little wobbly! But is getting close enough really worth the risk?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:918|Yowane Haku (918)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The metal creaking catches Haku off guard... something's not right here. "Servant?" she questions, smirking, "Well, wrecking a concert is what will help. The more I can mess with her, the better." She lets out a wince as that sword actually hits her from when it was thrown, the woman being knocked back a couple feet from impact. "A sword, huh?" she pulls the white blade out of her arm and twirls it... "I don't know what a servant is, or what ended up with that metal sound... but.."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Someone wants you alive and his... for now..." it looks like Eiko's got something going at Emiya, so she'll use that blade to cut some wires and dig it right into the emitter, breaking the blade in the process. "Poorly forged... or a costume blade." she goes through her song list quickly, she'll keep up the current one for now as she rushes back in to make a leaping fist strike, another downward punch going to him.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, the fans that got hit with those Fear darts go wide eyed and start quickly turning tail to run away screaming bloody murder, something they saw, or from the Fear effect from those darts, has them leaving the scene quickly.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pushing the Casters away isn't very difficult-- they're not very strong, and also, they're mirror images. A violent brush-up from the Saber would pretty much dispel them. As he wriggles free from the Berserker's aggressive hugging, and the four mirror Casters, the images reunite with the original, and the two Servants, now much more obviously the very same person with a different haircut and robe color, smile innocently at the knight.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako ponders.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This Saber is rather powerful. She doesn't need to peek at his stats (but she might) to tell that. His resistance to magic puts both of her Servants at a disadvantage, and he hasn't even displayed what he can do yet. Moreover, she has nothing further to gain here. She's always done what would get her paid, and satisfied her curiosity. Gawain is not part of a Grail War she is currently involved in, and therefore, to kill him, or to attempt to, is a huge, huge expense of energy and risk. For, essentially, nothing.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Caster, Berserker~. I think mister knight is too pure for that. Congratulations, Saber! You didn't falter. Hm. It's true! You stopped my Servants from harnessing more magic, but I stopped you from interfering in what was going on~. Aaah, draw? Tie? I guess there's no point continuing this, you're right."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though, she wonders.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Say! I'll leave if you can answer this. What Grail War are you in? Tell me everything about it! The highlights, at least!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:901|Hoshi Amakasu (901)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hoshi's head was still THROBBING from Sanary's earlier attack on Rosamond, and she couldn't find the concentration past her pounding head to try to summon Rosamond again. Her stance is loose and shaky, but she's still holding it as Sanary gets back up. Whatever healing was keeping her going, Hoshi had to admit she wanted a piece of that. This was just unfair. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hoshi grits her teeth at Sanary's blatant disregard for the people she was hurting just because she wanted hers. The sheer selfishness was--rgh! "If that was true, then the Union wouldn't exist. You're a fool. You can only achieve true happiness through your own sacrifice. Same with everyone else..." She's just about to try going in when Kyra gets involved, plugging Sanary full of... Who knows what. She's still walking?! "What are you made of," Hoshi grumbles. Oh, wait, there she goes. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Watching Sanary go down, Hoshi sags and lets her guard drop. She goes a little closer to her opponent, though hopefully not close enough for Sanary to pull something tricky. "I saw everything bad in myself," she mutters quietly, regardless of whether or not Sanary can hear her. "But it was my choice... my sacrifice. And now I have Rosamond, and the Union. The selfish want only... tries to fill a hole that can't be filled." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her piece said, Hoshi turns her back and starts shuffling slowly towards where she came in, trying to calm her raging headache.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:533|Sir Gawain (533)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sir Gawain stands still, watching Gudako. He seems to still be in a pretty good mood. Or, atleast he is, until Gudako asks her question. It is immediately obvious that it is an awful question for him, and it immediately changes his entire mood. His eyes are sad and depressed, and his tone is bitter. "There are no highlights in a Grail War. You do not walk away from something like that with good memories, after dozens of people have died. It is not a game!" And it is obviously Gawain feels very strongly about this. "I will not tell you about it like it is some summer story, like it is something to laugh at, awe at, or enjoy. You will never find happiness in a Grail War. There is nothing to gain from it. Even if you are the winner."<br /><br />And then, Sir Gawain flicks his blade in his hand. It ignites on fire, but he does not move to attack. "And if that is not good enough for you, I will let you and your Servants strike me. They can take the first blow. But I will never tell you what I went through, when you obviously don't truly care. You will get nothing from me."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyra smirks up at Sanary as she starts to toddle around, showing signs of infection. "Oh good." She looks beyond Sanary to where Hoshi is before making a jerking motion with her head, signalling her to retreat. "Hey Sanary, you're not looking too well. Seems you could use a poisana. Or a regen. Or an esuna. You know how to cast that now, right? From school?" Kyra taunts, remembering that last time they checked, Sanary hadn't been able to pick up Job skills yet. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She reaches into her hoodie, pulling out more darts, "I have more where that came from! I even have a variant of chocobo flu. It'll dehydrate you! Among other things." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She keeps backing up, luring Sanary away from Hoshi. Her needlegun lifts, already reloaded with some other kind of agent. "Or maybe a does of hyper-histamine. Allergic reactions always ruin everyone's day."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako tilts her head again. Gawain's heavy words unfortunately can't break her smile and stare, but it's obvious from her tone she is a little bit disappointed. Just a bit. And from her words, that she disagrees.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh? You can't? But I used not to be happy at all. Since winning my first Grail War I've been happy all the time! I wished for power, and look at me~" She twirls, graciously, and then motions towards her Servant.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I have two very loving Servants! Ah, well, Caster didn't come to me until the second Grail War I poked my nose into, and I wished for knowledge from that one. And I'm still happy! Hm, maybe it's because you're a knight. You must have had to give up your happiness for that sword, huh? To pursue juuuuustice and gooooood~."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako shrugs.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But, okay! If you don't want to tell, I'll just ask again another time and get it out of you eventually. That was a good enough answer for now! I'll just go, because I'm done here anyway, alright?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel says "So this is all about messing with her?" <br /><br /> Things are getting a bot more wild the fear the song is causing seem to be clearing out a lot of the fans, which is good. Haku is provong to be quite dangerous in combat as well. Shirou is also bogged down in this mess and she's trying to do what she can here to help him. She's going to stops attacking for the moment she's got a better idea. She focuses for a moment and starts to channel the magic of the Dual Disc, soon Shirou would find himself responding and moving faster as Deelel casts a haste spell hopefull to help him out but she's got to find a way to stop Shirou from being tag teamed.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Luckiyl for Sanary, the healing properties in her own magical energy do keep the virus from going too wild. It's not enough to stop it from flooring her, but at least she'll be relatively clean by the time she leaves later. Even with the overwhelming urge to vomit all over Hoshi's shoes, she somehow manages to rein it in long enough to sit up and face the girl. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "So if there's a time when... When..." She coughs and clutches her stomach painfully. "... 'oly hell, Kyra, the hell was in that? If you gotta pick... Sacrificin' your frerp... Friends or people you don't know, what're you gonna do..?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Okay. Maybe a little puking would help. She does direct it off-stage, at least! She's definitely not even trying to get back up to fight, though. Turning to Kyra, she just glares more daggers at the dart-healer before sliding herself off-stage to pick up her weapon. It's a little... Chunkier than before. Freshly, even. "... You suck at teachin'. I'll see y' in class, Kyra. Gonna.. Puke in yer hat when you ain't lookugh." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She even sounds a little grumpy now! If nothing else, at least she's heading for the exit at a snail's pace now instead of pursuing anyone or anything else.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:533|Sir Gawain (533)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sir Gawain remains silent for a minute, staring at Gudako. He does not respond to her words, but it is obviously that he finds them despicable. "Leave. You could ask me forever. But you will never get the answer." And then, he will wait for Gudako and Servants to leave before he leaves himself. Concert ruined. And he won't even be able to get a refund!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Caster, Berserker! You heard mister knight."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Bye bye, mister!" Berserker says with an energetic wave.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Another time, maybe!" Caster says.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then the two Servants disappear, idle wind carrying the blue wisps of mana away. Though they're incorporeal, their presence by Gudako is still difficult to mistake. Not that Gawain is the sort to go back on his word or backstab a master like that. Gudako is sharp enough to have figured that out, with quite the certainty, and so she won't worry as she turns her back to the white knight and leaves as promised.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, she might drop by the souvenir shop first and grab a Hatsune Miku shirt or three, but for the most part she's really leaving!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shirou's put slightly on guard by Eiko making any kind of swing at NOTHING. He'd have to be a complete fool to not expect SOMETHING. So when he sees her begin to enter the motion for a strike raw determination flashes in his eyes, alongside a little panic. There's a raw SIZZLE-CRACK of prana in both his hands and ANOTHER COPY of the married swords is forged instantly into existence and brought up to block.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This isn't a completely wasted effort. Normally trying to block with swords would be completely worthless. But the 'curse smoke' flares and crackles against the crossed blades. A clear display of Magic Resistance, however minor, disrupts the spell's flow and potency.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not, however, enough to make a huge dent in it. The gust blows Shirou backwards. Frost forms over his flesh, nasty ice crystals biting into it even as muscles protest being moved. Shirou grunts and gacks, staggered with pain...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But the amber-eyed magus seems otherwise INURED to pain. Even though doing so wracks his body further he remains standing and mobile. The haste spell is similarly slightly disrupted by Kanshou and Bakuya but it does take effect. Moving like a blur, he catches Eiko's weapon between his own and redirects the seemingly indestructible weapon into Yowane's fist!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While Yowane's weapon will come out of this completely alright, the second pair of Kanshou and Bakuya CANNOT take the double-impact. They shatter after groaning in protest.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The double-blow absorbed this way leads to ice SHATTERING on his skin. Huge tracts of flesh are missing, torn to ribbons and bleeding. Well, no, surprisingly they're NOT bleeding dangerously. There IS a lot of blood around though. And Shirou's breathing hard. He's also FLUNG BACKWARDS another ten feet and nearly topples over. SOMEHOW the boy slams a foot down and maintains his footing.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You can tell them... I'm not interested!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Another inhale and the magus chants, "/My body is made of swords./"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Power flares in his hands once more. THIS time what forms is a hefty pillar of rock, roughly cylindrical in shape but with one part of it tapered into a kind of carved 'edge.' It KIND of resembles a sword, and the grip is covered in tight wrappings. It's a sword, but it's a sword made of ROCK.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And Shirou takes a stance with it that doesn't look at all safe to approach. It's held out weirdly in just ONE HAND.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Is there really any point to continuing this?!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Approaching that head-on is probably a BAD idea.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:918|Yowane Haku (918)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Haku was going to take another run at this but when Shirou's flung back and still has his footing, she stops. More so when her ears pick up the saying and then the sudden rock-like sword. The music stops, the singing stops... "Very well..." she muttered, the woman is soon enveloped in another light and reappears in a different outfit, a more buisness-suit like outfit. "Miss, let's go."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She shakes her head, "She wasn't here but we've ruined the concert for a while... this is good for me." she pulls the sake bottle to her lips once more and a large swig is taken beore she lets out a pleased exhale of air.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'll have to find out where she is... she can't run from this, can she...?" Haku's voice goes back to the emotionless tone it normally carries, "I guess I'll find out...."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:650|Eiko (650)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eiko looks at Shirou, in her own sword stance--which is hardly a professional one, as she's clearly never spent much time in a dojo. Serviceable, though. She's the self-taught type. She's sizing that up, and thinking about hard this guy hits, and how little he's got slowing him down. With the right circumstances... well, with the right circumstances, there isn't much her magic can't take out, but without that, she knows just how vulnerable she is.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then Haku is pronouncing the job done. 'Phew.' She smiles easily, stands up straight, sheathes her sword, and grins at the super-serious beat up magus. "A'right. Guess that's it for today. No hard feelings, guy." And wth that, she'll just walk out of there, humming to herself.<br> <br><br />
<br />
<br />
}}</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3465/Risen_from_Kardashev%27s_Locker&diff=121793465/Risen from Kardashev's Locker2015-12-04T23:48:25Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2015/11/30 |Location=Hikari Sea Port |Synopsis=Hikari Seaport is thrown into chaos, under attack what at first appears to be a strange Abyssal, but..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/11/30<br />
|Location=Hikari Sea Port<br />
|Synopsis=Hikari Seaport is thrown into chaos, under attack what at first appears to be a strange Abyssal, but turns out to be something more familiar.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=7, 253, 571, 582, 596, 598, 637, 672, 673, 680, 685, 863, 908, 911<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:596|Zwei (596)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It'd be a pleasant day at Hikari Seaport if not for the thunderous sounds of steady shelling rumbling over the waves, and the steadily rising plumes of dust kicked into the air and caught on the otherwise gentle sea breeze. But, no, that's not quite right. The report of cannonfire is distinctly absent before the earth-shattering crunch of explosives hitting home, as is the faint but characteristic whoosh of descending shells. Flashes of red light dot the horizon, and a moment later, portions of the seaside fly miles upwards in smoking pillars, leaving behind shimmer craters in the earth. It looks pretty much the same to a layman, but a naval expert will immediately be able to spot that all of the shots are landing right at the forward edge of the port, hitting it straight on rather than descending from above and landing inside it, amidst fuel and ammo supplies like it should.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's a small blessing, because the actual intensity of the shelling is insane. Each detonation shakes the tide, lighting up the installation with crimson flashes over and over again as hundreds of tons of sand, rock and metal go up in vapourized clouds one after the other. Nothing vital is being hit just yet, but given a short amount of time, there simply won't be anything left in the way. Curiously, there's no actual ship visible, at least not to the naked eye, and no radar signature of planes. Wherever it's coming from, it must be very far away for the moment, and yet the faint scent of ozone is acridly pervasive, even on shore.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"All ships, launch for sortie! First Carrier, Fifth Carrier, Second Carrier, sortie! Ryuujou, sortie and launch scout planes and get a Saiun up there as well! Get me some intel!" Nagato shouts commands out over the loudspeakers to the rest of the girls on base, some manning some turrets around the base while the launch bay is busy with girls launching out of them for a sortie. "Get me destroyer division six, have them sortie as escorts for the carrier fleets. What in hell is attacking..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A brief chat on the Union radios and Nagato nods. Kuma's on the way with her fleet, Kongou's bringing Psyber. Isuzu's given radio out. "Good... response plan is going. Atago, head out and join everyone. I'll be right behind." A nod comes from the cruiser and off she's out and about, running towards the launch bay to get prepared while Nagato looks out the window towards the sea, "What is attacking?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With the updates upon her naval radio, she shakes her head... time for her to sortie as well, there's more that can launch shells beyond the horizon here...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is not long before more(?) Abyssals emerge, from a nearby warpgate. They are not immediately in range of the ongoing shelling, or the xeno-behemoth that has been raised from the depths. Yet, the suddenly discordant voice rippling through their shared song, as well as the bleed over on public frequencies, can easily reveal what conventional radar cannot. Whatever passes for conventional to an Abyssal ship, that is. Regardless, a Tsu-class abyssal light cruiser - a quite tall female figure, mostly a stock humanoid save her mechanical-looking head, and the massive gun-gauntlets that form her arms and hands, is present, gargling instructions to a detachment of Destroyers. They are merely escorts for today, and not currently of consequence.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;More importantly, the Wo-class aircraft carrier, a more slightly built woman with a rather large, bulbous hat perched atop her head, appears to be the central figure of the investigating force. It is quite possible, given the newly awakened madness, that they could be just as easily seen as the enemy as the fleet daughters, so the initial cruise is tentative, watching the bombardment from afar. "...she's certain-ly, giving them. Trouble," she muses, to the Tsu-class light cruiser's buzz of agreement. While her chalky white face remains expressionless, for the most part, the Wo bites at her bottom lip in a moment's thought, before making a decision. "We're going, to support." While the Tsu-class somehow looks inquisitive about the order, the group of Destroyers, shark-like creatures that aren't humanoid in the slightest, buzz and hiss between themselves, obviously excited for the chance.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However, as she has done in the past, this is an operation that will likely call for a landing force, which is far from her specialty. Accordingly, she calls back to Confederate channels, asking for any available allies to come and assist in a ground invasion of Hikari, and aiming to take advantage of the very copious amount of diversion afforded by this super dreadnought. While she is arranging things, the Tsu-class and her little destroyer buddies begins to advance, still a bit cautious of the awakened rampage of this very strange new 'cousin', but if left to their own devices, they will move to flank three to a side, and begin opening fire with their own shelling - of significantly smaller caliber.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:863|Haguro (863)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Haguro trembles lightly as she looks out into the sea, the smoke obscuring her vision even as she leaves the port to take up a position in the water proper. Unknown assailants aren't anything new to the Heavy Cruiser, but it's been a while since her last actual fight at sea. She steadies herself on the water and takes aim at nothing in particular with her main guns, trying to find anything to even focus on out there. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Heavy Cruiser Haguro, launching! Which way are they coming from...?" She bites her lip anxiously while angling the turrets upwards, not firing just yet as she glides along the water alongside the carriers. Although she can't quite keep up with Nagato's destroyers, serving as an escort for the carriers is definitely within her abilities!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Any responding Confederate personnel, that don't have their own means of conveyance, or teleportation, would find the current standard issue landing boats already loading up with shock troops. There are a few reserved seats on each one, for Elites, however. They're a bit like well-armed motor boats, with a shallow draft, designed to slip behind enemy formations and make land fall. For the most part, they're for getting troops ashore, than any real fighting.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:637|Kongou (637)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>TEN MINUTES AGO:<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Akizuki kicks her legs off the end of the wooden pier, small enough that the Daughters no longer use it for its intended purpose, but long enough to reach out past the tide markers. Rabbitlike turret familiars trot back and fourth behind her, three in all, while the fourth rests in the lap of the girl sitting beside her-- The dark-haired Hayashimo. Akizuki herself holds a fishing pole, humming to herself. Hayashimo simply pets the Choujuucentihou-chan she holds, while the familiar creature emits a contented whirring sound with its 'eyes' closed.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's been a slow day," Akizuki mutters, tugging on her line, "Nothing's been biting since the saury festival ended."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...Flag raised," Hayashimo murmurs, single eye closing. After a moment, she lifts her gaze, that eye opening again, and stares off into the distance, "...It's coming."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hm?" The taller of the two destroyer girls glances sidelong at her companion, bewildered.<br /> <br />TWO MINUTES AGO:<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Laser artillery bombards the leeward side of the island. Emergency personnel and various ships scatter to and fro to deal with the damage. In the middle of it, toting a bucket with a single lonely Pacific Saury in it, Akizuki stares blankly at the chaos.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...You really raised it," Hayashimo murmurs, prompting a 'seriously?!' sort of look from her friend.<br /> <br />RIGHT NOW:<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At the arsenal, Isuzu collects her weaponry, her rigging materializing on her back mountings as she does so. Ammunition is checked and inspected before the light cruiser kicks off down the ramp and out into the harbor. Moments later, still tucking arrows into her quiver, Zuihou follows suit. The brunette battlemaiden Kongou is the last to proceed, checking her gun elevations before she steps forward, sliding down and into the water.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While Isuzu and Zuihou skate out into the open ocean, Kongou follows up, surrounded in glittering silver light. This expands around her, engulfing the girl. Moments later, the great bulk of the Japanese battleship Kongou bursts forward, crashing into the waves and sending up clouds of spray. BElching black smoke from her stacks, Kongou's shape leans outboard as she turns her way out of the harbor.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Soon, the three larger vessels of the Fourth Mobile are joined by their erstwhile destroyers, Akizuki and Hayashimo dashing down the beach and into the water from there, their riggings materializing at the same time. Subornly, Akizuki still clutches her bucket, filled with seawater and containing a single silver-scaled fish who has NO IDEA what the hell is going on.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako has come along! And not alone. There is one (1) dematerialized Servant with her, and one (1) materialized one! The blue-robed, pink-haired foxgirl is currently sorting through a large pile of ofuda, which have begun glowing an idle pink already.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Standing on one of the assorted transports provided, the master is exceptionally not playing any cellphone games right now. She's taking in the sights instead! Battleships, roaring ship-like monsters, a naval battle! This is exciting, and a great use of her night!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Caster~. Help our buddy out! And save a set for us." Gudako says.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yosh yosh, master~!" the Caster replies.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She swings her arm, and a set of ofuda fly towards Wo and her allies! They flash pink, dispersing their magic amidst the Abyssals. It's a full set of buffs, and of the highest quality too.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wo & Abyssals Gain:<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;FIREPOWER UP<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SPEED UP<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;DEFENSE UP<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BASIC PROTECTIVE BARRIER<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster saves a set of ofuda for the time being, the paper slips orbitting her slowly, glowing bright pink.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:673|Rory White (673)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Cognizant Odyssey screams through the heavens, its bow engulfed in re-entry flames. It's a rather sizable frigate... a SPACE frigate. The gleaming metal hull shines, reflecting every explosion's ominous light as it swoops down nearer and nearer to the battlefield. Yet... it does not get TOO close. The ship instead levels out at a few kilometers up and begins to circle.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Seamless panels flip open in the hull to reveal equipment that had been withdrawn for re-entry. Retractable antenna, a sensor dish that unfolds like a blossoming flower, and an array of weapons. Yet it does not open fire, period.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Instead it barrages the ground and sea below with active sensors.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A map is generated, showing the coastline, the base, the line of damage as it's being pushed backwards. The base is colored in blue, no doubt due to the activity picked up on Union frequencies.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ABYSSALS, however, they're easily identified and marked. As they arrive they shift on the map from the general unknown 'grey' to Confederate 'purple.'<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Cognizant Odyssey and Flotilla members are marked in Green.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For the moment, the ship's not doing anything to directly involved itself. Its IFF is clearly known to the Union and Confederacy as belonging to a neutral organization. This particular ship in fact has been involved in many humanitarian causes. Probably not TOO much room for concern... but it being there is still kind of nosey.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:253|Psyber (253)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Psyber arrives to Kongou via a short-hop fast helicopter that zooms over the waterline, barely slowing down as it passes over the massive battleship so that Psyber, dangling off the side of it via a ladder. When the helicopter skims past her deck, he releases and lands with a thump and a duffel bag over one shoulder. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Casually, he adjusts an Admiral's hat atop his head and heads towards the command deck. He's fairly sure Kongou could probably captain herself and manage in the battle. But this poses a rare opportunity for him to actually get to Captain a naval vessel. And so as she skims across the waves, he hoists up his duffel bag of backup weapons and starts to walk across the deck, carrying it with him. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite the Admiral's hat, he looks less like a Captain and more like 'a guy in a hat' as he goes. Eventually, he'll make his way to the command center and toss the bag in one corner, stepping up behind the wheel, "Alright, Kongou, let's do this." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The half-angel picks up the radio and puts out a general broadcast, "Attention all forces in the area, this is Union Colonel Psyber arriving with a skirmish force to attempt to subdue this threat."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:571|Alexis Maaka (571)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It doesn't take long for the Crimson Spectre to show up above the battlespace, clearing away atmospheric re-entry fires before it gets anywhere near the seaport and the combatants. For the moment, it remains in the air, as Alexis deliberates inside who to support on this one.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"What," Kaz scoffs, munching a slice of meat-lovers pizza while he watches along with her. "Are we just gonna sit on our butts waiting to see who goes down first?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No," Alexis shakes her head. "Determining who needs our help more."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I can live with that." The programmer shrugs, quickly getting the ship's systems synched with Rory's tacnet once that's set up, also putting up an IFF identifying their vessel as a neutral ship, belonging to the Syndicate and Flotilla, as opposed to either megafaction.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kotone Yamakawa is not long after Rory's arrival wit her own ship a Frigate of some sort following after he's on reentry the craft it self is broadvasting the IFF MSV Bluenose as it decends along side the other ship and Kotone is quick to hook up to ROry's tactnet as she does so. She sees the massive battle and knows Lute's fond of the Abyssals and that's enough for her to side with the union on this. Also the Abyssals seemd to be hostile in general too. Kotone's not yet engaging and is debating beaming down, her co pilot Slipbot a Glitch looks up. <br /><br /> "Neutral Tone: Captain we have arrived and both forces seem to be engaging pretty heavily." <br /><br /> "It does look like that Slipbolt hook up to Rory's tac net and if beam down you be left handling the ship." <br /><br /> "Confident: Aye aye!" <br /><br /> Kotone's ship hasn't engaged just yet. <br /><br /> &lt;&lt;I'm leaning to help the Union personally, I won't force anyone to do what they don't want to, but that's where I'm standing today.&gt;&gt;<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:672|Starbound Flotilla (672)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The STARBOUND FLOTILLA CORE FLEET is here! They're surging over the seaport; today, they're here all packed into the SFS Connoisseur, a light blue fish-styled sleek spacecraft of rather considerable size, with a group of smaller Hylotl craft running alongside them. They're going to link up effectively with Rory White here, as well as the other Flotilla members that are going to be on approa<span style="color:h.<br /><br />"cxterm50">The waves shudder with the force of each strike.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm39">Warning. High muzzle velocity estimated. Unknown enemy class.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm184">Scurvey dog must have some good kit on their boat.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm15">High-value target. We'll decide on our actions for or against once White gives us our intel.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm40">Floran wanna get gun, either way! Need bigger!</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm160">Alright. Let's see what we got...</span>"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Connoisseur surges forward quickly, urgently, and parallel to the relentless fire. They don't wanna catch one of those strikes! It skims the water, clearly ocean-worthy. Must be why it's the vessel they've chosen for today. With the recent upgrades, though, it bristles with more weapons and possesses a much better shielding system than normal. It's going to stick in as the low side of a formation with the other Flotilla members, namely Maaka, Rory, and Kotone so far.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With Rory's sensors, their own network connections, and a general broad eye for their own sensors and perceptions, they're going to press forward with the intent to figure out who all is involved, what parties have intent towards whom, and who will be most profitable to assist or attack. For now, the Connoisseur is going to stick to a neutral IFF broadcast and behavior, giving the other arrivals their berth politely.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>And what's a naval battle without air support? <br /><br />As the pleasant day becomes tainted by the sight of extreme-range shelling, the skies darken with a wave of flapping, winged demonic figures. They're not planes, but the Harpies will serve just as well as anything else. <br /><br />More intimidating, however, might be the massive shadow of a decrepit, hideous undead dragon flying in the air. Only magic could possibly be keeping it aloft, as the wings have gaping holes in them. Strapped to its back is a platform, upon which Lezard Valeth is standing.<br /><br />You can more or less call him support artillery, one supposes. However, there is an odd expression on his face as he looks over the situation, watching the flashes of intense shelling. "That is unusual." He comments, glancing into the distance, his eyes narrowing for a moment... Before he looks back to the base. He will ruminate on this, as he gestures. At this point, the harpies shriek, flapping in wide formations as they begin flying out and divebombing things. While they have no guns, they also don't have a problem with landing on things and wrecking them. <br /><br />Meanwhile, he also stretches out the Manus Catalyst, firing out curling lances of flame to strike towards the shore in waves of blasts, to join in the shelling.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:911|Elizabeth Bathory (911)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lezard Valeth's Servant, Elizabeth Bathory, is known by a few other names. Red Lancer, the Blood Countess, etc etc. One of them, however, is unlike the others. 'Pure Pure Liz-Chan', her Idol persona, is a surprisingly popular singer in the Japanese pop markets, with insanely catchy music and lyrics that, if you pay attention, are... Pretty weird.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accompanying the Necromancer with a great pair of dragon wings sprouting from her back and flapping slowly to keep her aloft, Elizabeth looks out at the military port, the people, and all of those ~potential fans~ spread out across the area. This debut of her new single she made would be a big hit, obviously!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Drawing in a large vortex of air and filling her lungs for a powerful call. Then... She announces with a voice like a megaphone. "Greetings, tiny people on the ground! You are the first to hear my multiversal debut for my new song! I call it Death At Sea!" Her spear's head changes in a muted magic flash to become a microphone stand (of all things) and she begins her song, musical accompaniment joining her. Like Death Metal and J-Pop/J-Idol Music had a horrible, mutated child that was unfit for the world and that child grew up to be a successful existance in a Lifetime channel special. That is to say, it's a horrible thing that shouldn't work, but Elizabeth's magic - and skill - make it work! Well, mostly the magic. It's basically horrible draconic growl-roaring to music in a catchy way. As she roars and screeches and says lines like 'Where you'll all forever be, drown for me, death at sea!', the weather takes a turn for the absolute worst.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She sings, and a storm simply brews out of nowhere, the decent weather before being replaced by 'really really garbage' weather, rain, thunderstorms, and the forefront of a blanket of thick fog.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:596|Zwei (596)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For those few minutes where the air fills with the sounds of flapping wings, thrumming propellors and blazing engines, and the waters are split by wave after wave of deployments, the long distance firing continues completely unabated, or rather, completely unchanged. Usually those are the golden moments of any surprise battle, where the aggressor can slaughter the enemy still squeezing out of their barracks, docks and airstrips, and yet the assailant continues as if the entire landmass itself were their enemy, firing indiscriminately into beach and building alike. As the sky darkens with Elizabeth's singing, clear, sunny weather turning to rumbling black clouds and the beginnings of a windy, torrential downpour, the nature of the battle paradoxically becomes more clear.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the dark, and from the air or other angle that isn't staring straight on, each explosion is briefly preceded by a streak of baleful red energy, moving so fast as to appear like a simple flash looking 'down the barrel', but resembling an oversized tracer from elsewhere. The craters it leaves aren't just blasted out, but actually glow a cherry-orange colour as the sand and metal melts and fuses together, escaping as silicate and iron vapour. Some kind of overpowered sniper-type Abyssal? They've been known to use similar energy beams before, though not as fast and long ranged.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The question is rendered fairly moot as the first waves of planes launch as well. The weather is already unkind to them, but just as they begin to get into range, where their connection starts to fizzle and break down by some electric disturbance and radar barely begins to ping, they are immediately assaulted with hundeds of flashing red strobes, razor thin beams of light slicing through the air at seizure inducing speed, riddling the forefront planes with dozens of little holes. Any harpies that fly too close are subject to the same treatment, stabbed through over and over with needles of light, but the enemy seems to massively prioritize anything that sounds like a plane over them. Calling back the planes for the time being may be advisable. A few could probably get through, but the level of anti-air power is overwhelming in its immediacy, as if their target grossly overemphasizes getting rid of anything that flies first.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:596|Zwei (596)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Following the first few aircraft scythed down out of the sky, something flashes at sea, the waves surrounding it cratering in a perfect hemisphere before slowly filling back in, drawing attention to the rapidly closing figure. A younger woman with corpse-white skin and snow coloured hair, relatively short but spilling over the front of her shoulders anyways, untouched by the wind. She skates across the water at lightning speed, accompanied by a twisted rig of black metal burning with hateful red energy. Her legs are heavily armoured all the way up to the high, sleek and angled more like an aircraft than an iron behemoth, with a monochromatic bodysuit above it, and both arms currently occupied with directing the twin masses of metal and . . . human teeth, on either side of her, swept forward like the two halves of a modern broadhead arrow, fanning out into an array of six, deck-like protrusions circled behind her. A mechanical ring joined to it hovers vaguely around her waist, the underside of which resembles the upper jaw of some vicious, predatory animal with the number of organic fangs it sports. It sure looks like an Abyssal alright, though the colour of the iron is off, more of a glossy, carbon black than corroded steel, and there's no smoke to be seen. Rather, the air around her for hundreds of meters smells like a lightning storm. Her eyes are completely invisible, hidden behind an opaque black visor of solid metal.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The radio crackles a second time as she closes towards the seaport. "You didn't learn a thing . . . did you? . . . You have no idea. Every one of you . . . I'll sink every single one of you . . . until your pain equals mine." The lack of visible cannon barrels becomes obvious as the bulk of the Abyssal's rigging lights up with dull, vaguely circuit-like patterns, droplets of blood red light flowing down them until they converge into several points, and discharge those monstrous weapons with flashes of screeching fire.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Look at all those people and ships!" Gudako says.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"M-Master, eyes on the prize! Look!" Caster scolds.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Aaah? I see it, I see it. I'm sorry, Caster, I was distracted by the most charismatic Servant on the field right now," Gudako answers, looking up towards Elizabeth with her usual 8D.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"M-Master!" Caster huffs.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And in a fit of jealousy, the blue-robed foxgirl infuses her ofuda with even more magic. "I'll show you! I'm useful too!" she intently declares, and then swings the half a dozen paper slips towards the UNKNOWN ABYSSAL(?) currently assaulting the seaport.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The ofuda travel faster than bullets, and will latch harmlessly to the young woman. Each six paper carries a different effect-- FIREPOWER UP, DEFENSE UP, SPEED UP, BARRIER, ACCURACY UP, SENSES UP. As buffs go, Caster is very, very thorough when she wants to be, but then you'll be hard pressed to find someone with quite as much magical expertise as she has. Servants-wise, anyway.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She proudly turns towards her master, hands on hips. "See! See! Caster is credit to team, too!" Gudako ponders, tapping her chin.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then she headpats her Caster.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"There there, I believe you."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:685|Kuma (685)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yamashiro's pagoda mast breaches the far horizon as the sky darkens. A fairy peers out with binoculars as the massive bulk of the Super Dreadnaught comes into view. "Enemy fleet sighted! Prepare for battle!" she says, echoing metallically.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chitose's planes veer off from their approach before entering the 'kill zone' skirting around at the maximum range. "Recalling Zuiun and Type 0. Switching to Long Range holing pattern!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuma, Nowaki and Shigure share a look, and kick off faster. "Kuma! Closing to Torpedo Range, kuma!" Nowaki and Shigure angle their torpedo launchers into place, ready to launch their deadly payload once they get into range.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nagato makes her way out of the launch bay, kitted out fully. Something about all this strikes her as odd. The massive anti-air response causing her to recall all aircraft and switch to short range. The weather becoming poor to make trouble for her carriers, the fog limiting distance of sight. Then the red lines crash into Hikari again and Nagato's face turns sour. The hangar is destroyed from one of those explosions and more and more of the turret batteries are becoming just wrecks, scattering the destroyers and cruisers manning them.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"All carriers, fall back and provide base defense. All fleet, prepare for contact. Base defense is a priority. Psyber, provide the firing angles for the entire fleet. Haguro's long range barrage idea will be used. Load up Type One Anti Armor shells for those who can use it. All carriers, use your best torpedo bomber. Destroyers, ready the Oxygen torpedoes." Nagato's orders echo along the radio, eyes closing.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Why the assault on Hikari.. comes thoughts i her head, the radio crackling with the voice... and the rapidly closing figure coming in upon radar. "Unknown abyssal contact." the patterns are shown and the red light is fired .. "Brace yourselves, all units, FIRE!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The sight of the full sized Kongou, even from the extreme distance, manages to catch the Wo-class aircraft carrier's glowing, golden eyes. It causes her to pause, mid-coordination, before she resumes attempting to make sense of the, suddenly, very cluttered situation. Her eyebrows, easily the most expressive part of her otherwise mask-like face, knit inward, but her duty in this situation is clear. More importantly, she'll attempt to hail the neutral craft, over unencrypted frequencies, not that her code would be difficult to break for any computer beyond 1950s Earth equivalency: "Neutral vessels. This - is an active, combat zone. If you con-tinue, your safe-ty cannot be, guaranteed." Somehow, it sounds more like a genuine notice, than any specific threat. Wo legitimately does not know how this thing is going to react to what is going on around it, now that it has company.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But with her eye on the prize, she and several of her Abyssal sisters receive POWER UPS, courtesy of Caster, and the visibly red glowing aura around the Tsu-class, and the subtle, golden one around the Wo-class' body, somehow seem to be that much brighter and cohesive. With that emboldening force, and the warnings given, she stares down the Kongou anew, uttering to herself, "Even if it's her, and - even if it's, him... This place supports the surface navies." In other words, Hikari Sea Base is an obstacle to the peace of the sea, in her mind. The rules of Boston don't apply here. She spares another glance at the invader, that even now causes disruptions in her sisters' songs, before the literal fog of war begins to descend like a shroud. With her radar, it isn't as much of a concern; the amber glow from her eyes cutting through it somewhat, even as the exhaust ports of her flight deck of a hat create a more diffuse halo.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is in this atmosphere that she begins her own advance, the humanoid form of the Wo-class vanishing into the haze, before the luminous parts from within begin changing to a significantly more crimson red configuration. The shadow that emerges after is easily as large as any battleship, though the distinctive flat deck could only be that of an aircraft carrier. What kind of aircraft carrier needs a mouth on its bow, however, which is the section that emerges first? Ringed with human-like incisors, a cauldron of fury burns from some uncertain point deep within its hull, adding even more steam to the fog that had settled. The entire frame of it looks cobbled together from weathered, black steel, held fast by still-hot welds at the seams. The main batteries are articulate enough to pivot, and its anti-air guns elevate at the ready -- but no shots are fired, immediately. While visual conditions make it difficult, a humanoid figure is still on the deck.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The bulk of the beast seeks to interpose itself between the amassing of the enemy fleet, and the landing ships -- including the one ferrying Gudako and Caster. Whether that enemy includes the strange new 'Abyssal' or not still remains to be seen, but she appears to be cooperating, even if it is coincidence. She certainly looks the part, as do her weapons, but there is something distinctly...unfamiliar about her, that in some corner of Wo's head that is able to process such things, kind of gives her the creeps. Considering the company she keeps, that speaks volumes. Coincidentally, this likely has the shape of the strange carrier gliding past the Kongou, and Psyber, and perhaps even a pair of gold eyes staring at them from inside the obscuring downpour.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Tsu-class and the destroyers seem to be about as uncertain, but close into a formation that slightly trails this familiar-yet-stranger. They can just barely keep up with it. Yet, that doesn't mean they can't aim their 5-inch and 6-inch cannons at Kuma's approaching detachment, and fire! While it's doubtful that her voice will reach such an unusual newcomer, and especially one this battle mad, the Wo-class still attempts to speak to her through the shared Abyssal thought space, "..<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Tsu-class and the destroyers seem to be about as uncertain, but close into a formation that slightly trails this familiar-yet-stranger. They can just barely keep up with it! While it's doubtful that her voice will reach such an unusual newcomer, and especially one this battle mad, the Wo-class still attempts to speak to her through the shared Abyssal thought space, "...if you - keep going. They will - de-stroy you." There is a pause, after that curiously certain statement, "I won't -- stop you, though."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:863|Haguro (863)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Haguro's jaw tightens slightly as the weather changes seemingly out of nowhere, and she starts moving back with the carriers as they fall back to avoid taking too many heavy losses. She can feel a lump rising in her throat when that massive unknown appears, yelping lightly at the sheer volume of those blasts aimed at the seaport behind her. It takes most of her concentration just to change her shells out for anti-armor ordinance. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "How can we..." She can't even bring herself to finish that sentence as she glances back at the carriers, then forward at the giant once more. She can't afford to let fear overtake her here! Despite that terrified look on her face and the barely-audible whimpering coming through the radio, her intention still comes through clearly while she starts to advance again. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Ant.. Anti-armor shells loaded. Haguro, firing!" Holding one hand under her elbow to brace it, she aims high and, upon getting the firing angles to adjust, launches a rapid volley of anti-armor shells at the behemoth in the distance!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:253|Psyber (253)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Psyber lets out a tsk as the music starts to play, "Never was much of a metal fan. Classic rock was more my speed," He muses as he grabs some charts and maps from the walls before heading out, "Kongou! Keep it steady! I'm going out on deck!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And so he walks out into the rain and the wind, leaving his hat on top of Kongou's radio console and grabbing a portable radio out of his bag as he goes. He steps out onto the main deck and is immediately drenched in the torrential downpour of rain. The map nearly flies from his hand, but he has to get the best view he can as he stares into the fog. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Briefly, those two red eyes of his <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">shine</span> as he looks out towards the direction the fire is coming from. He can pick up the supernatural aura of the ship, though it feels off somehow. He's seen Wo and her crew enough to be able to spot the abberation almost immediately with his finely tuned sight. And while he can't physically see the ship, he can figure out where it is with minimal effort. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The portable radio comes up to his ear and he starts shouting to be heard over the storm, "All ships! Center fire on the following coordinates! Adjust relative to wind! You're going to need to blanket fire, because visibility is shot by the fog bank," He shouts before he begins listing off map coordinates roughly approximate to where the ship is firing from, kneeling down on the deck to pin the map under one knee as he does so. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then he flips the radio's dial to change frequencies, "Starbound Flotilla, this is Union Colonel Psyber. If I'm picking up your presence properly, I'm here to negotiate! I'm willing to offer fifty thousand standard credits bounty to push back this assault, plus you can negotiate Salvage Rights with the local base afterwards for what gets left in the ocean!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:637|Kongou (637)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There are effectively two battles going on right now: On the sea, and in the air. With the umbrella of powerful anti-air weapons surrounding the mystery abyssal, air power from the Fleet Daughter formation is diminished, which threatens to give the invaders air superiority.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Enter Akizuki, and a few yards away, Isuzu. Breaking off in opposite directions, both girls envelop themselves in similar silver light as Kongou used earlier, bursting forth in the forms of notably smaller warships compared to the battleships already on the waves.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Akizuki rapidly accellerates to top speed, cleaving the waves while the four main 10cm turrets all swivel about, barrels elevating. The anti-air fire director atop her bridge also swivels, relaying information to the guns. After a scarce few seconds, all four turrets open up, launching a series of air-burst shrapnel shells into the sky around the largest contact her radar can find: Lezard's dragon and the harpies around him and his Servant. It's not a simple broadside, either. Those destroyer guns are rapid-fire, each one discharging every few seconds and filling the sky with black clouds of anti-air fire.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Standing on top of Akizuki's bridge is Hayashimo, clutching the turret hand cannon she carries.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Going in the other direction, Isuzu's anti-air batteries likewise open up, adding 12.7 centimeter flak shells to Akizuki's 10 centimeter shells. Her main batteries rotate as well, though don't open fire. Rather, it's her torpedo launchers that respond to Nagato's order. Compressed air hisses, jets of steam thrusting a spread of four two-ton Type 93 torpedoes over the side. Her signal crackles, "Fish in the water. Mind my vector."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Welcome aboard, Admiral~!" Kongou's voice rings throughout her hull, "I'll give you control for now and assist where I can with gunnery, just direct me, Captain~!" Already, her two forward main battery turrets are rotating towards the ominous radar contact pinging on one of the console screens in her bridge.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On Psyber's direction and Nagato's order, she cheerfully responds, "Elevation set... &lt;FIYAH~!&gt;" and those 35.6cm guns speak: A thunderous report that shoots the gray fog through with streams of black, filling the salty sea air with the scent of cordite. The pressure wave depresses the sea on her port side and pushes the gathering fog away from her hull, only for both water and mist to surge back in around her.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amidst all the noise of combat, Zuihou reverses course, skating back to assist the main carrier divisions in defending the base. She's just as good as those fleet carriers, she'll prove it..!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:672|Starbound Flotilla (672)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"<span style="color:xterm39">Alert. Anti-air fire incoming.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm50">Hmph. I told you it would be a good idea to bring Hylotl craft.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm40">And Floran tell you to shut ssstupid fish face.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm160">Wow! Time to not have this stupid fucking argument. I'mma bring us under the flak.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm15">Shields at eighty five.</span>"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Connoisseur dives to the water, splashing into it. A well-kept Hylotl craft, it's seaworthy in its own right. The shields crackle with resisted anti-air fire, but they can only deal with so much at a time! Albert's already suffered some light burns from having to manually reroute power through the shield emitter, and George is straining some of his focus to do these evasive maneuvers, but this anti-air isn't focused on them. The Hylotl craft accompanying them aren't universally so lucky. Several suffer some scathing wounds that spark and sputter, while others merely find their shields severely drained. No kills yet; they're all just as seaworthy and ready to hit the waves.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:596|Zwei (596)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oddly, despite ofuda ostensibly being 'things that fly' in a sense, the Abyssal doesn't so much as spare a twitch towards them, as if completely unable to understand their significance, or possibly even recognize their magical power. The paper slips adhere to her back without her even flinching, but the effect is already immediately obvious. The electronic distortion intensifies as the unknown craft picks up speed, what appear to be four main guns cycling faster and discharging an even brighter, louder volley than before. It's like the ship's entire presence has become more intense; scarily, even.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not only does the unknown Abyssal pick up the encrypted broadcast extremely quickly, but her response is radioed directly back to Wo; tight beam, not full broadcast, meaning it's singling out her specifically, though whether by reflex or acknowledgement is difficult to tell. "I won't be destroyed . . ." it replies, voice crackling with static despite the crystal clear quality of the transmission. "Not . . . again. I can't . . . if I don't go . . . they'll never understand. If they don't sink . . ." The transmission abruptly cuts out. Thankfully, even. The intensity in that cold, despairingly furious voice is a little too lucid.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:672|Starbound Flotilla (672)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"<span style="color:xterm39">Alert. Incoming hail.</span>"<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A reply goes out to Wo. The fishman comms officer is the one who speaks up. "<span style="color:xterm50">Abyssal vessel, thank you for your warning. There will be no begrudging of such damage, you have our assurance. We have been offered salvage and bonus for our assistance, and must rescind previous neutrality. Unless we receive an appropriate competing offer, we will initiate opposition.</span>" Moonfin's tone is as smug as ever, but it is diplomatic and at least mostly respectful. And the statement seems authenti<span style="color:!<br /><br />"cxterm50">We were hailed by the Abyssals. Perhaps they may contact us further through the conflict.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm184">Oh, aye? Unlikely, unless they have a better bid. Let's get t'work in the meantime, mateys! Time for makin' our bones!</span>"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:571|Alexis Maaka (571)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The storms make things difficult for the Spectre's instruments to pick out who that mystery Abyssal is, but she'll find something else to focus on. "Playing observer was never my style. We're going in." Alexis decides at last before she kicks the ship into drive, moving under the flak. Like the Connoisseur, the ship manages to dive onto the water. Thankfully Hylotl construction makes this vessel rather friendly to bodies of water.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A hit or two is acquired in the process, flak rounds hammering protective shields as the Falcon-class vessel begins to sort out weaponry.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From out the top of the ship, cannons deploy and extend as Alexis and Kaz work out firing solutions, beginning to lock onto one of the Abyssal ships. "Elevation set, adjusted for windage, and locking onto the killbox." The hacker says, before he turns over the trigger to Alexis. "Fire when ready, boss."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Roger that, firing for effect." Alexis begins a light barrage of cannon fire, Hylotl energy beams sending their way towards the Tsu-class.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:672|Starbound Flotilla (672)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"<span style="color:xterm184">Fifty thousand?! Haggle!</span>"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"<span style="color:xterm50">Fifty thousand? Hmm. Cover repair and munition costs and this is a perfectly acceptable bonus, assuming we can truly access the relevant salvage. Bidding will remain open briefly, but not long. Stand by, our assistance is forthcoming.</span>" Moonfin says after Pavo rushes by, shaking him aggressively.<br /><br />"<span style="color:xterm184">Haggle more!</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm50">No.</span>"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kotone Yamakawa is on the bridge for the moment as the Flotilla talks about tactics and who theya re going to be working for int his mess but then something comes as something else seems to be going on. She sees something with the weather and that makes her more than a bit cautious. She's holding back for the moment but something else is rising something strnge it looks like an Abyssal but something doesn't seem right, it's different in a way and then it sends another transmission and she cringes now. Slipbolt pauses for a moment. <br /><br /> "Curious: "We have a call from Colonel Psyber with terms for fifty Thousand Standard credits and salvage rights afterwards." <br /><br /> "Signal our acceptance of the job." <br /><br /> "Excited: "Doing so now!" <br /><br /> With the deal sealed Kotone's already heading to a weapons console and jacking into it to take control fof the weapons directly she ignores the missiles for the moment givne the weather and shifts to the craft's energy weapons which power up and the Bluenses moves in making ready to go on an attack run. IT doesn't take long before she has a chance to open fire on the strange Abyssal. The energy blasts start going as the Bluenoses closers in hopefuly something will turn up. <br /><br /> &lt;&lt;Kotone to Flotilla we have engaged the Abyssal.&gt;&gt; <br /><br /> Kotone gets the locals may say no on salvage and that's fine, the credits will do far as reward goes.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:253|Psyber (253)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Fine! Repairs and rearm covered too," Psyber calls into the radio over the whipping wind, "Anyone here that's your ally, I can't promise salvage rights, but I'll also pay 50 grand per party to push back the offensive," He offers, expanding the deal to basically any Flotilla member that wants to take it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:596|Zwei (596)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nagato's order to fire goes out. Kongou, Haguro, and most of the sixth fleet responds, on the dot with Psyber's coordinates. Dozens of armour piercing shells arc into the storm, scraping the black clouds as they plunge back down to the ocean, hailing from the sky and kicking up towering plumes of seawater all around, save for the first few which immediately blossom into concentrated balls of fire. The radio crackles with a brief, unintelligible sound of pain as the Abyssal is shrouded by the smoke of the bursting charges, but as it clears, she looks absolutely no different. There isn't a scratch or a scorch on her. It's as if the shells detonated early, hitting some invisible obstruction surrounding her.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unlike a proper battleship however, the Abyssal doesn't seem to be about to sit there and take it. The smoke is torn apart as the back of her heavily armoured legs suddenly blaze with white-hot fire, rocketing her forward at double the speed of before, barely touching the water that sprays up behind her. The speed for the class of ship people had initially presumed her to be is totally absurd, seeming to be a primary attribute along with the anti-air capability, which further demonstrates itself as she now focuses on the sixth fleet. As the air-burst shells fly upwards into Lezard's fleet of harpies, those rays of light lance upward at absurd speed from the charging Abyssal, picking them out of the air one after the other just as they had the planes. The shells are much faster of course, and so it can only thin out the barrage rather than wholly intercept it, but the feat itself is impressive nonetheless.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Surprisingly though, the enemy ship deploys no aircraft of its own; not even observational spotters. The decks don't actually appear to be decks at all, but more 'wings' that bristle with burning eyes, each one swiveling and tracking to fire on anything in the air, spread out for omnidirectional coverage. The shots aren't individually powerful, unlikely to blow someone's head off at least, but their volume and accuracy s extremely high and they ceaselessly pour fire into anything that moves within a certain range. They're not an immediate threat to the current cast of airborne Elites, but it'd be inadvisable to stay within that field of fire for too long. At the very least, it doesn't appear to be a carrier. At the speed it's closing, it won't exactly take long for it to be in torpedo range.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>FLOTILLA/MAAKA:<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The main Flotilla negotiating parties would receive another transmission, shortly after: "Regret-able." And yet, there is no real malice to it, despite the lack of an immediate counter-offer (from her, at least). If only every throwing down of the virtual gauntlet could be so civil. Despite that, the Abyssal ships that aren't the strange one with super guns do not open hostilities against the Flotilla, until provoked.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Of course, that was always likely to happen, especially for the Tsu-class light cruiser and the assorted destroyers playing close quarters tag-along with the strange new ship. However, being *directly* attacked is a slightly different matter. Perhaps from the sense of the flow of battle, and a certain notification that goes out over the airwaves from their own side's fleet carrier, the Tsu-class lifts what passes for her head towards ALEXIS MAAKA's freshly landed vessel. Flying boat!? It's far too late to add her own anti-air attacks, but she can level somehow-human-portable 6 inch guns, and return fire. Several of the shells get coincidentally ignited by the Hylotl beams, mid-flight, causing harmless(*) air bursts. Several more of them manage to get through the barrage, and she lifts one of those heavy and meaty arms to brace against it, pock-marking and scorching the thick, black material. She lets out a hissing gargle of annoyance, her physical inability to produce human speech keeping things PG.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This does have the effect of causing the destroyers, as well as the Tsu-class, to break off from their escort. They dodge around shells exploding in the water around them, from various sources - mostly unfriendly - aiming to get close enough to launch torpedoes in retribution. All the while, they fire artillery shells, to keep things honest, and their aim true. The I-class and Ro-class destroyers look just so adorable(**), with their 5-inch guns emerging from their jaws, manevuering along on sleek tail flukes.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The unknown Abyssal seems to take the buffs well! Caster's eyes carefully watch how the magic takes hold; it's important to understand how the people you're enhancing react. Not all magic is good for everything-- some spells work better on some people. And these are 'ships', apparently? Caster has never used her magic on ships before, especially not human-form ones, so it's important to record the data.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though her transport ship rocks a fair bit from Elizabeth's bad weather, Gudako keeps an anchored hold, evidently not one to be seasick. And Caster seems in her element, having nothing to worry about.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Caster~. Take the base's defenses out."<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Of course, master~."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The foxgirl produces another set of ofuda, and she gestures in the air. They start forming two complex circles, with runes and lines forming to link the paperslips. One glows a bright blue, and the other a bright orange.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Jusou Enten, Jusou Hyouten! CURSE, FIERY HEAVEN! FRIGID HEAVEN!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At the base, red runic circles form on the ground, targetting fuel tankers and ammo stocks. These explode into flames, extremely, extremely hot flames.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, ships attempting to launch from the base are being targetted by bright blue spell circles, forming thick, magical layers of ice to freeze the water and prevent the ships from going much of anywhere. The larger ships might be able to power through on momentum alone, but this should still be a huge pain to them.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:672|Starbound Flotilla (672)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"<span style="color:xterm40">Floran ready for HUUUUUUUUUUUUUNT!!</span>"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Biteblade surges power through the weapons systems and they light up like Christmas. The remaining smaller Hylotl craft scatter, and some even dive, opening up with heavy missile -- now torpedo -- fire. The main Connoisseur bristles with a vast array of its own weaponry. The heavy cannons are designed to fire in precisely controlled spreads, gimballed and computer-supported to strike at the eyes, right at the circuits, with rapidity and laser precision. And laser-lasers, in fact! The Erchius-based energy weapons attempt to slag the conduits of presumed power that surge with light, the eyes a secondary issue. Biteblade has the eye of a hunter; she goes right for the vitals.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:673|Rory White (673)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Offers are made. Debates are had.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And Rory White flinches. She had not expected an Abyssal to be concerned for neutral bystanders. "Understood. Unfortunately my allies have just made a worrying deal." Rory White sends back. She cares nothing about money. Fifty thousand credits is meaningless to her. But... it's not so meaningless to her friends and allies.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Who just decided to go along with this.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Can't leave them hanging, can she?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This is a decision I'll probably regret. Four hours left on testing... but there's no point in leaving this sitting there. Hephaestus Directive: Terminate test. Decrypt, compile, and load latest stable kernel 'Bubbling Azoth' into the Cyberbrain. Sending Ego now!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the Cognizant Odyssey's robotics bay near the teleporter there's a frenzy of activity... and the teleporter comes alive.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While the SHIP remains on its current path... something beams down to the water's surface and remains hovering there. Mostly humanoid, at least the torso is. It's an eight foot tall robotic something or other with a rippling, segmented surface... like a jigsaw puzzle. Shining white, with glowing blue lines running across its body and limbs in circuit-like patterns. The arms and legs are much bigger than human ones though! Particularly the legs, which are split into a quadrupedal arrangement. Shielded turbofans keep it aloft over the water on a cushion of air. The torso largely resembles Rory's normal appearance but the arms split open and unfold, shifting open to form the barrels of SOME kind of weapon.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Those last four hours of tests can wait." The Flexbot declares. The waves shimmer and a half-dozen large dragonfly-shaped robots take flight on rockets in formation around her, along with massive gun barrels.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Above, perhaps unseen, the Cognizant Odyssey's actual hatch opens and four more of those 'dragonfly' drones slip clear, flying overhead.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's up to SOMETHING, alright.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rory's sea-side flotilla shoves in unison over the waters, moving to circle around the strangely coherent Abyssal. For now, she's just studying her movements. Perhaps waiting for an opening!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:253|Psyber (253)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's a lot of things all going on at once for Psyber to be dealing with. Luckily he's not taking much incoming fire, but the half-angel still has a lot to micromanage, and he's carefully running across the deck. He plants a foot down, steadying himself as the soles of his boots squeak against the deck of his ship and hold traction as the entirety of the vessel rocks from the force of the cannon barrage. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The ringing in his ears vanishes a few moments later and he takes back to walking, lifting up the hand-radio, "I can't tell if it's damaged. Something may have made the shots call short. Load armor piercing if you haven't already and try again." He calmly says, hair matted down against his head from the wind and the rain. He'd be smoking but anything he tried to light in this rainstorm would go out immediately. Instead he takes a flask from inside his jacket and tilts it back to take a heavy drink. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At least this was a battle, and that much he had experience with. While a stressful conflict, he was in his element as opposed to just yesterday when he was less so and far more stressed. He looks out again with those shining red eyes and spots... a familiar aura. He narrows his eyes again, "Nnn... she's here. I really don't want to open fire on her, Kongou, but I might have to." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wo was, despite being his friend, a potent threat at the moment. And his hesitation vexes him, but he wipes some water off his face and gets back to work, "It's not moving too much. Combine your arcs and fire all at once on the same point you did last time. Maybe we can overwhelm its defenses and land a hit," He muses as he paces the deck of the Kongou. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Kongou, turn to face for a broadside. All cannons, fire!" He swipes his hand in a suitably signalling fashion.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:863|Haguro (863)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It's a hit! Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to really do anything. "Is it covered with a barrier?" Despite any apparent apprehension in her voice over the radio, the Heavy Cruiser continues firing at the monstrous Abyssal. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Wh.. Why are you even doing this? There's no reason to fight like this!" Even as she shouts that at the approaching craft, she loads her anti-aircraft shells and takes a deep breath while adjusting her aim once again. As much as she'd rather not have to fight the giant, her duty to the seaport comes first! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Anti-aircraft shells loaded. I-I'm moving in!" Haguro takes a long breath before adjusting her speed to try and get herself out of the direct path of the monstrous Abyssal, taking a course that would hopefully take her around it instead. As she speeds up, she starts firing rapidly once again, going for quantity over quality of shots!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:685|Kuma (685)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yamashiro's battery opens fire on command, joining the massive outlay of fire dropping onto the Armiger Abyssal. The sea ripples as her 35.6cm cannons fire in a staggered volley. "Reload for second volley. Spotters, continue observation!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuma and her two destroyer Wingmates split formation, fanning out before they drop their torpedoes into the water, then banking away to reload and set up for another run. "The water is freezing up!" calls Shigure, as she suddenly gets caught in the sheet of ice. "I-I'm stuck!" Nowaki claims as well. "Flagship, keep going and get set up for your attack run. We will cover you!" The two destroyers, foundered in the ice, transform and crash down atop it, angling their guns to fire on the enemy force indiscriminately. They're sitting ducks, though.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuma, being 'heavier' manages to keep some speed going as she too transforms to her Ocean fitting. The four two-tube turrets traversing along the center line. Long tubes scooting out of a covered 'hump' just behind, and the tubes clanking as they latch onto their payload. "Coming around, Angle set! Launching Torpedoes, kuma!" The torpedoes lash out, adding another wave of torpedoes to the flood of other explosives in the water.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yamashiro listens intently to the radio. "Guncrew, load Type 3 shells. Elevation set. FIRE!" Her second volley flies out, but instead of waiting to hit the target, they explode prematurely, showering the area with white-hot magnesium and metal slag.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Lezard and his aerial forces are giving the unknown Abyssal a wide berth. Wo seems... Conflicted. Lezard looks over in the distence through the storm and fog to where she used to be... but she wishes the base to be further damaged. So it will be. Lezard pushes forward, trying to get a better angle on the base when Kongou proves that ships are more than capable of dealing with problems like this. The Harpies probably would have melted quickly under the withering flak-flavored wall that Kongou supplies, and what shots get through from the base AA emplacements prove that the Harpies are more distraction and ablative armor than threat, as they quickly collapse under fire. The Starbound Flotilla and Haguro's AA shells add to this as well, but Lezard himself seems to go unscathed, the mage seeming to stand there tapping a foot to the absurdly disturbing beatz coming from Elizabeth's sound setup. "Well done, Elizabeth. I am sure we are making quite the impression." <br /><br />He does, however, turn as he narrows his eyes. The Flotilla has chosen to throw in with the Union, which causes considerable complications in terms of manpower. While Gudako makes an impact with the base defenses with the power of Caster, The Sorceror of Midgard turns to address a specific issue. <br /><br />The Flotilla decided to reject his offer. He doesn't take it personally, but they ARE moving to assault something he has a vague interest in. <br /><br />The Manus Catalyst is pointed into the distance, and Lezard intones, "PRISMATIC MISSILE!" There is a surge of power, and a ring of lights flares into existence around Biteblade's craft, gleaming with sizzling, arcing light... Before they shear inwards, ripping towards the craft like a spike wall made out of piercing lasers.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:571|Alexis Maaka (571)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I think we jumped the gun here, boss." Kaz muses, before he feels the ship shake from the impact of shells. The shields hold at around eight-six percent, but still make their impacts known. "Holy shit! They really don't pull punches, do they?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Call it an impulse decision. We'll take care of repairs later..." Alexis says, before she grunts with effort as she begins to try and strafe the ship to evade further shelling from the Tsu-class.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The creds are good, and Alexis trusts Psyber at least to carry his end of the bargin. Dark sorcerers, not so much. Just a bit of habit being suspicious of their ilk.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The cannons wind up, targeting software remaining focused on the Tsu for now. A swear escapes Maaka as detection systems pick up torpedoes headed their way. "Oh hell. Beginning evasive action!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Spectre makes a large boost, not enough to propel it into the sky, but enough to give it a jump to avoid the response of torpedo fire. It lands with a sizable splash, but it will take a good bit of time to reacquire Tsu or other hostiles. Gotta give them some sort of credit for quick-thinking, though.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:637|Kongou (637)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If we sink the Princess," Kongou responds to Psyber, "Maybe Wo will leave?" She doesn't seem to want to fire on the errant carrier either. And so she doesn't. That will change if she's provoked by Abyssal aircraft, but for now, it's her stance on the matter. There's a rumble deep within the vessel and her deck starts to pitch port-side, while the ship makes a starboard turn. Her stern turrets finish their traverse, barrels raising to match the forward battery. "Type 91 loaded, Admiral, all guns ready~!"<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'Fire!'<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Immediately, all eight guns on Kongou's broadside open up, blasting out the ocean along her port side and filling the sky with smoke. Over the staccato of heavy cannon fire, the warship's voice can be clearly heard, cheerfully shouting, "BURNING~ LOOOVE~!"<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ahead, Isuzu's shape turns more sharply, turning her broadside away from the Abyssal formation while her torpedo launchers swing back in to reload. What does not return to centerline are her triple-barreled main battery turrets, the infamous IJN 15.5cm guns. Though these do not aim for the mystery Abyssal or even the old ones. No, those two sets of cannons track something far smaller, picking out the glow of magical circles amidst the fog and rain. Once her fire director secures a heading, Isuzu's own batteries open fire, hurling a total of six high explosive shells towards the landing boat carrying Gudako and her Servant, "That's enough of that."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Akizuki finds her hull striking ice and her guns go silent briefly, smoke pouring from the four long barrels. Running up the side, Hayasimo grabs on to the railing at the bow and leans forward, staring down into the water. Planting her feet, she reaches down with her hand-carried cannon and fires, blasting apart an ice floe into smaller chunks that Akizuki can continue to sail through.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Ocean-kitted destroyer lets out a cheer, "Thanks, Haya~! Come on, Choujuucentihou-chan, let's help the new guys!" Those anti-air guns swing around while Akizuki puts her rudder into a turn, aided by Hayashimo's coverage to keep her moving. Re-targeting Lezard's flying dragon mount, the flak guns open fire once again, filling the air with blasts of black smoke and shrapnel.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No damage... Nagato grumbles and sails forth to just out of range of Kongou's guns. "All torpedo cruisers, prepare for widespread launch, fill the ocean with them. Aim carefully to avoid allies. I'm taking ocean fit." It's not long before she gets enough away to provide a broadside of her own, firing eight, 46cm shells at the Abyssal. "Load sanshiki, see what happens if you treat her as an installation!" she shouts over the radio and with the raport of shells being fired, she gives her nod.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The same light that encompassed Kongou now does the same over Nagato herself and, with a giant wave, the pride of the fleet shows in her full form, the large battleship showing its metal frame with Nagato safely tucked inside somewhere. The large cannons slowly swerve into place, the sound of ammunition being loaded and prepared. "This is Admiral Nagato." she starts out, the voice loud. "You've made a grave mistake assaulting the base directly. You will sink." Nagato's voice is cold and pointed, the guns are aimed at the unknown abyssal, the type three shells loaded. "All ships... fire!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The guns make one more loud rapport, billowing fire and smoke coming from the eight turrets as more shells come into the sky, exploding and raining down slag and magnesium in the general area as that unknown abyssal. Secondaries start to open fire around the landing craft heading towards the base, aimed indiscrimantely with care for allied ships. Meanwhile, on the base itself, many of the torpedo squadrons make themselves known and a large amount of torpedoes fill the ocean, heading towards the abyssal ship with one towards the landing craft and a few towards the Wo-Class.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:596|Zwei (596)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The strange ship continues to ignore the various Flotilla ships as they swoop to attack the Abyssal fleet, hidden gaze and blank expression fixed straight ahead on Hikari, burning ahead at what must be way over a hundred kilometers an hour. It isn't until the energy weapons charge that the Abyssal snaps her head upwards to the sky, as if keenly aware of the signature as much as the report of a cannon. The wave of shipboard weapon strikes crashes against her once again, eliciting a static-distorted hiss of agony, but again, she emerges without injury. Being hit is clearly causing her pain, but a single system has yet to fail. Biteblade's aim is right on the mark, so how is it that the enemy ship still remains structurally intact? Pristine even?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The answer becomes more obvious as the torpedoes, mostly the infamous long-lances, finally arrive, the first of then detonating straight under the Abyssal's feet with columns of fire visible even as they break through tons of water. The explosion, and resulting spray, arcs around the underside of the enemy craft, as if hitting a glass sphere, which now begins to shimmer faintly around her from some kind of stress. Oddly, she seems very /light/. The torpedo volley is a kind of overkill, as the first chain of explosions launches her slightly off the surface of the water, allowing the second to pass under her as she gradually lowers back on thruster burning glide.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The interception lasers continue slicing through the curtains of shells and shrapnel, snuffing out as many as possible, but she can't ignore the forces arrayed against her anymore. The halo of metal around her opens up two dozen toothy maws, split into the metal with red hot lines, that immediately fill the air with something a little more familiar, resembling machinegun fire, if not for bright red glow and vastly higher speed of each 'bullet'. The total fire splits up, a portion walking over the aggressive hyotl remote craft, and a portion aiming straight up at Kotone, Alexis and the Connoisseur, clearly a form of point defense. Though ostensibly the kind of autocannons ships use for point defense, the barrage immediately starts to gobble up energy shielding like nobody's business, as if each individual bolt has /much/ more punch than it should to all real sensors. The Abyssal begins to zigzag back and forth, swerving wide under and past as many shots as it can while its rig autonomously eats up everything in the air within its reach. The enhanced speed from Caster's super buffs is bad enough, but there's no telling how much punishment it can take with her barrier strengthening as well.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:596|Zwei (596)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"What reason?" the ship's voice whines high and clear over the air like a short circuiting wire cut at the bottom of an empty boiler. "There is no reason . . . for anything. Worthless . . . useless . . . trash . . . no purpose. If there's no need for me . . . then I'll get rid of you too!" The AP shells fall again and again, a veritable storm of them, most falling wide as the enemy Abyssal annoyingly almost dances around them, but with quite a few shattering in her face, routinely garbling the radio with her reactions. As she closes, she suddenly whips up both arms akimbo-style, those circuits charging bright red as she begins blasting away, perfect ambidexterity letting her loose massive, high velocity bolts straight for Kongou and Haguro, aimed straight at them since they don't actually appear to be able to elevate and fire parabolically to hit their decks. She wheels as she fires, raking her shots across the Northern force, sweeping over Kuma, Yamashir, Akizuki, Isuzu; everyone and everything, simply dishing out as much damage as possible rather than focusing to eliminate a single target. It's a sub-optimal strategy, but the guns, though fewer in number than a normal battleship, are tremendously powerful, piercing armour like AP and detonating like HE.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>WO, HERSELF: <br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh, there is every reason to fight, naive Haguro. The Wo-class, even the Tsu-class, remember well what it's like to awaken, angry at the world. For the Wo-class, honestly, she's still angry - the only difference is she's managed to laser focus it, and sometimes have something resembling a passable social life. Whether it's possible that the Abyssal fleet carrier noticed Psyber's look, her own eyes glance in his direction briefly from the deck of the mangled, rusted plates that create a mockery of a full-sized ship of her class. If there was any lingering doubt, he could likely plug the ship's profile into an image recognition algorithm, back at the office. Regardless, the large beast of a ship that had remained a primarily dormant force on the battlefield suddenly swings into action, its hull cutting across and then against the path of the landing crafts. Its frame audibly creaks and groans, as a group of torpedo spreads from the base's many ships, that were aimed squarely for them, instead slam into it.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It lists for a moment, and fresh 'wounds' scored against the hull begin leaking out what essentially looks like molten metal - which would also explain why it flashes into steam the moment it strikes the water. The Wo-class remains as stoic as she can on the deck, one hand clutched around the railing, but she remains resolute to protect those that were placed in her care, even if they are mostly faceless Confederate mooks. <br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TSU: <br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Tsu-class and the destroyers in her care seem a bit vexed, despite the fact that none of them really have faces, in the conventional sense. Probably just the body language, as the lead ship of their group's helmet-like head follows the brief, jumping flight path of the Spectre, before it splashes back down. It is pretty effective in evading their torpedoes, but it's not something they're likely to fall for twice. Instead, the destroyers extrude their 5-inch guns again, shelling, as the Tsu-class seems intent to close to -- melee range? Those massive fists of hers likely aren't just for show, as she lets out a gutteral growl, bringing both down, clenched and hammer-like. Though they may be controlled than what is considered the current central threat, it seems like even the 'normal' Abyssals still have their wild side.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kotone Yamakawa is looking to the battle now as she tracks the hostile combatants. She does notice how heavy the battle is getting now as she's forced change how she's fighting hse's noty done ship combat too much and it might be showing a bit. Rory's own change is distracting as well she'd not well had an idea on it. She seems to have made some head way at least getting this strange ship spirit's attention as it comes for her. The weapons fire coming thier way and there's something about them as her ship does take fire. Her shields will not last very long with that rate of gire straining them and she orders Slipbolt to evade yet that nagging feeling eats at her. <br /><br /> Rory's new form makes Kotone wonder about something but there's not much else to say on it. She's trying to track a lot of information right now and when one gets down to it? She's still human in many ways and even with her enhanced brain there's only so much she can process but then comes the shipt's words which makes that nagging feeling wonder even more. She opens a channel even as she keeps firing her ship's energy weapons. <br /><br /> "Worthles? Your fighting because your not needed? Were you mass produced?" <br /><br /> The rounds that come in force the Bluenoses to evade agian throwing off Kotones aim a good bit too.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:672|Starbound Flotilla (672)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"<span style="color:xterm39">Alert. Incoming fire.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm184">Shields!! Now!!</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm15">Attempting.</span>"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The shield generator deep inside the Connoisseur screams with gushing steam as it tries to deal with heat. There's a blast of sparks as one of the systems overloads in Albert's face. He tanks the heat and the sparks right on the chin as the systems overload, working to bypass slagged equipment. The shield doesn't manage to fully halt the prismatic missiles, forcing a few to burst but letting one or two through. They shear through the ablative armor at the top of the vessel as George pulls the vessel extra low. "<span style="color:xterm160">Ahhhh! Fuck, we're getting a bad haircut here because this is /not/ a close shave!</span>"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:672|Starbound Flotilla (672)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Starbounders do not visibly send fire back to Lezard. And yet...<br /><br />"<span style="color:xterm40">Bird friend! Floran not shoot two at one time! You, deploy Galactian!</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm184">Aye, matey! Gonna knock 'im out of the sky!</span>"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A port opens on the side of the craft. And PAVO blasts out! The craft she's on is a mix between a motorcycle and a fighter jet, a sort of extremely low-scale starfighter designed for extremely short-range engagements. Her armor is styled off of the Galactic Empire technology mixed with strange mesoamerican aesthetics, linking through cords into the starfighter. Gunning it hard, the mini-fighter -- it can't have a wingspan wider than a dozen feet! -- blast towards Lezard, intending to use the harpies as a screen. There's one problem, unfortunately, with riding a dragon: You don't have a cockpit!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Which is to say, Pavo launches a volley of IRRADIATION MISSILES at Lezard, which blast in the air around his undead dragon into a thick cloud of intensely radioactive smoke, meant to both obfuscate his vision to make it difficult to cast and also severely poison him for his tactic of riding the dragon.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:571|Alexis Maaka (571)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alexis frowns. They really won't be able to do that twice. She begins to divert power into shields in order to weather the storm of shell fire, rocking from the impacts. "Okay, best we finish this with whatever else we got."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The ship begins to exchange its cannons in favor of torpedoes of its own, just as the Tsu-class begins to move into...melee?!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"HOLD FAST!" Alexis calls out, just before they find themselves hammered from above. It brings the ship underwater for a moment, before Alexis and Kaz regain control. Angling itself, they get a target lock on the Tsu, before torpedoes are fired at the Abyssal.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:253|Psyber (253)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However one of those lasers hits Kongou, Psyber is going to drop down to a knee and grip the wet steel of the deck to try to keep his footing as the entire ship will likely be rocking. And this time not from the impact of her cannons, though that too almost sends him stumbling. He's not a Naval Admiral by career choice, and is actually more of a frontline Colonel. But today he's making due. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Sonuvabitch! Kongou, are you okay? How bad is the damage?" He shouts to the ship underneath him. The spray of equivalent high-explosive has him drop to the deck again, just in case a couple of them get sent their way. But something about that angle... something about the way it fired. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's not using ballistics!" Psyber shouts into his radio, "It's not firing shells. Or not conventional ones. I dunno what it's using, but it can shoot in straight lines and not have drop or trajectory change!" He advises, giving the follow up, "So try to minimize your profiles when you're not ready to fire. And move as much as you can." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He grunts a bit and tries to stare out into the storm. He runs back to the command deck and grabs that duffel bag, dragging it. As he does so, he grumbles something about having to use his second best rifle because his best one is being finnicky. He drags the bag with him to one of Kongou's railings and starts putting it together. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When he's done, he rests the barrel of his Barret XM500 up on the railing and looks through the scope. The choppy seas, low visibility, and constant movement of a ship make it hard to aim, "Kongou. Fire when ready. I'm going to use the motion of your recoil to predict my shot line." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And when Kongou fires, he'll use the forceful push that steadies out the choppy ocean movement to take a long distance .50 cal shot at what he estimates would be the 'head' of the mysterious girl, if he could see her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster's attacks on the base are forced to cease, as cannonfire heads Gudako's way! The foxgirl interposes herself between her master and the incoming explosives, a large, almost three foot tall round mirror appearing in the air in front of herself. As she extends her hand forward, it places itself in the path of the incoming explosives, much like a shield.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"MASTER!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's a thrum of magic, and a powerful barrier forms as an extension of the mirror. The explosions rock the defensive spell one after another, damaging the boat they're on-- putting a hole in it, in fact, so now it's a matter of time before it sinks.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately, Caster and Gudako have the ability to survive THAT MUCH SMOKE; though the large mirror is still pristine, not a crack despite taking bombs to the face, the same can't be said of the foxgirl Servant, whose robes are tattered and a bit singed, and whose skin is slowly sealing up from the shrapnel.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We need to go, master~." Caster says, as she literally yanks Gudako off her feet. She leaps! Onto another transport ship. One that is not sinking. Meanwhile, the master glances up, then down. Wo seems to be overrun!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Berserker! Bring me back something nice," Gudako grins.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alexis Maaka might, unfortunately, pick up on the presence of someone on her ship now, as the red-robed foxgirl materializes there-- whether the ship stays airborne or plunges in the water. Her cat paw mittens swing like wild fists, and it's very, very unfortunate that she's aiming for the ship's engines, and has the strength to rip them out if her claws sink in.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:863|Haguro (863)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Haguro's resolve falters yet again as she witnesses the giant Abyssal's power, its shielding, it's agility as it somehow manages to evade some of those torpedoes while reducing the number of shells that even reach the shield to begin with. "No reason...? What about just living? Everyone has a pur...!" The Heavy Cruiser trails off as she sees those arms levelled at herself and Kongou, turning towards the shot just in time to avoid taking the hit in center, instead taking that blast head on. Fires start on her deck, multiple batteries are completely removed, but the Heavy Cruiser remains sea-worthy! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For now, anyway. "Nngh... T-taking fire! How's the.. How's the rest of the fleet?" Her voice comes in over the radio shakily, and Haguro turns to start heading back towards the seaport. She doesn't stop firing those anti-aircraft shells in long arcs at the massive Abyssal, however, although her aim is significantly hindered by the damage and that lingering uncertainty.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:672|Starbound Flotilla (672)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Waves of machinegun-fire wash over the smaller hylotl craft. Several are blasted open. Their inhabitants are forced to perform emergency teleports just to survive the barrage, assuming it isn't focused on killing them specifically. If it's not, they're pretty effectively knocked out of the fight; E-teleports are a hell of a bumpy ride. Those that aren't dealt with by the waves of machinegun fire are wounded, many now beginning to limp away. Shields are all a bust in the smaller craft. <br /><br />"<span style="color:xterm160">Fishface, we're bleeding escort.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm50">Unfortunate. We will have little cover; such is the call to bear pain with bravery and dignity.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm15">Our shields are not going to hold against the next voll--</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm39">WARNING. Evacuate shield module area.</span>"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The first shot that the abyssal slams into the Connoisseur's shield is halted, for a half-second, before the overwhelming power slams through. It rips a hole in the side armor, lancing through systems with an impact blunted by armor like Lezard Valeth did. The explosion deals further damage. Evacuating the shield chamber that Lezard overloaded, Albert's caught in the boom, slamming him against an interior wall and disabling his further contributions to the fight.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:673|Rory White (673)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'Do not fight straight on' is one thing Rory would love to subscribe to at this moment. And in all honesty, she has several plans in motion. But haste makes waste and, seeing how powerful that defensive field is around the unknown Princess... Yeah. No sending missiles and lasers against that.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Instead, Rory decides to swoop in close and zip past at full speed in a swooping flanking manuever. The barrels for what seem to be weapons shift angle and--<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And start unloading a HUGE spray of a yellow chemical at the determind Princess. "Whatever you have to say does not need to be said with guns!" The scientist exclaims. The boatloads (hah) of goo being fired are sticky and smell weird. But on contact with flesh, shield or water... they begin to rapidly expand and harden into a tough foamy sustance that binds joints, jams weapons, halts movement... or, if it can't get throgh the shield, well, it'll probably blind and annoy pretty well!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:596|Zwei (596)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The airwaves fill with cold, high pitched laughter, thrumming with electricity and tinkling like glass falling down a hole, but just a little bit too carefree to sound wholly sane. "I don't care! I'll come back . . . as many times as it takes! A hundred . . . a thousand . . . a million . . . ! I won't stop . . . until everything here sinks under the ocean . . . until there isn't even a beach . . . until there's no sign an admiral ever was here . . . until these ships realize they don't need you . . . before you throw them away as well! Fix it . . . as fast as you can! It already looks to be . . . in bad shape!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This time the laughter continues even as the incendiaries rain down on top her her, clearly and blatantly spattering against the translucent globe surrounding her, shivering more and more intensely as shell after torpedo strikes it, until the air seems almost opaque and glassy, the Abyssal's image jittering behind it. The burning compounds sticking to it seems to be doing the worst, as she doesn't have the presence of mind to remove them, eating away the barrier's strength. A quad gun fusillade goes straight for Nagato herself, totally ignoring the ships she's sortied with to take spiteful vengeance on the one calling herself admiral, all four rounds angled to gut her from bow to stern in horizontal streaks of seemingly infinite-inertia fire. While the main cannons cycle, she re-converges fire on Alexis as Kotone and Biteblade break off for the moment, autoguns suddenly pouring on her with enough firepower to shred her newly acquired ship to metal filings, made worse by the fact that they all seem to be aiming directly for the cockpit.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The voice crackles like lightning as Kotone speaks, building with the steady whine of a turbine in the background. "No! I was . . . f-first . . . wave . . ." she seems to struggle with the recollection, but then how many Abyssals really remember who they were at all? "Nine . . . million hours . . . active duty . . . the others came and gone but . . . no! No no no! I was special!" She diverts her fire and aims straight upwards, firing at an airborne target with her main guns like no ship actually should, and yet they work all the same. A pair of energy bolts issue forth with twin cataclysms of ozone-scented fire, undeterred by gravity or wind as they take the straight vector right towards her ship, extremely unlikely to survive a double direct hit in less than six pieces."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>TSU: <br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Tsu-class really does seem intent to just do her own Berserker routine, lacking any biology resembling a lower jaw not keeping her from bellowing out. The two gauntleted arms are easily the equal of the rest of her body's weight, which is what enables them to be so potentially damaging. When the torpedoes lance out, and one of them impacts squarely into her abdomen, the fact that there is a viscous, black substance oozing out in lieu of blood from several fractures of her outer surface, barely seems to slow he down. She does gain some semblance of control back again, however, to consider a more fitting tool for the job, looking about ready to return fire with the guns arranged on one of her meaty gloves.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That is, before two major things happen to interrupt things. The first, is the more proper Berserker appearing to gladly take over the assault. The second is the same reason the destroyers hesitate in laying depth charges, from normally concealed hatches on their smooth outer shells. There is a signal for a withdrawl coming from their command ship.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WO:<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Indeed, even the fleet daughters would likely recognize this kind of narrow band transmission, with their equipment. It is pointless to remain here, and she can't risk any more destroyers or Confederate shock troop lives on some newborn Abyssal's personal vendettas, especially when she charges straight into the hornet's nest, as her very first course of action. There is a tinge of regret, as the Wo-class looks on at their otherworldly cousin, overcome with every possible emotion at the same time, it seems. Too many nostalgic feelings, this evening...another reason to leave, while they can. "If you are...strong e-nough. You can find, your an-swers." The same ones that Wo, herself, still doesn't have in their entirety. Not yet. As several Confederates from sinking landing craft are being hauled onto the Wo-class ship's deck, she gives another glance to Kongou and Psyber, in particular, in a brief clearing of the weather. And then, the full-size carrier begins to leave the theater of battle, minions in tow.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:637|Kongou (637)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Flat trajectories. Laser fire from such advanced weapons would normally be quite dangerous given the disparity of technology, but the beams coming in at such a flat angle means that Kongou's more vulnerable spaces are behind her thickest armor, and angled in such a way that there's more metal for a straight projectile to pierce before it gets behind that armor. The initial hits gouge into the battleship's side, digging black marks of angry red through thick steel but burning through a great deal of energy before they can fully penetrate. The smaller beams pepper the hull further, some piercing through the weakened openings left by the larger shots. Smoke billows from these penetrations, fires inside that Kongou works to suppress.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"&lt;Problem Nothing!&gt;" the ship assures Psyber, though there's a bit of strain in her usual cheerful tone, "Reloaded and ready~!" Guns elevate, lasers pinging off the armored faces of her turrets, exploding against her superstructure. There's a clicking, rattling noise as her guns re-elevate, reloaded, "Aim! &lt;FIYAH~!&gt;" The second full broadside is unleashed on the mysterious Abyssal, pushing her deck back with the recoil. The exact stabilization that Psyber was looking for.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Further down, under the barrage, one of the casemate guns in Kongou's secondary batteries suddenly explodes, the gun itself sailing overboard while flames replace it. The ship grunts, fire extinguishers hissing. The flames subside until only black smoke spills out.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Isuzu, meanwhile, tracks her guns when the fox-maiden leaps from one transport boat to the next. Somewhere inside, eyes narrow. At least until the entire vessel lurches to a halt. Immediately, the cruiser's shape flickers silver and dissolves, leaving the girl with her equipment standing on the ice that she'd beached herself on. Baring her teeth, the girl lets out a tense 'tch' sound.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On Akizuki's bow, Hayashimo straightens, looking out across the water and ice to the besieged Abyssal. Drawn by her words. Turning a little more, she casts a one-eyed look at the destroyer's bridge. Echoing from within the ship, Akizuki asks, "Hayashimo, what are you..?"<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The raven-haired girl vaults the railing.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"--Wait! Hayashimo!"<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Forced into evasive maneuvers by the attacks from the alien Abyssal, Akizuki swerves away, peppered with explosive fire, shouting after her friend.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The raven-haired destroyer does not skate or rush. She walks across the roiling surface of the stormy sea, approaching the Armiger Princess. She holds her hands out, dropping the turret gun she'd been clutching the entire time. It hits the water and sinks, leaving the girl unarmed as she approaches.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...A familiar pain," she murmurs, barely audible over the wind and rain, "...I was left behind, too. ...Forgotten, too." She flinches when an errant lazer zips over her shoulder, bursting somewhere behind her, though quickly recovers. Once again, she holds her arms out, coming to a stop some distance away, "...Hate is no good."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:672|Starbound Flotilla (672)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"<span style="color:xterm160">Albert's gone. I've got dibs on his stuff.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm40">Breathe ssstill! Will live You, get usss out of way of shooty! Floran ssstill have weapon sssystem, but no shield!</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm39">Advising. Dive below torpedo paths, attack from below.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm160">Maaka's taking the heat, let's use that.</span>"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Connoisseur dives, trying to put some water between it and that horrible machinegun fire. It lets Maaka take the heat for a bit, she can handle it right? George pulls helmsman duty as best he can, blasting it low and quick. The Hylotl craft is more maneuverable in water than outside it, oddly! Since some of its engines were damaged by Lezard's assault, its secondary water maneuvering engines are much more helpful here. They won't be able to take more hits, so Moonfin's trying to take his ship to its favored ground more. A fishman with a fishboat! From here, the gimballed turrets swivel up and try to lance further laser fire upwards! They have more maneuverability here, but unfortunately, so does the Abyssal, which could move in more dimensions laterally... Gotta depend on that attack from above! Especially with the lasers refracting through the water from below.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:685|Kuma (685)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shigure and Nowaki seem to be largely 'safe', the autocannon fire striking their seaframes and leaving massive holes through and through. Minor damage at worst. The return fire and gun their engines as the ice begins to crack and melt enough for them to make some headway, turning their sterns toward the Armiger Abyssal. They make best speed away from the battlezone. "Anger and hate only lead to suffering, both for you and for others!" calls Shigure, her soft voice carrying across the water, though how much will get over the sound of battle is something to be acertained.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yamashiro jukes as hard as she can, presenting her bow to the oncoming beams, and gets her pagoda mast sliced clean off for the trouble. "KYAAAAA! G-Guncrew, fire at wi-will!" the pain is searing, blinding, and in a panic, her batteries start flailing wildly, loosing shells in the vague direction of the enemy... the bisected pagoda steams as the metal shrieks from the laser-like beam, the severed half splashing into the water.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chitose grunts softly. "All remaining ships, focus efforts on damage control. Shore batteries, keep the pressure up, the shield is weakening!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuma, for her part? Wades right on into the middle of the battle, just like Hayashimo. She transforms back to her Land Fitting, and skates up, jinking around errant shots. "You were special... you still are, kuma. This isn't the path you should be walking, kuma! Come with us... we'll show you that this is worth protecting, this world, and any other one, kuma."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:571|Alexis Maaka (571)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;OKAY, let's take stock of things. On one hand the Tsu-class is pulling back along with the other destroyers. It's clear that issue is less pertinent. On the other hand, the Spectre crew just traded one enemy for another in the form of the Berserker. This is going to be an issue if that Servant keeps clawing at their engines.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Shit! Engine one is down, Maaka! We gotta get that crazy bitch off of us!" Kaz says, frantically trying to figure out countermeasures. He settles upon a turret, trying his best to angle it so that it manages to aim towards Berserker the best it can.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alexis takes control of the cannon, before she begins to take aim and fire. Outside, Berserker will find herself hit point-blank by anti-ship weaponry, this might hurt /considerably/ even for her. That said, this ship is crippled already, and there isn't much else it can do without going out in fire if the Spectre remains here.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Another barrage is fired from the battleship's turrets as Nagato readies to turn broadside again for another shot. Not as calm as she usually is, the invasion upon her own soil is something she has no love for. "Fi..." her voice is cut off, the red streaks across her bow to stern, cutting four large red streaks into the battleship's side. Surprisingly, no voice is given from the attack, staying silent as steel is ripped into from those cutting beams, showing off the internals of a few decks in the ship.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Nnngh... I.." a cough comes from inside, "I can't give up the base... One more rapport...." she mutters without radio contact, taking one last look through her radar... another rapport fires, the fire plume from those cannons light up the sky and more magnesium and slag explodes from the airto rain on the Unknown Abyssal Ship. Over the loudspeakers from her ship, she shouts out. "We will not give up... We will repair and shore our defenses and keep you under the ocean. You... you are beyond saving."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The Harpies continue to get shot down en masse as they screech, trying to grapple onto things and claw them vindictively. It's what they do: Die and be generally vindictive. Lezard doesn't care, they're disposable to him.<br /><br />Less disposable is the Zombie Dragon, which gets the unfortunate situation of getting pincered by a pair of deadly retaliation strikes. Kongou's flak guns retarget the Zombie Dragon, who gurgles unpleasantly as pieces of it begin to get blown out by flak strikes. Lezard, meanwhile, sees the Galactican get deployed. "A retaliation strike?" He hisses. "A pity I could not down them quickly enough." He begins casting another spell, power gathering as a magic circle forms around him... <br /><br />And the Galactican fires the IRRADIATION MISSLES first, catching the dragon and its contents in a wave of explosive green haze. Were it one or the other, perhaps he could compensate, but both? <br />5rAnother airburst of flak shatters one of the wings, and the Zombie Dragon releases a devastating sonic shriek through the air as it begins to fall, perhaps some inferior echo of Elizabeth's own 'dragon's breath' but something nonetheless as they descend.<br /><br />The light continues to grow as the green-limned abomination falls, Lezard not visible amongst the massive detonations. Kongou continues to blast the thing as it falls, taking massive chunks out of it and diminishing it as it falls. It is trying to suicide dive the battleship? <br /><br />BURNING LOVE, however, wins out as the final blast shatters the corpse and sends it crashing into the waves, a nasty mass of viscera that rapidly sinks out of sight. VICTORY! <br /><br />Except... Where's Lezard? <br /><br />That gets answered quickly as a circle appears on the opposite side of the craft from where Psyber is sniping, a sickened and scorched sorveror grimacing. He looks unhappy. "Congratulations, my dear. You have defeated my dragon, but you have still have me to contend with." He hisses. A patch of hair falls off his head as the radiation continues to do its work, and he grimaces. "I will have my vengeance felt, damn you all!" He yells, before he raises the Catalyst and points it directly at the deck. "FIRE STORM!" He screams, channelling his magic into a colossal blast of his own, trying to punch through the deck and maybe hit something explosive. He hears ships have problems with that.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You know she's going to be very unhappy about the water thing, right master?" Caster questions Gudako, as they sit on the retreating transport.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cut to Berserker, violently clawing a ship's engine out.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"What is she going to do, take selfies and send me grumpy cat memes?" Gudako retorts, still smiling and generally not worried about the matter.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cut to Berserker, snarling as she speeds past the firing turret, and then gives it a nice, friendly bear hug from behind. She seems ready to just rip it off the ship.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"She's a cat. She'll remember this forever. Also, she'll ruin your new Idolmaster bedsheets." Caster points out, index finger raised.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako ponders.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8D ...<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8D ...<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8D !!!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Berserker, we're leaving! Come dry off and get a treat!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cut to Berserker, dematerializing before she either acquires a turret or gets shot repeatedly for trying. It's a 50/50 tossup, really. It might have been both.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:253|Psyber (253)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However the explosion on her deck affects Kongou, Psyber is caught in it as well. A massive blast of flame that rips across the entirety of the top of the ship and sends his rifle careening over the side and down into the water below. As the force of the blast sends him flying back, Psyber reaches out and grabs one of the railings with a hand to keep from flying off the side of the ship. His reaction is immediate. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"KONGOU. CEASE ALL FIRING. FIRE SURPRESSION SYSTEMS ACTIVE. DEAD STOP ON ENGINE AND CEASE LOADING MUNITIONS!" He shouts as he grips the side of the ship and pulls himself up. The half-angel himself has kept out of most of the battle, but the unexpected blast of fire has done no small amount of damage to him even despite being coated head to toe in water. His jacket has licks of flames on it, his face and body are scorched, and he's somewhat strained as he pulls himself back up and onto the deck of the ship. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I don't recall..." Psyber says as he steps forward towards Lezard angrily, "Giving you permission to come aboard. And you never board a Captain's ship without his permission." He seems more pissed off than anything. Boots slam on the deck of his ship as he dashes in towards Lezard. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And before you ask?" Psyber comments, his hand already curling up and cutting a path through the water-saturated air with lightning speed as he tries to uppercut the mage clean in the jaw. With the amount of force Psyber has put behind the punch, he's hoping it'll send Lezard sailing off the deck of the Kongou. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Permission denied."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:596|Zwei (596)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No! We have . . . /no purpose/!" is the strange Abyssal's immediately direct, and outright unhinged reply to Haguro, prickling up hairs with its charge. "She took . . . my wings . . . she left me . . . to sink . . . sink to the bottom of the ocean . . . she threw me away . . . she didn't need me . . . she doesn't need anyone . . . admirals don't need ships . . . humans don't need ships either . . . you're as useless as /me/!" She doesn't even react to the gunfire anymore, the fifth fleet, the fourth mobile unit, the entire northern force, all shelling her at once, the air around her rattling until it looks apt to break apart at any second. "Nobody cares . . . if I suffer . . . so I'll make you suffer . . . as much as me!" she cries out to Shigure.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The foam being sprayed on her from Rory momentarily mutes her as the substance splashes all over her barrier, encasing most of it in a perfect sphere of fast-drying cement-like material, but the gesture is misguided. Within moments, the obstructive shell is shot through with a hundred points of red light, swiveling back and forth with the kind of precision of a computer chip assembly line, until it falls apart in neat little squares. The moment the Abyssal is revealed, she's already wheeling on Rory, one of those blade-like gun apparatuses folding out with a resounding clang, the edge shimmering with a diamond hard line of red energy as she swings viciously straight for the flexbot, her lunge augmented by her magically buffed boosters to such an extent that even avoiding being cut in half entails being sent flying into the air. She closes to pursue, but is interrupted by timely intervention from the hyotl ship below her, beams flashing and glancing off her underside and streaking up into the air, the Abyssal inside the sphere barely visible through the shudder of her shield. Several cannon shots go straight down, totally unimpeded by the water's density, but are unlikely to score direct hits, and their heat will be greatly absorbed by the ocean.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finally though, as the fleet daughter approaches her, she whirls to face Hayashimo, leveling one of those bizarrely featureless gun batteries straight at her, the visible lower half of her face contorted into a strangely impassive yet hysterical snarl. "You . . . don't know anything! I'm . . . already no good for anything . . . so seven if my hate does . . . no good . . . I'll sink you all anyways!" The gun flares, red light Collecting through its converging channels, aimed for her at the nautical equivalent of point blank, but just before the seemingly inevitable catastrophe, a .50 caliber round arrives from nowhere, slamming into the distortion surrounding her, and causing the air, and water beneath her, to 'pop', pulsing outwards violently as the shield breaks; the round retaining just enough energy to crash straight into her visor, and smash the left side of it straight off her face.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:596|Zwei (596)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her eye is suddenly exposed to the ocean air, blinking as the light hits it directly. It's a bright, pretty, luminescent green, rather than the cold blue or hateful red one would expect of an Abyssal, totally at odds with the rest of her. Her partly-visible gaze tracks to Psyber, then down to the unarmed fleet daughter, trembling visibly in a way that looks almost . . . frightened. The next moment, the airwaves are rent with an ear-splitting scream of pure, furious anguish, and then the air is rent by the equal screech of dozens upon dozens of micro-missiles being launched into the air, rattling off in howling fusillades from the opening mouths in her back mount. The jet black arrows shoot up into the air in waves of twelve at a time, swerving violently as they reach a minimum height ceiling and then sleet down on their targets indiscriminately, individually picking out and homing in on whatever target is getting the least fire at the specific fraction of a second.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They fire and fire and fire until all the batteries run out in one, ill-advised but nonetheless deadly alpha strike, clicking audibly as the Abyssal fails to realizes she's emptied her silos for a few moments. Each projectile is significantly less powerful than one of those torpedoes, but there are a great many more of them, and they're almost unfairly fast and agile, exploding in proximity rather than on contact, and in long, forward lances of armour-piercing fire rather than concussive explosions.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Casting her tremulous, fearful gaze to the fleet, badly damaged as it is, arrayed before her, and then back to her retreating allies of convenience, the Abyssal does what no newly-awakened princes ever does, and turns tail. Even if she seems physically unharmed, she must have pretty much all her faith in her shields and not her armour, because with those gone and her weapons empty or recharging, she diverts all power to those futuristic engines and engages the equivalent of afterburners, speeding directly away from Hikari rather than staying to be sunk, going at top speed.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kotone Yamakawa continues to engaged in a pitched battle with the Abyssal, it's words haunt her the mention of up time and her load-out finally make it click in her head she has an idea of what ship this once was. Given the ship's age and where it finally went own it makes sense this could happen. She stares at the warning on her display as she gives the order to go on the evasive. Sh knows she's not in a heavy warship as she's well facing down a ship like this. <br /><br /> "Wait your that ship, your that one we ... fought before are you not?! You can be more than this! You served a thousand years you can be more than this and chose your own path!" <br /><br /> She wonders what good if any this will do but she has to try. Then again it may be too late.." <br /><br /> "Panic: "Heavy weapons fire! We can not take a hit like that!" <br /><br /> Kotone barks again giving up weapons control and doing what she can for the shields on her ship. <br /><br /> The ship is evading it banks hard and it's enough to save the vessel from a direct hit, but it can't get out of the way entirely the Bluenose is caught in the wake of the blasts and the shields are ravaged and they go down the hull is ravaged and the ship is barely starying in the air as globs of molten metal fall into the sea, Kotone does not order to chase after the Abyssal but she seems to understand now. <br /><br /> "Thrown away on a gambit to gather information... her commander sent it out full well knowing it would not survive the engagement..." <br /><br /> Damage reports are blasting out from SAIL while Slipbolt fights to keep the ship in the air. <br /><br /> "....thrown out after such service...I wonder if there's anything we can do." <br /><br /> Slipbolt calls out. <br /><br /> "Shouting: Worry about it later! Survive first!" <br /><br /> "Your right lets keep from going to Davy Jones as well shall we?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:685|Kuma (685)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuma hunkers down. She's too close to the Abyssal to dodge her attack, and the missiles rain down, showering her in hot, corrosive plasma. She weathers the storm only by virtue of the spread of the fire, so many missiles, but also, many, many more targets than the simple three Daughters and two Abyssals the previous time they fought. She transmits, at long range to the retreating Armiger. "You're only useless if you let yourself be that way, kuma." She turns, and limps back to port, sunk to her upper thighs from the damage she sustained, but remains afloat. Barely.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yamashiro's panicked flailing sends shells plunging into the wake of the fleeing enemy, until a familiar presence cuts through the anguished blindness that's settled on the Battleship. Shigure changes back to Land fitting, and climbs aboard the battleship. "It's okay, Oneesan. I'm here." comes the low, soothing voice of the Destroyer as she strokes her fingers lightly along the guardrail. "It's over. We're safe."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chitose makes a decision... and once again, a very special Type 0 is loaded onto her launch catapult. "Be safe, be unseen, report back if anything of note happens." she commands, before the hiss of steam launches the floatplane into the air, laden with fuel-tanks for extra-long range tailing. It follows after the Armiger and Abyssals.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:637|Kongou (637)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ahh~!" As the deck around the forward gun battery lights on fire, Kongou wails in sudden surprise and pain. Hose fittings closer to the superstructure burst open, blasting seawater across the scorched wooden planking. There's a rumbling below decks as well, and a lurching motion as the bow of the warship dips lower in the water. "Forward magazines flooded-- &lt;Safe!&gt;"<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On the battered gunwales and barbettes of her superstructure, the various anti-air emplacements swing around, lowering to deck level. She waits patiently, as Psyber has suddenly put himself far too close for her to be comfortable with opening fire. It's only when there's a few yards between the angel and the necromancer that the rattle of small caliber fire chatters through the stormy air. The smaller 12.7mm machine guns, the larger single-mount 20mm anti-air cannons, and even the (only remaining) 40mm triple barrel flak gun open up. Brass casings sail over the side, though their accuracy is somewhat comprimised by all the smoke, rain, and the heaving deck.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other anti-air batteries suddenly open fire as well, tracers directed outboard into the cloud of mini-missiles sailing down from the space abyssal's tantrum. Only managing to thin them out, she shouts, "Take cover, Admiral!" before the superstructure and deck are peppered with explosions. Fires start, mountings are destroyed. The after part of the ship settles down similar to the bow, as the magazines flood. The remaining 40mm triple cannon smolders, its ammunition having detonated in its clip mechanism.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Burning but afloat, Kongou shifts her rudder again, trailing smoke as she swings around to narrow her profile, even though the Abyssal warship is retreating.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Isuzu has an easier time of it, being a much smaller target right now. Dashing across the ice floe she'd crashed into, the girl jumps and hits the water, skating away from the engagement. Her hip mounted anti-air guns swing around, providing the missiles that opt to pursue her with a hail of flak and good old-fashioned lead, such that none of them actually reach her-- A smaller target, fewer munitions committed.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Akizuki similarly opts to fire into the swarm of rockets, 10 centimeter shells bursting within, shattering a good number. When it becomes clear that a larger target such as herself is too exposed, she shimmers, disappearing into the shape of a girl with turret rigging hanging off her hips. The guns on the heads of her turret-like Choujuucentihou-chans don't give up, though they've become smaller. Teeth bared, she reaches out as she dashes across the water, "-Hayashimo!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:637|Kongou (637)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Before the Abyssal Armiger, Hayashimo keeps her arms held out, unflinching in the face of the woman's fury. "...You worked so hard," she murmurs, her voice soft. Even as a missile explodes against her, blasting out pieces of her rigging, she flinches but remains standing, "...You did a lot for them. ...They didn't realize--" Another explosion threatens to knock her down, but she remains steadfast, even as her backpack equipment crumples off and hits the water behind her, smoldering, "--Nn... wh-what they were throwing away.." Her hands lower from shielding her face, only to watch the abyssal retreating.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Grimacing, Hayashimo reaches to cradle one arm with the other, head lowering and shoulders shaking. She stands there like that, tears streaming out from behind her eye-obscuring bangs, even when Akizuki reaches her, numb to the other destroyer's words.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hayashimo..! Are you okay? Where does it hurt?!"<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The only response she gives is to raise her hands, clutching them both over her heart.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:596|Zwei (596)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There are a few Elits here who could probably catch the fleeing 'Abyssal', though few enough of them, and badly damaged enough by the large scale conflict, that they may or may not actually want to. For the time being though, it seems the majority are content to retreat back and consolidate the damaged Hikari Seaport. The strange enemy is left to flee, waves breaking ahead of her and spewing upwards in her wake, propelled by a reactor rather than a boiler, but determined not to sink all the same. Her radio-voice shakes briefly as she hears those words chase her, something like a crackling wince punctuating the local channels with the sound of someone remembering something painful.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Z- . . . zero fifty six . . . t-two thirty seven . . . zero zero one . . . Whispered Revolution . . ." The static hisses violently. "She took . . . my wings . . ."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The radio interference abruptly goes dead.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The Sorceror coughs up a little blood as things go boom, the dark mage framed by flames as Psyber stalks towards him. In a smug tone, Lezard replies to Psyber as he approaches, "I hardly believe that boarding crews request permission before assaulting their t-" <br /><br />The denial of permission crashes straight into his jaw, not only interrupting what he was going to say but rendering him speechless as his jawbone shatters on impact with what is probably a satisfying "Hrrrrrrrrgk!". <br /><br />The Necromancer goes sailing backwards, tunbling from the impact as he hits the deck and slides towards the railing, pitching half-off the side as there is a loud CLANG. <br /><br />The Manus Catalyst, held with a deathgrip, managed to wedge itself into the railing and stop his dunk at the cost of also dislocating his shoulder. <br /><br />On reflection, maybe he should have just landed in the ocean. <br /><br />Regardless, maimed, irratiated, and generally miserable, the Sorceror drags himself back onto the edge of the deck, looking up at Psyber with a furious glare before he gestures up towards his Servant. Surely she'll be by to pick him up and get him away from the angry half-angel. That would be very nice right now.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:253|Psyber (253)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Psyber takes slow, deep breaths after he sends Lezard careening. Part of him wants to follow up on it, but he's not nearly that petty or vindictive. Lezard set foot on his ship, attacked it, and Psyber knocked him off for it. End of transaction, "Kongou. Let him retreat now," Psyber murmurs over the clacking and firing of anti-air fire. He's ordering Kongou to stand down and not fire at the Servant if she wants to come pick him up. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He does reach into his jacket and pull out a half-smoked cigar, putting it in his mouth. Rather than light it with a match of a lighter, he leans sideways and uses one of the still-burning parts of his own jacket to light it. As he chomps down on it and the rain causes sizzles and jets of steam where it hits the tip, Psyber sighs, "Kongou. Turn ship and lets head for home. We need to get you in a repair dock and I should probably find some dry clothes." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He reaches up to adjust the hat on his head as he exhales a huge gout of smoke and tiredly leans against the rail of the ship.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:673|Rory White (673)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The moment the shields even CATCH the Freezer foam Rory's swerving away. She's NOT about to just STAY there and wait to see the results. Not when she can see that from above, courtesy of the Dragonflies that swoop around in the storm. The Flexbot has already hit FULL REVERSE, turbofans kicking up a spray as it attempts to put some distance in place... and it's this immediate thinking that ensures the strange Abyssal doesn't reach Rory's main body before other factors distract them. Still, it's pretty close. About ten meters!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And it could have been a complete disaster.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That just confirms it. Kotone's likely correct. The automated destroyer!" Rory and her fleet of holographic drones retreat away from the mess at full speed. This situation has gotten TOO CREEPY for her.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THAT has become a ghost ship? Is that possible?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now that she knows what it IS, she is not at all inclined to fight it head-on. Better to retreat. FAR better to retreat and study it further. This is worrisome beyond belief!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Clipped wings. The ship we encountered had crashed into the water and was making for land to gather resources and repair. But the reason it crashed to begin with..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not THAT person again...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:911|Elizabeth Bathory (911)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lezard Valeth learns a very important lesson this stormy, foggy, thundering night.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Never pick a fight with a slab-jawed continental on the deck of his ship as the sea roils around you. The narrative is JUST too strong against you.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Doubly so because Psyber is standing on a deck made from the Her Majesty's Royal Ports. It's just an assbeating in the making.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thankfully, as he casts his hopes into the air, there is a terrible peal of thunder and a bright flash of lightning that light the sky up in a burning silver around the Kongou as Elizabeth shows in relief along the railing, humming the light tune to 'Death At Sea' as she sets along the deck, gathering up Lezard in one arm. Looking the Necromancer over, she tisk-tisks, running long 'claw' fingers down his broken jaw tenderly. "Ohhh, didn't anyone ever tell you about Continentals? Her Majesty's Soldiers are another breed!" She chides, before... Princess carrying Lezard into the sky, with a wingbeat, into the clearing weather.<br> <br><br />
<br />
<br />
}}</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3457/The_Marquise_vs._The_Beast&diff=121773457/The Marquise vs. The Beast2015-12-04T20:35:41Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2015/11/29 |Location=Alberichstadt <P:WTWM> |Synopsis=Janine and Ira brawl over nothing really. But then HERE COMES A NEW CHALLENGER |Thanks= |Cast..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/11/29<br />
|Location=Alberichstadt <P:WTWM><br />
|Synopsis=Janine and Ira brawl over nothing really. But then HERE COMES A NEW CHALLENGER<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=353, 687, 894, 901, 908, 909, 915, 920<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:909|Janine Liberi (909)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Black Forest really lives up to its name.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A thick canopy of foliage stretches overhead, effectively blocking out most light, even in the middle of the day. As a result, the ground is mostly barren dirt with only a few hardy shrubs to liven up the gaps between the thick tree trunks.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However, a clearing has been located a short walk away from the Die Reisenden cabin, where the leaves and branches part just enough to let sunshine cascade in, lighting it up with multiple little spotlights. It's even vaguely circular, making it a perfect arena!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And that's where Janine is waiting, sitting at the foot of a tree. A sports bag lays to her side, the hilt of her sabre poking out. She munches on a chocolate bar morosely as she waits, eyes fixed straight ahead. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And no, she doesn't offer to share with anyone else.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The namesake of hams and cakes is going to be getting some excitement today. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Janine will find a wait on her hands. Just long enough to wonder if Ira was actually going to duck out of the fight, most likely, forcing the teenager to confirm over the Broadband. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though after that, Janine needs to wait a little bit more. Eventually she'll hear thumping noises approaching her location. It almost sounds like an axe hitting wood, mixed with the occasional snap of twigs or rustle of leaves. The source of the sound is apparent when Ira comes into sight: in one hand, she holds an old baseball bat, which she slide-thunks against each tree she passes. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Breaching the clearing, she stops, standing on the other side, stretched up to her full six feet of height. She casually rests the baseball bat on her right shoulder. "Sorry for the wait." she doesn't sound sorry, "Had to grab something."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako will not be too far behind Ira. She isn't alone, the teen accompanied by a pink-haired, fox-eared-and-tailed young woman in red robes, with cat paws boots and mittens. It is this person who carries a very large, gift-wrapped box, one presumes the cake she said she was bringing. Berserker whistles merrily, while Gudako is paying more mind to the cellphone in her hands, obviously engrossed in some video game or another.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As they arrive and Ira stops, Gudako moves to the side, not taking her eyes off her screen. "Berserker, put the box down over here~," she says, and her Servant follows suit, before sitting down on the ground, curling up into a ball and, presumably, napping right here and now.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Say your prayers to the RNG gods before the fight!" Gudako finally says. It's unclear if she's talking to Janine, Ira, or if she's actually thinking out loud because of her game.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One thing is sure at least, her expression is still 8D.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:353|Laer (353)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It took some small doing for Laer to track down just where they were talking about, but she's not here to take action; she's here in a more official role. In spite of the wild surroundings, she's wearing an evening gown that is an utter and complete pitch black, almost seeming to absorb the light around her, with elbow length gloves to match.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The formal attire is somewhat spoiled by her traditional disguise for her ears, a red knit ski cap that is pulled down over the tips of her ears to try and hide her not-humanness.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once she reaches the site of the fight, she's going to lean against a tree on the edge of the clearing, lifting a hand in greetings but otherwise not speaking unless spoken to. At least, not for the moment.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:901|Hoshi Amakasu (901)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As soon as Hoshi'd been made aware of what was happening, she was up and out of her house immediately, still dressed in her old Japanese school uniform instead of something a little more sensible for the situation. Thus, when she finally made her way to the place where the duel was meant to happen, she was covered in small scratches from the trees and brambles, and she's not looking particularly pleased. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What was said over the radio had calmed her, but only slightly. Grudge matches were unsportsmanlike and childish. Standing out to the side, she sighs and glances over to Janine. "I suppose I'd better warn you, it seems we've gotten some Confederate attention. Are you sure you want to do this?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then Ira came along, and... was as abrasive as ever. No point in really asking her if she was sure, was there? "Just please don't hurt each other," she says with a long-suffering sigh. "Explaining injuries to the staff at Drachenblatt won't be very fun for you." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako gets the same chilly look from Hoshi that she's always gotten. "Ms. Ordria," she mutters stiffly, her arms folded tightly. Sticking out from her hand was her special hairtie... just in case.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ark shows up when he hears there's a fight going on. Normally he'd just listen for the recap, but he saw Ira and her head-ghost in action the other day, and he's genuinely interested in what this is going to be like.<br /><br />The Ether Liner looks like a human not much older than the people with the Personas, but the vivid purple hair and the all-grey tactical gear doesn't really fit the environment. It might be a little surprising, then, when he blunders out of the woods into the clearing, but doesn't actually make any noise until he gets in sight. (He's getting better at this.)<br /><br />"We're just here for the fight," Ark assures Hoshi on his way past, grinning disarmingly. He walks around the perimeter of the clearing, and sits down more or less next to Berserker and tries to get comfortable. It's a little weird, for him; the Black Forest is the complete opposite of what he's used to, but the almost enclosed feeling of the thick canopy isn't so bad, either.<br /><br />Ark shoots Ira a grin and a little salute. Then, he pulls the dagger-like bone weapon from behind his back, lays it across his lap, hooks his hands behind his head and gets ready for some fireworks. He could kind of get used to this place, he thinks.<br /><br />Caster of Steel is nowhere in sight. Maybe he decided to stay home for this one?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:909|Janine Liberi (909)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Janine waits and waits and waits and waits.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Which she wouldn't mind, it's kind of peaceful in the forest. But she ran out of chocolate two 'waits' ago, so yes, she calls out Ira over the broadband. And then she has to wait some more.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By the time that Ira finally deigns to show up, Janine's eternal pout has advanced to a full scowl. "No, you're right on time. Perfectly punctual," she says, voice dripping with enough sarcasm to flood the forest. She stands up, pulling her feet under her and using the tree as support to slide up it. She grabs the hilt on her way up, and with a flick of the wrist, the sheath is tossed to the dirt.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That's her real sword. Looks like Hoshi's pleading isn't going to go over.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her eyes slide over the audience. "I've prayed enough," is all she mutters in response to Gudako, and Laer only gets a long stare before being entirely ignored. "I'm not Union, what do I care?" is all she says to Hoshi, and Ark only gets a nod. Her eyes are boring into Ira now as she slides into a fencing stance. Right foot forward, left foot back, both slightly bent. The Sabre is held up before her, the curving tip pointing up. Her opponent is bigger, and packing a heavier weapon. No way could she win a bind in this situation, so she'll have to rely on footwork and evasive techniques.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And also Biancabella.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The blade is turned so the flat faces Janine, her reflection within. <span class=" fg_b bg_n ++ b">"Come, Biancabella,"</span> she says, the visage of the bloody woman forming behind her, the white snake around her neck raising its head to hiss threateningly.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"En garde."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At the obviously visible annoyance Janine displays for being made to wait, Ira grins a little wider. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That grin widens even a little bit further as she sees Hoshi's reaction to Gudako following along, though she takes care to make it seem like she's not reacting to that specifically. She does offer a casual, "Well, it was all over that Broadband thing, right? That anyone can listen to? Can't say I'm too surprised it's getting attention, Confederate or otherwise." Officially, she counts two here between Gudako and Ark, yet unaware of Laer's connections. "That Combat Vagrant guy said he'd come watch too. And I wouldn't worry too much about injuries. You can find some a-plus healthcare out in the multiverse, like Sanary. Just hit one of them up and we can continue hiding this stuff from the school staff." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Turning back to Janine, she smiles, "In nomine et patris et filis et R N G!" Ira laughs, "Amen!" <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shrugging her shoulder, she lets her bat drop down so it hangs from her right hand, tapping once against the ground. Her left hand digs into one of her pockets, producing a lighter. To a called Persona, Ira responds in kind, catching her eye in the reflective surface of the Zippo. "<span class=" bold_fg_w bg_n ++ hw">Beast!</span>" <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Beast, massive gorilla-boar monster in his impeccably white royal finery appears looming over her, claws clenched as he arches his back and roars. No sooner than it does is Ira charging Janine head on, a wild look in her eyes. Ira herself swings with the bat at Janine's good arm while the Beast leads with a swipe of the claws.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:901|Hoshi Amakasu (901)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Well, if this was going to happen, she'd at least be somewhat cordial about it. Once most of the spectators file in, Hoshi makes sure to give Ark and Laer a small bow. "I'm Amakasu, if you have any interest in knowing." She shoots a glance around the area. One among at least two. Hoshi stiffens a bit, turning to watch the match start. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Right off the bat came the Personas. She hadn't seen Ira's before, and it's visage causes her to step back with some trepidation. What was her mind like that she would summon such a Persona?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:894|August Kohler (894)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>August had plans today. He was going to crack through a book, get his homework done, and maybe play a video game if he got all that done in time. Sadly, it turns out two Persona users are going to beat each other up in the Forest, and that is both something he can't let go unsupervised and something entertaining enough that he doesn't want to miss.<br /><br />The German teenager arrives after the first blows have already been exchanged, spoon twirling in his fingers in case he needs to get involved. He's hoping he doesn't, mostly because he thinks it might lead to the destruction of the entire forest. Turning to Amakasu as he arrives, he tips his head as a greeting. "How much did I miss?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hello Hoshi!" Gudako greets.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If Hoshi is being as chilly as usual, Gudako is being as... carefree as usual, that might be the word for it. If it helps the other teen ease up, it doesn't look like the foxgirl master is really intending to do anything. But then again who can say?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then Janine gets started, summoning her Persona. Gudako's eyes are pried from her mobage, and she watches! With some odd focus, but no discernable changes in expression. There's even an echo of 'Amen!' when Ira says her 'prayer'. Never cross the RNG gods. Ever.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hey August! Over here, we don't have seats but we're comfortable!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:909|Janine Liberi (909)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ira's Persona is quite beastly, and it has Janine startled. Everyone else's has been vaguely humanoid... wow, this girl has issues. Thinks the girl who has a brutally maimed Persona. Either way, she's poised, balanced... here we go.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The speed of Ira's charge has her surprised. Of course she would be, having a Persona seems to make you stronger than normal people. Elites, right? She starts to step back, when Ira swings! Batter up!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The sabre is levelled at her, the bat, sliding against the flat of it so the swing connects with the hand guard! In a fencing match, this would be an unorthodox method of deflecting a strike. But against a bat, it just reduces the jarring hit that sends pain shooting up through her arm.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then the Beast rends at her with claws! She keeps backpedalling, the claws only getting a flesh wound on her shoulder, but it sure did cause a reaction! She screams, and Biancabella writhes! More footwork to get her back to her tree and compose herself.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Shit..." Janine spits once she's calm, staring daggers at Ira. She flourishes her sword, gazing deep into the blade. Binacabelle gestures, bloody stumps throwing blood towards Ira, when a sudden windstorm kicks up in the clearing, with Ira and the Beast at the centre!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Ark Line," he says back, by way of introduction. "Good to meet you, Amakasu." With his hands behind his head, Ark lacks the ability to wave or anything. He kind of wiggles his elbow a bit instead. It's awkward but gets the point across, though it doesn't reall make him look any more intimidating than his Confederate alignment otherwise would.<br /><br />After that, he's focused on the fight and idle chatter on the broadband over much else. He momentarily wonders what this 'RNG' god of Gudako's and Ira's is, but thinks better of asking just this once. Ark is almost certain it would involve more explanation than he's ready for.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:353|Laer (353)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Laer will give Hoshi a glance over. "If you've any power to make a difference, then of course I'm interested in knowing. It's always good to see people putting themselves to work at such a young age." She'll say, airily. "But I was looking for talent in the area, and it does look like there's plenty." She'll say, nodding towards the fight. She doesn't seem too disturbed by the beast that's appeared, though her smile looks just a little false at this point.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"They do seem angry at one another. Do you think they're practiced enough to not actually injure?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So what's THAT thing from anyway?" Ira manages to get out as she closes in on Janine. Up close she's probably even scarier. That vague look of...bloodlust? in her eyes likely isn't too reassuring. "Binaca-" <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She starts to stumble over the Persona's name as the windstorm shoots up underneath her and the Beast, which draws a surprisingly loud grunt of pain from both. In that moment, Ira realizes, that both her and her Persona being hit at the same time was actually pretty /unbearable/. Maybe from receiving double feedback? <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So while Ira herself backs off, the Beast continues to bare down on Janine and Binancabelle, taking a half-step to the side so it can line up a massive swat of its big, beefy arm at the bleeding Persona.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:901|Hoshi Amakasu (901)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The thankful look that comes to Hoshi's face when Kohler finally makes it might have been comical in another situation. She comes over quickly to stand next to him, making sure to skirt the area in which Janine and Ira were battling. Good for her, too, the two are starting to get really serious now. "You haven't missed much," she sighs and shrugs. "Just them beating the stuffing out of each other." She glances at the others, then back at August. "They seem like they just want to watch the fight, but I'm a little worried about them knowing where the shack is," she mutters quietly to him.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:909|Janine Liberi (909)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A vague smile of satisfaction crosses Janine's face as Ira grunts, knocked back by the sudden gust. She kind of wants to spend the whole fight doing that... but it's taxing, and she doesn't want to give Ira an excuse to say that Janine was running scared.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She also promised Hoshi that this was over nothing serious, so if she spent the whole fight grim, well. Not that she cares if Hoshi is upset, but dealing with drama is a pain in the ass. "Some Italian fairy tale. 'Biancabella and the Snake,'" she says, pronouncing 'Biancabella' syllable by syllable so Ira can get it memorized.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately, this left her wide open to be clobbered by that massive swipe! She grunts, but doesn't scream like she did before. She lands on her rear, but quickly scrabbles to her feet. Time to show she's not going to be intimidated by this hulking brute, and also The Beast.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's the most basic thing you'll see in fencing; the lunge. From the en garde stance, Janine steps forward in a great stride on her right leg, bending it low so the knee almost touches the forest floor. From en garde, her blade seemed so far away, but the lunge brings it in slashing range! So the Italian does slash, aiming across Ira's stomach!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Never heard of it." Ira huffs, mentally making a note to shorten it to 'Bian' or something that sounds less ridiculous in her accent. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For someone so big and hulking, Ira is surprisingly swift, nearly twisting entirely out of range of the lunge. The rapier slides against her side, opening a tear across her uniform. A thin cut starts to slowly ooze blood. Any reasonable person would probably be horrified by this injury and might even call off the fight at this point-a stupid argument wasn't really worth drawn blood, right? <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Wow, are you trying to disembowl me or something?" Ira asks, "Think we can survive that now?" It's not a taunt and more like a curious question. "They DO say that Elite are tougher than normal people!" <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Excited, Ira suddenly grips the baseball bat in two hands, shoving her lighter against the handle. The two-handed swing is aimed at Janine's head.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:909|Janine Liberi (909)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Neither had I," Janine says in response. In this day and age, only fairy tales made into animated movies are well-known, after all. Biancabella isn't exactly a Little Mermaid or a Snow White.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"What, scared?" is all Janine has to say. It's not in a taunting tone of voice, a genuine question as she slides back to en garde. "What happened to 'being numb to pain?' Big tough girl like you can't be scared, ri-" CLONK!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Janine reels from the two-handed swing to her head, almost dropping her sabre! She pivots on her foot though, years of footwork training still with her! "God dammit..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A backstep, and a flourishing of the blade, and Bincabella gestures as the snake writhes! Her bloody stumps flow harder, the droplets becoming rose petals that cascade through the clearing, a cloying, vaguely rotting stench filling the air. It doesn't do much for the audience, but Ira may find her body becoming sluggish.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ira doesn't even need to say a word about her own Persona's Disney-fueled infamy. "I'll have to read it later. I wanna know what the deal is with all the bleeding-" <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh now Janine is taunting her. Ira actually looks a little mad and blurts out, "I AIN'T SCARED! I AIN'T SCARED OF GETTIN' CUT UP BY YOU! C'MON!" She seems to be lining up for a second swing of the bat! <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In her anger, she swings, and misses, perhaps confounded and sickened by the blood and rose petals enough to throw her off. This only seems to enrage her further and she adjusts her grip on the bat, holding one hand near the club end and the other near the handle. This readjustment is so she can angrily ram the blunt end into Janine's gut.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:909|Janine Liberi (909)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At Ira's loud exclamation that she ain't afraid of no sabres, Janine musters a vaguely ghoulish grin. Her pallid only serves to highlight it. "Oh yeah? You sound scared. Scared of something you can't stop from happening." A bat is shoved towards her gut, perhaps to try and mimic the cut she gave Ira. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But Janine is starting to get the Irish girl's rhythm down, so when it touches her skin, she's backing away. It hurts a little, but her fast footwork keeps the full impact literally a hair's breadth away. Once Ira's arms are fully outstretched, Janine takes advantage.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, Ira has to pull the bat back to get another big attack out. So while she's doing that, Janine is going to slash at her arms. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Again. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And again. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And again.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The brutish teenager grows even angrier at the taunting. "You think I haven't been cut before? You think I haven't /bled/ before!? Who the hell do you think I am!!" Sure, the Ogre has a reputation but...knife fights? She's probably making that part up and trying to save face. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She starts to pull the bat back as the blade is brought down on her arms, the first strike actually biting down pretty deeply into the skin and muscle of the girl. After that deep hit, however, Janine finds it extremely difficult to replicate the results, subsequent hits not striking so deeply or missing entirely. Ira steps backwards two steps and swings her bat out, using her naturally longer reach to discourage Janine from getting any closer for a few seconds. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Beast stands behind her before suddenly dropping down to all fours and roaring, unleashing a haunting howl that echos throughout the Black Forest. Anyone outside to hear it might be just a little more discouraged to enter the forest.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:909|Janine Liberi (909)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Janine just blinks slowly. "Just because something happens once, doesn't mean you're not scared of it anymore... hell, sometimes you become more scared because it happens." Her voice dips to a mutter towards the end there, the fingertips that poke from her sling wriggling slightly.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She glances at her blade, noting way less blood than there should be, considering how many times she felt the blade connect. Is this another Persona thing? They all really need to sit down and hash this out someday... but then, The Beast lets out a howl, one blows her lanky hair back and makes her dress flutter. She swallows hard involuntarily, tightening her grip on her sabre.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Right away, she knows she won't like what's coming.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her blade flashes, catching one of the sunlight spots. "Biancabella!" The wind picks up again, stronger but more focussed on The Beast instead of Ira. Small rocks are picked up and leaves pulled from the trees!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well I'm /not/ scared. Especially of you, Janine." Ira growls back, her eyes dropping to Janine's bandaged arm. Her rage fades just a little, a thoughtful look crossing her face. That arm... <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She doesn't have any time to finish that thought, a gust of wind far mor powerful than the last one blasting her across the clearing and /into/ one of the surrounding trees. The Beast does not fly with her, apparently made of sterner stuff than the teenager, but looking pained nonetheless. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Beast!" Ira chokes out, picking herself up off the ground, using a tree to support herself. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That tree suddenly vanishes under her hand as the Beast uproots it, swinging it overhead with ease as he tries to bring it down on Biancabella.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:920|Kazimir Volkov (920)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>It's about this time that something unusual happens besides forest getting torn up between the two supernatural combatants. <br /><br />The trees and bushes on the edge of the clearingp art, and a young man steps out. He looks... Pretty normal, all told. Black hair, kind of wiry, Eastern European, dressed in jeans, a T-shirt, and a coat for the time of year. The other students know who he is, but to the Multiversals it looks like some teen just showed up. There is an old silver pocketwatch in his hand that he seems to open and close sporadically. <br /><br />Click. Click. <br /><br />The noise seems to punctuate his steps as he walks forward, staring at the supernatural battle. "What in the hell is going on here?" He asks, disbelief on his face. "Why the hell are you fighting? What are you even /doing/?" And he turns his gaze to the Multiversals present. "And who are these people? Stop this, now!"<br /><br />Oh. This might be.... problematic.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:909|Janine Liberi (909)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Janine manages a tired laugh, the corners of her mouth lifting to a neutral expression as she stares at Ira. "Yeah... guess I'm not as fearsome as I used to be." Is she actually joking? She stares at The Beast carefully. Did that stop it?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NOPE. As the tree it uprooted, she can only gasp in amazement... and cry out as Biancabella is crushed under it, trapping her! She screams, sinking to her knees as she's forced to dismiss her Persona to free it...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then, a trespasser. "Oh shit..." is all she can grunt, getting back to her feet. Her sabre drops from her hand, both from the pain, and the thought that talking at this guy with a weapon might spook him.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Look buddy, don't you know it's rude to just barge in and ruin everyone's good time?" Yeah, because that pale look of pain is how everyone looks when they're having a good time.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:901|Hoshi Amakasu (901)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whether or not she wanted to, Hoshi stood aside and let this whole thing play out. She knew better than to try to get in the middle of them now. If they didn't settle whatever was bugging the two of them, they might never end up getting along. And that wouldn't work out with them being on the same team. She winced and gripped her fists tight at the sheer amount of force they were throwing at each other. There's no way they'd get out of here without some injuries, healing or no. "This is just so unnecessary," she mutters under her breath. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She spotted someone moving out of the corner of her eye and turns to look quickly, gripping her hairtie to transform it if she needed to. When she gets a full view of him, however, her eyes go wide, and her mouth drops. That kid was a student at Drachenblatt--and he was seeing the Personas! "Ohh crap--" she hisses quietly under her breath. Quickly, she moves forward to intercept Kaz before he gets too close to the pair. "You're from Drachenblatt Academy too, aren't you? This is..." She looks behind her, and gives a long-suffering sigh. "A sparring match, such as it is. It's dangerous, you shouldn't--" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then she actually glances down at the watch. A gleaming silver surface in his hand. Grimly, she reaches into her shirt and tugs out her locket, flicking it open to show the mirror inside. "Then again... I guess it's probably not too dangerous here compared to what you've seen, huh?..."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako had remained unusually quiet, watching the fight. It was interesting to see what Persona can do, especially in a battle between them. They seem like Servants, in a lot of ways, but also very much not in a lot of other ones.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The arrival of someone else, someone who wasn't actually invited, causes Berserker's ears to perk up as she lifts her head from her catnap, and Gudako peers in that direction. Her grin widens and she makes for the new arrival, attention pried from the paused fight.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hi, hi! You just stumbled into a superpowered Fight Club! If you want to participate you might be able to convince someone to fight you. Maybe one of these two," she jerks towards Hoshi and August. "It might remove the stick from their bums to cut loose! I'm Gudako, nice to meet you!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:894|August Kohler (894)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>August has been watching the fight carefully, but he hasn't seemed to need to get involved. The night is probably going to end harmlessly at this rate.<br /><br />Nah. Too easy. When Kaz arrives, August immediately jumps back in shock. Oh shit. Dispelling his spoon, he turns to the kid as he takes a second to collect himself, before speaking. "Hey there. This isn't much what it might look like. These two got pissed at each other so they're sparring to settle it. And then, when one person hears of it, it spreads, and it ended up drawing a crowd. ...Don't tell the authorities, /please/?" His lie is pretty much the truth, besides a few changing of details- and it's not worth it anyways because hiding the superpowers has been made impossible by Gudako. "...This is all a /very/ weird dream."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Afraid? Should I be afraid of you now?" Ira scoffs. The Beast let's out a snarl and...promptly disappears as all hell breaks loose and a random person suddenly stumbles into their superpowers fight. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ira reacts as any rational newly minted person-with-powers would when this situation arises. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I GOT HIM!!!" she yells and hurls herself at Kaz, trying to bodily tackle him to the ground.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:894|August Kohler (894)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>And then Ira makes an awful decision, so August makes a worse one, and dives into her path. This is going to /hurt/.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ark just kind of waves at the stunned new party. He disentangles one of his hands enough to do it, and then puts it back behind his head again.<br /><br />"Ark," he says by way of introduction. "Gudako's got a good point. I mean, unless that's weird. Is that weird?" He looks momentarily thoughtful. "I guess I could fight you, but it wouldn't be very fair... or Berserker could." Ark is pretty sure he's only seen Gudako's servants chase butterflies and be adorable.<br /><br />Ira handles it, though. Sort of. Ark just laughs.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:920|Kazimir Volkov (920)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Stop giving me this bullshit." Kaz snaps immediately in response to the initial barrage of half-explanations. "I do not have time for this. You are telling me this is a sparring match? That people are having a good time?" He points. "The Ogre just pulled up a goddamn tree and hit you with it!" The watch clicks open, then he snaps it shut. Click. Click. Oh, he knows who people are.<br /><br />Gudako introduces herself and makes an offer, while Ark also points out that he's willing to join in, and Kaz just shrugs. "You know what? I can be-" Well, whatever he believes suddenly gets put on hold as Ira charges him.<br /><br />Click. The watch opens, and there is an explosion of blue light around him. "<span style="color:xterm75">Koschei.</span>" He calls.<br /><br />There is a rattling noise as a form takes shape behind him, coalescing out of the light. An ancient old man, with sunken eyes that burn, with rime clinging to his long white hair, moustache, and beard. An aged, cracked crown of iron is bound to his brow, but little else of the Persona is visible as the rest of him is entirely cocooned in chains, the being writhing and struggling against them as if it tries to get out. Behind it, hundreds of chains of all shapes and sizes trail off into an unseen distance. <br /><br />More importantly, many of those same chains erupt out of the forest, ripping across the field to try to wrap around Ira and yank her up short and bind her in much the same way. <br /><br />It doesn't stop her from plowing straight theough August and hammering into Kaz regardless, smashing them both to the ground with a grunt and a yell. "Christ." He spits. "You hit like a truck of bricks." He pushes august off. "Get off me." He mutters as he rolls to his feet, shaking his head. "Stop this stupid crap. I don't want to fight and you people should not be fighting either."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:901|Hoshi Amakasu (901)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hoshi's face goes from concerned to indignant. "Do not call me a liar. What you saw is exactly what it looks like--a sparring match. The only difference is that they're using their power against each other." She grunts irritably. "I don't like it much more than you do." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then... things started happening quickly. Hoshi turns around to level a glare at both Ira and Janine, only for Ira to run straight past her. "Eh? Crap! MacNally, don't--!" She springs into action just a bit too late. Thankfully, it saves her from being tumbled together with the rest of them, bound by the chains of the... Persona. She thought that the Beast was horrifying. This was... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hoshi's eyes fall back on Kaz as he pushes August off of him and grumbles. Hoshi jumps and goes to help up August and Ira, holding out her hands for both. "C'mon, you two... Sorry about that, uh..." She coughs and looks up, blushing. "I... don't know your name. I'm Amakasu Hoshi. How did you end up coming here, anyway?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ira's not so surprised Kaz knows who she is. He even used that lovely nickname her reputation has earned! It doesn't really strike her as weird, either, if only because she's not thinking of such things right now. More: "If we give him a concussion he'll think this is all a weird dream-OOF!" <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;August dives in front of her. Unfortunately, Ira does have enough weight to her to knock August over and continue onwards, knocking both of them into Kaz. Fortunately for both boys, they won't have to suffer beneath the weight of the beefy Irish girl. Chains whip out from all around in the forest, wrapping around the Ogre and pulling her upwards to where she rests, dangling upside-down in the middle of the clearing. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This makes her VERY unhappy. "Hey!!" she writhes, trying to free her arms from where they've been bound to her sides. "Let me down!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:909|Janine Liberi (909)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Janine is staring at Kaz the whole time, thinking. How could she make this go away? Could she pull the 'my family has mafia ties and if you blab they'll break your legs' thing? She really doesn't want to, her father is legitimate but...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then. Koschei.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Janine freezes up ant the horrifying visage. The Beast is intimidating in a primal sense, but Koschei is... frightening. "Well. This is awfully convenient," is all she says, trying not to let any of that show. Things like this didn't really happen, so she's a little suspicious... but all he's doing is telling them to stop, not saying he was going to tell everyone. Better than she had hoped. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yeah I think I'm done," is all she says, staring up at the entangled Ira. It takes a bit of finagling with her one hand, but she picks up her sheath and slips the sword into it. "Why are you out here anyway?" she asks of Kaz, tapping her foot.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:353|Laer (353)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Laer will straighten back up, nonplussed from the intervention and breakdown of the scheduled mano a mano duel, sauntering her way over. "Well. Thank you all for a wonderful show!" She'll say, seemingly sincerely. "It does an old heart some good to see youth with energy." Laer says, putting on the old woman front to the fullest.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She looks maybe midtwenties or early thirties, though, so it loses some effect.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Are you planning to let her down, or are you going to just leave her that way?" She'll ask, curiously looking upwards at Ira. She doesn't seem to give off an opinion on which way would be correct.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:894|August Kohler (894)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>August is easily knocked forward, though it doesn't hurt as bad as it /could/, due to Persona resilience. As Kaz pushes him off him, August falls onto his wallet, groaning. "No, they were actually sparring, believe it or not. They're idiots, entertaining idiots, but idiots nonetheless." Pot, kettle. "And the crowd comes from...well, other worlds. Interdimensional spectators. Long story, but I expect you'll believe it, seeing...that." Koschei is immensely terrifying, but August is going to pretend it's nothing and remain perfectly calm. Ish. "Also, atleast half of them were having a good time, so that wasn't quite a lie either." August glances at Gudako. "Now, yeah, why /are/ you out here?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:920|Kazimir Volkov (920)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kaz looks over to Laer, watching her for a moment before nodding. "No point in keeping her up there." He says, and gestures. The chains lower, putting Ira on the ground before they unravel, whipping back into the forest with a deafening rattle. Koschei, too, vanishes into nothingness, and the teenager shrugs. "We have more useful things to be doing with this power." He replies, but they have pertinent questions. "I needed lumber for a project." He shrugs again. "I remembered there was supposed to be an abandoned cabin out this way, I was going to salvage it." He replies, opening his coat to reveal a hammer and crowbar. <br /><br />He looks back over to the group. "Are you going to keep smashing each other so I can get back to work, or should I call an ambulance?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:901|Hoshi Amakasu (901)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Persona being gone is a huge relief to Hoshi. The way that the old, withered face stared out from under all that metal... She shuddered a bit, then straightened up. Start acting like an adult. "You... I'll go with you to the shack. I know where it is. It'd be good if we were able to explain at least some of the situation right now." Turning to look at Janine and Ira, Hoshi sighs and rubs her eyes. "You two need to see a healer. I'll ask on the radio if anyone is willing to come."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:909|Janine Liberi (909)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Janine stares at the crowbar. "Sorry, we took over that cabin. Gonna use it as a base. What a shame, not like there's any other kind of wood in a forest." She kicks a tree trunk to emphasize her sarcastic jab.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She glances at Laer and adds, "Glad to hear that you got your jollies watching teenage girls kick the shit out of each other," in a very un-glad tone. Bunch of goddamn weirdos in the Multiverse, she swears. "Eh, I'll be fine. I've hurt worse than this." Though, she realizes that explaining the claw marks might be a bit of a chore. "But I guess some more bandages couldn't hurt. Trying to start a new trend you know?" A glance at her sling.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She stares at Hoshi and rolls her eyes. "Don't dance around it Amakasu. Listen, guy. We're a team looking into the Forest. Not this forest, the one in the mirror. You want in?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ark appears more impressed once he sees Koschei. Okay, maybe it would be a more even fight. He would feel less bad about it, anyway.<br /><br />"Can't be doing more useful things if you don't exercise your abilities," he points out. Ark stands up, snatching up his Knight Arm. He flips it over in his hand a couple of times, the bone war fan clicking a little against his demi-gauntlets. "Gotta be practiced enough to use it when you need to. As long as nobody's permanently injured, you can do a lot worse than a couple of fights with your... Personas?" He thinks that's the term.<br /><br />Ark glances over at Janine. "Mirror?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ira squirms, flipping herself around as the chains unravel so she doesn't get let down in an undignified fashion (with her skirt over her head on her face). She straightens and stretches herself, looking midly embarassed by the whole experience. "Yeah, yeah, we're done." Ira grunts, inspecting the cuts in her arms. Only one of them seems /really/ deep, deep enough that the blood has started to saturate her jacket. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When they speak about healers, Ira considers mentioning that she /could/ call Sanary...but opts not to. It'd probably cause an incident. "Hey, Ark, you said you could do something for us, right? It's not internal bleeding but..." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She eyes Kaz, "...yeah, what she said." She jerks a thumb at Hoshi. "It's kind of our base now so if you dismantle it, I'll have to stop you." It sounds like she'd really, really want to stop him.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:894|August Kohler (894)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"I'll come with you. We're kind of using the shack, but there might be some sections that can be torn down." August moves towards Hoshi, before looking in the direction of the shack. He then turns to Janine as she speaks, nodding. "Die Reisenden. The Travellers. We know that people are getting trapped in the Forest, so we're putting a stop to it. Already saved one person, but we doubt it's the last."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:353|Laer (353)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh, you didn't hurt each other all that badly. Besides, you did put it out there for everyone to hear. Why would you do that if you weren't trying to put on a show?" Laer asks, but she seems mostly amused more than annoyed. She'll move closer to Ira. "I know a little bit of first aid, if you want me to take a look."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She doesn't wait on a reply, though, withdrawing a bandage from a bag strapped to her ankle, attempting to place it on the deepest of cuts. "Hold still, would you?" She'll ask, clasping at Ira's hand for a moment before setting to work if the teen allows.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh this was going super well. Right up until chains, tackle, no-win. Now Ira seems kind of annoyed! And Hoshi is being weird. Oh, a healer! She can provide, at least. Gudako grins, snapping her fingers loudly and then making finger guns.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's a brief rush of magic, as red lines trace themselves on her skin. Same red as her Command Spells (of which six are visible, but I'm lazy and never pose them) on one hand, just... all over her body. They (the weird lines, not the Command Spells) look like computer circuits, with very sharply defined lines and patterns.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Pew pew!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She shoots a few bright green finger gun bullets at Ira and Janine. This causes HEALING. It isn't top-tier or anything but it's okay, basically magical painkillers and some wound smoothing over. Laer's first-aid is overall going to be more effective long-term. And then the red lines on her body recede and disappear.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I have totally lost track of the conversation with everyone talking at the same time. Are we going to eat the cake now?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ark looks back at Ira, now that she's less chained up and more... bleeding profusely. Yeah, that's kind of a problem. He flips the closed fan again, holding it right-side up and walks across the clearing. Laer and Gudako seem to have most of it in hand, but he figures he should lend a hand if he's asked. "Yeah, sure." He holds out the bone weapon, horizontally.<br /><br />"Correct Future!"<br /><br />The object glows. Amber light fills in the etchings and carvings all over the surface. His eyes mirror the glow for a second. He frowns, focusing for a second. The bleeding... well, it doesn't /stop/, but it does slow significantly, making it much easier to apply light healing and some proper first aid. The wound just feels lessened. It hurts less, bleeds less...<br /><br />"That'll last a couple of minutes. Enough to make sure it's stitched up or something." He jerks his head at Laer. "She's got you covered, I think."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:901|Hoshi Amakasu (901)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For a moment, Hoshi stares out into the forest with a scowl on her face. She'd wanted this to be private for a whole number of reasons, but now the cats were out of the bag anyway. "Yeah... That. It's clear you already know about the Forest, and... Well, so far you're looking at all the Persona users. Except them." She motions to Ark, Lear, and Gudako. "They're from outside. And not particularly welcomed," she mutters under her breath. The heated stare Ark and Gudako in particular get could probably light a figure itself. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regardless, Hoshi felt it was time to leave this atmosphere, and she starts walking towards the shack. "If it helps, I've already asked my dad for some lumber," she calls to Kaz over her shoulder.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh? Sure, here." Sanary, Ira gathers in short order, seems busy with something. Strange how so many of the healers were busy with things right now! Casually, she shows the deepest cut on her arm that Janine inflicted with her rapier minutes earlier. It is deep, well into the muscle, but fortunately not down to the bone. This becomes the prime target for Laer's bandage after Ira moves her hand once it's grabbed by Laer. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Moments later other smaller, less serious wounds that Janine inflicted, close thanks to Gudako's finger gun, "I didn't know you could do that." Sure, it wasn't as boss as Sanary's healing but it's not something she's in a position to complain. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finally the bleeding on the largest wound slows due to Ark's magic. She leaves the bandage to cover it, however, not bothering to peek at it. "Okay. Thanks, I think I'm good now."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:920|Kazimir Volkov (920)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Explanations come, and Kaz nods. "The forest of mirrors. The man in red mentioned bad things were happening there." He looks a little irritated at the assertion that the cabin's been claimed, and then shakes his head. "Looks like I am going to need to fix the cabin instead of breaking ti down. Fine." He looks at the fallen tree. "You have no idea how treated lumber is made, do you? I can't just cut up a fallen tree. It wouldn't last a year." He folds his arms, thinking for a moment as he taps a foot, apparently just letting Janine's sass flow around him. "All right. It is your clubhouse. Pool some money, I will buy some materials and work to begin fixing it up over the next week. Best to do it before the snows. Should get some kerosene and heaters too." <br /><br />Gudako mentions cake, and Kaz snaps his watch open, looking down at it. "I do not have time to stop for cake. I need to get moving shortly." He looks to August, however, and nods. "Kohler, right? I think I have seen you around school. Drachenblatt." He pulls out his phone and unlocks it. "All right. I will help you guys. Give me your contact info so we can keep in touch. I am often out working." From his clipped, dry tone, this is probably an understatement. "As far as the interdimensional thing, I certainly can't judge anymore. Today more or less proved I was not going mad." He pauses. "Or at least that I am more sane than some."<br> <br><br />
<br />
<br />
}}</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3475/After_Count&diff=121763475/After Count2015-12-04T20:32:26Z<p>Waterpuns: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/12/02<br />
|Location=Land of Steel<br />
|Synopsis=An A-RAY named Akkinas offers pay for locating and securing ancient texts in a ruin plagued by a particular kind of monster: a Servant, unconnected to the war of Babel's Tale!<br />
|Thanks=Thanks to Fake Avenger for co-GMing this with me!<br />
|Cast of Characters=7, 42, 518, 527, 533, 560, 571, 598, 662, 687, 756, 821, 880, 908, 915<br />
|Tinyplot=Welcome to the Land of Steel<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>A job went out through Syndicate channels (and was thusly propagated to the superfactions) a few days ago: a rather straightforward exploration and retrieval mission, if a dangerous one. A man known as 'Akkinas,' a native of the world the job is taking place on, has said he's willing to pay for strong scavengers to go into potentially-dangerous territory and retrieve for him any surviving texts that might be left therein. Payment is in cash, with the additional payment of a single answer to a question posed to him for each participant (which seems to be worth a fair amount, by his reckoning) and the equipment they need to survive in this place at all.<br /><br />The fact that special equipment is necessary to /come/ here is perhaps telling.<br /><br />The warp-gate address to the Land of Steel opens to a subway platform. It's old and unused, with cracked pillars supporting the chamber ceiling. The track is some kind of monorail design, but the tunnel is sealed on either side with what looks like blast doors that have been sealed by either age or intent. The gate itself is a ring of hand-cut stone set into a dug-out hole in the chamber wall. The only other way out of here is through a wide staircase leading up to the surface.<br /><br />Several things stand out the moment anyone comes through the gate.<br /><br />The first and most obvious is the circle. A thin blue glowing line is visible on the floor of the platform. It's big, encompassing most of it, and forms a perfect circle that intersects with the wall the warp-gate is set into. The line goes up the wall, over the top of the gate, and down again. Flickers of some kind of yellowish, orangeish light flashes like fireflies intermittently in the air around what is clearly some kind of bubble. The magically-inclined can tell it's some form of magic circle, and that it's preventing any form of magical energy from actually crossing it.<br /><br />In the middle of the circle is a metal table made of what looks like joined pieces of scrap. On top of it is a number of rebreathers and unmarked pill-bottles containing vivid red tablets. They're laid out neatly, and there's enough for everyone. In the midst of it all is a delicate-looking porcelain doll dressed in a ragged, filthy dress. Its hair is stringy and blonde, and its eyes glow with the same color as the circle. It gives off a faintly unsettling aura if you look at it too closely. Is it looking back? It's hard to say...<br /><br />The last but certainly not the least of the things immediately visible is the figure on the platform. It's tall but hunched, thin and mostly humanoid, with some kind of cloak (or wings?) wrapped around its body. The figure is clad in dirty cloth wrappings, and its hands and feet aren't quite the right shape: they're too long, like talons or claws. It wears a birdlike mask, easily identifiable as being in the old style of a plague doctor's, and it waits patiently. The Union members who pay attention to older reports might recognize him from the description in the last report to come to this place.<br /><br />"The scavengers I seek, you must be," he says. He cants his head in a birdlike fashion, and then inclines his narrow body in a jerky bow. "I am Akkinas. I know much, and seek more." Akkinas straightens suddenly. "On the table in front of you, you will find equipment and medicine for human survival here in this Land of Steel. The object in the middle of the table," the doll twitches minutely, maybe; it's really hard to tell, "is preventing the Grain from saturating the space you stand. It will not last for very long."<br /><br />"The place you will be going is nearby," he continues, "but, ah, it is dangerous, too dangerous for Akkinas, who speaks instead of fights. There are machines, and worse, waiting in the ruins..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren steps out of the warpgate. He's already wearing environmentally-sealed, strength-enhancing armor. He stops to look at the line, the wall of magic, curiously. While he has equipment that can detect the presense and rough power of magic, he knows little about the inner workings -- it doesn't help that the Multiverse is full of endless kinds of magic. Then he turn and scrutinizes the equipment on the table. And then he looks up at the cloaked figure.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'Scavengers', huh. I wonder what that means, to you." Then he waves a hand as if to dismiss that issue. "Anyway. Sounds like just the sort of thing you want people for us for, but first, quickly before this magic fades: What do the pills do?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:571|Alexis Maaka (571)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The wastelands here bring a grim reminder to Alexis of how it must've been, just thirty years prior in her world...a world were nuclear strikes had ravaged parts of the world to degrees that made Chernobyl look like a small bonfire gone wrong. She's arrived sealed up in her STALKER suit, naturally, with the EM-GASH coilgun slung at her side, and a ten gauge shotgun acquired from an Imperium armory a while back is slung on her back, along with her more advanced armaments. Around her neck is a shmegh, and exposed bits of machinery have cloth wrappings to prevent dust and debris from gumming up the motors in her suit.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her helmet unfolds briefly, only for face-to-mask contact, and she takes a bottle. Opening it up, she pops a pill before she stores the container, and her helmet re-seals itself with a blurr of mechanical parts. "Appreciate the added protection. Mind if I hold onto these meds just in case?" She also nabs a rebrether, and if allowed will store it in her matter-manipulator for later. Kaz might appreciate a free gas mask for this, just to be safe.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Rogue AI or just robots that someone programmed as watchdogs?" Alexis asks curiously, her voice filtered through the helmet once more as she folds her arms and listens. "How'd this Grain stuff get spread, anyways?" Someone has to ask it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's THIS WORLD again. The one that freaky Servant comes from. The dead land.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And yet Emiya Shirou has come. Not because he is really interested in the place. There's nobody that needs saving, no reason to risk his life over some money and a question. Well, maybe the question is worth something, and the money can always be used to shore up Dun Realtai.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The REAL reason he's come is that his allies are interested. Allies he doesn't want to see hurt. And in one case, an ally who needs him around to be operating at his peak.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shirou comes dressed in a white and blue skintight outfit that hasn't been seen before. Some kind of flexible, strangely ribbed, almost rubbery material. Might be something like a kevlar weave. It's protective in any case, and slightly resembles his normal clothing. Definitely better than that clunky suit of armor he's been hauling around.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That's us. I'm Emiya Shirou. Nice to... meet you?" The boy blinks a few times at Akkinas' incredibly odd appearance. One can ALMOST see the question marks above his head.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The same can really be said of the way he looks over the magic at work. He knows a protective boundary field when he sees one, at least. "Breathing masks and pills? How are the pills supposed to be used? And... worse than machines?" He's hoping other people will ask more intelligent questions. They usually do. For the moment he goes to get a rebreather and adjust it. The doll gets examined in detail.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hopefully this goes well. Hopefully it's worth it. When someone like THIS is their contact... who knows what's going to happen. He's got second thoughts about it all now.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Most importantly, what are we looking for in these ruins?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shin is here, mostly because Christmas is coming up and he might need more money to get gifts. Also he wants to avoid eating more trashcan noodles for as long as he can. So getting some money would be nice. The question less so, but he'll cross that bridge when he comes to it, "Yep. That's me. Here to help!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He picks up a breathing device off the table and affixes it to his face, also grabbing a bottle of pills and cramming them into his backpack, "Cool. So what do you need out of the ruins? I remember the job post said it was some nerd shit, so like... old records?" He asks over the hiss of the breathing apparatus. He will totally need this thing, mostly because he's an ostensibly fully human person. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He doesn't really wait too long to step out of the circle and secure his backpack across his back, "You can actually pay, right? No offense, but you look sorta..." He makes a hand-wobbling motion, "Craaaaiglist-y. I just wanna make sure you've got the cash to back the job and won't pull some 11th hour betrayal scheme to welch out on me." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shin leans in, inspecting him with a narrowed gaze with that mis-matched set of eye-colors, "Definitely sketchy."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>While Lezard normally has minions for this kind of thing, this specific place is something of note to him. His interactions with another being who hails from this land, the tales of what has occurred there, and the state of the location seem to all build together into enough of import that even this job, as dangerous or unusual as it is, draws the Sorceror of Midgard. <br /><br />There is, however, a pointed difference. Those who are paying attention to Lezard might notice he is not present in his usual manner. Despite having the same appearance as normal, he is not actually flesh and blood, but a coalesced form of spirit and will, the form he usually takes when something has destroyed his homunculus vessels. <br /><br />He's actually between decating replacements right now. They're not cheap or quick to produce at a quality he would accept for /himself/ after all. <br /><br />Regardless, the Necromancer approaches, his gaze settling on the doll and Akkinas, before sweeping through the room to take in the surroundings. He smiles, and gives Akkinas a bow. "Greetings, Akkinas. I am Lezard Valeth. A pleasure to work with you." He simply pauses after his greeting, waiting for Akkinas to respond as the others ask the most pertinent questions at this time. Handy!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kotone Yamakawa had been to this world once before she knew the enviromental hazards such is that of the Grain. she'd already suited up in her stealth gear and had the needed gear picked up. She was concerned yes but she'd gone this before so here she was. It didn't take long to get to the site she looks to Akkinas and bows a little bit. <br /><br /> "Guilty as charged I admit. Machines and monsters?" <br /><br /> She looks over to Staren for a moment as she just seems amused and then with Alexis comment she has to agree. <br /><br /> "Thank you for the extra protection I'm Kotone Yamakawa."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:880|Nero (880)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nero arrives not too late, but not too early. She is only exactly on time. Stepping through the warpgate, the Servant is dressed typically in her mildly off putting red garb. What? Dress appropriately to suit the wasteland you're coming to? Nonsense! This wasteland should change itself to suit /her/! But of course, that would not be happening. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Why is she even here anyway? And alone no less? Well, considering what happened yesterday, perhaps it /was/ more prudent to come alone. Of course, that thought has less weight when Emiya Shirou, master of reckless behavior is right nearby. ...Never mind that. More importantly, she was curious enough to come and see wht this land was about. Information was key, after all. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Putting that aside, she looked over the steel table, laden with supplies. Supplies she doesn't need. Being dead has it's perks. Sometimes. The magic circle and the doll are given a lingering glance before she shook her head, focusing instead on the figure of Akkinas. "Hmhm! You may call me Saber. And I am indeed here to grace you with my glorious assistance!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The others have asked the most pertinent questions though, so Nero elected to remain silent, awaiting whatever information the odd figure would have to give before they set out proper.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:533|Sir Gawain (533)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Luckily, Shirou has a shield for his reckless behavior! Following closely behind him is his Servant, the Saber Sir Gawain. He's dressed in full armor, and his blade, Excalibur Galatine, rests at his side in a sheath. There's an ever-present grin on his face, as he looks around the room, before walking up to the doll. "This is a very pretty doll! What is Grain? Like wheat?!" While he won't say it aloud, Sir Gawain is getting fairly hungry now.<br /><br />And then he walks back to Shirou, before looking at the rebreather. "I don't feel anything! What do these do?" As he asks, Sir Gawain picks up a rebreather anyways, beginning to put in on. Better safe than sorry! He doesn't know what kind of magic is going on here.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:518|Yuuki Kuran (518)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One of Kuran Yuuki's favorite pasttimes was looking through the 'classified ads' and other such postings on the Syndicate and Union wanted boards, poring over them to find a place to help, or insert herself, or...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Let's just say that it was a constant job of her maids and Zero to keep her away from every lost kitten and sad story she could find. Today, however, was not that sort of day. People needed help, and even scavengers (such as what were asked for) could serve a role of help and aid. Better still, it was a world that had attracted a lot of her interest lately - one of the many that many would kindly call 'quaint' and generally consider 'a shithole'. But it's a place that screams I AM A BAD PLACE AND I NEED HELP.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's like the butterfly-shaped batsignal to bleeding heart Normal Girls.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dragging her white-haired companion and bodyguard along, Yuuki Kuran makes her wany through, listening to the briefing. "So... You need help keeping things from not going very bad! I understand completely!" She offers with undue amounts of good cheer, looking at the table. Oh! Uh...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She watches Shin, NORMAL MAN, put them on, and follows his example. She does need to be reminded that she is a Normal Girl sometimes, setting up her rebreather with much shojo consternation. You can almost see the tension lines around her as she tinkers with the gear.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Am I doing it right?"<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She is not doing it right.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prior to actually arriving, people may have been able to meet up with Gudako and her blue-robed, pink-haired foxy Caster. She will have offered protective charms, essentially paper talismans inscribed with a number of words like PURITY, PROTECTION, INTEGRITY and a few other synonyms. Basically they will conserve the wearer's body at its default health and state, and shield from the toxic atmosphere of the world. And possibly stuff like 'lack of oxygen' or 'very hot/very cold'.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It isn't foolproof and you're suggested to wear the talisman (a slip of paper) under your armor/clothes/whatever if you're worried it'll get damaged. It will however remove the need for a respirator, protective clothing, and other such fashion-ruining accessories.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thus are the magus and her Caster here, curious to see Ark Line's world, maybe a bit bored, and not paying the slightest bit of attention to anything that was just said. Caster is, luckily. Gudako, well, she's too busy sliiiiding over towards Shirou.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hi." 8D<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At least she's being social?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:527|Zero Kiryu (527)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The fact that Zero Kiryu is present is largely a matter of playing bodyguard again. He arrives alongside Yuuki, though he looks irritable and surly about being here at all. That's not actually a statement about his mood about this in particular, he's always like that. A low, yet consistent measure of angry, like somebody who is perpetually feeling ill and simply can't cope with putting up a nice exterior anymore. Since his presence here isn't a matter of personal interest at all, he hasn't joined the others in asking questions or prodding at the person who did the hiring.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But he is focusing very intently on the rebreathers and medication that's been offered up. On one hand, he probably doesn't actually need this. On the other, while hunters are superhuman, they're not /wildly/ superhuman. The environment here is pretty extreme, and he doesn't really want to give people a reason to pick him out as a vampire if he can help it. Yuuki is even more sensitive about this out in the Multiverse, for some reason.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stupid.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fortunately, Yuuki doesn't need prodding to /try/ to get herself set up right. Zero turns his head to look at her when she's asking if she's doing it right, and she /isn't/. His flat, irritated expression grows even more flat and irritated. While he crunches down some of the pills like only somebody who takes way too much medication can, he fixes Yuuki's rebreather.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"... But you should really take the pills, too." He grumbles at her, while fixing one of the rebreathers to his own face.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 'Nightmarish'... was a gross understatement for this world. The barren deserts, the tainted oceans, the air that poisoned any who breathed it in. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hell was the only word for it, really... both in what had happened to it... and in the underlying truth it carried. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The bitter, irrevocable truth that no matter where they went, no matter what they did, no matter how many times they were saved... this was the inevitable outcome of humanity's future. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yet in spite of that... Archer could not feel any satisfaction for this. Just empty pity for the souls that had brought this on themselves - a bitter, hollowed sadness at their stupidity... and the inevitability of their fates. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As a Counter-Guardian, he was more attuned to the state of the world then most... and it was taking all he had either not to turn on his heal and leave this world before whatever form of Alaya was here decided to try use his presence to it's advantage, if it decided it needed him enough. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He'd rather leave this world to rot in it's own self-made misery - he'd wasted countless decades trying to do that for a humanity on a living world - what point was there in trying the same for a dead one? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And yet, the red-clad woman at his side - his Master - served as the authority that kept Archer bound here, even though this world was dangerous enough just for Servants. For a human like Tohsaka Rin... this place was deadly and damaging - mentally as well as physically. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After all... a world drowned in death and curses was not far removed from the world her sister would have created, had the Black Grail not been stopped. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As the bowman remained in spirit form to minimize exposure to the tainted world, Rin stepped tentatively over to the table, looking dubiously at the assorted equipment before taking it. Her typical attire is hardly going to be effective shielding from the environment, so she quickly opens the pills, promptly responding to Staren's question - "It's kind of like an inoculation for radiation... only in this case, it's an over-abundance of lethal prana. Grain, they call it." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She then turns to glance at Alexis, promptly answering her question - or half of it at least; "The spirit of the world, Gaia... died a long time ago, here. The Grain is what's left - released into the air as Gaia's body, the world itself, decays." She looks decidedly grim as she quickly downs some of the pills to help protect herself from contamination. "Basically... it's like the airborne rot spread by a dead corpse... which in this case is the entire planet." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She sounds decidedly morose... and understandably so, considering this world is close to her own in a way. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer takes note of Lezard's spirit arriving, as well as the red-haired Master of Caster, keeping an eye on them even as Rin shoots both Mages a withering glare and steps between them and Shirou. "Either of you try anything here... and I promise you won't /ever/ leave." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The... client, however, sets Archer's senses off with the prickling of a headache at his temples, concern mixing with weariness as he grapples with the nature of just what it is he's facing. A tentativeness reflected in Rin's brief treating - "Hello. I'm Tohsaka Rin. Pleased to meet you." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... the fact that she said this even as a vein throbbed on her temple as Nero, Gawain, Yuki and Shin's 'introductions' occoured one-by-one honestly impressed Archer, considering she looked closer to exploding with each scene. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Not that he expected that to last long at this rate, but it was a valiant effort to say the least.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Environmental hazards are a problem...for normal people without resources. Quite recently, Ira MacNally has been fortunate enough to come into some resources-in particular, thanks to her new contract with the Murasame Zaibatsu. It's hard to tell that it's her at first glance because of the full face-covering helmet that comes with the GOLEM armor made available to the KIRIN security forces. It's environmentally sealed and, for this particular model, it comes with its own self-contained air supply. Upon closer inspection, however, she seems to be able to activate something that makes the mirrored surface covering the eyes become transparent. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is how she indicates who she is to Gudako. That is only /after/ she slinks up next to her and puts an arm around her shoulder. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Heeeeeey." She drawls in a voice that sounds like she's grinning even though the rest of her face can't be seen. "Ready to make some /money/?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Odd as it might seem, Shirou actually accepted some of Caster's talismans. She even received quite a show of sincere respect and gratitude from the young man, who wished her well in return.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Which puts him in a curious position when Gudako just starts sliding up. For every sliide she takes, he half-slides away. And looks over a shoulder at her.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With Lezard here, he's just plain on edge. But... Gudako's hard to just ignore. She's about his age, after all. So she gets him to turn his head her way and tense up a bit nervously. "Wh-what? H-hello. What brings you here? The world outside here's insanely dangerous from what I hear."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Come to think of it there are a distressing amount of people who seem ill-suited to this. There's Yuuki again. The COMPLETELY NORMAL GIRL. Shirou balks, eyes going wide with worry. "Are you really up to this?!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Staren dismisses his question, so Akkinas lets it stay that way. He answers the other important one instead: "Render a human's body resistant to exposure to Grain. Ah, but I am afraid they are, erm... low quality, as far as such medicines go," Akkinas says apologetically. "As I am not a Last Seed, I have no need for anything of the like. But! Two tablets ingested will render you safe for an hour's time, with little ill effects after the fact."<br /><br />Akkinas makes a little head-motion towards Alexis, apparently okay with her scooping up her share of the stuff even if she doesn't need it. "I am not certain. They became more active recently, interrupting my expeditions into the ruins. Some seemed much more recently-manufactured than others. I wonder if the Liners have an interest in this area, as well?" His musings are interrupted by short, brief return bows to all the polite people. He seems pretty happy about it, though.<br /><br />Then, he's solemn instead. "The world died," Akkinas says sadly. "This is a thing I say again, and know I speak with only sorrow in my heart: the world /died/. A demon of a man slew it, driving his cursed blade through its heart and soul. We call him the Ultimate Disaster. He is All The World's Evil, given form. They call him Avenger, but of what, I could not say. Grain..." He lifts a hand, wrapped in rags, with taloned fingers cupped palm-up in the air. "...it is the corpse of the world rotting away, and poisoning what lived on its back."<br /><br />He lets his hand drop. The doll, as if taking a cue, rattles on the surface of the table. Akkinas stiffens. "Not long, now..." He shakes his head a little, and then turns back to the group as a whole. "There is a clock tower in the midst of the ruins. How it has stood for so long in what was such a developed place, I do not know. But, ah, Akkinas knows many things," he says, "and of these things is this: there is a wealth within, of ancient texts and written knowledge. It does not matter what it contains," he says a little dismissively, "only that it /exists/. There is so much that that was /lost/...!"<br /><br />"...but time is short. Monsters -- ah, a word, but such a weighty one. There is a war that rages across the surface of this rotting world," Akkinas says. "In war, monsters are made, and in war, monsters thrive -- but who can say what is /really/ a monster? And where there are monsters..." He lifts his head slightly. There's a glimmer of yellow behind the lenses of his plague doctor's mask, like light glinting off the inhuman eyes it conceals. "...there must be Heroes." He tilts his head to the side. "Wouldn't you say?"<br /><br />The circle <span class=" bold_fg_c bg_n ++ hc">flickers</span>. There is a sharp cracking noise, and a fracture appears up the middle of the doll's face. The head split open, and it falls apart down the middle, crumbling into pieces as the glow fades. Inside, it's stuffed with sand and wadded rags, or what looks to be much like it. A faint wisp of blue light burns for a few seconds, and then vanishes.<br /><br />That's when the circle does, too, and the Grain comes flooding in. The huge and sudden exposure to the magically-charged particles may be shocking, especially to the magically-inclined among the group. It comes in a rush, filling the space like air rushing to fill a vacuum, and then... evens out. It's a feeling like an electric heat on the skin, if one were to pay attention to it. The innoculated and the breather-equipped have nothing to fear.<br /><br />Akkinas raises his arm, and points up the stairs. "The tower is that way. Please be careful. I will await your return."<br /><br />The stairs rise to a broken street and a cold, grey sky, in the midst of slumbering giants of glass and steel that have been long forgotten. They're in a city, somewhere, and surrounded by a grey, lifeless sand... and the silence of a world devoid of the plants and animals that would reclaim it. Straight ahead, damage begins to mount, until collapsed buildings fallen into the streets bar the way. It certainly /looks/ like ruins...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Brooooo, totally not listening," Shin says in response to the immense about of narrative reveal that is ocurring. Whether he is actually not listening or not is up to debate, but he certainly looks bored by it all. So much so that he takes out his phone. That has a message on it to at least verify he'll get paid, but he swipes that to the side. Instead, he pulls up a different app and puts his earbuds in, blaring some J-Rock. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Blah blah nerd shit blah blah world end, blah blah demon man," Shin makes a talking motion with his hand, "Rest assured in your heart, I'm holding B to skip this cutscene like you don't even KNOW." Shin assures him of this fact, despite him never asking, "Intro quest, we're doin it, alright." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He strikes a strange image, earbuds in his ears and a breathing mask on as he stops to at least give Yuuki a thumbs up and then ask Gudako, "Where'd your cat?!" In a forceful tone that indicates he has already forgotten its name, "I think her name was Barbara?" He waves his hand. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then the song switches over to some catchy J-Pop which Shin sings along with as the mission starts, "Blood-soaked love~. Affection drips from the hole in your chest. I captured your heart!" He starts to walk towards the indicated direction of the tower.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren gives Lezard a baleful look. "...Obviously, the usual truce with Confederates in situations like this applies." Archer gets a more curious look, but Staren does open his visor enough to take two pills, swallowing it with a sip from a bottle of water pulled from his bag. "Can armor like this protect from grain, or is magic defense required?" And then, the field collapses and he feels nothing. Huh.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren heads up the stairs. Man... he thought he'd seen post-apocalyptic wastelands, but /this/...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This place looks like the /moon/, but with an atmosphere.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Man. So we're being sent to retrieve a whole /library/? Does anyone have an idea about how to do that?" Once they come to the collapsed buildings, Staren stops and considers. "Well... does anyone /not/ have a way to get over this? Because it's not a problem for me."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:518|Yuuki Kuran (518)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yuuki looks at the pills. Oh right! There are pills! After she's helped with her rebreather, she takes pills, biting down like a COOL GAR ANGST MAN like Zero is, almost getting past everything before flinching at the taste. Ugh. She is not a pill-popper like Zero and grimaces as she chews and swallows. Eyugh, what a taste!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But the words said confuse and worry the high-school girl. "The world died?" She repeats, but it's quiet, in the same tone as one would go 'can it be so?'. And then...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shirou's question makes Yuuki look awkwardly around. "Well, if people didn't help becuase it wasn't safe or easy, the world would be a horrible place. Will /you/ be okay?" She asks the magus, tilting her head as her long brown bangs fall over her shoulder and face. Shin, however, gets an incredulous look. "H-hey, this isn't a video game!" She calls. SHE KNOWS WHAT HOLD THE B-BUTTON DOES, SHE'S BEEN TO HIGH SCHOOL! RECENTLY!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Huh, so this is what a /dead/ world is like, then? Hm. Not sure I like it very much. Not very /fun/." Ira seems oddly analytical about this for some reason. "So I'm curious though, Akkinas. This world's dying and you don't seem to be able to stop it. How come you guys don't close up shop and move to somewhere else in the multiverse? I mean, I'm guessing that a lot of people that were here already did so. But at this point why not just kick everyone out and....I dunno, can a world be decompiled or imploded or anything like that? Turned into world compost maybe?" <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She goes silent at the mention of 'monsters'. Very silent, though it doesn't laugh, a low chuckle rumbling through the suit. She follows after, gauntleted boots crunching over the broken pieces of civilization. "What if they're aren't heroes though? What if you just brought in more monsters?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Corrupt? Wrong? For some reason those words just cause Gudako to smile a bit wider. Whether that's good or bad is up to interpretation, though there's no mistaking she took her glance off Shirou for a moment to look at Gawain.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And, probably, peep at his stats.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's not her fault, that's a reflex.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"What brings me here? What brings yoooou here?" Gudako answers Shirou, expecting the question to answer his own. "Oh, take out all the heroic stuff though, I gotta pre-empt that."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the Grain floods in, Caster's ears perk and twitch, the Servant's senses opening to the world. Though she is not equipped to use the sheer quantity of ambient magic present in the Land of Steel (blame how Witchcraft works compared to normal magecraft or even True Magic), that doesn't mean she's not a Caster, and fully aware of her surroundings too.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As they head to the broken city, Gudako answers Shin with: "Berserker! She's here, just not physical. Servants are ghosts, not people!" Wow, that sting. Caster frowns. Hopefully Nero, Gawain and Archer aren't too offended.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With debris blocking the way, Gudako turns back to Shirou. "I can't jump that high! Maybe a knight should princess carry me across. Hint hint!" Could Caster do it? Sure. It's more fun to harass the person she obviously makes uncomfortable.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:527|Zero Kiryu (527)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The atmosphere is uncomfortably heavy with the supernatural. Zero can feel it around him, a phantom haze on his mental radar. Not really false positives so much as a thick layer of something "extra". The "people" around certainly stand out, but it couldn't be more clear that it's a very "rich" environment. It doesn't bother him directly though, if only for the medicine and rebreather. Internally, he decides he'll need to figure out if he can take it without such assistance later. He trails along at the fringes of the group, remaining near to Yuuki.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This world /is/ a horrible place." He points out, not at all jokingly.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He leaves Yuuki's side on a temporary basis, moving up towards Staren at the front of the group to assess the rubble in their way. Zero glances around at the rest of the group, trying to assess them. A lot of them ping on his radar, a little for some, and a lot more for others. Those that /don't/ also tend to have something overtly non-magical about them to compensate for their lack of supernatural prowess.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'd guess we two or three who don't have a comfortable way up under their own power. If you have a means to clear it, go on ahead. I can, if needed." He says, to Staren.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kotone Yamakawa see quite a few people she knows she also notes Shirou is here as well along side Staren and Alexis. She listens to Akkinas and th tale he's got to say. She'll take the drugs but she's not sure if it will help but she has some flesh left and would rather not take chances on that. She gets the idea about the man's job and the mention of the world dying. <br /><br /> "I think I had the missfortune to run into that demon of a man before. He's no laughing matter to deal with." <br /><br /> She looks a bit haunted as she recalls in perfect detail as Avenger went through her and Riva like they were nothing. <br /><br /> "I say I'll be seeing what I can find and don't worry we'll will be." <br /><br /> Well she will be she's got some mroe detail. She looks over to Shin for a long moment. <br /><br /> "It could be digital we don't know we have found intact computer hardware out here before." <br /><br /> The talk about the world dead, she's from a world where Earth's just a ball of rock and nothing more yet this world was once alive? Now it was dead and if the story about Avenger is right? He killed it, the question is how do you kill a world like that. <br /><br /> She falls in to keep with Staren as they head out and she calls out to Alexis. <br /><br /> "Maaka come on keep up with us on this!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:571|Alexis Maaka (571)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When she has some manner of answer, Alexis frowns behind her visor. The Servants in general seem like they have a raw deal in their existence, being summoned by some jackass mage to fight for them in a war that probably won't even benefit them if won anyways. It pisses her off, reminding her of the days when she fought not for herself but for the rich and powerful, who cast away countless lives just for their own sakes.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She can relate, she really can, to how one would feel as a Servant. Maybe not entirely, but she has some idea.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's a miracle some of them end up as noble as they are, in spite of their quirks depending.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alexis seems to snub Lezard for the moment, and others she is indifferent to beyond Kotone and maybe Staren. She does get her hackles raised when Berserker is mentioned. Glancing to others that arrive, she seems to hover most over Kotone in a protective, mother lion sort of way. "Stay on my back, just like always." She tells the younger cyborg, before she nabs her rifle and begins to head towards the clock tower at a pace others can catch up to if they jog. RIfle raised, she approaches the structure warily before she glances to Staren. "I'll manage." She says, before slinging her rifle again and activating something.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Getting a running start, she sprints towards the obstacle before taking a jump. Booster jets emerge from her suit, propelling her a good few feet before she fires off a grapple gun and begins her ascent over the debris, using her suit's adherent function to help her climb up.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:880|Nero (880)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I believe we have collected all information necessary to the advancement of our task. Let us be off!" And with a flourish of the arm, Nero strode right out, past Akkina, up the stairs, annnnd up to the surface. They are headed for the surface, right? Right. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The feeling of Grain rushing in is immediate. She could feel her skin crawl uncomfortably, and in the process, shuddered. "Ergh! Such an unpleasant sensation. Truly this world is a pitiable one." An arm comes up, resting upon her chest. "And yet, I am here! For let it not be said that I, Saber, am unkind!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lost in her own world, the Servant makes dramatic motions as she openly monologues to herself. "As expected of me, mhmhmhm-" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pause. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nero stopped. She could have SWORN she just heard an impertinent little girl call her a GHOST. "You!" And of course, she whirled around, pointing directly at Gudako. "I will have you know that I am no ghost! I am the embodiment of everything great in this world! The true essence of beauty! Divinity given flesh once more! I am a five star entity! Not one star, not two stars, not three, nor four! But five!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And with a huff, Nero rests her hands upon her hips. "You would do well to remember that, child!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then she turned and strode right back on, smiling proudly to herself.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:533|Sir Gawain (533)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Gawain seems oddly cheerful as he learns that the world has died. There's the slightest hint of sadness to his words, but it doesn't stop his smiling. "Then you should bring it back! It can't be impossible! Nothing's impossible!"<br /><br />Anything else he might have been said is distracted from him, as he hears a cry for a knight. Gawain shambles over to Gudako, smiling at her despite how unsettling she is. "My lady, allow me! I, Sir Gawain of the Round Table, am an actual knight, and am therefore authorized to carry princesses!~" He moves in position to pick up Gudako, shall she accept, looking over at the ruins. It's his duty, after all!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Lezard Valeth does not even bother looming or scowling at Shirou or the others. The effect of his presence is enough to tell him that he needs no such actions.<br /><br />Of course, that's when Rin gets involved. As the girl interposes herself, Lezard's eyes flick to one side, and he pushes up his glasses, his gaze measuring, probing, considering. <br /><br />Finally, he speaks, a small smile curling on his face. "It is ill-advised to make promises you cannot keep." That smile does not fade at Staren's look, and Alexis doesn't even seem to register. It's like he /enjoys/ this or something.<br /><br />There is a low chuckle, and the Necromancer sweeps forward, his expression becoming intent at the mention of the Clock Tower. "That association of magi... Perhaps this might be interesting after all." The Grain comes flooding in, and the wave of saturating energy crackles over his spiritual form, blue and orange lights arcing over him as he adjusts for the influence rapidly... And then a fade as he achieves a form of equilibrium. Were he here in his physical body, it might have been different, but here... <br /><br />Well, only /humans/ need worry, yes? <br /><br />He steps up out of the station to look over the desolation, and shrugs for a moment, gesturing. "I can teleport us beyond the intervening terrain to reach the ruins quickly. Anyone who wishes to trust me and save some time can gather within the circle." He holds out his hands, and a gleamng magical circle begins to form, inscribing itself into the gray land around him with white light.<br /><br />A short time later, he and anyone who stands in the circle will be teleported to the ruins ahead, skipping the tedious intervening terrain.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In rushes the Grain and Shirou's quite happy that he equipped that re-breather and the talismans from Caster. His whole body SHUDDERS and Magic Circuits tingle weirdly, like inhaling smog. It burns the lungs, but it's still breathable... but not something you should be exposed to for very long. Seriously.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thank heavens for that Re-breather. Shirou quickly closes off his Magic Circuits however, unwilling to risk them respiring the 'mana' of this dead world, such as it now is.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He answers Yuuki with a hearty, "This world is already a pretty horrible place! Somehow doubt anything we'll find in there will change much. But I'll be okay. My Servant's here. Just call if you need our help, Yuuki."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shirou's Stats:<br /> Alignment: Neutral Good <br /> Strength: -- Mana: F-- <br /> Endurance: D-- Luck: F- <br /> Agility: -- N. Phantasm: E~A++? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Just kidding.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This hasn't got anything to do with heroics. I'm here to keep my friends safe!" He argues with Gudako... only to wince at her comment. 'Ghosts, not people.' He gives Caster a look of sympathy.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He further balks at Gudako's request. "Seriously?!" The boy blurts. The look on his face is quite clear. It says, 'You don't even remotely ACT like a Princess, what are you smoking?'<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But he's looking back at her from his own efforts to climb.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shirou pauses right then and there. Hrms.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Trace, on."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One hand extends and he focuses for just a moment. What forms isn't anything terribly fancy. Looks like a spear. Smells like rocketry and time travel. He tosses it gently towards Gudako.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's an AERODYNAMIC ROCKET SHOCKSPEAR.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Witches should ride broomsticks, maybe.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's a weird lapse in Shirou's usual good manners.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren gives Gawain a disgusted look at the way he's treating Gudako. "She's /not/ a princess." He'll step into the circle to avoid splitting the party. Lezard won't try anything here. Probably.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin's glare deepens at Lezard's words, scowling lightly. "Go ahead and /try/ to prove me wrong, then. I'll be waiting." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Archer listens to the story of the world's death... and were he visible, he had no doubt some of the others would be taking note of his harsh expression hearing of what slew this realm's Gaia; a dark, grim look even for him, contrasted only by the look of barely-controlled shock on Rin's face. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Avenger. Angra Mainyu. The Avatar of all the World's Evils. The existence that had tainted the Fuyuki Holy Grail - and Matou Sakura - for years. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It had caused this death and destruction... and as such, Archer can feel the waves of stunned horror ebbing from Rin through their link. It only worsens when mention is made of a 'clock tower' filled with knowledge in the ruins of a city, the parallel all-too-close for Rin to dismiss. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Grail War. If this world was really like their own, one of the Grail Wars may very well have been the cause - where else could an 'Avenger' have spawned from? Granted, this took from the assumption that the timeline of this place was the same as their own... but it was still the best thing to work off of at the moment. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer himself bristles a bit at the way the being - Akkinas - regards the existence of heroes. The logic his very existence as a Counter-Guardian was based upon - that there always had to be an equal and opposite force in place against the threats to the world; things that were arbitrarily branded 'monsters' simply for being a threat... regardless of the reasonings or circumstances behind it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yes... there would always be heroes. Always be people rushing into the fire to be killed or sacrificed for the sake of the world. And always... it would never be enough to make one difference. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, Archer's further musings and misgivings are cut short as the magic circle effectively /fractures/, the Servant's outline briefly visible to those present before vanishing again. Rin lets out a small gasp as she feels the Grain wash over her, wincing a bit at the feeling. Thankfully, the gas-mask and the pills ensure she isn't negatively affected... but she keeps in mind that she only has two hours before that changes. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer thus falls in step with Rin as, taking a breath to prepare herself for what she may see, the pair exit to the surface... and find the wasteland that Rin had feared she'd see.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "This... this is London" Rin breaths out, hints of remorse leaking through the calm she was working to maintain. "It has to be... or what's left of it." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer may not have had much sympathy for mankind anymore... but he did still have sympathy for Rin, and as a result, seeing her silently mourn what became of London had him, if nothing else, give her some hint of reassurance through their link that this wasn't her world - if it was caused by the Grail War... then this future was likely already averted in her timeline. Or at least it wouldn't be caused the same way, though he left that part out. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, a needed distraction for Rin quickly rises... in the form of a certain red-haired Master asking for another certain red-haired Master to carry her over a wall like something out of a bloody soap-opera. The comment about the Servants - namely that they're people regardless of if they're ghosts or not - already has Rin silently weary, but the girl's request is enough to get her staring blankly in disbelief. She wasn't even /trying/ to hide her intent. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At this point, Rin rather quickly steps between Shirou and Gudako- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Archer, help her over the wall, will you?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -and makes a ridiculous request that he can't help but give a deadpan "What?" to as a response. "She has her own Servant - and that." He gestures to the rocket-spear Shirou created.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin crosses her arms rather petulantly in response. "And she's obviously not going to excretes that right. Plus, she likely doesn't know how to ride that... that satanic death-machine." Rin herself looks at the spear with what seems to be pure venom - she remembers the last time she was forced to ride the hellish contraption. "You're stronger and faster then Emiya-Kun, so it makes the most sense, right? Plus, I don't trust her not to accidentally kill someone with that thing, so just get it over with - the sooner you do this, the sooner she can shut up and move on." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer opens his mouth to protest... but sighs in resignation when he sees her cross her arms and glare expectantly. Finally, he sighs and shrugs in a gesture of surrender. "As you wish. Damn you to hell, Master." He says this in such a deadpan tone that one might think he was talking about the weather, even as he tentatively takes the Rocket-Spear and gestures for Gudako to hurry up, grab on and get on with it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin in turn starts keeping a very close eye on Shirou from this point on as she opts to start climbing up after him... though whether that is a good thing of a bad thing, Archer can't tell. As if he would comment if even if he did - such as how he didn't question how she was staying to climb the hard way just to keep an eye on Shirou. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He still had /some/ self preservation instinct, after all.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Staren stands impatiently inside the circle, a look of remembering something suddenly flashes across his face. "Oh hey, Alexis! Here you go, you might need these, you can pay me back later." He reaches into his bag, and pulls out what looks like a heavy assault rifle with an unusually-wide barrel and a couple of spare magazines. By the sound of the *thunk* as he sets them down just outside the circle, they must be pretty heavy.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako muses out loud, looking at Nero. It seems the arguments don't much faze her. "HMMMM. Well, you ARE a Saber. It's true you're the embodiment of everything great by default! Ah, but does that change the fact you're just a ghost in a magical body? You're not really human! You should try winning a Grail War and wishing to be people, maybe that'd help!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That's kind of meeting her halfway.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Better than nothing?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She also sticks her tongue out at Staren. A very very brief interruption of her 8D face, which immediatly resumes after the fact.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The magus catches the spear from Shirou, examining the weapon. What, does he expect her to actually do something on her own? This is a weapon, a terrible tool she has non-people to use for her. It seems before she can correct him, argue, or otherwise rebute Gawain away (it's less fun to bother him! he's a dork, and also a loyal knight who wouldn't actually hesitate to help someone awful), Archer is being told to carry her instead!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako smiles to Archer. "You should listen to your master! She sounds smart, and like she has a good grasp on things." The spear is handed to Archer, and Gudako rides with the Knight of the Bow.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Likely, this involves going 'WHEEEEEEE'.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster sighs, and just jumps after them.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren looks back at Gudako. "Wow, every time I think you /couldn't/ possibly be more of an asshole, you prove me wrong."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:662|Fake Avenger (662)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lezard Valeth's Circle Of Cheating works just as advertised. There's a slight...discomfort...as the Grain rushes to fill the space they're leaving, but unless someone actively tries to mess with the teleport, it doesn't do anything untoward. They are flung through the Land of Steel, bypassing the tedious space between their destination and their teleportation point. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">CLOCK TOWER</span> <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The teleport drops them off in the midst of ruins. The ruins are surprisingly high-tech; lots of metal buildings, fallen or corroded, sit perilously around the square, glinting in the dying light of the evening. The warm orange sunset is at least unchanged, even if the sky is strangely cloudless, a dull and unpleasant grey that seems almost apathetic and uncaring. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In the center of the ruined square sits the clock tower. There can be no doubt that it is the clock tower Akkinas spoke of - it is huge, and out-of-place under the grey sky and amidst the corroded ruins. It is old enough to be distinctly Victorian, though far larger than a clock tower normally should be. The clock still ticks ominously, its massive hands moving with a dull THUD. THUD. THUD. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; THUD. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; THUD. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There is a door here, an ornate double-door with an old-style knocker in the shape of a lion's head. A building leans on it, unpleasantly blocking a great deal of the entrance. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Standing out front of it is a man surrounded by various rusty construction robots. He's lanky, tall and thin. In fact, he's much TOO tall and much TOO thin - anyone that tall and that thin should be dead. The robots alternately hammer on the door and dig at the ruined building, attempting to make a space. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The man turns to look upwards as the party arrives. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He has no face. His face is a bug mask, a six-legged bug mask and a big, big grin. Like a really huge grin. He does not appear to have.../eyes/. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The man takes a flying leap and lands in front of them. At that moment, Shin's headphones start to skip loudly. Gudako's cell phone rings an off-beat ringtone (it's Elizabeth's song from the music player). Other mechanical devices misbehave in bizarre ways, sputtering out weird messages or making loud and unhappy whirrs unless they're Elite-tier (or you don't want them to, in which case they don't). <br /><br /> "TO: youguys@infrontof.me <br /> SUBJECT: Hello! Who Are You? <br /><br /> Hi, You Guys! <br /> Who are you? What are you doing out here? Did you get my message about FABULOUS PRIZES and LIFE-CHANGING DECISIONS? Did you in fact decide to ACT NOW? :) <br /> Attachment: :).bmp" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The tall, lanky man straightens to his full height as robots start curving curiously around the group. This close, you can see that he's wearing a suit - a suit made out of /newspaper clippings/. Right down to the tie. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The man's thin fingers go to his chin again. His grin becomes a frown. <br /><br /> "TO: youguys@infrontof.me <br /> SUBJECT: Follow-Up! <br /><br /> Hi, You Guys! <br /> I was kind of rude there, wasn't I? You don't even know me. But don't worry. I'm not here to hurt you. I'm Rider, and I'm here for FABULOUS PRIZES :D Do you guys like Fabulous Prizes? Maybe we can be Friends! :D Can you open the door for me? If you can, we can definitely be friends! Friends are great, right? :D <br /> Attachment: Friendship.bmp"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span><span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">CLOCK TOWER</span><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;VWOOP. Shin is teleported, mostly owing to not paying attention where he's walking and getting sucked along with the rest. He reappears, not really hearing Yuuki when she scolds him about life not being a video game. Of course it's not a video game, that would be way more convenient. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He looks up and around in surprise. Mission accomplished, though, since he made it through what he can only assume was a narratively-imposed travelling time skip, "Convenient!" He declares as he dusts his hands off. Only to be greeted by his Elizabeth Bathory Hit Single 'There's A Hole In Your Chest (Where My Love Should Go)' abruptly fritzing out and his phone acting weird. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh dude, no, sorry. I didn't know you people existed here too. I guess if anyone was going to survive the end of the world," Shin says, holding up his hands immediately as if refusing to allow himself to hold something, "No tissue packs. Keep the tissue packs. I don't want tissue packs. NO TISSUE PACKS." He repeats it firmly, clearly used to people randomly soliciting him with business-like requests as a resident of Tokyo. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I don't wanna buy it." Shin declares firmly.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Akkinas watches the group leave. If he's giving any of them dirty looks (like, say, Shin), it's hard to tell. The full face mask tends to make it difficult to judge facial expressions. He /does/ touch something near the side of his head, though. Maybe he's getting on the radio with them?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">RUBBLE WALL</span><br /><br />The rubble ahead proves a problem that is circumvented by HARD WORK AND GUTS (and, in one big case, wizard magic). It looks like someone made a wall of fallen buildings here, a few hundred feet tall and probably wider. Getting up it is a matter of using technology and care; the interior might have passes through, but using a grappling gun and getting to the top and just going over is probably easier.<br /><br />The most stable way over it turns out to be climbing up to a thirty-foot-wide gap where one building, which looks like it was /tossed/ on top of the other, has split in half. There's a slight slope of piled-up debris on the interior, sloping upwards towards the far end which overlooks the clock tower and the rest of the topped structures. Twisted, jagged metal and broken stonework make up these things that used to be buildings. It's hard to tell how long they've been here...<br /><br />Alexis's suit and grapple gun gets her a head start scaling it. She can see office equipment scattered everywhere on the interior of the building she's up against. Occasionally, she sees the shapes of what might be bodies left on the inside... but nothing is moving, and there's little enough light coming from either side as it is. She could stop... but that might be perilous, given the height. The top isn't much further, now!<br /><br />And then, suddenly, something's in the way.<br /><br />Those ascending have their line of sight dominated by looking down (well, up) the barrel of a cannon. It's huge, bigger than anything a person ought to wield, and there /definitely/ wasn't anything up there big enough to warrant a /tank gun/ getting levelled at them... except that's precisely what it is, the fifty millimeter cannon angled downwards to directly block the grappling gun's ascent.<br /><br />Wielding(!) it is a man, apparently human, with black boots, a dark grey officer's uniform, and a peaked cap, all pristine and in the style of a German officer from the second World War. His eyes are piercing, and his expression is grim and serious. He's holding the top of the tank turret with one hand, gripping a bar on the hatch without any apparent effort. When he speaks, it's with an accent that matches the uniform's origins.<br /><br />"You are working for the A-RAY in that tunnel, yes?" His tone is businesslike. "That is... unfortunate. But you would not be here, in this place, if you intended to interfere with the war directly." The man pauses for a second -- and then swings the tank cannon out of a ready position, stepping aside and allowing the others to ascend. He puts his other hand to his chest.<br /><br />"I am Assassin, of the Steel Faction," he says. "If you intend to go further, I must warn you there is a dangerous Servant in the vicinity whose intentions are far from harmless. I have been tracking it for some time. I tell you this as a courtesy," he adds, his tone softening. "I would not see good men and women throw their lives away unnecessarily."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:527|Zero Kiryu (527)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">CLOCK TOWER:</span><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Zero makes a distinctly unpleasant face as his radio starts going nuts due to proximity to this inhuman weirdo. Its appearance, and manner of dress, and communication quirks simply get the most aggravated look out of him. This is, in actuality, measurably more irritable than he was /before/ they started teleporting. He reaches up and tugs his earbud radio out of his ear, leaving it to dangle next to his collar. Nevertheless, he still indulges this "Rider's" request, if only because it happens to coincide with their own anyway.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Looks like this guy has spent some time trying to break the door down.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The vampire hunter's solution is to just try the door knocker first. It might just be some sort of sorcerous trap or locking mechanism. Either way, he reasons, they're probably going to trip whatever nonsense is going on in this place just by entering it. Can't hurt to try knocking before you try knocking the doors and walls down.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:880|Nero (880)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">CLOCK TOWER</span> <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Womp. Teleportation, ho. Once the group is safely transported, the first think Nero does is... look straight at Gudako. "While I do commend your understanding of my greatness, I continue to condemn your classification of my radiant self as a ghost!" Half way for half way? "Besides, why would I wish to be human? I have already done that! It is time to do something greater!" Really, Nero? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Whatever else she would have gone on with was interrupted by the appearance of a lanky, masked individual, and his cadre of circling robots. The fact that her radio was going rather haywire the moment he appeared was unsettling enough. But more than that... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Rider..." The blonde Servant mused aloud, looking the newspaper suited figure up and down. "...Are you perhaps a Servant?" With a name like that, he had to be. But also. "...And what exactly are these 'prizes' you speak of?" Not that she was immediately interested, but it never hurt to know. Until such a time that it did.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span><span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">CLOCK TOWER</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An easy teleport offered by a wizard? Ira will take it. She's not afraid of Lezard, after all, and has absolutely zero reason to be. Confidentally, she strolls into the teleport circle and waits to be transported away by the magic. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Following that, she'll stroll out to the front because she's tanky and it also makes her feel like she's leading the exploration. She's really not and might unknowingly be the weakest person here but until something goes wrong, she'll indulge this little fantasy in her head. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Somewhere within the GOLEM suit, the sounds of Floggy Molly crackle out, warped to the point where it sounds like squeaks. Instinctively, Ira reaches for her cell phone, which would normally be in a pocket at her hip. This results in an awkward CLANK as the suit fingers grasp against the sealed suit at her waist. "...ugh. Well that's unfortunate..." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then the weird bug-mask faced man starts to talk. "...did this world die before you got to invent Twitter? But yeah, we're here for fabulous prizes. Maybe we can work something out." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ira's attention strays to the rusty construction robots. She breaks away from the group and immediately procures one of the construction robot hammers for her own, regardless of size or apparent attachment to the robot. She'll brace herself and rip it off if she has to.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span><span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">CLOCK TOWER</span><br /><br />Lezard arrives, skipping tedious travel time and an ALTERNATE ENCOUNTER in favor of a strange man with a bug mask. The dead and enervated landscape seems to being out a mild scowl in Lezard's expression. "Even Niflheim has more life than this blasted place..." The Sorceror comments, but his attention is forced to be drawn to the strange Servant. While not having Gudako's facility with examining statistics, he does watch the being intently, rubbing his chin as he contemplates the odd speech. As everything he uses (including his radio) is magical, he doesn't seem to be getting as afflicted as the others.<br /><br />After a few moments, his eyes flick to the others to observe their response to the being. Shin's response gains a mild smirk of amusement from the Sorceror.<br /><br />Finally, he makes his decision. "Feel free to come with us. We can share in the findings." Lezard states, gesturing to the door. As Zero moves to try the knocker, Lezard steps forward, adjusting his glasses by habit as he studies the portal. Clock Tower was an organization of mages, therefore there should be a magical solution to opening the door. It would be logical. He just needs to find it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:518|Yuuki Kuran (518)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">CLOCK TOWER:</span><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yuuki is VOOPED across a huge stretch of INTENSELY BORING TERRAIN when it finally dawns on her what is happening. She is taking magical aid to go to a place by THAT ONE WIZARD WHO TRIED TO KILL HER AND THEN PUT A SPIRIT INSIDE OF HER TO ANIMATE HER STILL-ANIMATE CORPSE.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She still remembers the very sick feeling she got in her 'spirit', like she had 'eaten' someone. Well, she reckons that she did, actually, and that doesn't sit very well with her. Her totally-creeped-outness only redoubles as RIDER OF BLEH shows up (or is it BLEH Rider?), making her smartphone emit a very girly bit of some euro/j-pop fusion and embarrass her terribly. And he speaks so...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ugh, it was like an email from Chairman Cross! Euuuuugh! Worse than pills!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yuuki just sort of stares, like an 'are you my father ugh please no' look, as Zero just goes and tries the knocker.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ah, er, come again? Mister Rider?" She gives a Look at Shin. He's being so cavalier and rude! On this world that needs smiles! And kindness! And... And to collect on its life insurance, apparently...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yuuki is tacitly alright with Zero trying the door, because that's polite! Yaaaay politeness!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:571|Alexis Maaka (571)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">RUBBLE WALL</span><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alexis takes a moment to store her shotgun, placing the rocket launcher Staren just provided her on her back before doing her little climb.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ANYWAY, back to right now. Alexis uses her own strength to help carry Kotone up as she reels herself upwards, reaching the top with hard work and GUTS as one puts it. Having paramagnetic gear and a grapple gun helps, so does cyborg strength in this case. The debris and twisted metal are treacherous, and Alexis notes bodies inside amid the office items.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She stops only to look up and see a /tank's/ gun pointed at her face, or at least down from where she came from. "...uhh."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Trying her best to look past the cannon, ALexis sees a gentleman just out of the African front of World War II, and her confusion rises when she gets a good look at the man. "Uhhh, hi there." She climbs more once the Assassin of Steel allows further ascent, and she helps swing Kotone upwards before she herself climbs to join the tank driver.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Only there is no tank. There was no tank. This Assassin of Steel was carrying it like an action movie hero using a minigun.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This guy is some serious business, alright. "We're here to investigate the clock tower. Sorry about the scare, sir. We're kind of not from around here." She says, before nodding. "Appreciate the warning, we were told there were machines running about, not to mention something else out here. This must be it. Any intel you can spare us on this Servant in case we find it first?" So far this Servant seems up front, it might be best to trust him a little bit.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Rubble Wall <br /><br /> Kotone says back to Alexis. <br /><br /> "No problem there, opening up tac net now." <br /><br /> Alexis has been a big sister to her, helping her cope with her new state of life far more than Alexis might even have understand. she's happy to fall in and today her SMGs is on her back and in her hand are a pair of blasters in hand, she keeps in good formation as he moves forward. She's glad she brought a few things, Kotone is just parkrouing it a bit using her body's inate mobility and strengh to climb, after she holsters her pistols. heck at this poitn Shirou might notice her fingers are digging into the side of the building as she goes to make he way up. She wasn't expecting to see someone witing for them, let alone someone seeming to be from germany's world war two. It's sitll recent enough that she's aware of it. <br /><br /> She pauses at the man as he gives a warning and she's also looking at at 50mm tank cannon which does give her pause. <br /><br /> "Thank you for the warning, I didn't expect much more here than old glitched guard robots to be honest. Sir and thank you for the warning, It is welcome." <br /><br /> She is also clearly looking at the man, she seems to know the uniform from the expression on her face. <br /><br /> "Didn't expect any people of any stripe here like my partner said." <br /><br /> She seems to be willing to give the man a chance as well from the sound of her voice.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span><span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">CLOCK TOWER</span><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;/Most/ of Staren's gear isn't affected, but some small messages do appear in the corner of his vision as he just... stares at the way the strange bug-man is talking. <span class=" bold_fg_n bg_n ++ h">PAN DEVICE ERROR spare_ecto_1</span><br /> <span class=" bold_fg_n bg_n ++ h">PAN DEVICE ERROR spare_ecto_2</span><br /> <span class=" bold_fg_n bg_n ++ h">PAN DEVICE ERROR spare_ecto_3</span><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I, uh... what are you doing?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dawn's avatar appears, in animated GIF form, on his HUD.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:xterm165">Staren, the ectos are no longer able to maintain a secure wireless link due to a certificate error. I cannot diagnose this at this time. My files appear to be corrupted -- most notably, their modification dates have been set to 12/2/2403.</span><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=" bold_fg_w bg_n ++ hw">&lt;&lt;What? That's correct.&gt;&gt;</span><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:xterm165">Today's date is 1/1/1900<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whatever it is seems to have also affected your implant. If even you yourself believe it is 12/2/2403... There are many strange things in the Multiverse. Could this be the result of time travel?</span><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"..." Staren stares at something noone else can see. Then he glares at the man(?) warily. "What did you do?! How can you ask us to help you while messing with our stuff?!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">RUBBLE WALL</span><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hup! Hup! Hup!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shirou kicks his ascent up a notch, legs pumping with a new vigor since more speed was called for. Hints and wisps of prana flow through his muscles, detectable only just barely with the right senses. Oddly, he seems to have a sense for exactly what parts of the rubble pile are unstable and which can be safely stepped on, although he does pause several times. Up and up he goes. From concrete chunk to steel beam to the largest safe passageway up in Maaka's wake. All until...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ERK!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Acting on pure self-preservation instinct, he flinches and halts. There's a PRESENCE above that wasn't there before.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But halting on this unstable footing isn't the best of ideas. As Shirou comes to a halt, he just KNOWS that defending himself will be needed. Kanshou and Bakuya materialize in his grasp as the boy turns a furrowed brow up at the weapon that's just suddenly THERE... and...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Wh-whoaaaghhhhhhh!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The boy just tumbles backwards... and promptly SLAMS his weapons into the toppled skyscraper's side. They make excellent climbing implements for this occasion. It leaves him scrambling to get upright again.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Servant!" He's on edge, but since the strange SErvant's not attacking... Assassin just gets the boy peering at him quizzically.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm Emiya Shirou. Thanks for the warning, Assassin. We were headed to the clock tower to do some treasure hunting. A-RAY? The masked magus? ..." What's an A-RAY, he ends up wondering. And it's written all over his face, too.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The boy grimaces rather unhappily. "Are we being used?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's prior to teleportation that Gudako and Nero talk again (since Gudako did not follow in!). Mostly, the magus continues smiling, looking the Servant back in the eyes. "Huh? I don't get it. You're dead. It doesn't matter what you call yourself, right? You're a ghost. You're someone who used to be alive but aren't anymore! Sad trombone, etc. etc.!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then she rides with Ar<span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ her.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;chy">RUBBLE WALL</span><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"--EEEEEEEEE!" continues Gudako, riding a rocket spear with a particularily sour and uneager Archer. Sometimes, it's the small things in life, you know? Eventually the ride must end, though, and Archer sets Gudako down on the other side of the wall (whether he's gentle or not won't much change her response, short of him stabbing her). Caster lands by her master, dusting herself, and now they're with the group!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, the group that made it over. It seems a fair few people are still climbing, and now being faced by an Assassin! Gudako, being rude as fuck, immediatly peeps at his stats, and then yells:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"HEY ASSASSIN! DOES YOUR PRECOGNITION WORK ON GACHAS?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster frowns again! "M-Master, please be more respectful when meeting a new Servant. They might be hostile," she tells her master.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"CASTER SAYS I HAVE TO BE MORE POLITE TO YOU, ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A NEW MASTER, ASSASSIN?" Gudako appends her statement with, still shouting.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Because she's at the bottom of the rubble wall, and all.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Still 8D though.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:533|Sir Gawain (533)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>There's a Rider! An odd one, who sounds like the hundreds of spam emails Gawain gets daily. But, he seems friendly, and he's not attacking them despite several Servants! "Of course! Friends are great!" With a grin and a nod, Sir Gawain heads to the door, silently offering to try and force a hole in the wall if they can't get it open otherwise.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; RUBBLE WALL <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Archer wasn't quite sure is he was or wasn't reminded of Illya with how the girl was acting - or rather, squealing as though she were on an amusement-park ride - as they rode up the wall on the spear. Though much of Archer's concentration was focused on maintaining and controlling the object - it was hardly any wonder the boy had such trouble using it - part of him couldn't help but feel a combination of bemusement and horror at how Gudako seemed to be as whimsical and carefree as the Einzbern homunculus, just as eager to try and get her way all the time... and also interested in Emiya Shirou. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Honestly, what was it that caused so many females to take note of the idiotic child? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If nothing else, the trek up the wall is swift, and with the spear he can likely reach the top rather swiftly - and from there, much to his great relief, drop the overly-excitable Master off- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Which is what helps him see the cannon being aimed down at everyone by the massive man, cursing inwardly at what seemed to be unexpected hostilities... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... which in turn forces him to make a rather unfortunate concession. He can't afford to not be combat ready with this newcomer... so as a result, even with Gudako right next to him - and possibly able to recognize the significance of what he says - he readies himself. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Trace; On."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Prana condenses into his hands, the blueprints etched into the hill of swords conceptualizing into Kanshou and Bakuya - which Emiya Shirou also coincidentally picks to use that moment. r<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 'Great' Archer thought sarcastically. As if Gudako needed /any more hints/ as to who he was. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He doesn't linger on it though, immediately bounding back up to the top of the building as fast as he can. Meanwhile, Rin is able to have an easier time of climbing. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Es ist gro�... Es ist klein... Vox got Es Atlas." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reinforcement magic helps her make the trip up far easier as her body is strengthened, using whatever footholds she can find to start making bounds scaling up in increments before steadily making her way up to the gap over the immense... barricade, for lack of a better word. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All throughout, she does her best to not pay close attention to the many corpses that are likely strewn throughout this misshapen heap of buildings clamored together to form a wall... trying not to think of how many must have died in terror. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pushing the feelings aside for now with a breath - and swallowing down some indignant irritation at how her offer to help carry Shirou up the building resulted in, as she didn't think he needed to be /that/ awkward about something so- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At this point, something pierces Rin's senses, a gasp escaping her lips as something /appears/ somewhere up above. becomes belatedly aware of the massive cannon-barrel aimed right at them all. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A stunned curse escapes her lips, eyes widening in shock before quickly realizing the shooter - if you could call such a weapon a mere firearm - could have fired on them any time by now... though she is dubious of the military uniform. She hardly has any reason to have faith in any military for this world, even when he lets them up. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yes... I suppose we are" Rin answers carefully in regard to the question of who they're working for, looking cautious at the mention of a 'War'. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She is then forced to try and reign in her surprise at the man's introduction as 'Assassin' - what kind of assassin wielded a freaking tank gun?! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But... what catches her attention more is the warning of another Servant in the area... and then, the truth dawned on her. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The realization... that they had stumbled into another Grail War.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:662|Fake Avenger (662)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">CLOCK TOWER</span> <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rider stares at Shin for a long moment. Then he shakes his head. He makes gestures, which he apparently expects Shin will understand, to the idea of 'I'm not a salesman'. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This involves taking out a very old marker, drawing money eyes on his mask - literal dollar and yen symbols, where eyes should be - and then scribbling them out. He gives Shin a huge thumbs-up with a long, oddly-shaped thumb. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Then pulls out an oily, black, ragged washcloth, spits on it, and wipes the mask off. He does not remove it in the process. He fiddles with the mask for a moment, straightening it like a faulty painting, then beams at Nero and nods at the 'are you a Servant'. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rider makes a distressed noise as Ira rips the hammer off the robot. His grin flips upside-down immediaely, and he slumps a little. It probably didn't hurt him. It looks like he's just sad. The robot beeps and shuts down. Rider straightens and shrugs, looking at her before his grin returns. He gives a big, happy thumbs-up to Yuuki. The world is in need of smiles! Apparently he agrees! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "TO: youguys@infrontof.me <br /> SUBJECT: RE: Fabulous Prizes And Questions Answered <br /><br /> Hi, You Guys! <br /> I don't know what this Twitter is, but it sounds great. I'm glad that you're here for fabulous prizes, too! That means we can share and be awesome friends! :) <br /><br /> Oh, by the way, there's a really bad Servant who's been tracking me. Keep an eye out for him! I think he works for one of the big war factions! <br /><br /> Your Friend! :D, <br /> Rider <br /><br /> P.S.: You should worship me! Then we'll be Extra Friends! <br /> (But you don't have to. It's okay. I understand. Nobody wants to worship me. :( I'm not a very good god, huh? :( ) <br /> Attachments: sadgodinsno.bmp" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Zero walks up and knocks. There is a thunderous noise, like something cracking. The door swings open, underneath the rubble. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rider rubs his chin. Evidently he literally just never thought of knocking. He claps his hands together and strolls inside. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The group is greeted with a beautiful velvet carpet, greatly out-of-place n this hellish environment. Pleasant jazz music plays as they enter, ancient 1920s jazz that Rider immediately starts skipping to delightedly. Pictures hang on the walls of various men and women, covered in dust. Small mice - clearly not *real* mice to even a cursory examination, as they're walking on two legs and sweeping up with brooms - pass by the group's footsteps. Twin staircases wind upwards under a glorious (but darkened) chandelier. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rider turns around and puts two thumbs up. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "TO: mynewfriends@with.me <br /> SUBJECT: Fabulous Prizes <br /><br /> Hi, My New Friends! <br /> So I know you wanted to know what the Fabulous Prizes are! Well, it turns out they're all over this place! There's really old magic lurking here, and I really want some of it! Also, history books! I really want one of those! History sounds really cool, right? :) <br /> But I don't mind sharing! That's what friends do! <br /><br /> Besties, <br /> Rider <br /><br /> Attachment: Besties.bmp" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It is at the very end of Rider's sentence that a massive, meaty paw slaps him out of the way. Rider goes flying into a wooden staircase as a huge, black, six-headed dog emerges from underneath the chandelier and bellows at the group.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span><span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">CLOCK TOWER</span><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh Shin gets how this guy goes now. This thing is basically some weird sort of amalgam of the internet. The Y2K bug wasn't quite as huge a deal in Japan as it was in America, but this thing is internet related and Shin at least knows how to speak its language that way. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So when it tells Shin that it's his friend and not a salesman, Shin nods his head and takes out his phone. He taps on the keys a few times and then turns it sideways, holding it up to Rider. It has an emoticon on the screen. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's this one: http://puu.sh/lHqrt/33e5883a75.png <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then when they're talking about going inside, but how he is hunted by another Servant that is a bad guy, Shin erases the old emoticon and gets to typing some more. This one takes him a while, because it's too emoticons in sequence. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You should sneak attack it: http://puu.sh/lHqmL/1d4d0f2db3.png http://puu.sh/lHqfZ/54a072ff06.png <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And finally, as the door is open and he's talking about how they should look around, but share treasure, Shin taps a few more times and holds out the phone for the third and final time. <br /><br />He's pumped up: http://puu.sh/lHqiK/223fc42ded.png<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">RUBBLE WALL</span><br /><br />Assassin of Steel nods minutely at Maaka and Kotone. "It is fine. You were early enough not to be caught in the crossfire. It would be dangerous if you were to come between us." He says it like it's a fact, and a warning. Not to scare her off, per se, but to warn her to go around another way. He's clearly got a job to do.<br /><br />"He has power over machines; they answer his call, and he disables them with trivial ease. He also wields a pair of... swords, I think. There is something strange about them; they are not like any blades I have ever seen." Apparently, he's totally willing to share his intel. "He wanders with no objective other than spreading chaos and seeking 'worshippers.' Be very careful around him."<br /><br />Something about what Shirou says gets him to quirk an eyebrow thoughtfully, but he reads Shirou's expression easily, smiling a little instead of commenting on it. "Certainly foreign, if you don't know about the native life. A-RAYS: the animalistic peoples who share Earth with the remnants of humanity. The Steel Faction fights them for the survival of the human race. The individual you must have spoken with, wearing the rags, he is one of them. I am uncertain if he is involved in the greater war, however," he adds.<br /><br />Gudako, who is shouting, gets him to lean over the edge and look puzzledly down at her. He has no idea what she's talking about. He puts his free hand to his mouth, calling back, "No, thank you! I have a war to win!" He starts to step back -- and then he hears Rin and sees Archer.<br /><br />Assassin's expression immediately changes. He looks at Archer with obvious surprise and clear recognition. "What are you doing here? I was assured I was the only one in this --" He stops suddenly. A look of realization crosses his face, and he schools his features to stoicism instead. "-- ah. You must be with this young lady." He slips into German, tipping his cap to Rin. "It lightens my heart to hear another speak my mother tongue. Thank you, young miss."<br /><br />He doesn't seem to be aware that he's nearly found his quarry. At least he's talkative and kind of friendly, unlike most Assassins?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span><span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">CLOCK TOWER</span> <br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ira doesn't seem to care about the SADs that she brings Rider from mutilating one of the robots. She doesn't even seem to care that doing so makes it shut down. "Twitter is like email, but faster, smaller, and everyone can read it." Ira's all too happy to explain. "I'd show it to you but I don't think my phone is working right now." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She observes the knocking with the knocker, which amazingly works and she immediately wonders why Rider didn't try it. The question goes unasked, however, in favor of another one: "Now I know how this Servant stuff works but...Rider, where's your Master? You /do/ have one, right? Or do you /need/ one?" <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hey, it was worth asking, right? <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...you can have all the history books you want." Ira deadpans, "I'll be happy with the...old magic I guess?" she shrugs to the others, wondering if she'll have to fistfight Lezard over loot. She'd do it. Guy doesn't look like he has much physical prowess anyway. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Suddenly a SIX HEADED DOG MONSTER APPEARS. Ira does the logical thing and rushes it head on so she can hit the nearest dog head with a hammer.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span><span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">CLOCK TOWER</span><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As soon as Staren tells the radio about the date, his expression shows that he's figured out what Rider is supposed to be.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He doesn't know HOW, or WHY, but the reference is clear.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...You really can't help it, huh? So you're a servant, and a god, and you're the Y2K bug, and you just DO this. I dunno what's up with that. But I guess, if you're willing to HELP us, then you earn a share of the loot."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inside they go. And there are... sweeping mice. "Huh. /That's/ neat. So, what else do you know about this place? I don't suppose you might also know a way to move /all/ the books?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Before Y2K can answer, he's smacked aside. Staren is so... off his game due to dealing with... the Y2K bug... that he doesn't immediately just blast the dog. He does raises his arm, pointing the weapons there at it. "Alright Double Cerberus or whatever you're supposed to be, I don't suppose YOU want to talk too?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He'll fire the beam cannons and take evasive action himself if there are any further agressive movements from the dog, towards Staren or... well, the people who count as his 'allies' today.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:533|Sir Gawain (533)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sir Gawain doesn't need to bash a door in! Hooray! As Rider talks about magic, Sir Gawain speaks up. "What do you need magic for, Rider? Is it for your Master? We'd be happy to help you!"<br /><br />Before they can actually do it, though, they get attacked by a six-headed dog. And it hurts the Rider! The Knight immediately draws Excalibur Galatine, before he charges forward, going to slice at one of the necks of the dog. Here's hoping he can wound it!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">RUBBLE WALL</span><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Luckily for Archer, the meaning behind his words goes over Gudako's head. For all she is concerned, those are just generic words that someone who uses that particular kind of magic says. For a magus, she's critically undereducated. 'Projection' isn't something she's heard of, or even practiced. The best she can piece together is 'oh hey, Shirou can make weapons, and this Archer also knows the same sort of magic, cool!'.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maybe it's for the best, or she'd harass Archer as much as she does Shirou. It would also make her wonder where Shirou went to get that killer tan and if those are contact lenses and a wig.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the Assassin denies her, she glances towards her Caster, and then eyes all the other people striking the tank-cannon-wielder up for conversation. She mentally starts putting the pros and cons of opening hostilities with him on a scale, before shrugging and continuing to smile, back towards Archer.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I don't think he's here to fight us! He's an Assassin, and one with precognition as a skill too. It'd be very silly for him to do anything but ambush us! Assassins aren't made for direct fights, and mixing whatever his Noble Phantasm must be with his hiding skill and his precognition would make him a really kickass killer. The fact he wasted that huge an advantage means he's telling the truth and not here to harm us!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She looks back towards Assassin.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Am I on the nose, mister?" 8D<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span><span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">CLOCK TOWER</span><br /><br />Lezard also seems to have overlooked the simple solution. Or maybe Zero was just more pragmatic than he was. It's all right. The Necromancer looks up as the door opens, and he walks in with the group and The Y2K Bug. Not that Lezard knows what that is, per se. He steps inside, looking about with an arched eyebrow as he considers the decor and the upkeep. "Cute." Lezard offers, moments before the guardian beast attaclks. Lezard is momentarily taken aback. <br /><br />"A... double cerebrus?" He asks, bewildered. "What is the meaning of this?" <br /><br />As the beast strikes across the lobby, and assaults Y2K with intense strikes, the Sorceror's eyes narrow. "Foolish beast! You have no chance!" There is a wash of blackness in his hand as he holds out his hand, and the Manus Catalyst manifests there in a a coalescing of shadow. "DARK SAVIOR!" He calls out, black blades of amorphous shadow manifesting in the air to spear downwards towards the construct.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:571|Alexis Maaka (571)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">RUBBLE WALL</span><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well this worked out better than expected! Alexis a bit more cheerfully this time, offers up a hand to shake. "I wish you luck with that, then. Sounds like you got your work cut out for you if he's taken this long to track. I've had long hunts myself before, I know how it is." She says, "Alexis Maaka, I'm a contractor for Syndicate operations. This is my sometimes-partner and friend Kotone." She jerks a thumb towards Kotone in question, before she listens carefully.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I uh." Pause. She overhears some discussion over comms before she glances back at Assassin. "Well, guess we're in luck today." says Alexis, before she motions towards the clock tower, and begins to scan at the scene occuring in view.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;... "This target of yours isn't some sort of guy with a screen for a bug face, is he? Someone was jacking our comms earlier, now that I think about it." She muses off-handedly.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I think I can see some of our group, now that I think about it."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:880|Nero (880)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">CLOCK TOWER</span> <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I see. How odd." So many things about this were odd, but she would overlook the lion's share of the oddities surrounding this Rider and their immediate surroundings. For the sake of completing their overarching task, of course. They didn't have unlimited time. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Well, some of them anyway. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I suppose that if you desire FABULOUS PRIZES, then the only course of action left for you is to-" Whoops. Rider just got whacked. The Saber class servant blinked once, then twice, and then turned her attention over to that six headed construct. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "How unsightly." Nero huffed, swinging an arm outwards and manifesting Aestus Estus in a plume of flame. "It is as if Cerberus multiplied. Perhaps Heracles should have made sure he did his job correctly!" Everyone who knew the legend of Heracles knew that he definitely took care of Cerberus. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Of course, that didn't stop Nero from using the opportunity to make ridiculous claims. "Then I shall surpass Heracles' legend with mine own two hands by felling a six headed beast!" Grinning broadly, she held her weapon with both hands, angled back as currents of flame channeled along the surface. Prana gathered, reinforcing her stance. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then she charged. In a burst of inhuman speed, she closed the distance, be it big or small, and smoothly let loose a single stroke. "Rosa Ichthys!" It was a single precise slash, aimed at the neck. With no time to waste, there was little need for posturing. Nero would attempt to behead one or more of those heads in this moment.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Rubble Wall <br /><br /> Kotone is starting to wonder what they got themselves into and she listens for a moment as he speaks of the servant's powers. <br /><br /> "All machines like any and all?" <br /><br /> She's looking honestly a bit scared and she looks to Makka for a moment then back to the Servant. <br /><br /> "I may be at risk from this servant's powers then." <br /><br /> She's already shutting off her network features at htis warning for all the good it will do. She's also seemingly taking in the information the Servant was willing to share with them and is making note of it. <br /><br /> "No if he was he'd have blasted us on the way up. Also I'm Kotone Yamakawa sir." <br /><br /> Alexis would find kotone's off the tac net now as well.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:518|Yuuki Kuran (518)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span><span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">CLOCK TOWER</span><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yuuki just doesn't get it. She doesn't get any of it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There was a huge many-headed dog, which seemed to attack the weird guy who was creeping her out about as badly as her uncle coming for a visit, and then the weird guy being all sad and trying to get chummy.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sorry, but Kuran Yuuki isn't buying that this guy is her friend. Sure, she wants to be loving and accepting, to help people, but this guy comes on TOO STRONG! Maybe he's secretly a creeper?!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her prefect senses tingle at this potential creepo, and her sympathies...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Go to the huge six-headed hound. Which she approaches, her hand out, with a serene look on her face. "Hey, hey, it's OK! We just wanted to explore some to work on the se-" Her attempts at &gt;Diplomacy-ing the Double Cerberus is cut short by the HORRIBLE DARK MAGIC of Lezard and the BLADE OF QUESTIONABLE FACTUALITY of Nero.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In fact, if Dark Savior is an area attack, poor Yuuki may be getting hit with it! Yuuki's affinity for Hounds is such a burden!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But it's OK, someone ELSE may be geanre savvy enough in this situation. Or it may all work out! Yeah, everything will happen great, won't that be nice?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"From another timeline in fact. This world seems to be a possible future... sorry, that's a lot to work with out of nowhere." Why is Shirou apologizing to a Servant he's just met? Well, that's jsut him being himself. But the boy appears troubled by this news.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The magus appeared nice enough for a supposed enemy animalistic person? "Can't the A-RAYS and human survivors get along? I don't get what this conflict's about. There's few resources in a place like this to go around without having a war over them!" Or so his logic goes. The exact OPPOSITE is more likely in all actuality...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Consternated, he just presses lips together thinly, snorts (despite the rebreather) and looks around at the others. This just got... really complicated.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:527|Zero Kiryu (527)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">CLOCK TOWER:</span><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Zero knocks and the door opens. He casts a rather flat look around at the others, before stepping inside and holding a position near the door. Truth is, he's no expert on the stuff that's going on here. He figured out how to get in with pure common sense, and now that they're in... he has no idea what they're /really/ looking for, and he has few if any personal interests to speak of here. Searching his memories, he wonders if he should just start grabbing armfulls of things to carry back to the man that brought them here in the first place.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Privately, he decides that he'll let somebody else try to do that first. There's almost no way it'll be that easy. Unless... unless it really is that easy, just like the door knocker was. He glances back at the door, and those who will inevitably be coming through it. Rider already skipped right on by.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Not interested in worshipping anybody." He asides to Rider, with a faint shrug.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then Rider gets chucked clear by a great six-headed dog, and a couple of other people go screaming after it. Perhaps this is itself proof that Rider simply is not worth being worshipped. Isn't this kind of mythological beast supposed to be /three-headed/?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The best way to deal with a rowdy dog is not to indulge its rowdiness. Zero ignores the six-headed cerberus entirely, instead moving out to actually do his job as a bodyguard and tug Yuuki out of the area-of-effect of the incoming bad. This is actually a lot less passive than he wanted to be while dealing with this thing, but he knows Yuuki doesn't want her NORMAL GIRL act exposed, and she already gets splattered plenty enough to blow it wide open to some people.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Pay attention, useless." He mumbles to her, as he tries to drag her about by the sleeve.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; RUBBLE WALL <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rin blinks once before realizing he must have heard her speaking the words of her spell. Deciding to preserve the courtesy - as it would hopefully go a long way in forestalling a confrontation - Rin gives a polite nod of her head and begins speaking in German herself; "Thank you, though I admit I wasn't born into it. Yes, we had met an 'A-RAY', or at least I assume he was such. He asked us to recover whatever we could from the Clock-tower" she gestures to the structure in question, before giving a small sigh. "It sounds as though he wasn't quite honest with us about the reasons, though... or upfront at all, really." She also - rather worriedly, though she masks it well - the fact that the Assassin recognizes Archer in some way. "Ah - yes, he would be my Servant, Archer. Don't worry - he won't cause any trouble with out my consent." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Granted... that wasn't /entirely/ true, given his Independent Action skill, but at the very least Archer had no plans to strike unless it became apparent they were all in danger. Thus, leeping his blades to the sides though not dismissing them, Archer eyed the Assassin wearily... all the while contemplating on how many Servants may be active in what was quickly shaping to be another Grail War. However, he does take note of Gudako's claims and admits that she's likely correct - if this really was 'Assassin', and he used the term loosely due to the man's size and relative strength - then he would have just ambushed them. If nothing else, he was sincere about trying to be peaceful it seemed... though that said nothing about the possibility that there could be another means of attack out there - some form of ambush. Whatever the reasons or chances, Archer wasn't willing to bank on apparent good intents alone. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He also gives a rather pointed sideways glance to Emiya Shirou, denoting that the reason they would fight is obvious as he crosses his arms. "The scarcity of resources here is likely why they would fight in the first place." He lets out a cynical-sounding scoff. "After all... the other side cannot use them if they are dead. So the survivors will have more to use themselves... but by the time they realize their war is eating through the very resources they wish to claim, it will be too late to matter." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin grimaces at Archer's rather barbed and, likely, accurate statement on how this war is going to go... or at least how it will go without outside intervention. Though so far... while the sides weren't quite clear, Archer knew which one he would be assisting. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He was a Counter-Guardian after all. It wasn't like could pick any other side or walk away from it - if he could... he'd have done so a long, long time ago.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:662|Fake Avenger (662)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">CLOCK TOWER</span> <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rider makes motions with his hands emulating the emoji. He is delighted to find someone else who speaks Internet, though he only seems to recognize emoticons from the late 1990s. Excitedly, he tells Shin all about himself, though it's a little hard to keep up, because he's *making emoji with his hands*. Roughly speaking, he seems to imply that he just showed up one day, and his Master (whoever it is) was crushed by something, but he's okay, because he's VERY INDEPENDENT and the electricity is more than enough for him. <br /><br /> "TO: besties@youn.me <br /> SUBJECT: RE: This Conversation <br /><br /> Hi, Best Friends! <br /> Sorry I can't tell you about my Master. I don't really know anything about them! I never met my Master. :( But it's okay! I'm just lonely, is all. I'd really like people to worship me. I understand if you don't want to, though! Friends don't make friends do things. That's really bad! I don't want to be bad. A lot of people thought I was bad and prayed I'd go away, once...:( Did I do something wrong? <br /><br /> I guess I can't help it! I was just going to eat the books, though! Or bring the robot friends in! Do you have a way to move them? That's cool! I was hoping to get some magic to eat, anyway. It's tasty. Yum yum! :d :) But books aren't. I just need a little and I can keep going for AGES! I'm a very independent Servant! <br /> Besties, <br /> Rider <br /><br /> Attachment: yum.wav" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It is at this point that Rider gets whacked by the dog and is silenced. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ira does a sensible thing and brings her hammer down on one of the dog heads. It howls in five-part pain, snapping at her furiously. Its claws are massive. It swipes at her with claws nearly as big as she is! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yuuki steps forward. The dog, up close, does not smell like a dog. It smells like a construct, like the mice. It's probably not even a little real - designed to evoke sympathy. WIth her close enough, one of its heads jerks out to try and bite her. Fortunately, Zero saves her before she can be bitten or blasted. That's good! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lezard Valeth ponders the mystery of Double Cerberus for mere moments before he throws black blades of shadow down into it. The shadows stab into the beast's back, elicting a howl of pain as Nero swings her blade for its neck. The dog, distracted by Lezard's bombardment, loses *two* heads. It attempts to bound into Nero, hard, using all of its massive bulk to simply crush her. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Staren's laser assault easily frees Nero. The light does EXTRA damage to the dog, shattering parts of it like broken glass. The black bits fall to the floor, tinkling and shattering. Gawain's Excaliber Galantine smashes through another chunk of dog, carving off the rest of its head. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Under the concentrated assault, the dog falls backwards. It cracks, light shining from inside it, until it explodes in a shower of black glass. The mice constructs go running away. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It was definitely not a real dog. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rider emerges from the stairs holding what appear to be *airplane wings* attached to *hilts*. One of them gives off a very unsettling, <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">demonic</span> aura...but the other one is a <span class=" bold_fg_c bg_n ++ hc">holy</span>, cheerful one? The wings are larger than a normal human could hold. <br /><br /> "To: friends@here <br /> SUBJECT: Don't Worry! <br /><br /> Hi, Friends! <br /> Don't worry, I'm here to help! <br /><br /> Oh...I guess you beat it already...that's okay. There's more tower to explore! Also, look! Books! <br /> -Your friend, <br /> Rider :) <br /><br /> Attachment: Books.bmp" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rider's airplane wings vanish. He points down the hall the six-headed dog was guarding. Sure enough, there's books everywhere! Rows upon ROWS of books! But...there's also an upstairs, and a door at the end of the rows upon rows of books. Maybe this place is bigger than it seems...?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span><span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">CLOCK TOWER</span> <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shin holds up one final emoji to the Rider after the full scope of its emoticon tale is gathered to him, nodding his head seriously. <br /><br />http://puu.sh/lHtRV/5e5ea87953.png <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shin then gets to at least grabbing one or two books to shove into his backpack to say he succeeded in part of the mission. Plus maybe, if this place is magical, he can find a book about punch magic. With plenty of QCFs and 720s he can execute properly for big damage. But he does it, since most people seem to use that much nerdier geek magic. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He's also really glad that crazy dog monster was taken care of while he was distracted emoticon-ing at the deity creature. Because it possibly could have kicked his ass. So that's one less thing to immediately worry about while he gathers books.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span><span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">CLOCK TOWER</span><br /><br />Lezard, in fact, SPECIFICALLY CHANGES THE ATTACK PATTERN when Yuuki gets near the beast. He remembers some very specific things and has no desire to repeat them. When it detonates, however, he looks over to Y2K and frowns for a moment... then sighs, and shrugs. Perhaps it is the mention of being a god that is causing him irritation, but how could anyone take such a being seriously? <br /><br />When he confirms he does not actually need significant magical power, Lezard turns towards the Library, and steps forward. "Gather the books in a stack." He directs. "Put about twenty of them into a pile. I will send them to the one who hired us. That should keep him happy. We can dole out the remainder as 'new findings' and study them in the meantime." <br /><br />Lezard knows how to play this game. "After this, take what you will, and then we can explore the rest of the facility. We can seal it so no one else can enter until we return."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span><span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">CLOCK TOWER</span> <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alas, it doesn't seem like Rider has a Master...or really /needs/ one at this point. Ira discards the idea of having him as a Servant, figuring this one with his need for worship would be waaaaay too high maintenance. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Swatted with the claw, Ira doesn't actually fall though she does absorb the full force of the impact aimed at her. She struggles under its weight, gradually pushing back and holding the construct at bay until Lezard, Gawain, and Staren can pulverize it into glass. "-glass?" Ira sounds surprised by this as she backs off with a limp. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rows and rows of books don't really interest Ira, especially if they're just a bunch of /Earth books/. Instead, she ignores them and goes exploring, heading to what appears to be an upstairs area of the tower. She doesn't exactly wait for other people to follow her either.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:880|Nero (880)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">CLOCK TOWER</span> <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nero's strike land's true, removing two heads. But before she could boast, she found retaliation in the form of said construct attempting to crush her with it's entire body. "Wh-" She brought up her blade to defend and move, but a barrage of laserfire from Staren put that idea to rest rather promptly. "...Of course, I had that entirely handled." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sure you did. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once the beast was out of the picture, through their combined efforts, she couldn't resist chuckling. "Hmhm! And with this, I have surpassed Heracles!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; No you haven't. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dematerializing Aestus Estus, Nero rest her hands upon her hips, smiling proudly before turning to face Y2K who...was totally okay. Of course he's okay, he's a Servant! But more importantly, what's with those swords-oh they're gone. Curious. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Putting that aside, the books were what they were here for in the first place. And so without further ado, she strode through to the nearest collection, browsing the spines for anything particularly interesting. She wouldn't just grab /anything/ now. She had standards!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span><span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">CLOCK TOWER</span><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm glad to see you're alright." Staren comments to Y2K Bug.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then...BOOKS.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So many books.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If he'd known, he might have asked Twilight to come. She'd love to see this. Plus, if anyone might know the library magic they'd need to transport this... library, it'd be her.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But he's here now. He does have an idea, but he doesn't think it'll work. Still, he tries pulling out the matter manipulator and sucking up some books... then he shakes his head and puts them back before clipping the MM back to his waist. No dice.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He wanders the stacks, looking for any books interesting enough to open. Anything... odd... might catch his eye, but any unusual treatises on the workings of magic in this world, or post-20th-century sciences, might be worth a look.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yeah, their employer asked for books, so 'books' is what he'll get, as many as Staren can stuff into his bag (and several particularly large ones in the matter manipulator) on the way out. But while he's here, this is a great opportunity to find things for himself and do 'christmas shopping' for Twilight. Actual magic books, of course, are of particular interest, and if Staren sees anything obviously magical, he'll stuff it in his bag, or the MM if it's large. He can compare finds with the others later and see who wants what.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He tries turning his magic scanner on. It might be overwhelmed if it's in a place like this, but if it can pick out which books detect as magical, great.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">RUBBLE WALL</span><br /><br />Gudako continues to be remarkably observant. Assassin glances at her. He smiles. "You are quite sharp, young lady! Yes, that is a fair assessment. Ambush is certainly the most effective means of using my abilities. If I meant you harm, we would have begun fighting already. I think I would be hard-pressed to defeat all of you, though!" He chuckles, remarkably good-naturedly. "Anyway, it's good to meet you all on peaceful terms. I have not had the opportunity to speak to many other Servants or Masters outside our own little group, either. Quite diverse company, all in all --" <br /><br />Assassin of Steel then starts to respond to Shirou, but Archer beats him to it. He adjusts his hat and bows his head a little. "It is not the resources they fight over; it is the right to exist. As I understand it, the A-RAYS have been systematically eliminating any humans or Liners who have the ability to stand against them. The Liners have lost a great deal of ground until very recently." He lifts his head again. "If peace were possible... ah, well, I am no diplomat; just a soldier, eh?"<br /><br />He turns away... and then pauses, when Maaka points out his quarry is remarkably close. He walks up the slope in the gap between buildings, looking down and frowning. "That would be him, yes." He swings the cannon down, holding the turret in both hands and narrowing his eyes. "Please excuse me; I have my duty to think of. I'm certain I will see you all again." He looks back, and smiles.<br /><br />Then, Assassin waits a moment -- and jerks it fractionally to the left a half-second before he fires.<br /><br />The sound of the tank gun going off is thunderous. It's /obvious/ in a way Assassins aren't supposed to be. It's also /really/ surprising, if you weren't ready for it. The recoil doesn't seem to bother him overly much -- but is his aim off a little bit?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:662|Fake Avenger (662)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">CLOCK TOWER</span> <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rider claps his hands as people start looting. He selects a few books of his own, paging through them rapidly before flinging them over his shoulder. As people talk to him, he opens his mouth and takes a step forward- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -into a fucking tank shell. The explosion sweeps him up in smoke and smog as a tank shell comes out of absolutely NOWHERE. It hits NOTHING except Rider - the shot came from someone wit ABSOLUTE precision. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; From inside the smog... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "TO: YOUGUYS@OUTSIDETHISSMO.KE <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SUBJECT: RE: THAT <br /><br /> Hi, You Guys! <br /> OWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW <br /><br /> Love,<br /> Rider <br /><br /> Attachment: pain.wav" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rider then comes spiralling out of the smoke, both airplane wings burning along behind him as he holds them like swords. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">RUBBLE WALL</span> <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The group gets a look at Y2K and his bizarre airplane-wing swords, jets fully activated and everything, as he crashes into Assassin of Steel.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Kotone Yamakawa is getting more information from the servant and she seems thankful for it;. <br /><br /> "Humm I understand, I do hope we can meet again sir." <br /><br /> The man seems interesting and she would like to wleanr more but that's when the fight starts and she moves back Not wnting to get cuaght up in it as the fight is getting going now. She sees the wings and the figth about to start but they can't get mixed up in it. She hopes it ends well for the German man, but there's not much else she can do and ther's work to do but his foe? She wonders about them as well. There's work to do and she's needs to get to it.<br> <br><br />
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}}</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3478/God_Will_Rise_-_Part_Two&diff=121753478/God Will Rise - Part Two2015-12-04T20:31:32Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2015/12/03 |Location=The Tundra |Synopsis=Those who saved Lucrelia are invited to return for a new mission. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=8, 495, 75..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/12/03<br />
|Location=The Tundra<br />
|Synopsis=Those who saved Lucrelia are invited to return for a new mission.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=8, 495, 757, 821, 908, 916<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It's been about a week since that large scale battle miles out from the city-state of Lucrelia. The entity known as an 'Incarnation' was at first seemingly impervious, but was made vulnerable once again due to Misha's song, Purger. After felling the creature and keeping the local army's casualties lower than they would have been otherwise, the captain of the company, simply known as Laurence, gave those who assisted a broad invite into the city. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Though Lyner technically didn't help...well, he was here anyway! There were a bunch of things he wasn't clear on. And this was a problem that still wasn't actually solved. That being the case, with a white cloak wrapped around himself, hood down, he trudged along the snowy road towards the western gates to the city. "Man, it's just cold all year round here, huh...?" He mumbled out loud, shuddering quickly before steeling himself and pressing on towards the fast approaching gates. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Soldiers were posted on each side of the gate below, armed with standard spears and donning basic armor. And way up top, there were more guards patrolling the walls, as well as looking out into the distance from various strategic points. At the approach of unfamiliar travelers, the soldiers at the gate stood at attention, their expressions steeling as they spoke firmly. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Halt. What business do you have here in this city?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sheesh, previous talk of this city was correct. The way they looked at everyone as if they were already guilty criminals certainly wasn't welcoming in the least.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako is alone today! Alone is kind of a misnomer, because there's ever the presence of her two Servants around her-- incorporeal, but pretty much impossible to hide from prying eyes or senses. There's just too much magic in the air, so the fact she's accompanied by two super ghosts isn't something she can brush under a rug.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But to the average Joe she certainly is alone! And wearing a big poofy scarf, probably three times the length it needs to be. Idle enchantments rest upon it, explaining why the magus, in her usual outfit, doesn't seem to be shivering or minding the cold at all.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She walks in from behind Lyner (likely arriving with him), her usual 8D expression as imperishable as ever. "Hey mister city guard person! We saved your city last week, we want to sample your local cuisine! If you want to shower us in adoration that's totally cool too. Chop chop, let us through! Or go ask Laurence about us, but don't take too long."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Time is your HP." 8D<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel had wond3er just what was going on with the strange 'god' that hat attacked the city and here she was once more. She was also happy to take the Captain up on the invite, new worlds new culturea and best of all art in all it's forms. She doesn't seem botehred by the cold as she arrives and he pauses for a moment. The guards made her think og the System Monitors back home. <br /><br /> "IDs is Deelel Captain Laurence invitted us to the city afer aiding in it's defence last week. I do hope the situation hasn't changed since then?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:757|Misha (757)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Misha had not expected to come back, truth be told. But here she is, dressed in a heavier set of fine purple robes to repel the cold, she keeps her hands hidden in the heavy folds of the long sleeves to keep them warm, while following up behind Lyner on the way. "Sooo why are we back, exactly? These people weren't exactly that happy the first time we showed up." Hell, the last time she was here before that incident she had gotten one heck of a cold shoulder.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Still, the looks the guards are giving? Holy cow that is just insulting and annoying. "Wow, you know. You could at least be a little more grateful to the people who showed up to help you a week ago, and let us in."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>It's been a little bit since Riva's been here.The gruff response, however, doesn't even seem to slow the chipper Templaress down as she grins, swaying forward as if she didn't have a big-ass maul on her back. "Hey guuuuuuys! Nice to see you! We're here to help you out with your problems! And maybe give you guys some money for food and drinks." She shudders, maybe a little more than she really is, as she claps her sides. "Maybe some nice warm drinks would be /awesome/, You want some? I can bring you guys back some!" She says brightly.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner chuckled and glanced back at Misha, slowing down a bit so that she caught up to him. "Well...I know these people haven't been, well, pleasant. But...Well, you saw what happened last time." An arm left the confines of his cloak and he scratched his cheek with a finger lightly. "They'd get wiped out again if another one of those big guys decided to take a leisurely stroll down this way again." Sobering up as they approached, he slowed down to a stop with the others, allowing them to speak first. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Plus, something seems off. Aren't you curious?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gudako's /charmingly/ weird opener earned her a pair of arched brows. Both guards paused, then looked at each other, then back to the Magus. "Er-- HP?" One of them uttered in confusion. The other shook his head and whisper to the other 'look at her eyes. She's a lunatic.'. The first sighed and whispered back. 'But she matches one of the descriptions of 'those people'. In fact, they all do.' <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Deelel's mention of Captain Laurence earns her...twin frowns. "Captain Laurence, you say?" There was a tension filled pause...and then Riva happened. So happy. So chipper. So upbeat. Who can keep a stone face at that? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I...Nevermind." The first guard stepped forward, then turned around and looked upwards at the wall. "Open the gates! These are Captain Laurence's guests!" While this happened, the second guard asided to Riva. "Make sure you actually do what you said. It's friggen cold out here!" A glare from the first straightened him up. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; No gallivanting with the weird outsiders! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But well, they were free to go into the city. Passing the gates, they would find that it was a perpetually snow covered city like out of some sort of christmas tale. Wooden buildings as far as the eye could see. Smoke billowing from countless rooftops. And people bundled up for the weather and traversing the streets. However, from where the group entered on the western block, they would notice that they were being given a wide berth. People were very clearly avoiding them, standing off to the sides and whispering to each other. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Uncomfortable as it was, the tension was eventually broken by a familiar voice. "Hello there! You made it at last!" An older man in light armor stepped forth, a hand raised in greeting. He looked to be mid to late thirties, brown hair neatly combed, a bit of a stocky build. Aha, it was that Laurence fellow. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I was surprised to hear they you'd all come back. But I'm glad." He stops to spare a sidelong look about. "...Sorry about this. Let's head somewhere quiet, why don't we? Fancy a drink?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel sees th talking gets them past the guard and Riva's plan does sound like some fun. <br /><br /> "I'll help with that if you need it Riva, suonds like it might be fun later." <br /><br /> she'll strid eon in with the rest of everyone else. She can understand just how misrable the cold can be for many humans so there is a look of sympathy on her face as she moves past the gate. She looks over her shoulder to Misha, Riva and Guako. <br /><br /> "Come on let's not delay I doubt any of you want to remain out in the cold." <br /><br /> She now treck on checking out the ity itself it was curious she noticed people are avoiding them as they go. <br /><br /> "Thy don't seem to receptive to the people who kept their city from the sword...It almost reminds me of home and not in a good way." <br /><br /> Once they finally reach the Cptain she gives them a nod and a bit of a smile. <br /><br /> "A drink would be wonderful."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The response from the guards causes Riva to clap her hands. "No problem! Thank you very much. Maybe we'll see you at the tavern later, hmm~?" She says, humming a little as she quickly bounces past, waving to the pair of guards. <br /><br />Once in the town, Riva looks around, watching what's going down around them and considering what it means. She rubs her chin, and is about to say something when Captain Laurence shows up.<br /><br /> "Hey there, Captain!" Riva waves, immediately approaching the man and clapping him on the shoulder. "Great to see you again!" When he suggests a drink, Riva nods. "That's a great idea! Is this place always this cold? You guys must have it rough."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako would explain that HP means health, and add that her not-so-oblique threat meant if the guards wasted her time she would kill them. But that would be a waste of time, now that they've gained entry! Pain as it was to sit through that very brief stalling.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To Deelel, the magus does answer: "Stuck up guards gonna be stuck up guards. There's one of those cities in every story!" It adds punch. Either they meet their deserved end, or they're there to get redeemed and shown the right way, usually by the heroes' actions. Heh. 'Heroes'.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And food," Gudako adds to Laurence, after Riva suggests drinks. "But we came here for information too! There better be plenty of that, because boredom kills."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That one is a bit more obvious.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thankfully, the cold didn't affect Servants the way it did humans - namely because, while corporal, they were more solid prana-constructs in concept then real flesh-and-blood human beings. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However, the paranoia of the guards seems to still be lingering in the wake of the battle, considering how on-edge they were. Unsurprising, though - they were just in a rather severe battle. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; His own arrival is likely to be rather low-key - he doesn't really give much of an introduction, nor makes much of an effort to stand out like Gudako and Riva seem to, his only response being a simple nod and a provision of a Union ID to signify his status. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, he does let out an exasperated-sounding sigh at Riva's actions. "I think we have more important things to worry about then drinks." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... they weren't going to get along, were they? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As they approach the Tavern, Archer makes a point of keeping an eye on Gudako - the lone Confederate in their midsts - as they soon meet with their contact, for lack of a better word, the bowman silently nodding and following the man's instructions to head to a more quiet spot - though he doesn't respond to the offer for drinks. As a Servant, he couldn't get drunk anyway and he didn't /need/ sustenance, so there was no real point. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; His most pressing concern was learning what happened last week... and what exactly the connection was between that and the long-absent Lyner Barsett.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:757|Misha (757)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Duh, I saw what happened last time. I was there. I sang their problems away." The Reyvateil replies to her knight as she sets her hands on her hips. "Mmm. I guess." She finally relents, admitting to her own curiosity as the gates finally open.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Of COURSE she doesn't want to stick out in the cold either, it's a nightmare, and she's already wandering in after everyone else. "Something to warm up." She asides to... Laurence was it? She's not as exhuberant as Riva though, Misha seems kind of cranky tonight.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well, yeah, you did. But that was more a figure of speech, haha..." Of course, Lyner, of course. As they passed through the gates and walked down the cobblestone streets, Laurence's greeting was like a breath of fresh air before all of the...stares and mumblings. Was what they did last week really so suspicious? It was unsettling. But nonetheless, Lyner smiled and raised a hand in greeting. "Hey! That sounds good to me! Let's do it!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Laurence chuckled at all the greetings, nodding in kind. "Alright, follow me." He turned and began to walk off with the group in tow. Deelel was spared a look and a nod. "Yes. All year round. Snow just falls like rain. It's a local occupation to keep the streets clear of snow as much as possible actually." He looked off and shook his head. "Pays well too. Probably more than being a knight." He looked up at the sky, his tone taking on a joking tune. "Perhaps I should have taken up the shovel instead of the sword." Riva gets a smile. "Hello there...I...I don't think I actually got your names last time. Sorry miss." He apologized, slowing down as they stopped at what looked to be a tavern of some sort, if the sight out front didn't make it obvious enough. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gudako's less obvious threat just earns her a chuckle. "I'll do my best not to make it boring then. Won't I?" And then they were inside. First thing they would notice was that there were a lot of other off duty knights here. Must have been the army's regular dive. Several waitresses could be seen expertly navigating the tables, taking and delivering orders. The bar was filled with people sitting at stools as well. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Laurence veered off to the side. "Busy as usual, I see." And with that said, he lead the way over to an empty corner table, plopping down and having a seat. The group might notice that the other occupants of the place were giving them sidelong looks, trying to be subtle. No one greeted them upon their arrival as well. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Laurence was unaffected though and smiled. "Have a seat. Order whatever you'd like. This place has got good food and drinks. I can vouch for it." And then he waved over a waitress. "Get them whatever they ask for, it's on me." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And with that out of the way, allowing them to order things at their leisure, he sighed and settled back in his seat. "So...I think I owe you all some answers. But before that--" Pause. "--Names. I can't keep saying 'you there!' now, can I?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel seeme amused at Gudako's comment. <br /><br /> "Worse are the worlds where guard's like that." <br /><br /> Though the comment about this being just a story gets one eyebrow raised by her. She does make note of Archer's arrival. She also takes note of Misha for and wonder if it's just returning here was making Misha cranky or was it something else? Now certainly wasn't the time to ask that question to be sure she focus on Laurenc efor a moment and she listens. <br /><br /> "Sounds like jokes made about some human nations I know of come to life." <br /><br /> She moves to sit down and will place an order of something to eat and drink she could use a bit of a recharge. <br /><br /> "My name is Deelel."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With Archer keeping an eye on her, Gudako occasionally keeps an eye on him! This is less a careful eye, and more out-loud musing, as she makes no effort to conceal her thoughts.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You know, it's kinda weird an Archer is using swords! Those swords are really distinctive too. I wonder if it's a decoy? But your outfit is pretty unique, and not like anything I've seen! HMM." Hmm indeed. Gudako leans in closer to inspect the taller, more tanned man. "Three, four, five...? You look pretty cool... you've got an edgy moral code... an Archer who doesn't act like an Archer at all... I'd think four! Something's missing. I'm not sure what! Blonde hair, maybe...?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nevermind the creepy lunatic magus.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Laurence's assurance this won't be boring allows the magus to sit at the table with her usual smile, pondering the menu. She'll have some roasted meat, God knows what's local here.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm Gudako Ordria! The blue-robed lady with me was Caster, and there's a red-robed one named Berserker too. But you can't see them right now!" Not that it'd take significant effort to have them appear, but sometimes some quiet is nicer, and not having to deal with one Servant being jealous the other was allowed to pop up is even nicer.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:757|Misha (757)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What the locals lack in welcoming jovial attitude, this one man makes up for all of it completely. How can one man be so chipper when surrounded by a city full of suspicious xenophobes? It's mind blowing. "So whyyy isn't everyone as welcoming as you, exactly?" A little blunt perhaps, but it is a valid question to ask as she settles in. For the record, a warm spiced wine will do her well, so she seems to go for that, to warm up. "I'm Misha, by the way." That's her introduction. Warming up- coupled with Laurence actually being nice is doing wonders for her mood already. "Soooo... What exactly was that thing that was stomping around last time?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Archer's snark causes Riva to look up in surprise for a moment, the cheery disposition threatening to crumble a bit under the onslaught of grumpiness. However, The Captain saves the day along with the rest of the group, deciding to head out for refreshments! "Woohoo!" Riva declares as they all decide to get to a place with hot food and drinks. "Oh, my name? Riva! Riva Banari, nice to meet you, Captain!" She beams. <br /><br />Once they get inside the tavern, Riva wastes no time in ordering some mulled wine and some stew. "This seems like a nice place, but the people seem pretty glum. I guess the Incarnations are a thing, but is that the only reason why people are having trouble?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer gives something of a sarcastic smile when hearing Laurence's quip; there were more then enough times he envied the blissful ignorance of a life without knowing the rigors that the ideals of 'heroism' imposed on a person's will... even as he silently would chastise them for it as well at times, when their fragile peace was disturbed. Such was the curse of introspection - neither side truly held ground he could firmly stand upon. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer silently takes note of the many eyes trying to discreetly observe them, though outwardly he gave no hint to this aside from slow glances here and there. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, Gudako's 'observations' are a bit harder to deal with - he outwardly keeps himself impassive, wondering if her counting upwards was her way of rating a Servant's value... and flattering as it might be considered to be ranked 'four', Archer wasn't sure if he really appreciated that kind of attention. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The girl seemed to be a Servant collector, if her words to Assassin of Steel during their last meeting were any indication, and he wasn't keen on letting himself be added to the tally - he may have felt sympathy for the Caster she had, but that wasn't the same as wanting to share the burden. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As they sit at the bar, Archer takes his seat silently, though he politely declines the offer for a drink - though if others insist on him having one, he will let out a sigh and reply "Tea then, if they have it." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The question of an introduction is answered promptly by the bowman regarding his identity; "You may call me Archer." Nothing else is said - nothing needs to be said, really. As a Servant, his class is effectively his identity. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Something Archer didn't complain about in the slightest. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Upon Riva's observation, Archer crosses his arms and closes his eyes contemplatively. "They tended to be an isolated community from the rest of the Multiverse... so logically, I suppose the presence of Elites from either faction in their formally-insular community is likely causing some distress" he states dispassionately. "It doesn't matter if we saved them or not - we are an unknown to them... and they won't accept our foreign presence easily. Especially if conflicts between the Union and Confederacy branch out here because of our presence." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He keeps his voice low enough to try and not have bystanders hear his rather blunt commentary, though. Better not to stir the hornet's nest when you don't know how bad the reaction will be... though his prodding of Riva with his beliefs is likely a contrast to that, truthfully. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But then again, because of her similarities to Emiya Shioru's code of beliefs - or close enough in his mind - he was confident he could handle that at least. And if nothing else, it served as a starter to the topic and cut to the serious questions - the best route to take in his mind, when dealing with situations like this.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner has a seat with the others, already pondering the events of last time. "Oh- My name! Right! Lyner Barsett. Pleasure to meet you, Captain Laurence!" The blonde knight introduces himself before nodding along with Misha. "Right. That's what I was going to ask." They knew it's name at the very least, but...why was it there? It came from the mountains and just started stomping towards the city. That's not normal. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Laurence takes in everyone's names with a smile and a nod. "Deelel, Riva, Gudako..." A pause was had at the Servant names. "Caster? Berserker, Archer...? Strange names. But I shouldn't be surprised. People that come from beyond are different from us." That may have answered Misha's question. This man just had a brighter personal outlook than other people. But surely it went deeper. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Introductions out of the way and orders placed, the waitress scurried off to go handle this rather large order. Laurence took a deep breath and then looked towards Misha. "You asked why everyone in this city isn't as welcoming as me?" He fell silent for a few seconds. "Well. I wouldn't say everyone, but...well, before we wound up unified into this strange cluster of worlds, our own world was one one war and strife. But not the typical kind of war. It was a war against God." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So he said. "Though, as far as we know, only this fortified city-state, and that dreadeful mountain in the distance seem to have made it, the conflict was still inherited." Talk about bad luck. "As for what that 'thing' was...They are called 'Incarnations'. They are fragments of 'God', as we know." The knight captain paused there, letting it settle in. "They come in many different shapes and sizes, but what they all have in common is their will to destroy us." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Riva is looked at next and he smiles wryly. "The people have a right to be scared and suspicious. 'Incarnations' are not the only problems we have. There are people who side with 'God'. We call them 'Einherjar'. They are imbued with a fragment of God's power, and are capable of feats much like you all did last week. Us normal people can't do anything like that, so everyone is on edge." He sighed. "We have no way of knowing who could be an Einherjar until they actually strike. So the people of this city have chosen to condemn all outsiders rather than take the risk." A shrug followed. "I don't agree with that notion. Which is why you all are sitting with me right now." And he smiled. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Laurence looked towards Archer next. "...And this is somewhat true as well. I won't defend our city and claim it to be otherwise. You people from beyond, with the powers of Einherjar. Even if you defeated an 'Incarnation' before our eyes, suspicion still runs deep. It's a shame." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Right at about this moment, the waitress returned with various orders, managing not to spill or drop anything as they placed dishes, mugs, and glasses on the table.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Riva listens attentively to the explanations from the Captain, but the arrival of the stew and the wine causes her to immediately shift focus. With the noise of speedy consumption, Riva devours the hot stew in only a couple minutes, and then drains the cup of mulled wine. Leaning back, she pasts her stomach and sighs. "Wow, that was gooooooooo-Urp!" She suddenly emits a small belch, and she covers her mouth, looking a little surprised. "Um, sorry! Hahahaha." she laughs it off, a little embarassed. <br /><br />After that, however, it's down to business. "So you're a town under siege. But what do they want? Surely it's not to just wipe you guys out, right? And have you managed to capture any of those Einherjiar alive? What do they want? Surely they can talk."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel has chosen to stay and while and listen and so she does as everyone gets to introducing eachother. <br /><br /> She frowns for a moment htough as they tyalk about this deity and the war against htem. There's shades of things that trouble here deepoly there. <br /><br /> "May I ask what started this war, Captain? If you have any more idea about it that is."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako might have appreciated Archer being visibly uncomfortable by her probing. Or maybe she'd just have appreciated a reply! Oh, this man was cold as ice. No wonder he thanked Caster for that Bounded Field. He must be the calculating, efficient, cool type. A match for his appearance! Hm, yes, certainly at least a four.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An arbitrary value based on nothing, though.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To Laurence, she at least explains: "They're not names! They're classes. Titles! We're from worlds where keeping your identity a secret is super important, so Servants name themselves after their archetype! It adds a layer of ~mystery~ to the magical highlander wargames! That sensation when you piece together an opponent's identity~" Ah, what a rush. Especially once you're also done digging up their flaws and weaknesses based on that.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Right, but that's totally off-topic.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So... Einherjar use the power of God to fight Incarnations, which are chunks of God that are angry! That's kind of odd, don't you think? Why would God empower some people while also sending some of his pieces to kill people? Oh, maybe he just wants to tell a good story, hmm, hmm! So you guys have never dug up anything that explains this? No ancient ruins or texts on walls? Prophecies?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She muses, out loud: "Ooh, now I want a chunk of Einherjar to go with my chunk of Incarnation. I bet having them side to side would be super insightful." Murders to plan: at least 1.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer gives something of a neutral regarding to Laurence's response on the Servant titles... and as he listened, he felt that some things were starting to clear up. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; These people had bad encounters with people who possessed supernatural abilities apparently imbued by the 'God' - people called 'Einherjar', it seemed. And being isolated with that threat had naturally made them as weary of outsiders with similar powers... such as the vast majority of Elites. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, he privately criticized whether or not they were facing a 'God' here, though perhaps it was such as relevant to this realm. Overall though... it seemed these people were fighting for their right to exist. Even if it meant killing what they considered to be Gods. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One of the more admirable, yet destructive, traits of humans; they never gave up on their inborn desire to surpass and survive the odds, no matter what was thrown against them. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And just like in the prior mission and prior world, it seemed that this conflict humans were part of was one of inherent genocide between entities and beings. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Glancing at Riva - and somewhat bemusedly noting the speed she ate at rivaled the Saber he had long-ago known - Archer signs and shakes his head lightly. "It is likely a matter of them having nothing they wish to say to us. At this point, if it is an inherited war... obliterating their enemies seems the obvious, and most likely correct assumption to make regarding their motivations. Why they would want this though, I couldn't say off-hand... though I can theorize." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The bowman gives a simple nod of affirmation when Deelel speaks, silently agreeing that this is the key topic to start explaining... if he knows anything about it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At the same time though, Archer gives something of a surprised glance to Gudako as, typical of her character so far, she speaks faster then she likely thinks, though it's outwardly suppressed to the point that his brows rising up is the only outward indicator. The girl - a Confederate - had a fragment of the Incarnation? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And she was just going to causally blurt that out in a public tavern filled with people who were already beyond paranoid at their very presence? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If he didn't think it would draw more - possibly fatal - attention onto them, Archer would have pinched the bridge of his nose to try and ward off the headache he was feeling from this. As it was though, he outwardly remained impassive, listening to the conversation even as he opted to discretely observe his surroundings with periodic glances to see if anyone heard the girl's comment... and be ready in case something unfortunate came of it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The only upside would be that it was useful information to know about the enemy for future reference, if nothing else.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner crosses his arms, listening to everything. And then when Gudako makes the comment about Einherjar, he chimes in. "I think what he meant is that Einherjar are people given power by God to fight their /fellow humans/." Which is a thought that earns a mild frown from him. "But yeah, why are Incarnations attacking people? You said God made them, but...what's with that mountain in the distance there?" The Knight of Elemia spoke, asking his own questions to support the others. In between sips of a warm drink that is. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gudako's casual mention of an Incarnation fragment causes Lyner to pause. "...Eh?" And much like Archer, he took a moment to casually scope out the surroundings with a sidelong glance. Nothing too obvious. But why would she just say that!? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Laurence nodded to the Magus, not totally understanding her explanation of class names, but getting the gist of it. They were titles given to conceal actual names. Okay. Moving back on topic, the man looked to Riva. "What they want...I have no idea." He shrugged. "That's the biggest mystery. We don't know why we're being attacked. It's just been this way for as long as I've known." He looked to Deelel next. "We've tried many ways to 'contact' God, and figure out why this is happening, and what we should do to come to some kind of agreement, but...well, Incarnations don't talk. What Einherjar we've run into won't listen to us. So we're backed into a corner." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There was a pause, and then he brought a hand to his chin. "...But there is something." Glancing out the window, he looked towards the mountain in the distance, as if on cue from Lyner. "That place where the last Incarnation came from. We're reasonably sure that God may reside there. The place is crawling with Incarnations big and small. None of our expedition attempts made it very far because of that." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then he looked back to everyone. "Which brings me to the reason I invited you all here in the first place. I have an idea. And with your abilit-Huh?" Right at about that moment, Gudako mentioned having an Incarnation fragment. "...Excuse me?" Did she really just say that out loud? Laurence didn't look offended, but he did suddenly look very aware of his surroundings. And for good reason. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If the group stopped talking, they would notice that the tavern had grown stark silent. The only noise to be heard was the occasional shift of metal, signifying a repositioning of a weapon here and there. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And all the eyes in the establishment were on them.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Huh what?" Gudako blinks, still smiling, sizing Laurence up from head to toe. Did she confuse this man? Oh! Maybe she just needs to explain better. "Yeah! I had Caster--"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is a sudden gathering of bright blue wisps of mana, as the pink-haired, fox-eared-and-tailed Servant of the magus materializes out of countless little specks of azure light gathering together. The foxgirl puts a hand over Gudako's mouth, laughing very, very awkwardly.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Destroy it! She had me destroy it," Caster says, not exactly a good liar but definitely trying to move the conversation back on track. "It wasn't a safe thing to keep around! Silly master, leaving crucial details out. SO, MISTER LAURENCE, SIR, you were about to tell us about your idea~. An expedition? Caster likes expeditions!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Well!" Riva replies brightly."That makes things really simple! All we have to do is go to the mountain and bo beat..." She pauses, suddenly feeling the tension. "Things..." Awkwardly, she finishes the sentence. "Up?" <br /><br />She scratches the back of her head and smiles, emitting a low chuckle. "So, guys, um... Who's up for a rousing tavern song?" She asks. "Things are getting really gloomy in here all of a sudden and seriously, this isn't the time or place to be gloomy!" <br /><br />Oh god keep their attention off gudako, distraction time!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Much as Archer figured, this 'God' had in no interest in negotiation - only destruction. And nobody was even sure what the reason was. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Not exactly the best starting place. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Moreover, he takes note of Laurence's statement that the 'God' behind all this resides in the mountain. How terribly convenient that it had a homestead so close to this city. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Perhaps too convenient. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, those thoughts go out the window for the moment when the room goes silent and the tension rises, Archer cursing to himself - but reserving the more virulent ones for Gakudo. Why on earth did the girl have no filter on her mouth - normally he would consider that a weakness he could play up on in battle, but here it was the worst possible time for it! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And he's not even sure if Caster's help makes the situation better or worse... considering she just materialized out of thin air in a public tavern in front of a group of people who already had probably been looking for an excuse to run them through - were he not on high-alert now, he would have buried his face in both palms at the scene, morbidly wondering how he ended up in what seemed to be shaping up into a black comedy skit, and he can no longer avoid from letting out an exasperated sigh as he regards Caster. "... I think they have something more pressing to worry about, now, Caster. Such as the woman with vulpine features who just materialized out of thin air in front of them." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Riva's asking for a tavern song will probably just draw /more/ attention on them at this rate, the situation likely to snowball even further. Something that results in him shooting an exasperated glance at Riva in response. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... well, if worse came to worse, he could get out by entering spirit form. The others though... likely wouldn't be so fortunate. And come to think of it, he couldn't really leave the abandoned, so he'd at least have to stay long enough to keep an eye on them all and make sure none of them were severely injured. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It wouldn't do to have Rin on his case about allies getting injured on his watch, after all.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel says "I think I see where this is going your going to need people who can get in there and find out what's really going on with this war? We would hae a better chanc eof suriving I get it. Oe this madness will keep going I take it." <br /><br /> She looks to Gudako with a look on her face that seems quite shocked. <br /><br /> "Wait you did what?" <br /><br /> Deelel already has already pulled the disc off her back and it's almost ready to light up armed but she's nto quite gone that far yet. She stares at the fox girl whose just ported in. <br /><br /> "Somehow I find that hard to swallow." <br /><br /> She does put he disc away however she seems to be stnading down but she looks to Riva. <br /><br /> "Why not, you lead on it." <br /><br /> She's still keeping an eye on the fox but it looks like things are a big difussed now at least on Deelel's end.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Unlike Archer, Lyner /did/ take the time to facepalm. "Oh man..." He mumbled to himself quietly. He could almost feel the change in atmosphere. Not that it was pleasant before, but people were minding their own business. Now everyone was staring at them. Off duty knights, waitresses, and the bartender. And the former group wore withering looks upon their faces, looking ready to strike at a moment's notice. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Caster materializing out of thin air and assuring everyone that the fragment was /of course/ destroyed was met with a sea of unconvinced looks. "....." Some hushed muttering occurred throughout the premesis, and the general consensus seemed to be...NOPE, not believing that! Several knights stood, hands grasping the handles of their sheathed swords. Some others already drewn their blades, holding them at the ready. "We have heard more than enough, you foul Einherjar! Return to your wretched god!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yeah! We don't need your kind here!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You see, Laurence! This is what trusting outsiders gets you! They're consorting with God!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "They even have monsters with them! That animal just appeared out of nothing!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The fervor was fast rising. But Laurence just took a deep breath and stood. "Silence! Yes, these people have abilities that may rival Einherjar, but I can confirm that they are not! They are our best chance to find out what is going on! Why we fight these meaningless battles!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There was a pause given, and more hushed muttering occurred. "Can we really trust them?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "There is no way! Powers like that have never been on our side!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It is a curse rendered upon man by God!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...But what if we can find out what's going on? Why we must fight these beings constantly?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Is it really possible?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Looks like even their own ranks weren't sure about what stance to take. This might be a good chance to say something not incriminating.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Okay, so they don't want to sing. Fine, so be it. Riva sighs and leans back in her chair, threading her fingers behind her head. "You know, you guys...." Riva drawls. "You know... The fact that half of you are even alive to sit here and yell at us is because we showed up to help stop that Incarnation. We didn't even ask for a reward. We did it because it was the right thing to do." <br /><br />She then puts her hands on the table and leans forward, smiling. "So the least you guys can do is try to trust us a little bit, okay? I have absolutely no interest in hurting you people. I'm a lover, not a fighter." <br /><br />Says the woman with a maul. <br /><br />"So I'm going to lay it out and tell you guys what we're going to do. We're going to go to that mountain, and we're going to find some answers and punch whatever we need to punch in order to stop it." <br /><br />She pauses. "If any of you guys know why all this is happening, it would be /really awesome/ if you could tell us now. It could save us a lot of time, and you guys a lot of trouble. I don't like trouble. It's a lot less fun than partying."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We're-- we're not Einherjar!" Caster objects, glancing left, right, left, right, keeping an eye on all the tavern patrons. She's already considering-- how many talismans she'll need, the area of effect of her curses, or maybe she could just resort to charm and seduction. She's never been proud to use those spells, though... certainly it would be a coin toss whether she'd agree to it or not.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fortunately things are defused, as Laurence and Riva handle the populace. Pitchforks and torches go down, or at least halfway down, that's good enough.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a sigh and a frown, Caster lowers her head, calming down. She is still, however, keeping Gudako's mouth shut. The magus seems to have taken her cellphone out and occupied herself in the meantime, completely disconnecting herself from the ongoing situation. Someone will, surely, shake her if her input is needed.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Confronting your God is one solution," Caster says. "But I think it's also important to figure out what the link between Incarnations and Einherjar are. This situation might have more to it than just 'monsters bad, rawr, kill'. Fragments of God are attacking and killing you, while others utilize powers from God to fight. It might be wise to understand more before going to confront God."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well... she is a Caster. A part of her wants to figure magical stuff out. The other is pretty in-tune with just rushing ahead and smacking God upside the head, though!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Archer sighed irritably as the chaos - the fear and paranoia bred by those who are, by their very nature, inhuman, regardless of their alignment - rose up across the tavern. Once again, it was human nature to reject what was not human... and it meant that paranoia and distrust was going to be their enemy from here on out when it came to trying to help people here. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He gives a skeptical look at Riva, once again sighing as he speaks to her - softly enough so that only she hears his admonishment - "Do you honestly think the fact you saved them a single time is going to convince them to trust you on word of mouth? Not even the soldiers who watched you help in the fight afford you that level of courtesy - why would these people do so, let alone confide sensitive information?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Even now he's ever the cynic, though at least he keeps it to the group - unlike a certain red-haired mage it seemed. However, he isn't really telling Riva to shut up so much as consider the fact that these people have zero inclination to really trust them with their lives.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As the crowd's rage dies down, Archer takes the time to give a very short statement - "Whether or not you trust us is your own choice. The fact of the matter, however, is that we are willing to risk our lives to end the threat against you. The only ones at risk will be ourselves for going out after the entity... so in helping us go there, your problems are already solved. Either we die there and nothing will change, or we succeed and help end an issue that has plagued you for generations. Either way, you either gain something or the status que remains intact, but none of you lose anything." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It's as disarming a statement as someone like Archer can make, given the circumstances. He doesn't try to arbitrarily say they /need/ to have faith in them, instead appealing to logic by arguing they won't lose anything regardless. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hopefully, it has some form of positive effect.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Riva continues to be reasonable, and between her and Laurence, in addition to Caster's own input, things settle down a bit. Archer's words are cynical, but they provide a much needed reality to the the situation as it is. After some time, Swords are lowered...a bit. And people talk amongst themselves again. It is true that despite having those odd powers, they did fight the Incarnation for them last week... And really, if they did want to bring this city to ruin, they could have easily fanned out and burned the place down collectively... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner chimes in at this point. "I agree with Caster. Something about this doesn't strike me as being as easy as just waltzing through a crowd of Incarnations, and fighting 'God'. Whoever this might be." He turned his chair a around a bit to face the rest of the tavern at large. "But...I do think that the best we can do for now is head over to that mountain, and see if there's anything we can discover." But he raised a hand to signify he had more to say. "Not with the intent to fight everything in sight. But rather...to see if there's anything at all we can figure out from this." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then he smiled. "Can we at least do that? You don't have to trust us, or support us, but just know that this is what we intend to do." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All of this said, Laurence breathed a sigh of relief and sat himself back down. "Yes. That's good. I'm sorry to thrust such a heavy burden upon your shoulders, but after what I saw last week. After what we all saw, I think that this is the best course of action that I, as captain, can take." He took a long chug from his pitcher of beer, pausing in his statement to do so. And then once done, he spoke further. "So this is what I ask of you all. Please go there and see if you can find any answers. I don't expect you to kill God, if he, she, they, it can even be killed, but...Whatever you can unearth would be helpful. I'll assemble a defensive line for the city and await your results." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Another, shorter sip. "...Can I ask this if you all?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel says "I have to agree I doubnt this will be easy but we need to look into this and see just what is going on here. Maybe we can bring an end to it and for those with more material interests. Find something to keep you happy as well." <br /><br /> She's being poltie here but she's also being honest about it. She looks to Laurence and smirks a little bit. <br /><br /> "You can, I'm game to see where this leads."<br> <br><br />
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}}</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Hook:_Echoes_of_a_Wish_Gone_Wrong_(Gudako_Ordria)&diff=12174Hook: Echoes of a Wish Gone Wrong (Gudako Ordria)2015-12-04T20:30:45Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2015/12/04 |Location=- |Synopsis=Archived report. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=908 |Tinyplot= }} Written by Caster, old Japanese etc. etc. "T..."</p>
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"There's a place on the world my master is from-- not her home city, but it wasn't that far. It had its own Grail War too, before master's first and second cities did. Their wish went pretty poorly; it must have been one of the more powerful Grails, because that city isn't much more than a crater now. But! That place had some really high-tier leylines. She sent me and Berserker to scout, but there's a slight problem."<br />
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"Basically, we can't set up shop there to use the leylines without evicting the current occupants. Ghosts, wraiths-- maybe Servants. They're not real, they're just echoes and imprints left by the destruction. But there's quite a few of them! So we need muscle."<br />
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"Once the threats are gone, myself, miss Bathory and mister Caster of Steel could easily use our Territory Creation together to set up a fortress. Master got tired of being in a shabby apartment and overheard talk of being productive and getting a real base somewhere, ah... she's really made us do our research."<br />
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"Besides the ghosts, it's important to avoid the flaming black mud scattered all over the city. It's extremely dangerous to Servants, but probably not so much to you guys. It corrupts, though! Please bring appropriate charms and wards if you can. Or, better yet, don't take mud baths in it! The upside is that once we get past it and to the center of the leylines, we'll have a very defensible position surrounded by hazards. The Servants avoid the center for some reason. Seems there used to be an anti-spirit field there, we could probably work with that."<br />
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"So yeah! Muscle. We'll need some muscle."<br />
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-Caster</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Report:_Lucrelia_(2)_(Gudako_Ordria)&diff=12173Report: Lucrelia (2) (Gudako Ordria)2015-12-04T20:29:09Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2015/12/04 |Location=- |Synopsis=Archived report. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=908 |Tinyplot= }} Written by Caster, old Japanese dialect etc. ..."</p>
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"Yesterday my master was invited back to the city-state of Lucrelia, which we defended from a creature known as an Incarnation a week back. Also present were:" Descriptions of Lyner Barsett, Archer, Deelel, Misha and Riva Banari are included.<br />
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"We arrived to find the city tense and generally unwelcoming towards outsiders, but the guard captain, Laurence, managed to let us through. We sat down for a meal at the local pub slash tavern slash... restaurant? And discussd the matter of Incarnations again."<br />
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"Going over it quickly, Incarnations are fragments of God which seem to terrorize the area Lucrelia is near. They are big, monstrous things and no two are alike. But there's also Einherjar, people who use the power from fragments of God and side with the Incarnations. Master is interested in crystalizing a piece of Einherjar power to compare it to the Incarnation shard we got, so that's on our to-do!"<br />
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"As the town is concerned, no one really remembers when the war against God started or how old it even is. There's no information on it. Laurence wants us to go to the nearby mountains, soon. He says God might live there. There's a lot of Incarnations there, and it's his best lead to figure this out."<br />
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"You guys should keep your eyes open for that expedition. Incarnations have a fair bit of divinity and magical power in them, and they're harvestable with the right spells. It wouldn't be a bad idea to start collecting!"<br />
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-Caster</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Report:_Lucrelia_(1)_(Gudako_Ordria)&diff=12172Report: Lucrelia (1) (Gudako Ordria)2015-12-04T20:28:17Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2015/11/27 |Location=- |Synopsis=Archived report. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=908 |Tinyplot= }} Text-only archaic Japanese etc etc, written b..."</p>
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"Last night, a distress signal from an area out in the Tundra attracted by master's attention; miss Sanary Rondel was along for the ride, too! We arrived to find a battlefield not far from a village called Lucrelia, where the local army was engaging a large, strange monster they called an Incarnation."<br />
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"This Incarnation, they would go on to explain later, isn't just a god, but rather a shard of God, filled with hatred and anger. It isn't their first time fighting one, but I think if nobody had shown up to help they'd have died to this one."<br />
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Descriptions of the following Union Elites follow: Deelel, Yuna Kagurazaka, Riva Banari, Emiya Shirou, Ayako Hasekawa, Cirra Constantine, Misha, Archer, Lyner Barsett.<br />
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"Because the Servant in red was arguing with everyone else about how to best resolve this situation with or without regards to the local army, master had me put up a Bounded Field that would prevent leaving the battlefield and which would slowly draw the army towards the monster until it was either killed or broke through. It was the best way not to waste time. Predictably this angered people, but they focused their efforts on killing the monsters instead of us. One of those present," she reiterates the description of Misha, "Used some powerful magic in song form to bind the fragment of God to reality, which seemed to negate its ability to regenerate and avoid damage. It was subsequently killed."<br />
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"Master had me drain the monster while it was still alive, and I collected a crystalized fragment of divinity. It seems attuned to the element of fire and has minor regenerative powers. Master says she has a few plans and ideas involving chunks of gods so we'll be keeping it for now, but if someone would like to study it they're welcome to it temporarily!"<br />
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-Caster</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Report:_Black_Forest_(Gudako_Ordria)&diff=12171Report: Black Forest (Gudako Ordria)2015-12-04T20:27:21Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2015/12/04 |Location=- |Synopsis=Archived report. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=908 |Tinyplot= }} Written by Caster, old Japanese dialect etc. ..."</p>
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Written by Caster, old Japanese dialect etc. etc.!<br />
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"This one is a few days later, sorry! There was a battle in the Germany of the world the Mirror Forest is in, specifically the Black Forest, between Ira MacNally and Janine Liberi, two Persona users. Mister Ark Line and his Caster, as well as miss Laer, were along to watch, as were August Kohler and Hoshi Amakasu. After a few back and forth slugs, a teenager wandered in, asking what we were doing."<br />
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A description of Kazimir Volkov is included.<br />
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"He revealed himself to also be a Persona user and interrupted the fight by his presence. Miss Laer used the occasion to finalize Ira's recruitment into the Confederacy (after our meeting with her, see previous report), but I think she has one of those special ranks where we shouldn't be talking about it. So forget I said that!"<br />
<br />
"That's about all there is to say about that event. We're up to five Persona users now; one of them is with us, the others are all unknown or with the Union."<br />
<br />
-Caster</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Report:_Recruiting_Ira_(Gudako_Ordria)&diff=12170Report: Recruiting Ira (Gudako Ordria)2015-12-04T20:25:58Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2015/11/22 |Location=- |Synopsis=Archived report. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=908 |Tinyplot= }} Quick text report, miraculously written by Gu..."</p>
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Quick text report, miraculously written by Gudako.<br />
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"Had dinner with miss Ira MacNally! She's a Persona user, from the same world as Hoshi, August and Janine. Unlike them she has more interest in personal power and glory than in saving people and being a hero, so I told her about the Confederacy. Someone with rank should follow through, she seemed interested!"<br />
<br />
-Gudako<br />
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OOC: Ira seemed interested in signing up as a Wraith, so an officer (or staff/fachead alt reading this) should try to get in touch with her if possible.</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Report:_Mirror_Forest_(2)_(Gudako_Ordria)&diff=12169Report: Mirror Forest (2) (Gudako Ordria)2015-12-04T20:24:31Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2015/11/16 |Location=- |Synopsis=Archived report. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=908 |Tinyplot= }} A text report, submitted by Gudako's Caster! ..."</p>
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A text report, submitted by Gudako's Caster!<br />
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"Master got bored again, and wanted to visit that mirror and glass forest we went to before, by stepping through a mirror in a particular town in Germany. This time she dragged in a maid, her name was Linne! She was looking for sights, too.<br />
<br />
It turned out we stumbled right into an adventuring party again! August Kohler, Hoshi Amakasu, Saber of Black, Kotone Yamakawa and Landon al Cid were all in there, as well as a girl made of water we hadn't met before, Ayako Hasekawa. They were following a trail of petals and the scent of blood.<br />
<br />
Eventually we came across an unknown girl, fighting four beings they called Shadows. Everyone did their best to dispatch them, and Linne turned one into a metal statue! For some reason, August and Hoshi really wanted to keep it, like they had something to do with it. They mentioned an Igor. Oh, oh! And the mysterious girl had a Persona, too.<br />
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She's called Janine Liberi, it sounds like she has a reputation at their school. She was investigating disappearances caused by something called the Persona Game, where students stare into a mirror and do... something, and end up in the forest. And disappear! Or die. It wasn't... very clear.<br />
<br />
It seems like the local teenagers attend a school called Drachenblatt? And Persona seem to be things they summon to fight for them, so maybe the Persona Game isn't named by coincidence! Oh, and if you stay in the forest for too long, the Wolf, Death, it comes and gets you.<br />
<br />
That's about all we learned this time. Hoshi seems to really dislike master, too. Somehow I doubt that'll stop master from making more trips there, and we might not be able to avoid a fight forever."<br />
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-Caster</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Report:_Mirror_Forest_(1)_(Gudako_Ordria)&diff=12168Report: Mirror Forest (1) (Gudako Ordria)2015-12-04T20:23:43Z<p>Waterpuns: </p>
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A report submitted in Early Middle Japanese.<br />
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"Yesterday, my master (Gudako Ordria) took me to go shopping, and we dropped by an Earth that seemed to have some form of ambient but hidden supernatural or magical activity. When I was able to pinpoint it to a large mirror in the mall and charged it with magic, master carelessly wandered in and I had to follow. We wound up in a forest of mirrors and glass, which was at least pretty!"<br />
<br />
"We also stumbled across a group of adventurers, likely from the Union! We were able to identify many of them by name, but two, August and Hoshi, seemed to be local, to the area, speaking with knowledge of the forest and things called 'Persona'."<br />
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Caster goes on to describe August Kohler, Finna, Hoshi Amakasu, Saber of Black (OOC: Jeanne d'Arc), Kotone Yamakawa, Kyra Hyral, Landon al Cid and Scarlet Everille.<br />
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"They were there to rescue a girl called Alexis, locally refered to as the Queen. We were guided by a pig, which master wanted to eat, and made to cross a river of lies, a patch of bramble, and through my own super-useful magic~ you're welcome master~ an unclimbable tower, all to reach the Countess who was holding her hostage. The group fought the Countess, who under her mask looked exactly like Alexis, but with glowing yellow eyes. Then they freed Alexis and left."<br />
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"Master thinks there might be an evil twin thing going on in that world, or maybe it was just the one-off twin sisters scenario. I think she intends to visit again despite the risks. That's all we got out of the situation though... sorry! I think my master made the Union presence uncomfortable. It must have been the pig thing. Aah~ I could have gone for some bacon, too..."<br />
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-Caster</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Report:_Mirror_Forest_(1)_(Gudako_Ordria)&diff=12167Report: Mirror Forest (1) (Gudako Ordria)2015-12-04T20:23:00Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2015/11/11 |Location=- |Synopsis=Archived report. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=908 |Tinyplot= }} A report submitted in Early Middle Japanese. ..."</p>
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<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
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A report submitted in Early Middle Japanese.<br />
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"Yesterday, my master (Gudako Ordria) took me to go shopping, and we dropped by an Earth that seemed to have some form of ambient but hidden supernatural or magical activity. When I was able to pinpoint it to a large mirror in the mall and charged it with magic, master carelessly wandered in and I had to follow. We wound up in a forest of mirrors and glass, which was at least pretty!"<br />
<br />
"We also stumbled across a group of adventurers, likely from the Union! We were able to identify many of them by name, but two, August and Hoshi, seemed to be local, to the area, speaking with knowledge of the forest and things called 'Persona'."<br />
<br />
Caster goes on to describe August Kohler, Finna, Hoshi Amakasu, Saber of Black (OOC: Jeanne d'Arc), Kotone Yamakawa, Kyra Hyral, Landon al Cid and Scarlet Everille.<br />
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"They were there to rescue a girl called Alexis, locally refered to as the Queen. We were guided by a pig, which master wanted to eat, and made to cross a river of lies, a patch of bramble, and through my own super-useful magic[[User:Waterpuns|Waterpuns]] ([[User talk:Waterpuns|talk]]) you're welcome master[[User:Waterpuns|Waterpuns]] ([[User talk:Waterpuns|talk]]) an unclimbable tower, all to reach the Countess who was holding her hostage. The group fought the Countess, who under her mask looked exactly like Alexis, but with glowing yellow eyes. Then they freed Alexis and left."<br />
<br />
"Master thinks there might be an evil twin thing going on in that world, or maybe it was just the one-off twin sisters scenario. I think she intends to visit again despite the risks. That's all we got out of the situation though... sorry! I think my master made the Union presence uncomfortable. It must have been the pig thing. Aah~ I could have gone for some bacon, too..."<br />
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-Caster</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Report:_Introduction_(Gudako_Ordria)&diff=12166Report: Introduction (Gudako Ordria)2015-12-04T20:21:32Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2015/11/06 |Location=- |Synopsis=Archived report. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=908 |Tinyplot= }} It's a short text memo. It reads: Hey! I'm..."</p>
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It's a short text memo. It reads:<br />
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Hey! I'm Gudako, nice to meet you all.<br />
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I'm a magus, I guess? I'm a master, that's more important.<br />
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I have a Caster and a Berserker, you might hear them sometimes.<br />
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Don't feed Berserker unless she does something useful first, I don't want her spoiled and taking it easy. Habits are tough to break in cats.<br />
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You can feed Caster though, I don't care. Or me! I love food.<br />
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Oh yeah, same goes for petting.<br />
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-Gudako</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3371/Baron_of_Blood&diff=121423371/Baron of Blood2015-11-28T19:05:34Z<p>Waterpuns: </p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/11/11<br />
|Location=Dun Realtai<br />
|Synopsis=Lezard Valeth tracks Shirou Emiya to Dun Realtai. Sir Gawain moves to protect him, but Lezard has something else up his sleeve...<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=533, 560, 598, 687, 821, 908, 911<br />
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{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:533|Sir Gawain (533)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>In the plains of Dun Realtai, the afternoon is beginning to get close to evening, but the sun is still up high. Today, a young man takes his eccentric and excitable companion on a walk through the plains, as his companion jumps up and down and searches after every interesting thing. Additionally, Sir Gawain has brought his dog, Florence, the bull-mastiff trailing alongside him obediently. Obviously, nothing strange will happen today! Right? Right?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With all of the crazy things happening in the Multiverse, Shirou can't help but feel a little bit bad about relaxing. He could be out there patrolling Paragon City, or hunting for his home... but no, he's taking just a little bit of time to rest and relax. Dressed in local clothes that don't stand out much, he's unusual only by his obvious asian features compared to the locals...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No matter how crazy things are elsewhere, I'm glad this home isn't being dragged into the trouble. How've you been holding up?" The young man asks his Servant, whom he hardly treats like a Servant at all. "Your Grail War's over... and Lordran's out of a lot of trouble."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"I knew I would find you here eventually. This is like a home away from home, is it not?" <br /><br />There is a pause, and a circle of light draws itself on the ground nearby, dark figures appearing within as an equally dark, amused tone speaks, his voice crawling like spiders down the back. <br /><br />"It is always best to entertain guests at home." <br /><br />The forms fade into view, revealing Lezard Valeth and several other qho are equally important but will introduce themselves in their own special way. With a motion of purple flame, Lezard calls up the Manus Catalyst, pointing it towards Gawain and Shirou. "Come quietly and I might be convinced to be merciful and spend the time to move your soul to a homunculus while I study you, Magus Shirou. Your Servant will be nothing but an inconvenience."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You're putting off speaking with him." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The observation was unwanted - it would be even on the best of days - but Archer's comment was not denied by his Master, watching as Rin's brow's furrowed once as she glanced annoyedly at the Red Knight. Much like another Master & Servant pair, they had been, for lack of a better term, meandering through the streets of the village and, somewhere along the line, Rin had opted to visit the plains for some more 'open fresh air.' <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... though Archer was hardly surprised to find that it was likely just an excuse to keep an eye on Emiya Shirou. She practically treated him like a little sibling would by their elder. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Then again, it wasn't like his Master wasn't an overbearing enough woman for the job... even though that wasn't the thing holding her back.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's not like I'm doing it on purpose, you know." Rin shot back her defense, crossing her arms. "Things have been... hectic to say the least. And after Woodvale, the Shivan War and Lordan, I wanted him to have some breathing room. Maybe even some time to rest and recover." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Archer in turn gave something of a bemused smirk, looking at her out of the corner of one eye. "Oh? Well, he seems fine. Perhaps now we can return home?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rin cast him a half-annoyed, half-curious glance. "What, you have something better to do?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Don't you?" Archer quipped back, his Master stumbling over her response at this point before he went on. "If you're concerned about his mental status - which is undeniably warped and naive enough to give anyone concern - then be forward with him." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rin winced this time, though she didn't fight back at the comment. Instead... she seemed a bit downcast. "Easy for you to say." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; /That/ had been the true reason for most of her awkwardness in trying to speak with the boy outside missions. Namely the fact that what she had promised to speak with him about was something she was concerned about his reaction to... considering it involved a potential future of his. Or at least a possible setting. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And, even though she'd waited for the end of the more pressing affairs he was involved in... it seemed that seeing him in high spirits made her reluctant to potentially shatter that moment of happiness he'd claimed for all his efforts. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A redundant gesture, given what Archer felt he knew of the boy and how his 'dream' would turn out... but not quite an unsympathetic one. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However, before the matter could be debated further... they both felt it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A magic that carried the chilled, cold twinge of death about it. Similar to Matou Zouken... yet arguably a league, if not more, above him. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Archer...!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She hardly needed to give an order, the Bowman already moving to a spot where the two could observe the situation... and see just what these 'visitors' wanted. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though once Archer saw who was leading them... he had a rather strong suspicion of where this was going to go.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is a magus with Lezard.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Please do not pay attention to the fact she kind of looks like a female Shirou, which is probably creepy. One might suspect Lezard of playing with homunculi again but this is pure coincidence. Perhaps the major difference between Shirou and Gudako is that she has slightly longer her and deader eyes, but that'd be overlooking the wide constant grin on her face. Also the costume. Mostly the costume.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is a slightly taller figure with her, a pink-haired fox-eared Caster in blue and black robes, with a mirror that orbits her idly, a large, almost three feet tall and wide mirror framed in blue and gold metal.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But unlike Lezard, the magus does not threaten, instead she just continues smiling. And then snatches Caster's Noble Phantasm out of the air, and uses it like a common hand mirror. A very large one, but still.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Huuuuh. I don't look that dorky do I."<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lower mirror, look at Shirou.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Raise mirror, look at self.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Haha, weeeeird. Caster I'm keeping this."<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"M-- Master, I need that to fight!"<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We're not fighting, duh."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She pulls her cellphone out with her other hand.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I have to spend my AP, so, just stand still."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Manifesting by way of dark teleportation is a new one for Ark, and a slightly less new one for his own Servant, but there they are: two of the other figures in Lezard's circle, obstensibly here for the same reason he is.<br /><br />Ark is dressed in his usual steel grey uniform, camouflage meant for a world much less desolate than this one. His cap is off, and his mess of bright purple hair stands out in stark contrast to the monochrome nature of the rest of what he's wearing. He's got a gun, but it doesn't look like anything special. There's something /off/ about him to magical senses, though, like he's jam-packed with mana that isn't quite right for where he's standing.<br /><br />"Woah. This place is -- wow!" Totally ruining the bad guy aesthetic, Ark turns in a circle with his hands spread, a boyish grin on his face as he looks every which way around the plains. "We need to come here more often. Look at all this /stuff/!" He gestures with both hands at... grass.<br /><br />The man with him is tall and thin, around six feet with short, curly black hair that's greying at the temple. He's got striking features: a sharp nose, prominent ears, and blue eyes like shards of ice. He's wearing a well-made suit jacket and trousers in dark grey, a collared white shirt, a pale blue tie and a well-worn stetson with a less-rigid brim. He looks decidedly put-upon by Ark's behavior.<br /><br />"It's grass, Ark," Caster of Steel says with clear exasperation. "It's on almost any other world we could go to, and we wouldn't need to be inside spitting distance of potential and realized enemies for you to prance around in it."<br /><br />Ark looks back at him. "I don't 'prance,'" he says defensively. "I scout."<br /><br />Caster of Steel sighs, turns to Shirou and Gawain, and tips his hat politely. He clasps his hands behind his back and just sort of waits and ignores Ark's occasional glares.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:533|Sir Gawain (533)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>As soon as Lezard appears, Gawain stops on his tracks, as Florence begins snarling, moving forward to get at him. The Knight glares at the sorceror, before his eyes train from one Caster to another, recognizing that there's multiple Servants. This is an ambush. Sir Gawain hands the leash to Shirou, as he steps in front of him, speaking firm. "Shirou, get Florence and stay back!" In a flash, his casual clothes are replaced with his floral armor, and Excalibur Galatine appears in his hand, the holy sword being lifted up to a defensive position.<br /><br />"Identify yourselves immediately, and stay back. I am Sir Gawain, Knight of Dun Realtai, and I will not let harm befall my Master. This is the only warning you will get! If you attempt to continue, I will stab you until you cannot continue further!" Sir Gawain focuses primarily on Lezard. He seems to be the instigator here, and therefore the largest threat. This is a large group, however, and he's not sure if he can hold them all off.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ohhhhhh boy. Things go to hell in a handbasket with a hurry. He FEELS it. He FEELS the teleportation, the arrival of a multitude of extremely powerful beings. Shirou's magic senses are crap. he KNOWS they are crap.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So when *he* feels something... it's got to be bad.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The amber-eyed young man turns to look....<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yup, it's bad. "Wh-wh... what in the... Lezard?!" And to think he'd mostly been ignoring him the other day.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Signs of panic are clear on Shirou's face as those eyes sweep across the other figures. Two Servants, both unknown... one carrying a very strange mirror. Eight protrusions... "The Eight Hand Mirror?!" The boy mumbles.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And Lezard's demands are as unreasonable as always. Shirou clenches his teeth, sweat starting to show. Even with Gawain here, fighting THREE Servant-level beings, one unknown magus, and... THAT WEIRD GUY is... not happening. It's not happening even if he uses his Reality Marble. And nobody's going to be able to arrive to help if he uses that. It's off the table even if he could invoke it and maintain it against Lezard's power - unlikely.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What can he do? Could anyone arrive to help in time if he signaled? If he's captured, Gawain's a goner.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maybe... he can try reasoning. Maybe.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All these calculations are made in a matter of seconds.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Don't be ridiculous. Necromancer, I'm not your guinea pig. I have a Servant to provide for... a dream to fulfill... that won't happen in your plan! Be more reasonable!" Although terrified, he's not going to back down here.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He does grab Florence's leash and backpedal a few steps, heart still racing.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Trace... on." Although his chant is quiet, there's no mistaking those words just by lip reading from afar. Or the surge of magic - however tiny - that follows. A white short sword materializes in his hand, worth far more than the trivial prana invested to create it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You can't beat all of them together, Sir Gawain...!" He asides to his Servant, very worried.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"A-Ah... master, he recognized my mirror!" Caster complains.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hey, prepare a blessing talisman," Gudako deflects.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster reaches into her sleeve, pulling a slip of paper out with the Japanese symbols for luck and properity on it, grinning. "Already ahead of you, master~. Who shall I support?"<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako snatches the talisman and slaps it on the back of her cellphone.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She starts humming.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Gacha~ gacha~ spin the gacha~..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Seeing the necromancer, Archer narrows his eyes as he remembers this particular individual. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Someone who had been chasing Shirou for his own ends, offering him what could hardly be anything else but a Devil's deal. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However, the sight of the multiple Servants and their respective Masters, Archer goes tense - as does Rin, a sharp, hissing intake of breath audible as her eyes widen in shock and concern. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A shock that only increases when she /recognizes/ one of the Masters, realizing that the girl looks rather like a junior mage from her own world. "W... what is-? Is that...? No, she's back home. She doesn't even have a Servant - I'd have been told if she did. She can't be the one from my world." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Are you going to hold back, then?" Archer comments dryly, masking his concern that she may not go all out. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thankfully though, while she does hesitate for a long moment, Rin closes her eyes and takes a long breath before a more determined look crosses her face. "No. If they're after Emiya-Kun - in flagrant violation of Dun Realtai's neutrality and non-conflict pacts, no less - then I don't intend to let them have their way." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And when the boy summons forth a weapon... it becomes all too obvious that conflict is unavoidable. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As a result... there's no reason to delay. And in Archer's case, no reason to wait for a withdraw that Lezard Valeth will likely not issue unless forced. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Trace; On" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prana surges through his hands as his western-style black bow materializes in one hand and in the other, the spiral-sword of the Ulster cycle forms. Granted, he cannot charge it at full strength... but it will be enough to at least keep their enemies off-balance or push them back, as he knocks the weapon back on the bowstrings while it's edge warps and twists from a sword into an arrow. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I am the bone of my sword."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And as Archer begins charging a shot to fire the moment anything starts a fight... Rin, in the mean time, closes her eyes, the image of a blade plunging through her heart dominating her mind's eye- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Es ist gro�... Es ist klein... Vox got Es Atlas!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- and she kicks off across the field to try and get to the battlefield through Reinforced speed, pulling free two of her gems. <br /><br />Granted, she wasn't expecting combat - she's not fully stocked, only having four on her person at the moment - but it could at least serve as the distraction for Shirou, Gawain and Archer if pressed into combat. As she approaches, she hears Shirou's worried proclamation and reinforcing it with an answer - "Maybe not alone!" - as in a few moments, Rin will be astride Shirou to serve as a visual deterrent to any attempts to abduct him, gems palmed in one hand, ready for the worst. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Between Rin moving aside Shirou - which is likely going to draw questions from him on /why/ Rin was out here in the first place - and Archer charging an arrow with the intent to fire if someone makes the wrong move, the Magus is hoping that the display will be enough to discourage Lezard's plan... though Archer on the other hand knows all too well this is likely not going to be the case.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Weapons start to come out. Caster of Steel sighs and adjusts his tie. He very deliberately avoids going near his pockets, where he might have any number of things stored. Then again, who knows what he's actually capable of? Maybe he fights unarmed.<br /><br />Ark doesn't go for his gun. The moment magic starts getting slung around, he reaches behind him, drawing a short object like a squared, blunted knife out of concealment. It's uniformly bone white, and people familiar with such things would easily pick it out as actual human bone, but marked with all manner of miniscule markings and emblems. He holds it firmly in one hand at his side.<br /><br />Caster speaks before Ark gets a chance to: "I am Caster, of the Steel Faction, from the like-named Land of Steel. This is my master, Ark Line." Ark is staring at Shirou and Gawain, waiting for one of them to start something. He's like a snake, ready to strike. "I have no quarrel with you and your people, good sir knight, and I would like to offer to take your hound away from the field of battle so you do not worry as to its safety."<br /><br />Ark double-takes at Caster. "Are you serious? You could wipe this whole place off the map in less time that it would take the rest of us to take out these clowns." He glances at Shirou, adding in an aside, "Nothing personal." It's hard to tell if he's overestimating his ability, or...<br /><br />Caster shrugs. "We have duties away from this place. Maybe the wrong fight will teach you some humility. Besides, it would be a tragedy if something so innocent were collateral damage." He sounds sincere.<br /><br />Ark looks like he's trying to decide whether he should take drastic measures or let it go. Caster has already stepped away from the midst of the group to distance himself from the inevitable fight.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Lezard laughs. "I don't even require their help to defeat you. They are accompanying me because they wishes to visit the area. Magus Gudako would benefit from seeing a place with so many Servants, and Magus Ark, well. He enjoys seeing new things, can you not tell? Such a thing broadens the mind." <br /><br />The Necromancer steps forward, squinting at Sir Gawain as he interposes. "You know who I am, Sir Gawain. And if you do not, it shall be engraved upon thy very soul, LEZARD VALETH!" There is a flourish of his cape as he introduces himself properly, and he spreads his arms. "Your dreams are empty and fragile, Magus Shirou. You lack the power to make those dreams real. Perhaps in one time you could have worked with me, gained that power, but your foolish ideals have destroyed that. Now, I will simply demonstrate the truth of the Multiverse: Those with the power can take what they wish, your ideals be damned." <br /><br />He pauses, turning his gaze back to Gawain. "... But your Servant complicates matters, does it not. You fool, you would stand against my sorcery, on behalf of this worthless fool? Very well. I will demonstrate what happens when a true magus exercises the right of the Master!" <br /><br />There is another flare of light, and a stone slab manifests of black granite, etched deeply with a magic circle, the lines filled with a powdery crimson substance. With another flourish, Lezard holds forth... An ancient brick, stained red with the powder of aged, crumbled mortar still clinging to it. "I WILL SUMMON UP A BARON OF BLOOD, AN IRON-FISTED TYRANT WHO STRUCK FEAR INTO THEIR PEOPLE AND CREATED A LEGEND THAT HAS ENDURED THROUGHOUT THE AGES!" He declares, stepping forward and placing the brick in the center of the circle. With a sudden explosion of light and power, a forceful wave pushes back, interposing between them as Lezard holds his hand out over the circle, his voice intoning with deep resonance. As he speaks, the circle begins to shine, absorbing the power Lezard is feeding into it. <br /><br /> <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">Arise! Arise! Arise!</span> <br /> <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">By the Runes which control time and space, let my Will be heard!</span> <br /> <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">Let blood and fire be the essence.</span> <br /> <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">Let stone and the archduke of contracts be the foundation!</span> <br /> <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">Across the Four Worlds, close the Cardinal Gates and arise!</span> <br /> <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">I will declare here that your body shall serve under me.</span> <br /> <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">My Fate shall fight alongside your sword.</span> <br /> <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">Submit to the beckoning of the Holy Grail.</span> <br /> <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">If you will submit to this will and this reason, then answer!</span> <br /><br />As he cries out, a vial of crimson fluid is produced, and poured upon the burning circle of energy, soaking into the lines and the stone. <br /><br /> <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">Upon my Will I swear this oath!</span> <br /> <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">I shall become all that is holy, and all that is vile shall be my slave!</span> <br /> <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">Beyond life, beyond death, by these oaths and bindings...</span> <br /> <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">Come forth and arise!</span> <br /><br />Lezard's laugh rings out as the incantation completes, and something answers...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:911|Elizabeth Bathory (911)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the ritual reaches its climax, and Lezard calls out for a Blood-Soaked Legend... the catalyst begins to glow. And then it begins to bleed, loudly dripping to the ground. Each droplet is rythmic, and echoes around, louder than any drop of blood has right to be. The magic swells, and the very earth begins to reshape around it. Two grand columns rise up, created by magic alone, and an upswing of marble paves out around it. Like an ampitheatre, the 'stage' of magic takes shape and reality behind and about Lezard, as he works his magic. Godrays from the sunny sky pierce through a thick roil of dark clouds, the perfect forboding atmosphere as the stage dances with refracted sunbeams and picturesque lighting, as a keening call echoes out over the too-loud dripping of blood.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thunder rumbles like drumwork through the clouds, and the wind howls through.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The sounds, in specific, are haunting, captivating, and if one did not know better, would simply called 'produced' - as if some force were controlling them for the optimal introduction, the run-up for a grand concert of doomed arcanery and... Is that a voice? Music?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The blood like a beat, the thunder like a drumline, the wind like a backup singer, and on the stage of marble and columns, even a... Wait what.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A microphone stand, jammed into the marble like a spike, bearing a microphone that didn't exist a moment before.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And finally... Finally, there is... j-idol. Lilting words without meaning, speaking of love, of desire, of... wait, does the chorus go 'Killing~* Killing~*'? It does, but even then, it's damnably catchy. An earworm of a song to be sure! This is a blood soaked baron? THIS IS THE LEGENDARY...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Magical pyrotechnics go off, unleashing a hail of glitter, confetti, and what smells like literal dragonfire as the song goes into full swing, and over-long, red finger-like claws grasp the mic stand. A ruffled dress, and two horns, long legs in white leggings with a red spike on them, and a long tail that ends in a fin-tip.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And she's singing that tune, which goes on to talk about worship and love and how great things are, like all good Generic J-Pop.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then the song ends, and Lezard's flow is utterly broken, even as three command seals etch themselves upon his arm. "Hellloooo!" The horned girl perkily calls, waving with her extremly oddly-fingered hands in the classic thumb-index-pinky idol salute next to the eye. It's terribly at odds the situation.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "... Didn't you like my performance? Ahh, it's so good to be alive again! ... ... This isn't a dusty tower. How wonderful! An encore, anyone?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>There is a pregnant pause as Lezard's triumphant grin actually cracks and falters, revealing an expression of confusion and shock. <br /><br />".... What?" <br /><br />Another pause. "..... /What/?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Caster is just as dumbstruck as Lezard is, stopped in mid-stride away from the... whatever that was. He doesn't have any words.<br /><br />Ark applauds, partially because he's not once heard J-Pop before, and partially because it looks like the singer is capable of removing his internal organs with her bare hands.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ah? Was that Lezard's whole plan?<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako takes her eyes off her cellphone, and she and Caster observe as a Servant not only answers the call but gives a jpop show. With magic. Oh, that is a thing alright. The dead lifeless eyes of the magus liven up for the performance with sparkles and a positive glow. Her Caster, on the other hand, just seems somewhat jealous at losing her master's attention again.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When the performance is over, she claps, having actually put her cellphone away. "Oh! Oh! An encore, yes!" Then a sideglance to Lezard. "What's wrong? If you don't want her I'll take her, she looks like a four star." She can tell because she plays idol games, of course. She can identify idol levels.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Delivered with enthusiasm, with the usual 8D.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster emits some sort of groan. Like an angry cat pouting and preparing to hiss, but resigning itself to just mrrrrrring instead.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Things just keep getting more and more ridiculous. First, Tohsaka barges onto the scene. "What? T-T... Tohsaka! Where did you, -- ... no, why are you coming out?! These guys are beyond dangerous!" But his spirit redoubles. If she's in danger he'll have to try and protect her too after all!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But he's still holding the dog's leash... awkward.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Had Lezard given him a chance to speak he might've had some profound things to say.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But something MORE profound happens instead.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Enter The Blood Countess.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shirou, still holding the dog's leash... takes a few more steps back. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The grand ritual brings forth a Servant popstar. Singing and dancing.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All of Shirou's terror vanishes for a moment. Instead...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Instead he's just left dumbstruck, staring. His lips part, mouth gaping a moment as if he wants to say something... but his face just freezes in this gobsmacked look.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He's seen a few slightly unusual Servants, but this one takes the cake.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:533|Sir Gawain (533)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"He is not worthless! He is an exceptional young man and a hero! No matter your capabilities, I will not allow you to harm him!" Sir Gawain takes another step forward, sword at the ready. It would seem that the fox Caster is Japanese, and likely royal. Sir Gawain has no idea who she is, though; he's not Japanese. Meanwhile, Caster of Steel's offer gets no response, but a glance towards Shirou. It roughly says 'I don't trust them with my dog!'<br /><br />And then, Lezard summons a Servant. This is bad, but it's far too late once he realizes what is going on. All he can do is brace for impact, and get ready for a fight. Or, that's what he was thinking, when suddenly, IDOL SINGER. Sir Gawain watches her, listens to her singing, and realizes something incredibly important.<br /><br />"Woah! You're incredible! Are you a celebrity?!" Yes, Sir Gawain is awestruck at the generic J-Pop, and resolves to himself to see if the Servant has records when they're done. "Encore! Encore!" Yet, despite that, his guard doesn't actually loosen. He is still entirely prepared for combat, even if his reactions are genuine.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As soon as he saw the circle - heard the words - the Servant of the Bow felt his blood run cold. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A summoning. That insane fool was attempting a summoning right before a battle. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He was either stupid, crazy, or simply too arrogant to believe it could backfire... or was very confident in the power of whatever he was summoning. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And so, Archer mutters a curse to himself as the Summoning reaches it's conclusion... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And much like his Master Rin, Archer's expression falters from concern to... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... dumbstruck shock and confusion. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rin, in the midst of priming her hand back to throw her gems at the summoning circle to try and break it before it could complete, is distracted by what sounds like pop music before half-gaping at the servant that appeared. "W... what the hell?" ... as the seconds tick by though, she shakes her head as a more important question filters through her brain - right before it melts down and the magus begins all but barking at everyone else on the radios in what seems to be an anxiety and shock-induced fit. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After she finishes her tangent though, she sighs and refocuses on the new Servant, eyes narrowed in concern - trying to ignore the awkwardness of the Servant's appearance and demeanor. "No, really the more important question is /who/ this is. Who exactly is this - she looks like a hybrid between a dragon and a human. I don't know of any historical figure with those traits." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rin speaks this question aloud. She doesn't actually expect an answer though - especially not from Lezard or the Servant. No Servant would willingly volunteer that information. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Archer in the meantime lets out an amazed sigh, having felt that the Multiverse had shown him the limits of what insanity could be displayed... but it seemed that even his own timelines - for that or one similar to it were the only ones he knew of that the summoning ritual for the Grail Wars worked on - had a few more in store. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not that he was going to let them get further then this, though, proceeding to start charging the arrow further then before to handle the new Servant... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... though that may take a while more then he'd expected, and if worse comes to worse he may have to launch the shot early. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He just hoped that, if the fight started now, Rin could hold out until then.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:911|Elizabeth Bathory (911)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With her introduction being a song about... Well, if you think about it hard enough and not on how GREAT the production values were or how damnably earwormy the tune was, it was about...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oppression? Pigs? ... Killing people that disagree with you? It's like the bad gangster rap of J-Pop - if you start really thinking about the lyrics it's kind of horrifying but if you turn your brain off it's like delicious ear candy.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The draconic-traited J-Idol bows, grinning broadly (and a little toothily), swishing her tail back and forth and doing a quirkily endearing (if you were into that kinda thing) dance. She is impeccable in every way as an Idol --<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako called her 'Four Star'.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Elizabeth tromps off her stage, to the click-click of her red heels with dangerous points, down off the marble staage, mic-stand in hand. "Four star? I'm five star! No - /Infinite/ star! I am EX, for Exemplary! Exciting! Ex... mazing! I am EX-" she continues, before people call for an encore. "Ah! Yes, the adoration of my fans!" She blushes, placing those odd fingers over her heart with a flutter of her eyes, before hurrying back to the stage. "O-kay~*! I call this one... Oh! I know, let's do 'Carnival of Carnage!' Is that OK, master?" She asks, to Lezard, leaning over to him.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Are you well? Not hurt? I'll nurse you back to health! Erm..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She reaches behind the stage, pulling out a cartoonishly happy first aid kit, and starts removing extremely archaic and decidedly not-helpful devices (due to their nature as things such as thumbscrews, pliers, pokers for getting red-hot, etcetera), before emptying it out on the stage, crouching down to start poking through her supplies. "Uhm... I will make sure to give you all the care and attention you should get, and all you need is me, mm-hmm! None of the pigs will bother us!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She says all of this out loud, in an adorable if quirky (and crazy) voice, with that same property of 'if you don't pay attention it's sweet and innocent' effect.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Okay, so the Big Villain Groove has been super busted. Lezard blinks, confused, but he glances at the Command Seals on his hand, looking them over. He hums for a moment, and then looks back to the new Servant as she begins dumping out /torture implements/ from her medical kit. <br /><br />He blinks, and a contemplative smile begins forming on his face. "No... I think I will be fine. Just fine, my dear." He says, and then gestures, "How do you feel about killing one of those two?" Lezard gestures at Gawain and Shirou. "Fear not, I will make sure to keep the other from interfering..." He pauses, and then turns suddenly.<br /><br />His gaze locks on Archer and Rin. "Be careful." He warns the incoming Master. "You will find that you are biting off more than you can chew." <br /><br />He then fires back to Gudako, "First impressions are a little unusual, are they not? Yet, I think I will be sticking with my choice. Thank you for your offer, of course." There is only a /slight/ edge to that. He /does/ know what it takes to transfer Command Seals, after all. <br /><br />He looks back to Shirou and Gawain. "So, which one do you think you would prefer?" He asks the idol.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ah?" Gudako eyes Elizabeth as she delivers her rebutal, taking the counterarguments in. She taps her chin, wondering. "You do look like a limited-time event sort. Aaah! That's it! The rarity, it's off the scale, of course!" She looks towards Lezard, still grinning. That's going to get old pointing out one day, she's ALWAYS grinning.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You struck gold! Of course a Servant's power when female is directly proportional to how lovable they are, that's just good marketing! Ah, when they're male, it's how pretty they are." She glances towards Gawain. Well, he IS a dreamy knight archetype, certainly a thing most women would fall for. A Saber, no doubt. (Nevermind the sword and/or armor being a more obvious and ready hint.)<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster huffs. "Have I not been nothing but adorable so far, master?"<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako ponders. "Caster! Give me your tail."<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The foxy woman complies, her big poofy tail bumping into the magus, who proceeds to hug it. "Aaah, it's so fluffy~. Sure, you win this one," the master finally agrees.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Really, she's not here to interfere, Lezard has this.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin proceeds to level a glare at the Dark Mage, though she gives back a confident-looking smirk to try and play up having an advantage she really doesn't know if she can enforce. "You're one to talk, pal. Picking a fight in neutral lands like Dun Realtai? You have any clue how many people are going to either come down on you or avoid you like the plague for a reckless move like that?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However... that was when the more comical reactions of the Servant occupied their attention. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At this point, Archer wasn't sure if he was supposed to find this scene awkward, comedic or disturbing... though she didn't seem at all focused on a fight. That gave them an advantage. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin on the other hand once again shifted to a more dumbstruck expression watching the new Servant chastise one of her allies and all but swoons like a teen-idol at the complements she gets from Gawain and one of the other enemies. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It was like some horrifically bad comedy in her eyes - King Arthur could be hopping around with an aide trailing behind her banging two coconuts together, be told the King was riding a horse, and Rin would have an easier time believing /that/ then she did the sight before her. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Although... that gave her an idea. This Servant seemed pretty darned arrogant... and not unlike a kid idol craving attention. If that was the case... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Um..." - she really, /really/ can't believe she's trying to make small talk here. The situations she ends up in... "Forgive me, but I'm not exactly familiar with all the world's legends... and, as I've learned, a lot of them tend to be misrepresentative at times. You're a famous figure from history, correct?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From a distance, Archer can't help but smile a bit as, reading Rin's lips from a distance with Reinforced vision, he sees she is trying to get the Servant to reveal her identity, which would be an immense help in figuring out how to combat her. The boy seemed to have an idea of who the fox-spirit was - and in truth, Archer agreed as he knew of only one person in history with those Japanese features who owned that particular mirror... though it didn't seem like the female and the fox-spirit were going to be much of an issue so much as an irritant sitting on the side that could distract one with the ridiculousness of their exchanges. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Still, every Servant they even had a clue to the identity of would help in the long run, especially since he didn't recognize those two as being Union-affiliated.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Caster of Steel is not even man-pretty. By Gudako's reckoning, he's practically worthless. Maybe that's why he's trying to stay out of the way.<br /><br />Ark seems pretty pleased with the performance. He still hasn't released the bone weapon, but it looks like this is Lezard's show. His eyes trail back to Shirou, apparently missing the nature of the things being dumped on the stage. He goes from there to Rin, who is not familiar to him. "Did you bring your girlfriend to this fight?" Ark asks Shirou. He addresses Rin directly, examining her for weapons and coming away with nothing. "What do you do?"<br /><br />Off to the side, Caster folds his arms in front of him, taking stock of the draconic Servant who just appeared. He doesn't know what to make of her, but he does know he has /opinions/. "I'm sure it was a lovely performance, but I think it isn't my type of music. Ella Fitzgerald, now there's a woman with a /voice/." He smiles to himself.<br /><br />Ark is too busy wondering who is going to make the first move to make a smartass remark.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:911|Elizabeth Bathory (911)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's a moment, a flicker, and a tightness of her claws around her mic stand as Elizabeth is spoken about, as if she was... a mistake? No, that couldn't be. Her career was just starting! 'Getting a new servant' was...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She knew that she could kill a normal, human Magus in the time it took them to order herself to commit suicide, thanks to her innate skills, and a decidedly wicked aura descended over her shoulders like a cloak. Her eyes focus on Lezard and...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh, Master-sama likes her!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All is better, the dark aura leaving just as quickly as it came on. "That's right. I am gold! Rarity off the scale, the most exquisite! Blood of dragons, of the House of Hapsburg! None can question /my/ pedigree. If would have to rate it, it would be A Plus Plus Plus, so far beyond mortal, boorish serfdom that the squandering masses are. So! You want me to kill one?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her expression changes not a wink. "But neither are girls, so it'd be a little boring, I guess." She notes with cavalier whim. "Either one? Oooh, one of them is a /knight/? The other one... A commoner? Well, it's the duty of the nobility to put the serfs in their place. I'm sure you understand, Sir Knight!" She salutes Gawain, with her idol W-salute winkyeye star~~* pose.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She draws her micstand up, the item reconfiguring into a spear, as she steps off the stage with grace. Rin asks who she is.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Me? I'm offended! You don't know just by looking at me? What do they teach children in school these days. Fire your tutor! And listen to this, instead!" She announces, before... Throwing some CD's at Rin. They are more 'lightly tossed' than 'ballistic AOL Install Disk Shuriken attack'.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They're... Idol CDs. With music. And on the cover, in Japanese, is 'Elizabetto Bathorii', and something something sold a kajillion copies, something something her mixtape is fire.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Twirling her two-pronged and vicious looking spear, she gives a big, empty-eyed grin. "I'll have to show off to master, so scream real loud for me, will you?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is perhaps the strangest thing Shirou's been witness to since Unification. That's saying something. It goes unsaid, obviously, just how much his opinion of the situation matches a certainb owman's in many ways.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One part of him is very clearly... 'Okay, that's enough of this. Can we go home now?'<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On the other hand... that's a really good idea. How to take advantage of this ridiculous situation and put Lezard socially in a confounded situation with his new Servant.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He has some ideas... "I hope you're serious about that offer!" He offers the leash over to the male, undecorated Caster. "It's the only hope this dog has at the moment." Faced with Elizabeth Bathory...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Miss Lancer, are you really risking everything against a Servant who's not even from your War? Also, I'm training to be a knight!" If that means anything to her, anyways.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is it, it seems. But he still faces her with bravery.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Against a Servant, one-on-one, he'll only have a chance to get a single blow in. One. After that, it's all defense, leading to an unavoidable death.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So he'd better make that one blow count.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His other hand now free... Shirou prepares. "/my body is made of swords./"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Power flows from his fingertips. His absolute best trick is his only hope at driving off this Servant if she goes on the offensive.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And it's one that nobody's seen before.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A handle of stone forms, power flowing out to fill an invisible mold of a great... 'sword?' of stone that's nearly as long as Shirou. Much thicker than any sword should have any right to be, and almost more like a club than any kind of blade. No magic comes from it at all, and it doesn't look at all look like something a hero would wield. Yet, putting power into his arm, Shirou hoists the oversized weapon with some effort.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What the hell is that weapon? It's not a Noble Phantasm. It's not even magical in the slightest. IT IS ROCK. Just rock.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The sheer absurdity of it might be enough to put anyone who knows Shirou's usual tactics at considerable unease. Or maybe not. He's known to be a bit weird sometimes.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:533|Sir Gawain (533)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>House of Habsburg. That's Austrian. Furthermore, Archer identifies the Servant as Elizabeth Bathory, the Blood Countess. This puts Sir Gawain slightly on edge, as she's a pretty bad person! Despite that, they've decided to escape, and now it's time to enact their diversions. And, as always, Sir Gawain has great ideas. But first, he responds to Elizabeth. "I do not! I myself am of noble blood, yet I would never degrade another being! Nor would my king! You are wrong!"<br /><br />And then, it's time! Shirou summons his rock...sword...thing, and Sir Gawain points his blade at Elizabeth as if he was about to attack. But then, he turns towards Shirou, and waves it around. "It's a rock! RUN!" He dashes over to pick up Florence, and then runs in the direction of the village as fast as his Servant legs will take him, not looking back once. Hopefully, it works!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And as combat starts to become an inevitability again - bolstered by the girl dumping out torture instruments - Archer knows he really can't afford to let them get the first strike in. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rin is... more distracted by the commentary by one of the enemies, pausing with an expression that can only be described as 'utterly stupefied.' <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Archer in turn is left suppressing a smirk at the reaction -as well as the subsequent response as, from there, Rin turns beat-red, her ears and cheeks flushing the same color as her favored scarlet coat - "G-g-g-g-girlfriend?! Like hell I am! What do you think I'd ever see in this dolt that I'd be his girlfriend for?! I-I'm just doing this for the sake of some other people I know who care about him for some reason! That's my /only/ reason for being here!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Were the situation different, Archer might have let himself chuckle at the sight However, she does take note of her gambit getting a big payoff when she sees the name - and it makes the Magus go wide-eyed with what looks like disbelief. "Elizabeth Bathory..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Archer in turn, through Reinforced vision, clicks his tongue in concern as he sees the name on those disks with Reinforced vision, knowing the legend the same as Rin. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The legend of a woman regarded as an absolute monster among Hungarian legends - a serial killer who tormented people for fun and bathed in bathtubs filled with their blood. A woman who's family was supposed to have draconic ties - ties that were obviously represented in her Servant form. Had she been like that in life as well? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... whatever the reason, Master and Servant somehow felt that underestimating an opponent, no matter how hard it was to take them seriously, would be a bad move here, especially since there were four Servants. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This, in turn, is why Archer decides he can afford to wait no longer, his arrow already charged to a very high rate. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, as the female brandishes her weapon - which would seem to identify her as a Lancer-Class Servant - Archer sees the chance to attack before they can begin a proper assault, aiming at the mage who had summoned her- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Caladbolg!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -and letting the spiral sword fly, the weapon becoming a bullet of light as it shoots for Lezard, Arc and Caster of Steel - though it's primary target is the dark mage. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Who knows - maybe Gawain's seeming moment of /stupidity/ will distract them further. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin in turn is... caught off guard by Gawain's choice, bulking at his decision before angrily screaming after him - "Some knight you are!! You're supposed to /hit/ them with your sword, not wave it around like a magic wand!!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That's the straw that breaks the camel's back - Tohsaka Rin has had /enough/ insanity for one day! As Archer launches his arrow, Rin throws the two gems in her hands at the mages, the small, glinting objects exploding like hand-grenades as soon as they complete their arc. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maybe they can use this as the chance to flee - insane or not, four Servants wasn't a fight she was willing to enter unprepared. If they could just get back to the city itself, they ought to be fine - if Lezard was willing to invade the village itself for Shirou, he'd have done so by now. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They just had to /get there/ first.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Lezard made his bed, he's going to sleep in it. Even if it means he's going to have J-Pop playing in his Tower at all hours. <br /><br />It's okay. All of Lordran will suff- I mean, be an audience with him. <br /><br />"It won't be a problem. We can find something more suitable for your position and preferences later." Lezard replies. "Sadly, the duty of the nobility is often burdensome, is it not?" He says with an ominou tone, adjusting his glasses. <br /><br />He folds his arms, nodding as he sees the lance form and Elizabeth take the field against Shirou. He flexes a hand, looking curiously at it as if an unusual sensation is playing upon him... He looks up at Gawain, expecting him to get involved... <br /><br />And the Knight flees. Lezard blinks at that. Why is he fleeing- <br /><br />The sudden increase in power nearby causes him to glance to one side, eyes narrowed. "YOU DARE!" He screams, thrusting the Manus Catalyst forward. Walls of petrified bone erupt, sealed over with the fingernails of dead men who died in ignominy as wall after wall arises to meet Caladbolg. <br /><br />And they immediately begin to shatter as the Noble Phantasm punches through them, vaporizing them with overwhelming power... <br /><br />But each one slows the assauly down fractionally, until the assault blasts through the final barrier, slamming into a brilliant barrier, the seething sttrike sending waves of energy out as Lezard guards the entire group from the deadly strike... <br /><br />And there is a dull thump as the area around them vanishes in light<br /><br />The smoke clears, a small crater revealed with Lezard, Ark Line, Caster of Steel, Gudako, and her fluffy tail standing on a small pillar of unharmed land. <br /><br />"Abruptly, there is a spray of blood from a gash across Lezard's body, causing him to shrink back for a moment. "... Impressive. I may have to actually take you seriously." He grates.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:911|Elizabeth Bathory (911)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, wars are a strange thing!" Elizabeth comments, holding her long lance at her side. "But, you're a master, right? If you pointed at someone and told your servant to kill them, wouldn't they dutifully obey? I mean, I don't /really/ care - unlike the knight, your pedigree is utterly beneath mine. Would you like a CD, little pig-boy, before I send you off to Hell?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's a wicked smile, before Elizabeth underhands the selfsame CD at Shirou - aimed to donk him in the face - that she tossed at Rin and Archer. Then, of course, Shirou summons Nine Lives, saying silly things like 'my body is made of swords', and tilting her head curiously. "Swords? You look like you're made of blood and bone, you know. Well, if /you're/ made of Swords, then /I'm/ made of magic and nobility! And, since I'm made of nobility, all of the swords bow to their lords, like good little soldiers should. It's natural! But... You're not bowing, swine."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Even though she's short and spunky rather than tall and imposing, the air about her is of one looking down her nose at a speck of dust. "You know, it's a /really/ funny thing, but I think that weapon is fitting! So fitting, for you, to have a weapon of stone. Like a barbarian! Bar bar bar, heeheehee!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Archer and Rin engage Lezard before seeming to flee, and Gawain had NOBLY SCOOPED THE DOG and had bailed, leaving Shirou and Nine Lives before her. "Not going to run? I do like it when they run. Oh well! Here I come!" She announces in a sing-song way, before setting her spear 'down' in the air, and sitting sidesaddle on it, like a witch on a broom - the point aimed directly at Shirou. And then, like a lightningbolt, the spear flies off, seemingly of its own volition, to seek Shirou's chest, blood, etc etc. It's no Gae Bolg, though, merely aimed and 'fired'. Wheeeeee!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Caster of Steel stays out of the line of fire. He is trying his best not to succumb to the intelligence black hole that is the knight and his dog. Shirou and whatever it is he has conjured gets his attention. "Ark..."<br /><br />Ark waves his free hand dismissively at Caster, and gives Rin a quizzical look when she starts getting flustered. It turns into a smile, and then a full-fledged grin in short order. He spreads his arms, shrugging. "Hey, I'm just calling it like I see it. You're kind of cute when you get all bothered like that, though!" This is not helping things.<br /><br />Then, Archer fires. Ark lifts the sculpted bone -- but Lezard has it handled. He shields his eyes from potential debris, the layers of necromantic barrier ripping apart before his eyes as whatever it is that just got shot at them is eventually stopped... at the expense of the land around them.<br /><br />Caster stumbles a step back, closer to the center of the pillar of earth. Ark starts to address him and Lezard, but sees something glinting in the air. The way she threw them is telling. He points the bone weapon at the gemstones that sail towards them, invoking its name and power:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Correct Future!"<br /><br />There is a flash of odd light. An amber haze springs into sight, a narrow field of magically-charged particulate. The stones pass into it and through it, and when they come out the other side, they seem... diminished, somehow. Ark squints in the face of the explosions, but they're dim and weak, a light concussive force and shadowy flash that's a pale imitation of what Rin /meant/ to do with them.<br /><br />The particulate falls to the ground, spreading out in a gentle wave. It settles on the grass on the far edge of the crater, gathering like dewdrops -- and then it kills it, a grey stain spreading like blood on cloth as the life is simply sucked out of the greenery. It decomposes quickly, breaking down into something like dust or sand, all of it a uniform steel grey.<br /><br />Like the clothes Ark is wearing, actually.<br /><br />The next thing anyone knows, the Ether Liner has drawn his gun. It's a compact pistol, but it's sleek and futuristic, so size doesn't mean much. He points it at Rin. The thing in his hand, the weapon he calls Correct Future, burns with the same light as the haze. He changes the composition of the rounds inside it, amplifying penetration power with barely a thought. Without pause, he drops his aim from Rin's head and pulls the trigger, firing the handheld railgun twice: once at each leg.<br /><br />He fully expects her Servant to try and take that hit. That's why the slugs are enhanced to penetrate tanks.<br /><br />"Should've gone with the knight," Ark says, idly.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shirou balks a bit as Gawain goes running off with the dog. It's ridiculous. Maybe even enough that another Servant will lose the spirit to fight today.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Orrr.... maybe not. All the hairs on Shirou's neck stand up straight as Elizabeth Bathory flings a CD at him. Still carrying Kanshou in his other hand, he parries it with a swing. The CD meets meteoric iron... and yet, the fake iron cracks and shatters alongside its opponent. It's little assurance to Shirou though.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He'll die. He'll die for certain. The boy's heartbeats throb in his mind, driving him to act faster than thought.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's all down to the wire. As a mere mortal, Shirou cannot possibly hope to stand up to a Servant in a fair fight.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He doesn't do so.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'll pass. Tohsaka, GO!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He barks commandingly, whilst bringing forth all the focus and power he has to Reinforce his arm. Enough power flows through the limb and his upper body that his Magic Circuits glow through the skin. The same circuit-pattern spreads through the 'rock-sword.' But still... it's a single weapon. A big, ungainly weapon. It's not magical, and in the hands of a mere human... what threat could it be?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Elizabeth goes on the move, Shirou's consciousness freezes.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Pardon me for the lapse in manners." Shirou answers daringly, cold, mocking sarcasm bleeding through his tone. "Here I come, Blood Countess. Don't underestimate us 'commoners'!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nine revolver hammers cock back in sequence, locking into place. Nine trajectories form in his mind's eye. All his Magic Circuits flare at once, pumping every bit of energy he can spare into the weapon, his arm, and... his body. A pure act born of desperation...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Trigger; off."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The desperate desire to protect Tohsaka and keep this mad woman away from her!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Set... Nine Lives Blade Works."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's not shouted. It's not screamed. The grim announcement doesn't need any such loud, glorious proclomations.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The attack itself is NOISY ENOUGH.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shirou's muscles bulge and flex weirdly, struggling to reproduce an feat of strength that belongs to the ranks of divinity. And while it may not reach quite that... prodigious power near that of a Servant flows in his limb for this one moment.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That moment, the instants between seconds, when Elizabeth is nearly upon Shirou, everything's torn up. To everyone watching, it's like seeing a man's arm become a living tornado. Shirou's arm and weapon move with godspeed, clashing against Lancer's weapon with thunderous force. The resulting shockwave is enough to crater the ground, kick up a ferocious wind, and unleash an ear-splitting sonic boom. Sparks fly as 'sword' meets lance. Lancer's 'thrust' is turned aside, the point slashing into the side of Shirou's leg and drawing no small amount of blood and no doubt delivering injury that should leave him toppling to the ground, unable to walk.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite this, the assault doesn't stop. Before gravity can remember it should be pulling Shirou down... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Upper arm, collarbone, windpipe, temple, diaphragm, rib, groin, and the legs. A living storm of rock encircles Lancer within a single heartbeat. The strength and skill of Heracles, however watered down, is something no commoner should hope to ever wield.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The attack doesn't simply strike with prodigious force. The cratered ground and shockwaves kick up an ungodly amount of dust, dirt, and debris - a heatless explosion of pure kinetic force.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And somewhere in the middle of that, there's THEN the sound of a rocket engine igniting?!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For Emiya Shirou abandons his weapon after the last strike, letting the strength fling the rock weapon at Elizabeth and hopefully keep her busy with that.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His own escape is through the air, holding desperately onto what looks like a spear, but... but...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;... It's a rocket spear.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BANG. ZOOOM. TO THE MOON.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;... or at least over top of Dun Realtai? Hopefully.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:911|Elizabeth Bathory (911)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To say that the meeting of force to force is a smart is... A total lie. Lancer - Elizabeth Bathory - has her spear-charge met by Heracles' Nine Lives axe, and even at a lower power, is a monumentally dumb idea. However, it's at least internally consistent.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is because there is not a single fiber of belief within the mad Countess-idol that Emiya Shirou can hurt her. As before, she thinks of him as the tiniest speck of dust or invisible insect, and one does not flinch when walking and trodding on the earth or tiniest of bugs.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is when they clash, and Shirou becomes a whirlwind of swords and smashing attacks to so many areas of her that she is forced to acknowledge one thing.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If Emiya Shirou is a pig, he is certainly of the class of 'Wild Boar'. A pig nevertheless, but swine with tusks - and that made the hunt all that much sweeter.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's cracked into again and again, and even as red blood spills down her body from the multiple attacks and her spear is knocked aside, away from a mortal wound into MERELY a horrible, serrated twin-point attack into precious leg muscle. It's a good thing he's got Reinforcement, and a Rocket Spear!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Elizabeth falls, after the last attack, and the tempest of STONESWORD ceases, gasping out in pain and... defeat? "You... got me...?" she croaks before catching herself, her wounds shining with the light of overabundant Mana as they begin to restore themselves. "Just kidding! Battle Continuation is the skill of La-... Where are you going?!" She shouts, as Shirou rockets off. He even broke her CD!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A rage builds up in the small female servant, as her spear is stuck in her leg. "Wild Boar, hmm? That makes you more exciting and succulent... But I won't let you get away without meeting the cry of my 'hunting dogs'..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Shirou rockets away, Lezard and Ark Line (& Caster!) handling the other Master-Servant pair and leaving Elizabeth to her own devices, Liz opens her arms wide, as her open-backed outfit explodes in power as two grand draconic wings burst forth, and she rises up into the air, drawing in a massive vortex of air. "Here, you denied my music! Let me give you my magnum opus! I call it 'Sarkany Ersebet'!" She calls out, her voice rolling like bad weather weaponized. And then she sings out, a single note becoming a sonic attack 'chasing' Shirou to attack his fleeing and tortured body and ears, even his essence, with the power of a Hungarian Dragon's Breath.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also, the weather gets really garbage. Thunderstormy, to be precise!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If possible, Rin actually turns more red - though it's partly from indignant anger instead of embarrassment this time - at Ark's words, mixing with what looks like disgust when he makes a what she assumes is a pass at her. "Why you-! If I ever get my hands you I swear I'll do more then just wipe that smug look off your face - if you even /have/ a face by the time I'm done with you!! You hear me you jerk?!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's actually so angry that she can't properly formulate a response beyond pure threats. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When Caladbolg goes off, Rin shields her eyes pays attention to the mage and his Servant - and lets out a startled breath as she her gems are weakened and dissipate... and that magic of his - the effect it had on living things. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She has a bad feeling now. This guy was tough. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then he draws his weapon... and the Servant acts in a way that Ark probably was't expecting.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Archer sees the shots coming - sees them aimed for his Master - and he curses. She's not going to be able to block that - and she needs that time to counterattack. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I am the bone of my sword." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However... Rin trusts her Servant - knows his plan through their link - and she actually manages to smile back at Ark somewhat confidently. "No... you should have gone after /mine/." Prana flooding his limbs, Archer bounds forward on Reinforced limbs to stand between shot and mage - then raises his hand as the image of the seven-layered shield forms in his mind's eye- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "RHO AIUS!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-and blossoms to life in front of Rin, the strength of seven reinforced fortress-walls forming in front of her to block the attack - the first of the layers is shattered and the second cracked by the attacks... and In turn, the particulate they release decays the second layer into breaking away and are now eroding the third. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But its enough to form a literal wall between those mages and Rin, and hopefully keep any attacks from them at bay for now - though Archer knows they will probably break through the barriers. Even if single assaults were manageable, not even Rho Aius could likely withstand an assault from so many at once if both Master and Servant began hammering at it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He'd bought them a minute at best in other words... and Archer was going to take his own share of damage for every layer of the Aius destroyed, already feeling his muscles strain and bones creak from two of the Aius' layers being destroyed and the third buckling. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But that was the job of a Servant - to be the shield and sword of his Master - and so Archer maintained the projection, hoping it would be enough.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When Shirou orders her to run, Rin all but glares in defiance at him - even now, no matter what universe it was, Emiya Shirou seemed to feel the need to place priority on others over himself. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But that was what Saber had told him about. Why she'd said it was important for him to learn about the values of a knight - namely that he'd have to learn to have people at his side to rely on. And even though she felt she herself could be unreliable at times, Rin wasn't going to abandon him anymore then she would her world's Shirou. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then... she sees the rock-sword, a memory from the past coming to mind and stunning her. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She knows that weapon. She's seen that weapon - in her Grail War. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It shouldn't be possible. Emiya Shirou should not be capable of holding that weapon - of lifting it, let alone using it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Archer takes notice of the weapon, seeing that the boy has modified it further - lightened it's mass and altered it's shape to make it easier to lift and swing without sacrificing it's merits. A more subtle job then he'd expected from the boy, and it actually surprised Archer to see. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... even he couldn't deny the fact that Emiya Shirou was definitely making his own strides... though whether they would bring him in a better direction, the Servant of the Bow didn't know. Or perhaps... he could not tell because he couldn't believe any other outcome would be possible yet. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rin in turn is... for lack of a better word... utterly awestruck. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She had seen Archer use an attack like this... but not Shirou. And yet... it was different - the weapon was formed with a different philosophy and underlaying principle in mind, that much she could tell. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Like his blade works, the boy was coming to approach the make of his weapons differently then the Counter-Guardian whom he shared a mutual distain for. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As she watches the boy she always considered a second-rate magus match blades with a Servant... and overtake her in the amount of attacks he can deliver... the only thing Tohsaka Rin can mutter is a stunned, bewildered and utterly amazed "Emiya-kun...." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .... then her thoughts turn to horror and concern as she sees the wound that was left in his leg, half in the process of reaching for him when he suddenly discards his axe-sword, seems to make a break for it and-<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then she's flying. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ".... E-eh?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Literally, Tohsaka Rin is /flying/, having tried to grab Shirou's shoulder thinking that she was going to help him escape with his injured leg... only for Shirou to summon a /rocket-powered spear/ of all things and take to the skies with Rin finding herself dragged skyward, only having a moment to numbly process her situation before the wires connect- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "E-eeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh?!!?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-and she in turn wraps her arms around Shirou's chest, pressed into his back in absolute /terror/ at finding herself airborne by artificial means, all but shrieking as they fly back towards Dun Realtai. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And all the while, Rin spends every second alternating between cursing artificial implements, cursing Shirou for 'dragging her along on a death-trap' and cursing life itself for cursing her with getting stuck in increasingly insane situations. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Archer just /stares/ at what Emiya Shirou considers an 'escape plan', before soon gritting his teeth as he inwardly curses the boy out with every insult he knows for such a suicidal idea of 'escape.' <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He'd have no issue if the boy's /stupidity/ was contained to himself, but with Rin clinging onto him it was another story. Granted, she was out of harm's way now, but that hardly made a difference now did it? Not with that dragon readying her attack. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whatever she threw at them... he'd have to hope he could blunt it enough for their escape.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Lezard Valeth, Sorceror of Midgard, is experiencing a lot of unusual sensations today as Elizabeth decides to draw upon his considerable magical power in order to fuel her Noble Phantasm... And even more for her restoration from that interesting display of brutal blade work from Shirou. <br /><br />This is the main reason why Ark's bullets weren't joined by a magical barrage. He has to be conservative until he has properly determined how the mana drain will alter his battle tactics. <br /><br />Ugh, thinking about someone /else/. This is weird. <br /><br />Nevertheless, the deployment of the Noble Phantasm /does/ cause him to chuckle. "Fascinating." He states, turning to see them get blasted. <br /><br />He sighs to himself, not bothering to retort to Archer, and shrugs as he looks to the others. "I think we've had enough fun for today. Let us withdraw and consider our further options. Elizabeth, come. Let me show you your new abode. Additionally, I will have to give you a communications crystal to speak with your new..." <br /><br />He pauses, and then shrugs. "Fan club, I suppose? I am sure they will adore you."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;AWAGH?! Shirou finds that he's not ascending at the right angle... or at the right speed. Also his waist extra heavy. Something's weird. "What's so heavy...?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He HAS practiced witht his thing. He knows how it SHOULD be performing. Then he looks at what's clinging to him.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The look in his eyes. Oh that. That explains the noises. "... WHAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaa?!" This. This is not good. His heartbeat was already going a mile a minute. Now TOHSAKA IS CLINGING TO HIM. This is completely unacceptable for very, very different reasons.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But he's not as helpless as he might've been at one time. Always thinking of his next move. Ten moves ahead, even. Shirou adapts quickly even as his face flushes and hormones start screaming inappropriately.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Down there, the Blood Countess' bellow-lungs unleash something profound. A shockwave, a vortex of whipping air that reaches them in no time!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shirou's caught right in the middle of it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That's probably preferable to being on the EXACT EDGE of a vortex though. Things get bumpy, hostile prana invading his circuits and horrible noises throwing his hearing all out of whack. And with the inner ear all off... there goes his sense of balance.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Which was already precarious.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For a good ten seconds the pair go spiraling wildly. Teeth grit though, Shirou adjusts just enough to maintain VAGUELY stable flight. As his hands start to slip he sends prana through his hands. He will NOT. LET. Tohsaka die.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Even though he has to crudely fuse his flesh, bones, and muscle around the spear and force his confused mind to function just well enough.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Swooping and swerving in a haphazard fashion, the two make a descent towards Dun Realtai in what doesn't look like a safe descent at all. But Shirou's going to be taking the brunt of that landing.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And if Archer or anyone else can spare a glance, they ARE headed straight for the animal pens. Shirou's aiming to land in the biggest soft thing possible and that's going to be either a tree or a big pile of hay. ANYTHING will do.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Suffice it to say though, the landing is horrible. And it leaves him knocked out, with grossly warped flesh on the palms of his hands once the spear vanishes.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A bale of hay may also need to be extinguished, because the impact leaves him unconscious.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He could only stand up to the effects of that Noble Phantasm for so long.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At this point, Rin is arguably in far worse shape then Shirou may be mentally. She could handle flying through the air if she was being carried by a Servant - at least then she would trust that she would land safely. If it was Archer or Saber or /any Servant/, she would be fine. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clinging on to what seems to be a haphazardly-steered /rocket/ does not fit her definition of a safe flight in any way whatsoever, her mind so deeply entrenched in fighting off the idea that she may die a very painful death-by-crash-landing that she's not even able to recognize the awkwardness of the situation caused by her clutching on to Shirou so tightly.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The maelstrom unleashed by the contrite mass-murderer does nothing to ease her panic as Rin's sense of hearing screams at the horrid torment it is undergoing from the sonic effects of the attack - and as they start spinning out of control, she finds herself letting out a reflexive scream as they seem to be on the verge of crashing. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No. No - she doesn't intend for it to end like this. No way in hell is this going to be where she would let it end - not for /either/ of them! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Finally turning the rush of adrenaline coursing through her body to something useful, Rin tries desperately to steady her breaths - the first thing she does is Reinforce her own body as far as it can go, figuring Shirou has already done the same - or she hopes he has. Though she worries about how on earth he is managing to steer this diabolical /tool of satan himself/ in this vortex. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At last, she manages to squint her eyes open, daring to try and reach into her pocket to fish out her last two gems - though the only way she can do this without risking being torn away by the turbulence is to wrap own legs around Shirou's, her mind focused more on surviving then on modesty. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That doesn't quite stop her from venting the rest of her panic the only way can at the moment - screaming out when she sees what Shirou is guiding them towards, half-reinforcing and half-chastising; "K-kyyyyyaaaaaaa! E-Emiya!!! Don't you dare miss! I swear to God - if you miss that hay bale, I'll /kill/ you!! Do you hear me-gyhahhaaaa!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As they make their final descent for what barely constitutes a crash-landing so much as an outright crash, Rin concentrates as best she can, reinforcement extending to her vision - her depth perception, acuity, focus - and working to steady her hand-eye coordination - and at the moment she sees the opportunity present itself, she burns through her final two jewels as she throws them, the mystic codes retooled in a desperate gamble to try and limit the damage. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The result is that the two gems detonate, yet not in an explosion as it lacks heat or energy - more like an immense burst of wind. An air-bubble meant to slow their descent enough to make the landing /survivable/. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... but ultimately, it's through both these things that either one makes it out alive, the hay-bales serving as the final cushion against a landing that, even reinforced, would have been hard to take... though they still end up flying through the bail fast enough to ignite part of it - or perhaps that's more the fault of the rocket-spear - and tumble a fair distance across the ground. Rin herself, even with her Reinforcement, feels scrapes form across her body beneath her clothes from the impact, rolling a fair distance - but she doesn't let go of Shirou, willing to use her own body to blunt as much of the impact force as his does as. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It's only after they stop rolling that Rin, haggard, wheezing and covered in dirt and hay - but very much alive and possibly in shock that she's actually survived that aerial nightmare - finally allows herself to let go of Shirou.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Option three: he deploys a Noble Phantasm Ark did not expect him to have, and interposes himself between the magus and the Liner, protecting all of them.<br /><br />"Huh," Ark exhales. Correct Future burns with Grain. The hyper-concentrated mana of a dead world fills his body. He bends his knees --<br /><br />The grey-clad young man launches himself into the air. His gun fires, another three shots in rapid succession hammering the shield. He comes down on the far side of the divide and jumps again, leaving ashen bootprints in the live grass that glow with amber embers of some sort of mana. Three more shots report, this time from above, coming down at an angle against the shield-wall Noble Phantasm to challenge its strength. The shells penetrate defenses with amazing power, but in terms of actual injury, they don't do more than punch clean through something. Strange.<br /><br />Whatever he's using, it's like a Noble Phantasm of his own. He isn't a Servant, and it isn't different enough that it could be something totally unknown from the depths of the Multiverse. In truth, Correct Future is something greater than that, and Ark's innate skill with it makes him more dangerous than many Servants with more limited weapons of their own.<br /><br />Unfortunately for Ark, and fortunately for Archer, he's forced to play conservatively. Lezard is indisposed by way of discovering new limits, his own Caster is staying out of the fray, and everyone else is otherwise engaged. He's limited himself to enhancing a single aspect of his weapon, not wanting to overspend his limited, if substantial, reserves.<br /><br />Ark lands. He slides through the grass, ending up alongside Archer and his shield. He swings his weapon around, past the Servant --<br /><br />-- and sees Rin take off, apparently not quite of her own volition.<br /><br />There's a half-second where Ark considers taking another shot. Instead, he lowers his gun, twirling Correct Future in his other hand and leaving a dim, short-lived trail of amber in the air behind it. He sighs, turning to Archer.<br /><br />"You wanna keep going," he asks, "or are you gonna go make sure the girl doesn't break her neck on the way down?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>By this point, Lezard has already created a teleport circle for himself and the others to bail out. He'll leave it open for Ark, but at this point the Necromancer is already probably sipping tea while getting to know his new psychotically perky Servant.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:911|Elizabeth Bathory (911)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lezard Valeth, among other things, is learning the particular 'varietals of the vein' and their various properties as skin-care tools. Over tea! It's very civilized.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is little that has made Archer flinch in battle. From facing down opponents far stronger then him to even his own death at the hands of the Shadow in the Grail War. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The sight of Rin vanishing in a crash-landing into Dun Realtai was one of those moments, as the Servant is too busy holding back attacks from the mage's weapon, his calm demeanor slipping a bit as he /feels/ her distress upon their crash-landing. "Rin!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She was alive. He knew that much - he would have felt their bond disappear if she'd died. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... that didn't mean she was alright though. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cursing the foolhardiness of both the boy and his own Master, Archer glances back at his adversaries - layer after layer of the Aius is being battered. Thankfully, one of the shield's abilities is to 'protect from all angles', so the barrier's effectiveness isn't increased or decreased by shifting angles - the effect of a shot from above is the same as if it were from the front... though that hardly makes a difference as each shot hits with the force of a Noble Phantasm, the third and fourth petals breaking and the fifth beginning to splinter, small rips in his sleeve and skin forming on the Bowman's outstretched arm as the damage inflicted on the shield was reflected onto him. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If nothing else, it seemed the mage didn't expect a bowman to carry a shield at all, so that meant he didn't know the full range of Archer's abilities yet. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though by the time the mage gets close enough so that he could side-step Archer.... the battle is done, their target soon back inside the safety of Dun Realtai. No longer is there any need to continue this battle, and the enemy seems to realize that, too. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Trace; On. Roll Out." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That doesn't mean he can't be cautious and make sure they're too preoccupied to follow if they try - and the two-dozen or so blades that form around the Servant of the Bow as the remaining three layers of the Aius evaporate ought to discourage any possible attack, as with a single motion of his hand-<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "At least let me leave you a parting gift." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -the weapons fly for the mage and company while he kicks back to begin his own retreat to Dun Realtai. Though with that weapon of his, Ark would likely be able to shoot many of them down, and the Servants could handle what he doesn't - the blades are, after all, just a parting distraction for Archer to flee. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... and as he does, he casts a glance back at the form of Lezard as the dark mage creates his teleport circle, feeling a familiar, embittered concern well up in him as he feels that, once again, even the greatest of peaceful assurances are never enough to stop /every/ person. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If Lezard was brazen enough to come this far onto Dun Realtai's territories... how long would it be before he actually started attacking the village itself? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once again, Archer clenches his teeth as he makes his way to the village proper, feeling he had indeed been correct in his conversation with Saber. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There really was no such thing as a true 'land of peace.' Not so long as humans existed to hate and pursue each-other. And soon enough, if nothing was done about Lezard Valeth... these people were going to be shown that again.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Within Dun Realtai's animal pen, surrounded by displaced hay... a red form slowly shifts, both the limbs on her left side twisted badly but not outright broken or dislocated, bruised down to her bones from the impact force even after everything they both did to blunt it with angry welts forming across most of her body. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... but... she's alive. They both are. That in and of itself is an incredible thing. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pushing herself up on a shaky arm to look at the red-haired boy groggily, Tohsaka Rin looks through her one open eye over his body, barely retaining enough awareness to check him for fatal injuries through her bleary vision. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... and upon seeing his hands, she sees the secret behind how he managed to keep control of the rocket spear revealed by the vastly image of the flesh of his palms having even warped and seared down to the bone. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She gasps - she couldn't keep from doing so even if she tried, the shock splashing over her enough to revitalize some of her senses. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Enough to feel sorrow for his wounding himself for her sake... mixing with amazement at how he managed to handle himself even under all that strain. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And above all that... awe in how his haphazard, clumsy attempts always seemed to /work/ where most magi would have collapsed from the strains. No matter what injuries his mind or body took... his spirit simply refused to give in. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A strength that radiated in all forms he took... no matter what viewpoints they adopted through their lives. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ".... dummy." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The word is half-whispered, spoken through shuddering breath that sounded almost like a choked sob as she gives a bitter... yet somehow-admiring smile, as she can't help but place a hand against the cheek of the boy who, while not from her own universe, she's come to consider like family. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Even now... nothing's changed. I still can't keep up with you, can I?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's an admission there that might only be understood between Emiya Shirou and Tohsaka Rin... but as one is unconscious and the other feeling the same creeping up on her, the magus is unable to keep from having this one sentimental moment take place, born of the efforts of a boy would wished to be a hero. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And so she's still smiling even as she feels her awareness finally drifts away, the price of her adrenaline rush, the injuries and the prana-consumption of a full-power, full-body Reinforcement against such a severe impact finally exacting their toll.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It takes a minute for him to move through the town... but by the time Archer gets ther, Rin has already succumbed to exhaustion from the harrowing crash, having passed out beside Shirou instead of doing the intelligent thing and look for assistance. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How very sentimental. A side effect of having gained a makeshift family back home. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shaking his head and sighing, Archer resolves to move up to his Master and contemplated picking her up - while she would be angry at him for not taking the boy, Archer felt that Emiya Shirou's rather spectacular crash ought to draw enough attention that someone, such as Gawain, would be by shortly to attend to him. And it wasn't like the boy would die anyway with Avalon preserving him. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;... yet he knew Rin would likely throw a fit for Archer doing so... and on a more logical note, he no longer trusted incursion not to take place un Dun Realtai, so he would be remiss to abandon the host of Avalon to an attack by Lezard, who would take the corpse back with him. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So in the interests of making his immediate future a bit more tolerable and guarding the King's scabbard, the Servant of the Bow decides, against his better judgement, to stand guard until someone ensures his Master and the Boy are taken away to recover, never letting his Master out of sight even once. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After all.. what kind of Servant would he be if he did?<br> <br><br />
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<br />
}}</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3386/Day_of_the_Dowhar&diff=121413386/Day of the Dowhar2015-11-28T19:05:01Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2015/11/13 |Location=Void - Deep Void (East) |Synopsis=A ship sends an SOS call and comes under attack by three different parties. |Thanks= |Cast o..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/11/13<br />
|Location=Void - Deep Void (East)<br />
|Synopsis=A ship sends an SOS call and comes under attack by three different parties.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=11, 347, 353, 513, 604, 626, 650, 672, 896, 908<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:896|Nobeard (896)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is, as it turns out, a natural warpgate somewhat nearby the action. Getting from the warpgate to the scene of the... problem may be a bit more tricky. The warpgate is also... moving. It is apparently on the back of some kind of space whale? A really big one. Surprisingly, it has about earth-normal gravity and an atmosphere, which is breathable... but anyone coming via warpgate will basically be walking on the dirty back of a giant whale.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The scene itself is also a little weird! There are four ships involved here, at least before the other players come into the game. One is a ship that looks like a giant penguin, which is coasting lightly through space and appears to have its sail tattered, the mast cracked down the middle. A large number of crew are trying to handle that, which seem to be a mixture of anthropomorphic penguins and hippos. Two others look like some kind of wooden nautilus(es? nautilii?) that appear to have been chasing the penguin-ship, but are now in a complex evasive maneuver to avoid the final ship, which looks like a boat with giant, crystalline green wings upon it. Sharp eyes - this is QUITE a distance - might be able to identify that crew as being made up of elves.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For those on Nobeard's ship, the One-Eyed Jack is approaching at high speed, just now dropping from spelljamming speed to tactical speed. Jack is the one addressing the crew now. "All right, men! Here's the situation. We're going to be going after the Uspo and loot it of anything useful while the Man-o-War is occupied with the illithids. Don't do anything stupid if we get some attention from either of the other two. Dowhar aren't much for fighting, but the giff with them can be pretty dangerous. The ship is useless, don't worry about it. So are the Dowhar, but we'll be taking quarter this time!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;YESTERDAY.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Can you open a portal to the Citadel?" Gudako asks a Gnome Mage.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Nope!"<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh. Darn then."<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Coming right up, missy!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;IN DARNASSUS.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Master look, a boat!" says Berserker.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;IN STORMWIND.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Master! A Warp Gate!" says Caster.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;AT SPACE DOCK #784B-GAMMA.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I want to ride a penguin ship!" says Berserker.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BERSERKER LUCK RANK: B.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Sure, whatever, I'll just hand them this magic wand I took from the Night Elf city, I bet that covers the riding fee." Gudako answers, bartering a stolen wand for ship passage.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NOW.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"E-EEEK! Master, the ship is shaking!" Caster shrieks.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CASTER LUCK RANK: D.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Cool! We wound up in a spaceship battle!" Gudako exclaims, somewhere in the passenger holds of the penguin ship. She appears on the deck, neither of her Servants actually materialized at the moment, her usual smile on her face. She should probably be worried, but she isn't.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hey, penguin. What's going on? Can I watch?" 8D<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Just 15 percent?!" Finna's not big on numbers, but she knows that's not a lot. The little fox emerges on the whale... and immediately regrets it. SHE IS NOW IN SPACE. LOLWUT.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Even though things are pretty damned chaotic up there in the void she sets about frolicking on the whale's back, bouncing and flipping at the marvel that is GRAVITY.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But she's been in space a few times before. This weird marvel is worth about thirty seconds of playing around while she has her eyes on the skyward events.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But hrm. She can't be sure that there's AIR up there, past the whale. Or any appreciable gravity. How to cross the distance.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By making like Spider Man, really. Literally.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shifting to human form, the crafty Lunar focuses her Essence through her arms in emulation of spiders, activating special Chakra points in her palms. With a single thrust she sends a silvery-white line up, up, up towards the distant Penguin-ship. It's quite a drain on Essence generating that much silk, but it's the only way she's going to have any CONTROL of her approach!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But if successful in attaching to the hull, she just starts climbing through the heavens, holding her breath and fortifying her body against the hazards of space she knows.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:353|Laer (353)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The distress signal got Laer's attention, as she was always interested in value and there was an outside chance she'd be able to loot for free instead of merely get fifteen percent off. As such, she's managed to make her way to the general area via portaling, and then spotted something she was at least familiar with. It's a simple dimension door and Laer's stepping out onto the deck of the One-Eyed Jack. She's looking around with some bemusement and her hands raised in the intergalactic symbol of 'I'm unarmed aside from an almost full complement of spells that are surely in no way threatening.'<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Didn't expect to run into you all out here. Are you the distressed or the distressees?" Laer asks, not wanting to make assumptions that the tide hasn't turned in the time it took her to get here. "And is there a cut available, either way?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Laer had taken one look around at the battle and made the quick decision - be on the side with the Beholder pirate.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Strangely enough, Kyra seems pretty well equipped to deal with the issue of a space-based piracy problem. From the warpgate, should it be big enough to accomodate such, a spaceship emerges. It is shaped somewhat like a shark encrusted and burdened with vines that, despite being exposed to the harsh vacuum of space, thrive like any plant would. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is the Rafflesia, personal spaceship of Kyra Hyral. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Rafflesia-" Kyra commands, standing at the helm and...not actually personally piloting the ship, allowing the AI to handle the harder aspects of rocket science. She feeds it the coordinates that the last SOS came in on. The AI itself doesn't verbally answer back-it was put on mute a while back. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When the Rafflesia finally arrives at the coordinates, Kyra discovers her fish-shaped-ship fits in pretty well with the other animal-shaped ships flying around. She assumes the ship shaped like a penguin is the victim and those nautilus-looking ones are the aggressors. She's not what to make of the big ship, which is chasing the nautili. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shrugging, she heads for the penguin, trying to hail the ship with a quick message: "Here to help, move to evacuate, I will cover."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:604|Raine Arland (604)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alongside the One-Eyed Jack, a smaller craft pulled up, flying along through the void. It looked like a transport vessel. Sleek and covered in black with the occasional white lining throughout. Definitely not a combat vessel. But it was fast. And that was probably the intention. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Inside, at the bridge, a young man sat in the captain's seat. He wasn't relaxing however. Where the armrests of the captain's chair were, his hands rested upon a holographic control scheme, piloting the ship and studying all information being fed to the screen. "Heh. Would you look at this? Never is the job easy huh?" Raine muttered, though still donning an amused smirk upon his face. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Floating in an out of sight was Fragarach, lying down on her stomach in midair, she lazily thumbed through a comic book. "Mhmn. A conflict between spaceships. How cute. Try not to get us killed. Or, well you killed." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pause. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "By the way, we're out of snacks." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Raine's brow twitched. "Yeah, about that. It's /not/ the time! Thanks for the reminder though." He tilted his head slightly in thought. "...Wait, did you dig into my secret stash?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fragarach hummed casually, pretending not to hear. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Raine facepalmed. And then he focused on the sight ahead of him. Particularly the whale and... "Hold on. Computer, zoom in on point eight." The display zoomed in and Raine blinked. "...What the hell is that girl doing out there?" He asked no one, in regards to Finna. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Must...resist urge...to laugh.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:672|Starbound Flotilla (672)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The STARBOUND FLOTILLA are here, in their standard Durasteel exploration equipment! Moonfin, the fishman, is in elaborate full-body durasteel armor that looks like a powered cross between a diving suit and a samurai's armor, glowing <span style="color:xterm50">cyan</span> at the faceplate. Biteblade, the humanoid plant, is in durasteel plating with elaborately carved wood and bone ornaments over glowing powered components that glow an intense <span style="color:xterm40">green</span>. Pavo the bird-girl wears a pirate-aesthetic set of mesoamerican-style armor, with <span style="color:xterm184">yellow</span> bands of energized fabric linking the pieces and powering them. Each has a heavy industrial-yellow two-pronged plasma-cutter-like tool strapped to their side, a Matter Manipulator.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The SFS Kaleidoscope -- four other ships welded together, lashed with vines, and given a heavy railgun -- is where Biteblade will be with Eiko, and it slips in begind the SFS Rapacity, a pyramid-styled craft bristling with strange red gems, and the SFS Connoisseur, a light blue fish-styled sleek spacecraft. They're heading to close in on this, intending to use Pavo's high-power teleportation array to beam in, or at least to allow Eiko to do so, for now. Biteblade has given her free run of the well-furnished ship so far, and it'll be easy to just sort of get on the pad if she needs to. As for what the Starbounders themselves do, that'll be just a moment...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:896|Nobeard (896)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The penguin-people on the ship with Gudako are kind of frantic, but fortunately for them, the hippo-people - Giff, as Gudako may know them from various conversations - are actually military-minded. In fact, they probably swing to the opposite end of strict. One of the penguins - called a Dowhar - stops briefly to chirp, "PIRATES! Ohhhh, first the illithids chase us for NO REASON and now pirates!" He's gesturing wildly toward the oncoming ship.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then Finna latches onto the Uspo ship, webbing attaching to the hull. They have no idea if she's friend or foe, but that looks like a boarding maneuver to them! Finna will find that... she can actually breathe out in space, but after about thirty feet beyond the whale's back, the gravity vanishes. She somehow still has air... for now. In fact she has her own little air bubble, but if she stays out in space too long it will run out eventually.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But what does the Uspo do? Gudako has a close up look of how the Giff handle things. "CUT THOSE CORDS, MEN!" The hippo in charge bellows, gesturing his saber at the webs. The nearest Giff... wheel over a cannon and start trying to aim it at the webbing, despite the proliferation of swords laying around.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The commander then turns and yells out, "PIRATES INCOMING! LAUNCH THE SPACE SWINE!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The wily army had long been with the Feds but they'd been a lot quieter lately they'd been seen doing a lot of help in Defiants world with civilians, rumours abounding Wily was building a city to take in refugees ans helping to rebuild some of the ruined cities. It was odd but who knows. The Wily armry might just be going to get some PR or to prove they are not a terrorist group. After all they do have distint markings and don't hide whom they are in combat. Yer the repoirts had reached Metal Man isn't bothered about the gravity but is mutting. <br /><br /> "Should have brought Star Man along." <br /><br /> "He'd be too busy posing for the ladies of the multiverse." <br /><br /> "Ya he really is a showman more than a fighter, Wily didn't even make em for that." <br /><br /> "So long as a robot finds a purpose in their existance, Mate." <br /><br /> "Hey the money he ships home keeps the power on and the Doc fed." <br /><br /> Metal Man, Bubble Man and Wood Man are onboard the Skull Shuttle anad are moving in on the responded distress call. <br /><br /> "So why are we doing this?" <br /><br /> "One to get a discount on supplies and two Illithids are a meance to organic life in general, that's just community service." <br /><br /> "Actual monsters, who shouldn't be left alive." <br /><br /> "Yes they eat people's brains, there's nothing to mince about." <br /><br /> The Shuttle is making it way at high speed to board the stricken ship. They have no stealth systems so they are likely to get fired at as they make their way in and they are not hiding their confederate IFF <br /><br /> "This is Metal Man of the Wily Army, we hear you Uspo and are here to help.&gt;&gt;<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:650|Eiko (650)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Starbounders are pretty cool in Eiko's book. They've helped her out before, but this is her first time on a spaceship. After spending the trip over looking through Biteblade's vessel, as they close in, she's looking over the increasingly complex situation with a chin-rubbing gesture of the thoughtful adventurer-slash-looter (and maybe occasional hero).<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Those guys are getting defended... those guys look pretty tough... those guys are in a bind, which means... Hey, Biteblade, wanna go cut up one of those squid-ships? Either that or try taking that one in back from behind." Eiko's not too keen on going in alone on account of not knowing how easily she'll be able to teleport back if she gets outclassed, which isn't especially unlikely. Dying's not on the agenda.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Illithids? You mean like, squid people? Mind powers?" Gudako asks back-- not super familiar with the species, but at least familiar with the trope to some degree. "This is so cool! I didn't know those guys could have spaceships!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;Master, please pay attention to the danger!&gt; mentally communicates her Caster, incorporeal. &lt;No danger here, just playmates!&gt; replies her Berserker, same deal.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Foxes should listen to cats," Gudako chimes out loud. "Let's play pirate too! Yarr and matey and... other... pirate slang terms. Hm." Gudako muses. "Nah I've got better."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She idly points towards Finna. "Berserker, kill~."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cue the red-robed fox lady with cat mitts and boots. She appears out of thin air, materializing mid-violent pounce towards Finna, claws extended. The strength of the Servant is pretty high, but that agility is pretty absurd too. Pretty high-tier even by the Lunar's standards.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And this is how you escalate misunderstandings.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:672|Starbound Flotilla (672)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"<span style="color:xterm50">Penguins.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm184">Aye. What, ye never heard tale of DREADWING?</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm40">Floran get in fight with penguin military. Tiny penguin tank.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm50">That's spectacular. Why are we here, exactly?</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm184">Fire sale.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm50">It is going to be /on fire/ soon.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm184">Be why they have a sale, idiot.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm40">Floran exercissse economic prudence!</span>"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Time to jump on in! The Kaleidoscope slips on by the Rafflesia and Kyra can practically hear Biteblade call out, "Hi, heal friend!" Before they blast their way alongside the merchant craft. Giant penguin? PAVO is going to know EXACTLY how this works. She's going to get Biteblade to link into her array, and try to blast their way, through that teleporter, to somewhere lightly shielded inside. They're not here to rescue, of course, but they are here to raid. Biteblade regards Eiko thoughtfully. "<span style="color:xterm40">Hmmmm... Could be good! Big hunter ship! Good prey! And other people, already loot merchant.</span>"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pavo crackles from a nearby screen. "<span style="color:xterm184">Aye, lass! Plenty be going to go after that ship, but ain't much yer gonna find on the big Penguinoids with so much competition! Get up on that pad, lass, let's get to raidin'!</span>"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pavo is going to try to inject Biteblade and Eiko into one of the nearby Illithid crafts; presumably Kyra might come along too! Moonfin and Pavo themselves are currently sticking to running outside, ready to strike more intensely with their ship-mounted weaponry, while the Kaleidoscope, Biteblade's craft, zips away!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:896|Nobeard (896)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fortunately, Scarlet is on the deck, and she can vouch for Laer when the elf appears on deck. "Oh, hello again," the medusa purrs. "I think we can negotiate something."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jack replies, "Yeah, our major caster's on the helm, we could use someone like that." So it looks like she has something to handle.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyra finds that... the ship doesn't have a radio, exactly, but her approach isn't aggressive so they don't appear to be opening fire. The ballista on one end is aiming at Kyra's ship, but not really looking like they're going to fire... they're just being careful.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...hello...?" Kyra starts rotating through frequencies, trying to reach the penguin ship with little success, "...hm, maybe their comms are fried. It's even worse than I thought. Rafflesia, prepare to pull up to it-not sure what else to do though...maybe give them a space tow..? Er, wait..." Yeah, although it's not actually firing, she doesn't really like the fact that it's pointing ballista at her and immediately reconsiders getting any closer. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyra sees the Kaleidoscope fly past, recognizing the ship right away, "...ahh shit." Now she switches comms again, this time to ones she knows will reach other ships-in particular the Starbounder's ships, "Soooo since I see Pavo's ship here, I'm guessing you guys are here to loot. I, uh, came to rescue so if you guys could just...loot in a non-interfering way...?" She frowns as she watches the Starbounder's ship veer away from the seiged vessel. "..oh, well, that works." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Rafflesia breaks off to pursue the Kaleidoscope.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finna scowls when her line is cut! But she's already passed the gravity zone... which means every tug on that cord has already sent her floating towards the besieged ship. Except... without that cord she has no CONTROL of her direction. Oops.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For a brief moment she's in a panic. NO CONTROL! Is she going to just float for hours until someone can rescue her? Will she have enough air?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This was maybe a bit silly.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But then she feels the AIR around her... and grins. Flesh ripples on the Lunar's back... and ERUPTS into a pair of snowy owl wings! But just as she's pondering how best to flap without gravity to form any sort of proper lift...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CLAAAAAAAAAASSSHHH-CLANG!!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"WHAT THE HOOPIES?!" Sparks fly and light flashes in the void between the whale and Penguin ship. It takes a moment to see just WHAT happened there... because Finna's sent flying at a COMPLETELY different angle now. Heading straight for the bow of the penguin ship BACKWARDS. Flecks of blood flow from her injured arm where one of the claws was a bit too fast for her to completely divert it. Dismayed and angry, she readies her own claws more properly. Silvery light swirls around her fingernails, transforming them in no time at all.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh someone's SO getting it for that!" As always she's full of huff and bluster, but her heartbeat's also now going a mile a minute. Whoever her assailant is, they're FAST. Fast enough to take HER by surprise... ALMOST by surprise, anyways.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also this Zero-G thing is a problem. She has no purchase to put any serious weight into her blows, and any clash will send her in the opposite direction!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Exalt seems rather concerned about these as she hurtles through space, on guard for a repeat attack!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:353|Laer (353)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ah, that's good, then. I've just been informed that a loose associate of mine is on the ship shaped like the strange bird." Laer hadn't actually caught Gudako's name, but they sounded 'loose' enough to her. "Would you prefer me to stick to support, or would you rather I take a slightly more active role in things?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That's actually a rare offer, but it's been a bit since the elf had shown off, and there were times when making a good impression on people helped. Such as during a completely insanely chaotic battle with loot on the line for dividing up later. She doesn't look directly at the medusa, because she's not really a believer in taking those sorts of chances.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:896|Nobeard (896)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Raine is coming up alongside the One-Eyed Jack, and that means Raine's ship gets someone targeting it. "Friend of yours?" Scarlet asks with amusement. There's a man eying Raine's ship curiously over the railing, and rubbing his chin, but if Raine isn't making any aggressive moves then hell, why not?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eiko and Biteblade decide to head onto an illithid Nautiloid. Appearing on the ship they'll find that the deck looks like... a wooden ship deck, but is very dark. Extremely dark. A purple, tentacle-faced being looks up from where he's apparently loading up the catapult. Or rather, an ogre is doing so, while the illithid watches. Tentacles twitch as it sees the invaders, gesturing for the ogre to attack! Which it does by... hurling the rock. Probably not the best idea, given the close quarters and relatively slow wind up.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:896|Nobeard (896)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Metal Man attempts to contact the Dowhar! Unfortunately they too lack comms! This world just hasn't been unified long enough to have actual radios widespread, it seems!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The only reason that Metal Man's ship isn't being fired upon is because they don't have THAT many weapons to spare! The Uspo is largely a trading vessel, so their defense screen appears in the form of... several flying pigs with penguins riding on the back deploying in a screen between the various incoming craft and the ship. "SPACE SWINE, FORM UP!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's a scientifically proven fact cats lose their ability to flip mid-air to land on their feet in zero gravity. The fact this is a real study that was conducted might now make you feel bad for the cats, much like Gudako's player did upon finding out.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lucky for Finna, the red-robed Berserker does not come in for a second strike! She disappears, reappearing by Gudako's side on the deck of the ship. She glances up and overboard, eying the Lunar with a wide :3 as though she were dinner. Which, given those wings, she probably REALLY DOES think she is dinner right now.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Much like a cat, Berserker is also following Finna's every spin and movement with both head and eyes. This probably looks very silly.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako is trying to weight options right now. "Huuuuh. So, the pirates are friends of ours. That's awkward. Whatcha wanna do, Berserker?"<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Berserker wants dinner, master!"<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Cats shouldn't hunt airborne birds," Gudako says.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Berserker can bring it down!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The big cat paws of the Servant reach into her sleeves, withdrawing a set of paper talismans. She hurls them towards Finna! They glow idly, but as sorcery goes this is insanely low tier, especially compared to the same talismans Finna saw a few days back from the other Servant!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Among them are minor assorted curses. A bad luck curse, a toothache curse, a small gravity curse (aiming to bring her down!). It's really not the sort of stuff that leaves a dent.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako continues watching, smiling, musing. "Ooh, maybe I'll ask the bird what to do. I've never let a bird decide what I should do before." And then her attention is taken by the frontline of SPACE SWINE. She really picked the best ship to be on.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:650|Eiko (650)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh, so squid-guys see pretty well in the dark. Eiko should have thought to bring some kind of gear for this; it's not that rare a monsters-related thing, and these are definitely some familiar-looking mobs.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eiko tugs at her sword and it--doesn't come free. It's totally stuck in there, not budging in the slightest. Well. She could always try bashing the ogre or its master with the scabbard... "Haha, not doing that!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She ducks out at a rapid pace, leaving the gun deck if she can and trying to get to the holds, avoiding the ogre as she goes. She's holding her sword over one shoulder, now, and if another thing with tentacles show up (nothing with tentacles is ever good news) around the next corner, it's going to get a primitive clobbering.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, Kyra steps away from the bridge after giving a number of commands to the ship, giving it a set course to orbit with path correction based on whatever aggro the Rafflesia might draw while it's on autopilot. One of the benefits of having an active AI, clearly. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Moments later, after a good shot of the teleporter, she too appears on the deck of the Illithid Nautiloid, seconds after the ogre hurls the rock at Biteblade and Eiko. She takes one look around and, with little pause, turns and aims her hunting rifle right at the ogre. It doesn't look like much-nor do the darts it fires look like much either. If they happen to penetrate through the ogre's skin, they deliver a very powerful neurotoxin-based paralytic. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Watcha guys doing?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:604|Raine Arland (604)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hey idiot. Maybe you should actually say something to the ship you're beside?" Fragarach casually commented while continuing to flip through a comic book. It was pretty thick. She'd be at it for a while. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Raine rolled his eyes and didn't respond, but could see the logic in it. With a sigh, he spoke. "Computer, bring up the comm. Now let's see...Hey , ship beside me, I come in peace, or something along those lines. Is that good? No? Okay whatever, I'm here to find one of our people. That good? Should be. Okay." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pause. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Oh right. Name's Raine Arland, you need me to do anything in the interim, I'm all ears. Otherwise I'll be cruisin' along~" And that said, he shot forward, thrusters pushing the ship towards the one with the Penguin motif steadily.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Metal Man says "Am I actually seeing this?" <br /><br /> Wood Man gets dramatic and shouts out in a booming voice. <br /><br /> "PIGS IN SPPPPPPPPPPPACCCCCCCCCCEEEEEE!!" <br /><br /> Bubble Man just stares under his goggles at his brother for a moment, with a how am I reltion to you etched on his face almost. <br /><br /> "Okay they can't hear us make ready to board the hostile ship and get to it. These things are not human so the laws of robotics even if we had it don't apply here." <br /><br /> "Aye, These space dogs be going to be deep sixed." <br /><br /> "Bubble now isn't the time for talking like a pirate!" <br /><br /> Bubble Man shrughs a bit as the shuttle comes about and makes for the hostile ship and is going to move to boar it. Leaving a Joe to pilot Metal Man ges to the back air lock and soon is leaping out followed by the other Wily robots and a unit of Grabby Copters which are carrying Sniper Joes with them. It's time to board!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:672|Starbound Flotilla (672)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"<span style="color:xterm40">You go, sssword friend, Floran handle ssstabs!</span>" Biteblade calls out to Eiko. She draws her power daggers... And then CATCHES the boulder on her face. Slammed backwards down into the deck however much the attack might damage the hull of their own boat, Biteblade is smeared over the thing, armor crumpling.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But then she HEAVES the boulder off of her with a straining shove, and looks bloodily at the Illithid. "<span style="color:xterm40">Isss cool big prey for throwing rock! Floran gonna go ahead, eat both.</span>" Kyra's here! Handling the ogre. Biteblade goes after something else. She dashes forward, trying to struggle through the lack of light that inhibits her photosynthesized energy, and go after the Illithid! She can get a boost to compensate for the dark, and recover some of her lost HP, if she can manage her effort to KNIFE-TACKLE the horrible creature and pin it to the deck with her daggers, and begin devouring some portion of it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:896|Nobeard (896)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, the Dowhar weren't firing on Kyra... and when the Rafflesia turns to head toward the Nautiloids, she'll see a ragged cheer from the decks! Boy, they're glad they decided to hold fire, aren't they? If the ship makes it through this, she'll have some allies! Though... maybe she'll also realize how shitty Dowhar are as allies.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nobeard is floating onto deck on the Jack, and snorts lightly. "Arr. We should have ye on the front this time. Well, front enough for the crew. Keep behind Jack, it'll be fine. Should be fun."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The man talking to Raine just shrugs. "Well, as long as you aren't in our way, whatever. It's kind of open season on the penguins, huh?" Unfortunately Raine and the Jack will need to break through the line of SPACE SWINE incoming. Though at least one of them is going to be coasting soon, as one of the rays fired from Nobeard's eye strikes one. There are still four to take care of. And also...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"FIRE!" Gudako gets an up close look at a cannon shooting a spider web. They should probably be shooting at the ship, though? The Commander seems to have an idea for that, too. "PREPARE TO REPEL BOARDERS!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well this is a puzzler! Finna's sharp eyes can see the Tamamocat hurling SOMETHING at her... but in her insane spin it's REALLY hard to figure out just WHAT they are. What she DOES know is that she has wings now. And so they are MIGHTY MIGHTY FLAPPED.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;... Which, certainly, changes her trajectory. Except now she's spinning in an entirely different direction and--<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAM-UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNCH!!!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Aaaaaaoooooooowrgh!" The fox, through some insane trickery of fate or luck (good, bad, or otherwise, it's hard to say) slams through a window. The sorcerous tags, unless they have HOMING abilities, are... probably not going to strike her. What trickery does the Berserker employ in this situation though?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As for Finna though, well.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now INSIDE the ship, with her wings crumpled and tons of broken glass cutting her all over, is sort of flopping around in a heap. "What is WRONG with this place?!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:353|Laer (353)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Laer smiles toothily at the mention of wanting her to be more upfront, a hand going down to sneak into a bag tied around her waste, coming out with a long fang of some sort. It's not at all impossible that some of the crew will recognize it as a dragon's fang. This is going to be more likely in a moment, as Laer starts to sing in Draconic, the tooth glowing and seeming to melt away.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As does Laer herself into a pool of red light, before an adult red dragon takes off from the deck, seeming to not have too much trouble with the gravity of the situation, spinning a few times towards the Space Swine before taking in a deep breath.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once she's breathing out, brilliantly hot flames in spite of the vacuum, Gudako might just have that option for bacon after all.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The paper talismans... just kind of fly off. They're really basic, not especially powerful, and despite Berserker's strength, she's not the greatest at magic. It's already odd enough she's a Berserker with magic at all! That makes two.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The red-robed fox frowns, having lost sight of her dinner. She pouts, and stomps her foot, and then Gudako pats her in the head. "There there, Berserker. Mister commander! We're going to go secure your cargo since we suck out here~." she tells the Giff, while watching the spider web cannon fire. This ship is amazing, god damn.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unless stopped, Gudako heads back into the ship! With her Berserker trailing behind. She starts looking for the cargo hold, which hopefully is either easy to find or on a map somewhere. Preferably unguarded, but she's not above handling the matter pretty directly if it is.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:604|Raine Arland (604)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Gotcha. No getting in the way happening here. You guys do your thing, and I'll do mine. Yep." Raine spoke into the comm once more before focusing on the frontal display. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ah crap. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pigs. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Raine's worst enemy. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nevermind that he just made that up right this moment. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Crap. This ship's weapons systems aren't anything to write home about. Alright, evasive manuevers first! Fragarach, prepare to reinforce the cannons." Smirking, went in, steering the ship left and right evasively, as well up up and down, doing what he could to keep out of harm's way. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fragarach meanwhile sighed. "Hah? But I'm at the good part here. Charge them up yourself." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Uh, hello? Not the spellcaster here? Come on, get the hell to it!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You owe me for this." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The ship veered around once evasive movements completed, with as much damage mitigated as possible. The ship's main cannons, which weren't that powerful, but were enough for this purpose, thrummed to life, and then two bolts of laser energy fired out, splitting into multiple smaller rays to seek out the space swine unaccounted for.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:896|Nobeard (896)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The elf ship is hammering the one Nautiloid... and the other is being assaulted by the Flotilla crew! Kyra PROBABLY chose the right ship to assault as well. The illithid raiders are likely the most in the wrong group here, since they're likely to want to eat brains and all.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eiko manages to dive off to the side, and can dash toward the hold. There is another illithid right around the corner, and it burbles in shock right before a loud THUNK slams into its head. This doesn't happen before it unleashes a desperate psychic shriek toward Eiko, though!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The same psychic shriek power is being used against Biteblade, but well... it might hurt, might not, either way these things aren't fighters, at least not the ones that are on the crew here. Tendrils flail, trying to grasp at the Floran at the same time as the fingers claw. Ichor spurts a lot more though, as the thing is just a crewman, not a warrior.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The ogre is a bit more of a problem, charging with a roar... and getting a tranq dart for his trouble. Amazingly, the ogre looks at it and yanks it out, starting to step toward Kyra with a low, gutteral growl... but it only manages about three steps before crashing into the deck.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The group can now go down into the hold, or try to make their way forward, toward the bridge.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Biteblade!" Kyra calls out, the fact that the Floran has been bloodied not going unnoticed. She's about to lift her hand to field a heal in her direction when the ogre growls at her. Her eyes widen and she lifts her rifle, pumping another two darts into the ogre out of panic. It takes one step towards her, she backs up, and the pattern follows until it faceplants onto the deck. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Heaving a sigh of relief, Kyra turns for Biteblade and holds out a hand, "Heal!" White magic could at least repair damaage but it probably wouldn't help much with Biteblade's need to eat for energy. Hopefully the illithid will provide the sustinance that the Floran needs! Once the other two are free, she'll follow them below deck.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:650|Eiko (650)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eiko finds a crewman (assuming the illithid actually do any work around here) and delivers the overhead strike she'd readied for just this eventuality. It ALMOST falters fatally, but she's a lot of forward momentum going for her, and is practically leaping into the swing by the time she's hit. It's only after she has both feet on the ground that she wobbles, groaning at the pain, and making a note. "Psychic damage. Gotta work on that next. Or fire? Frikken dragons. Work on both."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If the squidman is still up, she won't so much as pause in her speech while methodically bashing its head in with repeated hits. Then she'll check its body (living or not) for something like a knife, which could prove useful for the next part, before stepping over and into the hold.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's hoping for easily looted treasures just piled around, but if everything is in crates and barrels, it'll be time to start prying things open to figure out what's worth taking. Chests are usually a good sign. Nobody sticks their rum and gunpowder in locked chests.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:896|Nobeard (896)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Raine and Laer prove to be EXCELLENT at providing support! Nobeard eyes(haha) the dragon that appears, then laughs as Laer sends out a burst of flame that fries several. They're... actually not that strong, compare to the people around them. Maybe a whole squad could be more of a threat, but with Laer, Nobeard, and Raine sending lasers, eye rays, and flame breath at them... the screen of swine is soon sizzling pork that fills the atmosphere envelope with mmm-mmm goodness.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finna smashes into a window to see two Dowhar peering at her. They shuffle away, because that was clearly an accident and also they aren't fighters. The Giff laughs at Gudako though, "I like you!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Giff are weird.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:672|Starbound Flotilla (672)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Biteblade is slammed brutally by the psychic wave, but she doesn't need things like "higher thought processes" right now. Thankfully, Kyra has Biteblade's regeneration issues handled, otherwise the combined wounding would knock her out of the fight too early! Biteblade focuses though, allowing herself to be grasped in order to kee the crewman in grappling range.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The hold, on one hand, sounds like it's full of whatever valuables the illithid might want. So once Biteblade's free -- and dined on Illithid flesh, potentially, that can't be a great thing to do -- she'll be right up on her feet, energized and READY TO GO!! Dashing on after Eiko and practically bouncing off the walls down into the hold, eager to loot and kill and do so with such quickness that it'll be hard to keep up with her and harder to react to her sudden assaults.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:896|Nobeard (896)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pirate talk? Seriously? Well, fortunately people aren't around to hear Bubble Man's talk. All that are around are... well, smashing into the Nautiloid, the copters and Joes will find a small crew there to oppose them! The illithids aren't using mind blasts this time, but their human slaves are lining up with powerful crossbows to target the incoming robots, unleashing a hail of bolts at them. It's obviously just the guard for the heavy weapons though. Busthing through them will lead directly into the ship's command centers.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:896|Nobeard (896)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako is below decks! And... so is Finna. Finna can go on the attack, or try to talk her way out of trouble, or whatever. But Gudako and the two Servants will go down and... find lots of crates. Lots and lots of crates. There's a couple chairs around as well, but mostly crates of what look like furniture and clothing, plus some... things. Trinkets, basically. Mechanical toys?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:353|Laer (353)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Laer, once done with the pigs, will fly in the direction of the distressed ship, hoping to be intimidating enough to prompt an immediate surrender of all of the cargo and such. This would probably work better, on an intimidation level, if she didn't look so awkward flying as a dragon. Zero gravity doesn't help the cause, either.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Still, having a massive red dragon tumbling towards your ship is almost as intimidating as one clearly in control would be, and there presumably will be a vanguard of pirates behind her to go on the assault as well. Assuming she manages to not actually crash into the ship and leave a dragon-sized hole, at least.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:896|Nobeard (896)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eiko and Biteblade are going to be sporting some headaches, but at least Kyra can support them! Eiko DOES find a wavy dagger that is pretty evil-looking, and can probably hear the chaos up top. Brain eaters are not getting much sympathy, it seems.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They don't have gunpowder, though. Gunpowder doesn't exist! The illithid ship instead has only a few items of interest:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;* Several sacks of some strange... mold.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;* A pool of liquid in a barrel.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;* Quite a few sacks of coins that appear to be made of steel(??)<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;* A metal barrel that is extremely large and doesn't appear to have any normal means of opening.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;* Several crates of paintings. The canvases are all ruined by huge streaks of dark red though.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:604|Raine Arland (604)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "And that takes care of that." Raine quipped, powering down the cannons and diverting all energy back to thrusters. With the obstacles out of the way, Raine set a course forward, following after that conspicuous red dragon. No need to put on a show when THAT was up front. "Hey, Fragarach, why don't you ever turn into a dragon?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Do you want me to destroy your ship?" Came her distant reply, followed by a pageturn. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Okay, maybe not." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I thought so." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Raine rolled his eyes. "Computer, activate autopilot. I'm heading out." He stood from the captain's chair, his hands leaving the controls, which faded out of sight as the ship began to pilot itself. "Alright, let's see what the damage is..." He mumbled to himself, leaving the bridge and heading down to the hangar to disembark onto the deck distressed ship below.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finna's not having ANY of this. First she gets a load of some people staring at her... than they go toddling off. "Awwwrghooo... ow ow." But she stands and decides...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Screw this. Gonna switch strategies.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The wings immediately vanish into her body again. The rest of her ripples and shifts...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When the transformation's over with she's no longer a she.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now there, in the hallway, stands a man. A mountain of a man, easily seven feet tall and broad enough that he could probably wrestle a bear and WIN. His muscles have muscles, his scars have scars - particularly a big, dark one across his BARED, PHENOMENALLY HAIRY chest. Legs and arms like meaty tree trunks, he grabs his sword from the ground (wait, wasn't that a broken? No you're imagining things) and begins tromping down the hallway. TALK HIS WAY OUT OF TROUBLE?!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No. It is evident in ERIK BLACKBURN's VERY STRIDE what the MOUNTAIN THAT WALKS is out to do. He needn't explain anything to the Dowhar. Not even that intensely weird transformation, if they happened to observe it. In his MANLY SWAGGER one thing is communicated.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;These pirates are done for. THE HERO HAS ARRIVED! The hero who is said to have learned the secrets of the Cactuars themselves. Who these guys here probably know nothing about.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When in doubt, refuge in AUDACITY works very well.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Awright 'en. Les' sa wat these piiiiiirats can DO."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What accent IS that anyways?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Crates! And no guards. Lucky her.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako wanders in, with Caster still dematerialized and Berserker now taking the lead. There's something to be said about cats and curiosity, and that's precisely why the catfox starts poking at the weird mechanical toys.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;... after she claws one of the chairs to mark her territory and stretch a bit. She couldn't help that one. It was right there! Unmarked!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For her part, the master just peeks into random boxes. Can't possibly all be furniture and weird gadget toys, can it?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:896|Nobeard (896)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Illithid flesh tastes like really crappy calamari. Just, you know, since it came up. Blech.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:650|Eiko (650)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Okay, let's see. COINS. Coins have to be valuable, at least if people are keeping them around. Can't be good for anything but money, unles they're ammo for something, and these people (using the term loosely) are using catapults, so probably not. Steel is weird, but it has to be worth something to someone.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eiko points out the coins to Biteblade first. Her matter-gadget can take stuff-not-weld-down pretty quickly, she's noticed, so that should be taken care of straight off. Next is... mold and mysterious liquid. Eiko would be a bit worried about either of these things killing her on contact, though if they don't...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She leans in, and gives a sniff at the liquid, then dips a finger in if it doesn't seem too dangerous. She's got ways of dealing with anything that doesn't kill her outright, at least.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Metal Man and his crew get aboard the ship and are alreayd moving into fight. The Joes use their shields infamous for taking insane level of damage to block the bolts but this keeps them from attacking. They however charge ahead moving to knock the humans out of the way. Some attempt to subdue the mind puppets. The Wily army's been around long enough to know a few things about this sort of thing. Not much but enoug to get these guys are either salves or mind controlled. GRabby Copter will just attempt to grab and restrain the slaves even if means some fall and they do. After all they are just basic mechanliods. <br /><br /> Metal, Bubble and Woodman barrel on through attemoping to use htier mass to get into the command cwenter and Metal Man if he gets in ther will yell. He'll start looking for the 'mind flayers' and start slinging blades, Bubble Man has a harpoon in hand and Wood Man seems to be unarmed, well to those with no experiance with him.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:896|Nobeard (896)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whelp. This is gonna be interesting. Gudako is going through the cargo unmolested now, and the chair is... surprisingly comfortable for being plain wood. Finally, she finds some nice-looking textiles in one, and a CRATE full of halberds. They look... overlarge for a human, in fact. Easily twelve feet tall and incredibly heavy.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Dowhar gasp! "THE HERO IS HERE! THE HERO!" "WHAT HERO?" "I DUNNO?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The giff who barges in has his eyes light up. "By Gromaj's left tusk! Just what we need! We're under attack by pirates!" He turns and moves with surprising speed upward, unholstering a large wheel-lock pistol from his side.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Of course, the deck is scattering because a RED DRAGON, a strange ship with someone carrying a HUGE SWORD, and in another moment a BEHOLDER is appearing. "HAR! Hand over the cargo and no one gets hurt, lads!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Quick, save us ERIK!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyra's smart, she doesn't go down into the ship first. Except at least this time there doesn't seem to be any monsters or even more crew to close in on them so the caution almost seems unnecessary. Yet she remains vigillant since Illithids are also known for horribly messing up minds. What if it was an illusion they all were seeing? <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though while she cautiously explores, she picks up some of the coins and looks them over She immediately knew of their value, given their strange weight comparied to real gold but despite that, she isn't stopped as she picks up some souvenirs for the trip.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:672|Starbound Flotilla (672)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Looting! Well, there's no more hunting to do, no more stabbing. Biteblade has Pavo yelling in her ear, of course, shouting to go grab everything! As per usual, Biteblade just sort of runs with it, and handles looting for Eiko! Anywhere Eiko points her, she just runs over and points her Matter Manipulator at it, which lets her take in large amounts of furniture, and loot, and pieces of the ship... And pretty much anything else that seems narratively convenient for the little plantgirl to be picking up.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"<span style="color:xterm40">Isss all loud upssstair. You think, leave? Or think, maybe we go, loot bridge? Not sssure.</span>"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:896|Nobeard (896)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Metal Man and crew make short work of the crossbowmen, even just subduing them. They lack much motivation, being basically charmed. But afterward, crashing into the command center, they'll get a glimpse of several Mind Flayers in a circle, concentrating. Two more are up, and one of them had a fireball prepped, hurling it toward the group with a burbling of arcane enchantments and an explosion that blasts through the walls of the deck. They must be getting desperate!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the hold, Kyra weighs the coins, but more importantly they seem to have stamped units on them. These are CURRENCY... somewhere. From the dust, maybe the illithids didn't know what to do with them either.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Biteblade just yanks up anything she can, which is an awful lot of shit. Though investigating the mold finds it rather harmless, really. It doesn't even itch or anything, nor does it send spores up in the air. It's more like... solid chunky fungus, easily portable. The liquid, however, just feels slimy and disturbing, and it smells HORRID.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WHOMP, WHOMP, WHOMP. The form that Finna has taken is no illusion. Not entirely. Erik tromps up the stairs and onto the deck. One meaty hand strokes an unevenly kept dark, overly tangled and fuzzy beard as he strolls out into the light under the stars. On the outside he is the very image of a mighty berserker, a barbarian warrior forged in the cold and the snow. The only thing he's missing is... a shirt, maybe. Or armor. Big, thick leggings are all he wears.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He simply strolls across the deck, facing down the dragon and glancing periodically at the Beholder.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's a *CLANK* as he clamps his jaws down on the flat of his blade and solidly folds both arms across his chest.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then... with the sound of awful, crunching steel the sword simply SNAPS IN TWO. Munch. Munch.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He bit his own sword in half and is SWALLOWING FRAGMENTS?!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It'll take quite an act of will to tell that there are no fragments, and what's hitting the ground are just pieces of railing.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He just stands there, stalwart and solid. Just DARING anyone to threaten the ship further.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Every hair on his chest ripples and flexes individually in waves. Or maybe that's chest muscles flexing. Really hard to say.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:604|Raine Arland (604)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ".....Well." Raine started, watching what went down on deck from the back hatch of his own ship. Some huge guy just came from below deck and BIT A SWORD IN HALF. "...Cool." He grinned and then, as if not caring about the danger, leapt out of his ship, veering downwards until he landed onto the deck of the distressed one, right near the red dragon. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yo." Raine greeted Erik, a two fingered salute following. "So you look like you've got some guts. That's good, I like guts. Buuuuuut..." He gestured to belowdeck, which was being blocked by said giant of a man. "We gotta get down there. For various reasons. It's cool, right? We can just mosey on by while you stay up here chewing on swords. Yeah? Yeaaaah?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A pause. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...So how'd that taste anyway?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:650|Eiko (650)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Starbounders have a WAY better inventory system than Eiko does, so she's gonna leave Biteblade to that. Delegation! In the meantime, she's wiping that horrible liquid off her finger as well as she can (not on her sweet coat, freshly mended from that time she set herself on fire), and looking back out the way they came.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Walking that way, "Hey, Heals, cover me. I figure we might have time to hit the boss before we gotta get out of here. If not, better than not trying." Back toward the bridge, then. "Bitey, follow up whenever you run out of stuff. Don't take TOO long, got plenty more stabbing to do, but no rush 'till there's a rush."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Metal Man is storming in the blades start flying at the Mind FLayers as he takes a hit from the blast he's damaged but he's sditll going. Bubble Man crahses through harpoon ready and dives at the nearest one intending to put the harpoon into the thing's head. Wood Man then shows his power as the bulky Robot shows his power leaves appear, yes but not just anything they are synathic and have edges that are nearly monoflilment keen. He'll launche them into the ranks of the mind Flayers as Metal Man keeps up his attack there is no mercy no restraint not for things like this. <br /><br /> "You do not belong in this world or any others monsters!" <br /><br /> For once he may be right given what the Mind Flayers are. <br /><br /> "You scum are worse than the coucil of Robotics!" <br /><br /> Barks Bubble Man for all the goofyness of his look he's quite serious, also he makes use of the bubble lead which will just crush anything that gets caught under it. While Wood Man seems very unhappy about these thingds iun general he is silent.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:896|Nobeard (896)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eiko, Kyra, and Biteblade will hear some inhuman shrieks as Metal Man, Bubble Man, and Wood Man burst into the scene and... begin to shred the illithids to pieces. None of the people here are particularly a challenge for these Elites, being relatively minor raiders.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And when they die... the Series Helm goes down, and the ship's faint feeling of motion lurches to a halt. It's dead in space now, though at least still seems to have gravity and air thanks to the peculiar physics of this world.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:353|Laer (353)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Of course, the problem with attempting to intimidate a red dragon is that they are, by nature, not the sorts to consider their actions. Laer in her usual elf form would probably reconsider; the dragon doesn't really hesitate, instead launching itself awkwardly forward to bring claws to bear. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Those claws aren't really super cordinated; Laer's just not that great at the movement parts of being a dragon. This isn't because she's not fully one; it's because red dragons just tend to be a little awkward. So those are mostly also going to damage the ship, being quite easy to dodge, even as she growls out. "Surrender! You called out that you were in distress. Do you want to be in more?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:650|Eiko (650)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ahh, damn. Oh well. Kill-stealers will happen.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eiko backs off, not wanting to start a wholly new fight, and hopes Biteblade has a swift teleport-back function on the ship.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:672|Starbound Flotilla (672)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"<span style="color:xterm50">Please recover the swordswoman.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm40">But big fight right here!! Floran wanna hunt!</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm184">Go upstairs and loot more, ye lazy weed!</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm50">Am I the only one concerned for the wellbeing of our younger candidates?</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm184">Aye.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm50">Of course it falls on the Hylotl to have any noble morality.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm40">Uuuuugh, if will shut ssstupid fish face up, will get sssword friend!</span>"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"<span style="color:xterm40">Need to go? Kitchen get too hot, lot of kill!</span>" Biteblade says, grabbing Eiko and yanking over. "<span style="color:xterm40">Floran isss protect! Here, we leave! Quick! Hug Floran!</span>" What. Well, Eiko won't have a chance to object, if she's trying to swift-teleport back. Because Biteblade will just immediately hug her and initiate the teleport, way too hot to have her nearby! They've done enough raiding today, it'll probably be fine!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:896|Nobeard (896)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hmm. Dragon and Raine handling the hero. Nobeard just decides to make it easier to loot. There's a reason even the giff are scattering, becaus eeven THEY aren't going to go against the monsters here. "Arr. We'll be taking the loot. Why be ye defending these cheaters anyhow?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Dowhar squawk about that, but a lancing green beam from Nobeard's eye into the deck shuts them up. The door to the hold disintegrates, letting anyone go in... or out. "We'll just be taking one mouthful, heh. Each."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahahahaahahahahaha!" The MIGHTY MIGHTY MAN unfolds his arms as Raine approaches! And... blocks the passage below decks.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"..... No." Exclaims the man, voice deep and rumbly and grand. "None kin pass!" Each of his fingers flex open then close again, causing enough muscle on that arm to ripple and bulge that it's like the surface of a choppy sea.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Bu' ad'ice, 'at's free. Ye dunnae 'e m'rits of IIIIRRRRRRN 'n yer gut, kid? They be p'enty."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Seriously, where does this accent come from?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Why, eet opins u'a whoooooooole new w'rld of poss... poss... STUFF."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As if to PROVE THIS the man lets loose a bellowing HOWL, both arms raising high... and EVERY SINGLE HAIR ON HIS CHEST WRITHES INDEPENDENTLY. They shimmer, gleam like metal and STRAIGHTEN UNNATURALLY until they resemble the quills of a porcupine.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And OFF THEY GO, flying across the deck making an AWFUL RACKET when they penetrate the hull - if only just barely. Each a tiny pinprick arrow.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What the HELL.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The GREAT MAN exhales... then claps a hand down on Raine's shoulder after getting a GOOOOOOOOOD look at the Dragon. "Ey, kid. Wh'r's'dis eh-gain? Ey'm na sure."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Speaking of getting out, Kyra does not go down with the illithid ship. She doesn't stick around to gather up steel coins. Once it's clear that the ship is startig to drift, she too is teleported out after a quick signal is sent back to the Rafflesia.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:353|Laer (353)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Laer is not exactly certain of the translation of the man, considering the option for eating him or for stabbing him. The dragon doesn't technically have anything to stab him with, but that's not going to get her to stop. At the same time, she doesn't exactly want to fight.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She tilts her head back, blasting fire straight upwards and away from anything that might actually burn, then bends back down. "Even if you survive, strange man, every bit of your hair will be burned to ash. You will be bald for all eternity over your entire body, a suffering that will last a lifetime. Begone, fool, and be thankful for my mercy every day as you shampoo."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:896|Nobeard (896)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Even NOBEARD has to stop and stare at the ridiculousness of this. "What." The beholder stares... that is, about five of his eyes turn and look at what's going on there. Fortunately, the crew has decided discretion is the better part of valor.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Surrender! We surrender!" The Dowhar flaps useless wings. "If you fight here the ship is gone anyway!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:604|Raine Arland (604)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "........" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Raine stared up at the giant of a man. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; His brow twitched as he tried to understand just what was said. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It twitched againas he witnessed the display of 1000 CHEST HAIRS. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A bit of radio banter follows, an then he just feels drained. "....Yeah man...yeah." Raine just nodded and sighed out that response, utterly incapable of mustering up anything else. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He turned around. "I'm gonna just...stand by in my ship. My ridiculous quota's been met for the week." He walks off, hand raised. "Yep. That's it for ol' Raine. Ain't no country for old men here." Raine you're not even old, shut up.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Erik staaaaaares at the threatening dragon. A single, large drop of perspiration rolls down the side of his face. The heat, or fear? It's hard to say. But he answers it by IIIIIIIIIINHALING enough that his chest puuuuuuffs up dramatically... and then exhaaaaaaaaaaling... "HRMPGHHHH!" With a mighty flex that flesh contracts down to normal size again, SQUEEZING OUT a new set of chest hair.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Raine may have had enough ridiculous for the week, but there seems to be no end of it with this guy. "F'n, d'nlrn 'e secret WAYS OF THE CACTUAR!" The way he pronounces this WAY is with a completely different accent, like a Japanese man speaking english.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But the call to surrender gets his own eyebrows quirking in opposite motions. One raises, the other falls. this goes on for about five seconds back and forth, then he sighs in disgust and waves his hand.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TROMP, TROMP, TROMP. Over towards... the EDGE OF THE DECK?!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Y'r gattin oof easy, 'izzy!" The MIGHTY MIGHTY MAN huffs... just before he takes a SWAN DIVE OVERBOARD.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:896|Nobeard (896)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Erik dives over the edge of the ship! Everyone just watches as... he passes past the middle of the hull, and feels gravity reverse itself. The fall slows, reverses, and sends him back upward, past the plane of gravity again... where the process repeats itself.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unless Erik does something to stop it, his graceful swan dive ends up more of a weird bobbing that slowly drifts out to the edge of the atmosphere envelope.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooooooooing! Up... and down... and up and down. Erik Blackburn doesn't so much flail as he looks left... and right...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;... And after a bit of this, starts making wildly exaggerated swimming strokes to push against the air. back towards the hull of the ship, whilst muttering a string of completely unintelligible gruff cussing collected from all across the Multiverse.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:604|Raine Arland (604)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; From the bridge of Raine's ship, he watched all of this on his monitor. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And he facepalmed.<br> <br><br />
<br />
<br />
}}</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3396/In_the_Shadows_of_Men&diff=121403396/In the Shadows of Men2015-11-28T19:04:14Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2015/11/15 |Location=The Great Forest |Synopsis=Melissa requests help investigating one of two locations in her world. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/11/15<br />
|Location=The Great Forest<br />
|Synopsis=Melissa requests help investigating one of two locations in her world.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=42, 88, 202, 380, 525, 596, 672, 687, 756, 834, 908<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The discovery of a Warpgate into the territory of the New German Republic was just what Melissa had been looking for. It wasn't an easy one to find... apparently requiring a pretty specific route to get through. Once found, though, it didn't require any hoops to jump through. It also wasn't huge, large enough for a large transport or mecha but not suitable for giant ships or the like. She's not sure what's going to be here, and she really isn't one to bring the factional war to her homeworld quite yet. Too many complications there. That's why she quietly put out an invite to meet her in the Syndicate, allowing access to Unionites too. It explicitly states that THIS MEETING is under truce, but any further encounters will need to be properly negotiated. It's a mutual exploration truce, because she's heard a lot about the NGR, but never seen it herself.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Melissa shows up wearing some explorer's armor, rather than the dragonscale armor she normally uses. She actually carries NORMAL weapons this time. She's looking... good. Really good. More energetic and peppy. Maybe she had a nice meal recently~? She's also driving an old, battered truck for people to ride in if they want. "All right, we'll wait for everyone to show up and then pick a direction," she announces. "Looks like to the northeast we're going deeper into NGR territory if we want to check out the towns. It's lightly forested here, so we'll have to be a little careful. I think to the south we have the... Gargoyle Empire, if my information is still up to date. To the west we'll be going into some wilder zones. This info is a few years old, though."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WHA-THUMP! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That's the sound of a Combat Vagrant hopping into the back of a beat up truck as he emerges from a Warp Gate and immediately picks dibs on the most protagonisty spot of the truck to ride in: The bed of it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Duuuude, Mel. You're lookin' extra Cougary today. Waddap, lady?" He asks as he bounces up and down in the back of the truck on the balls of his feet, "I'm ready to explore your weird version of Germany. What're we gonna see? Robot Nazis? Lizard Nazis? The irradiated living corpse of Joachim Gauck pissed over the fact that FIFA is corrupt as hell?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Do you guys still have football? OH MAN, DID FIFA CAUSE THE APOCALYPSE?! I bet they wanted to build more stadiums to have the World Cup in." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Long pause. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Anyway, hi, I'm here."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako sits by one of the truck's windows, or perhaps just out in the back if that's even safe. Or not safe. She wouldn't much care. The reason for this is that she's accompanied by a red-robed, pink-haired, fox-eared-and-tailed woman just a nudge or two taller than she is (and technically that's on the fox ears, not actual height), wearing cat-fur boots and mittens. And whose head is over the side of the truck (or out the window outright if inside) enjoying the wind.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sometimes Berserker can't decide if she's a fox, a cat, a dog, or a person. Gudako has stopped trying to piece it together, or caring for that matter.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh, can't go we see what caused the apocalypse? Was it a Grail for you too? Ah! Do you guys have shopping malls here still? Oh, what about a memorial for the crater? Hm, civilization sounds boring. If I wanted to see people I'd have gone to regular Germany. I want to see the damage!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The fact Gudako has a smile as wide as her face, as tends to be usual for her, continues contrasting the things she is saying (and really that's not going to stop).<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;KA-THUMP. KA-THUMP. KA-THUMP.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The forty-foot tall giant robot walks out of the massive warpgate, ground shaking slightly with each footfall. This may be a peaceful meeting, but... last Staren heard, the New German Republic was at war with the Gargoyle Empire and the surrounding area was a mess of tiny kingdoms ruled by whatever warlords could hold onto enough power to claim to be king that day. Dangerous enough, but Erin Tarn's report is from over a decade ago.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inside the cockpit, Staren is suited up in something that makes him look like a cross between an X-Wing pilot and a space cowboy. There is, indeed, a second seat behind the first, which Inga is strapped into with something resembling a car seatbelt but with more straps and buckles, although for just walking around, Staren doesn't object if she prefers to ride seatbeltless. It's not like they're going to get stopped by police. Inga can see outside by screens providing views from cameras on the head. Staren will happily answer any questions Inga has about how all this works -- he may or may not manage to say it in a way that Inga can understand, but he does make an earnest attempt to.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Outside, the robot stops a short distance from the truck, waving. (Staren's been using the controls to move the machine so far, but Inga doesn't see him hit any kind of 'wave' button. He's explained he can control the robot mentally.) "Hey Melissa. This is quite a find!" Staren's voice comes over the mecha's speakers. Then the mecha leans over to look at Gudako. "Magic. Magic caused the apocalypse. I don't know if a grail was involved -- The leylines came back, Atlantis rose, and the release of energy caused natural disasters all over the place."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:834|Valentha Summers (834)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ah, the NGR. Valentha has never actually investigated them. Largely due to being wary of unknown human settlements where D-Bees are treated as second-class citizens, if citizens at all.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Valentha has decided to ditch most of her gear, favoring entirely mundane (but high quality) gear. Still, she's only lightly armed and still stubbornly wears her Streetwolf gear... which looks quite retro and World-War-2'ish, an aviator's outfit and stylish big goggles without any real purpose.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'What caused the apocalypse' isn't exactly memorialized. So much was lost in the following decades that we don't know most of the helpful details. Put simply, Earth USED to be a world with very little magic in it. But a terrible disaster triggered the Ley Lines to surge to full power. Stop by at night time, you'll easily see what I'm talking about. They're big, glowing blue, criss-crossing the land. But then you might get unlucky and see them disgorge hordes of demons. People are far more interested in survival tha memorial."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She sounds disapproving and why not? That's quite a disturbing conversation. "So why are you so gung-ho about it?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> And here, to stand out like the ren faire geek at the sci-fi convention, is INGA! She's riding in the passenger's seat of Staren's Star Fox, wide eyed and terrified, holding her staff across her lap in a white-knuckled grip. She hasn't asked Staren any questions. She knows well enough he won't be able to explain in terms she'd understand. <br /><br /> She is most certainly seatbelted. <br /><br /> "We're going to...um...get out of this eventually...right?" she asks, a little paler than usual, perhaps a slightly greenish hue to her skin. She's riding inside a metal giant. It beeps a lot. <br /><br /> Not sure exactly what to wear, she dressed in her usual. A linen underdress, a wool overdress and cloak, pinned with brooches, her hair tightly braided. <br /><br /> "Besides...I might be useful if I can...ah...be exposed to the land. Might trigger visions," she adds. <br /><br /> She just wants to be on the ground again.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:202|Adelyn Lysen (202)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Adelyn is here, though she's not wearing her fancy mage robes for once. She's in her own world's approximation of 'explorer's armor,' which is a lot easier to move around in less likely to get embarrassingly snagged on things. It's still magical as all get out, though, because obviously. Being low-key may be a bonus in this situation.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Melissa, is it? Adelyn Lysen. I think this is our first meeting." She doesn't really care where she ends up sitting in this situation, though she'd decline a ride on a Union robot. Seems like a varied group has shown up, including that loud fellow who reportedly gets beaten on street corners.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All this talk of ley lines is quite interesting, but she won't ask for further exposition until later, perhaps.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ark is here because he's got a spirit of exploration and adventure. He's lacking his usual hat and poncho, and instead is wearing an incredibly colorful replacement poncho that you'd expect out of a spaghetti western. It's green, red, brown and has all kinds of geometric shapes on it. It does not go with the rest of his otherwise uniformly-steel-grey attire whatsoever, and definitely doesn't match the bright purple hair that is, for once, not stuffed under a hat.<br /><br />Caster of Steel is here because he studied in Europe and in Germany in particular, and he's interested in seeing how things turned out on another world devastated by some kind of apocalyptic event. He's still in a slightly rumpled dark grey suit jacket and trousers, totally lacking armor, but he's carrying what looks like a revolver as a concession to safety. He's also planning to keep Ark from making bad decisions, but it has not yet worked out in his favor.<br /><br />"Learning about what caused a catastrophe to occur is a decent way to examine the possibility of prevention, should something similar occur here or elsewhere," Caster says, reasonably. He and Ark are sitting in the back of the truck. Ark's looking every which way, but Caster is a composed gentleman and seems more interested in the topic of apocalypse. "I find it hard to believe that there is no one on this Earth that has studied the root causes and side-effects in an effort to increase the chances of their descendants' survival."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren blinks and looks back at Inga, though his visor hides his expression. "Oh, right. One moment."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The mecha kneels down and holds a hand under its chest. As Staren unstraps himself, the front 'wall' and attached monitors swing upward. From outside, it can be seen that the part of the 'fuselage'-shaped torso where a cockpit would be is exactly that, the armored canopy swinging up and outward. Staren moves around the pilot's seat to help unstrap Inga from the passenger's seat. "There you go." He leads her out onto the hand, which will lower them onto the ground, Staren looking around curiously and warily.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:380|Madeline Vance (380)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I would be interested in seeing the Republic itself, but the Gargoyle Empire does indeed sound curious," Madeline voices. She's stepping through the gate, in a Warstrider that is a fair bit shorter than the Starhawk. The Radiant Empress doesn't look as well-armed, either... though that's likely just a deception. Or maybe not? She adds, "I've outfitted the Empress with a different layout this time. I'm optimized with sensors and stealth capabilities over leadership and combat, so please don't expect me to be nearly as flashy as I usually am."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The AI chimes, <span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">"EASILY-OVERLOOKED PRESENCE CLOAK ACTIVATED."</span> The entire Warstrider shimmers for a moment, a strange energy field briefly covering it. Since everyone knows who she is here, there's no real effect regardless of resistance to such influence, though she might suddenly seem less impressive or important than the Starhawk to some.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:672|Starbound Flotilla (672)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The STARBOUND FLOTILLA are here, in their standard Durasteel exploration equipment! Moonfin, the fishman, is in elaborate full-body durasteel armor that looks like a powered cross between a diving suit and a samurai's armor, glowing <span style="color:xterm50">cyan</span> at the faceplate. Biteblade, the humanoid plant, is in durasteel plating with elaborately carved wood and bone ornaments over glowing powered components that glow an intense <span style="color:xterm40">green</span>. Pavo the bird-girl wears a pirate-aesthetic set of mesoamerican-style armor, with <span style="color:xterm184">yellow</span> bands of energized fabric linking the pieces and powering them. Albert the monkey-man is wearing elaborate dystopian commando armor reconstructed with a 'rebel spy' aesthetic: A sleeker faceplate, a slimmer form, and a more chaotic design that integrates thin, resilient plates of durasteel, and lines of bright <span style="color:xterm15">white</span>. George (just plain human) wears a set of futuristic EVA-combat and exploration armor in a suit that glows a gentle <span style="color:xterm160">red</span> at the faceplate. Seft, the robotic Flotilla member, is wearing full-on medieval knight armor with a soft energized <span style="color:xterm39">blue</span> glow below the plates on her body, and especially around the eyes. Each has a heavy industrial-yellow two-pronged plasma-cutter-like tool strapped to their side, a Matter Manipulator.<br /><br />"<span style="color:xterm160">Well, I dunno about either of those, but hey! 'NGR' sounds a little less silly than Gargoyle Empire so I'll go wiiiiith Gargoyle Empire, /obviously/.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm184">Wilder zones, lass? Ye mean profitable wild, or just the plain deadly kind? Wanna dip keep there if ye think we might find somethin' to sell!</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm39">Concerned. Well, I think the Empire sounds worth investigation, due to how non-Glitch empires can change so quickly...</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm40">Floran can hunt cool prey! But wanna visssit Empire too if wild zone not have interessst thing, jussst danger thing.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm50">It would seem our Core Fleet motions to visit the Empire, unless the zones of great danger are 'wild' in that unique way that would make them of such great interest to our own endeavors.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm15">Hmh. Our choice is made, but we will follow the group. Nothing to be gained from staying here. We need to move out.</span>"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And so they will, of course. If the group makes some other decision, they'll go with that, but otherwise they'll head to whatever objective Melissa picks after they've given their input. She's the local guide of sorts, even if that means that she's incredibly heavily armed and armored.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Inga thanks him for help with the seatbelts, though she at least knows how to work those by now. She holds onto his arm as the mecha's arm lowers them down, staff in her other hand. She is trying very hard not to look terrified. It isn't as though a fall would kill her. Well...at least not permanently. <br /><br /> Inga looks around. Her expression is plainly read; what am I doing here. <br /><br /> She looks to Staren, leaning slightly, "What is a gargoyle?" she asks quietly.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Magic! That's common. So things broke out everywhere, huh? And now the ley-lines are busted? Haha, Caster, you get any of this?" Gudako says, to no one in particular. The disembodied voice of Caster responds with: "Which one, master, me or the man?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako makes a loud buzzer noise. "Wrong answer! So Caster of Steel it is, I bet he'd answer right away if I asked."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ah, but conveniently, it's him who keeps the topic going. Gudako shakes her head, still grinning wide. "I just want to see destroyed places! It's always neat to see how different things destroy differently! Oh, oh! Or get destroyed differently! Everyone can find a growing tree if they try, but finding one that's been struck by lightning isn't easy! What's apocalypse prevention good for anyway? That's like dedicating yourself to stopping something beautiful."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, don't let her handle negotiations if any come up.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:834|Valentha Summers (834)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Valentha is dumbstruck! Both her eyes go rather wide, then her lips press together firmly... she's having a VERY hard time believing someone like this is on the team. "... Riiiiight. You know I -could- agree about the lightning vs tree example. But the rest of that's not winning you any explorers." OH well. She's not going to gain anything from pressing on that too much.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What is maybe odd is that even BEFORE Caster speaks up, Valentha's eyes swivel to her expectantly for a brief moment. If anyone notices, anyways. Can she see Caster?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, Caster can probably glean a few things she's hiding too, so that's a thing.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"All I know is it happened somewhere in South America, on Winter Solstice, at midnight, and seemingly during a planetary alignment, likely right on top of a latent ley line nexus. Mass death put an incredible amount of energy through Earth's dormant ley lines, amplified by occuring exactly at a one in a million time. This set off a chain reaction as the surging ley lines triggered natural disasters, killing and laying waste to even more. It soon encompassed the whole world... and then the Rifts came. Ley lines, at their strongest, are great places to open portals between worlds. During ley line STORMS this can happen completely unbidden. Monsters, demons, dragons, dinosaurs, people displaced through time and space, and alien citizens who were just in the wrong place... anything can be dropped through or come through a rift. For the first time in centuries magic power flowed freely on Earth again and it drew the attention of alien warlords and even stranger entities like the Splugorth and Vampire Intelligences. You won't find a single place on this planet without conflict and desperate survival attempts."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What is a gargoyle? "They're a kind of demon." Staren explains. "Big, winged monsters. Most larger than humans, up to half as tall as the Star Hawk there. There are also gurgoyles, maybe twice the size of a human and wingless. Last we heard, the Gargoyle Empire was at war with the New German Republic... But that was over ten years ago. So who knows what's going on here now?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren also nods along with Valentha's explanation.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:596|Zwei (596)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When it comes to RIFTS Earth, Zwei is okay with using the warpgates rather than pinpoint aerial insertion. Partly because the skies here are much more likely to become busy, and something apparently doesn't like anything getting too high into the atmosphere, and partly because Staren supposedly knows a large chunk of this world inside out and he's both the native Syndicate and Flotilla contact, so theyre willing to give him a little rope here. Thankfully the choice is innocent enough. The warpgate pans out just fine. No waiting ambush. Even a few friendly faces!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thus Asche stomping out of the warpgate with a 16-Z over one shoulder, his oversized melee option in one hand and the positron rifle in the other, both multi-weapons and point defense lasers exposed and missile pods attached all over is more than a little bit of over-preparedness. The beauty of the recently integrated matter manipulator core is that the bulk of it stows away into hammerspace pretty easily however, though he chooses to leave the lighter weapons out, even as Weiss pops into existence on his right shoulder, kicking her legs and giving a cheery little wave, fully suited up save for the helmet.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hey there! Is this everyone's first time around the NGR? It'd be nice to have a guide, but I love exploring." The brightest scarlet along Asche's optical band slides over to Shin, like someone glancing at him out of the corner of their eye, the larger Armiger rumbling in his harsh, electronic tone "If reports are to be believed, this age's Nationalsozialistische occupies the Americas. This is uncharted land." Was that sarcasm? A political jab even? Weiss looks to Gudako. "No no no, the apocalypse was hundreds of years ago! If anyone's built a memorial, it's in city to city, and the craters are the rifts! You'll probably see one soon enough!" She glances to the Servants. "Are those yours?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She waves distractedly at Staren, before her eyes deliberately widen at Valentha. "Oh hey, the dragon came too! I don't think we've met in person." She winks at Shin, none too subtly. "And Inga! Haven't seen you since Solomon Island!" Asche turns to Ark Line, Weiss' hair swaying out behind her as she's dragged along with the movement. "It cannot be for worry of your own world. I know already it is too late for there, though perhaps it would have been more fortunate for magic to overflow rather than to turn poisonous." He's not as gung-ho about mentioning first face-to-face as Weiss, merely nodding vaguely at the young man Zwei has only spoken to over the radio previously.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren pipes up a bit nervously at Weiss's comment, "Umm, actually, the Germans are human supremacists too. They're just more, um... more of 'stay out' and 'we won't help you', rather than 'shoot you on sight.'"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Nazis in America?! Everything I've been led to believe about freedom and democracy has been a lie!" Shin declares as he looks over at Asche, more shocked by the news that his borderline racist preconceived notions were incorrect than by the fact that it's a giant robot-man. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But I recognize half of that voice! WADDAP, BYTE? How're you and Bit doin? I don't think we've met in person, like... ever. Just talked a shitload on the ol' radio," He scratches at the back of his head from his position in the truck, "One of you looks roughly like what I imagined, but you're way more uh... Skynet than I'd have thought." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He claps his hands together and then ponders the situation, "I'mma just follow these jags and go wherever, so like... 's all good. I'm more here to bum around and hang with Mel, so anything else is gravy, yo."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Melissa glances at the two mecha, then nods slightly, "Two robot vehicles should keep the riffraff from bothering us, and won't look like an invasion." She ponders, "So would one, if that stealth works. I think we'll be fine." She flashes a grin at Shin, "Hey, yeah, I got a little recharge recently. A tune-up, if you will. Feeling pretty good."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's taking a long look at the others, some familiar and some not so familiar. "I remember a few of you. Yeah, I've heard you," she nods to Adelyn. "And as for the wild parts... they're mostly just wild areas with roaming monsters, I bet. There might be some lost tech facility or something there, but who knows? It'd be pretty hard to find if there's anything left. I think we're better off toward the NGR and knowing what their status is. The Coalition are allies with them but, last I was in the Coalition, there was a lot of friction there."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Melissa knows Zwei, but when Zwei mentions 'dragon' looking at Valentha, Mel's eyes slide to Valentha with a small smirk. She doesn't say anything, though, and just takes the truck out of park. Gudako already got a lot of answers, but she'll just add, "Last we checked, the Gargoyle Empire and the NGR were pretty closely-matched. And yeah, Staren's right, Weiss. I think. That's kind of old news, though. No idea if it's changed either way."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inga can ride with her if she wants, she doesn't mind, if the Starhawk makes her nervous.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:834|Valentha Summers (834)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Don't go calling people dragons in places like this! That's like yelling fire in a crowded theater around these parts. Ever heard the story of the boy who cried wolf?" She waves off Weiss dismissively, although... how much of that is affected disinterest is up to debate.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though she puzzles over the choice. "I've never actually seen a Gargoyle Civilization. That could be interestig. Although it wouldn't be a place for the soft-hearted. Which do you care for more? Human supremacy or Gargoyle supremacy, with everything else caught in-between?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Inga smiles over to Zwei. "Yes, it has been some time hasn't it? I confess I have been a bit of a hermit," she says with a smile. <br /><br /> Inga looks to Staren then, nodding. "I...see. Interesting," she comments, looking around again. It seems to be Melissa in charge of this, so Inga nods to her. She doesn't think they've met. "Inga Freyjasdottir. I hope I can be of help somehow," she replies, sounding a little doubtful. She may pick up some things, however. Echoes of the past or perhaps even glimpses of the future. And someone who can heal is always good, right? <br /><br /> And really, all vehicles make her nervous, but a Not Giant Robot might be better. <br /><br /> There's talk of a dragon. Inga blinks, then looks to Valentha, tilting her head slightly, curiously...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren looks at Melissa. "From what Erin Tarn wrote... there are, at least, plenty of German citizens that disagreed with their government. It's certainly possible that times have changed. It's been over ten years. Of course, we might also find a smoking ruin overrun with gargoyles... or some /other/ horror that came out of a rift." He reaches into his bag. "If we do visit the NGR though..." An illusory effect makes his ears and tail disappear. "I think most of us can pass for human. Won't the gargoyles just try to kill us, though? I mean... /demons/."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:202|Adelyn Lysen (202)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I would rather see some sort of civilization. Wilderness could just as easily make for a wasted trip." is Adelyn's short return.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She looks up at Zwei. Hmm. One voice familiar, the other not. Probable explanations filter through, to be considered later, as to their nature. The reason for the armament is obvious enough. With Madeline and Staren, there are now three giant machines. That is, hopefully, still under 'invasion' levels for whomever they meet.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Valentha gives an explanation, and Adelyn continues to listen. Ah, good. She didn't have to ask for exposition at all; it just came right to her. She continues to not actually ask, but the matter of ley-lines and storms is information she'll save away. The magical architecture of this world is different than she's used to, but the concepts are not entirely foreign.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's doing her best to ignore Gudako's aesthetic declarations, in the immediate moment. Inga's introduction gets a slight nod by reflex, but no words in return. Then there's Valentha's complaint, which gets--a look of curiosity, and the mage finally opens her mouth again. "Really?" Dragons are common enough in many worlds, making this seem odd. "More alarming than the giant war machines?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Caster of Steel looks from Gudako to the disembodied voice of the other Caster with a small smile. It's momentary. "I would say the beauty inherent in desolation is lessened if there is nothing still intact to compare it to," Caster says. He fishes around in his pocket, producing a pack of cigarettes and looking thoughtful. "A desert is beautiful because it is a pure expression of itself, without the interference of mankind anywhere inside its boundaries."<br /><br />"The Land of Steel is as desolate as any destroyed world -- even moreso -- but without the contrast of human civilization and other kinds of nature, it loses something in the translation." Caster of Steel smokes. Apparently, it's part of his thinking animation. He listens to the explanation of the end of the world, and simply says, "A terrible event. I suppose no one was prepared for it. Still..."<br /><br />Ark looks up from his observation of their surroundings, grinning at Asche and Weiss. "I dunno; then I probably wouldn't exist. Caster thinks we should have a plan for after I fix it, in case another apocalypse scenario crops up that we can't just beat the crap out of."<br /><br />"It wouldn't hurt," Caster of Steel says, a little subdued.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Something that gets said seems to make Shin perk up a bit. He tilts his head briefly and then ponders for a few moments. He then leans out of the back of the truck and peers around before whispering something in Melissa's ear and patting her on the shoulder a couple times. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Seems like a neat crowd today!" He declares, standing up more fully. He will probably actually stand almost the entire truck ride in the bed of it, pretty casual about doing so once they get started, "Like I said before, I'm pretty indif on where we go, I'm just here to kick it and do some shit today. Stretch my legs a bit." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Shit at stealth, though, just as a heads up. Probs gonna leave that to other people!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eventually, FINALLY, AT SOME POINT, he seems to notice that Madeline is here in her mech. Blame Charms for the fact it kept slipping his mind. He does point right at her, though, "Dude, GILF. Waddap? Sweet mech, I dig it."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Adelyn asks if dragons are more alarming than giant war machines.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren just turns his head to her and nods. "/Yes./"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Huh? But I don't want explorers. My home city is a crater and the place I went to live at after that is also a crater. I set up shop in a boring random Japan in the meantime, I guess you can come explore that if you want?" Gudako questions Val's words.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But the rest is soaked in!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Solstice, midnight, planets, ley-lines, wow! It's a trope checklist in here. Did the Maya have anything to do with it, too? You should look around ruins, I bet you'll find their stuff around."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She shrugs at Melissa, idly.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I don't care where we go! I just want to see interesting places. Maybe people. Mostly places! Ah, if we need disguises I guess my Servants can handle themselves." But, well, it probably wouldn't work very well. Gudako REEKS of dark magic. That's what having Grail residue in you does. Specifically the kind that powers you. So if those Gargoyles have any detection means...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh well! Gudako grins at Caster of Steel. "I'd love to see your world sometime! It sounds really cool!" And also AWFUL, but for Gudako those are synonyms.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Anyway, a fight is fine too, sometimes it's easier to kill than question. Oh! Then we could go anywhere we wanted and nobody would have to care! Dead bodies can't mind you."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Melissa briefly explains better, "The NGR's opinion on magic is uh... I'm not actually sure what it is. But they are heavily tech-reliant themselves, so some robot vehicles are not a big deal, even if they're of unusual make."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:672|Starbound Flotilla (672)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"<span style="color:xterm160">Aw man, no riffraff? I love riff, and also raff!</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm50">George, you /are/ riffraff.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm40">Floran alssso riffraff!</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm39">Amused. We should probably not delay too long.</span>"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh right, a truck! The Starbounders will kind of load up, cramping a lot. It's gonna be a bit claustrophobic. Albert, as they ride, speaks up. "<span style="color:xterm15">If we need to limit ourselves to human appearances, then we will send George alone and stay at the border. None of us are magical in any way.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm39">Insisting. Especially not me.</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm184">Lad.</span>" Wait, what? Oh, that was to Shin. "<span style="color:xterm184">Ye be makin' so many passes at people today it's about t'be a sport.</span>" Pavo doesn't seem unapproving of that, just amused!<br />"<span style="color:xterm40">Floran think, apocalypssse bad, but mossstly focusss on now. Think, people probably recover now! Mental, and sssociety, kinda. Isss gonna be fine even if Floran not really underssstand... Uhhh... leyline thingsss...</span>"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:596|Zwei (596)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Weiss takes over for Asche at Staren's reply, waving dismissively. "That's fine. Basically everyone here can pass for human with minimal effort, and if they're not going to shoot us, it's not a big deal to get in!" That's awfully flippant for someone who's never even been here before, but that seems to be a trend recently, despite the lack of actual mistakes so far. She looks to Shin. "That's the idea though isn't it? It makes more of a statement when something big and scary blows up all your guys instead of some transparent octahedron." Though she turns away to continue chatting, Asche remains focused, staring intently as if pondering for far too many machine cycles, before reaching out towards Shin, roughly at his hip in the back of the truck, and exchanges a calculated fistpound. "Affirmative."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Right, right. I'm personally a little more interested in seeing the state of civilization here myself. There's no real point in running off to go shoot gargoyles without even knowing where, why or if it's a good idea in the first place." She chirps to Melissa. A faintly sly glance between her and Valentha communicates . . . well it communicates she hasn't missed that smirk at the least. "The boy who cried wolf presupposes that there's no actual wolf at the start. If I yell 'dragon'! then I'm technically right on the first try~ Since you asked so nicely though, I won't mention it again. Unless I forget." Oh come on, how is an AI body going to forget?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well good on you! Staying in one place all the time never gets anyone anywhere." she says to Inga. "I'm pretty sure you're all familiar with me for how many times I've introduced myself over the broadband, but . . ." she faux-clears her throat regardless. She and Asche speak at the same time, the feminine alto overlaid with the fiery, bass distortion. "Exodus Class Armiger designation Zwei: sub-units Asche and Weiss." The former is actually significantly smaller than either the Star Hawk or the Warstrider, enough that he could conceivably commit to urban-warfare style fighting without need of plentiful skyscrapers, but that's for having components many times smaller, and lack of a need for a cockpit for a human pilot. It's possible he might just pass as a very scary, very large powered armour. "I believe it is the fact that giant war machines are likely to be piloted by humans, and dragons are not." he posits to Adelyn.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No no, you're totally right!" Weiss says to Ark. "I mean, it's unlikely to really happen, but might as well do something between killing A-Rays, right? It's not like they're about to all pack up and leave." She looks to Gudako "It does sound a little contrived, but a lot of those tropes are tropes because somewhere they're actually real! I mean, it's not great chances that all of them would be real and then occur simultaneously in a single world, but hey, if they didn't, we wouldn't be here! Selective bias and all." Asche begins moving forward in the direction the truck has heading for, taking large, surprisingly fluid strides that cover a rather alarming amount of ground, without so much as jostling Weiss on his shoulder, allowing her to ask "Do they x-ray or DNA scan people at the border or something? The core fleet guys could probably just wear their full getup and sneak by a little."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren looks at the Core Fleet. "Seft could just say she's a cyborg. The rest of you... uh... maybe you could claim to be military genetics experiments? Those... don't... count... as aliens, exactly, although people might think of you as more like exotic service animals. I doubt anyone would try anything since that'd make you Coalition military property... Melissa would probably have to pretend to be your handler, though."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well it looks like there's... some confusion of where to go, huh? Melissa isn't the kind of girl to sit there and wait while everyone debates, so she just shifts the truck into drive and starts driving toward the NGR border. It's as good a direction as any! Juicers aren't known for their patience or restraint, after all. She's remarkably calm for one, but she's STILL at her core not someone who waits around.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She is right, though. While there are some 'monsters' that can be seen or detected here and there, they seem to act more like wild animals, even the one ettin-like creature that is spotted. They give the little group a wide berth, as they don't look like easy pickings at all.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The lighter forest begins to thin out, making travel easier, as the group encounters a ragged but serviceable road of sorts. It does approach what looks to be a small town centered around a more modern-looking collection of buildings. Those with sharp eyes or long-distance vision can make out what looks to be a patrol base, and the road passes through a checkpoint with two large robot vehicles. Mechs, for those who call them that.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Weiss brings up a good point. "I don't know if they'd DNA scan, but I doubt that in a group full of alien tech they wouldn't start asking questions. That's fine, though. If it causes problems, then we'll have learned something, and this /is/ basically recon, right?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Melissa takes off! If Inga doesn't get in the truck, Staren will let her back into the Star Hawk if she likes. Once he's back in the cockpit, it walks after the truck, and down the road. Staren takes a deep breath and stares in curiousity at the town on his screens... and then his sensors ping and he radios Melissa. &lt;&lt;Radar's picking up two large robot vehicles.&gt;&gt;<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Inga looks toward Gudako, hearing her words. She blinks, then takes one step in the opposite direction, leaning on her staff as they all try decide where to go. If she's riding in the truck, Inga thinks she'll keep her distance. <br /><br /> Inga has nothing to contribute to the discussion about how to diguise the non humans, what with looking explicitly, mundanely human, even if she's not sure that's still entirely what she is. If they had magic sight of any kind, Inga's aura is a bright one. Hopefully that will not prove to be a problem. "I will attempt not to work any magic, if that makes the people here uncomfortable," she offers. Inga's magic makes many people uncomfortable anyway.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"HAH, good one, but nah. They're not love interests, really, just ladies I coin nicknames for. They're both strong enough I figure if they hated it, they'd just put a foot to my ass and make me stop," He comments, folding behind his head at Pavo and musing on it, "But hey, y'know. It is what it is. What's up, Birdman?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He extends his hand outwards towards Asche, "Dap acquired. Blow it up," He taps his fist to Asche's and then pulls it back, opening his hand to emulate an explosion, "Ka-plow. Nice daps, bruh. Nice." He looks over to Zwei, "I get it. Makes sense and all, that way the survivors have something scary to talk about, if any records or witnesses make it." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then... And then the truck takes off. Shin does the most logical reaction one would to being standing in the bed of a moving truck in the open air: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Inga now looks to Shin, tilting her head slightly, brow furrowed. "I thought the multiverse was suppose to translate all languages..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:380|Madeline Vance (380)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The discussion about nicknames from Shin actually prompts Madeline to stop being quiet and chime in, "I'm aware of what the name he gave me means, and I already told him I don't really care if he uses it. Though I'd prefer that if we are in a formal situation he try to be a little more formal in turn." This, apparently, isn't one of those situations.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The topic of the various nonhumans is brought up, and Madeline offers, "I could attempt to disguise them, but it would be a fairly large waste of energy, I think." She's scanning on ahead, having given her mech some Awareness Circuits this time.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Looks like some kind of checkpoint. Do we want to try to go around or just walk in? If we are to establish diplomatic relations, I favor the latter," she opines.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:202|Adelyn Lysen (202)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm not going to pretend to be a service animal, nor a military experiment." Adelyn says. Also, she doesn't actually have any illusion magic beyond making things disappear, which she's only good at in limited circumstances. Her headwings, gray skin, and glowing tattoos are here to stay, unless someone else decides to offer a more dignified solution. "I'd rather just eliminate the specific cause of trouble." With prejudice? Probably with prejudice.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:834|Valentha Summers (834)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yay! Off again! Although Valentha might complain later about being cursed with the WEIRDEST traveling companions. More and more she's struggling to not make a disgusted face at Gudako. Even she must exert considerable willpower to maintain her calm and not denounce what seems more and more to be a practitioner of foul arts in her presence.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But not long ago she let her emotions get the better off her. She's not keen on letting that happen again. So she claps her hands together and just gives Gudako a sour look. "Well, now you know the story." And, unspoken, 'I have an eye on you!'<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But does she? For when Shin turns to his antics, she cups a hand to the side of her face and calls out, "Ahoy in there, martial artist. You and I need to pow-wow later."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Weiss, meanwhile, gets a wink and a smile.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's to Inga that she seems to focus on most though. "You have the look of woman out of time... or someone who's turned back to the old ways in these trying times. I like the fashion, but it doesn't look very protective. ... these are dangerous lands. Very dangerous."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:596|Zwei (596)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Asche has little difficulty keeping up with the truck, having a long, tireless stride with extremely enhanced motive function, working with a vehicle driving at a safe pace offroad. There's no real need to use the boosters yet, which would attract attention, and so Weiss can stay up top, using her powerful sensors to scan the forest around them in real time, marking out potential targets, but sending off no alarms as they skulk off back into the trees rather than making the foolhardy/suicidal move of attacking a convoy this large and well armed. "Well as long as they don't start doing strip searches, I can probably handle most of that." She says to Melissa. Weiss can handle all of it for herself most likely, but it's up in the air whether she can get anyone else to pass by infiltrating any instruments designed to check.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Makes sense." She intones to Staren. "There's a patrol base a little ways past them. They have somewhere to stop, refuel, repair and rearm. I'm kind of surprised that's all they have outside though. This area looks weirdly rural. I'd have expected a giant wall with auto turrets or something." Weiss glances over to Melissa. "Hey, are these guys friendly to the Coalition? I could put on one of those skeletron suits. If not, I'll rip off yours." Regardless, she makes the preemptive move of altering her features, flooding her paper white skin with the healthy shade associated with circulating blood, dimming her eyes to a normal green, and dying her hair matte blonde. A simulated heartbeat starts up, as does a properly distributed thermal signature and faked bio-electric currents. Can't do much about psychic testing though.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Regardless of diplomacy, it benefits us to at least see the inside. We lose nothing by trying." Asche rumbles in Madeline's direction over the thump of his footfalls. The same could be construed to be directed towards Adelyn too. "Can't wear an exosuit?" Weiss asks politely. "I think we should probably try and get by without pretending anyone is an animal. I don't think they'd try to argue with this group anyways. Base or no base, it'd be committing to losses over a maybe.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Not anytime soon," Ark agrees, nodding at Weiss. "And not if we don't make 'em." He turns to Biteblade, giving her a look that speaks of vague distaste. "Florans don't really 'think,' do they," he says, not really asking.<br /><br />Caster of Steel frowns across the truck bed at him. Ark doesn't seem to notice. Caster interjects, "Society may have been rebuilt, but recovering what was lost and preventing a collapse in the future are both, I think, admirable goals." He nods at Gudako, asiding, "I'm sure we can arrange something to allow for a visit in the future."<br /><br />Ark stretches out, looking around again. "We can't just say 'hey, we're passing through, there are no problems sir, thank you sir?' Always worked for me." And when it didn't, that's what the guns are for.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Inga looks to Valentha, smiling lightly. "That is precisely what I am. This is the fashion I'm accustomed to," she offers with a shrug. "I could not very well wear armor, I would not move well in it. I have my magic to protect me," she says, reaching up to tough the hammer pendant around her neck. There's myriad of things what appear to be charms at her waist. There's likely a spell woven into the fabric itself, knowing her. "I am Inga Freyjasdottir," she introduces herself to Valentha, and anyone else paying attention for that matter. "I'm a wisewoman. A witch," she informs. "Not perhaps the most natural choice to come along on such an adventure...but I wanted to see more of the worlds. Hope that I can be of use."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:202|Adelyn Lysen (202)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Making up lies without any sort of current information on their expectations seems doomed to failure. I recommend speaking as little possible and letting them draw conclusions, then reinforcing any assumption that gets us through." summarizes Adelyn's thought on present tactics.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To Weiss, "Exosuit? I'm reasonably certain you don't mean the only kind my world has developed, as that would be effectively fatal. If you mean a mechanized humanoid figure like that one," with a gesture to Staren's machine, "there has never been an occasion for its use." It would pretty much just be a steel trap for her, good for nothing beyond disguise.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At the mention of Servants, "If they can't detect those massive signatures, then it wouldn't be difficult for me to hide, as well." Though it would be tiring and troublesome. She'd honestly rather follow Ark's thinking, though she won't say that, and it sounds like Berserker isn't hiding, anyway.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:834|Valentha Summers (834)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ALARM flickers on Valentha's face. She raises a hand warningly towards Inga. "Do NOT describe yourself as a Witch in these parts. It bears all the negative connotations you could imagine and more. Wisewoman is fine. Druid, perhaps. But not witch. But well met, Inga Freyjasdottir! Valentha Summers of Lazlo, treasure hunter and technician."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Sure! I figured you just got busy after that blow up and had more important shit to do. It's not like I've spent months stewing on it!" Shin calls back to Valentha in a vaguely specific response. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But he has more important things to do right now. Things worth risking his life over. So he's climbing out of the back of the truck and shimmy-ing onto the roof on his belly, crawling over the metal top towards one of the side windows, "Almost... there... so close..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then both his hands come down on the ears of the Cat-Fox-serker sticking her head out the window so he can pet their fluffy softness in absolute diregard for the extreme danger of just riding on the roof of a truck.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Inga's eyes widen slightly. "I see. It is not the term I would generally use, but it is what many have called me. You are familiar with this land then? How do the people feel about the second Sight? I am a Seer. Generally, that has been helpful in gaining entry into villages...at least in my place. And time," she replies. <br /><br /> "A pleasure to meet you as well Valentha Summers," she responds.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:596|Zwei (596)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Zwei communicates casually through the extended radio discussion on their plans, advocating at least a token attempt at diplomacy with a group that can overwhelmingly pass for human and has both natives and those who can mimic native tech, since it can't really hurt them to try. The way Melissa explains it, faking being with the CS is probably out the window with how she has been out of the loop for so long, and so she elects to replace, at least superficially, her sleek, black, panel-less body armour for a more bulky, chromed Northern Gun design, being relatively pricey but the brand is still dirt common from what she's seen of the last time. "No, I mean body armour. Technically movement assisted and environmentally sealed, but neither of those are relevant. I could whip up something totally superficial since we've still got a few minutes to get there. Nothing but metal clothes to hide your features until we get in. Once we're past the checkpoint, people will probably just assume you were let in."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako pays Valentha no mind! It seems she doesn't mind (or care) being watched so closely. Perhaps she doesn't even know why she is being watched. She certainly acts like an oblivious, happy-go-lucky sort.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, Berserker receives pettings. Her giant fluffy tail wags dangerously inside the truck. Hopefully no one is allergic to fox hair, because comfortable, fluffy tailwhips are going out aplenty and for free.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The idle Gudako nods to Caster of Steel too.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Field trip! Not tonight, but another night.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, another field trip. Tonight is one too.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:202|Adelyn Lysen (202)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No, thank you. They may be able to detect any such subterfuge on our part at this range, since we've come this close as such." is the excuse Adelyn gives to Weiss to reject her suggestion. The more important reason is that she's not about to entrust someone who isn't even a nominal ally to encase her in technologically-active steel. That she can see no reason for Zwei to intend her harm, and several reasons for her not to, isn't sufficient justification for disregarding basic caution.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ugh, catfoxdog-wagging. It's a good thing she didn't come here in formal attire.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:380|Madeline Vance (380)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I think I have an idea," Madeline suggests. "For the most part, let Shin do his thing, and pretend to be travellers who are uncertain how we got here. If I understand this correctly, we can claim to be from America if need be, and it will be highly unusual but not unheard of. It's just unlikely enough to be something we wouldn't lie about, and we can answer questions about it probably well enough for them."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She moves the Warstrider forward, if there are no objections. "I also suggest we let Shin use his idea, whatever it is."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Caster of Steel, who /did/ come in fairly formal attire, looks faintly irritated. He is sitting in the perfect place to get paffed by a giant fluffy tail wagging heedless of who its near. He bears it with stoicism born of experience.<br /><br />Ark seems distracted by the fluffy tail instead of irritated. He's probably never seen something quite so fluffy up close before, at least in a situation where he isn't also a hair's breadth from murdering someone.<br /><br />They don't really have anything to add to the disguise discussion. The relevant points seem to have been brought up already.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:834|Valentha Summers (834)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Sadly yes. It has to do with giant bugs. Lives were at stake." Valentha answers Shin, tone humbled and apologetic.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She nevertheless waaaaaaatches Shin's antics very closely, and has to choke down the urge to laugh. This will either be adorable or bloody. He's not sure which at all.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But she still answers Inga. "There is no single answer that covers EVERYWHERE. But if you use magic or any supernatural ability, be sure to use it responsibly. It is ill-regarded in many regions. Many see it as the dangerous arts practiced by demons and stranger things and are wary, if not hateful towards men and women who learn it. The fears aren't always unfounded either. People who use foul arts to accrue power and fame are much... noisier than the more benign users, and give them all a bad name. Do not use magic unless it is to help someone who desperately needs it until you know the local attitudes is my advice."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Melissa shrugs, "I guess that's an idea. If you need anything from me, I'm on radio, but I admit I'm not much of a talker either. It'd probably be better for this though. I don't really find any fun in tearing up humans, either." She resumes the truck forward with a lurch, trying to hide the smirk she has from eying the tails and annoyed Liner in the back.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Moving closer reveals that some of the town does have a fence, and the military compound has some turrets, but it does look kind of lackluster for a seige. This must not be the front lines of the war, and a fairly calm area despite the beasts. Most likely, the outpost is to provide protection to the somewhat bustling town that is sufficient for wandering monsters. It's largely a resupply and patrol base, and beyond the town the road looks to be in much better condition. No doubt the city and higher tech is further along.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Speaking of tech, approaching the two mechs - Jagers - has them coming to attention and performing a standard operation. One of them lifts a rifle and trains it on the group, smoothly and without haste. The other holds their rifle up and away, toward the sky, and makes some motions to slow down to talk. All the motions are subtly more smooth and natural than most of the CS tech, not quite so jerky, though that stiffness isn't noticeable until looked at next to these slightly more well-made machines.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Halt. Sorry, just a routine check. You're entering NGR territory, identify yourselves and your purpose." The single eye of the machine is turning, looking at the less human members of the group. "Haven't seen a group this mixed in a while."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This close, there is a definite division in the town though. The better-made buildings are more central, and various nonhumans live in more shanty-like buildings. It's obvious that the nonhumans tend to be the have-nots here, but the ones that are in public are sometimes seen working alongside humans. A definite minority treatment, but there doesn't seem to be much HOSTILITY there.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Aaaah. I'm gonna go ahead and put you in my book as the Animal Companion Love Interest," Shin comments to the Berserker in a half-shout as he sits up on the roof, "Gimme your name later to add to the tiny book," He notes before hoisting himself up into the sitting position and then looking at the mech. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madeline wanted him to go ahead with his plan, so Shin is going to do so. Remember that this is the future everyone chose. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yo bro! What's up! I'm Doctor Shin Tokuyama!" He continues sitting, waving to the man and then reaching into his jacket. He pulls out a medical degree printed on a... sheet of printer paper... that declares him a 'Licensed and Accredited Therafist'. It's folded many, many times and looks somewhat battered as he holds it up and his tone switches to a weirdly formal sort of sales pitch, "After 6 weeks and 4500 yen, I received my degree from the Zimbabwean Medical Institute of Legitimate Scientific Study and Non-Shell Agency for the Advancement of The Sciences." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Now I'm a Rogue Scholar," He probably meant Rhodes Scholar, "Who is travelling around attempting to collect and gather an huge wealth of non-human and altered human people to interview for a very fancy research paper! They're all with me, so they're cool! We're very official and important!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:380|Madeline Vance (380)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Excellent. Now it's time for Madeline to step in. "We are a very mixed group, with hired protection and some refugees we picked up along the way," comes the Exalt's voice. The front of her Warstrider opens up so she can peek out, letting them see her and obviously making no hostile moves. "It's been a very long journey, but we are seeking advanced medical facilities."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madeline gestures toward Shin, "This is my cousin, distantly-related. I really appologize for his rambling, but he had a tendency to get into fights a lot until recently, and we think he was ah... damaged. Could you direct us to a likely hospital that could help? We don't know much about the area, aside from a lot of muttering about demons."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:596|Zwei (596)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Approaching the checkpoint, a wave of subtle changes passes over Weiss' face that would be individually entirely natural, but altogether are a little alarming. It's difficult to tell whether she's subtly adjusted her facial characteristics, or whether she's just mimicked a whole lot of very precise micro-muscle movements to a highly specific expression, but her posture and air goes from casually chipper to tense, bored and restless, eying the jaegers with a jaded, dispassionate stare, as if she's seen a million of these kinds of robots before. She has an NG issue double laser rifle at her back. Was that there before? Asche doesn't look any different, but the way a presumable native is so casually riding on him suggests that he's likely a foreign borg, possibly one from some Naruni competitor.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Look it's been a really long couple of weeks." she says in a newly crafted tenor. "Everything south of here is a shithole and that kid's been doing this the entire time. We need a hospital, a night's peace, and some goddamned directions. We'll pay up if this is a toll booth or whatever." She rolls the helmet idly between her hands, affecting a bored tic of habit.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:202|Adelyn Lysen (202)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Is Zimbabwea a country that requires differentiation of legitimate and illegitimate scientific studies?" Where is Zimbabwea, anyway? Adelyn has the impression she's seen the name somewhere on the 'net. Or maybe a lab tech mentioned it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh well. She's trusting Madeline to handle this one. She'll just sit back, look inadvetertently conspicuous, and wait for it to be resolved one way or another. She's in the truck, and isn't about to step out without being asked, nor shout out of it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren is about to visit civilization on his planet far, far from home. Very few explorers have crossed the Atlantic, for... obvious reasons. You can get Triax stuff on the black market, sure, but that's probably stolen from the CS, their alleged allies. And stuff imported by travelers who have a frustrating lack of interest in spreading /knowledge/.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;/Germany/. He remembers when he first heard about Germany.<br /><br /> ---------- <br /><span class=" bold_fg_w bg_n ++ hw">Long Ago...</span><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Little Staren's ears perk up as the phone rings. One ear turns towards the phone, while the other stays pointed forward at the TV. His uncle Staren answers. "Yeah? Oh, hi Clarke. Umm, I'm not really free now, I'm watching my nephew. ...Yeah, I guess a lunch meeting would be okay, sure. Give us a few, okay? Yeah, see ya soon." *click* "Hey, Staren? We're gonna go out to eat. Your uncle's boss's treat." "Lemme find a save point!"<br /><br /> ---------- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren (the younger) is wearing a labcoat because he knows just as much science as any grown-up and maybe that way people will know it! It is too big for him. Staren (the older) is wearing an outfit that screams 'mage', complete with maroon wide-brimmed pointy hat and cape and loosefitting off-white shirt and pants underneath. Clarke is a man a little on the thin side, wearing a buttoned shirt and tie (his suit is on the back of the chair) because that is the sort of thing he always wears. His dark brown beard and hair are neatly groomed, with highlights in the hair.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The three of them seated at a table, the grown-ups are in the middle of a conversation. "So, you're thinking it might be a lost technology cache, huh?" He rubs his chin. "Could be the best technology we've seen in awhile."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clarke nods. "Well. You know who has the /best/ technology."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren (the younger) interrupts, "Who has the best technology, Mr. Clarke?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The man turns his pale, piercing gaze on the young boy and, after staring at him for a moment as if only just noticing him, states: "<span class=" bold_fg_n bg_n ++ h">Sie</span> <span class="underline bold_fg_n bg_n ++ hu">Chermans.</span>"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Little Staren's eyes go wide. Older Staren rolls his eyes. "Why do you always say it like that?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clarke turns his head to the mage, opens his mouth, and just then the waiter, a red-skinned man with horns which would cause unfortunate assumptions outside Lazlo, leans over the table as he sets out steaks for the two adults, and a cheeseburger and fries for Staren. "Ah! Excellent. Let's 'dig in', shall we?" Clarke smiles and begins neatly tucking his napkin in his shirt collar.<br /><br /> ---------- <br /><span class=" bold_fg_w bg_n ++ hw">NOW</span><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And now here they are. About to make contact. One mech aims at them but the other is making a slow down gesture. They move so smoothly too, nice! Staren wonders if that indicates an unusual control system. He brings his machine to a halt next to the truck. And... there are clearly d-bees living in the town ahead? Interesting...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The first contact between Lazlo and the NGR in over a decade. /This is it/.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren facepalms as Shin... 'introduces himself', as a rogue scholar nonetheless. At least this /isn't/ the Coalition.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Star Hawk just nods, as Madeline speaks.<br /><br /> ---------- <br /><span class=" bold_fg_w bg_n ++ hw">Long Ago...</span><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"What about the Naruni?" Staren the older asks.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren's eyes move back and forth between his uncle and his uncle's boss, like watching a tennis match as he takes a big bite of his burger. Mr. Clarke finishes chewing a bite of steak, swallows, and dabs his mouth with his napkin. "There is something... 'shady' about those Naruni. I'm not sure I'd want to use technology even Lazlo's engineers can't figure out for anything mission-critical."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Those plasma cartridge weapons make a big boom, though." His uncle observes. Staren holds his arms up and then pulls his hands apart. "Ka-psssshhhh!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clarke sighs and rolls his eyes. "Yes, I suppose they 'make a big boom.'"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:672|Starbound Flotilla (672)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"<span style="color:xterm160">Aw man, I love routines! Do you do a musical number, or--</span>"<br />"<span style="color:xterm50">George, no. Ah, hello, sir, please let us know if you require anything beyond that. We have been traveling for some time, as you can tell,</span>"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Both George and Moonfin look pretty human like this, though Moonfin looks kinda weird. They're all sort of weird, actually, but they let the more human-like among them do the talking. "<span style="color:xterm50">We are, I imagine you might call us, tagalong traders.</span>" He makes a very genuine exasperated noise. Such a good actor! "<span style="color:xterm50">I was unaware at the time of the nature of our ride. I would... Very much like to find another. Please.</span>" He wrings his hands a little, doing his best to imply that there's no deception going on here, but rather that Shin has been keeping them up at all hours with interviews. "<span style="color:xterm50">Ah, and, our identification. We are the Starbound trade caravan, currently between... Between vans. The carrying is still going, though.</span>" He awkwardly scratches his head. "<span style="color:xterm50">We are here primarily to work out trade opportunities with local business.</span>" Popping a palm open, he produces holographic projections of various Starbound Flotilla business documentation, or at least a small section of it that doesn't show the full extent of their resources.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Berserker is Berserker!" the cat answers Shin.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How informative.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako and her Servants otherwise remain quiet, watching Doctor Shin at work. That guy is a doctor, huh? He didn't strike her the sort! Takes all kinds. In the meantime, she whips her cellphone out and gets a few games in. Can't let her AP refill, that's just a waste.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:834|Valentha Summers (834)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Valentha keeps her back pressed up against the wall opposite Berserker, but still gets enough tail in her face to wrinkle her nose. She's HIGHLY AMUSED by this though, even as she rolls over and sticks her head out another window to identify herself to the guards.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Valentha, the tech support for this colorful crew! And a good day to you, pilots. If anything in town needs maintenance you can count on me to lend a hand in exchange for some room and board. Aaaaalthough..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She rubs her chin, then claps both hands together and whistles appreciatively at the mechs. "Those are fine machines. They tickle my inner geek to a 't.' Technical matters must be well in hand aleady."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ark leans out of the back of the truck. He gets sight of the two gun-wielding robots, and seems to be taking stock of them. He's really obvious about it; his poncho and hair are both really loudly-colored and don't match any of the otherwise-grey tactical gear he's got on. Caster of Steel sits where he is, letting Ark introduce them. He at least has confidence in his master's ability to handle that.<br /><br />"I'm Ark; that's Julius." He jerks his head at Caster. "We kill demons. Nice gear, by the way," he adds. "Hey, know where I can get a good hat?"<br /><br />Caster closes his eyes and forces down a sigh of disappointment.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As people speak up, Staren feels a little more confident in speaking. The Star Hawk raises a hand, open-palmed and unarmed, to wave. "And I'm Staren. Also technical support. And... 'technical support'" he says in such a tone to indicate this might be a euphemism for heavy firepower. "Those machines move so smoothly! How do you do that?" Of course, the same could be said of his own machine...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Upon realizing precisely what Madeline's plan was, Shin grumbles and immediately adopts a sulking sort of posture, flopping himself backwards against the roof of the car with a THUNK and spreading his arms out. The action causes his medical degree to get caught on the wind and waft away on a strong gust, "Augh no! My medical degree!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Laying on his back on the roof of the truck, he huffs, "Buncha jerks. This day just keeps getting worse."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Inga suppose she has to say who she is, not that it will make much difference. "Inga Freyjasdottir, wisewoman," she informs the guards. She hopes this will not prove to be a problem. She's fairly sure she can't pass for much else. <br /><br /> She smiles though. Pretty smile. Look how human I am!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The exclamation from Shin just gets the Jager looking down, and then the eye turns to look up again when others explain and offer their introductions. "Yeah, yeah. We see. Look, just keep the D-Bees out of trouble and don't cause trouble, and it'll be fine. You may need to hit another checkpoint further in about your weapons, but there are still some things to worry about further in."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Sir, the hospital?" The one behind him, with the gun trained on the group, sounds much younger.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The first Jager waves on. "Follow the road. The NGR is the technological pride of Europe, if anyone can help your cousin we can. You'll need papers once you reach the city, especially for the D-Bees, before you'll be let in. I'll radio ahead that you're coming. If you intend to stay you'll need work visas, though. I'm not sure if the nonhumans can get those, they might get sent back here. Probably best."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:202|Adelyn Lysen (202)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Adelyn wasn't asked her name, and since these are rank grunts, she's not offering it without a challenge. Just as well. "So. This has been informative, primarily of their attitudes, but I suppose that's worth something." She looks on, into the town. "This must be a border village, but if they have good reason for their pride, there should still be something of interest further within. Unlikely they'll leave any secrets out in the open, but who knows."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With her hands well-hidden, she takes the small risk of casting a sensing spell. It's a passive detection measure, made to check whether or not anything is actively scanning her. If there's nothing, her next spell is an active scan of her own. It will at least ping off Gudako's Servants, she's sure. Madeline's warstrider, potentially. Anyone else currently casting, any active enchantments, wards, and as they pass through the shanty town, anything sufficiently magical in nature. There's no way to do this with zero risk, but she can stop and feign innocence at any time, and it's not a particularly powerful spell.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh uh. I actually have passports and travel work visas," Shin says unusually serious. He sits up and fishes around in his backpack he always wears, looking around again. Unlike the medical degree which was clearly fake, these once are... different. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He pulls what looks like a sealed plastic bag out of his jacket and takes out three things: A Japanese Passport, a Japanese Residence ID, and a stack of printed paper visas that let him travel to most of Europe, America, and select countries in South America. MOST of them list him as a 'Long-Term Competition Martial Artist'. They all look incredibly official and real. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Is my one for Germany still valid, or do I need to register here too?" He asks the man in the suit.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:596|Zwei (596)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Weiss rolls her eyes. "Seriously? The weapons too? You've got to have travellers out here. How long are the papers going to take and where do we have to go to sign them just to get in?" Valid questions, but with entirely ulterior motives. Dumping the weapons is an easy affair for Zwei with the matter manipulators around to spawn replacements. Once it /sees/ some of the papers, it can probably forge them if necessary, that is if the group isn't ready to just sneak on in. If all else fails, half the group can explore the outer town while the other half goes forward. It's reasonable security. Annoying, but not intolerable.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Asche doesn't deploy recon drones in plain sight of the checkpoint here, but once they're let through, the both of them will be scanning blatantly and ostensibly passively on typical military wavelengths; IR, UV, etc. and then actively pinging much more sneakily on obscure techniques that aren't in common use here. Moving at a decent pace, Zwei should be able to get a very detailed map of the general area, up for grabs on whatever parts of the group are willing to synch up to a temporary tactical net, with monitoring of non-stealthed energy sources just in case. Once out of earshot: "So, you know the options. What's it gonna be guys? Anyone feel like going ahead or staying here? Paying lip service to registration? Sneaking in? I think it might be a good idea to actually hit up the hospital for at least a little. Gauge the standard of living and technology here. For mass produced units, the tokens out front weren't bad at all."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:380|Madeline Vance (380)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Don't worry, sir," Madeline notes as she retrests back into her Exalt. "It's a handful of us going right into NGR territory. I'm pretty sure starting trouble would be a pretty dumb thing to do. We won't be staying long, hopefully."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She is also scanning, but mostly to record anything useful or interesting about the town and the technology level, along with any other incidental information she can gather. At least the border guards didn't shoot them, which is a plus.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Well, no one freaks out. No one pays much attention at all. Acting unthreatening seems to have worked! Thus, Inga just observes, her expression thoughtful. The non-humans are treated as lesser, it seems. Purely because they are not human? Hmm. Odd way of doing things.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Adelyn will rapidly determine why Inga wasn't really noticed at all. Pinging the town reveals that there's basically one minor magical effect ongoing, probably from some D-Bee nearby. They don't appear to really be magically aware all that much. Given all the supernatural threats, that seems a little odd.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh yeah, scan spells ping off Caster and Berserker.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And Gudako herself.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The amount of magic she seems to be walking around with is probably sickening. It suffices to say that maintaining two Servants isn't even a strain to the girl. Odd, since she seems and feels rather powerless besides the absurd quantity of the stuff she's got in her.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well! I don't have weapons, so that won't be a hard checkpoint to cross. I don't have a passport or a visa though. I think I had Berserker chew on the last person to ask me for papers and act cross because all I had was my high school ID card." Not that it's even valid anymore.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So what are we hoping to find in this NGR place anyway? I already forgot. I'm still rooting for apocalypse memorials and documenation. Ooh, maybe a super old veteran who saw it and can tell the story."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The guards look at Shin again. "Those look pretty good but not valid, I'm sure. You must have plucked them off a pre-Rifts site somewhere, huh?" This doesn't sound out of line for him! "You're going to need new ones."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Zwei's comments, and Madeline's, are answered. "Routine inspection, nothing to worry about. If you're just visiting it shouldn't take more than an hour. Getting a work visa could take much longer, though."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The younger guard chimes in, "Especially for the D-Bees. They aren't real fond of them back home, except for the General of course."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Grump from the other one. "General's different."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The General?" Staren can't help asking, the curiousity in his tone coming over the speakers as well.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Inga will climb down from the truck, leaning on her staff as she begins to walk toward the gate. "I do not think my little knife will prove too troubling, it is mostly for cutting herbs," she replies to the guards, flashing a smile. "Have you a market in town? I am a healer and thought I might see what good I can do here, but I shall need to restock my herbs," she explains. Indeed, given she's all of five feet tall, limps, and isn't dressed like she's from space or something, she's likely not to ruffle anyone's feather. <br /><br /> Unless oh so inconvenient visions decide to be inconvenient, of course. Her Sight might just be a boon though, in finding out what is going on here.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako is looking for items of interest? Well, there are some shops and travel supplies here. Also, bautwurst. It smells amazing. This place is pretty bereft of any sort of mystical information or the like, though. The tech base is surprisingly good, though... something others might notice. It's a small town, but not too far past the guard post there's a mechanic garage being staffed by some guy with tentacles on his face, and he appears to be working on a smallish robot vehicle, about nine feet tall, that is more of a worker robot than combat.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:834|Valentha Summers (834)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now that they're past the guards, Valentha Summers decides to open up her own mystical senses. This means that, consequently, some more of her own aura leaks out. It's immediately apparent that she's a creature of immense power. Between her and Gudako over there... well, there's plenty of power to go around. But Valentha makes a nauseated face towards the magus and wobbles a bit away from her.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She detects SUPERNATURAL EVIL and there's just no disguising how revolting she considers it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh well. Gotta suck it down. She's quick to scan the area for other threats or strong magical sources.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, that went well. I didn't expect such a kind reception. It's not at all like the Coalition States."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She also whispers Shin's way, "nice acting."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Actually..." Shin thinks very hard to what Staren said... and Valentha said. His face lights up. If the guards aren't used to the translation effect, now may become the time they're aware that he's speaking Japanese and has been almost the entire time, because he starts STRESSING THE FACT HE IS SPEAKING JAPANESE. Like... calling attention to the translation effect and the fact he is not speaking their language. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But he's doubling down on his story, making sure to speak to them seriously, "The truth is, I fell through one of the leylines that opened up. I was moved way into the future and spit out again with just the clothes on my back and my backpack while I was taking my morning trip to the training studio while studying parkour in France. I wound up somewhere new, some time new, and everyone I've told about this has treated me..." He waves his hands at Madeline and the others. He's DOUBLING DOWN on the crazy claim, asserting that he just LOOKS crazy BECAUSE he's telling the truth. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No one believes me and I just want to find a way home to Japan, or figure out why the world chose to put me in this time period and in a strange new world. I have no idea what's going on, I'm lost, I'm confused, and people treat me like I'm insane. Please, let me talk to anyone in charge."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:672|Starbound Flotilla (672)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"<span style="color:xterm160">Don't worry, chief!</span>" George says, giving an 'OK' sign. "<span style="color:xterm160">We're not here to make any trouble, I'm the human rep for places just like this. I'll have the fish and the monkey and the bird and whatever all just camp out somewhere like hobos.</span>" He laughs at that bit. "<span style="color:xterm160">Usual deal, right? It'll be fine.</span>" He shrugs, casually. The important thing here is to make it look like they do that all the time.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Albert looks up, rousing however briefly. He's one of the few that look rather human. His voice grunts out from the fat faceplate of his armor. "<span style="color:xterm15">General. Hmh. Much of our work deals with local militaries. Explain the General.</span>"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Moonfin ceases speaking; he's here more to assess the state of the town. How much does it seem militarized against external threats? That'll tell him if there's a lot that's threatening here. How much travel do the roads show? That'll show how much commerce or migration is going on. Local things like this can tell him where the Starbound Flotilla might be able to find points of intereston a broad scale.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:202|Adelyn Lysen (202)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;First: Waiting until they're no longer talking to the guards. Adelyn will look bored until then. She's seen Servants before, and doesn't feel like analyzing these ones. Gudako is an unusual case, but her own specialties and attitude render much of the nuance lost.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Illusions aren't really her thing, but after the pure Arcane, her strength is in Dark mana, and there's a few things that lets her do. It's been awhile since she used this trick. The last time was... oh, with Lu-Mey, yes. That was an enjoyable excursion, even with the dhampir making a fuss.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's a smile on her face when she disappears, as if a dark cloud had covered her, then dissipated on its own, right in the seat next to Caster of Steel. She's still there, and she can still be seen, but only if you know precisely what to look for. The space feels just slightly wrong, eyes sliding off as they're unable to focus, though certainly catching the vehicle's door opening (even in motion), then banging shut again.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Daylight is a complication, and it's unavoidable that a shadow passes along the ground as Adelyn moves. An acceptable risk, as she aims for the one source of magic she was able to detect. Someone is doing something and it is potentially of interest, and if not, well, it was worth a try.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inga's response is pretty simple. "Oh, a country folk. We don't really do folk remedies further in, but there's a wise woman off that way. If you go around and past the edge of the shack down that way, you'll find a Gypsy camp. They'll probably be able to help you."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Country folk. Yes, alright. She supposes she is. She watches where they point, following their direction with a nod. "Thank you, I will do that," she says, then, if no one else decides they'd like to come with her, she goes. Gypsy camp? Well, she'll have to ask someone what a gypsy is...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh man that sure is FOOD she smells, yes.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako will just hop off the truck at some point, quite possibly while people are still mid-conversation with guards and locals. "Berserker! I'm hungry, come on."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's with a quick 'nya!' that the foxcatgirl hops off the truck, lands on all fours, scratches the back of her ears for a moment and then stands back up-- kind of straight. Her movements aren't wholly human, but at least she's not talking on her feet. The red-robed, pink-haired woman follows her master diligently, and the two make off, following the source of the smell, paying no mind to the JUDGING EYES of a certain dragon.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Let's see... stores, stores. I can smell sausage. Can you?" Gudako asks her Servant, who nods with energy.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"German sausage! Best sausage!" Berserker says.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Taverns are good places to find information in backwater places. Look for a shady guy sitting in the corner dangling a pouch of gold, those guys are always the best! Oh, oh, yellow excalation marks too. Barkeeps are usually fonts of knowledge too!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, this will work out.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren, who is still near the guards, gets a pretty casual response. "General Rasheen. He's a local hero!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The younger guard is the one saying that, but the older one explains further. "He's a D-Bee, got something of a name for himself. Big guy. Four arms. Giant. He is a pretty good guy though. Kind of hurting his rep pushing too hard for D-Bee rights though. I don't really care myself if they can vote, most of them are kind of leeches but I've fought with some decent ones out here."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Okay, next up Shin is spewing out some ridiculous story about time-travelling from Japan! The younger one goes, "Uhh... what? Are you serious?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The older one says, "No, that sounds like Japan all right. Sorry, kid, but we can't really help you here. The NGR doesn't really do much with magic. Might ask around at the edges of camps, but nobody here cares much for magic stuff. Some of the D-Bees use it, but it's mainly a Gargoyle thing." That does make their opinions on magic pretty clear though. He sounds not worried at all about the fact that someone here might use it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:596|Zwei (596)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For any relevance, Zwei is a complete and total deadzone in terms of magical senses, blending in completely with whatever the ambient magical background is to the point of being even less notable than a regular human. They broadcast no particular alignment, and no recognizable psychic presence. Weiss mostly feigns some level of relief at the explanation of further checkpoints. Her gear turns out, of course, to be totally mundane North Gun design, up to standard specification, old but well cared-for. All Asche has to do is not produce any internal weapons and not use the manipulator core in order to pass for a melee specialized borg. Any super prying attempts can be deliberately obfuscated, but that doesn't seem likely.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren and George seem to have the intel going on the General. Adelyn and Valentha actually have the means to actively detect magic that isn't being used in a demonstrable way. No amusement is outwardly reflected at the words 'Gypsy camp', and instead Weiss hops of Asche's shoulder, strolling along just ahead of him like an old mercenary tag team. Their first order of business is to make rounds of the outer perimeter of where the real military setup starts, surreptitiously analyzing the basic functions and design of the technology on display to gauge this relatively small town's readiness, and to try and extrapolate the proper city beyond.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That routine task accomplished, the pair gravitates towards the garage, looking into the state of one of the handful of D-Bees who appears to be gainfully employed. Honestly, for being 'human supremacists', this is way further up the chart than Zwei expected. A more realistic level of mistrust and general antipathy rather than the Coaliation's near religious xenophobia. Weiss takes a look up at the worker bot. Asche takes a look down. The former speaks, still affecting that tired merc persona. "They've got you building this out here? Don't they have big fancy factories for that here? I heard the NGR was all automated." she says to the tentacle-face.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well... it's hardly unusual that a D-Bee would desire more rights for his fellow D-Bees, is it?" The Star Hawk leans forward slightly, acting more human with its gestures as Staren's drawn into the conversation and starts forgetting to /not/ do that. "We've heard of your war with the gargoyles, but the report /I/ heard was secondhand from a traveler who visited over a decade ago. How is the war going?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inga seeks out the gypsies! It actually isn't hard to find them once she walks down the street a ways, because the word 'camp' was pretty specific and clearly describing what she sees. A few wagons around a campfire, that's it really. They are away from the buildings, but don't seem particularly troubled, nor have they been there long. One of them, a man with dark hair, looks up from where he's roasting something over the fire, watching Inga approach curiously.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shin has a passable cover story now, at least he can stick to that for some leverage, "Damn. Alright, I was hoping I could speak to someone in charge and get some advice, but if you can't help, that's cool," He rubs the back of his head and in a way that is meant to show exasperation, "At least you guys didn't treat me like I was insane. Thanks, I hope it goes well for you guys. Maybe I can find someone interested in buying the info I have on Japan's lost mecha suits and just kinda... skate by," He notes, starting to head back. He doesn't have any actual information about that, but it's meant ot be a seed. A piece of information that will move its way up whatever avenues of conversation and get him summoned eventually, down the line. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To Valentha, he sidebars, "It's not really acting. It's all about finding the narrative that fits the situation and playing it out. That's what a protagonist is meant to be doing." He waves a hand at her sort of... as if to demonstrate the entire prior conversation proves his point. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As he's walking away, he's stuffing all his travel documents back into that waterproof bag that then goes back into his backpack. Unless dragged somewhere else, he will actually take off to follow after Gudako and Berserker. Mostly because tail and ears. He still wants to mofumofu the tail, but he couldn't back when he was in the truck.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Inga stops a bit from their fire, bowing to them some in greeting. "Greetings. I have come a long way, might I ask for your hospitality? I was told by the guards there was a fellow wisewoman here that I might speak to," she says. <br /><br /> Inga reaches into her bag, pulling out a bottle of something alcoholic. "I have mead to offer," she adds. <br /><br /> Always bring a gift!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako heads into the bar! There is food here! It's not too crowded at this point in the day, and Berserker's appearance gets a few looks but no real comments here on the border like this. "Can I get you anything? A beer? Sausage?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There are no mysterious figures or exclamation points, but the barkeep does seem willing enough to talk. It's kind of rustic, but there's obvious machinery here, too.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Valentha gets a guard looking at her, rubbing his chin. This one is actually blue-skinned, and not one of the two from the town. After some thought, he walks over and coughs, "Miss, if you have some kind of weird powers, you might want to stop by the office and register. It's uh... generally an act of goodwill. So long as you don't make trouble it's not a big deal, but if you get into trouble and they sense something..." He gestures meaningfully. "Better to be up front about it. You might want to tell some of your friends, too."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pretty obvious he can't tell WHAT Valentha is, but that there's magic in the air.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sadly, Adelyn will not find much of interest, exactly. Oh, flitting away like that will find what she's looking for! It looks like it's just a young girl though... and by young, we're talking early teens. Several youths are gathered around her, and she's concentrating hard before a little flash zaps out from her hands, making the empty can they're playing with pop and jump and spin in the air. A parlor trick, as magic goes, but obviously the girl has a lot of potential to be doing it at this age. Some of the adults are nearby and looking vaguely concerned, but in that sense of 'probably shouldn't leave them alone' rather than 'oh god my kid is a monster!'<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Weiss and Asche don't alarm the tentacle-faced guy, though he does look warily before deciding they're probably just curious. He gestures, "Sure, but they still need normal repairs. I'm not building it, just refurbishing it. Local farmer said that it was kind of shot. If I can fix it, it'll be a good ticket to the city and a contract with Triax, maybe. Getting pretty tired of renewing my license every year, and an extended contract would be a lot nicer, ya?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako has obtained a companion in Shin!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She does fortunately have money to pay for food. Regular Earth money, though! Maybe it won't do. We'll find out! She's got about a dozen currencies on her. Some of it is bloodstained. It might explain where she gets her cash.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yeah! Three plates of your best sausage. So hey, we're new around here, I heard there was a big disaster like three hundred years ago, why don't we talk about that? What can you tell a tourist?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, that's straightforward.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh yeah, also, what's this town even called?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Berserker manages to behave herself, mostly hanging by! Her eyes do dart around a lot though. Pretty much everytime anyone moves or does anything. There's no malice, she just looks very excitable.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The soldiers that Staren talks to don't seem insulted by what he says. The younger glances at the older as if the older might be, but the officer shrugs it off. "Not strange, but pushing too hard. I know why he wants it, just think he's tipping his hand...s... whatever. They already got voting rights, that's more than they had before. You'll hear a lot of people bitch about it if you head into the city, but us older soldiers who were around before know how much it helped offering them the military deal." He jerks the mech's arm out to the south. "The Gargs kind of smashed us a while back, but it was thanks to people like the General that we rallied up and recaptured our territory, then hit them so hard they've been pretty quiet since. Don't know if we're going to press the offensive or not, that's above my pay grade, but I wouldn't mind taking the fight to them and finishing it. Not sure what the hold up there is."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:834|Valentha Summers (834)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Valentha's startled by the man catching her attention. She cants her head at him, peering. There's a degree of shock in her eyes. "Ohhhhh, you can tell?" She grins. It's a bit mischevious and good-natured but pretty honest. "Now that's the kind of policies I like hearing about. You don't want to know what they are elsewhere. Thank you, it's appreciated. I'll do exactly that." She goes so far as to bow her head respectfully.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But she also asks, "Is there a lot of trouble of that sort around here?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bringing MEAD is something that lights up the gypsy's face! "Of course, of course! SIMZA! We have a guest!" He gestures, and an older woman comes out to peer at Inga. Those others who are sensing magic might catch a glimmer from the edge of town now, as the woman feels out Inga with supernatural senses. "You have talent? We should talk, it has been some time since I found someone interested here. Such is not common in this land."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inga will be able to get a good layout of the land and magical powers of interest from her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Lemme cover it. Least I can do," Shin says before looking at the person Gudako is paying, "You guys take payment in like..." He roots around in his backpack, "Uuuuuuuuuuh...." He takes out a gold ring with a ruby in it, "Treasure? You can keep the change. I'll take a sausage with extra mustart." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He then, of course, immediately goes back to playing with Berserker's tail, wrapping it around his neck like a fancy scarf, "Yeah, new here. So what's the haps here in Germany? Everyone knows that pub owners and barkeeps have the best news, right? You guys..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shin leans in towards the bartender, "You guys are the ones that REALLY run a city."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The military depot is well-stocked, but the town doesn't seem all that well-defended? Most likely, the robots here discourage casual bandits, and it's mostly used as an outpost from which to do recon. The road heading further in is in good condition and reasonably well-used, but the one going outward is not all that often used but not well cared for, either.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One of the soldiers will talk to George, too. "We don't really do much official commerce in this town. It's mostly, you know... kind of a depot. Or depot. however you pronounce that." Dee-poh or deh-pott. "Most of the business is done further in. Triax might be interested."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Star Hawk nods. Staren is thinking about the possibilities. First of all, there's a line of contact and he's one of the first to know about it. It looks like the circumstances might allow for trade with Lazlo. On the other hand, that might cause disenfranchised D-Bees to flee to Lazlo and Staren's not sure how well they can handle /more/ refugees. Those are, perhaps, decisions for the Councils to make. And then... There's the possibility of helping against the Gargoyles. The Union's not going to help unless the NGR drops its policy of speciesism... but sooner or later contact might be made with people who will help for money or some other sort of compensation.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But would that really be a bad thing, to clear the area of demons, even if the NGR remains human supremacist? They /are/ changing... Then again... the power vacuum would only allow for a bunch of independant warring kingdoms to spring up.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But /if/ the NGR could change faster, and become able to accept /everyone/, then it could unify everyone in the area, leaving aspiring warlords with far fewer potential troops.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hmm...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren thinks about this for a moment.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> When Simza puts out her magical feelers, she might be surprised. Inga's blood sings with magic. It is such a part of her that it is inseperable. She smiles, bowing to Simza. "Talent, yes I suppose. I was raised to be a wisewoman. I will not lie to you, I am not from here. Not this world. I've come with a group, we're looking to find out what has been happening in the world--though I would like to see your herb supply, perhaps we could make a trade," she says with a smile. <br /><br /> The mead is passed around the fire, and assuming it was offered, Inga would accept a bit of food.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The soldier shrugs. "Not really. Not in THIS town. Most of the others... well, people are a little leery of magic, but just like they're leery of anything else they don't know. Further in there's schools and stuff for gifted children, we usually catch them early, but uh... people here don't really have much truck with the supernatural. There was talk a couple years back about banning it for some reason or another, but they didn't care enough to. I hear it's a bigger problem overseas, but not sure why."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:380|Madeline Vance (380)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madeline parks the Empress and gets out for now, largely to just walk the town a little and observe the people, and any particular habits they may have. What sort of stores are here? What sort of jobs are available? She'll quietly approach a few explaining she's a traveller, too, and ask how best to make a brief living if one doesn't plan on staying for long.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:596|Zwei (596)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Huh, I was going to guess outsourcing. Even the most vertical companies do it once they get large enough. Doesn't look military I guess, though that's obvious if it's being used for farming." Weiss is carrying on the act. She seems tense in an exhausted kind of way, wound up but non-threatening and obviously trying to cool down. Asche is about as helpful as a statue, large and imposing to ward off questions, but purposefully making no outward statements of intent, vocal or otherwise. "They do that? Scout around for talent outside? I mean I can imagine they'd need a lot of hands to keep building in this . . . place" she fakes having to regulate her tone for a moment. "but I'd have assumed they'd have all kinds of people lining up for that cushy, indoor factory work. Keep going if you think you can pull it off man. Contract work is the way to go. Get salaried. Probably not unionized with the tentacles, no offense, but better than nothing. You got a family?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:834|Valentha Summers (834)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now that she's done investigating for local signatures - and mildly chagrined at how that turned out - Valentha focuses for a moment. The aura once again dies back down. "I can understand the sentiments. My apologies for raising your heckles. Overseas... overseas, views are pretty polarized. The city of Lazlo is diamond in the rough for anyone looking for equality regardless of species or talent, but the culture takes getting used to. Then there's the Coalition States and what was Tolkeen..." She sighs a bit. "I have heard Erin Tarn's works are popular over here. They can explain things better than I can. Buuuut enough philosophy... it's technology I'm interested in! Any neat places I should check out after this registering business?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The barkeep stares at Gudako and Shin, but he'll take the ring. "Sure, that works. Anyway, this is Netphen, nothing much here really. It's a calmer area, we don't get much bothering us here. The soldiers are making people nervous though... been coming through here a lot more often." He shrugs, though, apparently not thinking too much on it. "Could be something on the move, could just be a reorg. Not much to say."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Three steaming hot sausages are slid over after a few minutes, and three pints of beer. Really GOOD beer. Seriously, the book has like five pages of talking about nothing but beer, so it must be good?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren converses with allies over the radio, then switches back to speakers. The Star Hawk stands up straight. "Alright. Where can I park my ride? And is there some paperwork I could share with friends to... speed their entry into the Republic? I'm sure I know some people who'd be happy to help out for pay. And... I noticed your machine moves really smoothly. Are you, perhaps, using some sort of mental control system?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:202|Adelyn Lysen (202)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Adelyn may have--okay, she's literally kidnapped a promising student once or twice, but she at least picked people experienced enough to put up a good fight. In fact, 'getting in her way' was the initial justfication. Sadly, it doesn't look like this is one of those cases. Maybe in another decade, if this place doesn't put a halt on the kid's progress. Though... there's not a single other reaction, and the field is so clear of inteference that she was even able to pick up something like this. The probability of anyone developing their talent under these circumstances seems somewhere between 'zero' and 'abysmal.'<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How annoying. The suppression of talent is unconscionable. She had thought that these people may simply lack mages, but if the only magic is practiced by children, what if that lack is purely artificial? /Huff/. Ridiculous.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subvocalizing a few questions to the radio gets her unsatisfactory answers. This leaves her in a difficult situation, as she is perfectly aware of several personal traits that leave her a poor choice for handling talks with--what was the term? Common riff-raff. The sort of people that would live in a shanty town are substantially different from a mage that had a personal air-yacht even in exile, she's reasonably certain. She is too busy, she would say, to consider the concerns of such people. Too arrogant, she wouldn't say.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But if she leaves this alone, she won't /know/. She can't just give up information like that. The individuals are unimportant, even if disrupting the future of a talented child would pain her, on that off-chance it amounted to anything, ever.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The shroud falls while she is reasonably certain she's out of sight. She takes a moment to smooth down her headwings, wincing as she touches the left. Still tender; her healing spells were always third-rate. She lacks a hood, but expects the light armor, more cloth than visible plates, to otherwise pass as very well-made traveler's clothing--or adventurer's clothing, if this world has such. She'll just have to make do.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She walks around the corner, approaching a parent at an angle by which they should just catch her in the corner of thir vision, and stops at a conversational distance, looking pointedly at the youths. "Good, isn't she?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Food is offered to Inga all right, some kind of rabbit with seasonings. Simza sits with her and smiles, "I think we could trade. I would be interested in learning what you know, and I have many exotic supplies." At least, in this case, there doesn't seem to be any intention of cheating her or anything. It really is rare for Simza to find someone to talk about this with.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;More importantly, the gypsy murmurs, "These people celebrate their recent victory, but resentment on both sides runs deep. The Gargoyles will not cease even if they are defeated, I think. And something else is riding, a new threat, one I cannot truly sense."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madeline will notice one thing in particular that isn't something noticed in the Coalition-held areas. Namely, the signs are all holding letters. And when she looks, there's actually a newspaper here, and even a small bookstore, though it's nothing spectacular information-wise. The newspaper might be useful on its own, but an even more important bit is the fact that it's just assumed that many people can READ here.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:672|Starbound Flotilla (672)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What happens next is a more comprehensive gesture, a little difficult to describe in simple steps. Moonfin, Seft, and George take the lead here, progressing into town. George gets his helmet off, of course, though Moonfin doesn't, and neither does Seft. The others sort of mingle, but the three -- who look mostly human, or at least, in Seft's case, like humans built her -- should have a more solid chance of productively looking through a town like this. Well, Albert looks human, but he's hardly about to try /TALKING/ to people.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The wordless intent they share is simple. They're looking for inconsistencies, in the information they can find or in the information others find and report. They do this by wandering around and getting into conversations, in friendly ways. Is the military force here consistent with their tactical position in the larger (cold) war? Is the integration with 'DBs' consistent with how they've helped, in terms of how most societies would integrate? Are the Gargoyles behaving in a way that's consistent with how they've behaved before? What things, recently, are inconsistent with how things have been, previously? With a comprehensive campaign of conversation, they engage in what is, essentially, the equivalent of wartime spying. Wow, hope nobody's on the lookout for that. George has a massive history to draw on for this sort of tremendous campaign, though, having almost two dozen years of spy veterancy that he will refuse to ever admit to having.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Inga is obviously pleased to find another wisewoman to speak to as well. She accepts the rabit with gratitude and eats. "Very good. I have not had rabbit in some time," she compliments. <br /><br /> Inga listens to what Simza has to say, nodding. "Ah...so have you been here long? There was a battle recently? I heard about the enmity between the people here and these gargoyles....a new threat. Do you have the Sight then as well?" Inga asks, eager, opening up her own Sight. Generally, Inga has to actually repress it. It takes over. If she's alone, she has long hours to the visions. Days. If Simza has the Sight as well, perhaps they could...well, share.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The man talking to Zwei nods, "Yes, I have a family. And Triax is one of the reasons we can live here at all. Nonhumans need a job to be allowed in... but with Triax, they offer a fifteen year employment program in their factories. Upon completion we can apply for citizenship. It's... not much, but it's better than it used to be, and it's an option for people like me. I can't fight like you can, I can't take the military option."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren gets pointed toward the office. "We don't process full passports, but if you give them some information they can send it ahead." The Jager shakes its head though. "No, not mental control, but it is pretty smooth. The techs really do their work well. Sorry, can't say anything more than that. Military, you know."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If the parent notices the headwings, they don't say anything. They don't really look at Adelyn, anyway. "I guess? I've never seen the like." He shrugs casually. "I have no idea how she ended up with that talent, it's not from either side of our family I'm sure. I'm just grateful the other kids aren't making fun of her for it, for once."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The woman nearby sighs. "I'll miss her..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The man smiles and looks at his wife, "I'm sure we'll scrape together enough to go visit now and then. It'll be better for her at a school where they can handle this stuff. Teach her how to keep it under control."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sausage! And beer! Gudako doesn't drink, she finds the taste of alcohol disgusting. And letting Berserker drink is probably a HORRIBLE idea, which is why she'll be taking the extra pint. Then again it's just bear, it'll take more than two pints to get a Berserker drunk.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So soldiers huh? Must be a war! That's what soldiers are for. Otherwise you'd have called them the police!" That's... not really true at all, but hey. "Well, that's too bad. Say, how old is the oldest person in town? You got any like, immortals hanging around here?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subtlety is for other people.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile Berserker does not mind in the slightest her tail is now a scarf. It is a big, fluffy, poofy, comfortable tail. You can't go wrong with it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:202|Adelyn Lysen (202)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Adelyn tilts her head, considering. "To keep it under control? Not to develop their talent into a useful trade skill?" She could probably hide her thoughts better, but that would require a level of care for these talentless people she doesn't feel. Moving on swiftly enough to hopefully avoid an awkward pause, she asks, "When would they return to you?" She likely doesn't need to explain being from out of town, at this point.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh dude, good question," Shin says, elbowing Gudako approvingly at her question about immortals. The street vagrant and sometimes Karate fighter DOES drink beer. And, in fact, he pounds back that beer like a champ and sets the empty down moments later, "FUCK YEAH. Deliciousness." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh hey, do you know where I can get some magical powered bullshit? Or some science powered bullshit?" He asks point blank, "Artifacts and crap. Maybe gloves or some shoes or some shit? I need to get one of this uh... fuck, what're they called. Panel-plays." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I want some kickass gear." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile he pets the tail around his neck absently, acting completely casual about the weird arrangement.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Simza sighs, "Ah, I do not have the sight myself. I'm very sorry. But I have met some who do. If you look enough, you will find them... but be careful. In this land, the deep forest offers threats to those such as yourself." That one was a freebie.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Star Hawk nods. "Nice. Of course, of course. Good talking to you." Staren parks the Star Hawk wherever, and then heads to the registration office to place information, and also make an identity for his alternate form in case that would be useful. The sight of a bookstore gives him pause, but he smiles and walks on... although, this talk of mysterious magic schools on the radio is worrying.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Inga nods to Simza. "That is alright. Do not be sorry. I cannot say I'm glad there are those who do have it, it is often...trying. But useful, sometimes," she replies. <br /><br /> "The forest? Was is out there in particular that is a threat to those like me?" Inga asks, starting to dig into her pack and pull out bundles of herbs she'd be willing to trade or just gift at this point, for the information.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The woman is the one who turns to look, and notices Adelyn's inhumanity. She doesn't seem shocked, though it does startle her a moment. "Oh! Ah... in about ten years, I think. Of course there are visits in that time. I don't know many of the details... some learn to control it so they can live a normal life. Those with exceptional talents, I hear, are offered a means to use them. We've never had one shipped off to school before, in this town, but one of the soldiers said his cousin went there and is fine."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:596|Zwei (596)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Damn. Fifteen years is pretty steep for citizenship, but I guess that's a gift for future generations right? Investment in the family. 'course I hear a lot of you live longer than humans anyways, but I don't want to make assumptions." Weiss shrugs, visible even under the bulky NG gladiator suit. "It's a better than half the Americas, and a hell of a lot better than plain getting eaten practically anywhere else. Sucks, but, could be worse, right?" It's deliberately something of a loaded question, not to root out any kind of dissenting opinion, but to get as much sincerity out of a charged statement as possible.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Fighting is its own kind of life. Instead of thinking of how many years of assembly work you have ahead of you, you think of how many years you might still have left before something gets you. Apples and oranges. Gets easier once you can shoot without thinking too much, assuming you have the psyche for it. Even easier if you're like this lunatic." She knocks on Asche's first knee joint. "Lunatic got messed up bad once and decided he'd trade his skin for killing demons better instead of quitting. Some men just don't take it lying down. They get mad. They want to see every twenty foot tall monster dead or off this rock for good. You don't strike me as that type. If you've got a family, best to work with certainty than weigh risks." Asche grunts affirmative in a reasonable mockup of a synthesized human voice, casting Weiss a glare that somehow seems irritated. "You done lecturing? You get carried away with this stuff so much it's a wonder you remember to refill on ammo."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Erin Tarn?" The soldier perks up. "Yeah, I have the latest video! You can probably pick it up down the street if you want one. Man, the new outfit makes her look pretty HOT!" Oh lord what? "As for tech toys, you're better off just, you know, going into the city for that. I see one of your people has a Northern Gun suit, that's pretty quality stuff already."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Simza is willing to trade some, though we're going to skim over that for time reasons. More important is her warning, "As I said, there is a dark power rising there. You should find a true mystic to consult with it, soon. If you are truly blessed with the Sight, you will have no trouble finding acceptance there."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Sausage and Beer IS really good, at least! The food here is excellent, rural town or not. He also laughs at what the two say, "Immortals? Here? No, not at all. We don't really... have that sort of thing. If you want interesting stuff, head to the cities. They have all sorts of tech and cyborgs there. Real good stuff. You can't beat German engineering!" There's some level of pride there, his grin wide and goofy. "Anything from Triax is good stuff. I hear this Mindwerks stuff is good, but never seen it."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Poking around with the Starbounders will find that the military force is shuffling a little, but not really escalating aside from restocking after the recent campaign. It is something of a cold war in the sense that neither side is currently on the offensive... but it's more like it's because they're both gearing up again and taking a break. The people seem largely relieved, and really the major topic of conversation that is brought up is the D-Bee rights movement. Apparently becoming a citizen is VERY difficult, and even then they only vote in local elections and their vote only counts for half.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:834|Valentha Summers (834)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh I know." Valentha turns her body slightly and executes a twirl, then merrily adjusts her (decorative?) goggles, the ones she's not actually pulled over her eyes. She gestures just once at the stylized 'NG' emblem on her heavy work attire. "The Streetwolf line is just AWESOME. Who needs armor when you have duds like these?" The blonde's audacious grin is just infectious! And entirely genuine.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A few seconds later... she blinks. And remembers Erin Tarn's age. She looks again at the soldier... "Wh-uh?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She has seen people with peculiar tastes, but try as she might, Valentha cannot imagine Erin Tarn in any outfit that would render her 'hot.'<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Huuuuuuumans. "I... pardon? She's a bit on the elderly side these days. You mean earlier art or?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:202|Adelyn Lysen (202)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Adelyn slowly nods. "I see." She's not letting that offense show on her face. These are, after all, backward, barbaric, and primitive people, war machines aside, and foolishness is to be expected. "Still. That seems rather risky. What if she doesn't want the job they offer? What if they don't recognize her potential, and it's wasted?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From one of a number of pockets, she draws a piece of paper, unfolding it. "My name is Adelyn Lysen. I own an academy to which enrollment is voluntary, visitation is allowed, and studies may be interrupted at either the wishes of the student or their family at any time." As was stated on the radio, they are likely not to trust her. She wouldn't, in their situation. But she loses rather little, at this point, in the attempt.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Holding up the paper, she draws a finger across it, precise lettering appearing as it reacts to minute mana. One side contains directions to the warp gate, and how to move from there to a Confederate holding close to the Nation of Towers. The other two sides contain text that is hidden when she folds the paper back into thirds, and the edges seal together, sans envelope.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If you are interested, follow the directions here, and give this letter to anyone in charge. They will explain the rest." Adelyn takes advantage of the natural human inclination to accept things pressed forward, and turns to go. "No obligation."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:380|Madeline Vance (380)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madeline hmns, but finds this agreeable. She'll search for something to trade on her person, and she does have gold and silver on her. She'll use this to pick up several newspapers and books, hauling them back to the truck for anyone interested to grab.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren decides to drop the disguise before talking to the office. Since they've been forward... he'll give basic information about the party to be sent ahead, but only specifics about himself: That he's a half D-Bee. He's kind of curious what the reaction to that will be. Also where does that put him in this society?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The tentacled D-Bee shrugs, "It is better than before. I hope it will keep improving. Some get bitter, but I don't mind. I just live my life and want to have a steady job. My own kind live only about as long as humans, but fifteen years will take me up to around retirement, so it's a good deal."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The soldier laughs at Val's reaction. "Well yeah, the real one is, but nobody wants to see an action hero that old! I've never met her, but the vids are pretty good and they, you know... take a few liberties. It's all in good fun."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:88|Melissa (88)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The woman takes the paper and looks it over, but she does answer as well. "Her... potential? We don't really... have much need for mages and the like here. It's just something that will make her stand out more." There's a disapproving frown, but...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The man is actually the one who says something that might make Adelyn happy. "I'm not really sure we want to send her to a foreign school anyway, but we'll ask her what she wants to do. They DO call it a gift, after all."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's UNLIKELY to come to anything unless Adelyn pursues it, though.<br> <br><br />
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}}</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3410/Scars_of_a_Plague_Before_Undeath&diff=121393410/Scars of a Plague Before Undeath2015-11-28T19:02:06Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2015/11/17 |Location=Great Painting of Ariamis <PoA> |Synopsis=Assorted post-TP investigations. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=6, 70, 168, 183, 253, ..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/11/17<br />
|Location=Great Painting of Ariamis <PoA><br />
|Synopsis=Assorted post-TP investigations.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=6, 70, 168, 183, 253, 415, 560, 598, 626, 863, 880, 908<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:70|Priscilla (70)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The difference between the soaring, sunlit peaks of Anor Londo and the miserable place that nobody remembers the real name of, now only referred to as 'Blight Town' in distasteful murmurs, is quite literally like night and day. Gone is the brisk mountain air, the gleaming marble, the warm winds and the bustle of the city, as the entire thing is completely underground, buried beneath miles of natural rock, hewn masonry, and the full gradient in between. The destination in question is a gargantuan cavern, carved out by hundreds of subterranean tributaries over lord knows how many years, still audible as a constant, echoing tumble of babbling streams pouring from hundreds of feet up in the ceiling.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Predictably, it is essentially pitch black, save for the weak, combined glow of hundreds of blazing torches, barely pinpricks at a distance, set all over the dilapidated, ramshackle apparatus that could only be called a village in the most charitable sense of the word; a rambling cluster of old, sodden wood nailed together in whatever haphazard fashion that seemed to keep things falling over, hastily stitched together by endless ladders connecting myriad platforms supporting one or two hovels each at most. The entire thing is hoisted well, well above the ground floor, as the entire thing is a massive, unified lake, impossible to tell the depth of for the fact that it surface is totally opaque, covered by a thick layer of glistening oil, green-grey scum, bubbling gas from decaying matter, and jagged, floating debris.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's hot, even underground. It's humid. It's stagnant. It stinks to hell, which means the majority of the inhabitants aren't unexpected. The sound of waterfalls competes with the constant buzz of hive insects flying overhead, and the skitter, scrabble and squelching of things moving within the walls, or wiggling through the swamp. Grotesquely oversized things like bees or mosquitoes, massive spiders with misshapen faces and human hands for feet, scythe legged maggots the size of school buses sucking nutrients from the downflow into grossly distended abdomens, colossal leeches drifting in the ooze.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At the other end of the cavern, the entire back wall is covered with what must be a thousand tons of spider's webbing, the nest the size of a large building, which nothing goes near. The 'inhabitants', nicely put, stick well up high. Though obviously humanly shaped at a distance, getting close to them is less than pleasant, as not one amongst them hasn't been ravaged by horrible boils, tumours, jaundice, leprosy, and some unidentifiable symptoms. At the very least, they aren't immediately hostile like last time, lacking the desiccated frame and burning coal eyes of a Hollow. In fact, they actually skitter away from visitors, snuffing torches and hiding in dark corners.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For the purpose of tackling Lordran's various plagues, Kyra did not choose to deploy with anything less than the full compliment of her medical gear. Not even the utility of the Matter Manipulator could cover all she needed, meaning she is lugging a heavy backpack (notably not her Moogle one but one that carries a lot more) in addition to her usual loadout. The healing 'gun' known as the CURE-ALL is not on her today since she had assumed that direct combat support would be secondary to the other healing efforts needed right now. However as they delve deeper into the cavern and glimpse the local wildlife, Kyra starts to regret this decision. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Halfway through, she arms herself with a half-mask that fits over her nose and mouth, filtering in clean air for her and keeping out most of the putrid smell. It does nothing to stop the nasty noises of the group's ingress, though. Fortunately, Kyra does not throw up. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She is one of the first people to attempt contact with the inhabitants, only to find them shying away from her into the darkness. Undaunted, she pursues, wielding a flashlight of her own. "Hey, wait! Come back! I'm a medic, I'm here to help!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:253|Psyber (253)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Psyber is here, though he looks distracted. He's got a tablet with him and seems to be working at a nebulously named 'Project AHAB' on it that he keeps out of anyone's sight. Especially Nathan. ESPECIALLY NATHAN. Which is actually surprisingly hard, since he's also Nathan's meatshield and personal attack dog. It helps that he's like a foot taller than Nathan, though. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You need a water bottle, Nathan?" Psyber asks as they walk, holding one out to the librarian as the humid and hot stagnation of the place starts to settle in. The tablet is tucked into his coat and he switches to taking out a Colt Python, sticking around Nathan and takes potshots at anything that tries to get in too close. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"What's your first step here?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe had come back once more armed amd ready she knew this would be a cleaning and aid mission. Some of the locals were not a threat and would need to be helped, there were also monsters and hostile creatures that would need to be cleaned out for the sake of the local population and the surrounding area. Tomoe paused for a moment at Kyra who was far better suited to help people with healing she was here to keep those who'd come to help protected. <br /><br /> "Nathan? Sir? Orders?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's with Lezard that the late teen magus Gudako arrives, accompanied by her Caster and a second spiritual presence of equal weight-- one assumes, her Berserker, and one wouldn't be wrong. Dressed in the usual white and black, the auburn-haired teenager is only a nudge shorter than her pink-haired, blue-robed fox-eared-and-tailed Servant, and there's a bloodstain her her right shoulder. White clothes don't clean easy, it turns out!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Where a first-time visitor might not normally enjoy the sights of an area like Blight Town, the magus is smiling wide and creepy, like she always does. Heat or humidity don't seem to bother her, although that's not a natural thing. Rather, one could see she has an ofuda stuck to her back, inscribed with various symbols in Japanese-- LUCK, COMFORT, PROSPERITY, the assortment of good fortunes. It's magically charged, so one assumes... it's portable, personal A/C. Among other things.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How absurd it would be to have a Caster and not abuse the fact.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She watches as Kyra runs for the sickly locals, tilting her head but still smiling. "I'm not sure you could help them. They look sick, in the purge-it-with-fire way. Oh! You could help them if you have a flamethrower. Do you have one?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She turns to look back to Lezard.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So where are we going for our date? This place is cool! It's got that ancient, cursed, dark-infested tomb-city look, complete with plague victims and wildlife." 'Date'. Certainly not what Lezard would call it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:863|Haguro (863)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If Haguro wasn't feeling wary just by hearing Blight Town's name, she's definitely feeling out of her element by the time she arrives. Granted, she had prepared for a place full of sickly... Sickness and refuse everywhere, but no amount of words could prepare her for this. And the /stench/. The stench! If she hadn't thought ahead of time to bring some nose plugs, she'd probably have passed out already. She also made a promise, so she's going to see this through! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Those planks look shaky... And rotten. They could fall at any second." The Fleet Daughter sighed, peering at the murky 'water' below and at the locals retreating into the darker recesses of the place they called home. "And who knows what kinds of... Everything the wood is teeming with. Do you think we'll need somewhere cleaner to work and for the people to recover?" Inwardly, she's really hoping the answer is no. And yet, she's prepared for the worst already. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At least she isn't wearing one of her newer uniforms today.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:880|Nero (880)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The first thought that Saber had about this place was... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Ye gods, could this hovel smell /any worse/?" She whined right off the bat, a hand coming up to cover her mouth ineffectively. Had she eaten anything, she may have puked. Thankfully, she hadn't. Being a Servant had it's upsides. Aside from the whole 'you're dead' thing. That was something. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Urgh, Praetor, do be careful." The Servant grumbled, one hand remaining at her mouth, the other keeping a firm grip on Aestus Estus as she walked alongside Kyra. If it weren't for the fact that it was kind of her duty to keep her Master out of danger, she would have shifted to spirit form a long time ago. Alas, that wasn't an option at the moment. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "And do be quick about it." She added, following as her medic of a master went pursuing a retreating inhabitant. "I feel as if I will empty the contents of my stomach any moment!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yap yap yap, whine whine whine. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Business as usual.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:183|Mizuki (183)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Binsfeld's seven hells, this place.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It really doesn't matter that Mizuki can effectively shut off her ability to smell things in this case; Blighttown is just as much an affront to all her other senses as it is to her nose. Staving off the apocalypse seems to have done very little for it, painfully little, which means that the literal seas of putrescence below still beat against a bronzed mire of what is hopefully muck, which serves as the stage for skulking troglodytes who've no rights to exist in any place or any time, to say nothing of whatever other Godawful biological excretions this place might've concocted since her last visit. Ugh. She would never have returned unless she thought the group might earnestly be able to clean this place up, and that is exactly why she is here. If Lordran is going to become as peaceable and pristine as it was in bygone days, -surely- doing away with this cesspit is the first key, essential, integral step on that path.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's a small mercy knowing that Quelaag and her sister keep a home nearby, knowing that something, -anything- Mizuki can consider less of an abomination can still be associated with this hole. She might even pay them a visit if she has the time later -- it has been far too long since she last checked up on the pair of them, and she's very interested in knowing how the latter has faired since she was extricated from her old, tainted form. In a way, it makes her especially glad to know that her and the General's combined efforts succeeded in preventing conflict between them and Quelaag: either one of the sisters might've been despondent without the other, but this way they will always have comfort. And perhaps there will even day when Quelaag, too, can be 'cured'? If she still seeks such a thing, of course. There's no guarantee that she hasn't acclimated to her present circumstances by now.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ah, distractions, distractions. Mizuki gingerly shakes her head in some meager attempt to refocus her attentions, looking to Priscilla. She'll, erm... show them where they need to go, won't she? Yes. And then she will see them out of this miserable abyss quite expediently, right? Of course, of course. So until then Mizuki simply lingers near to the group, perhaps sparing Nathan and Psyber each glances of curiosity and obfuscated intent, keeping her wings drawn constantly to spare her feet any contact with the ground.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No. She is absolutely not going to let her feet - nor any aspect of her pseudophysical apparition as a matter of fact - touch any aspect of this environment whatsoever. That would be completely unthinkable.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:415|Kazusa Ujikane (415)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kazusa Ujikane is doing her level best to keep a brave face on and keep up with the group.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately she doesn't have much of a poker face.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Aheh... this is... kinda like some of the creepy places you see in the darker comics sometimes, huh," she murmurs, to no one in particular. She's sticking near Psyber for the moment, hands in her pockets and a half-mask similar to the one Kyra wears on her face, and for the most part she's trying not to look at any one place too closely. "So, uh... I know we're here to do stuff, but I wasn't real clear on what exactly kinda stuff we're supposed to do, I just saw we were here to help Priscilla and that it all sounded like some kind of adventure, sooo..." So she signed right up without reading the details.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:168|Nathan Hall (168)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Thank you, Psyber." Nathan says, taking the bottle and chugging it. Looks like he could do with a bit of a boost on his Storms in Fall abilities, considering the fresh air generation he needs to maintain his composure. "Now. As some of you may or may not be aware," He says, explaining as he walks into the area. "The inhabitants of this area were, at one point, afflicted with undeath, and were associates of the Witches of Izalith, who we successfully negotiated with and helped to recover. Having assisted the Gods, I now seek to assist the people who remain afflicted with the blight of this area."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He seems to look like he's stretching out, in a sense. "We have several priorities. One is the removal of toxic ecological elements. That is a euphamism for killing monsters that perpetuate the toxic ecology. Purging the parasites from this location is one objective. Please also consider applying medical assistance directly to the inhabitants. Their sicknesses respond most effectively to 'transfer' methods that take the blight from them and transplant it elsewhere. Another task is purging toxic sewage elements from this area as well, and creating appropriate channels for water flow. Terrain manipulation and purification are advised here. The town itself requires additional measures taken to make it more habitable. Architecture and building assistance should be begun immediately. Channeling, water flow shifts, medical assistance, purification, architecture, building, engineering, and similar are all required where possible. Additionally, exploration to determine locations of high plague and toxin concentration for extreme purification is required."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Are there any questions?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>This is a pit of sickness, disease, and suffering. A place where the Darkness rules and the outcast and the refuse, those who have sunk even lower than mere distastefulness dwell. <br /><br />But even here, Lezard Valeth can find things of use. Standing on a litter held up by a number of undead, the Necromancer slowly progresses through the toxic muck that makes up the horrible bog in the depths. A small number of roving crystalline golems are with him as well, uncaring about toxicity. Every so often, Lezard points at a piece of wildlife and a golem moves ahead to slowly subdue and engulf it. <br /><br />He will make use of this place but like hell is he going to deign to /touch/ it. There's enough room on the litter for Gudako and Caster as well, of course. He scrupulously ignores the mention of a 'date' and simply adjusts his glasses in the dimness. "I does seem to have that. I believe if one is seeking out a flamethrower, one of those spiders over there can suffice." The Necromancer points out one of the misshapen, horrific bog spiders, which is in fact trying to roast a golem as it is getting engulfed by the crystal entity. <br /><br />"I believe that a study of some of these creatures could be worthwhile for research purposes. They must have developed some form of extreme tolerance to have even been able to survive this long." <br /><br />He folds his arms as he sees the others spread through the massive rickety construction near them with all the speed and consideration of a massive group of heroic types. <br /><br />He sighs, apparently doing his best to ignore the absolutely terrible stench. Showing such weakness would be intolerable to him.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now that the great terrors of Lordran have... HOPEFULLY been illuminated, Emiya Shirou is less uncertain about coming in the flesh.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Blight Town though... might make him regret the decision to come as himself, garbed in highly articulated grey, blue, and white metal armor. The knightly appearance is not quite like any suits native to Lordran or its neighboring countries, but the 'knight' look is pretty unmistakable.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"How does anyone navigate in here?" The young man complains. His stamina is on trial with it being so bloody hot, humid, and stinky. Being in armor is already unpleasant.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The only thing he can easily deal with is... the monsters, and maybe finding monster nests and wiping those out, or maybe aiding with routing filth away from the town. But first... this'll take investigation.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Since he can't really carry a lot of gear when he's all suited up though... Shirou will have to get creative about the lighting issue. For the moment, he Reinforces his eyes for better nightvision. It's harder than better RANGE, but still pretty effective.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He has also chosen to spend his time with THE ENTIRE REST OF THE GROUP between him and Lezard Valeth.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:70|Priscilla (70)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Heroically, Priscilla has made an effort worth half a gold star to attend herself. Last time she'd had the luxury to be able to sit outside and drop a pack of phantoms down the hole. Now she needs to be able to say that she actually helped in some small capacity. The crossbreed herself seems to have gone back to the classic fluffy dress today, owing to the fact that it doesn't absorb water and thus won't get horrible if she happens to fall in for some reason. Still, she seems very content to stand waaaay at the back, where the wooden planks are still laid over solid stone leading into the open cavern, at the edge of which she can see just about the whole thing, save for the utterly monolithic roots of the adjacent Archtree that burst through the far corner wall and sprawl into the cave and swamp, visible only once the group proceeds a little ways inwards.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She flinches slightly at the sound of gunshots, dialling in her radio after remembering what happened last time. "Proceed with caution, Sir Psyber. Firing off such weapons closer to the ground wilst likely agitate the entire hive as before." In the meantime, he's far enough away from the central area that the sound doesn't echo too much, mostly dying on the saturated air with misty cracks as a handful of toxic mosquitoes explode into blots of purplish gore, not really up to the job of soaking .357 magnums. Kyra has no luck in trying to chase down the locals on foot, being much quicker than her without belongings to weigh them down, and knowing all the little jumps, shimmies and ladders by heart to scramble around the awkward paths at remarkable speed. In fact they seem to actively avoid the flashlight beam. Educational half-dragon is still on the line. "These people were down here to beginneth with, Lady Kyra, for being rejected from even the slums and sewers above, or at least so were their ancestors. They hath ample reason to avoid contact, especially unfamiliar in kind."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The mages of the group aren't exactly going to have a hard time otherwise. This place is a crapsack hellhole. Not a single thing here knows how to use magic, never mind recognize or stop it. Basically nothing registers on the arcane radar in the entire place, save for something deep within the spider's nest, either weak but steady, or extremely powerful but heavily muffled, hard to tell. Perhaps unsurprisingly, as gross as the wood is to look and touch at, and as loudly as it complains when trod upon, it's as stable as could reasonably be expected; otherwise it would have crumbled to bits during the decades everyone was too . . . well, Undead to maintain it. Some places are definitely unsafe to walk, likely to sway violently or surprise-crumble underfoot into lower sections, but most of it is safe.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Sir Hall is correct in summary. The filth gathering into this place hast long since ceased with the abandonment of the city overhead, but by now is self-sustaining. The undesirable creatures maketh many nests within the adjacent places, this being their favourite feeding and breeding grounds, and art easily brought to wrath by bright lights and loud sounds, which I wouldst advise thou keep localized and not visible and audible to the entire cavern for simplicity's sake. The rebuilding of the structure itself wouldst be ideal but long-term. An additional worthy task wouldst be to clear the webbing surrounding the Bell of Awakening and the road to Lo- . . . Izalith."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Explanations are provided by General Words.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster seems to pay attention, but Gudako is too busy sliiiiding over towards Shirou. Sliiiiiiding slowly. While he focuses on piercing the muck with his gaze so hard. Sliiiiiiiding in the back row. Until she's by him, still grinning, crossing her arms.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Having them side by side probably puts into focus the fact Gudako kind of looks like Shirou just that much more. If she was taller, it'd be even more obvious. "You could leave a trail of bodies on fire, make sure you don't get lost or kill twice in the same place! That'd be a way to navigate." IT SURE WOULD BE.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The imperial Saber steals her attention, and the magus glances over, musing loudly. "Ah! Petite, blonde! You're adorable! That presence and ability to carry yourself, you must be a Saber!" Three, four, five? She wonders. "Hmmmm. Four, yes! Shame, you must already have a master. Well! If she dies, just come looking for me~."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finally Gudako's attention turns back to Lezard, she and her Caster returning to his side. "Capture and subdue for research, awesome! There's a bigger magical signal in the back out there, we should go get that one and anything on the way. Come on mister Valeth! Being carried like that will just slow you down."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Of course, of course, but I have you here with me, Saber, so I should have nothing to worry about, right?" Kyra grins over her shoulder cheerfully, the grin fading as Gudako suggests purging the plague WITH FIRE. "Hah, no, I don't have a flamethrower. And that's not why I'm here. Even if I can't help them now, I can figure out what's wrong with them and prevent it later." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nathan's words provide a clue to treatment already: these people benefit mostly from transfusion-like tactics. She won't admit that her methods are a little Lezard-y (ick) in that she IS interested in studying the things surviving here. They must have excellent immune systems, after all. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Splitting off from the group, no doubt with Saber in tow, Kyra tries to catch up with the Inhabitant but finds herself without any luck, scaling a ladder and promptly losing sight of her quarry. Sighing, she slides back down the ladder and waits, listening to Priscilla on the radio. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Then how am I suppose to help them if they keep running away?" she asks, frustrated, "Do I gotta hunt them down with tranq darts? Because I will." Even not knowing if her own chemicals will work against them. "Hey Saber, you're fast, do you think you could catch one of those people?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:415|Kazusa Ujikane (415)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So they're going to be clearing this place out as best as possible in as many ways as possible. Kazusa is not suited to most of these tasks in and of herself. The only one she IS suited to, is the one that involves exploring for extra-toxic or extra-monstery places. So the only remaining answer with any semblance of acceptable safety is to transform into someone else, THEN throw herself into danger, which she will be better-equipped to handle.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's little wonder that the girl allows herself to fall back through the group, coming to a stop next to Priscilla and holding up a card. "So, uh, hey, Priscilla... you mind if I borrow your abilities for a bit?" she asks in a quiet voice, then gives a laugh that's equal parts embarrassment and nerves. She's still not quite able to hide her unsettled-ness at the situation.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shut up, unsettled-ness is totally a word.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:863|Haguro (863)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It's not that..." Haguro couldn't even bring herself to lie to Saber. The place really did smell horrible. Besides, it would have been rather hypocritical to say it didn't smell bad while she had those noseplugs on. Nathan's orders give her some more information to work with, although she's not completely enthused to hear it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Building. Architecture. Medical assistance. Not areas of expertise for the Fleet Daughter, but certainly things she could help with to varying degrees! "I'll... I'll get to work, then. Um. Please try to get the locals on board quickly, then." She bites her lip before letting out a defeated sigh, starting towards the lower levels to get closer to the water itself. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There's no way to do this cleanly at all, so she'll just have to do it as quickly and safely as possible instead. Closing her eyes, Haguro takes a deep breath to focus herself before her form starts to disappear. As she does, another shape starts to form: That of a ship over 600 feet long! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The massive watercraft wobbles and strains unsteadily as she struggles to even fit in that underground lake, but fit she eventually does. With some effort, she might even manage to straighten out and steady herself enough to provide ample space for Elites and inhabitants to come aboard. The turrets don't seem to be active just yet, however, but they're definitely there.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:253|Psyber (253)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The 'hunting monsters' part is something Psyber can do. The rest is, while a concern, not fully in his wheelhouse despite this being his project overall. So, when Nathan brings that up as a suggestion on what to handle, Psyber holsters the Python and instead takes out his Fetch Modus, flipping through it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He tears off a page which turns into a bolt-action rifle in his hands with a swirl of light. After that, he's calmly smiling at Kazusa when she sticks near him, "Gross job, huh? But sometimes it's the least enjoyable places that need the most help. Often, actually." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not really needing a scope on his hunting rifle, Psyber lifts the weapon up and aims it, taking a shot at one of the spiders way up in the webs. He pauses briefly, works the bolt action, and then takes a shot at another one. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Nate. Spot for me in case anything survives or moves over here."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe says "I'm glad we have come back to help them." <br /><br /> She recalls her first time through here that was quite the experiance and she's listening to Nathan's list of objectives. She gets the idea purging out the monsters that are there she's good at that, she knows this is going to be a very big effort but with the people who are helping here and the others they could likely call on she thinks they got a good chance to clean it up and help the people. <br /><br /> Pris' warning about firearms makes Tomoe think using her fire spells might be a bad idea down here. <br /><br /> "So take the house cleaning slow and steady then takes a deep breath. <br /><br /> "I'll get on the toxic clean up then, this is not going to be enjoyable." <br /><br /> She's going to move out now and keep in mind that she was told keep it slow and steady in her clearing out of the area. She can only guess though just what sort of effect it's going to have on her. <br /><br /> "Pysber? I'm heading in, want me to try and flush things out for you to take out while I'm at it?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:880|Nero (880)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hah?" Gudako's random outburst caught Saber's attention and she looked back towards the red haired girl. "..." Blink. Blink blink. "Four?" And a frown formed. "Four!? Utter nonsense!" Imperiously, she swung an arm outwards and spoke further. "I am not merely a four! I am the greatest that there is!" And proudly, she pressed a hand against her collarbone area. "But I shall allow your slight to pass, given that you have otherwise good tastes! Rejoice, girl!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The subject of finding her if Kyra ever dies isn't breached however. No way would she allow her Master to simply die. Therefore, the need to respond to that was at zero. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Her attention was grabbed by Kyra again, and the Servant puffed up, smiling brightly. "Indeed! As long as I am here, there is no need for you to worry about anything!" She fell for it hook, line, and sinker. Like a good little Servant, Saber followed along after Kyra, having momentarily forgotten about the rotten stench. "I do not imagine that the natives woul take well to be shot at, however..." With one hand grasping Aestus Estus, she brought her other to her chin, a pensive expression forming. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Praetor, you want me to capture one of those unsightly beings? With my bare hands!?" That was the important part. ".....Urgh..." She probably could, but...TOUCHING ONE OF THOSE THINGS- "I suppose it cannot be helped." A sigh escaped from her lips and her weapon's flame intensified, the light making it a bit easier to see the immediate surroundings. "Very well. Just this once!" Crouching low, Prana gathered into Saber's body, and then she burst forward, chasing after the individual who fled from Kyra with servant agility backing her charge. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If she'd able to get in range, she'd reach out and attempt to grab with her free arm.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:183|Mizuki (183)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Perhaps if we could make some sort of makeshift purification mechanism -- something like a strainer. If we could find some way of separating the particles of grime from those of the water, I might be able to see about disposing of the former individually. Surely it would be easy enough to use magic to move the water through such a device, wouldn't it? Telekineses is pervasive enough in the Multiverse that -someone- present should be able to move the water with some force." Is Mizuki actually making a proposal here or just talking to herself? It's not entirely clear which, and she doesn't make any attempts to clarify afterward, so it's very likely the idea will be utterly lost to the errant breeze... or that it would be if the airs here weren't so miserably, putridly stagnant.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regardless, Mizuki eventually summons her sword and shield, eyes darting to Psyber when she hears his rifle fire. Still speaking idly and to no particular target, she says, "Yes. In order to make any progress in other areas we would first be well advised to rid this place of any obstructions. No sense in attempting to clean the water or remake architecture when some of these poor, unknowing blemishes on the face of reality will simply undo all we have worked to achieve." That said, she tightens her grip around her crystalline aegis. She anticipates that Psyber's shot will draw them all to this location, here, so for now she only waits. Waits, and conjures a hastening field around Psyber and Nathan both. Presumably this will allow them to communicate at a quickened pace, improving the rate at which the former can fire. All things ideal, this field could make Psyber fire at the speed of a fairly slow turret.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The moment the droves begin to spill from the hives that litter the rotten rafters and ceilings of this place, she will loose several arcs of light her shield in the hopes that she will be able to end the creatures far, far in advance of them ever reaching her. Or she can only hope that she will; it would be terrible if one of them actually /touched/ her, heaven forfend.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When Shirou finishes looking around, he glances throught he group and... "Awaugh--" Stumbles a few feet away from Gudako WHEN DID SHE SNEAK UP ON HIM?! Unfortunately, aside from the odd fact that she has red hair, he's not terribly interested in her looks. It's more, well... "You! What are you doing here?!" It was bad enough that Lezard was around. Is he going to have to keep his eyes open for this person too...?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh well. Regardless, Shirou has a strategy all his own for dealing with the monsters down in the muck. And he can engage in it... FROM FAR, ABOVE, in the wooden walkways. He just keeps wandering until he finds a good vantage point that looks down, down into the mucky swamp...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Trace, on."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A small pulse of magic and his black, japanese-styled bow made of advanced metamaterials appears. A few moments of focus later... and a rather oddly-shaped crimson sword's mounted against the bow. Shirou takes a good minute or so to focus on it for a very good reason. He needs to make something efficient, aerodynamic, and he's never done it with AESTUS ESTUS before.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After some deliberation he again puts magic through the weapon. It slims down considerably, twisting up into a helix spiral. Flames erupt from some of the inexpertly-mangled twist-seams... but he takes aim!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Draws it back...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And sends a shaft of BURNING METAL down into the deep darkness at tremendous speed for a distant BIG DAMN MOSQUITO nest that's hundreds of meters down in the muck.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The BURNING SWORD-ARROWS don't require a lot of prana and won't be extinguished by the muck, but the muck will keep the fires from spreading past the nests. Handy!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:168|Nathan Hall (168)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nathan gets to work.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Psyber needs to not be low to the ground here, lest he unsettle the hive. Thus, with a brief burst of Hastur magic, Nathan is going to set up improved terrain. Mostly by bracing it against SUDDEN HAGURO SHIP. This should hopefully rile up slightly less of the entire hive. He also gets to work on his own assistance for the town. Hopefully, Psyber will be drawing off most of the heat from him, since he's going to clamp both hands on Haguro's deck and summon a pair of heavy golems, STALWART SERVITORS, who he commands to immediately begin using materials he crafts from his further Hastur magic to start trying to get some basic reinforcement done for the town on stilts.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;These clay jerks can handle being in the horrid muck, as long as nothing attacks them! And their industrial capacity is rather noteworthy. Combined with Nathan's own magic, he should be able to get the town a little more upright. Nathan directs them from Psyber's side, and between that, works as his spotter, trying to enhance his hunting of the hostile fauna.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Lezard continues abusing crystal golems, possibly causing Lordran natives to twitch a bit as he demonstrates that the legacy of the Scaleless lives on in the hands of someone potentially worse. <br /><br />At least Seath was never unleashed on the Multiverse, after all. <br /><br />The Necromancer looks up, seemingly somehow /knowing/ Shirou is looking at him with the Stinkeyes of Enemy Perception. He smiles up to Shirou, not even bothering to move as a shimmering, flaming blade rips through the muck near him to shear a mosquito nest. <br /><br />You are safe here, Shirou Emiya. Here, and only here hecause Lezard actually cares enough to not get banhammered. Lordran is yet too useful. <br /><br />Meanwhile, Gudako advises him to follow her through the muck towards the back. "A greater signal, eh? Perhaps." Lezard folds his arms, however. "I am not stepping into this damned mud. It will ruin my clothes and likely carries disease and toxins that we can only dream of." He replies stubbornly... And then pauses. "On second thought..." He says, turning to produce several empty flasks from his coat, and throwing them into the mud. As they fill up, he sends an undead to go retrieve it, keeping them on bonecrafted hangers in the ribcage. <br /><br />Yeah, Lezard does that sometimes. <br /><br />He does look back to Gudako, however. "We can, however, proceed in that direction. I can simply teleport us there if you insist on charging ahead."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:70|Priscilla (70)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Priscilla frowns imperceptibly, especially way away from everyone else as a radio voice. "Please do not incinerate the locals. Others wouldst not taketh kindly to such violent action." She does pause at Kyra's question. "If thou must to maketh first contact. They art not particularly well armed, and no longer hath the aggression or endurance of a Hollow. It is unlikely they shalt fight, and perhaps be less ill-disposed once thou art able to demonstrate that thou meaneth no harm." She glances down to Kazusa as she is approached, blinking once, before switching the radio off briefly. "I cannot particularly imagine why mine own abilities wouldst be best suited to this task as opposed to others here, in particular for dealing with this toxic hole. Perhaps maketh request of one with flight or other traversal."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Haguro taking the form of a literal ship is helpful in that she won't suffer awful toxic burns, blood poisoning, and likely various forms of parasites with a metal hull in the water, but the swamp is actually quite shallow in a lot of places, mostly in the minority, but spread out in such a fashion as to make it a nightmare to navigate without running aground. As long as she doesn't turn the floodlights on, she'll probably be fine though, though significantly harming a heavy cruiser is beyond the abilities of roughly half the creatures present.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The choice of Psyber's hunting cartridge is also an apt one. It's likely to lose a lot of performance firing all the way for the far end of the cavern, but for the intermediate and close area it works perfectly fine. The crag spiders are pretty much just as bad as he might remember them, big, bloated and hard enough that half-hearted shots won't do much to them. They aren't particularly smart, several going down in quick succession, dropping off the ceiling and splashing violently into the muck below where they are immediately beset by writhing shapes under the water, but eventually, enough bullets ripping through the dense upper webs gets some widespread attention, a large number sensing the vibrations and clambering in his general direction, skittering over the rocks with their fourty triple jointed fingers apiece. The surges of light from the Crystal Ring Shield have quite a bit of travel time at that distance, but the way they tend to explode and the crag spiders' predictable path makes wiping them out one or two at a time relatively easy. Unfortunately, the bright light draws more of them, making a closer confrontation an inevitability. At the very least, Mizuki knows where they once came from. They're all over the place, but without the Burdened, there won't be any more eggs.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though the blight people can pretty deftly avoid Kyra tromping around with a hundred pounds of supplies, there's not much they can do when a high class Servant jumps right on them. The one Saber runs down makes it two platforms until he is snagged halfway through a jump, burbling unintelligibly as the Servant grabs him due to the hideous growth swelling from his throat, possibly glandular in nature. He kicks, wiggles and eventually attempts to bite her, but is predictably not going anywhere fast. She can feel many pairs of eyes on her from elsewhere, and probably pick up murmuring, but no approach.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:70|Priscilla (70)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shirou doesn't have much trouble firing his arrows. The relatively small amount of flame that traces through the air isn't much of an issue until it slots a hundred feet into a honeycomb crevice in the wall and lights it up like a kiln as the biological material catches alight. Predictably, the hive is quick to vacate, what must be hundreds of the awful creatures pouring out in a torrent of angrily buzzing wings, one in ten of them spiralling into the swamp as they burn up. Soon enough, the fire reaches the point where the hive is actually impossible to scape, inevitably killing everything left inside, but it's difficult to tell what percentage that is. The cloud seethes angrily in place, unaware of where the attack came from, but firing another arrow will point him out pretty quickly. Things are already much easier going slowly and methodically rather than sprinting breakneck through the swamp and pissing everything off, but still annoyingly complicated.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Raising terrain next to Haguro's form brings up a horrific amount of sludge that slowly slides off the lifted stone, including an unnerving number of bones and fresh, rotting carcasses, along with the ropelike things that squirm out of them and dive back into the water. A small platoon of thick, undulating, leech-like creatures come up as well, clinging to the rock like suckers, and eventually starting to make for the ship's side, chemically smelling the wet metal. Nothing in the swamp /seems/ to have much occasion to attack something made of clay just yet, but that might be a matter of time. There's plenty of their element to work with, even if they have to do the unenviable task of dredging it up, but it'll likely be slow going, and will need artificial drying in air this humid. Still, the support pillars are numerous and obvious.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Commensurately, the actually /dead/ undead have no real issue. The crystal golems used by Seath are also made exactly for this purpose, trapping and preserving live specimens in their transparent torsos for later examination. They're tough enough that a few feisty ones won't bother them, shaving off some glittering crystal flakes here and there, but only a handful of them won't last through the tedious process of clearing the whole ground floor, likely to wear down eventually.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What a lively Servant! Gudako seems pleased with the imperial Saber's tone and presence, insofar as she ever looks pleased about anything anyway. Five, though? HMMMM. She'd have to consider that one very carefully. It takes a lot to be a five! Looks, popularity, marketability... it's a tough label to snatch.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, with that episode over, and Shirou not engaging her in conversation over her methods of navigating a dark place with things to kill in it, and Kyra not providing her quite the incentive to hover around the White Mage, Gudako focuses back on Lezard.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You say that like Caster can't ward off diseases and stuff. This is only the second worst mud I ever step in and the first time turned out fine!" She'll have to clean her boots later, sure, but really there are worst things that could happen here than getting her boots dirty. Those spiders sure indicate that.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ah, ah~ if you want to be lazy, sure. Let's get us over to whatever and start working! I wonder what it is. Caaaaaaster~?"<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I dunno, master. It's either a weak signal or really good at hiding. It really could just be a random magical sword or cultist," Caster takes a guess.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Whatever! Onward, mister Valeth~."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And this happens all the while people raise hell, shoot things, kill things, capture people, and generally make quite the noise and mess! The magus considers Berserker might enjoy cutting loose here, but there doesn't seem to be anything to gain from it. At least, not for her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:253|Psyber (253)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He figured he couldn't punch out the supernatural spiders with even the good ol' .308, but luring them down to let Darwinism take its place is fine enough for him and works for the moment. He grabs Nathan by the back of his outfit and lifts him up along with him, hopping up onto the improvised terrain that Nathan makes him and taking the easily-injured librarian along with him. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The hunting rounds aren't give me as much punch as I'd like. Can you figure out what caliber I should be using so I can start actually getting them through their hides?" Psyber asks Nathan, narrowing his eyes a bit. For now, he tries to aim at their 'faces' instead of their shells.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Every time he empties the rifle, he's quick to reload, sliding five rounds into the bolt action and then going right back to work. He's specifically trying to cover Haguro and make sure no spiders can drop onto her deck and damage her infrastructure while she readies herself for cramped naval combat.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe is dealing with the toxic source as she heads on in ahead Pysber's shots are doing a fairly good bit at taking several of the hostile creatuers already. She sees Shirous action shich causes her to stop. Heading in up close might be a poor idea to charge on in she's starting to think making use of spells might be a better idea as she moves to back up those making use of her magic spell she starts to look for more hives and calls out. <br /><br /> "I think charging in was an bad idea to be but let's see how this works." <br /><br /> She starts chanting and golden runes fly about her body as she forms a spell. <br /><br /> Well Tomoe's learned in her time in the multivese she might have been a bit too bold for her own doing, but for now she's opening fire with fire of her own as she attemps to take out another hive she's spoted with bolts of flame. She doesn't let up as she readies another spell to follow up the first, the last thing she wants is to miss something and to get swarmed.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:863|Haguro (863)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As a ship, Haguro's still fully aware of everything going on around her. The movement of the water, the improved land shifting about while she tries to support it with her own mass, and even the smells. Oh dear god, the /SMELLS/. At least she had the noseplugs to keep her from worrying about that too much in her human form, but as a ship? It's coming in much too clearly. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It's probably even worse that she can feel part of herself submerged in that water. Her underside scrapes against the bottom of the swamp rather loudly, and there's no doubt that she's probably not going to move much (or at all) while in this form. If anyone's listening carefully, they might even hear quiet whimpering reverberating from the ship itself. Thankfully, she's much sturdier physically than she is mentally, and the ship remains strong in spite of all the smells and impacts from the more hostile locals! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Probably because she can't move much with all the shallow water. That might prove to be a problem, especially with those leech creatures showing themselves. "Were those corpses? O-oh no... I think something's crawling on me!" There's another quiet whimpering noise from the ship, and the turrets even swing around a few times uselessly. It's not as if she can fire them at that range without damaging herself, her allies, or the town itself! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She does calm down considerably upon realizing that Psyber's taking shots at the ones she can't reach, however, and she even starts taking careful aim with her turrets at the cloud of... Bees? Bats? Whatever that swarm of flying creatures is. Although she only fires a few shots, she's careful to make sure they're safely away from anything that looks like actual architecture.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:183|Mizuki (183)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'Please do not incinerate the locals,' She says. Yes, yes, perhaps it's a trifle less than morally proper to deliberately run down creatures that are cowering in fear and attempting to avoid you. If they've found themselves in this, the literal bowel duct of Lordran, surely they must have had a challenging existence previously. Surely she can show them a bit of mercy now to demonstrate that this 'brave new world' they've wrought may accommodate them, too. So, certainly. She will do nothing to harm those creatures that show no interest in killing her, of course, but as for the rest... well. One unfortunately cannot lay a city nor pave a road without destroying what weeds they find where they would place asphalt and concrete. Likewise, certain weeds must also be buried here.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And these weeds are, as ever, incredibly persistent. It seems that no matter how many of these rotten flies her shield slays, three more emerge from the backdrop. As such, it's really only a matter of time before some reach her. Still determined to prevent herself from coming into contact with them, however, Mizuki establishes a dream barrier around herself before she begins using her sword directly. This way, any enemies that come within a few feet of her will be immediately targeted by any of ten-some daggers that levitate and warble about her person. These blades are unreal things only made corporeal by Mizuki's imagination, but within her sphere of influence they are nevertheless quite lethal.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So only after they survive her barrage of light arcs, blades, and then bullets when she has forsaken her bulwark for her revolver does she finally, disdainfully, resort to her sword. She takes full advantage of the opportunity to use Aelinos as it was meant to be used: as a thrusting weapon. She attempts to weave her way in-between her enemies, running them through and skewering them on the end of her blade. In one instance it's likely that she'll stab into one of the swarm, generate a portal on the tip of her blade, and use that portal to send another of the group behind herself so that they are in an ideal position to be hit with one of her bullets. She'll not lie -- she is somewhat glad of the opportunity to use her talents this way. She's not used her portals in direct confrontation in all the time since Aelinos emerged from the tumult on her world. It's giving her a plethora of new ideas, too.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whenever there's a lull in the fight, Mizuki also makes a point of throwing another short series of speeding fields along whatever she can perceive as the general firing path of Psyber's bullets. To potentially give them a bit of extra 'kick' through enhanced velocity, at least until the general invents some less crude alternative.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Lezard scowls as the various beasts down here happen to be strong enough to damage the golems significantly over time. Of course, if they were weak they wouldn't be /alive/ down here. <br /><br />Blighttown has no place for the weak. <br /><br />Of course, you know what else happens when you drop a big ship into semi-liquid mud suddenly? <br /><br />Waves. And that ship is the biggest thing this lake has probably ever seen. Lezard's eyes open as he sees the rolling, sluggish wave of mud crawling towards him and he begins rapidly casting a teleportation spell...<br /><br />But too late. Before he can teleport, the wave crashes into his litter, burying the undead, the golems, and Lezard himself as he is flung into the mud. <br /><br />There is a moment of silence as the Necromancer of Midgard vanishes under the brown tide... And then the cavern rumbles ominously, gleaming lights gathering in the air as Lezard severs his spiritual form from his body and manifests, seething with raw indignance. He stares down at Haguro with trembling, murderous twitches running through his hands before he turns away, making a gesture of indignant anger, pulling his homunculus vessel-body from the mud where horrible things began happening to it on contact as expected. <br /><br />Lezard's spirit form clenches a hand, and the vessel vaporizes in an implosion of purple flame, utterly consuming it. <br /><br />He looks back to Haguro, hanging there as he stares at the ship. "I will see you later." He says ominously, before he turns away and begins floating along with Gudako, likely planning to take out his sudden bad mood on whatever it is they find while his undead and golems catch up. Freed of their job as litter-bearers, the undead spread out at unspoken command to act as sacrificial shields for the golems. They're disposable.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:880|Nero (880)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sbaer grimaced. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Not out of any pain or failure. But...because this was just so disgusting. The struggling...man? Person? Thing? Well, it was no problem. She merely lifted him away from her as he struggled and tried to bite her. "Ergh...it is fortunate that I am technically not alive. This is a nightmare for the eyes." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Frowning pointedly, and shuddering after taking a breath through her nose, the Servant spoke again. "Be glad, impoverished citizen of the underground! For my Praetor, and her associates have decided to brighten your lives!" So she says. As she turns away hauling the unfortunate man back over to Kyra, something streaks past her vision. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It was red and black and oddly shaped... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ...Just like Aestus Estus in her hand right now. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Saber narrowed her eyes and followed the firing path over to it's origin; Emiya Shirou. "Sir Emiya! First it was that uncouth man in the red coat! And now it is you! Will the offenses never cease!?" And so she began to complain loudly as she hauled the captured man over the platforms before stopping right in front of her Master. "Here you are, Praetor~!" She spoke in a cheerful manner before immediately returning to glaring at Shirou. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "How many times must I make it clear! Aestus Estus is the symbol od the ruler's might! It is not a blade meant to be handled by commoners! Therefore, Sir Emiya, I hereby decree that further actions such as the reproduction of my imperial arms cease! You are not yet worthy!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A proud smile followed. "It is only after you have crossed a sea of corspes and made it to the other side, only after you have risen beyond what you percieve your existence to be, and grasped true radiance, that you may wield a weapon as divine as my own!" Beat. "But of course, I completely understand why you would trace it. It is a perfect weapon in every way! Such is befitting a ruler such as myself! Indeed!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Saber please.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fortunately for Saber, Kyra means it when she says she feels much more at ease around the Servant. Why, her and Saber could take over the world if they wanted! If only the other people here wouldn't frown at that. "People typically don't...and while I'm a good shot, I'd have trouble hitting a target in the pitch darkness down here. Especially if I can't /see/ it." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though if Saber will protest, Kyra will make her cute pouty face at Saber until she complies-which she does, thankfully, even without emotional manipulation. Priscilla confirms that this seems to be the right course of action, especially since the inhabitants aren't inclined to fight. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once saber has returned, Kyra quickly goes to work. She immediately takes blood samples and makes a quick set of pictures of the man's entire body. A Scan spell follows, followed by an experimental esuna to see if that at all helps with any of his afflickings. A simple cure spell is placed upon the man after that, a pair of items that sums of basic first aid in Galianda. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"See?" she backs her actions up with her words, "I'm here to help, not hurt. I'm not here to hurt any of you okay?" she pauses, then louder, "Thank you, Saber!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:168|Nathan Hall (168)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nathan is perfectly suited to the role. "Certainly." He says, with a quiet mutter. "A moment." And his glasses flash with a sudden flare. [SCAN], his Scholar ability, goes off, intended to perceive the anatomical and, presumably, caliber weaknesses of the spiders. Meanwhile, the golems will get backed up. Nathan isn't entirely helpless on the front of fire, though Lamia -- she's a lamia, I don't know what more description you want me to give -- when he summons her, is going to complain rather a lot. She'll provide FIRE backup to the golems, in times when the other combatants have drawn off enough attention from them.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her fire abilities should be able to clear up some of the horrid humidity enough to sort of magically blast-furnace the dredged-up clay. Hopefully the horrid swamp purification can get to work next. These load-bearing golems ARE good for digging after all, so if he can get some better stability, enough to withstand the flow of water, he's going to start working on having his Golems, alongside Midgardsormr (massive godly earthsnake) to start digging a proper waterflow. Now, you see, normally wetlands loss is a horrible ecological drain on the environment, necessitating long-term restoration projects. But right now, this ecology is something that the group is actively fighting with, so when Nathan plans out his drainage systems and fresher waterflows connected to nearby lakes, he can do so with the actual specific intention of slamming mother nature in her horrid face, as far as Blighttown is concerned. For real, fuck every single one of these bugs.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Auwgh." Shirou splutters as he sees that what he thought was a fairly small nest is in fact about ten times bigger than anticipated. And far deeper. That's quite a BLAZE down there. And quite a tidal wave of muck thanks to Haguro. He's glad he's way up here. But no need to rush, huh?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He leans over, dismaaaaaay striking him whilst he analyzes the results of that action. Instead of clumsily mounting another arrow he lowers the bow and thinking caps at the mess down there.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How to kill all those damned things efficiently without calling a SWARM down on everything else? If only he had some kind of epically huge net to drop on them all, or... or what, really? How do you kill THIS MANY BLOODY HUGE BUGS without being a superman who can just wade through their wrath?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He's brought out of these thoughts by the sound of someone angrily calling his name. Shirou jerks up with a start and looks over his shoulder, to find... Red Saber giving him a DEATHGLARE. "Hgghkh?!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;First Tohsaka, now this. His mouth cracks open as if he wants to say something. This demand is entirely unreasonable. How's he even supposed to do that? Wait, this is the second time he's been called a commoner... sheeeesh. "H-h--hold on, are you serious, Saber?! Those qualifiers don't even make any sense!" He's BALKING at her, a bit harmlessly angry. But he also gestures down into the dark and the gloom where buzz A THOUSAND GIANT MOSQUITOS. "Have a look at what we're dealing with!" The boy's just... spluttering, but simultaneously tensing up like a deer looking into headlights. Noooo he has no idea how to pacify the Emperor, none at all!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While still looking her way he now scratches at his cheek, thoughts gringing back up to speed again.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:70|Priscilla (70)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The .308 predictably starts getting more effective as the spiders get closer. It's not so much a lack of ability to penetrate so much as the horrible things have much different internals than the mammalian big game the rounds are designed to hunt. What can be construed is a face is a seemingly random collection of far too many baleful red, insectoid eyes, perched atop a dripping maw of more reptilian fangs splayed outwards like a lunging shark. Punching straight into the softer tissue at that angle seems to work a lot better, ripping through the length of the body and blinding them in the process, eliciting awful, burbling screeches as they come dislodged one by one.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's decent going at first. He might clear them all out like this in a few hours and with a lot of ammo. The problem is though, that the more noise they make, the more crawl from different parts of the cavern to investigate, and soon the bolt action is really having trouble keeping up. The speeding field from Mizuki holds them back for a little while longer, staying the inevitable, but only for a time. Taking attention off to cover Haguro intercepts a number before they reach her, but allows the rest to advance on himself, Nathan and Mizuki. Soon enough, they're dropping from the ceiling and crawling up the supports, advancing in from multiple sides, and then vomiting up writhing tongues of heaving, seemingly living flame, lashing out at him and splattering molten liquid all over the platform, sizzling and smoking as it chars through the wood. A number pounce upon Mizuki, but her preemptive readying has a dozen of them tumbling down the ladders trailing spurting blossoms of translucent green ichor, riddled with imaginary knives. The revolver and sword work well enough, but the fire attacks have deceptive range to them, and their erratic, flailing nature makes them difficult to weave between.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tomoe meets with much the same results as Shirou. One of the hives catches, which looks to be the second of six, and the cloud of angry wings doubles in size. Unfortunately the first swarm was already there, and sees where the fire has come from, immediately surging across the entire length of the cavern towards her, the droning growing to a thunderous roar. As they approach, blots of some vile, purple substance are launched in scores from their front ranks, splattering through her personal space with remarkable accuracy for dumb bugs. Translated to her avatar, a few of them hitting in quick succession will proc a rather nasty poison effect, draining her health at a medium pace with an uptime much longer than most game designers would deem fair.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyra's blood samples will turn up with mixed results. There's an awful lot of inorganic contaminants built up that will probably be fatal in a few years, as well as an unfortunate number of damaged, potentially cancerous cells and severe vitamin deficiencies, but it appears to be relatively clear of parasites, and has a predictably Darwinian immune system. Scans do reveal several malignant tumours, which will likely require actual surgery or intensive magical care, but the magical first aid causes him to hack up a quantity of some black, tarry substance suddenly dislodged from his lungs, and clear most of the nasty looking sores on his skin, gaining some semblance of colour. Without so much grossness on him, he really looks like he can't be much older than his late twenties. A number of the others are surreptitiously peering from their 'windows' and 'doors', trying to see what's happened if the man hasn't been dragged away or killed yet<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:70|Priscilla (70)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nathan finds fairly usual results. The crag spiders are highly resistant to most forms of fire and basically immune to toxins, but are otherwise actually quite fleshy, more like extremely dense and partially calcified humans rather than arachnids. Lamia, all the way at the bottom corners of the cavern, goes by relatively unbothered, likely having to burn the odd leech, but too far out of the way otherwise. The wooden supports are soaked enough that she doesn't have to be particularly careful drying the clay, slowly forming broadening pillars. Haguro is mostly fine as long as she sticks to her tertiaries, brief bursts of her anti-air turrets and mounted machine guns doing little to distract the swarm from Tomoe, but any discharge of her bigger guns will likely meet with an immediate, overwhelming response. If she coordinates it well, she could potentially eliminate a lot at once. After all, she has great anti-fortification ability and multiple lanes of fire, but unfortunately, no mobility.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lezard has likely made the right move. It's probable that Kyra might have handled it if she'd gotten to him quick, but being buried under that much sludge is basically guaranteed to lead to several toxic substances entering the bloodstream, and god knows how much bacteria and how many tiny parasites, and so it might honestly just be more convenient to dump the body than wait for multiple uses of healing magic. Of course he'll likely know later once he analyzes those samples, finding an almost Mr. Burns-esque balance of so many horrible things that they somehow work in harmony together.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He, along with Gudako and presumably Caster, arrive at the far isle from there without further incident. They might expect the webbing to be thick and springy under their feet, perhaps sticky, but it actually appears to be a veneer over hard stones too regular to be natural. There's only one very obvious tunnel inwards, superficially winding, but here and there the odd silhouette of an actual pillar can be seen, indicating it to be a hallway. Eventually they arrive at what appears to be the top of a bell tower, replete with an actual bell, old beyond belief, the iron of which sings faintly with a forgotten enchantment, and with an impressive view of a sea of molten lava beyond, but the real magic seems to be coming from below, down dark stairs with an almost Mayan aesthetic, roughly in the direction of feminine speech in a language that oddly doesn't translate at all.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:183|Mizuki (183)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh sweet dear lord. -Incendiary discharge-? From their -mouths-?? The existence of that method of attack holds Mizuki absolutely spellbound for a moment by virtue of its sheer repugnance. Now, she had -sworn- once never to return here, hadn't she? She is fairly certain that that is the case. So why in the name of all that is just and right in the many universes did she come back, again? Yes, yes, she may please herself by saying it was to be helpful, to be rid of it, to see it all reformed; she could say any number of things, but all the rapture of virtuous intention could never make her any less horrified with her choice. It is quite literally raining stipends of flaming, bile-ridden biomass as these things are stabbed and made to fall to the floor of Blighttown. It is shockingly obscene.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So Mizuki is now more determined than ever to evade all contact with these horrible things. A tightly-woven plus sign (+) of portals appear in front of, behind, above, and right of Mizuki, making her left side - her sword arm - the only part of her body left undefended. The intention of the portals is to move any of the flames that come her way behind her if contact is made from the front or to her right if contact is made from above. She can only hope, and hope very fervently, that this will spare her a humiliating bout of uncleanliness.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She doesn't spare a moment more once she has her defenses readied. She maintains her dream field and uses it to send four more daggers at two of these 'flaming slugs', using her newly conjured guards to cover an advance more directly into the fray. Mizuki glides toward a third of the beasts, then a fourth and further if she's allowed, going for instantaneously fatal thrusts and slashes wherever possible. If all else fails, she'll default to her shield again and use the rays of light to cleave as many of them as possible into vertical halves.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mizuki really isn't going for elegance here -- she just desperately wants these things gone. They're even worse than the flies.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe is doing her best to get the hives cleared out and she's going to have be fast on her feet she hears them coming, she's not even sure what they are. They can't leave a hive intact they can not let a single one of these things live, or they might start over. The vile substance comes her way and she can't dodge it all. The debuff warning appear in the corner of her HUD. She looks and mentally cringes as it does horrible things to her digital body. <br /><br /> She's thankful for the support but there are so many bugs coming after. She's got another plan as she's going to change element she uses her blade to take a few swipes at the swarm even as she attempts to focus with the feedback from the poison isn't pretty and she won't last too olong with just how long this stuff will last, She chants as she attempts to dance back once more runes fly about her and then rays of light attempt to seek out as many of the bugs as possible to impale them on beams of light.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lezard discards his dirty body like...<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;... well, dirty docks.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This does not seem to bother Gudako, and in fact it's entirely possible she's jealous. Now THAT'S an optimal way to purge bodily woes. She caught a cold once, it set her off a whole week. A whole week of being terrible and bad and behind schedule. If she could have just burned her body and roamed around as a ghost, she would have!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;... though, that was before getting Caster. Colds aren't much an issue anymore, really, but it's the principle of it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Arriving at the belltower, Gudako knocks on the iron bell a few times, and then turns to her foxy Servant. "Hey, this is magical, isn't it?" she asks her.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's old, master! It might just be enchanted to ring louder. What else would you enchant a bell for?" ... wait. Wait, she knows. "Ah! Fireproof bells, of course! I know someone who could really use one of those!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's just a guess. Caster does try to figure out what the enchantment is, before they head down for the voice.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:253|Psyber (253)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He realizes he's only making a small dent in the flow of these things, and he's changing up his tactics because of it. Psyber adjusts his aim and leans in closer to Nathan, making a shield for the librarian as he uses something besides the rifle, "Nate, you doin alright?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The rifle is gone in a flash and a sword crackling with electricity is in his hands. This, he wings towards an incoming wave of spiders. His swords unique sort of lightning had proven effective in Lordran before, and he's hoping it will again as he seeks to blast waves of spiders with holy-electric slashes.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:863|Haguro (863)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The swarm isn't dispersing nearly as quickly as Haguro would like. Sure, the smallers guns are doing something, but just doing that doesn't sit well with the Fleet Daughter. Plus, getting involved in the fight means distracting herself from the nauseating stench at least for a little while. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Then again, it's not like she can sink too far in such a shallow swamp, right? And with the swarm bearing down on Mizuki, Nathan, and Psyber, she'll just have to try it anyway! Aiming her largest guns at the swarm and angling the turrets for maximum area coverage, she bides her time as Tomoe starts to send those runes out. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The girl-turned-ship waits, and she keeps waiting. She holds her fire until those rays of light start flying at the insect-creatures. It's only then that Haguro finally fires as well, trying to time her shots to take out as much of the swarm at once before potentially drawing their ire to herself as well.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For now, Kyra stores her samples not wanting to fuss with them when she has a patient to discover. More detailed analysis would be available on the sample one she had access to the lab on her ship. However, she doesn't need to do this to determine that this person is suffering from malnutrition and parasites-he has other tells that the physical examination betrays. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Mmm, cancer." Kyra comments, "One of the few things a cure spell can't deal with." It may, in fact, make them worse though she doesn't say this part out loud having just cast a cure spell on the man. She sidesteps quickly as the man starts hacking and motions for Saber to quickly let him go. She'll probably be relieved to do so, but at this point she thinks he won't bolt on her. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Patiently, she waits for her patient to stop hacking before continuing though at this point, she does so with a question, "Hello." she greets, "Do you have a name?" <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For the malnutrition, Kyra actually reaches into her backpack and takes out a ration pack. Contained inside is a biscut-like substance that is very dense and very filled with nutrients. She offers it to the man, having remembered her experienced with similarly impovershed people back in Zeal.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Lezard has gone from imperious to kind of a little sulky. He JUST REPLACED HIS BODY. THEY ARE EXPENSIVE AND TAKE TIME TO DECANT. Ugh. Between that and HEROISM, he isn't being all that talkative now, simply emitting vague bad vibes into the general area. He does, however, look over the bell with a shrug. "If I remember correctly, this is one of the famed Bells of Awakening." Lezard comments. "I am not quite familiar with the precise enchantments upon them, only that the Chosen Undead is by legend supposed to ring two of them." <br /><br />He tips his head, listening to the odd words. "Hmm. If the magical signal you detect is that woman, we may be disappointed. Lady Priscilla will ill allow us to research the remaining Witches of Izalith, and they are reputed to be fairly dangerous pyromancers in their own right... Though to be honest it is more Lady Priscilla that would stay my hand more than they. Regardless, perhaps something can be learned in a less direct fashion, if one can figure out a means of communication."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:880|Nero (880)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "No excuses, Sir Emiya!" Saber points righteously at the offending party dramatically as she says so. "These are the terms of which you must meet before you will be allowed to wield a weapon of such radiance!" Or so she says. All of that said however, she turned away to have a look at the swarm of insects that Shirou was currently pondering about. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then a smile formed on her face. It was not a good smile. It was a "I'm going to show off' smile. "Very well! I shall do you a great favor, Sir Emiya! I shall show you what it means for a true wielder of Aestus Estus to take the stage!" Kyra seemed safe, so Saber let go of her patient and stepped away from her, towards the swarm. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One step. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Her sword flared to life again. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Two steps. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The flames intensified, radiating around the blade and extending off of it in waves. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Three steps. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kyra would feel a not insignificant pull from her MP. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Four steps. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The otherworldly sword was raised back, and the Servant grinned. "Bear witness, Sir Emiya! This is true radiance!" And she dove forward. "Greatness unparalleled! The true strength of an Emperor!" Descending upon what is left of the insect cloud after Haguro is finished firing upon them. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There is a flash of steep and red, and then nothing. Saber lands. "Mhmhmhm! Laus Saint Claudius!" She suddenly proclaims. And as if those words were the trigger, a chain of fiery explosions suddenly lets off. Brilliant prominence, reminiscent of a fireworks display, rips through the swarm of insects, aiming to set fire to everything. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As befitting some of her ridiculousness. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Let it not be said that this might be a bad idea.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:168|Nathan Hall (168)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nathan moves rather quickly to his shielded position, rattling off all the information he can find and being protected fromt the horrid beasts and their fire, mostly because one shot might take him out at any moment. With a dramatic twist of the arm, he's going to lock his ice armor into place, letting it expand out from his gauntlet. "I will be fine." He says, his voice as calm as ever. "Keep your focus. I will assist." With Psyber covering the more immediately relevant angles, Nathan can establish defenses behind him, reinforcing Haguro against the advancing hordes using Hastur magic to alter the terrain in his immediate vicinity. They're spiders, so they can mostly climb over, but holy shit, Nathan does NOT want to deal with that spewed fire, and he'd rather Psyber not have to either. The barricades of sorts will delay the spiders and block the blasts, and that's all he can do with that dramatic magical line-tracing in the air in front of him.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:70|Priscilla (70)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As many of them as there are, and as goddamn /awful/ as they are, not having literally every living creature for miles bearing down on everyone at once makes handling them a lot easier for experienced, combat capable Elites. Having both Psyber and Mizuki blasting away at them doesn't put the diminished crag spiders at good odds. Though they crawl over their kindred's corpses with frantic disdain to puke their fiery innards over the two, Mizuki's portals more often than not send it splashing right back on them, and the arcing bolts of holy electricity find them by simple physics, frying dozens of them at a time as the remainder are cut down by hails of daggers, bullets and sword thrusts. Eventually, the horde is broken, turning tail and scrambling off, reduced to middling double digits without doing much more than light damage. Easy enough to pursue and run down, or root out over a few more days with care.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Likewise, Tomoe's scatter lasers skewer scores of the fragile mosquitoes, going down in waves as she casts. They exchange fire with a constant, steady bombardment, splashing her from head to toe in the vile, vaguely corrosive substance, stacking several DoT procs on her at once, though after a few, all it does is refresh the timer, not escalating her health drain further; though the drop is starting to reach a precipitous speed, they don't appear to actually have any other defensive mechanisms; probably how they're preyed on. The bulk of the swarm immediately goes up in flames as Haguro fires her incendiaries straight into it, blowing apart the densely packed furball and sending hails of insect cinders sizzling into the swamp below, but inevitably, the loud report of the main cannons draws out the other four, the cavern becoming a deafening roar of angry wings as the number of airborne enemies suddenly doubles in size. Volleys of poison splash relatively harmlessly against her decks, eating through metal, but not at any weaponized pace. More concerning are the leech things crawling up her sides now, and the fleeing crag spiders dropping onto her from above, warded off for the moment by Nathan, but as he anticipates, working their way over and around.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The obvious drawbacks of Saber's marginally terrible idea are mostly nulled by the briefly preceding cannons. In fact, it actually gives her more of a target. A dedicated anti-swarm Noble Phantasm of the general element the creatures are weak to is even more effective, abruptly carving through half the current number of flying aggressors, instantly cutting them down to a more manageable size. Her Master appears to be busy with something possibly more constructive though. Her patient has no idea what cancer even is, and seems to not be able to speak at all with his vocal chords jammed with cancerous tissue, but he goes through the effort of scratching words into the grime on the platform that take the standard translation software in Union radios to puzzle out as the almost absurdly simple 'Gregory'. A boring, bookish dork's name. The moment he realizes the thing she offers is edible, he begins cramming it down, as if he expects something to come to steal it. Indeed, a few of the more adventurous others are starting to slip out from their hiding places at the smell. It's not like there could really be much to eat down here.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:70|Priscilla (70)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lezard is correct on both accounts. The bell is indeed one of the paired Bells of Awakening, not all that much to look at, impressive only as a very old and fairly nice medieval church bell, but its humility has a gravitas of its own, sort of like a holy man of deliberately plain dress. Caster will find that the bell's enchantments are very deep and very old, warding it against time and conditions as a secondary condition, but with most of its magic tied up in some sort of link to its twin. It seems like both of them ringing would generate a circuit of some kind for a fairly powerful, metaphysical signal despite their individually unimpressive aura, but even with EX rank magic, she can't really tell what the signal means to whom, being a matter of practical code rather than spellcraft.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The greater impression of magic intensifies as they venture further down, somehow muted by the webbing, growing past the point where it's fairly unmemorable and swiftly climbing to an unusually high level. As Lezard has anticipated, Gudako is laying eyes for the first on one of the Witches, specifically Quelaana, the youngest sister, clearly inhuman to various senses than just the eyes seeing her inhumanly pallid face, stark white hair and blood red eyes. She appears to be speaking to what appears to be some kind of eggsac laid by some grotesquely oversized arachnid, but a second later the sight of a human figure buried underneath it becomes visible, or more accurately, the eggs have been laid /inside/ of him, larger than he is and straining the flesh of his back. He appears to be fixed in feverish prayer as she speaks gently to him, an ruby red corona of oddly contoting fire from her hand slowly burning the eggs away with little hisses and squeals of whatever awful things were inside and waiting to hatch. There are quite a few of these types around, crawling across the floor pitifully, but a handful of them seem to have been processed, recovering a corner whilst eating some kind of . . . fuzzy acorn things. It looks like fire magic, but the senses indicate quite clearly that it isn't quite the same.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"He's right, master~. The bell has a very powerful spell on it, but I can't discern what it would do. Maybe with more time, but I think finding a book that talks about it in-depth would be easier than prying its secrets out," Caster tells Gudako, who has already started wandering down the stairs ahead, not listening. Whoops.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With his suspicions confirmed and the three of them coming across a woman, evidently talking to giant spider eggs inside a person, Gudako tilts her head a bit, mostly trying to piece together what she's saying. It doesn't work, obviously. She's still smiling, at least!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So she's a witch? She seems kind of friendly, if you're into spiders! Hello, hello lady! I'm Gudako, this is Caster, and he's mister Valeth!" Introductions being done, she turns to Lezard and stage-whispers, except it's not whispering at all and she's using her usual volume: "Ssssooooo... what now? I bet those eggs she's talking to would be great for your research. Maybe they're like, special witch-spiders. Oh! Maybe you could trade her something for them, if we're not supposed to beat her up. But if she's putting eggs in people why would the Union care?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subtlety is not her forte.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster warns: "Master, you should be a bit more respectful to her. She feels like a pretty potent magic-user. I couldn't guarantee protection." Unfortunately, Gudako just shrugs the warning off.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:183|Mizuki (183)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And so Aelinos is drawn out of a gaping wound in her penultimate foe, then an arc of light cleaves the last one of her group in half. They fall as so many before them, leaving Mizuki to desummon her sword and attend to damage control. Thankfully, in this case most of the damage is purely psychological. Her portals proved a fairly strong defense, but an imperfect one; several globs of that rancid, fiery mucus made their way on to her, burning her and forcing no small quantity of those glittering flecks that fall from her form when she is harmed to appear and subsequently flare out of existence. That really didn't do much damage to her, but the mere fact that something here had made contact with her, let alone some diabolical waste products produced by a Blighttown native, is enough to drive her up the hive-festooned walls.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So she is still a moment. She draws a deep, deep breath, closes her eyes, and imagines the immaculate interior of the Palace of White Lilies. Ahhh, the sterility of the hallways, the freshness of the open skies encompassing, the pearly white aura that so enveloped it all... there mere thought gives her some measure of reprieve. Some of the trauma ebbs away, only for her to have it all come rushing back when she opens her eyes to appraise the dismal state of the shanties that line this forsaken crevice of Creation. So when that breath finally ends and she has the opportunity to exhale some of her bitter aggravation, she does so with a potent scowl. The existence of this place is absolutely unconscionable.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And this is precisely why they're going to fix it. What exactly have the others been doing while she's been wrapped up in all this, again? Ah, well, she'll address that query on the radio. For now she's just going to fade comfortably out of existence and linger near Psyber for the remainder of her stay here. She is, frankly, very eager to leave, and she doesn't want to risk making contact with any more grime and gore this evening.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;... though all that said, Mizuki's eyes widen a moment when she realizes just how much issue she takes with the deplorable conditions here. I-Is she really so concerned with cleanliness? Even when she is one of the few creatures in the world privileged enough to evade any need for biological maintenance? Really, it's something of an embarrassing thought. She never realized just how much she embodied her projected archetype until this instant.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's just as well that she's invisible now. She's probably blushing a little.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Weeeeeeell. However that works, Shirou's suitably IMPRESSED by the collective firepower being wielded down there. Unfortunately there's not a heck of a lot that he can do to add to it all without completely emptying his limited prana supplies. But with the Servant and Hagura cutting an amazing swath through it... "That'll work!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dropping the bow, he forges Kanshou and Bakuya in both hands and HURLS them down into the darkness in wide arcs. Their mutual gravity drags the weapons through a swooping arc through what's left of the swarm. Might take down several of the things, but nothing on the scale the others are accomplishing!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He ends up... sweatdropping at Red Saber's bravado. "She's absolutely NOTHING like her." He mumbles to himself. Oh, he's impressed, but the appearance is just... TOO JARRING in some ways. Like nails on a chalkboard, this behavior and THAT FACE.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Why did she have HER face...?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:880|Nero (880)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once the lightshow was over with, Saber straightened up and immediately had a round of obnoxious laughter. "Our foes have been routed! As expected of me! Ah ha ha ha ha!" And then she whirled around and pointed straight at Shirou, not minding the twin swords boomeranging past her. "Now you see, Sir Emiya? This is what it means to wield the might of a ruler! I hope you have properly witnessed this feat and burned it into your commoner's memory banks!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dispelling Aestus Estus, she crossed her arms and strode back over to Kyra's general vicinity. "For as bleak as your prospects of reaching true greatness, true radiance, are. I am not so cruel as to deny a man such as you a proper primer on the use of a blade of my calibur! Rejoice! For I am truly kind!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And to top it off, she huffed, puffing out her chest with her hands on her hips in a proud display. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ...Like a peacock, really.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe has been given a breather by the destroyer's primary weapons even as her debuff keeps stacking nad by this point her HP bar's a good way into the yellow and is showing no signs of going back up even with her battle healing, which serves only to delay the posion that's effecting het. Still they seem to be making progress and with Sabers help, Haguro's, Psyber,s Shirou's and others they have managed to beat the things back and Tomoe is getting the beck back to the group, and her HP's bar by when all is said and done, is in the red now. <br /><br /> "This is going to be a long time to clean this place..." <br /><br /> She just looks at Saber and would be putting in the sweat drop emoticon if she was in SAO or GGO she can only stare at Saber. Which likely only fuels Saber's ego even more.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This just gets that sweatdroppy look Shirou was showing much worse, though he tries to hide it in a hurry.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yeah. She's... NOTHING like her at all. Some part of him is churning violently at this disparity. Augh.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It was quite a show!" He agrees rather genuinely. ".. That wouldn't have gone so well if you weren't a Heroic Spirit though! Just charging into the thick of all that muck..." Oh look, he's worried about her. Maybe kinda!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shirou's like that! "We're gonna be at this for a while," He adds, glancing around the cavern. Which is HUGE. And stinky. And rotten to the core.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Lezard frowns as he looks upon the Witch burning out the parasitic eggs, and adjusts his glasses. "These beings are afflicted with a type of parasitic egg that twists those who are inflicted with them. She is not putting them in, but she is killing them." He explains. "She is using a powerful type of Pyromancy that draws upon a far more powerful and dangerous source than normal Pyromancy, which has the power to not only destroy life, but alter it in unpredictable ways. I have been deciphering it myself, but my experiments have mostly resulted in... failures."<br /><br />Don't look in Lezard's basement. <br /><br />He shrugs with a sigh. "What would be far more valuable than these wretched parasites is her knowledge, but sadly only Master Hall has managed to successfully converse with them at all to my knowledge. If you wish to acquire some of the spawn, however, we can probably remove some from one of the others down the way." He gestures past the Witch, out into the caverous, demonic-looking area ahead.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:70|Priscilla (70)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Between Haguro, Shirou, Saber and Tomoe, the remainder of the battle is essentially nondescript. The poor magus gets pelted with an unfortunate amount of poisonous slush, but the only real threat had been the sheer volume of enemies, and pretty quickly they're torched and slashed out of the sky. It'll be a relatively trivial matter to burn the hives shortly after and seal off the little nooks they've been built in with some earth manipulation or low tier magic. That marks the end of everything aggressive that can get up high, and thus directly threatening to the 'town' itself, though the swamp below is still teeming, a serious issue for reasons besides. The spiders are fortunately being destroyed at the source by Quelaana, and so won't be a recurring issue. The platforms are in no danger of collapsing in the meantime, reinforced from below for the forseeable short term.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Quelaana quickly turns her head to look back at the sound of Gudako's, Caster's and Lezards voices, that ancient, gold-hemmed black hood falling back slightly with the sudden movement. She hesitates for a moment, biting her lower lip as she seems to think about something, before, surprisingly, managing a passable attempt at fumbling human speech. Well it only makes sense. It has been months by now. "Hello! . . . I am . . . removing . . . eggs. Only demons . . . come out of them. No good. Blight gone . . . Eingyi left . . . sister gone to find . . . others . . . Burdened . . . vermifuge." If either of them were present previously for comparison, hearing her speak in a tone any stronger than a hoarse, dying whisper would be kind of alarming. She shakes her head sadly. "Do not want. Chaos . . . spread. More eggs. More spiders. Didn't work."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oooooh."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Woops, complete misunderstanding. So these are just random cave spiders, then. The same they saw on the way over! What a waste. "Nah, I'm alright. I don't have a use for weird pets," she answers.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster grimaces. "Bleh, bugs. Bugs are icky. I've rather experiment with cute things. Like rabbits! Not spiders."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Sooooo, this person is some sort of monster-slaying hero who uses fancy fire magic, then?" Ah, wait! She can talk! In-- translated. English? Common? Ah, who cares, it's actually understood!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You don't want chaos to spread? Why not? Chaos and excitement is what keeps people going! Peace just makes people weaken over time and become defenseless." Alright, Lezard might not want to let that girl do the talking if he actually intends to convince the ancient witch to share the secret of her powers.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Though, why you? Why can't it be all the other heroes running around? Is it because of the super special fire magic? If you wanted chaos to go away it'd be easier to give everyone the power to fight it than to try to fight it yourself." Whether or not she finds the prospect boring, she can't help but speak about optimizing the system when she can. Call it a compulsion.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Lezard actually looks slightly surprised as the Witch speaks to him in a language that he can understand. "You can talk. I see." He does in fact suddenly reach out and cover Gudako's mouth with a spectral hand. It's as solid as flesh even if the gloved hand doesn't feel quite the same as leather might. <br /><br />It probably does absolutely nothing to make Gudako's gaze less unsettling. Possibly even moreso. "Please do not mind my associate, she is new to this land and is still learning much." Lezard states. "We can assist with your work if you wish, and help you to learn our tongue to make it easier to speak with people." He offers. "There is much we can learn from one another." <br /><br />Pay no mind to the slightly ominous gleam off his glasses right there. It's in his contract.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:70|Priscilla (70)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Quelaana smiles very briefly, but it disappears quite suddenly. "Not a hero. My . . . fault. People grateful. Tried . . . to help. Only suffered . . . in the end. I will . . . fix it. Burn spiders. Purge . . . parasites. Go back . . . to normal." She pauses thoughtfully, wrangling out the linguistics at work here. "Not chaos . . . Chaos . . ." the capital C is audible mostly in the way that the two words are audibly different before translation. "Perverted Flame. Old . . . mistake . . . mother made. This is . . . new home . . . on way to old home. Leave for old home when . . . all is right here. Sister find the others. Remove Chaos now . . . Bed is gone."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She nods a little more happily to Lezard. "I have . . . been learning! Soapstone signs and books. Talk to . . . people in Anor Londo. Make . . . agreement. Talk to Archlord . . . soon. Sister . . . better than I am. Come back again? Came come to old home. Lots of . . . time. Talk to sisters."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe sees the combat has come to an end she's tired after a fight like this, well not physically but mentally? It feels like she's been through it all and her body thinks she needs to rest she lowers her weapon and pulls back seeing they have cleared out things for the moment.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako can't much empathize with the witch, though she's not so far disconnected she can't grasp what's being explained. Kinda. That broken speech is still a bit hard to piece in places!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So you're seeking redemption for a super old mistake! That's a tough road, you know? But it sounds like you've been walking it for a while! Mmm mmm~."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The smiling magus doesn't contribute much more, leaving the trickery and lying to Lezard. Caster, on the other hand, looks sufficiently solemn and down that one could guess she probably has a much firmer grasp on the concept of guilt and regrets than her previously cheery attitude lets on.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Lezard listens carefully, and nods. "Yes, we will return and offer our help in any way we can." He smiles, as if trying to assure the Witch that he is also in fact not a psychopath in his own way. <br /><br />But then again, this is Lordran. /Everyone's/ goddamn insane. "We will leave you to your work, and return soon." It's at this point that Lezard begins ushering Gudako away from the witch. Not because he's worried so much about damage control, but he wants to continue this when the heroes aren't around to GET IN THE WAY. THOSE MEDDLING KIDS AND THAT BOAT!<br> <br><br />
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<br />
}}</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3450/God_Will_Rise_-_Part_One&diff=121383450/God Will Rise - Part One2015-11-28T19:01:20Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2015/11/26 |Location=The Tundra |Synopsis=The town of Lucrelia requests aid dealing with an Incarnation, and also Lyner makes his return! |Thanks= ..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/11/26<br />
|Location=The Tundra<br />
|Synopsis=The town of Lucrelia requests aid dealing with an Incarnation, and also Lyner makes his return!<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=8, 385, 495, 560, 575, 675, 714, 757, 821, 908, 916<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Off in a certain corner of the frozen reaches known as The Tundra, lie a certain city-state. Walled off on all sides, it was like this place had no intention of interacting with the rest of the multiverse at large, despite having unified at some point or another. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That would change on this day. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At the western gates to this city, military forces had mustered. Reinforcements to be precise. Infantry, calvary, heavy knights, archers, they were medieval in appearance, lacking that typical modern aesthetic. The gates were opened upwards, and the military force rushed out. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In the distance, a pillar of light and flame could be seen rising in the distance... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Miles ahead, standing atop the edge of a snowy hill, with an imposing mountain range looming far ahead, a figure in a hooded white cloak watched what seemed to be a large scale battle in progress. A battle between an army of knights, horsemen, archers, and infantry wielding swords, spears, axes, and firing steel tipped arrows. What were they fighting? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It was huge. A massive, featureless, white entity standing at roughly fifteen meters. It would have been invisible against the falling white snow, were it not for the fact that it was cloaked in a brilliant flaming aura. It stepped forth, sweeping it's long arms downward to attempt to wipe out the soldiers beneath. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "......" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After a minute or so of silent observation, he brought a hand into his hood and to his ear, to make use of a long neglected communications tool...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>'The military forces are engaging what looks to be a divine presence.'<br /><br />That's not exactly a set of words that inspires Yuna to throw in on the side of the military without learning more; however, it DOES prompt her to come and investigate - while reminding herself that not every god out there is necessarily benevolent towards humanity. Given the situation, she's already in her Light Suit when she emerges from the nearest warpgate; she's got the full Matrix of Light with her as well, since she doesn't know what the situation is going to call for. It's not impossible that she's going to wind up having to turn around and go home - but she wants to at least find out what's going on BEFORE she makes any further decisions. And if the 'divine presence' is actually trying to wipe out the mortals for reasons of its own, then Yuna's prepared to join the battle - she may not like to go up against a god (or goddess) worth the name, but she likes leaving helpless innocents to die even less.<br /><br />On the plus side, her Light Suit somehow keeps her adequately warm even when it's this cold, so she's grateful for small favors. Yuna heads for Lyner's position, letting Elner home in on the warrior's radio for her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Masteeeeer, it's cold here," the pink-haired, fox-eared and blue-robed Caster complains, although given her dress code one would think she's worried about herself. The fact she's doting over her master and trying to wrap a big scarf around her tells another story.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You should just make me a charm of cold protection instead of a scarf, you know? Scarves look dumb," Gudako answers, although lucky for her the scarf IS magically charged and she's getting half of what she asked for.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Just wear the scarf! Please let Caster take care of everything~" she answers, before tapping her chin. "Although, why are we here? You didn't say," she remembers to ask.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Just curious about the divine presence," answers her master.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And so one can find the pair standing at the edge of the battlefield, on a slightly elevated mound of snow. The presence of a second, dematerialized Servant can't be hidden, either.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"What are we going to do?" Caster asks.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Dunno! Let's watch a tick and figure it out."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She muses having Caster empower the massive figure. It'd be fun, for sure, but there's not enough data to calculate the return on that investment yet. On the other hand, if it's something especially divine, its essence would be pretty valuable.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:575|Ayako Hasekawa (575)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ayako of course responds to the call! After all, Misha seemed to recognize the voice calling for help. She's dressed in her witch outfit, sitting side-saddle on a floating broomstick. She can take someone else along for the ride as well, if they should need it. The broomstick has room for another person, after all. A faint barrier surrounds her and her passenger if any, to both keep the cold and the snow away to make it easier to see where they are going.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She glances about quickly for the 'divine presence' and... doesn't have to look for long. That's one huge... thing. Not to mention that flaming aura! "Uhh... this could take some doing..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A really pertinent question for the situation: is a 'divine presence' people? And why are they fighting with a settlement anyways? Shirou's determined to figure this out, although doing so's pretty hard on the back of Ayako's flying broom. FLYING BROOM? yes.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's COLD out here though, and it's not long before he starts shivering. "T-...trace, on!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But he wastes little time putting power through his flesh and bones, magic circuits thrumming to life. It's enough to stave off SOME of the effects of the cold on his body. But it's just a temporary measure that will keep him operating, rather than the healthiest of deals. Reinforcement has some serious limits. Thankfully, Ayako's magic is far better at this.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's just one problem.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shirou's grimacing at the distant creature. "What the heck is that thing?! Grgh, I can't hold on and fight with a bow too! You'll have to drop me off. What do you make of this thing?!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What's more, how does one fight it? He's not sure if it even has a physical body...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For now, Shirou just holds on and reinforces his eyes to get a much closer look... while he holds onto this ride for DEAR LIFE.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Divine presences. Something about those things just rub Sanary the wrong way, and she's more than happy to make her way to the Tundra in style! Or... As much style as one can manage on foot. She can't afford to waste too much energy off the bat depending on how powerful those creatures are, and there's always the possibility of not fighting them at all. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Apparently, she's not the only one with that idea, and she remains near the outer edge of the area while approaching Gudako and the fox-eared caster. She's dressed properly for the area for once, wearing the fuzzy Lagombi armor with her gunaxe and shield strapped to each side of her hip. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Didn't miss too much, did I?" The healer raises her hand in a stiff wave to the two, already looking a little antsy and ready to just get in there herself. She raises an eyebrow at the familiar faces starting to gather, although her hand remains firmly on the shield for now. "Could be fun, but... I dunno. What do you think?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:757|Misha (757)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's been a long time since Misha Arsellect Lune has been out this far in the Tundra. Her reasons for not returning have been pretty obvious. For one it's cold as hell- and despite the oxymoron, Reyvateil are not precisely any more resistant to frost than a normal human. Also the last time she had poked this way years ago in her wanderings the people were pretty nasty!<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If it wasn't for the voice she had caught over the radio, while in the middle of cooking dinner. There was only one choice.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Let it be said, it was not one made lightly when she threw her heaviest robes on and stumbled in a mad panic out the door. "Mir! Stew on the stove- don't do anything to it just KEEP STIRRING."<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dinner doesn't stand a chance.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The ride in was impossibly long- at least to her, looking agitated and worried the whole way, in the hold of a standard Union transport. She could care less about divine presences, when the doors pop open and she comes toppling out into a snow drift with all the grace of an eagle. Crashing a blimp.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel was one to respond to the call, Deelel had bee restless as of late and found the need to explore and do what she could. She just had to get out and the call for help came. The cold doesn't seem to bother her too much but she does have a cloal on with glowing lines on it and her face is hidden by a one way dark helmet which seems to have no way to actually take it off. She presses on a bit behind Ayako. <br /><br /> "This reminds me of the outlands back home..."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:675|Cirra Constantine (675)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A Divine Pressence in a snowy frozen terrain? Well it's like that mission was made fro a Shivan. The Galandian air transport swings over the settlement and towards the gigantic God creature.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The silver and bronze clad Judge leans out of the transports side door, looking towards the firey aura of the creature. Troubling.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cirra constantine grabs hold of the descending line, clips it to her belt and jumps out of the aircraft to repel down to the ground before unclipping the line and letting it go. "I'd like to know why it's here in the first place." she summons her Judge Blade from thin air. "But until we can ascertain why, we'll have to coordinate a defense. Either slow it down, or turn it back."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>IT'S TIME TO ROCK AND ROLL. <br /><br />Riva was/wasn't/will be available when the call comes out. It's hard to tell, really, there's a little instability there- oh wait, no there wasn't. You didn't see that. <br /><br />Or did you? <br /><br />Minor causal theoretical timeline instabilities aside, there is a roar across the tundra as the transport flies over. Riva leaps out dramatically from the transport to POSE AS A TEAM when she whumps into the same snowdrift Misha does, vanishing into a pile of white fluff...<br /><br />Which then erupts as Riva pops back up, crying out gleefully, "WHEEEE SNOW! Man, I love winter!" She yells happily, her huge anchor-like maul on her shoulder as she grins widely... <br /><br />And then she pauses, looking back and forth. "Meesh? Meeeeeesh, where'd you go- oh." She looks down, and reaches down to help Misha up. "Come on, Misha! We've got a problem to solve and CERTAIN PEOPLE to find!" She says, a determined look on her face as she assists Misha with a brushoff. "Now look your best, this is going to be super important!" <br /><br />Is she even paying attention to the fact that a giant divine thing is menacing the town?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:575|Ayako Hasekawa (575)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ayako continues to fly and... then spots Riva whump deep into the snow. She pauses for a bit too long of a moment as she sweatdrops. "R-Riva..." And then flies down to where she... landed. Is that the right word for it? Either way, it's good to rendezous with others in the Union! Besides, Shirou would probably appreciate being on solid ground. Well snow, anyway.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She startles slightly as Riva pops back out of the snow. "A-ah." Ayako giggles a bit nervously. "I... I love snow and winter too, Riva! But... anyway..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Humans always ended up in the same position - the same sorry state - if left alone long enough. Be it sooner or latter... the end result was unchanging. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At some point, they were going to reach for something they should not have - choose a path with the worst possible consequences. And all because they never knew when to stop... or because they had already pushed too hard and any further action was merely the final straw. r<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It was a scene all too familiar to the Counter-Guardians of Alaya... and to Archer in particular, it was a scene he was well and truly tired of witnessing. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He materializes out of his astral form atop the wall overlooking the fight, a fair distance from the fighting itself. Normally, it would be too far out to render proper assistance... but as a Servant of the Bow, it was the ideal vantage point for him to render support. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It was, after all, the most prudent choice to take when facing an unknown entity. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It was never a good thing when humans were found fighting divine entities... and that creature, for lack of a better word, could hardly be anything else. However, like most of those present, he had not committed himself to the conflict as of yet - but only because he was examining the situation first. Observing it's methods of attack and defense.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After all... it wasn't like he had a choice in which side he would pick. He was a Counter-Guardian - even if this was not his world, he felt ingrained to serve his duties to Alaya - thus, humanity would be the one he would defend... regardless of the justification or lack thereof either side had. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Trace; On" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; His mettle-black bow appearing in one hand, he levels it at the creature... but does not summon forth a weapon to fire from it. Not yet. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Let the others test it's defenses for him - show him what will or won't be most effective, or either form or expose a weak-spot for him to target. After all... it would do no good to fire blindly and hope one random projectile did the job.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At Yuna's eventual arrival, Lyner stirred from his attentive watch on the battle's progress. He turned his head slightly, hood obscuring his features as he gave the girl a sidelong glance. "You must be one of the Elite responders. Thanks for coming." He smiled under his hood and looked back towards the field of battle, not moving to help out the struggling military just yet. ...It was as if he were contemplating something. "That army fighting down there." He started, keeping his eyes on the battle. "They're not doing well." That was obvious. "They must have known this going in." His gaze rose to the giant entity sweeping the army left and right with it's flaming swings. Shouts of pain, fear, and determination filled the air. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Do not give in, men! We will push this abomination back! Fight! /Fight/! Do not let it approach the city!" Down on the field, a man clad in ornate armor, riding on horseback, rallied, sword raised in the air. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And they did not run. Despite the fact that they were clearly on the losing end. The combat forces before rallied themselves back into formation and charged the entity again. Were they out of their minds? Did they believe that strongly? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner watched still, and shook his head. "Inspirational, wouldn't you think? But..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The flaming presence was not affected at all. Every swing, slice, stab, cut, every arrow fired at it...they all struck, yes. But it was like cutting through water. The white form gave for just a moment, before simply taking shape again. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It raised a foot, and then it simply stepped forward, right /into/ the military formation. Shields were raised and roars of the determination of men followed. "Ahhhhhhhhhh! Hold strong! We can do it! We will not fail! We will-" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Crunch. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That foot overcame the manmade barrier of shields keep it from the military personnel below. And then it made landfall. Snow immediately melted away, the stomp was enough to create a shockwave and blew away the rest of the forces on either side of it's foot. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It was hell. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; True Hell. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Is this what it means to fight against god?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I know what to do~" Gudako suddenly tells Sanary.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's as the monster advances and crunches into the army that the master whispers to her Servant, and the Caster nods firmly, before producing a dozen or so paper talismans and ofudas. Scribbled on them the Japanese symbols for CONTAINMENT, ATTRACTION, DEATH, ARENA, ANTI-DIVINE and a number of other similar ones. They begin glowing, brightly, as she releases them. The paper slips rotate around the Caster rapidly, she chants something barely heard, and--<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The paper slips shoot out, forming a large circle around the battlefield. A powerful magical barrier links each of the slips, forming a dome of transparent but definitely present sorcery around the area.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Bounded Field has two purposes: 1. none can leave it, at least not without significant effort. The army can get knocked into the wall of the Bounded Field by the monster and try tor etreat all they want, but they won't be able to run. 2. the gap between man and god is reduced a little bit. It's a blessing, basically it'll empower the nobodies to fight the monster. Just a bit.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ALSO, IT SHRINKS.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Bounded Field will perpetually shrink towards the god, forcing the army to fight it. No matter how bad things get. No matter how bad they're getting wrecked. Entering the Bounded Field, on the other hand, is completely trivial and easy.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako watches with a wide smile, her typical 8D.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster dusts her hands, before summoning her large mirror, which starts orbitting her slowly. Never hurts to be ready if things get awful.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "... Damn. That's actually pretty cool." Sanary lets out a half-whistle, chuckling a moment later as she watches that Bounded Field take effect. "Maybe not for the guys stuck in there, but they might have a shot now." She tugs her hood on and shivers lightly, a thoughtful look still worn on the healer's face. Fight or observe? Excitement or safety? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If it was just her, charging into battle would've been a given. Nobody to worry (too much) about backing up, just getting in there and testing her limits. But with that little stunt, there is the very real possibility someone could take offense to that. Sanary stays put for the time being, although she does fiddle with the odd chunks of wood haphazardly taped to the inside of her shield. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well.. I'll head in if they need backup, at least. Or... Ah, who knows."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yuna nods to Lyner, then winces as she sees the 'god' stomp into the massed soldiers. "Do you have any idea what kind of a god that is? Or why it's attacking and going after the city and its defenders?"<br /><br />She doesn't have a whole lot of time to linger for discussion; while she's waiting for Lyner to answer, Yuna beckons for Erina to join her - not just to rendezvous, but to combine. A few moments later, Yuna is in her Flight Form, granting her increased mobility and a little more firepower to work with. Once she's done her second transformation, and has hopefully given Lyner time to answer her other questions, she flies towards the fray, passing into Gudako's Caster's Bounded Field with relatively slight hesitation.<br /><br />Of course, she opens fire immediately - trying to keep her distance from the 'god' as she snipes repeatedly with the Matrix Divider, going for precise shots aimed at potentially vulnerable or noteworthy areas. If she can find any spots that are particularly susceptible to damage (even with her Light/Holy-based firepower), she'll call those out to her allies over the radio.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WHUUUUUUMPF! Shirou leaps off at the last moment and goes skidding through the snow several feet, almost slipping... but he comes to a halt near Riva and Ayako and immediately rises to full height, glances around for any trouble... "This has nothing to do with how we look and everything to do with taking down that MONSTER! Divine presence, really?!" He's finding this hard to believe. But the sight of it crushing through a battalion of soldiers has him immediately clenching his teeth and on the verge of panicking.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A plan forms in his head rather quickly.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"/My body is made of swords./" The young magus chants, both hands extended and grasping the air. Trickles of power flicker, then flare mightily in his hands. A black, japanese-styled bow materializes in one hand. The other...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The other is taking much longer. A golden-blue swirl of light whirls and shapes, taking a bit longer. It's a good fifteen seconds of hyper-intense focus or so until an ornate sword, gold and blue, is fully formed and raised up against the bow.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Upon its hilt are letters, an enscription that leaves little doubt as to its origins. 'Whoso pulleth out this sword of this stone is rightwise king of all England', they read.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He's almost gasping for breath once its finished. Although this one's within his reach, crafting a Noble Phantasm of this rank is no small feat.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shirou draws back his bowstring, flexing the mighty yumi. At the same time the sword in the stone shifts and slims to have a different balance and slightly more aerodynamic form. It won't be stable at very LONG distances, certainly... but for this?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For this, just a hill away or so, it's enough.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Maybe this will give it something to think about! Caliburn!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And with that, he lets the 'arrow' fly. The wake of his shot kicks up a WAVE of snow that might well... half-bury Ayako and Riva, but oh well. The sword gleams golden like a shooting star. Like a shooting star, its lifetime is also quite brief.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Should it strike that creature in its upper body - where Shirou aimed at - it will probably shatter and go off like a hand grenade. Paltry, as so-called 'broken phantasms' go. But possibly enough to knock this creature for a loop!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel is quick to pick up on the fight below she's getting a feel for the battle. She looks to Lyner for a moment before she says. <br /><br /> "Yes we're here to help." <br /><br /> It doesn't take very long before shockwave comes the entire battle becomes a living hell. She can only stare for a moment this brings back memories of the very not fond sort as she surveys the battle. Archer has a point focus oin the monster and let the men do as they will. <br /><br /> She makes note of the confederate, she will not forget this. For now she summons her keyblade and gets ready to move in she gives Lyner one last nod before she moves on to get into the fight there's no much else she can do as she moves in. AS she leaps into the air she pulls out a baton, which forms wireframes and then fully becomes a small jet which Deelel leaps on and flies towards the battle site, this is just to get her there and she fires a few bursts from the machine's light machine guns. Energy pulses cross the skies between her and the god, but it's just to keep it's attention for the moment.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:757|Misha (757)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sputter! Pfft! Prhft! Plurt!<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Misha emerges, hoisted from the snow, already shivering to the bone by the time Riva yanks her out of the drift and works on disting her off. It's better than being up in the air in that terrible flying tin can transport that went super high.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That was a nightmare.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Green eyes blink the snow-filled confusion away. There's no team pose, but she quickly regains herself with a huff. "I don't care about looking my best- I just want to find him--"<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As important as that is to her however she can't help but turn her eyes onto the carnage. The 'divine' being, wreaking its terrible wrath upon the locals, doing their best to defend their homes and... How they can do nothing. How they are crushed underfoot-- how they're now TRAPPED in place with it. The Star Singer visibly cringes, hugging her arms to her chest. Awash with a sudden flow of emotions, longing, need, fear, and pain, she does only what a Reyvateil can when bathed in turmoil.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She sings.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her voice lifts, soft at first yet reverberating with power. Watching the men pour their all into the attack, and not so much as scratch it- as though the creature simply let all the attacks pass through it. It was familiar to her. Her voice rises, echoing with power as she chants a language that strangles the translation effect- converting not into words, but raw emotion and pure power as she utters them, joined by flute and drums from seemingly nowhere, a chorus of many voices flowing from her lips.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o/` ~ "Rrha ki ra exec... hymmnos PURGER!" ~ o/`<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o/` ~ "En yehar nha near yor." ~ o/`<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o/` ~ "Was ki ra selena anw hymmnos PURGER!" ~ o/`<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is a song once used to force digital beings into the physical realm. A song seemingly PERFECT for the situation as she reaches to the distant Tower of Eolia, connecting to its many processes for a sliver of its power in enacting her will upon the world, and by extension this vicious 'god' through her song.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:575|Ayako Hasekawa (575)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ayako blinks her eyes when Shirou says that phrase of all things. When the bow materializes in Shirou's hands, she has an idea of what Shirou is about to do. So why not help him out? She thrusts her hands towards Shirou quickly, and the barrier that surrounds her swiftly transfers over to Shirou. This barrier's one to repel the snow and help things fly through the air-she was flying pretty high just a while ago, after all. But it will help anything that Shirou should shoot out of it as well!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Although she isn't prepared at all for the wave of snow that the 'arrow' kicks up! And so she is fluffed off of her broom and buried in the snow. At least she likes snow!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Riva is exuberant in almost everything she does. "Hehehehe, We should go out and play in the snow sometime, Ayako, I bet you could do /awesome/ things with snow!" Riva giggles... <br /><br />But then she squints and frowns at the stuff coming over her radio, looking out over the distance towards Archer and huffing for a moment. It's a pointless gesture even if Archer's supernaturally keen eyesight could pick it out easily, but it helps her feel better. She's someone who wears her emotions on her sleeve.<br /><br />The horrible beast gets the attention next as riva turns to look over at th massive and deadly thing. "Soooooooo... Does ANYONE know what this thing is?" Riva calls out. "Either way... Your lead, Misha! I'll cover you for now, just tell me what you need!" The creation of that field causes her to stiffen for a moment. This complicates matters immensely. "We gotta move fast or those people are hosed!" She calls out, pointing dramatically.... <br /><br />Just in time for Shirout to bury her with the backblast of his attack. Snow-coated eyes blink for a moment in the pile, before there is a low rumble.... <br /><br />And a sudden explosion that hurls snow away in all directions, red-gold Anima spiderwebbing through the ground as Riva raises her anchor-like maul and putting it back on her shoulder. "Okayyyyyyyyyyyy, back to business!" She looks back at Misha as she begins singing in that strange language, Hymmnos. <br /><br />She nods, and hangs the hammer on her back, pulling a pair of MP9s from her coat and flipping them in her hands. Circuit-like patterns on the weapons light up in blue-green energy, that flows through them, and the slides rack without her even touching them. <br /><br />"Let's rock." She stays between the beast and Misha, not really knowing what's up with the somewhat ominous song as she lays down a fusillade of Anima bolts that strike towards the massive beast in a firehose-esque wave of energy blasts.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:675|Cirra Constantine (675)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cirra watches as the entity simply steps on the gathered army. It's power is...considerable to say the least. She frowns as it simply steps on the men in front of it. The bounded feild only makes it even worse, and apon hearing it's effects she briefly considers throwing Caster and her Master into the field.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Instead, the Judge pulls a Law Card out from her side and holds it out in the air, stabbing it through with her Judge Blade and slamming it into the ground.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The. RAMPART!" The magic lines shoot across the ground and grow up over the defending army, growing into a half-dome of crystal spikes to provide a nasty defense incase the entity attacks with another stomp.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As Archer had believed, the men attacking obviously had no intention of pulling back. Moreover, they knew what the risks were, if the commander's screams echoing over the radios were any indication. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One of the baseline tenants of the self-destructive 'path of the hero'; facing death no matter what the odds... even when it was obvious you could not win. Doing whatever you could, if only just as a stalling measure to buy time. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; While he outwardly expressed disinterest in Riva's gestures at him, inwardly he felt sympathy - even pity - for the soldiers who were now effectively lost to the Hell of war... but there was nothing to be done about it - focus had to be applied on the creature. r<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... not that the soldiers had a choice anymore, the bounded field that was now around them going up to both seal them and shove them closer to the creature. A move that has him gazing at the Confederate as if asking whether she did that to help them keep the beast contained... or to motivate the Union members to fight harsher by placing people in danger. Perhaps both? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Regardless... it seems that now is the time to strike- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -though he winces slightly, one eye closing as a sharp pang pricks at his temple as the Golden Sword of the Victorious takes flight. A weapon far too close to his long-forgotten past for comfort. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Either way... it seemed that the first attacks had been made. So he would focus on the spots those strikes landed. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Prana flares to life in his hand, until it formed an ebony black 'blade' - or rather, what could barely pass for one, little more then a narrow core with a tightly-coiled series of edges wrapping around it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I am the bone of my sword." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Upon being drawn back on Archer's bow, it coils even further, becoming an arrow that soon comes alight with prana, the energy running down it's length into the tip. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hurnting!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Then it takes flight, transforming into a crimson bullet or magic that shoots across the battlefield, fated to never miss it's target so long as the Bowman keeps his aim fixed on the target; in this case, the impact site on it's chest where Emiya Shirou's Caliburn had hit. An attempt to add damage to that site - or perhaps even punch through it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He readies the next shot - and if Yuna finds any weak points, he will direct them there. They need a definite foothold against this thing - or else it was just going to plow through them all.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner glanced back at Yuna again, and Deelel as well, noting her presence. "Well..." He looked on ahead, wincing at that stomp. "I don't know what it is, and I don't know why it's attacking..." He looked off towards the mountain range rising high into the sky, creating a backdrop to this hell of a battle. "But I know that it came from that mountain." At that moment, a Bounded Field formed, entered around the divine entity, it was like a grim countdown to the end. At this point, the soldiers locked in battle were beginning to notice the presence of outsiders. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "W-What is this!?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I feel...stronger!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I feel like I can take on the world! Lets go!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And with renewed vigor, they reform and charge again at the beast, unaware of the secondary...effect. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Meanwhile, one plucky soldier who was thinking about running away ran facefirst into the barrier, unable to retreat. "H-Huh!? I can't get out!" And it was gradually pushing him back. He fell over onto the snow in shock, wondering how they were going to get through this when... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Suddenly several energy shots were fired, courtesy of Yuna. They strike the flame cloaked creature, and pierce directly through it, creating large holes that lasted for several moments...and then they simply began to get smaller and smaller before closing up completely. Deelel's rapidfire energy bullets riddle the 'God', filling it will countless small holes, but the result is much the same as it was with Yuna's attacks. They closed back up soon after without any sign of pain or hindrance. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then came Shirou. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Caliburn is traced, knocked back, and aimed. Power builds up, an arrow of the sword meant to be held by the one who would become king of Britain. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It is fired. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Racing through the air and kicking up a wave of snow, it flies over the army's head, and right into the creature. An explosion of brilliant light follows and once it clears, the creature is missing it's entire upper half. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "....." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Soldiers lower their weapons. They look back at Shirou, Deelel, Yuna, and the others as if they were looking at monsters. "Is...Is it over?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Captain! Look!" One panicked soldier cried out. Everyone whirled around then to see... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The flaming giant was reforming it's upper half, rising up and retaking it's shape before having been struck! "Is...Is this abomination immortal!?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Can we...can we win!?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "No! Do not give up! We have what it takes! We are knights of Lucrelia! We have a duty to perform! To protect our citizens!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Right as things were looking grim, a song began to pierce through the despair filled air... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Purger. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lyner knows this song well. Surprised, he can only glance off in the direction the singing was coming from. He only knew one person who knew that song. "...Misha?" But she was too far away for him to make sure, and they were in the middle of a battle. Lyner, stared for a moment longer, and then decided to turn back to the battle. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The effects of Purger...well, it was plain to see, even through the Bounded Field. As if interfering with a connection between two points, the flaming entity's body began to distort in places, similar to TV static. It stumbled back a step, making no noise, but it's movements were clue enough. Something was wrong. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As Misha continued to sing, the effect continued. Suddenly, the mountain behind the creature in the distance lit up for a brief moment. The entire range. Glowing a ethereal white. ...And then it faded. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "....?" Lyner watched all of this, and then smiled. "...It worked." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The 'god's flaming aura became less intense. It's white form looked the same but... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It all became clear what kind of effect Misha's song had when Riva's magic bolts barrel right into the creature. It takes the blows, and several holes are opened up in it's body. Stumbling back another step, it 'looks' down at itself. The holes weren't regenerating. From behind Cirra's crude spike wall, the soldiers all begin to mutter. "It's not healing. That song...it worked?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Silence. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then Hrunting makes impact. Blam, an explosion follows. A long, white arm lands roughly on the ground, kicking up a wave of snow. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "We can do this! We can win! Come on men!" And like a flood, the remaining soldiers rush out from behind Cirra's wall, weapons to bear against the entity. It seems to realize that something is utterly wrong too. Because where it's mouth would be, a hole opened up, and an orb of red formed, growing larger and larger...And then it fired. A beam of flame burst forth, striking the ground below, and then continuing forward in a straight line. It tore through their ranks, and rapidly ran across the ground towards Shirou's position, as well as Deelel and Cirra. As well as Riva, Misha, and Ayako. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But that wasn't all. The beam continued, rising into the air and threatening to fly straight towards the city in the distance. Would Caster's Bounded Field hold up? It was getting smaller, with an unintended side effect of causing the beam to backwash back onto the battlefield from behind. Screams of terror soon followed as the two front assault was staged.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yuna still isn't entirely sure if this entity counts as a god; the fact that it can be injured so 'easily' is a pretty good argument against it - although it also regenerates from any damage that even the Elites can inflict ...<br /><br />At least, until Misha starts singing.<br /><br />The hairs on the back of Yuna's neck stand up as she hears the Hymmnos incantation; she can't entirely place *why* that gets her attention so. But the effect on the creature is unmistakable and undeniable: it's *mortal* now. "Elner, see if you -"<br /><br />Yuna's call to the robo-faerie is interrupted as the monster revs up a massive fiery beam. "SHUGOSEIHEKI!!" Yuna yells, letting the Matrix Divider vanish as she invokes her kite shield, the Wall of the Guardian Star as she named it - and tries to tank as much of the fire-beam as she possibly can. She's going to do EVERYTHING she can to stop the blast from continuing onwards to menace the city; if she can protect some of her allies (Elites or otherwise) while she's at it, all the better, but stopping the line of fire from hitting the city is her paramount and overriding concern.<br /><br />Even if it means *SHE* gets burned to a crisp instead.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:575|Ayako Hasekawa (575)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ayako stays buried in the snow. In fact, she sinks deeper into the snow. She loves snow, after all. And although she can't really see the results of her helping Shirou, she can definitely feel... something building as the red orb flares in the entity's... 'mouth'.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well then. It's a good thing that she's deep in the material she has the most affinity with! Indeed, being buried in snow is almost as good as having an ocean around her! Ayako quickly gathers a massive amount of snow as the fiery beam charges. And as it fires, suddenly she bursts out of the snow in front of Misha, Riva, and Shirou! "Multi-faced Ice Barrier!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A barrier seemingly made of beautifully faceted ice swiftly forms to shield the four of them from the beam!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Success! The Bounded Field seems to have forced some measure of cooperation amongst the heroes. The effort to reward ratio here is pretty astronomical-- compared to trying to tell them to stop arguing, or to arguing with them, really this was the optimal, fastest, least-effort choice. Gudako would pat herself on the back but it'd look weird.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Luckily, if people put effort into defending from the beam, the Bounded Field will hold up. It's pretty strong, and Caster isn't a shabby Caster by any stretch. But it's not foolproof! And concentrated effort will definitely break it, if the 'god' has a mind to doing that. Damage to it certainly slows the rate at which it shrinks, for now.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako continues smiling, despite the death glares she gets. She wonders if the creature is really a god, or something else. She also wonders what that music is-- what it did to the monster. It seems... more present? Actualized? It's hard to say from this far! Caster would have better luck analyzing it, surely. "Mm, mm~! Caster! Let's start draining it. If that thing really is a god, we should try to keep a shard of it. Maybe mister Valeth will know what to do with it."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Of course, master~!" Caster replies with a grin.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster produces another set of ofuda, three. CRYSTAL, DRAIN, ESSENCE. They whirl around the foxgirl, glowing a bright pink, before she directs them towards the creature like bullets. Assuming they can latch on, the curses contained in them attempt to start draining the monster, and to crystalize what's being drained in Caster's hand. Life force, magic, divinity-- maybe nothing at all. It's worth trying, though!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Music's always had power Deelel knows this, she recalls the power of some of thes songs that were were sung during the battle to create Afterus and again she's awed by the power that she sees she knows Misha is doing what they can to help them She knows she's in good hands with Riva guarding her and as she closes the Keyblade takes shape in her off hand the Dual Disc. Lyner's words keep sqwith her as she contiunes her attack run, she see it healing and she knows what she should do. <br /><br /> First dodge the swords of human kind's past she flits between the weapons and banishes her craft after a moment. It turns to light once more and Deelel is left dropping there the keyblad e in hand, she's gfot a plan here. While the music has no direct effect on Deelel it still contain power Deelel is born from it and she seems to adjust her tactics based on the song she's going to take her Keyblade to this thing, the weapon was created to fight things like this wasn't it? <br /><br /> Thern comes the beam she can only. She was goign to attack but with this blast she starts chanting a spell to ward her self and hopefully some of the troops from the blast. It won't stop the damage entirely but it could allow them to live through the blast and Deelel her self is hit hard she's rather smoldering in it's aftermath as she hits the ground, but she has an idea well once she gets back on her feet. <br /><br /> "...Somedays it just doesn't pay to boot up."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wow. Wowzer. caliburn was ten times more effective than Shirou expected. he's left gobsmacked, staring wide-eyed at the results. And the strange magic of that song. He quickly sees where it's coming from too. Misha! Who he doesn't really know, but... she's just become a critical part of this battle. Without her they'll be VERY bad off. And there won't be ANYTHING left of the army.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He's just slightly starting to relax and focus better when ALL HELL BREAKS loose. He gets a horrible feeling when that hole appears, red power gathers...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A whole year's worth of battle experience in the Multiverse tells him where it's going to fire too. He moves without thinking, casting the bow away and LEAPING over to the singing Reyvateil and the other girls.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Right. In. The line of fire.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fiery determination burns in the boy's soul. Even if he has to burn himself out, he will NOT allow that hellbeam to so much as TOUCH the girls. He has only one way to possibly protect them however. Inhaling deeply, the boy extends a hand, grits his teeth... and calls a specific Noble Phantasm out. A design is formulated and refined in the mind-splittingly agonizing seconds between seconds, his conscious flickering from overload.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Making a SHIELD is an art very different from a sword.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But bright mauve light flashes from his palm, arcs of prana scorch outwards from his arm and flow outwards...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"RHO... AIAS!!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The tiny mauve singularity explodes, blossoming outwards in the space of just a second. Five 'petals' blossom out, each slightly ragged and ephemeral. The design's a bit un-even as it's missing two petals, but... oh well.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thick, convex layers of power shoot outwards one after another, totaling five. It's like a flower... and a shield, at once.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And it's HUGE, several times taller than Shirou himself. A portable fortress wall. Or perhaps... five fortress walls.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A HELLSTORM erupts the moment that beam slams into it, heat and magic deflected and absorbed in torrential flows. The fireworks alone are blinding. It only takes a few seconds before the first layer of this mighty defense starts cracking... then SHATTERS, only for the second to begin ablating...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And behind it, covering the critical females, Emiya Shirou stands tall with his legs braced against the ground and spare hand grabbing the one handling the projection, grunting and groaning and glaring DEFIANTLY at the Divine Monster!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That was probably as good of a time as any to get involved. "Looks safe enough over here. Alright, wish me luck!" Tapping her hand against her head in a quick salute to Gudako, Sanary directs some energy towards Gudako and Caster to give them a little boost to their magic recovery before turning towards the battlefield proper. She puts enough magical energy into her anklets to send her rocketing upwards and forwards into the air rapidly, but lacking in finesse! Not that she really needs it for the time being, seeing as how she's aiming right for that battlefield and the diving being making a mess of things out there. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then she notices some trouble in the form of a giant death beam headed right for the city! She doesn't pause in her flying charge at the creature until spotting Yuna readying herself to block that thing head on, and the healer sighs before halting her flight to stop beside the heroic idol. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hey, Yuna. Mind if I...?" She pauses for a moment, staring at that beam coming ever closer. One hand is held towards Yuna to direct some healing energy her way, the other readying her own kite shield to aid in that impromptu human wall. "... I had something for this. Ah, whatever. This'll suck either way!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; His meager skils as a magi outside of Tracing weren't exactly something Archer had felt he could pride himself on at any point in his existence... but even still, he was adept enough in sensing magic to tell the 'song' - truthfully closer to a projection of magic in and of itself - had seemed to sever whatever power the entity had... and apparently, that power was sourced from the mountain. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This seemed to deprive it of the troubling regeneration power it had, resulting in the attacks from himself and Riva satisfyingly appearing to maim it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But then it launches it's attack for the city, and Archer forces back the twinges of dread as he readies another arrow - he will have to leave the defense to those who are present on the ground. After all, it was not his current duty to defend - if anything, this was the best moment to attack as most of the others seemed busy with defense. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Though he does spare a moment to note, to his interest, that Emiya Shirou's projection is again evolving - he'd never seen the boy project more then four of the Aius's pedals before now. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It was an improvement... but there was still a long way to go. And all for a direction Archer knew would never get the boy what he wished for - even now, Emiya Shirou was throwing himself into the fire ahead of everyone else, willing to sacrifice his one life so brazenly. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In that... Emiya Shioru would never change, it seemed. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sighing, Archer refocuses on the creature, the blueprint in his mind's eye entering the physical world as it's manufacturing processes are accelerated and improved upon in a split-second. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If this creature was 'divine'... perhaps a weapon attuned to that would be more effective slaying it. It was hardly radiating a 'pure' aura - if anything it seemed more like a stubborn flame then a holy force. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thus, the shimmer of prana condenses into the radiant design of the archangel's blade; the Holy Sword of Roland the paladin. It's structure is reinforced as Archer draws it back and takes aim at the creature's 'face'. Holy light gathers into it's edge as the blade twists and distorts to a narrow spindle suited for it's new purpose- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Durandal!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -and takes flight as an arrow, cutting through the sky like a white bolt of divine radiance on a path that will, if uninterrupted, take it piercing through the creature's 'head' and, if it is truly mortal, hopefully slaying it... or if nothing else, crippling it enough to be quickly finished.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:757|Misha (757)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o/` ~ "En ma ki ra ks syec parge tes ar hymmne mea..." ~ o/`<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Even in the face of dange, Misha sings. She will sing- and she will continue to sing no matter what may come her way. Were everything to end today, Misha Arsellec Lune would be that girl who sings at the end of the world. By now her voice has hit crescendo, joined by phantasmal chorus and a beat that shakes the heavens and sends pulses racing in time with the drums. But it is not an act that comes easily.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Even in the chill cold of the Trundra, sweat beads visibly on her brow as she focuses her voice, her feelings, and her very soul into this outpour of energy to keep this false and terrible god bound to a physical realm. She does not move from her spot, hands clasped together over her chest as she sings her very heart out. So she will need the cover when the deadly divine unleashes that bolt of radiant death.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is a credit to the almost ingrained combat training Reyvateils only vaguely receives, that she does not panic, nor bolt nor run. But she remains, planted firmly where she is, trusting in Riva, Ayako, and Shirou; one standing directly in front of her while the other two layer defenses. It is a distinctly wholehearted level of trust she places in the three while she focuses her all on the Hymn, Purger.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Uff..." It should be noted, that she can apparently speak, even during the act of singing. "It's been a while since I've sung this one. You all might want to pick up the pace, I don't know how long I can keep it up."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Riva's eyes light up as she sees the Hymmnos break the god's connection to whatever was powering it, making it finally vulnerable. "YEAH! WE CAN DO IT!" She yells, thrusting a gun in the air in triumph... <br /><br />And then she sees the massive chargeup. "Ggggh!" She emits eyes widening. "HOLY SH...NIKIES!" She yells, dropping her guns as she brings her hammer to bear. The weapon seething with red-gold Anima as she shifts from ranged burst offense to defense again... <br /><br />And then she sees the hellfire blast explodes outwards, to slam into Ayako's barrier and Rho Aias. She stares for a moment, the hammer held before her as the blast begins shearing into the defenses. She nods to the others, and smiles. "Teamwork is going to win this, but we can't just let it keep smashing us, or we're all gonna die. In this case, the best defense is killing this damn thing!" Misha seems to have the same opinion, urging them to kick this up a notch or ten. She grimaces, then, and looks back to Misha, nodding. "I'm going on ahead. I'll be back, I promise." She says, badore setting herself, and closing her eyes. <br /><br />There is a sudden surge of Anima, Riva seeming to... swell, growing large as she launches into the air, hurling herself forward.<br /><br />Hurling herself int othe beam. <br /><br />She drops like a comet, smashing into the blasted ground as she crushes forward, struggling against the divine blast that begins melting her as she pushes forward. <br /><br />Something about this seems... Oddly familiar. A sense of deep deja vu mixes with the growing, burning agony that makes itself known as the divine assault tears at her, breaking around her in waves even as she burns. <br /><br />Burning, bleeding, and afire, Riva crashes towards the godlike being like a comet. The tested and worn material of the Ajoran Maul seems to glow red-hot with heat and the seething Anima channelling through it, and she explodes through the other side, immediately twisting and hurling the weapon up into the air, sending it crashing into the beast and hooking onto it, a golden tether trailing back to Riva herself. With a surge of motion, she is pulled upwards, sending her flipping up into the air. She slams into the beast's side, scorching as she impacts the seething surface of the creature.<br /><br />With a ringing noise, Riva pulls out a plain longsword, inset with the Templar cross. As she twists it in the air, burning lines of red and gold light up as the Anima circuits come to life, and Riva shears it into the beast, before rebounding and skidding along the horrible monster, coming to a stop aboce and center of the beast, stopping unwittingly sirectly above where Durandal should strike. She whips the blade through the air, inverting it and holding it in both hands as she breathes in and steadies herself. <br /><br />"Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy it for the old hatred; Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will stretch out mine hand upon the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethims, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast. And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them."<br /><br />With a sudden burst of Anima, the blade in Riva's hands flares brilliant gold, and with a scream she drives the sword straight downwards into the beast, releasing a deadly pulse of Anima even as she cuts straight down in a cross-cut attack with Durandal.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The beam tore through the battlefield, blowing away soldiers in it's line of fire as it traveled across the ground. Thanks to some quick thinkin by Deelel however, the rest were spared the lion's share of the damage by virtue of being on the sides, as well as her defensive magic. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yuna's invocation of Shugoseiheiki meets the traveling beam. Both forces clash, and Yuna can feel that despite being severed from the source of it's power, this energy being fired was still more than potent enough to raze the city to the ground, should it pass the various defensive fortifications being leveled. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Despite her best effort, Yuna, soon joined by Sanary, is pushed back, and the beam travels further. It reaches Ayako, Shirou, Riva, and Misha at this point, and additional barriers are added. Rho Aias, the Seven Layered Shield of Aias, though missing two layers. As well as Ayako's Multi-Faced Ice Barrier. With the the four of them on the case, the beam seems to be held in check for now. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But they don't have to hold it long. Riva hurls herself right at the beam, charging the divine entity behind it. Upwards into the air...and then right towards it. A longsword is drawn, a prayer is offered, and then the blade is driven right into it. Anima pulses, as she cuts straight downwards. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Durandal follows, piercing through the sky like a holy bullet, launched from the knight of the bow, it finds it's target, striking true. It's head is pierced right through in a flash of light. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And right then, several ofuda latch onto the creature, draining it on whatever energy it was continung to muster. Caster would find a palm sized shard of white growing in her hand for her efforts. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The beam eventually dies down as the 'God' is cut down. Cleaved and two, and it's head vaporized from it's body, it tumbles down to the ground, and with a crash, a wave of snow is kicked up, creating fresh snowfall. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Silence followed. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Soldiers, who were taking cover and defending with their shields, peek out. "...Is it over?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It did not get back up. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It's over! We won! It's over!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; From his vantage point, Lyner let out a small sigh. "You can always count on the Elites to do something." And with a smile, he stepped forward, sliding down the hill and proceeding to approach the aftermath, hood still up and cloak still fully around him. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The remains of the army all began to celebrate, though the elites present were given suspicious glances now and then as they gathered themselves. No one made an effort to actually approach and talk. They may be figuring out how to do so.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Master look! It's a... thing," Caster says, showing the white crystal to Gudako. The magus eyes the piece of magic, and then gives a thumb up. Caster snaps two fingers afterwards, and the Bounded Field vanishes, the twelve ofuda that were keeping the circle linked consuming themselves in pink flames; and then, freedom!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako and Caster approach the winding down victors, the master evidently feeling no immediate shame at what she did. "Good job! I thought you guys were going to spend a hour arguing while everyone was dying, but you actually pulled through! That would have been such a waste of time." And of lives? Well, she doesn't care about that, honestly. Faceless mooks aren't people.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Name's Gudako! ... I don't know who half of you are. Ugh! Caster, learn their names for the report, won't you?" Gudako produces her cellphone, and immerses herself in MOBILE GAMES.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster takes a polite bow in her stead. "Hi! I'm Caster, that's my master. It'd be useful to use if you could all introduce yourselves! ... and maybe explain what's going on, if that wouldn't be too much work~."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>If Yuna had known a blast like that was coming, she most likely would have stayed outside Gudako's (Caster's) barrier and summoned El-Line. The Matrix Figure is much larger, much sturdier, and reasonably capable of actually tanking blasts that could destroy cities; Yuna was in, arguably, her most fragile armor and trying to do the same thing. Sanary's healing support is probably most of why Yuna is still alive and relatively un-roasted, when you get right down to it.<br /><br />As it is? By the time the beam's onslaught forces Yuna behind the joint barrier raised by Shirou and Ayako, Yuna's only staying in the air by dint of sheer stubbornness - and when the other two barriers take the pressure off of her shield ...<br /><br />Yuna just flops to the ground behind Misha, Shugoseiheki vanishing once again. Yuna's exposed skin is VERY noticeably reddened from the heat - the Light Suit's defensive barrier protected her, but it was a REALLY close thing - and her armor looks like it was about to start *burning* off of her.<br /><br />Yuna is also either fast asleep (and deeply so), or simply unconscious from the strain. It takes a couple of moments before her Flight Form armor glows and disassembles, Erina of the Sky reassembling next to Yuna and - ever so gently - picking her up. "As Elner said, Yuna will be fine," the purple-and-white android says to those closest by. Erina also nods in thanks to Sanary - but she heads off shortly thereafter, with Jiina and Marina following. Elner remains on-site to take note of further discussion, and so forth.<br /><br />Plus Yuna was REALLY curious about the mountain range that was glowing just before the 'god'/monster unleashed a credible imitation of hellfire.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As they're being pushed back, Sanary regrets not wearing her other set of armor. Whereas that one would have been more effective at both withstanding the beam and aiding her in blocking against it, this set is definitely suited more for evasion and ice-based attacks. The arm holding the shield, oddly enough, is actually mostly unscathed even by the time she falls back to that giant barrier. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The one that was directing healing energy into Yuna, though ?Well, the good news is that the damage won't be permanent. Her arm is just a little... Crispy. Thankfully, having all that healing magic swirling around it did mitigate the damage somewhat, and that's probably the only reason the cleric can even move her arm now. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Son of a... Freaking... Mmrgfh! E-everyone okay?" She mutters a few quiet curses to herself while getting on one knee, setting the shield in her lap to start channeling energy into the staff-bits taped to it. Nothing happens at first, but eventually? Healing magic just starts covering the whole lot of them in that little area!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:757|Misha (757)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Fwahh...!"<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That's not Hymmnos. No, that's Misha finally bringing her song to a halt, when the creature falls. Were it a true god, it would not have wrought such havoc for no discernible reason. Heedless of the cold, the Reyvateil drops to her knees with a small puff, taking a moment to catch her breath.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Perhaps a little more intense than how she had planned her evening, and she dare not even think about what Jakuri has done to the stew. "Ah..." Then she remembers the reason she came. Back on her feet in an instant, fatigue forgotten, she wades through the snow towards the recovering soldiers. "H-Have any of you seen a young man in white armor? Blonde hair, blue eyes, big stupid smile? -Anyone?" She'll start demanding that answer of the men, heedless of their distrust, before making her way to ask the same of the MYSTERIOUS HOODED FIGURE.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:575|Ayako Hasekawa (575)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ayako sighs with relief as that... thing goes down. She drops her barrier and takes a deep breath. Oh! But first! Riva! She quickly pulls her broomstick out of... somewhere, hops on it and flies over to where she last heard Riva's voice. She did have quite the mouthful to say as she was tearing into that thing! "Riva! Where are you?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She floats a few feet above the ground while looking around. Ayako does smile and wave cheerfully to the soldiers that have survived. And then she floats down to treat some of their wounds while looking for Riva.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The beam sweeps past, destroying three of the five petals and leaving the fourth layer cracked... but somehow, Riva and Archer bring that thing down with an assault that leaves Shirou stunned and jaw-dropping. SERIOUSLY, did Riva just do that?!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Just crazy..." Yes. Yes, she's VERY crazy.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rho Aias fades, crumbling away into component prana as quickly as it appeared. Shirou drops to his knees... breathing raggedly hard. His arm's bleeding, no doubt from the backwash of holding up Rho Aias against that. Flesh is torn and muscles agonized... but then... in comes Sanary. Sanary to the rescue!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Huh?" He finds himself standing pretty easily, the injured arm no longer bleeding. Still wounded, but... that's an improvement. "Thanks! Looks like that teamwork really worked out!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;... Although here comes Caster wandering in. Shirou blinks, tensing lightly. He's seen her before. And likewise. And what's more... she's the Caster who just casually trapped people. "Emiya Shirou, though I'm sure you knew that. Caster, was making that boundary field a shrinking deathtrap really necessary?" He's eying her disapprovingly, but at least... not very judgementally. The boy's exasperated more than outraged at the moment.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Too much going on to really think.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel was able to make a differnce which mde her glad, but there ws the main enemy to worry about and this is where she starts to get a bit nuts. In one hand she's her keyblade and she's finally back in teh fitght he's going to run for the body she's not sure if the thing is dead or not and she wants to be sure the thing is down the magical weapon humms slightly as she moves towards it cautiously she's hurt to the point should anyone see her right now? She's not bleeding, but has glowing cracks on various places all over her body, for now he's going to try to confirm the thing is dead before moving to helpt the wounded. <br /><br /> "Let's make sure it's down for good."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At the approach of Misha, the soldiers on the edge give her a look. "Hey, isn't she the one who sang that song?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Weird, she looks kind of familiar." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Are they Einherjar? You saw what they did, right? They took down an Incarnation!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Never seen this man she's talking about." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Can we trust them?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All sorts of comments filtered through the gathering of soldiers. Many were off collecting the dead, others were securing the area, and plenty more were forming up with the captain of the company. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It doesn't look like anyone has SEEN THIS MAN though. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The hooded man is approached by Misha next with the same question. He was actually headed in her general direction, about to check on everything, so her approach gives him pause. "...Uh...Ahahaha..." Hey that vaguely idiotic laugh sounded familiar. "I think I know that guy." He reached up, pulling back his hood to reveal his face. Blonde hair messily spiked back, blue eyes, and an idiotic smile. Yep, that was Lyner. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hey Misha. Long time no see." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And /that's/ the first thing he says in greeting. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ladies and gentlemen, Lyner Barsett. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At that point, the captain of the soldiers approached. A middle aged man clad in armor, with a helmet atop his head, visor up. "AHEM! Sorry to interrupt, but I want to extend my thanks. You all were a great help. I don't want to imagine what would have happened, had we not been given your timely support." He looked hesitant, but after a shake of the head, went on. "I think it would be prudent to invite the lot of you return to Lucrelia at your leisure. We should talk proper." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The knight captain glanced over to the fallen body of the giant entity that had just been taken down. It was dissipating, particles flowing back to the mountain. "...Here is not the place for it, as we can clearly see."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:575|Ayako Hasekawa (575)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It takes a while, and a lot of milling about healing the soldiers, but... eventually, Ayako manages to find Riva! It seems she was buried in a snowdrift when that thing went down. Of course, Ayako has no problem moving the snow out of the way. She even does so gleefully, flinging it about in small snowballs.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And once she finds Riva, she greets her with a good dose of purple healing water. "Found you, Riva!" Ayako smiles brightly and offers Riva her hands to help her back onto her feet.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:821|Archer (821)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And just like that... it's over. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As the entity dies from the combined assault, Archer lets out a breath as the battle ends, expelling what one could call the tension of battle. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That wasn't quite an easy encounter... but it could have been far worse. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Glancing at it's body, Archer muses on exactly what the creature was. It hardly seemed like a true 'god' - perhaps a creature akin to a soldier of such an existence, but hardly of the same ilk. Then again, the nature of the Multiverse seemed to dictate that what equated 'Goodhood' might be quite different between realities. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Turning his attention to the assorted Elites far away on the battlefield itself, Archer narrows his eyes at the Confederates - Sanary Rondel and, if the Caster were to be believed, 'Gudako', wondering if it was for personal gain or just passing interest that they helped. On the other end of the spectrum, many of the Union members seemed rather battered - the girl with the kite-shield and the girl who'd charged the 'god' being first and foremost, though Emiya Shirou had, like Sanary, received heavy damage to one arm. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He doesn't bother going down to greet any of the soldiers - he simply retains his position atop the wall... watching with narrowed eyes as the creature's body dissipates into particles, all of which retreat to the mountain that had glowed before. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Some part of him seems to urge simply firing Caladbolg at the peaks and level it to be safe, but he couldn't afford to act so rashly when they didn't even know what they were up against - or if whatever was there could deflect his shot. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Either way... it seems that this was far from over... not that he expected it to ever be that comparatively easy. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He does however pause to listen, over the radios as well, as the white-cloaked man makes his presence known and extends a formal thanks to everyone. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Maybe he'd be the one to give them some answers about all this?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster gives a wide shrug to Shirou. "It was my master's idea, and it worked. You were all wasting time arguing, it was important to impress the gravity of the situation on you all~." The way she speaks, it's obvious the Servant doesn't have that much more concern for life than the master does. She sounds sweeter and less insane, if anything.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako makes idle note of the term 'Incarnation', but mostly she's letting Caster handle it. The pink-haired foxgirl smiles to the guards, though she also watches Lyner with interest when he turns out to be the man that the singing girl was looking for. Sadly, she doesn't know him! Or the girl. Mostly, she could tell whatever that singing was, it was pretty potent, but that's not exactly hard to figure out either.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cutting to the chase, Caster asks the guards: "Incarnations... how often do they show up? And how do you know they're gods, and not just very powerful monsters? There's a big difference, you know~?" Well, SHE would know, for sure.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The horrible beast falls, and massive snowdrifts are kicked up into the air. Riva vanishes in the cataclysmic fall, and everything goes silent for a bit. <br /><br />Riva doesn't answer things immediately, everything going dark. Dark and cold. For a little bit, she wonders if she's dying again. <br /><br />And then she twitches, a blast of pain running through her body. NOPE. NOT DEAD. With a groan, there is a crinking sound, and when Ayako finds Riva and pulls her up, she has an unwrapped taco hanging out of her mouth, her horrible wounds visibly healing, albeit slowly. "Mmmph! mmmfh mmphle." She says, getting splashed with healing water. This speeds things up dramatically, and Riva is soon standing again, crunching on the taco as she swallows. "Thanks, Ayako." Sanary calls to her too, and she waves over to the healer. "I'll be fine! Just gimme a sec." She calls, her Anima seeming to repurpose itself to restoring her body when she's not using it to kill things and not die. She turns to give Ayako a hug, and then walks back out into the midst of the troops, waving to them in greetings, but she's looking for someone specific. <br /><br />WHERE IS MISHA- oh, there she is... AND LYNER. Okay, good, that's handled. There is a moment where she almost starts trying to LOOM over Lyner, but she winces, grimacing in pain. Stilllll not quite healed yet. She'll just let that go down how it will, instead heading over to meet with the others. "Hey there, guy." Riva waves to the captain. "No problem, it's why we're here. Lucrelia, right? Okay, I'm down to stopping in to visit." She smiles. "After all, I probably have to talk to a very stubborn guy over some beers."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanary raises an eyebrow at the hooded man, looking from him to the woman that had been signing just moments earlier. The whole thing between them just draws a confused shrug from her, and her attention soon returns to that captain inviting them to what sounds like this region's name. She shakes the staff-bits out of her shield, the chunks of wood brittle and worthless after expending their durability with that concentrated burst of healing. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Sounds good to me. We'll be back to look around properly another time, then." Grinning after a moment (albeit still painfully with most of her arm red from the burning), she manages to snap him a quick salute before scooting over to Gudako and Caster. They're the only other Confederates around, after all, and it'd probably be less awkward to stand near them than anyone else! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She isn't about to just leave, though, and her attention soon returns to the other Elites in the area. Archer gets a particularly long stare, although she doesn't seem to be so mistrusting as to just focus on him longer than necessary to give him a nod in a greeting. Ayako gets a friendlier wave and even a slight grin, her attention shifting to Riva quickly once she hears that response. "Easy now. YOu and Yuna took it pretty bad, so." More healing energy is sent her and Yuna's way before Sanary lets herself relax again, glancing over at Shirou and Deelel while waving them over and keeping more energy circulating around her arm just in case.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:757|Misha (757)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sorry grateful village NPC, Misha Arsellec Lune's mind is on a single track at the moment. She was half about to turn to the next local defender when she hears that voice.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jade eyes snap back around, shooting wide open, the Star singer going dead still in her tracks as she stares, attention locked raptly on the source.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"/LYNER!/"<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The cry is shrill and loud- and followed immediately by Misha completely throwing herself at the youth once the hood is down.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All of her weight.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And she's much bigger now than the last time he had seen her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:575|Ayako Hasekawa (575)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ayako waves back to Sanary and follows cheerfully after Riva. She does however, take another look at Shirou... and smiles as she notes that Sanary has already healed him a bit. She does give him a ball of green healing water to help with the low prana situation, though. It's better than getting an awful headache later. But other than that, she just stays behind the others, idly sweeping the brush of her broomstick on the ground behind her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Welp. Caster's explanation leaves Emiya Shirou gaping. And off goes the fox, leaving him staring into empty space. Then rubbing his face profusely. "Geeze, why are so many Servants completely unreasonable?!" He exclaims, exasperated. Caster might hear him, or maybe she won't. He doesn't follow her. Instead he starts following after Ayako- and gets splashed with some water that leaves him blinking a bit, arms coming out as if he jsut got shot. "Uh?!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But it does get a glimmer from his Magic Circuits. Oddly visible through his flesh this time. They glow for just a moment. He jitters in place as if it just gave him the willies, but.. "Wow. Yeah, Ayako would make a great Caster..." He mumbles to himself without really thinking.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:916|Lyner Barsett (916)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A young guard near Caster hears her question and stares at her. "God? No, what are you talking about? An Incarnation is a fragment of God! Filled with hatred, it comes to try and destroy us!" So he said. He seemed passionate about it. "This is the third time in about two months. But they were never this strong before..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So that's how it was. But there would be no time for further talk, as the guard ran off to join the rest. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ".....Well." The captain arched a brow at Misha's antics, as well as the general disparity between the group in action, and the group at rest. A few blinks were had, and then he sighed. "Well. Like I said, come at your leisure. Just ask for Captain Laurence when you approach the gates. They should let you in." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With that, he turned away, armor clanking as he rejoined his men. "Alright, come on men! We're to report back!" They got back into formation, and proceeded to march away, whatever remnants of the forces were left. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MEANWHILE. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Huh?" That was the only word Lyner had time to utter before Misha TACKLED HIM WITH ALL OF HER WEIGHT. "WGAHFHK!" And he is bowled over, crashing into the snow backfirst and swirlies in his eyes. "Whu....guh...-- Hi?" That was all he offered, once the vertigo wore off. "N-Nice to see you too? How've you been? Everything good?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Really, Lyner?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's because you humans are really good at betrayal and hatred. Naturally, it stands to reason that anyone who has lived a life grander than any human and become a legend amongst them, would have experienced the very worst humanity can bring to bear. The treason, the anger, the violence, the bloodshed and wars. Us Servants have the unique perspective of having died from those things, and coming back centuries later to see how nothing has changed, despite all it cost us," Caster answers Shirou-- directly, her voice a bit more serious for a moment.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then she turns toward Lyner and Misha, smiling. "Ah~ but sometimes I forget humans can be beautiful and honest too. Aheh~..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Without being able to get more out of the guards, Caster finally opts to dematerialize, joining Berserker in hanging around Gudako but not being visible. The master ponders, and then decides she's done here! It seems there's no more questions to get answers to left, just arguments about morality and... whatever all those things she doesn't care about are.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:495|Riva Banari (495)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Captain Lawrence, got it." Riva replies with a smile. The healing from Sanary gets sparkled at her, and she looks even healthier, now, almost like she didn't just charge into near certain doom. She heals fast when not fighting, apparently! <br /><br />In the menatime, now that all else has been handled, Riva creeps around and ducks behind a snowdrift, watching Lyner and Misha intently. This seems to be /super important/ to Riva for some reason. <br /><br />"Wow, that guy really /is/ an idiot." She whispers to Ayako, who is probably hovering by her like usual.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:575|Ayako Hasekawa (575)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ayako of course, is hovering by Riva. Literally. She's trying to hide right by her, lying down on her broomstick in hopes that it will help her keep a low profile. It doesn't. In fact, it makes her stand out more. Hiding just isn't something she's good at. She whispers back at Riva, "Well... everyone's dumb in some ways, right?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Speaking of which, Ayako's witch hat is obviously poking out of the top of the snowdrift Riva and her are hiding behind.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel is very thankful for Sanary's help right now she could use the healing she's too tired to make use of her own blades abilities as she banishes it. <br /><br /> "I could really use some energy right now." <br /><br /> She mutters to herself as she seems to have confirmed that the thing is down at least for the moment and she's now going to mee up with Captain Lawerence and the rest. <br /><br /> "That was an experiance I have to admit and the name's Deelel...just what /was/ that all about anyway?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Eh? Ah, let's see if this works, then..." Sanary takes a short breath before directing some more of that energy Deelel's way, focusing more on the stamina regeneration aspects rather than physical healing. Would it work? Who knows. It's worked on Digimon before, but that's neither here nor there! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Either way, she seems satisfied enough, and the healer glances around slowly before taking up a position behind Ayako and Riva. Why? Lack of anything else to do, mostly. That, and keeping her arm against the snow feels quite nice with how hot her arm still is. She keeps her voice down while giving Ayako a light nudge, trying to watch Lyner and Misha without drawing too much attention their way. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "So what am I missing? I'm... Guessing they're really into each other or something?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:757|Misha (757)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THUMP.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That is the sound of Misha suddenly headbutting Lyner's chestplate. "Is everything good? Is that all you have to ask?!" Blurted with a huff as she glares up.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hmph!<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You don't even notice anything different? Anything at all?!"<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No, Misha did not get a haircut, before that line of thought is even broached. The Reyvateil HUFFS. "Lyner Barsett, you're such an idiot!" Wow she sounds irritable. But then calms almost as fast.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"... But you're my idiot."<br> <br><br />
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}}</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3413/Dinner_With_A_Beast&diff=121373413/Dinner With A Beast2015-11-28T18:59:52Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2015/11/18 |Location=Southern Urbania |Synopsis=Gudako and Ira have dinner at a steakhouse! |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=908, 915 |Tinyplot= |Tinyp..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/11/18<br />
|Location=Southern Urbania<br />
|Synopsis=Gudako and Ira have dinner at a steakhouse!<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=908, 915<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ruth Morton is a notorious stakehouse in Southern Urbania known for being pretty expensive. Inside, the decor reflects wealth from the white tablecoths to the well-dressed waiters and waitresses. Every dish is ordered a la carte and the patrons are given the choice of /specific/ steak, displayed on a wonderful platter of meat before the meal commences. Bills typically start at 100 credits and go up. <br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ira MacNally is under the impression that Gudako will be paying. After all, she /did/ say yesterday that she had a servant, meaning she is probably pretty rich. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For dining, Ira has opted to stay in her school uniform which is the most formal-looking thing she owns. She might have even tried to comb her frizzy hair though it sure doesn't look that way. The tall teenager can be found waiting alone at a table for four, two extra empty seats put out in case Gudako brought along her servants. A tumbler filled with some kind of amber-colored liquid rests in her hand, sipped occasionally as she waits for her "date" to be directed to the table.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako is totally rich.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the sense that having a wallet full of money you take off dead bodies or beat out of people can be considered being rich. Certainly she's hauling enough around to pay for this, anyway!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unlike Ira, who wears a school uniform, Gudako wears a long-sleeved white shirt and black skirt, with black tights and white knee-high boots. She's got straps around her chest, a weird sort of cosmetic feature linking her sleeves in front? It's probably fashionable, somewhere.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The auburn-aired magus is alone, at least until she sits down! The cue of it being a table for four causes her two Servants to materialize-- pink-haired, fox-eared-and-tailed fox ladies, one in blue robes with her hair pigtailed, the other red-robed with her hair in a single ponytail, and big cat paws over her hands and feet. It's hard to say if they're real cat paws or boots and mittens.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hi, hi! Caster, Berserker, say hi!" Gudako says.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Pleasure to meet you!" Caster says.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This is a nice place!" Berserker says, almost drooling.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So!" Gudako focuses on Ira, with her ever-smile. "Am I going to get to hear your story about getting superpowers and playing a mirror game?" Right to the point.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lazily, Ira watches the door, though as she does, she realizes she didn't really give a description of herself. Part of her thinks she doesn't need to-most people hear the Irish accent and immediately get the vision of a stereotypical Irish girl in their heads-the sort of red-haired, green-eyed, maybe broad shouldered variety. Ira at least has the red hair but her eyes lean more towards an amber, almost yellowish color. Failing that kind of recognition, she resolves to waving down the first confused-looking girl she sees wandering into the restaurant. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gudako gets a good look-over when she arrives and a brief startled look follows as the Servants suddenly just APPEAR out of nowhere, clearly looking not all that human. She squints at them both for a few seconds before relaxing. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hey." she smirks, "Yeah, I hear this place has some great steak." She takes a long sip from the glass which, judging by the smell, contains whiskey. "Hah! Right to the point, I like that. Sure, I'll give you a story, but if the waiter comes around with the meat I'll have to stop." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She leans back in her chair, crossing one leg over the other. "So first things first. The rumor the other two were talking about and freaking out over. What you do is lock yourself in a room in front of a mirror and say, 'Mirror Mirror in my sight, reveal to me secrets on this night' or something close to that. And you're supposed to learn a secret, right? Turns out what REALLY happens is a huge lumberjack-lookin' reaches through the mirror and /drags you in/, plopping you down in the middle of the Mirror Forest. I kind of blacked out during it because when I woke up, there wasn't anybody around. Just me in the middle of a super sharp forest." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Around that time, they're interrupted by the waiter coming around. He presents a very large tray filled with various cuts of steak. Ira is quick to call dibs on the Delmonico.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's entirely possible Gudako didn't know what to look for. But she's direct, and kind of shameless, and would have likely wandered from table to table until she found the right one. And it wouldn't have bothered her in the slightest.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She listens intently at the description of the Persona Game. And then vocalizes thoughts, because what's a filter? "That's really cool! I wonder what makes you qualify for it. Can anyone just do it? Is the lumberjack a picky jerk? There must be something special that determines who gets superpowers and who dies!" She really wants to try this herself now.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sadly, being pretty close to a Shadow, it's doubtful it would work. Not that she'd know that! The flaws of being so open, honest and... herself. Also corrupt.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As steaks arrive, Berserker is the one to eye the tray, and it takes Caster holding her back to prevent her from just jumping out of her seat. Gudako eyes the tray, musing.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'll take all of them for the table!" she says.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Berserker obtains hearts in her eyes. "M-Master~~!"<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Caster mutters something about spoiled cats.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I have no idea. If there's some kind of qualification...I obviously met it." She smirks, but the smirk disappears. "I'm not sure what it might be if August and that Japanese girl qualified too. Heck, you could try testing it out on our world sometime. Just hide in the girl's room until after hours or something. BUT...I think I have some idea about who lives or dies." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ira watches the Servants react to the meat, snickering a little. There's slight disappointment as Berserker holds back because she would have /loved/ to see the waiter's reaction to being pounced. "-w..wait, all of them?" Ira double takes, "Damn, girl, you must be stacked. I'll take another of these by the way-" she wiggles her glass at the waiter before he departs. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Now where was I...oh yeah. The reason. If there was anything close to the challenges I had to face, well, then it's obvious that if someone who is weak or stupid goes through the mirror, then they will die. When I woke up, I found a candle, bell, and rope scattered around me and I did the sensible thing and took them all. Looking around, I did see a distant light in the forest and I tried walking to it." <br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She sets her glass down, "I was walking for hours and the light didn't get any closer, no matter what other obstacles I went over to get to it. I crossed rivers, ravines, huge patches of thorns, nothing. I couldn't reach the light. At that point I was frustrated, so I pulled this out-" she reaches into a pocket and produces a zippo lighter, "-and lit the candle. Suddenly that light wasn't there anymore. I got this kind of feeling from the...okay, this will sound weird. From the darkness around me? Like I passed something? It was probably some kind of metaphor about lighting your own way and not relying on others or something."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ah, Hoshi? I don't think she likes me very much!" Gudako says, still with a wide smile. "I wonder if it's becaused I mused throwing random people into a mirror until we either figure out what's going on or we have enough footage for a cool survivor reality TV show. Isn't that just how the entertainment world works though?" Maybe Hoshi is just a jerk, too! Who could say?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The magus ponders, examining Ira from top to bottom. And seeing nothing unusual. What did she expect to see? Maybe it was just a gesture for the sake of saying she tried. If she wanted real magical analysis, she'd ask Caster.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I think one of them mentioned a challenge but they didn't explain. When we went to rescue that Alexis girl, the forest sure liked throwing puzzles our way. Mostly wordplays! Like a tower that can't be climbed, but it's okay if you just carve a hole into it to enter, or brambles that can't be cut so you just burn them instead. Oh! Maybe there's like... a dungeon master, watching the forest. And he's handpicking people he thinks are smarter. So you found useful tools and used them correctly, and that earmarked you."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But why? For fun? Oh, Gudako would absolutely do that for fun, yes, but others always seem so opposed to that. Therefore, there surely must be another reason. "Maybe he has enemies he wants you to kill for him with your newfound powers. Or it's a strong cull the weak sort of deal!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"She seems like a real stuck up bitch." Ira remarks off-handedly, swirling the whiskey around in her tumbler. "She was definitely getting her panties in a twist about your suggestions. Not sure why, it /does/ seem to be the most effecient way to figure it out." She shrugs, leaning an elbow on the table. "Sounds like she wants to get rid of the place." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Silent, Ira finishes off her drink and looks longingly at the center of the table where normal restaurants would place bread. There is none here-this place is way too classy for table bread. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That explains a lot. Like with the bell...well, all I did was trade it for a boat. I did notice that when I gave it away to some troll-looking guy, it turned into a gold bell with jewels on it. Very weird. I'm pretty sure I read soomething in a story like that before." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She seems to preen a little though, appreciating what she's perceiving as actual compliments. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"People in need of killing, eh. I can get behind that. I can get behind that /and/ some culling. I can think of some people that could use some...culling." On that vaguely uncomfortable note, their food is delivered. No sooner than the plate hits the table does Ira start eating. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's a good while before she starts speaking again. "Though speaking of killing, after that boat thing, I ran into this...thing that looked like a withered, witchy version of me. It kept saying all these rotten, stupid things about me. So I punched it. Then it got back up and continued talking. So I punched it again. Same deal. Eventually, I just used the rope to tie it to a tree and left it there. I don't have time to deal with whiny and mopey clones." Ira sniffs distastefully.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ah, a bitch? She's a bit odd, but she's just being honest! It's good for people to say what they really think, even if they're not things you agree with! Then there's no misunderstandings possible, right?" Social games really never were her forte, and still aren't. Maybe that's why she's so outspoken and direct. Gudako shrugs!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So you traded a bell for a boat and then fought your... hmmmmmm! They called them Shadows, I think! When we saved Alexis, we had to fight a version of her that called herself the Countess and has imprisoned the real one. So I was right! Evil twins! The Mirror Forest makes evil twins, that's awesome!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chew, chew. Gudako eats steak, there is nothing to see there. Berserker, well, she's more like chomping down entire steak halves. While Caster uses a fork and knife like a polite, normal person. There's no lack of royalty in the way she conducts herself while eating. It's almost methodical.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So you beat up Shadow You without any powers? Shadow Alexis had like, cool fire powers, she was hurling the stuff everywhere! Like pow, zap, fwoosh, really everywhere! It seemed like a normal person would just get incinerated on the spot."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yeah, a bitch. Hasslin' me to not do stuff, not associate with you. I get the feeling she doesn't like you very much either. I wonder why." It's an honest 'I wonder why' since she literally just met Gudako and doesn't find anything too awful about her. Even the lack of filter thing is somewhat tolerable to Ira, which is saying a lot. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And that was my evil twin?" Ira frowns, "But she was so weak and lame and suicidal." There is definite annoyance behind her words as she stirs her memories of her encounter with the Shadow. Fortunately, the amusing behavior of the Servants prevents her from going into a spiral of grumbling about it. "Yeah, there were no special powers. But maybe it was different because I didn't have any special powers. Yet at least. I kind of wish I did after that when those...dog people and the wolf that turned into a guy on a horse started hunting me down through the forest like an animal. Fuck, that part was awful. If everyone has to go through that then I'm betting most people die at that part."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm sure she'll warm up to me sooner or later!" Maybe literally. Having Caster set Hoshi on fire has been a passing thought. It's not like she can keep Gudako from visiting the forest, anyway.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Suicidal, huh? Maybe not evil twins then. Maybe just awful twins. Maybe if you ask August what Alexis is like normally and then we compare that to what the Countess was like we can make the link! Or not. I'm sure a few more run-ins will help settle that mystery!" As all things are wont to do, sooner or later.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The tale of the wolf and horseman, now that seems to get Gudako's mind off her steak. "You met the wolf! Hoshi said it's actually really Death! Like, the grim reaper, except as a wolf! He comes if you stay in the forest too long. How did you escape if you didn't have your powers yet? She insisted pretty hard if he comes for you you're like, megascrewed, but there you are."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Maybe. I'm not exactly keen on happy fun friend time with her myself." Ira growls a little not unlike a disgruntled dog. Though speaking of dogs, she practically inhaled her steak. It doesn't last long. She looks at her juice-covered plate and contemplates ordering another. "If they had similar encounters with 'Shadows', I wonder very much what they were like. Maybe equally distasteful in their own way? I bet the objective is to unsettle you." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She goes quiet, looking vaguely embarassed. "I did what any animal does when confronted by a hunting party. I ran. I'm not proud of this but at the same time, just looking at it, I could tell that this was something I couldn't beat if I fought it, which is a bitter pill to swallow. I don't like there being things I can't beat." <br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Something seems to come to her in that moment, "If it's Death, though, it's probably another metaphor thing. You can't beat death. You can run from it but it'll catch up with you eventually." She laughs, "How /poetic/! How convenient! Maybe worthiness for superpowers is dependent on you learning these lessons."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I bet if I asked them about their Shadows they wouldn't tell me. Maybe they'd tell you!" Or not. Who knows! Hoshi is kind of uptight. "Unsettling twins instead of evil twins, maybe! It's too bad you don't have access to someone who knows where the Mirror Forest came from, because then they'd probably have all the answers." And if they don't want to tell, you beat them up! Until they do. Most people talk, eventually.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Nothing is unbeatable! It just means you haven't found the right trick yet. It's like those RPG bosses with super high stats. Either you took a loss for the script and will get to beat them later, or there was a weakness you were meant to exploit, or some special items you should have equipped! Death isn't unbeatable, or else ghosts and immortals wouldn't exist." That's probably not entirely true but surely there's a word of wisdom in there somewhere.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So, when DID you get your superpowers? You ran from Death, and then what? Eventually you outran it, after all!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'll have to ask them both sometime. I am pretty curious as to how it worked for them. Like...what kind of challenges, besides that wolf, did they face? I really bet every person gets something different and personal. But it's true. Maybe, Gudako, there is someone out there who knows everything, we just haven't met them yet." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ira gives Gudako a bit of a blank stare next. Ira doesn't seem to be genre savvy...or at least she doesn't seem to be a JRPG gamer because all that stuff about bosses and equipment just go over her head, except for the vague sense of getting stronger. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is just one final question to answer: "I outran it for a little while. Just as it was about to corner me, the persona started talking to me. With the persona, I was able to go between the worlds freely and thus escape the hunting party as I fled into the real world. After that it was a slow, gradual learning and experimentation with the Persona of what it could and couldn't do. Yeah...running, not my best hour."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I've had to run a few times too! It's better to think of it as tactical withdrawals than running, especially if you really have plans to come back and finish the job. There's no shame in taking multiple tries to beat something! Some enemies you have to gradually wither down or avoid until you're ready, or else you'll just waste your time." Gudako nods, mostly to herself. Sage advice, she thinks, gamer or not.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So these Persona give you superpowers and they're how you travel between worlds. Cool! I wonder if there's more worlds than just the Mirror Forest then. Oh! Oh, oh, say. I'm part of this thing called the Confederacy, I guess I have to give you the pitch see if you like it. Power, freedom, all that jazz. And some very good friends to plot things with. Well, you don't have to answer now, but think about it!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wouldn't be hard for Ira to look up all that stuff online, thankfully.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ira blinks in...surprise? Yes. Surprise would be the best way to describe her reaction to Gudako's words. "...and I will beat it." she adds, if a touch hastily, "Once I've mastered using this Persona, I'm going to go back to this 'wolf' and beat it. Nobody turns /me/ into prey." More growling, more...posturing? It's a little like watching the aggression display of an animal. A little. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh, yeah, that. That's how we can go in and out of the world-without having one, I guess you have to be pulled in by that lumberjack guy. -oh, hey, /multiple/ worlds like that? I didn't even think about that. I mean...with all this multiverse excitement at least. That counts as multiple worlds, right?" <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She drains have of her new glass of whiskey. There are no signs of intoxication. "Confederacy, eh. That's the huge superfaction opposite of the Union, right? So it's filled with people like you, eh." She rubs her chin, "I'll think about it, sure. This whole 'people wanting me to join groups' thing is kind of new. Are any of my other classmates in it?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Haha, nah! Your classmates don't seem to like people like me, so I bet they'd get chewed up and spat out if they tried joining. They joined the Union, I think. That's alright I guess, nothing wrong with being a hero! If they don't mind being kind of dumb and boring, anyway," Gudako answers the question, as simply as she can.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then she gives a thumb up.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That's the spirit! Grind up your stats and level, kick Death's ass! Maybe he drops some sweet loot. Or maybe that's the entire point of the Persona Game! To find people who can beat Death." Is it? She has no idea. But if she had to design a system to breed heroes that will defeat something very powerful, the Persona Game is a pretty efficient murder engine design. Plus, it self-sustains itself! Until it succeeds, or someone destroys it, anyway.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh, huh. You know, I'm not that surprised, given what I've heard of them so far...wanting to go in and save people. Like with Alexis. Whatever, if they want to play hero, that's their decision, I don't really care. They're gonna have a problem if they expect me to /act/ like them though, which is why I'm still thinking about that group. On the other hand, it does give a good excuse to go in there with..." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She wrinkles her nose in disgust, the words hard to get out, "Other.../people/." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her eyes widen, "Hey, you have a good point there. Maybe that IS the purpose. Maybe the lumberjack pulls you in because he thinks that if you get superpowers, you can defeat the wolf one day. I hope Death has some good loot on it."<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3451/Minor_Grail:_The_Sentinel_Maze&diff=121363451/Minor Grail: The Sentinel Maze2015-11-28T18:54:44Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2015/11/27 |Location=The Great Mountains |Synopsis=The small village of Wolong in the Great Mountains requests help dealing with a rogue Caster... ..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/11/27<br />
|Location=The Great Mountains<br />
|Synopsis=The small village of Wolong in the Great Mountains requests help dealing with a rogue Caster... but not all is as it seems.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=430, 598, 687, 714, 794, 895, 908, 915<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The small village of Wolong, in a sheltered position within the Great Mountains, is a mix of Japanese and Chinese culture, Asian architecture spanning at best fifty buildings, most houses, but at least one is readily identified as barracks. Months ago, this small village was threatened due to its position between the Union and Confederate front lines, being a choke point that would be invaluable to own. But when a meteor, or so people assumed, crashed into the nearby mountains, the small village mounted a competent, powerful militia overnight, and utilized unusual and highly successful tactics, first to defend, and then push back.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Neither faction had deemed it worth pushing into Wolong any further, and it stopped the militia's advance. But lately, the village has suffered unrest, and in the wake of its elder's passing, the new elder has reached out to both factions for help. It would turn out the Confederacy would answer the call first.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The village, surrounded by trees and mountains, is difficult to see from above. It meant that precision air strikes and drops weren't possible, not without just razing the mountain chain anyway. North, the Union front lines, and south, the Confederate ones, after some travel through the needle-like stone pillars and peaks. West, mountains, and east, more mountains-- but east is an actual path, a road that navigates through the base of the taller stone formations.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though the villagers seem unhappy at the new elder's decision to call on the Superfactions, the young man waits at the entrance for those willing to investigate. He'll answer your questions, if you have any, and very roughly explain that their former tactician, the man who turned their situation around, disappeared into the mountains. Since then, nobody who leaves the village, not even to get water, returns. They never got his name, because he never told them. 'Caster', is all he'd agree to say.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;GUDAKO is along, with her dematerialized Berserker, but she seems more concerned by her cellphone than by this. Maybe if someone has a question only she can answer!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's mid-day here, and the weather is pretty clear.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:430|Satsuki Kiryuin (430)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;More often than not, when Satsuki Kiryuin attends Confederate business, she brings one of her Elite Four with her, both for the skills they can provide, and for the simple presence they bring with them.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Especially Ira Gamagoori. He brings a lot of that.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But for today, the Student Council President of Honnouji Academy has arrived with no support but an old man very obviously clad in butler's clothes, who follows after her dutifully despite his advanced age. She walks as if completely assured of his presence, eyes straight forward despite the natural beauty of their present location; apparently she's all business in times like this. And also, for that matter, is given to playing hardball.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The new village elder is greeted with nothing less than a cold, hard stare, and an expression that could generously be described as 'stern'. "This village declared it had no need for the Union or Confederacy some time back. While I am willing to allow for the change in leadership as a change in direction, I'm afraid that the obvious question must be asked. What do we stand to gain, by helping a small village that once repulsed our authority with military action? You yourself may not have condoned it, but your home has raised its hand against the Confederate military. That cannot simply be forgotten."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:895|Tommy Wahagi (895)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The pale, skinny Tommy Wahagi doesn't look like other Confederates. Other Confederates are like Darth Vader, Lezard Valeth, Satsuki Kiryuun. Other Confederates project an aura of dangerousness around them, a powerful confidence that cuts as sharply as any weapon. Many of them carry with them the scars and skills of a life of hardship. Tommy...Tommy carries with him nothing. He has no killer's aura, no sharp and dangerous look to him, no confident appearance. Dressed in his long robe, with a weird metal backpack clinging to his back, the pale and skinny Tommy looks more like a student forced onto a hiking trip than a dangerous member of one of the superfactions. No, worse - he looks like a student who's never had to do physical activity before who's been forced onto a hiking trip. His breathing is ragged. He seems unhappy, even frustrated, at the long expense of energy. The beautiful scenery is lost on him, drawing only spite as they work their way past trees. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But this is part of what it takes to gain more power. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When they finally arrive at the village, Tommy nearly collapses. He hits the ground, breathing hard, the wheezing, heaving breaths of an asthmatic wracking his body. On hands and knees, he fights to regain both his breath and his dignity. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Meanwhile, the beautiful nurse Xanya appears completely unbothered by the long trek. The woman is unreal - /too/ perfect, like she was made in a factory, without the blemishes and flaws of humankind. She kneels and lifts Tommy up, helping him catch his breath with a distant smile on her face. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Satsuki's speech gives Tommy a moment's pause, although that, again, might just be him coughing. For a moment, it seems like he's going to say something, but then the moment passes, and rather than disagree, he remains silent. A look slides across his face for all of an instant, a dark and unpleasant look. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Satsuki probably isn't the cause.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ira MacNally is most definitely not a member of the Confederacy. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However, Ira MacNally is definitely a lover of earning money. Her recent antics at the Factory did a good job at least establishing to the Multiverse what she's capable of-and attracting the attention of people that could pay for it. Though in this case, she was mostly aware that Gudako was doing a thing and she wanted in on it. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The teenager doesn't look like she's visibly armed, having come from a world where it really wasn't kosher to carry around weapons casually. She's at least gotten herself what looks like an armored leather coat to wear over her school unform for the purpose of 'missions'. All the while here, she's been staring at Tommy, then looking back to Gudako with a 'seriously? Really?' kind of expression on her face. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The beefy Irish girl only has one question for the new elder: "What direction did he disappear off to?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ark has replaced his poncho. The new one looks crisp and clean; newer, to be blunt. He hasn't given up on his hat, though, so the young man with the steel-grey attire and vivid purple hair stands out just a little bit more than usual. The older man next to him, apparently middle-aged and in a rumpled grey suit and kind of floppy hat, just seems kind of... out of place, rather than remarkable.<br /><br />"Oh, relax." Ark waves a hand dismissively. "We'll talk about recompense and levies and crap like that later. These people need our help." It's a remarkable attitude for a Confederate elite to take, but Ark is one of a couple oddities among the roster. "We take care of the problem, they surrender to our forces, we secure the area and then we talk about what they can do for us, too."<br /><br />"Our focus should be on the individual on the mountain," Caster of Steel, the other man with Ark, remarks. "If he is the source of their stiff resistance, we will need a proper plan of action to remove him from his sanctuary."<br /><br />"And that," Ark agrees. He smiles a lopsided smile at Satsuki. "C'mon. Give 'em a break. They know they've made their bed."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>LEZARD VALETH is here as well. Having a secret superpower of being able to appear to be a reasonable person on occasion has been useful when dealing with people in political arenas, The Necromancer of Midgard is not putting on airs today, simply carrying himself along without weapon or apparent care. When Tommy collapses he walks past, not offering him help up... <br /><br />But he also does not leave him behind, waiting for him to recover before they speak to the new elder. <br /><br />The Sorceror of Midgard adjusts his glasses, considering as Satsuki lays out her opening gambit. "Forgotten? Hardly, I would say it should be commended that they have done so much with so... little." He smiles faintly. "Then again, their prospective savior appears to have turned against them, have they not?" Lezard looks to Gudako, who seems to be engrosed in her phone games, and Ark Line, who is playing Good Cop to Satsuki's Honnouji Cop. "The being identified themselves a 'Caster'. This lends itself to certain conclusions, does it not?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:794|Darth Vader (794)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One of the voices that had answered the village of Wolong was that of the Galactic Empire. A nervous officer had been the communicating individual, speaking on behalf of Lord Vader. Whether the name was known or not, no effort was made to clarify the truth of the identity behind it, or what an ill omen it must be to capture that man's attention. Time passed, and then it had appeared. The Star Destroyer REVENANT entered the skies like the tip of a great knife wielded by an unfathomably colossal being, exiting hyperspace in a location that could only be interpreted as a subtle threat.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It casts a shadow that brings shade to the whole village and beyond.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The arrival of the Empire's agent is, if anything, more threatening still.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Darth Vader could be called a sorcerer to begin with, but at the controls of a starfighter he's as much a daredevil as he ever was, and very much in possession of skills that could rightly be called sorcery. What emerges from the REVENANT is not the TIE Advanced characteristic, but a small Eta-2 Actis-class interceptor. It is small, cramped, uncomfortable and barely has room to socket an astromech. It has elements of the TIE Fighter to it in this regard, though a little less minimalistic in all things save perhaps size. Its profile is small, and as speed and maneuverability goes...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vader does not walk, and he does not need to SEE to find the path that he will be taking. The fighter screams through the pass leading into the village with grace and precision, braking harshly as it reaches the end and comes to a landing where things are a bit more open. An eerie cold seeps out where Vader passed, and builds as the cockpit hisses open and he emerges from within.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Darth Vader approaches the gathering in relative silence, the repetitive hiss of his respirator serving as the only voice he offers for now. He can sense the tension and that words have already been exchanged. Besides which, he said enough with the manner of his approach: Others cannot find and reach you in this way. <span class="underline fg_n bg_n ++ u">I</span> can.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If it makes Tommy feel better, he can stay by Gudako, who projects no aura of danger whatsoever! Unless you're sensitive to dark magic. In which case she's a walking red flag. But don't mind that!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The village elder-- elder being a very generous term, maybe it'll be true in fifty years, but this guy is barely out of his teenage years-- makes a face at Satsuki, not an insulting one, more of a 'yeeeeah we kinda fucked that one up' face. "My father and the villagers didn't think we should get involved in the war. They'd have taken any way out. I never really agreed with the policy. This place is an important chokepoint, it'd further your war efforts. Honestly, people just want out now. Mountains are cursed, they say. We'd be better off rebuilding elsewhere, but whenever someone leaves, they never come back. Or call."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To Ira, he points into the eastern mountains. "We get food and water that way. Wells, plenty of fruit trees, things to hunt. Not safe anymore, though." Then to Lezard, a nod. "His price was pretty steep. He'd consume the magic and life of anyone we captured. We didn't mind, it meant a way out. When we ran out of people to capture, he became unhappy. And here we are. At first he struck us as the loyal, to-the-end man, very charismatic... the longer we worked with him, the more it seemed otherwise."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With Vader bringing a ship through the narrow mountains-- something any lesser pilot would find foolish-- villagers start heading indoors. And the 'elder' isn't without the ability to grasp the situation and implied threat. He wonders if he's just made a pact with several devils to cheat the village out of their last one gone wrong, but eventually concludes you have to do what you have to do.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's with a nervous pace the man directs the arrivals to the eastern entrance slash exit of the village, leading back into the narrow mountains and trees. "I'd prefer not to go with you. For... five different reasons." He tries not to say out loud that between Vader and Satsuki he's about ready to change his pants, but it's pretty obvious.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Last chance for questions, unless you're forcing him along!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:895|Tommy Wahagi (895)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ira (girl)'s looks have not escaped Tommy's notice. Not even once. He knows those looks. He's seen those looks from everyone in his life. Those looks, those looks. 'You're so pathetic', say those looks. 'Why don't you just die', ask those looks. 'How can someone like you keep fighting after all this,' wonder those gazes. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Those gazes have seeped into his skin. And while they haven't given him /confidence/, they have given him something similar, something that might be mistaken for confidence if one wasn't paying close attention. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Defiance. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "That's," Tommy manages, drawing himself up, "A r-really cowardly thing to do. You're a real c-coward, aren't you?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The look on his face is totally different as Xanya releases him. He leans heavily on a makeshift staff (literally just a big stick), staring at the village elder. "You're betraying someone strong t-to someone stronger. You're r-running away from the consequences because you're weak, and you d-don't even want to face the person you're betraying." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You're useless." Tommy draws in a sharp breath. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "We should," he says, not quite meeting the rest of the group's gaze, "Leave them to their f-fate, and go recruit this Caster guy. He s-sounds strong, and he p-played fair with them. He'd p-probably be useful to us. They'll just..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tommy's knuckles harden around the staff. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "They'll j-just betray us to someone the first chance they g-get." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "That's what weak people d-do."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There's something nostalgic about the place to Sanary. Maybe it's the size of the village, maybe it's the smell in the air, maybe it's how shady the people are, but the healer actually feels at ease as she stomps along in heavily-armored feet (along with her heavily-armored everything else) to join up with the other Elites. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Just in time, too, as she comes in at the tail end of the 'elder's' explanations and Tommy's own response. Once he finishes, she remains quiet for several moments before bursting out into laughter suddenly, clapping a hand across his back. Not too hard, of course, and she even makes sure to direct some magical energy his way just in case he needs a little pick me up! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "He's got a point. How do we know you're not just gonna screw us over later when you think you won't need us?" She levels a long stare at the 'elder', partially to try and look intimidating with her sole eye glowing purple for a second and partially to avoid looking directly at Vader and Honnouji Cop. "You know who brought that Caster here? If you play along, this place might not catch on fire later~"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The scorn is palpable. There is little love for the sick and weak in Ira's mind and she finds Tommy's presence absolutely baffling. There is no reassurement from the girl either, no words offered that she would be protecting the weaker members of the investigating pack. Were this mission to cull the weak in the process, Ira would be alright with that. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One of the later-joining members, Darth Vader, on the other hand receives a long stare. It isn't only the entrance but the very look of the masked, armored man is nonetheless attention-grabbing. The heavy breathing is slightly annoying. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ira sets out a few steps towards the Eastern mountains, but pauses as Tommy speaks, calling the man and the villagers a coward. "...these people have no power. If they betray us, they can't do anything to us, can they?" she laughs a little and continues on her way, "We need to have words with the 'Caster' it sounds like."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:430|Satsuki Kiryuin (430)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The approach of Lord Vader is one even a thoroughly 'mundane' person like Satsuki is not oblivious to - and not just because of the very visible, intimidating show of skill. Something on an instinctive level warns her of his approach, but between the sense of cold, ruthless power he carries with him and the display he put on with his approach, the Queen of Honnouji can't help but approve of his methods. Even if they unsettle her on some level. Ark, on the other hand, merely receives a stare with no small amount of disdain in response to his affability.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lezard, however, makes a more compelling argument to her sensibilities. "To rely on the strength of another is to leave oneself at their mercy," she says; he does have a point, but there's no small amount of dissatisfaction over their use of this mystery Caster on Satsuki's part. "But let me be clear," she says, turning back towards the elder. "You're proposing that, in return for our dealing with this 'curse' and your former savior, your village will cede this territory to the Confederacy and move elsewhere, granting us a valuable chokepoint. In essence, you're simply handing us the land 'as-is'."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Satsuki snorts quietly, and then turns on her heel. "Cowardly indeed. But this land is attractive enough that I, at least, am willing to take the deal as-offered. I'll even see to it that REVOCS resources are devoted to your relocation," she adds, lips curling into a smile that's very close to mocking. "However, my allies make a very pertinent point. So I must warn you. Those who serve the Confederacy loyally, are rewarded. Serve well, and you will find prosperity, even." Her left hand subtly shifts Bakuzan's sheath, however, calling attention to the weapon.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"However, if you attempt to bite the hand that feeds you, you will not be able to hide from our retribution no matter where you go or whose help you seek."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:794|Darth Vader (794)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Lies."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Darth Vader's deep voice booms out abruptly, like the crack of a whip in a silent room. He strides forward, looming tall over the Village Elder and looking down at him from behind lenses that offer no glimpse of what remains within. He raises a hand accusingly and threateningly, but he merely points for the moment, rather than grasping or striking. Even one of his hands is more than large enough to enclose a man's neck, and it could only be a little more obvious than it is right now. Specifically, it could only be more obvious if he was just straight up strangling somebody.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We were not summoned by the petty authorities of a backwater village of little value to be deceived by an amateur playing at politician."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You will explain what is happening, truthfully and in full, and you will not deceive us a second time." Vader concludes, matter-of-factly. He withdraws his hand back into the darkness of his cloak, glaring expectantly towards the young village elder.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ark is trying really hard to be the good cop. It's really difficult when there are an awful lot of bad cops (and also Satsuki, who gets her own category entirely). Maybe he should have listened to Caster more about working on his people skills. Except that would make him insufferable, so...<br /><br />...ehhn. He'll deal. Besides, maybe it's going to work even better with more threats flying around?<br /><br />"He wouldn't," Ark assures the team. "Screw us, I mean. If he's out here, he's got enough people behind him to know that this street's one-way. But it's pretty nice, right?" Ark claps the 'elder' on the shoulder. He's stronger than he looks, but he doesn't try to hurt him. "I'd say 'welcome to the winning team,' but first we should..." Vader arrives. Ark's train of thought is totally derailed for a second. That guy has /presence/. He forces himself back on-track. "...take care of that problem of yours. Right?" He looks around. Vader seems to want more information, so he lets him ask for it. Ark disengages from them, backing off to let the guy in the freaky armor handle this.<br /><br />While Ark backs off, Caster of Steel offers the 'elder' a quick nod, and watches Vader with a look of mild suspicion. The two of them soon start towards the path out of the village and up the mountain. "Be mindful of what words you use," Ark's Caster says to Ira. "We don't have enough intelligence to charge into this blindly."<br /><br />"But we sure do have enough firepower," Ark retorts, a touch cheerfully. He looks over his shoulder, calling, "Hey, 'prentice kid!" in Tommy's direction. "Come on; time for one of your practicals!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"C-Coward? We don't have any heroes here! It's a miracle we even held out this long! The village used to be three times this size, five times as populated. Getting that militia together to resist pretty much crippled us! Of course we want out! -I- want out!" the man answers Tommy, nervously.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sanary gets a headshake. "With what are we going to screw you over? Our militia's either dead or missing. We could throw potted plants at you, I guess." Humor, a cheap way to change the subject.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Satsuki gets it, though. It's a good deal. He calms down. "O-Of course we wouldn't do anything like that. We--" Before he can try to finish answering Satsuki, Vader motions towards the man and demands the truth. This causes the man to take a step back.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Lies. I. Don't know what you're talking about. I told you everything. He's somewhere in there. Honest!" That much is true-- he isn't lying about THAT. But with how nervous he's gotten, the fact he's hiding SOMETHING is too obvious. And if it wasn't obvious before, it's a bit more now-- the man seems to be under some sort of suggestive spell. He has his free will, but he's strongly compelled to do or say some things.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Please, you've gotten our offer. Just go kill him already. We can't suffer another day in this place." That one, that's a lie too.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Lezard does not menace the elder further, nor does he offer more perspective at the moment. Most of the conversation that can be had has been had. Other than perhaps more elucidation for Darth Vader, Lezard seems to believe they know most of what they need. He folds his arms at this point, perhaps sighing faintly. He seems distracted, really, though he waits to see what else might make itself apparent. <br /><br /> The response to Vader's accusations actually draws a faint narrowing of the eyes from Lezard, but he simply emits a low hmph, before nodding and turning away, heading to the mountain. <br /><br />He's seen what he needs to see. Time to play this Caster's game and see how well he has set the board.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:895|Tommy Wahagi (895)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanary whacks him on the back. This alone nearly topples him over. The healing magic is appreciated, but Tommy's defiant look melts instantly into a red-faced ground-staring phenomenon. Apparently the touch of pretty girls is something Tommy still isn't able to handle if they aren't his direct subordinate. Then again, *is* Xanya his direct subordinate? The woman's...well, it's just /odd/, his relationship there. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He remains staring at the ground at Vader's sharp crack of words. It's only when Ark calls that Tommy looks up and starts walking, almost out of reflex. The brief radio conversation explains what he should be doing, so Tommy slips open one of the pouches around his waist and pulls out his deck. Shuffling it rapidly, Tommy displays more physical dexterity than he really has any right to have as a sick person. It's like watching one of those ridiculous auto-shufflers shuffle a deck. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tommy looks over his shoulder at the Elder. There's a long, dispassionate gaze as he starts walking after Ark, shuffling his cards. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Then he stops and turns to look at the Elder. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; To REALLY look at the Elder. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "He w-wants us to go, doesn't he?" Tommy asks suddenly, a surprising degree of sharpness in his eye, "This is a t-trap because he's interested, isn't it? In seeing something b-besides this place. You're j-just the bait. M-Mister Vader is right, isn't he?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:430|Satsuki Kiryuin (430)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Satsuki stops dead in her tracks. She's utterly still. Much like Lezard, she's caught the tone of his voice, but she doesn't have enough information about what Casters are capable of to draw the right conclusions. Instead, she simply regards the man over her shoulder and says, "A lie by omission is still a lie. Lying to us would be a very poor idea." She doesn't really have more to offer than that. Wahagi is on the right track, and if anyone is well-equipped to deal with the man hiding something, it's Vader.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alas, he did have a point there. Sanary peers at the man for a while longer before shrugging lightly, resting a hand on the gunaxe at her side and looking towards the mountain. "Well, as long you know not to try that stunt again, I think this'll work out. Especially not with plants." She smiles sweetly at the 'elder', trying to avoid pushing him too far, then turns her gaze to Tommy and his... Interesting reaction to the whack. There's a slight smirk on her face at that, but she's not going to press those buttons just yet. They've got a job to do! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As she starts moving to follow Lezard, however, she stops just as quickly at the mention of a trap. She tries not to let her confusion show, focusing her gaze on those mountains without even turning around. She remains quiet, however, content to let the real speakers do their thing while she just focuses on listening. Learning. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Maybe learning how to use these techniques herself one day.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chastised by Caster of Steel, Ira turns to look at the man, not saying anything, but merely looking at him. She seems rather put off by this, dreadfully unamused, and clearly putting this Caster down on some kind of list. A snort escapes her and she looks away, boggling as Vader sweeps in to throttle their 'patron' and accuse him of lying. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She herself has all the magical senses of a rock. The compulsion spell that the man currently suffers under remains unknown to the persona user.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:794|Darth Vader (794)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Darth Vader seems contemplative for a short time, during which he simply looms over the stuttering elder and remains in place. He begins to put together pieces of the information that's been provided. A guardian appeared miraculously, but required prisoners to eat and drain. The militia is dead or missing ... but that's a lie. So is the claim that they don't have the ability to suffer another day here, and that he wants out. The logical explanation is that this entire thing is a trap to lure in more people who can serve as a battery to the guardian figure.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After a moment more of consideration, Darth Vader applies brute telekinetic force to the base of the elder's right index finger, with every intent of simply ripping the fingernail right off. Assuming nothing prevents that in and of itself, he applies the same telekinetic force to his right middle finger. Only once this has been accomplished does he trouble to speak again.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Three lies, and one useless truth among them."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You neither wish to leave or have a need to leave. Your forces are not gone, or missing. The only information of substance that you have given us is that your supposedly unwanted village guardian is where you say it is." Vader doesn't bother asking any more questions. He's certain his point has been made, and that information -should- be forthcoming, eventually.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Those who head for the mountain early pass a duo of stone statues to the side. Decorative, not unlike gargoyles-- more human, less monstrous. Chinese in craft, depicting bald men in robes with large fans in one hand and a book in another. After stepping past them, the air changes. Ark Line in particular is equipped to tell they've just stepped into a Bounded Field-- a Noble Phantasm-tier one, at that-- assuming he's part of the early trip.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From the outside of the area, it didn't look like anything much; talls rock formations, lots of trees. But once inside, the stone spires seem to stretch forward upward, and the path splits a dozen different directions through narrow paths into and around the stone.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The wind is blowing from ahead-- regardless of where you head. This is exactly as annoying as it sounds, but great for capes. Prying eyes watch, likely through the magic of the field.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Another set of stone statues, identical to the prior ones. Passing them causes their eyes to glow. This causes a rumble far above, and a number of traps spring.<br />* Large stones fall towards the party!<br />* Lightning strikes at the party!<br />* One of the paths leading further ahead suddenly cracks and shatters, forming a large gap in the ground. It doesn't seem to have a bottom, and it's too far across to just jump (for a normal person, anyway).<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, those who stay with the chief find him screaming in pain as Vader has his way with him. "Please! We don't have a choice!" False-- as far as he knows and believes. The spell on him might sing a different tune. "He'll kill us if we don't do as he says!" True. "He wanted us to-- the boy is right! We're bait! We were to lure would-be heroes or helpers who were better to siphon than random soldiers!" True. "He meant to impress on you the danger of ever coming back!" Also true. "The road ahead is strewn with traps, and he's hidden the soldiers for an ambush! LET ME GO NOW!" Also true!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:430|Satsuki Kiryuin (430)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A trap has been set indeed. So the plan comes together that they will split in two, and leave a second force waiting to swoop in once the first springs the trap. It's smart. Ambush the ambusher. Satsuki knows she has the sheer speed and strength to serve as an effective member of a quick-strike group, so she opts to stay behind; this leaves her in place for the results of Vader's questioning.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She spends her time waiting with a cup of tea that her butler has presented her. When the hell did...?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Over the radio, they're warned of a Bounded Field that has been laid over the entire area the advance group has entered, which only seals her choice as the right one. The moment anyone steps in there, Caster probably knows they've arrived. So choosing to wait with Vader in the village seems to have been correct. Even if the sight of a man having fingernails ripped out makes the tea less enticing by simple proximity.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Creepy bald statues, weird magical distortions in the air... It's definitely the Caster's work, although Sanary doesn't have quite enough knowhow to identify it as a Bounded Field (despite being in one just the other day). The tension in the air is enough to get her to bring up her shield, however, leaving her free arm... Well, free to brace the shield against the wind blowing from in front of her. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Of course, the first thing she does is proceed to trigger ALL THE TRAPS. Withstanding the giant stones is one thing now that she's wearing the right armor for the job, and she even throws herself at a few to make sure there's enough clear space for Tommy to get through safely! The lightning strikes are another matter entirely, however. Even though the shield does absorb most of shock, the fact that she's wearing a mixture of metal and scales weak to lightning means a nasty zap still courses throughout her armor and burning the cleric quite a bit! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At least she's got plenty of magic power to spare in helping her recover between traps. "Holy hell... Whoever built this place is an ass!" She pants slightly while keeping that healing energy flowing, even directing some outwards to help anyone else that's brave/stupid enough to trigger them along with her. The gap isn't too hard to pass with the AANS letting her just hover over them, although she does cut it a little close just to conserve energy for all the healing that's probably going to be needed soon. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Really hope there's no more lightning.. Guh. Everyone okay?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Lezard is with the group that headed to the mountain early. He understands the situation. What remains is to see how excellent the execution is. <br /><br />The entrance into the Bounded Field causes Lezard to narrow his eyes. He knows spatial distortions when he feels them, though he lacks the experience others might in identified Noble Phantasms on sight. <br /><br />Give him time. Regardless, his cape billows dramatically behind him in the wind as he heads through the twisting paths. He scowls. This place is prime ambush territory. He doesn't, however, do anything untoward until the traps begin. <br /><br />He was expecting the boulders, that's an elementary trap in a mountain area. With a sudden gesture, a section of the mountainside blows out, the earth erupting to force the rocks sliding towards him to divert around.<br /><br /> He was not, however, expecting the lightning. The sizzling blasts crackle and strike the magus, scorching over mystic protections and driving him backwards, leaving a nasty-looking blackened mark on his chest. He's not dead, but clearly wounded. "... Well played." He says to the air. He assumes the Caster can hear him, regardless. If their positions were reversed HE certainly would be able to. <br /><br />The collapsed section of the path is less of an issue to Lezard, but he looks to the others. "I can take us across, but if someone can bridge the gap, it would be more optimal." He comments.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ark leads the charge up the mountain. It isn't that he's particularly well-equipped to deal with this sort of thing, even if he kind of is; it's that he feels like he needs to have some forward motion, here, or he's going to just stand around all day and all night.<br /><br />As soon as he steps over the boundary, Ark starts, blinking and tensing. Caster follows him, frowning as he follows his path. "Woah," Ark breathes. He glances back to the early party. "Just walked into a Bounded Field. He's ready for us, all right." The Liner draws his weapons, a sleek-looking pistol in his right hand and what looks to the casual observer like a dull bone knife in his left. The martially-inclined might identify it as a type of war fan, though they're not usually made of a single piece of bone...<br /><br />"We are on this Caster's home turf, as it were," Caster of Steel explains, to the non-mages in the group. "He will have done everything in his power to prepare for an assault. We will weather the worst of it on the way up --"<br /><br />The traps start to go off right as they pick a direction (forward and upwards, Ark thinks, as always). Rocks fall, and Ark and Caster leap aside, Ark with superior reflexes and Caster with superior speed. They skirt past him, barely, tumbling down the path. Caster isn't in the proximity, but the lightning hits the ground near Ark, barely missing him and flash-blinding him instead. He staggers... and nearly falls into the pit, feeling the ground in front of him crumble before he takes a tumble.<br /><br />Ark stops at the edge, blinking rapidly. "Guh. Okay. For a first set of traps, that wasn't too bad." He takes a moment as Caster of Steel moves up to meet him, looking this way and that warily. Ark makes a gesture, and Caster reaches under Ark's poncho, grabbing an object off his belt. He points the box at one of the spires at the far end of the pit and depresses a button, firing a spike on a wire across it. Then, he sticks the other end to another one on the near side, and bends a piece of the contraption outwards. It looks like it's some kind of powered zipline; just hold the handle, push a button, and get propelled across.<br /><br />Ark and Caster move to go across with that, leaving it for the group to try and save Lezard some trouble -- assuming, of course, neither side collapses when they try it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:895|Tommy Wahagi (895)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tommy's basically been challenged. Ark's laid it down - /if/ you think you can take the heat. There's only two ways to respond to that - the way of someone with strength, and the way of a coward. And given how angry Tommy was at the village leader's cowardice, it pretty much seals the deal. He hurries along after Ark, along with his weird little metal box backpack thing. The weird little metal box backpack thing appears to also have throbbing fleshy bits, which is really creepy, as it's hard to tell where the flesh ends and the metal begins, and *flesh shouldn't be shaped like a box*. (Xanya is staying behind to watch Vader work, partially to play relay device, partially because Tommy gives her a look that clearly says he doesn't want her hurt.) <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tommy's still shuffling furiously as he walks behind Ark. All of a sudden, the statues glow! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rocks fall. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tommy shouts and tries to run out of the way, but, well, as anyone can tell, Tommy and Running are not...a pair. Fortunately, Sanary's in the way to save him from the rocks! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tommy hits the ground, flat on his ass. He stares as Sanary takes the shot, apparently unharmed, his eyes wide. Hurriedly, he fumbles with his hand. "Elvish Mystic!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The trees around here don't just belong to Caster, after all! Tommy digs deep, drawing in the land, and forces it into - through - the card. There's a flare of green light as the ground opens up, and a horrible.../thing/ emerges. It's no elf that's ever existed in reality. Oh, sure, it has weird metal horns that /might/ be mistaken for ears. But that's where the resemblance ends - the horror is otherwise a terrifying conglomerate of metal and flesh, with huge, sharp claws. It's hunched forward, with a battery on its back, a sparking green battery drinking in power. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lightning strikes rain down. Tommy takes one right to the face, a scream erupting as the physical pain merges with the familiar sensation of being electrocuted. He screams and throws his hands over his head, whimpering. It's kind of pitiful, and super-embarassing, but there's no time for that now. The lightning scares him, scares the hell out of him. It's beyond terrifying. A little bolt of lightning can't do much damage but it *does* dig up some really horrible memories for him. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It's only once the canyon's down that Tommy can take a moment to compose himself. No, he's not being electrocuted. He's a Planeswalker. He's better than the Tommy Wahagi who nearly died that day. He's way, way better. He's gotten bigger and stronger and... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And he fights himself to focus on the cards. Yeah, on the cards. The cards are sanity. The cards are safety. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tommy steadies himself for a moment. "S-sorry," he says, "I c-can't do anything about that...b-but I can start setting up for anything that comes next." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Green Sun's Zenith! F-for Gyre Sage!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tommy snaps his hand upwards. A green sun emerges in the middle of the sky, blotting out the stormclouds. The green light shines straight down over the field, slowly narrowing until it takes the shape of...of a horrible, formless mass of white flesh. The horrible formless mass is wired at every point, with pulleys on its shoulders. It has no face. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tommy moves over to Sanary. He waffles for a moment, reaching out like he wants to touch her and comfort her, then pulling away. The motion is really obvious and really embarassing, and finally, his face goes red and he turns away, looking at the canyon. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Inwardly, he curses himself.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:794|Darth Vader (794)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Darth Vader seems to accept the village elder's explanation, and stops tearing his fingernails off. He regards the village distantly, and wonders about the positioning of things. The defensibility of this place has a lot to do with the surrounding geography. There aren't many ways in or out, allowing bottlenecks to be defended a lot more effectively with a lot fewer people than anyone has any business dealing with. Heading off into the mountains is a different story, though...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Temporarily, the Sith Lord departs from the elder's company to reach into the cockpit of his fighter and flip several switches. There is a pronounced pinging noise as a transponder becomes active. He strides back to the village elder, remaining in arm's reach as he speaks.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Captain, I have activated the transponder on my ship. If I cease sending an all-clear signal, you will open fire on the transponder's location."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vader turns towards the village elder again, resting his hands on his belt. "You will bring me to your communications center, and signal your militia to return to the village. Once that is done, we will discuss the future of this village in greater depth."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Tell me more about this guardian being. Omit nothing." Vader adds, expectantly. He glances, vaguely, in the direction of Satsuki and her butler. A silent invitation to come along if desired, but he also asides, "Be prepared for the ambush to make its way here. I do not expect him to recall his fellows without making an attempt to signal that something has gone wrong."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He doesn't seem troubled to air this doubt literally in front of the village elder.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:430|Satsuki Kiryuin (430)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"More than likely, now that our allies have entered their territory, they'll assume something has gone wrong simply by receiving the retreat order," Satsuki replies to Vader, calmly. "I will wait here. If our forces signal, I can enter quickly. If the enemy forces appear, I'm in place to deal with them immediately. And if they are foolish enough to try an attack on you..." Her lips curl up into a faint smile. "I can be there quickly to watch the show." Because let's face it. Trying to ambush Darth Vader can only end in a spectacle worth seeing.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However, there is one person here whom she feels would be in more danger at her side than otherwise. "Soroi. Accompany Lord Vader for the time being." The butler takes a deep bow, giving a simple, "As you wish, my lady," that sounds as if it's passed his lips a thousand times, and then moves to fall into step precisely two steps back and one step to the left of the Sith Lord.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Were the statues at all breakable in any way, Ira would have broken off one of the fans or a piece of one of the fans. Failing that...it still looks like she's remained unarmed for now. Without any dedicated weapon, it's possible she just might bare knuckle fight anything that might come their way. No change is noticed when they pass through into the bounded field. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ira's results somewhat mirror that of Sanary's. Somewhat. Falling rocks don't seem to hurt Ira very much and, in fact, she seems to just swat the smaller ones out of the way with annoyed noises. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lightning, on the other hand, knocks her flat on her ass. She doesn't get up right away, staring up at the sky in pure shock (pun intended) at how incredibly painful that was. When she finally does get up, she'll head over to Sanary and prod her for a healing fix. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She also pretends like nobody saw her getting slammed onto her ass. "I'm afraid I really don't have ways for passing that gap though. You're a wizard, right, can't you teleport? Or float?" she eyes Lezard who, frankly, looks exactly like what she'd expect a wizard to look like, minus the pointy hat.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MOUNTAIN:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sanary tanks traps! Fortunately, she's sturdier than a bunch of rocks and lightning bolts by a fair margin, though the 'construction' of the place certainly hints there could be hundreds of additional traps on the way. Best not to get overconfident!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lezard offers a way across-- that much if up to them. There are countless side-paths that go around the collapsed path, although as a result they're longer. And possibly where Caster WANTS you to go. On the other hand, 'bridging the gap' is the least-effort path for a fair number of people, and two more of those statues stand on the ledge above, watching.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ark Line and his Caster cross via zipline. Expectedly, the statues' eyes lit upon passage. Two traps are triggered this time.<br /><br />* A volley of flaming arrows rains upon Ark Line and Caster of Steel.<br />* Fireballs shoot down from the top of the stone spires towards the trees and assorted, flammable plant-life that Tommy is trying to make use of. The ensuring smoke threatens to cover the sky and obscure his green sun, too!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At least, with those traps triggered, going across should be safe now?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ira will have no trouble arming herself with a stone fan. It's pretty sturdy, although not much use as a fan if you're hot.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;VILLAGE:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Our... communications center? We have a... radio, I guess?" This is true. And also false. They have phones, too. "We don't have a way to keep in touch like that." True. "Caster used magic to keep us all... it's hard to describe. Linked. Operating like a unit." True. And also, no doubt, very familiar to Vader. "He did leave some sort of statue in the barracks he said help spread the effect of his magic, if you want to see?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For the most part, the 'elder' has given up. The pain might have snapped him out of the spell. As he takes Vader and Satsuki to the barracks, he explains: "We don't know much about him. He really never told us his name. He's a tactical genius for sure, and his magic let him warp the areas outside the village to create... traps, mazes, death zones. He called those 'Bounded Fields'." He's telling the truth. Once the barracks are entered-- they're empty, predictably. It's not a very large building-- at most it might have housed a hundred people, in small bunk areas. There's an armory full of fairly standard Asian armor and weaponry. And in a side room, a very large obelisk of jade, runed and glowing.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:794|Darth Vader (794)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"There is something you are omitting. You do not communicate remotely in the field?" Vader asks, without offering any insight into how much this is recognizable to him. The idea of networked soldiers is nothing new to him, though exactly how it's accomplished may not be compatible with anything he is able to do. They'll just have to see. The barracks itself is unremarkable. Plenty of savages have had some facility like it, on primitive backwater planets with minimal resources to speak of. If that's the case, how do they communicate at long range? Couriers? Smoke signals?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Surely they had developed some technology for that before this guardian appeared.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"What methods of communication do you use in the field, if not your radio equipment?" He asks, but in truth his attention rapidly becomes divided. The question is mostly meant to distract, although if it offers a useful answer, he certainly doesn't mind. Ordinarily Vader would choose to simply smite the obelisk and have done with it, but he'd rather use it as a tool of his own if he can. If it connects to this person, perhaps he can use it to cause problems on the other end.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reaching out with his mind, Darth Vader probes at the obelisk, attempting to ascertain whether or not it is networked with the militiamen of this village.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shaking off the rest of the twitching from taking a lightning to the shield, Sanary lets out a loud shout just to remind herself that her voice still works (again). "Oookay... Eugh. That sucked." She doesn't notice that gesture from Tommy, although she does notice the redness again along with that fleshy white... Thing in the sky before raising an eyebrow at him. "That yours?" Another amused chuckle later, and she takes a deep breath to start firing off quick blasts of healing magic around. One for Lezard and that smoldering mark on his chest, one each for Ark and Caster of Steel just in case those flaming arrows don't sit well with them, another for Tommy after all that screaming, and one more for Ira while pretending she didn't notice! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I can fly over easy enough if anyone needs it and doesn't wanna use that.. Uh." She gestures at the zipline device. "... That. I'd test it, but I dunno if that's such a good idea with the armor and all." And with that said, it's time to fly over the gap! Or hover awkwardly, anyway. She'll stay in place in front of the gap long enough for anyone who wants to climb on her back to do just that, and they'll be over fairly quickly with all the expected stumbling and awkward height changes trying to maintain a steady altitude will bring. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She doesn't waste too much time once her feet are back on the ground, however, and Sanary resumes the march! She picks up the pace a bit, however, not paying much mind to the signals that there's probably even more traps waiting ahead. That, or she's trying to trigger them intentionally before they become too much of a problem for the others. It's hard to say sometimes.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>It's impossible to know what Caster would expect the group to do without knowing how much Caster knew ahead of time. Such are the perils of the intelligence game. <br /><br />Lezard can appreciate that as the flaming arrows rain down on Ark and Caster of Steel, though he squints. "Burning the treeline? Did he prepare this ahead of time or is he setting up these traps instantly upon observing our capabilities and how we function?" He wonders aloud, looking to the thick smoke, and then to Ira. He smiles. "I am indeed a wizard, but why show what my capabilities are when we have someone so... unusual attempting to play a game of tactics with us?" He gestures to the zipline. "Feel free to cross as you like." He offers, letting the other frontliner go first as he lets Sanary heal him. The repairing magic gleams as it begins repairing the shock damage on his body, and he nods in thanks to the woman. <br /><br />He will cross when the assault is clear using the zipline as he saw the others use it. He has nothing he cares to do in order to try to preserve the burning forest for now.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:895|Tommy Wahagi (895)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Uh," Tommy respons to Sanay hurriedly, "Y-yeah!" He gets the heal, and his blush redoubles. He's in danger of blood loss! Well, okay, maybe not, but... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ark's zipline saves him from having to think too much about it. Tommy's weird little box thing has no trouble navigating its way over, either. Tommy gets his balance, when out of nowhere...fireballs! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Land destruction! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The forest around Tommy burns. Smoke coils around him, drawing another coughing fit forth. Tommy starts hacking and wheezing until he puts a sleeve over his mouth, which...mostly stops it? But he can already feel part of the connection severed. He flicks one of the cards off the weird little flesh/metal table and into his graveyard, dropping to his knees so he can get under the smoke and suck in a ragged breath. His fist hits the ground. Damn! He's too weak! He's way too weak! Even breathing was hard for him! Pathetic! Pathetic, pathetic, pathetic! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Those feelings of being pathetic draw up in his chest as he reaches out for what plants are still around. Just because they were on fire didn't make this not a forest. He had time to get out what he needed...and if he could do that, then he wouldn't even really NEED the forest, would he? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Green lightnig jumps from the battery monster into Tommy's hand. It goes up his body as he drinks in what he can of the surroundings. Then he snaps his hand out again. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Polukranos! The World-Eater!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A deafening roar breaks through the Bounded Field, shaking the ground. Something...*large*...rises. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It could, imaginatively, be called a Hydra Engine, perhaps. The.../thing/...is a massive, four-legged nightmare of metal and flesh, melding interchangably and seamlessly. It has no eyes. Its muscles are wires and pulleys, gears and flesh interwoven together. Tendons are grafted to those wires and pulleys. Bones, part-metal, part-organic, are set in between them, lashed together with metallic strands. Its jaws, huge, nightmarish things, are lumps of jagged metal that *should not* be able to open like they do, dripping with a black ooze that probably isn't drool. The four heads rise and let out a terrifying shriek as it lumbers forward. Its furious chorus of a roar is almost enough to mask the horrible noise of the mutating lump of flesh that follows Tommy. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The lump of flesh's arms split into four, like tendrils. At the end of each "arm", horrible metal jaws appear. Its muscles swell upwards and grow bigger, wires bulging out of its body. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The giant Polukanos-machine stomps forward at Lezard's request, swinging its head to the side into the first statue it can find.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ark does the expected and gets the expected result.<br /><br />Caster goes first, Ark touching the other side a couple seconds after him; the moment he's there, flaming arrows start to fall out of the sky. Caster shoves Ark forward, who loses his balance and hits the ground face-down -- coincidentally putting him mostly beneath the flaming volley. Caster instead takes the hits, a trio of arrows striking him head-on. Two hit him in the chest, and a third just below the shoulder. The first two cut up his suit jacket but break when they hit something underneath it, rebounding off some sort of armor. The third sinks into the meat of his upper arm, eliciting a shout of pain and frustration.<br /><br />Incredibly, neither of them catch fire -- but that might be because of Ark, having rolled over on the ground and brandished his bone war fan, a haze of amber particles like a spray of burning embers swirling around the notched and carved weapon. The flames touch them, but they don't actually /burn/, even when fireballs erupt around them. The heat and lack of air is a problem, but it's like it isn't really hot at all.<br /><br />Caster extends his good arm, and Ark takes it. He pulls Ark to his feet, and then pulls the arrow free, nodding appreciatively at Sanary for the prompt healing. Caster adjusts his damaged coat, and, surprisingly, it kind of works. It's a decent look on him. "It will hold a quarter ton without issue. Do not concern yourself overly much."<br /><br />Ark is more concerned with the hydra. He blinks a few times, trying to be sure of what he's seeing. Okay; so the apprentice has some moves. He files that one away for later, and starts forward again. "Don't suppose you're still hesitant about that Noble Phantasm of yours," he asides to Caster.<br /><br />Caster of Steel's response is a terse, irritated, "We'll see how this plays out, shall we?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;VILLAGE:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We didn't have much of an army before he came along. It was less a militia then and more peacekeeping. We didn't need to talk to each other long distance, everyone knew everyone. When Caster showed up, he used magic to do it, so we never got radios for everyone," the man explains to Vader, truthfully. The radio, in fact, is over there in the corner near the jade obelisk. It's an old military model, not native to the village. The sort of radio you'd find in a World War II museum. Presumably less primitive than Vader's cybernetics but hey!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the Sith Lord connects to the obelisk and reaches out, he finds it to be an amplifier. It absolutely is connected to the militia, which is out in the mountains, and also to a single ruling figure. Vader 'connects' just in time to catch ambush orders-- two sets of them. 'The woman and the black giant' and 'the maze's intruders'.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Just on cue, while the armored giant is busy probing the connection, four men slink out of the shadows, armed with long, jagged and obviously poisoned edges. They're unnaturally fast and coordinates, striking from all four directions at the same time. Three for Vader, one for Satsuki. They're unarmored, save for black clothes.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MOUNTAIN:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Another wave of traps is dealt with-- though evidently not without frustrating Tommy first. The arrival of the massive hydra, and Caster of Steel's own display, causes a shift in the Bounded Field. Ahead, the path past the gap clears into an opening.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At the far end of it, once everyone has come across, stands a man in robes, with long hair and a pointed, narrow beard. He has a large war fan in one hand and a book in the other. Lacking colors, the Servant isn't fully incarnated-- his form is black and purple, semi-ethereal, lacking definition. Caster's frown can still be seen.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You've damaged my maze, and seen through my plan. I'd congratulate you but none can leave my maze unaided. If you will not show me what you can do, then perish without a further chance to. Unreturning Army - Stone Sentinel Maze!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Evoking the name of his Noble Phantasm, ZHUGE LIANG fades from view as the ground surges up around him to form another serpentine maze of narrow passages and treacherous traps. Of more pressing concern than the Servant hiding behind walls is the fact the party is now surrounded.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Camouflaged in the surroundings, the militia emerges. Archers and crossbowmen in ledges, spearmen behind a line of shieldbearers, and a line of archers and gunmen behind that. They'd been hidden by magic along the walls and trees.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The army charges in! Arrows, lead pellets, crossbow bolts aim for everyone, while the spears and swords are only an issue to those who leap into melee, though they ARE advancing carefully. And with absurd coordination, especially when comes time to defend one another.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:895|Tommy Wahagi (895)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Caster's appearance is weird, and takes Tommy off-guard for a brief instant. But it's only a brief instant. He snap his fingers, flicking his hand across his play field. The massive Hydra Engine lumbers into the way of the attack, smashing into it to soak some of the damage. It can't soak everything, but it *can* soak most of what's headed at Tommy. Only a few arrows get around the titanic Hydra Engine as it falls to its knees and shatters. Those arrows land in Tommy's flesh, sinking in deep. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He doesn't fall this time. Determination keeps him up, determination and grit teeth and willpower and a deep, abiding desire not to look any more pathetic than he already has. He's mad at Caster. He's mad at the scenario. He's mad that lightning and land destruction were used against him, that he showed a shameful face to somebody he likes and also somebody he admires. He's mad that people are *surprised* by him having tricks. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He's not pathetic. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He's not pathetic! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'm n-not pathetic!" Tommy's internal monologue breaks into the real world as he slaps down another land card. Green lightning flows from both the Gyre Sage and the 'Elf', batteries sparking and delivering power right to Tommy. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Primeval Titan!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Power flows through him again, drinking in the forests and pouring them through the card as it hits the weird little box. The ground starts to shake as Tommy's magic flows around. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Giant Engine is as horrific as the Hydra Engine. It's a huge creature, easily the size of one of the vast rock formations. It's even taller than the Hydra Engine, too, thanks to the huge smokestacks pouring smog out of the sides of its head, like wicked horns. A beard of wires sprawls from its eyeless face, concealing its maw - likely for the best. Wicked metal claws tip its fingers as it lumbers into a defensive position in front of the party. Summoning Sickness! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But the area where its feet step...is it imagination, or are there more trees and plants springing up around that awful thing? Then again, they look...*wrong*. Metallic plants? No...the plants are just like the Engines, or the weird Gyre Sage, which even now is growing larger. The plants are weird synchronizations of metal and organic matter, dripping black material as they rise where the Giant Engine steps. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Gyre Sage grows a wire-beard. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tommy's grin gets wider. "Y-you guys...should run. Because next turn, you w-won't have a chance..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "And I w-won't give you any mercy!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:430|Satsuki Kiryuin (430)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mitsuzou Soroi is a rather elderly man, but that isn't to say he's decrepit, slow, or dull. Age, indeed, only seems to have refined him, even if it has stolen his youthful energy. He stands calmly with Vader, right arm folded across his body in silent and dutiful readiness, seemingly completely unaware of the man creeping out of the shadows with inhuman speed, at least until the lunge happens. At that point, he lifts his left arm slightly and reveals the stun gun in his right hand, pointed backwards at the man sneaking up behind him.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BZAAAP.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Satsuki, meanwhile, is of similar strategy. She plays as if completely oblivious, standing with Bakuzan against the ground and her hands on its pommel, right up until the exact instant her attacker makes his move. In the blink of an eye, Bakuzan is out of its sheath and ripping through the air with a speed that somehow manages to match the man's own, and he's greeted by the sight of the Queen of Honnouji, face alight with fierce triumph. "DID YOU THINK SUCH A PALTRY AMBUSH WOULD ESCAPE MY NOTICE?!" She intends to flat-out cut off the man's arm, if not more important parts; now that the trap is sprung, she needs to transform and enter the maze as soon as she can.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ira stuffs the stone fan under her coat, zipping it up so it stays there as she moves. After that, she steps along Sanary for some super secret stealth healing while also kind of scorning Tommy a little more just slightly. Slightly. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In short order she seems to have noticed that Tommy is capable of some kind of high-level monster summoning and other crazy wizardy stuff. He might not notice it, given the rather tense situation with the traps at the moment but Ira doesn't seem to have the time anymore to throw disdainful looks of disgust that kid's way. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She DOES opt for Ark's zipline, however, only after Ark and Caster have crossed. She sees the fire arrows trigger when they do and waits until after they've launched, hoping that it's only a one-time trap. Following continues, Ira nosing her way to the front of the group because she obviously is rather cocky. Though being out front with Zhuge Liang doesn't seem to help very much, even as Ira makes a sudden mad dash for the man across the clearing. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She doesn't make it, a wall shooting up before her that Ira hurls herself at and... <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;...yeah, she doesn't break through it. Her strength hasn't increased by THAT much. She bounces off, creating a big crater in it, before turning around for a facefull of lead pellets-that is until she swings the stone fan up in front of her face with one hand. While behind it, she takes the moment to pull out her lighter. All the while, her body seems to be taking punishment but she doesn't seem to be dropping from it. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Beast, a massive, black-furred gorilla-boar monster, springs forth from behind and around Ira with a roar, wading into the ranks of attacking soldiers with reckless abandon.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:794|Darth Vader (794)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Darth Vader isn't certain what sort of abilities Satsuki's butler has, but he's not about to gamble on the man being able to defend him from an assassination attempt, and truthfully, he doesn't need it. He turns his attention from the obelisk and its connection, responding to the instinctive sense of incoming danger. This is a simple enough situation to address. There are three attackers, approaching him within a confined space. The obelisk is in front of him. Therefore, the number of directions to approach him from is direly limited.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His answer is to jump straight up and close one hand into a fist in a gesture of power. His jump -- straight up with no attempt to move his position -- carries him over the reach of the blades, while the grasping motion is reflected in a grip that closes in from around the would-be assassins in a circle, drawing them in close to a single point: Where Vader had been standing.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There IS a small gap in the grip, deliberately left to allow Soroi some safety. It's exploitable, but not without dealing with Soroi himself.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With nothing else to strike but each other, and with a much more powerful charge forced on them than they had reckoned for, Vader descends with every expectation that he will be landing on either corpses or incapacitated men.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Before even attempting to resume his examination of the obelisk, Vader reaches out into the surroundings searching for more hidden enemies. It's possible the entire village is a liability, but he'd prefer not to go out of his way to make that true while he has the perfect tool to counteract the enemy right in front of him.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanary peers at that hydra wordlessly, a long stare directed at the massive creature before she simply nods and continues onwards. Between all the summoning and crazy displays of magic and even withstanding the traps without the shielding and armor she has... She's definitely starting to feel a little outclasses. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thankfully, the Caster shows his face, giving the healer an opportunity to ready her shield. "You think that's all we got? We haven't even gotten started!" She boasts proudly, although it may or may not be moot since it's after Zhuge Liang's already disappeared. There's a brief look of surprise on her face when those soldiers emerge out of nowhere, although it's replaced by an intense anger once she realizes that there's arrows and bolts coming her way. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Her hands start trembling. Not out of fear, but with seething rage even as projectiles strike against her shield, her armor, and a few even come dangerously close to striking the openings in her helmet. Not all of them are stopped, of course, since her armor is clearly meant for fighting massive beasts and defending against their massive limbs rather than pinpoint strikes, and blood spurts out from several of the arrows that have made their way into the joints. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It's not enough to stem her fury, however. The healer lets out an enraged shout before firing a thin laser from her eye across the advancing soldiers, sweeping it across the front line. There's a brief delay before the laser triggers massive explosions, concentrated where the laser had touched mere moments ago. Intense heat radiates from the strangely purple explosions, and the magically-inclined would even notice that there's something unnatural and sinister about the blasts.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Lezard proceeds forward, looking over Caster with an odd expression as he considers whom he is looking at. Lezard is unfamiliar with Earth history, thus the numerous hints and the name of the Noble Phantasm do not elicit the ability to identify the man. However, it quickly becomes irrelevant as there's a small army attacking them. <br /><br />This is somwehat inconvenient. The camoflauged militia strikes Lezard repeatedly with several shots, the Noble Phantasm's ambush causing several bloody wounds. He almost collapses where he stood. <br /><br />But he looks down at the blood staining his hands and he laughs, his voice hanging between pain and 'slightly unhinged'. "You played your hand too early, tactician. Did you think you were the only one with a hidden army?" <br /><br />He staggers back to his feet, and holds out a hand, Power surging around him as he gathers the energy to cast a magic of his own. <br /><br />"<span class=" bold_fg_m bg_n ++ hm">I am he who hath entrusted his soul to the eternal vortex of time. Ye know me! And if ye do not, ye shall be made to know me. It shall be engraved on thy very soul; LEZARD VALETH! If ye shall accept the brand of Hel upon thee, thy sanctions shall in turn be lowered. I shall grant thee the deliverance of thy soul, and ye shall come now before me!</span><br /><br />His voice resonates through the area, perhaps reminiscent to a degree of other magecrafts... But then he looks hip, his eyes gleaming despite the blood running from his body. "Open the gates of Niflheim. More souls await." <br /><br />Abruptly, the numbers game begins reversing as black holes open up, undead crawling and flying up out of the abyss from which the Necromancer called them. skeletal vikings, zombies, lesser vampires, spirits ghosts, ghouls, and other undead answering his call. They strike with no care for their own lives, seeking out the militiamen who have taken refuge and trying to consume them.... <br /><br />And this continues throughout the entire maze, as Lezard expands his own reach. They trigger traps. They likely die by the hordes... But they are disposable. There are always more undead, and he can sacrifice ten, twenty for a single kill.<br /><br />Zhuge's army likely can't afford to make the same claim.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The master of this place reveals himself. Ark holds his gun and his war fan, the former levelled and the latter held in a reversed grip. He starts to take a step forward --<br /><br />Caster of Steel steps past him. Ark looks at him, puzzled for a moment. Caster broadcasts a warning... and Ark lowers his weapons, nodding fractionally. If his Servant wants to finally do his part...<br /><br />The maze rises all around them. Ark and Caster stand back to back, regarding the walls and the militia. Ark unfolds his war fan, the tines on the inside spikes of flat, sharp bone with a delicate filigree of glowing amber symbols stretched between each. He starts sweeping it into the air around them, slashing it through the path of the bolts, bullets and arrows. The air seems to get thicker and heavier. Air resistance to the projectiles increases dramatically, slowing them considerably. They sting, but the volley isn't lethal to either of them.<br /><br />"Thank you, Ark. I confess, I have not been generous with praise on the subject of the use of your weapon, but I hope you will not take it personally when I ask you not to do so any more." Caster squints, adjusting his odd porkpie hat and looking into the middle distance. Ark lowers Correct Future, the Grain seeming to sizzle inside of it. He holsters his gun, fishing in his poncho for something... and then comes out with a silvery packet he tears open with his teeth, biting into the white, colorless wafer inside.<br /><br />Caster nods a little. "Thank you." He clears his throat, reaching into his own jacket. His hand comes back out with a black metal cylinder about the size of a peppermill, with switches and numbers all along the sides. A crank sticks out of the top and off to one side of the mechanical calculator. It bears a striking resemblance to a grenade. Caster of Steel thumbs switches apparently idly, watching nothing in particular. He takes a breath. This is it, then.<br /><br />"You asked to show you what I can do," Caster says. "When the request comes from a figure such as yourself, I find myself inclined to oblige. If it's all the same to you, I'll introduce myself in the same way you have." He raises the mechanical calculator, holding it horizontally... and invokes its name.<br /><br />At that very moment, the crank turns precisely once. The figures on the sides flicker and click, locking into pla<span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ e.<br /><br />"chy">MANHATTAN PROJECT!</span>" Caster of Steel thunders. "<span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">GATHERING OF THE GREATEST MINDS!</span>"<br /><br />There is a pulse, and a crackle of power. The same amber light that follows Ark's invocation of Correct Future is writ large, an outpouring of Grain from the reedy Servant in the grey suit. A dome of the light forms for an instant. Figures are visible all around him for scant seconds, silhouettes scattered across the ground of men and women hunched over a myriad of dimly-visible scientific appratuses. They remain when the light passes. They look like blast shadows, burned into the surface of the Earth.<br /><br />The light gathers in the device in the man's hand, causing it to glow with white heat. Looking at it is like looking directly at the sun. It burns with terrible brightness --<br /><br />-- and then winks out. Nothing seems to have happened.<br /><br />Until the clicking of the geiger counter affixed to Ark's belt becomes audible. In a span of seconds, it goes from quiet and intermittent to increasingly panicked and insistent. It becomes almost deafeningly loud, impossibly loud, as the enormous radiation burst floods across the interior of the maze -- and through the bodies of the well-coordinated, well-drilled, and all too human militia with invisible lethality and immediate results.<br /><br />"Surrender," Julius Robert Oppenheimer -- the Caster of Steel -- says sadly, "and I will spare the lives of your men. They do not need to die here today."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Soroi stunguns an assassin down.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Satsuki disarms another. That one does not fall over unconscious from the fact, but immediatly backs the hell off. Linked as they are into a cohesive unit, the man is obviously still sufficiently in control to know this has gone pear-shaped already.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And Vader essentially forces the three assassins to shank one another with poisoned blades, by pushing them towards each other. The black giant lands on dead men, and the barracks fall quiet again.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Except for the village elder, who has fallen onto his ass and is more or less quaking in fear now. This has gone very, very poorly. For them. Not for the Confederates. Was Caster too ambitious?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This leaves Vader and Soroi with the jade obelisk, and Satsuki to enter the maze if she wants. It won't be very difficult to figure out which way people went and regroup, and would allow her to pincer the army from behind.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MOUNTAINS:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tommy produces a GIANT METAL BEAST. It begins warping the land in Tommy's favor, a process somewhat resisted by the Noble Phantasm field but not fully.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ira's Persona charges in, crashing into the front lines. In swiping away the line of shieldmen it may have to deal with a few spear jabs-- and these guys are, surprisingly, not mooks. Actually, they are collectively pretty threatening, despite not looking the part, especially in the Bounded Field.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An explosive eye laser from Sanary disrupts the back lines and front lines alike, temporarily halting the hail of arrows and bullets as archers and gunmen are forced to reposition and pick themselves up, those that aren't slain outright.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lezard's undead pour in; traps are triggered left and right. Massive boulders, ice bolts, fireballs, lightning, winds sharper than swords, quakes, trapped arrow launchers, and even at least one battering ram, automated, rolling to smash things. But the undead don't stop coming, and soon enough they overwhelm the militia-- and slaughter them.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As if things weren't looking bad enough for the villagers, Oppenheimer happens. There might not be any action left for Satsuki by the time she arrives, as the villagers fall over, practically melting from the irradiation. Darth Vader-- well, hopefully he isn't choosing this particular moment to connect to the obelisk again, because the line is no longer being used to coordinate the troops, it's more like a cacophony of screams, shouting too loud for any tactician to rein back into order.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This causes the maze to dissipate. Caster's Noble Phantasm is deactivated, the area returning to what it was before-- no traps, just trees and stone pillars. And a lot of corpses. Zhuge Liang is in plain sight, standing in front of what is best described as a hole in reality. The size of a fist, black and red. A few drops of black, muddy liquid leak out of it now and then.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If you know anything about me, murderous Caster, it is that I fight to my last breath. I would die on the battlefield before anything else. I would lead my men into victory, even if I don't live to see it."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He grips the war fan and makes his last stand.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"A warrior's death for you or I! Come!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Caster swings the fan, sending a sharp, bladed blast of wind at the entire group. He doesn't look to be the sort of man who can take everyone gathered on by himself.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:895|Tommy Wahagi (895)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There's a lot of incredible things going on. Ira's Persona, Caster of Steel's ridiculous nuclear irradiation, Sanary's Psycho Powered-explosions, and Master Lezard's summoning are all enough to make Tommy feel way weaker than he should. If Sanary thinks SHE'S feeling outclassed, the poor, sickly kid is feeling totally pathetic right now. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But the look in Caster's eyes, and the charge, is enough to get his attention. Tommy, without thinking, throws himself forward, into the path of Zhuge Liang. Ordinarily, this would be a really stupid decision - even a weak Caster is stronger than a strong human. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For Tommy, this is tantamount to suicide. He's sickly and weak and basically pathetic. He couldn't win arm-wrestling, much less this. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But he still does it, throwing out his arms. "W-wait! We don't have to kill you! If all you want is to l-lead people and feast, then why d-don't you just let us give you a b-better cause to fight for?!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You've g-got real skill with ambushes and you're p-powerful enough to stall all of us at once! Why would you throw that away f-for something stupid? Why would you throw away the p-power to fight, the p-power to struggle, to keep living, just because you got b-beat once?!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "That kind of logic..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tommy shakes his head violently, sending black hair everywhere. "That k-kind of logic is just stupid! It's something people who give up say to justify their c-cowardice! As long as you're alive, you can k-keep fighting and get stronger! As long as there's even the barest sliver of a chance, you c-can get better!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ""Until even that last sliver is gone, s-somebody who gives up so easily is t-totally worthless, not even fit t-to be called a human being!!!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:430|Satsuki Kiryuin (430)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Soroi is deft enough to step out of the way, leaving the three still-standing gentlemen to be yanked into each other by Vader. By the time the Sith lands, he is already dusting himself off lightly, and he takes the time to offer Vader a bow. "My sincerest gratitude, Lord Vader. I fear my age has rendered me rather incapable of handling such a group." He is nothing if not dutiful and businesslike, even to someone who would terrify most people.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On the other hand, Satsuki is looking at her opponent with surprise and respect. "Hoh?" She gives Bakuzan a flourish before returning it to its sheath. "Remaining on your feet after losing an arm... your will is impressive. Or perhaps you're simply enhanced by Caster's powers. It doesn't matter. Bravery and wisdom both- you have earned your life." She turns, looking between the stone statues up the step, and then reaches over to the bangle on her left bicep, flicking the switches on it into place. Click-click-click.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Even in the village, Vader can probably sense the moment Junketsu awakens, and the fact that this isn't just an outfit of great power. It's /alive/. And it's /hungry/. The only thing suppressing it is Satsuki's sheer force of will, forcing it to work for her, to transform for her. To engulf her and empower her.<br /><br /> "LIFE FIBER OVERRIDE!" <br /> "<span style="color:#00bfff">KAMUI JUNKETSU!</span>" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The ground underneath Satsuki shatters when she vaults into the Bounded Field... just as it begins to dissolve. She is left with nothing but the ordinary mountain before her, and as a result she has nothing to stop her from reaching the rest of the group, and also nothing to do just for that particular moment. Nothing to do, except turn right to Tommy... and raise her voice sharply.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"STILL YOUR TONGUE!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She looks briefly at Caster, and then back to the mage. "If you cannot understand his commitment and resolve, then you have no right to criticize it. The willingness to choose one's cause and fight to the bitter end, to stay the course even in the face of death, is a dedication on a level most humans will never even glimpse in their entire lives! If we must end him, then so be it, but I will /not hear such a man criticized as a coward/!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For the curious, no, there is no cape on the Beast, though he is dressed in full white princely regelia, minus shoes, otherwise. No matter what it does, the suit remains pristine, blood failing to stain it and tears rendered by spears vanishing instantly afterwards. Though the Beast does not look like it's retaining damage, with each jab, Ira writhes. Although the effect is muted against her due to both of their strengths, it still becomes an overwhelming sensation in the face of larger and better trained numbers.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the Beast works, Ira meanwhile pulls arrows out of her skin and defends herself from the errant spear with the stone fan. She also flips it up in front of her face to shield herself from the brightness of the Manhattan project. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once the field is clear and the Caster stands before him, Ira turns. She looks slightly infuriated and seems to be moving a bit slower, but carefully, trying to hide her weakness, unwilling to admit that having fought so many competent people at once was not something she was experienced in and it had taken a toll on her. <br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Because, kid-" she rumbles at Tommy, "He'd probably rather use his power to serve himself than use it to serve other people. He'd rather die free than under the yolk of another person. Or faction. The problem is..." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ira smiles a bitter, bitter smile, "You can't go at it alone in the Multiverse, can you? You either wind up with some /real/ allies or you get squashed."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanary lurches slightly once the militia is wiped out, satisfied with being able to contribute at least that much to taking those archery bastards out. The sight of those undead warriors swarming over the soldiers probably should make her more uncomfortable than it actually does, what with her past experience with it, but... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Well, she's still bleeding quite a bit. Even with the healing magic running through her, it's hard to focus on her personal feelings about working so close to the undead while also trying not to bleed out herself. The melting soldiers seem to draw more of a reaciton out of her, and she stares at them for several moments before turning to focus on the strategist instead. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Brave, sure. Tactical genius, probably. But holy /crap/ you're being a real idiot right now!" She chuckles darkly while bracing that shield in front of her, grunting lightly as that wind buffets her armor and slices up the exposed parts of her face and joints further. And yet, she can't bring herself to just tackle the guy. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It probably has something to do with Tommmy charging ahead. Just to make it a little more difficult to get the adrenaline going again, Satsuki shows up in... That thing she saw last time! She still hasn't gotten used to that. She knows better to try and interrupt, at least, and she steps forward to start directing her healing energies through herself, Tommy, and Ira.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:794|Darth Vader (794)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Darth Vader lands on dead men. He steps down, moving around to the other side of the obelisk so that he has some clear space to work with, nodding appreciatively towards Satsuki's butler as he goes. His role may not have been particularly pronounced, but it was a role well-done regardless. The armored man stops on the opposite side of the obelisk and puts his back to it, ready to fight again if somebody else comes at him. His gaze turns very briefly towards the village elder, then settles on the opposite wall.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then he touches the obelisk with his mind once more. It is no longer a coordination platform, there is nothing but fear, and pain, and screams. If he were still a Jedi it would stagger him, disturb him, drive him away. Perhaps he would try to calm those minds, to comfort them, to bring them peace.<br /><br /> <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">Peace is a lie.</span> <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That was Anakin Skywalker. Amidst the howling cries of billions of lives being snuffed out Vader had stood resolute and without reaction. So few lives in something as petty as pain could not trouble, or stagger him. He reaches into the howling pain, that whirlwind of fear and raw emotion and attempts to seize it while its master's eye is turned the other way. He turns himself into a siphon, drawing in their collective despair, fashioning it into a crude weapon within his mind.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Sith Lord shows no sign of the weapon he is fashioning externally. No fantastic floods of light that blind men and turn their insides to jelly. Those within the armory see, but they only see a great armored man standing in silence. Within his own mind, though, how wondrous it is. A tapestry of stars, luminous threads stringing being to being to planet and the surrounding "space". Caster's network is a web of lights weaved about him precariously, like moons, or perhaps more accurately manmade satellites. Looking at reality this way, it's not hard for him to imagine being able to do much greater things.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mentally lifting the "weapon" fashioned from the maelstrom of pain and madness, Vader casts it powerfully through the obelisk, attempting the psychic equivalent of a massive botnet DDOS attack back against the obelisk's own source: Presumably, Caster himself.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:895|Tommy Wahagi (895)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Dying." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Isn't." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "BRAVE!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tommy's roar is probably the loudest he's ever been. There's no stutter, no stumbling, none of his usual character tics. The look in his eyes is sharper than they've ever been, a look that doesn't look anything like his usual, sickly self. It's a sharp gaze, hard and fierce and full of experience, something deeper than any physical illness could go. Given that Satsuki, and pretty much *everybody else's*, experience with Tommy has been, up until this moment, the stuttering, stumbling, sickly kid, the fact that Tommy can muster up this kind of courage is probably remarkable. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He shakes. It's physically painful for him to fight down his own fears. Even Sanary's healing magic can't help him here, as he stares Satsuki down. He's scared to death. She could kill him. She could splatter him across the ground right now. She could destroy him with one motion. But... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But he's still standing. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He's still here. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "D-dying," Tommy repeats, shaking his head, "It's n-not bravery! It's n-not...dying isn't..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It's not d-dedication, or heroism, or s-something to b-be admired! That's s-something strong p-people, p-people with strength, say to save face! Something p-people who have p-power get to claim so they d-don't look so p-pathetic when they d-d-d-d-despair and g-give up! D-don't claim that giving up is b-bravery just because somebody d-does it in a flashy manner! It's a m-mockery, a m-mockery of everybody who's ever been weak and struggled to have even a little b-bit of power, a m-mockery of everybody who's striving and f-fighting and p-pushing just to get a little stronger and live just one more day!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "D-don't..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "D-DON'T LOOK ME IN THE EYES AND TELL ME THAT DYING IS BRAVE!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "BECAUSE THE TEN YEARS I'VE BEEN DYING SHOWED ME WHAT A LIE THAT IS!!!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tommy's shakes get substantially worse. He's breathing heavy. He's shuddering, furiously, his robes shaking around him. His cards, his precious cards, are falling out of his hands. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But he's still meeting Satsuki's eyes. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ...and then, all of a sudden, he notices what she's wearing. His eyes make the mistake of sliding down for even a brief moment. His face turns a brilliant shade of crimson, his eyes roll back into his head, and... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ...and... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ...he passes out, falling backwards into the mud even before Zhuge Liang's decision can be made. His cards, fortunately, are in really nice sleeves! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The giant vanishes. The metal trees vanish. The Gyre Sage and the Elvish Mystic vanish. Everything Tommy made vanishes as the young Planeswalker passes out from the strain of standing up to someone much stronger than he is, combined with the strain of, uh...embarassment. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The weird little block of metal and flesh starts hoovering up the fallen cards.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The Noble Phantasm collapses under the combined forces of the various Elites present. When the maze collapses, Lezard, too, dismisses his undead, allowing them to crawl back to Niflheim. <br /><br />He would not use such a mass against a man like this Caster. If nothing else, he deserves to be given the honor of dying at the hands of more than a nameless zombie. There is a wash of blackness as Lezard produces the Manus Catalyst, the black, twisted and misshapen rod shuddering in his hand as he raises it to prepare for battle. <br /><br />And Zhuge Liang strikes first, the wind slashing at them. Lezard was already wounded, and the slash cleaves into him, tearign a long, bloody wound across his chest. The pain is exquisite. He can feel his mind trying to blank out against the waves of agony. Were this his human body, he would have been dead already. <br /><br />But his homunculi are no mere humans. Crafted with forbidden techniques from a growing library of samples across the Multiverse, they are designed to help him bridge that yawning gap between Man and God, to decipher the nature of the divine and wrest it for himself. <br /><br />Tommy and Satsuki are shouting behind him. He can't afford to give them enough of his attention at the moment. With a colossal exercise of will, he forces himself to remain standing. "Death is something I know quite well, a foe I have beaten many times. But we both know that it is also not the end. Return whence you came, Servant, until you are called once more!" He calls. Yet again, a massive surge of magical force gathers and surges around him, a magic circle drawing itself to shape it as he calls out.<br /><br /> "<span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">AS THE HARMONIUMS OF ASGARD SOUND...</span>" <br /><br />The sky billows, clouds gathering as they crackle with intense lightning. The ground rumbles, several rocks ripping up off of the mountain to hang there as a seethign sphere of lightning gathers with black and brilliant azure. <br /><br /> "<span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">THEIR VERY MELODIES STIR THE ANCIENT LIGHTNING TO WAKE!</span>" <br /><br />From the black sphere emerges a massive sinuous dragon of Eastern appearance, the elongated body writhing in the air with a body forged entirely of sizzling blue bolts anchored to a massive dragon's skull. <br /><br />And that dragon descends, rushing down to engulf and consume the Servant, ripping through him and delivering that massive coiling body of lightning to him. <br /><br /> "<span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">DRAGON BOLT!</span>" <br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ark lets it play out. He's feeling... winded. He tears the rest of the wafer out of the small packet in his hand and then goes for the second inside it, consuming the Grain-infused superfood in a hurry. He needs to replenish his reserves, especially if Caster decides to go to town again. Considering what he did... well, it could be a /lot/ worse.<br /><br />Yeah; worse than 'literally melting soldiers.' The words 'massive collateral damage' and 'horrific friendly fire' come to mind.<br /><br />Caster of Steel bows his head. The mechanical calculator clicks a few times; he turns the crank with a few more. The few militiamen who survive find themselves sick, burned and with their hair falling out, but abruptly free of the radioactivity. What's left of their comrades is equally 'cool,' if still quite horrifically dead.<br /><br />Zhuge Liang charges, and it isn't Oppenheimer who meets him. Ark Line steps forward, snapping out his own war fan and striding across the ground. A look of pity crosses his face when he sees Tommy, standing up for himself and then collapsing in a heap. He hesitates.<br /><br />Ark lets the others handle this. He goes over and carefully lifts Tommy out of the mud, moving him away from the immediate battlefield. He promised he'd do what he can to keep the kid alive, and after that, well... it seems a little bit more important than getting a good fight in.<br /><br />Oppenheimer has not moved from where he stands. The cylindrical object in his hand continues to click quietly. The sound seems somehow muted, compared to what came before.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If people are hoping to reason with Zhuge Liang, Vader has just made that very difficult and unlikely. Using the suffering and fear of the dying villagers to ram a metaphorical drill into the Caster's skull, Vader inadvertently (or maybe intentionally) instills great fear of Oppenheimer, specifically, in the tactician and strategist. Someone still in front of him, and whom he is now fighting.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's really nothing Zhuge Liang can do against such an assault. He's paralyzed, stuck in place. This is very unfortunate, because if he still had his mental capacity, surely he'd tell Tommy something about loyalty, disgust for betrayal, unwillingness to just stab his subjects in the back (nevermind the bait tactic he just used). It'd be a great argument. One he can't have right now, but a great one.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And surely he would thank Satsuki for understanding.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And he'd tell Ira she's wrong, and it's not about freedom or who you serve, but about serving whom you agree to serve until the very end. To be loyal, to the last minute.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He might even have something for Sanary. If it's idiocy to remain loyal to a wish and promise that was made, then he'll gladly be an idiot.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then he's consumed. Lezard's attack hits dead-on, and in an instant erases Zhuge Liang's presence completely. The Servant returns to the tiny Grail behind it as raw mana, fueling the murder engine.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The reality hole pings idly, and waits. It seems to be communicating the fact that it will now grant the victors one (1) wish.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">ONE OF YOU GETS A WISH. It can't be something that would require an upgrade application, and it might get Asshole Genie'd a bit. Figure it out OOCly!</span><br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:430|Satsuki Kiryuin (430)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Satsuki is surprised. There's no putting it in flattering terms, no diluting it, no masking it in any way. Tommy's sudden vehemence surprises her, and it shows on her face. She can see the effort it takes him. And he meets her eyes directly, the entire time... at least, until he passes out. She's even left in vaguely stunned silence for a few seconds afterward.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Those fairly close, might hear her murmur something under her breath. "...a cruel fate, to match such a strong soul to such a feeble body."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then she turns, to look back towards Caster. He has chosen his final moments; she is too late to partake in them, and there is no need at this point besides. She can only witness, and contemplate the young man who just shouted his heart out at her. Bigger, stronger, healthier men have quailed under her gaze. The Planeswalker's surprising spirit, she decides, is worth any ten of them. She'll have to extend him an invitation to visit Honnouji some time, if only to speak on their disagreement.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "... Well. That was.. Painful." Sanary chuckles tiredly as the non-nukey Caster is slain, leaving the Elites surrounded by corpses and melted hopefully-corpses. Despite that fatigue, however, she does manage to keep herself from looking utterly winded, letting her energy flow around inside her to stem the bleeding. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "So... Now what? We got any less backstabby refugees hanging around that need a new place to live?" She looks from person to person, getting that magical energy flowing out again in a light green cloud and sending it around to try and alleviate the worst of the injuries. Lezard gets focused on in particular. That Grail gets a confused look from the healer, and she looks towards the others again before she stares at it once more. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Er. Any idea what that is?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:915|Ira MacNally (915)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ira stares at Tommy, though not addressed, watching him with a distance in her eyes. She doesn't need a medical degree to tell that all that exertion won't be healthy for the boy-in fact, she assumes this outburst might be his last and deep down inside, Ira is alrigth with that. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No effort is made to check on him when he passes out. Ira instead turns back to Zhang, ready to move in and strike when Lezard quite thoroughly beats everyone to the punch. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...aww." she rumbles quietly once there's nothing left but the seeping hole in reality. "No more fighting now, eh."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:598|Lezard Valeth (598)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>In the aftermath of the blast, Lezard falls to one knee, actually feeling an unusual sensation of having perhaps pushed a little farther than he should have. He grasps his head, his vision swimming as he grits his teeth, still fighting to keep his body functioning. <br /><br />Sanary comes to the rescue, the healing magics reinvigorating him and closing the heavy, deadly wounds he received during the battle. He shakes his head again, as if to clear it, and gasps, drawing in a breath. "Ah.... Thank you, Magus Rondel." He says, exhaling.<br /><br />The silent prompt fo the Grail, however, goes unanswered, the Necromancer of Midgard looking up to frown at the hole in reality. "Could that be... a Grail?" He shakes his head, and looks over to Ira. "The fighting is over, but it appears a unique reward is in the offering. This is not powerful enough to meet my own needs." <br /><br />He slumps back, sitting for a moment with a too-casual appearance as he tries to hide his fatigue, looking over to the unconscious Tommy nearby and frowning. <br /><br />How did /that/ happen?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:687|Ark Line (687)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ark puts Tommy down out of the way, near Caster of Steel, propping him up against a rock. He steps back, frowning. Someone that weak... well, it reminds him of the Last Seeds on his own world. There's a reason Liners were created. They've got a responsibility to take care of them. At least, that's what Ark believes. Whether or not it's right is... kind of up in the air.<br /><br />"So this is... a Grail, huh?" Ark mutters. He strides up to the hole in space, slowing cautiously as he gets near it. He lifts his hand, reaching out. It's a hole in reality. This isn't what he was expecting. "Wish for detailed information on the location and status of other grails of power at this point in time, listed in order of strongest to weakest," he mutters, echoing Vader's suggestion.<br /><br />Ark looks back over his shoulder at Caster. "Hey, do you know how this works?"<br /><br />Caster of Steel simply stares at him, silently.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:794|Darth Vader (794)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If Darth Vader were on-site to be a part of the victory party, he would be tempted to take the wish for himself. But he isn't, and he is uncertain that it would be readily permitted, regardless of his station. There are too many competing parties here, all of whom he is sure have good reasons to desperately wish for such a thing. The hiss of his respirator carries through the barracks/armory, followed soon after by the distinctive ignition sound of a lightsaber. Red light fills the obelisk chamber, along with the smell of ozone.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A casual stroke is used to dispatch the obelisk, hopefully ending whatever influence it might conceivably have had over the village. An equally distinctive deactivation noise signals the lightsaber being returned to Vader's belt.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He considers the village elder.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The Confederacy has no use for leaders both too incompetent to conceal their own treachery, and too weak to see it through." He booms.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A hand is raised, prompting one of the poisoned blades to rise from one of the fallen assassins, and soon afterwards propel itself into the elder's stomach. It is, deliberately, not a killing wound in and of itself. It'll kill, eventually, unless help is acquired... and an antidote for the poison upon the blade if found. If he's resourceful, Vader reasons, he /might/ live.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But Lord Vader doesn't trouble to wait and find out. He exits the barracks, circling around its exterior and drawing his lightsaber again to hack at the base and the foundations. Once he's sliced through enough of it to be satisfied, he shoves the whole damn thing down with a fierce burst of telekinetic force. It's not /exactly/ flat, but it'll do for the purposes of a small shuttle.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;&lt; Captain, I require transport. The transponder will provide you with adequate reference to find your way down without entering through the exterior passes. &gt;&gt; He commands, over his comm link. High above, aboard the REVENANT, pilots scramble to get a shuttle launched. It'll be down in no time at all...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:908|Gudako Ordria (908)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Grail pulses.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Plantlife in the area dies, and villagers on the brink of death and promptly finished off by the wave of magic. Blood flows from the corpses, way more than it should-- and it quickly becomes obvious the red fluid on the ground is coalescing together, and forming writing. In the arid soil of the area, blood writes a series of coordinates. A dozen, roughly. Most of them aren't especially far-- speaking on a Multiversal scale. This Grail mustn't have the power to track ALL the Grails out there, but it looks like it can pick up at least a fair amount of ones not too far.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Coordinates aren't exactly precise, though. They're pretty big areas and would require some searching, but you're now much better armed to do so than before.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The hole in reality promptly closes and disappears.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Back in the village, Vader slices the jade obelisk into pieces. Whatever magic was contained inside is released, signalled by the fact it stops glowing. And then he mortally injures the village chief. Unfortunately for him, there probably won't be anyone to save him. What's left of the villagers are going to stay holed up, and flee the area later before the Confederacy drops in to claim their new chokepoint.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MEANWHILE, OFF TO THE SIDE.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"There we go, spent all my AP!" Gudako says, as she looks around to see there's nobody with her and she seems to have kept walking into a dead-end between rock formations.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Berserker chases a butterfly around.<br> <br><br />
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}}</div>Waterpunshttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3124/Dead_World:_Earth_119-610-PB&diff=108783124/Dead World: Earth 119-610-PB2015-10-03T15:40:41Z<p>Waterpuns: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2015/09/30 |Location=Parallel Worlds <PW> |Synopsis=Unsynched old content isn't challenging enough. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=6, 108, 607, 754, ..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/09/30<br />
|Location=Parallel Worlds <PW><br />
|Synopsis=Unsynched old content isn't challenging enough.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=6, 108, 607, 754, 756, 760, 789, 803, 884<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
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{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:884|Cocoa (884)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Coming out of the one active Warp Gate in the sea of loud Earths (there are plenty of other Earths and Warp Gates in the area though!) drops people in the middle of Tokyo, or at least, what certainly used to be Tokyo.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The sky is covered in dark clouds, purple lightning occasionally arcing between them. The streets are in ruin, the only source of lighting here broken street lights and signs, plus the occasional purple streak in the sky.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The air is heavy with the smell of smoke, though any fires have long since died out. Larger buildings lay destroyed, shops have been pillaged, and the streets are filled with cars that went nowhere. But some have large piles of belongings on their roofs, indicating people had time to pack their things and try to run.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet, there are no bodies. Plenty of signs of battle; blood, discarded firearms, occasional military vehicles. No signs of the people, though!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To look at the horizon past Tokyo is to see only darkness. From above, it would look like the planet is slowly being eaten by black and purple energy. To the more magically inclined, it's not being destroyed; it's being relocated to another realm, a bit destructively though. In this world, the barrier between realities doesn't exist. If someone had the ability to hop dimensions here they'd find it INCREDIBLY easy.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Warp Gate is pretty much a hole in reality, not a built installation. It's in the middle of the street, surrounded by a variety of stores. One in particular still has functioning TVs, and another has a newspaper stand, though for the most part stores have been thoroughly plundered.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Only one skyscraper remains a few blocks away, torn down to only a dozen stories high, which is half a dozen more than anything else still has.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's only one life sign in the whole of Tokyo, and it's atop that skyscraper. But other places are noisy, too; a nearby mall has loud ruckus going on, as though walls were being demolished. For the most part, the city is completely quiet and muted otherwise.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:789|Sarah Parsle (789)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Earth is a funny place. Apparently a lot of Afterus is based on it, as well as having a powerful infleunce in pop culture and behavior standards. Apparently the gods of their world even came from it. <br /><br />So it is that a young, unarmed human female in their early teens pops in through the dimensional hole, looking around with curiosity. <br /><br />And then she realizes the place is being torn apart. "Ugh. Every time I go to an Earth it's being destroyed. What the hell." Sarah mutters to herself, puttering over to the newspaper stand. Newspapers are a valuable cultural snapshot of an area. She can check it out for any useful information. As she searches for one that is readable, she glances around in case some kind of monsters might arrive to engage in some Strife. YOU NEVER KNOW. STRIFE CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE. <br /><br />Sadly, since Sarah is not equipped to detect life signs, she is not going to know there's a living being in the area. So she's focusing on investigation and looting. <br /><br />Because loot leads to Alchemy materials for later.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:803|Steve (803)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A dynamic entry! Or not. It's more of a stroll, really, once heavy boots hit the battered pavement, from out of the wound in space-time that accompanied the unification. The miner-wizard known as Steve takes several paces in, and raises a hand reflexively to his brow to shield the non-existant sun, scanning the scenery - or what's left of it. His purpose for being here is simple enough: The burst of radio traffic sounded absolutely exciting, and he had never gotten to see a freshly unified world that wasn't his own. Certainly, he's seen some of the civilized areas of the multiverse already, but never one quite this run-down, yet.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hmmm," he ponders aloud, further stepping over to an abandoned automobile, "With all that ruckus, I figured there'd be mobs of terrified people." His tone almost sounds disappointed in that fact, but it doesn't distract from his ultimate purpose. Withdrawing a hexagonal implement from his inventory, he immediately begins scanning the automobile through the viewing window in the center of it. Something about this place manages to give him, someone that regularly toys with forces meant to be un-toyed with, the creeps. It's like that feeling when he thinks he sees the robed, hooded guys skulking around his house, but they're never quite there when he actually turns to look.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He does take note of Sarah, however, and discovers a kindred, looting spirit! "Oh, good. I'm not alone here! That'll be handy if monsters start spawning." There's plenty of crap around to pilfer, he's not *that* selfish.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe has often cone to explore the multiverse before when she picks up strange goings on. She does not go out in her well known form of Tomoe the Iron Lily no she foes out as Eisen Blumen though to thoe who knew her or German might have a clue given the name's rough meaning of Iron Flower. The fiarly short aisen woman clad in a high tech body suit/armour of some sort seems to be taking her timne as she arrives at the place she sees so many signs of carnage it makes her frone she's not sure what she can do but she sees a building left intact somewhat. <br /><br /> Still the ruined terrain is in some ways an asset to her as she moves to check out one of the sources of news papers, maybe there's something in the papers or left running on the TVs' that might help.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Wheeeeeee!" Shin cries as the motorcycle falls out of the Warp Gate, better known as the hole in reality. Of course, as soon as the bike hits the ground and skids a bit, he cries out, "Oh god, my organs!" Before bringing it to a gently skidding stop and coughing a few times. Seems those injuries Shizune put on him last night really are still sticking with him. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Woah, this is a pretty..." Shin pauses to wince as he parks his bike and steps off of it. He might have a passenger on the back and her hair might be blue, to note, "... fucked up place. The distress call came from here, though, I guess. So it seems like a good spot to check out."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Definitely Tokyo, though. But like... seriously damaged. Maybe a Godzilla came through and fought Rhodan or some crap," Shin muses as he walks along, mostly meandering and possibly looking for a storefront to heroically requisition supplies from.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:607|Serenity (607)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Serenity immediately looks upward when she steps out of the Warp Gate, eyes drawn to the sky. She might 'see' things differently, but apparently her vision is close enough to natural that she can pick up the vague wrongness there. It brings a frown to her face, and a hand straying to her blade, but the Maedra's attention doesn't linger.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her frown deepens as she notes the ones who have already gotten here, but not that much. A bit of a pragmatist of her own, she can't really be too angry at people looting in this situation, even if she can't approve of it either. "It looks like there will be plenty of time for that later. Excuse me while I look for something that might tell us what happened."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Serenity ignores any stray newspapers and instead whistles sharply, before murmuring, <span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">"Pact Summon: Raptor of the East."</span> A massive bird materializes above her, which immediately wings off to circle above the city and see what it can find and report back.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"A Tokyo, hm? I didn't recognize it..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:760|Allenby Beardsley (760)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Time for another road trip with Shin for Allenby! Over the past few months she's gotten pretty good at escaping her trainers and sneaking off during time she'd usually reserve for lying around playing video games. That it's been tolerated by the Neo-Sweden military so far is a pleasant surprise though fueled in part by Neo-Sweden secretly not being able to really stop her if physical resistance entered the picture. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Wheeee!" There's a big grin on Allenby's face as she clings to Shin's back that doesn't fade all that much once they see the Earth on the other side of the new gate. Her grip tightens on Shin as they land roughly, no doubt worsening his wounds from his fight with Shizune by sheer accident. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Huh, looks like this one's in crapsack condition too. I'm thinking mid-apocalypse maybe? Almost post? It looks like it's already reached the point where everyone's dead though I don't see any bodies." Allenby pokes around, gathering up discarded firearms as she passes them. "Might want to grab a gun, I bet it's only a matter of time before zombies show up."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:754|HK-47 (754)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sometimes, it was nice to simply get away from the more taxing locals. Even a droid could understand the logic behind simply leaving the stressors behind and enjoying one's self... though they typically do not get the chance as they are programmed to be inexhaustibly reliable. And so they continue on with their plights, mulling through the hordes of simpering, wasted existences that the meatbags typically were. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However, for the first time in a long time, HK-47 is able to, perhaps for just once, experience what it means to have a moment of reprieve as he takes in the enticing sights of the devastated cityscape, his memory processors working on overdrive to carefully examine and cherish every millisecond of input from his audio and visual sensors of their war-torn environment. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Musing - Ah, yes, that is an oddity" the droid replies in regard to Steve's observation, sharing the latter's disappointment at this bit. "The scene, wonderful example of unrestrained organic extermination that it is, feels incomplete without the sights of maimed or dying meatbags in the streets, laying prone in pools of their own vital fluids as their photoreceptors dull and dim for the last time. Their screams of despair and tortured exclamations of sorrow - complete with the emotion-responsive fluid leaks from their eyes while the looming shadow of their impending non-functionality dawns on them, pleading for the embrace of a well-placed blasters-bolt to the cranium to end their meaningless lives - would serve to break up the monotonous silence of the area rather well." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The droid then pauses a moment after having made his impassioned speech, as if taking the time to imagine what the area would be like if there were dying people strewn or hobbling around him just begging for him to end their misery. This in turn makes him all the more eager to explore, bringing up his rifle at Allenby's remarks of having a weapon. "Eager Assurance - You need not worry about that. I am /always/ prepared for the event of imminent hostilities."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:108|Winnowill (108)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Today, Winnowill has decided to show up in her LADY VENEVOL disguise. This means she has rounded ears, as a lovely lady with black hair, of the human persuasion. A flowing green dress decorates her slender body, and she is settled in a small carriage pulled by a cart and a single soldier.<br /><br />Winnowill steps out of the carriage, brushing her dress off before turning to the soldier. "Stay here until I return, or the peace hounds will be dining extra well tonight."<br /><br />The man pales, but nods, and Winnowill walks toward where the others appear to be gathering... and walking right past them, including the rambling droid. "If you wish to know what happened, one might think to start with the lone survivor." Naturally the Life Shaper would know where a lifesign is, and she's heading right toward it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:884|Cocoa (884)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The store Sarah robs is your average corner store. A lot of the food is expired, the register's been emptied, and there's not much of interest. This would seem to be just a modern Earth, one where corner stores unfortunately don't sell laser swords. Definitely a point against this place.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newspaper all seem to tell the same stories-- in Japanese, since this is Tokyo. 'USA falls to dimensional invader; Russians coin the name 'Phantom'.' 'The last free country in Europe surrenders to Phantom; Asia next?' 'Japan next on Phantom's hit list?' 'No sunlight for a week, panic in the streets. Kumon clan making its final stand.'<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Steve finds much the same as Sarah; this is modern Earth! There's a lot of stuff to loot, but nothing really outstanding. Most of the cars are all fully functional, with keys still in the ignition and turned. They're just out of fuel. You could find tons of things here, but your odds of finding a magical amulet in the loot pile are pretty low.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tomoe turns a TV on at the electronics store. It's pretty glitchy, and seems to be playing the same fifteen seconds on repeat. 'Kumon Waka, youngest heir of the Kumon clan, fell in battle against Phantom's forces today, taking with her the last of the Kumon clan's knowledge on fighting the entity called Phantom. We may be on the eve of the world's fall, as--'<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shin, like others, will find the stores heavily plundered, but to have plenty of things still if he isn't picky. Cars full of luggages are good too.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Serenity's bird flies over the city, finding a few signs of life that don't actually register as alive. At the base of the skyscraper, businessmen with their heads fully covered by colorful, egg-like masks seem to be fighting... orcs? Those look like orcs. Green, bulky, tribal-looking. The big difference is that their skin and limbs look bug-like, and rather than a face, they have a sort of multicolored stained glass crescent, like a grin, and which VAGUELY makes a mouth and eyes shape, but never actually changes to convey expressions.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A girl with long purple hair is watching the fight from atop the skyscraper, munching on popcorn.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Back at the street level, Allenby finds firearms, no problem. There's plenty of them. Police and military rifles and pistols, just scattered here and there, some still loaded.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The lone skyscraper isn't that far; a block or two, with plenty of shortcuts thanks to destroyed buildings. And those who arrive there do indeed see the fight too (hopefully, having waited long enough for Serenity to warn them). It looks like a pub brawl between businessmen and weird bug-orcs with stained glass motif faces. No weapons here; just fists flying between the two groups.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's about twenty on both sides of the conflict.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The businessmen don't register as alive, and neither do the orcs. For that matter, the orcs decidedly don't even belong in this world. Or, really, any other physical world. Digital entities, not magical.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:607|Serenity (607)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's at this point that Serenity's player realizes she actually has keen hearing as a power on this character, and thus actually can hear the television. She scowls, but keeps her focus on the task at hand, despite the distasteful disposition of the others here. She's keeping an eye on HK especially, though Winnowill gets a long stare. She can tell that the woman isn't human, but other than that she's a puzzle.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hello again, Shin, Sarah," she finally says. "There's someone watching not too far from here. I'll have the Raptor circle above in case we need air support, but it's short enough to walk. The Lady there seems to know where to go."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maybe Serenity is just in a hurry to get away from the psychopathic droid. Maybe she just wants to keep near the other Unionite here. She'll gesture for Tomoe to follow and head over, keeping near Winnowill just in case something is up with the strange woman. She doesn't even bother to try to intercede in the brawl though. "Those creatures are not what they seem," she mutters. "I don't believe they belong here." Rather than mess with them - though she won't stop anyone who wants to - she's going to look for a way up the skyscraper. Yes, she has ways to fly, but she'd rather not employ them. Hopefully going through the brawl isn't necessary, but she'll draw her sword just in case.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:803|Steve (803)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Zombies ain't that tough. Unless they're the ones that look really pissed off, and can run fast," comes Steve's off-handed response, not turning to Allenby as he makes it. Instead, he seems to be pointing that hexagonal device at practically everything in his immediate reach. Very briefly, he points it towards that conspicuously-only-half-destroyed building, and could have sworn he saw something other than the default 'no aspects'. Probably just some local magic messing with his thaumic tools, as it sometimes does. He's beginning to get the general idea. Somehow this world is being consumed. Not with any teeth or jaw, but it is definitely going 'somewhere else'. It's likely, the people were also...<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, hopefully whatever it is, it's already too full to eat us," he mumbles aloud, to his own thoughts and completely out of sequence with any other conversations going on around him. He pauses in his studies to regard HK-47; a curious construction, as he recognizes it, as he has not met that many robots or droids, just yet. Accordingly, he frames it in his own terms, "An iron golem, huh?" He whistles appreciatively, at the attention to deadly detail on this model, before continuing, "And quite a mouth on ya! Can't say I dislike what I'm hearing, though. Almost like some really dark poetry." He recomposes himself after a moment, crossing his arms over his chest, "Anyhow, as I was thinkin' a moment ago. Whatever is snacking on this place likely already cleaned its plate."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Something doesn't feel quite right about it, though, and it's not the ominous sky hanging overhead, or the deathly still and quiet of the rest of this dead world. It's that it might not be as empty as it appears, a sensation he's quite familiar with, from his own world. Mention of a 'lone' survivor captures his attention enough that he thinks back to that earlier scan incident, and not really having much better direction, decides to meander along behind. Not before he withdraws his pickaxe from his side, though, and with a few good swings, separates a curiously precise cubic meter of the abandoned car, right at the corner of the engine compartment, placing it into that nebulous inventory he possesses. That might come in handy, later. Sarah isn't the only one collecting things for alchemy.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As he approaches, his ears honed from listening for footsteps on countless nights pick up something. "Hmm. Sounds of a battle?" One of his ears might even tweak a bit, as he scratches thoughtfully at his beard stubble. Any warnings, in this case, are heeded but ultimately overridden by intense curiosity. What could have survived in a world like this? "Tsk, they're using fists, like common ruffians. They could at least use swords." He once again raises that scanning device of his toward the combatants, like he's some kind of tourist snapping images of the quirky locals.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Dude, I'm not using guns!" Shin cries out at Allenby in displeasure, frowning, "Fists all the way, even in a zombie apocalypse. I'll just punch their heads to death," He points out. He doesn't loot much, to his defense, only taking what look like some cans of food and shoving them in his backpack for some future night when he can't afford dinner. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He's still limping a bit from those injuries and looks slightly dinged up, but is at least moving around and mostly good to go. Doctors somewhere are probably mad he escaped a hospital bed, but he couldn't restrain his wandering nature. When he's called out by name, he looks up, "OH! Hey!" He reaches into his breast pocket and pulls out a small book, flipping through it, "Miss... Serenity, yeah? Nice to see you again. You're looking cougar-y." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He puts the book away and gets to walking along with her, clearly intending to follow her upon hearing there's someone watching them all. Might be someone in the know about the story of this world, so that's worth checking out. His hands go into his pockets as he limp-strolls along with the group.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe has her FRAPs running as she does this it should be able to be useful. So something called Phantom was invading? She looked out this was the nightmare her world's governments feared there were only a handful of elites in the world and most nations were wary of the Union and the Conderates. She does make note of it now she's going to turn about and start making for the mall where she heard sounds of trouble. Shge stops however at Serenity's words. The redhead Asian woman turns about and starts bounding along to catch up with Serenity, she's not pulled a weapon just yet but she calls out to Serenity. <br /><br /> "I hear you, this is the nightmare my own world is terrifed of happening..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:760|Allenby Beardsley (760)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Slowly, Allenby turns to stare a little at HK as he waxes poetic about capping some dying victims. She shifts her angle just a little so at all times she has the clearly homocidal droid in her field of vision. Allowing HK to get behind her just seems like a bad idea. "Well yeah, you're a killer robot. You better be prepared for iminent hostilities. Me, on the other hand, if some zombies roll up I want to take 'em out at range instead of risk getting bitten." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She shrugs a little at Steve as she slings a rifle over her shoulder and picks up a handgun. Allenby takes a moment to check how many rounds are left. "Definitely not risking getting bitten. But if I do, Shin has dibs on killing zombie-me. Sorry robot guy." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shin rejects the guns and Allenby pouts. "Oh come on, haven't you ever played a survival horror game before?" Allenby scoops up a handful of newspapers, marveling at the headlines after she gets her phone to auto-translate it from Japanese. "Oh, I see, this Earth got invaded by an outsider. A thing from another dimension called the Phantom-" she shoves the papers over to Shin. "It sounds like this world's about to lose to it."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:108|Winnowill (108)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Winnowill doesn't seem to care that Serenity is watching her, but what Shin says has her looking over her shoulder with an arched eyebrow. "She doesn't look like a cougar to me. Not human, perhaps, but certainly more human than feline, if I'm understanding the word correctly." The puzzlement is a minor distraction at best, though. She's examining the battle with some interest.<br /><br />"She is correct... they are not even alive. Interesting." She'll also look for some stairs or something, but with an idle thought she tests just how near-living the orcs and men are, targeting one of the 'men' with a short, intense burst of telepathic power. Maybe they have brains to melt even if they aren't alive.<br /><br />Idly, she asks, "What is a zombie, anyway?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:789|Sarah Parsle (789)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sarah packs the PHANTOM NEWSPAPER into her ENIGMA MODUS. It might be handy later. She isn't expecting to find laser swords, everyone knows you find the best stuff in the horrifically dangerous places. <br /><br />Meanwhile, Sarah doesn't really look twice as Steve shows up. Just a first glance at the guy and what he's up to and then she shrugs at his comment. "Not as handy as you'll think." Sarah says. "People like to make assumptions. Looks safe enough for the moment, though. But if you have some way of keeping an eye out, go for-" <br /><br />And then Serenity summons a bird. Sarah immediatley YOUTH ROLLS, digging herself under a wrecked vehicle and peering out from under it. This is probably for the best, since HK-47 arrives and immediately starts making Sarah reassess where she wants to be in relation to that robot. Winowill doesn't help matters.<br /><br />After a moment, she pops back out and shuffles down the road, following the others towards the skyscraper. Serenity greets her, and she nods back. "Sup." Shin's presence, however, causes Saran to look vaguely less grim and gloomy. "Hey, Combat Vagrant." Sarah calls to Shin. "Nice to see you around." He's been proven actually dependable in her assessment of how he operates.<br /><br />She sighs, though. He's probably going to get horribly killed as soon as it's most inconvenient. <br /><br />As soon as they reach the area of the disturbance, Sarah is going to.. HAVE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. She shimmies aside, trying to stay out of sight and stay off the aggro radius of the masseed fighters. "Looks like there's something important in that skyscraper. Anyone have a way to bypass or clear the guys down here?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:754|HK-47 (754)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;HK takes note of how several of his companions have regarded him, though the droid takes an interest in the one that responds directly to him, eyes seeming to glow with something akin to appreciation at the praise of his description for the land around them. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However, when the sounds of combat reach the droid's audio receptors, he eagerly moves forward to scout the area, taking in the sight of the chaos - though not quite the cries of despair he'd hoped for - as another element to make his enjoyment of the scenery feel complete. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For a short time, the droid observes the fight, taking in sensory data to try and compile a working picture of what could cause this, as it was beyond the scope of anything he knew of that conventional weapons could bring about so quickly - at least not alone. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After hearing the talk of 'zombies' and about how one could apparently be made into one through a bite, HK rationalized it as being similar to the 'Rakghoul plage' in his own world - a virus that could turn dully-civilized meatbags into flesh-eating creatures that spread their infection by wounding others. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That in turn meant that he would be at a significant advantage as he was comprised of weak organic components. But then again, that had always been an advantage of his. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At Sarah's question, HK pulls free his incendiary grenade and, with only a moment's hesitation for giving a statement - "Commentary - You need only ask" - the droid lobs it into the mass of fighting forms.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:884|Cocoa (884)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The orcs and businessmen outside are too occupied fighting one another to pick on people looking to climb the skyscraper. Thus, the front door is totally an option. Serenity leads in, and up the stairs! The section of building left is still mostly a building, really. It collapsed to the side, not in on itself. Looks like it was a TV station, judging from the logos and equipment all over. Unfortunately for Serenity, the way isn't safe.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A dozen technicians, all wielding recording equipment-- two have large cameras, three have microphone perches, one has an old boxy computer minitor and the likes, are waiting on the second floor. Like the businessmen in front, their heads are competely covered by colorful, horned eggs, with assorted face patterns on them, like scary halloween masks. Her sight might not be able to pick up on the finer details though.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They come swinging at her! With... all the deadliness of very regular human beings wielding sound perches, cameras and a computer monitor like they're melee weapons. Yeah they're picking on someone vastly outside their kill range.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not just at her, but at anyone who's actually following her UP THE BUILDING.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;OUTSIDE, Steve scans the fighting creatures. The businessmen seem to be composed in large quantity of air. The head is made out of ????, and also mostly air. And their clothes are made out of clothes. They have a layer of skin, but nothing underneath. The orcs, on the other hand, are composed of data all the way through.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As one of the businessmen lands a nasty punch on an orc, it falls to the ground and reverts into a human being. A completely normal, healthy human being, still breathing, and suddenly there are two lifesigns here, not one. Looks like a middle-aged man in police clothing, and he's unconscious from the blow.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Winnowill sends psychic bullets at two of the businessmen. The eggs on their heads suddenly SCREECH in pain, and unwrap from those positions, revealing nothing underneath. The bodies fall to the ground, empty skin and clothes without a head. The parasites, hurt and now angry, looking mostly like colorful horned stingrays, suddenly streak straight for their attacker, trying to hug her face. You know where this is going.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;HK's grenade lands in the cluster of 'zombies' and orcs. The suited men are consumed in flames, while orcs stagger back from the damage, falling to the ground when sufficiently burnt and reverting to living human beings. A few soldiers, another policeman.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Orcs and businessmen turn upon the group still outside now, ending their feud. There's a dozen of each left, roughly; some of the men produce golf clubs or lead pipes, while the orcs just charge with their clawed hands. These guys aren't a huge threat, but they're not zombie-slow, so their numbers could still be an issue.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:754|HK-47 (754)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;HK finds himself intrigued by the curious nature of their new opponents as many of them reverted into humans. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Was this the situation that had been observed by the errant meatbags when they conceived the term "be careful what you wish for?" For HK-47 had longed for there to be at least a few remaining fleshlings to derive and complete his enjoyment of the surroundings with... and no sooner did he indulge his processor core in this wishful desire, he found it fulfilled before his very photoreceptors. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And just as he had desired... they were rushing towards him as though begging for him to wipe them from existence. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So who was he to deny them that? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the hoard approaches, HK raises his arm, a clicking of steal plates pre-empting the appearance of a nozzle from his forearm-casing that soon starts spewing out a jet of flame before the droid, intending to reduce the offending attackers into ashes that will match and add to the surrounding landscape. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;These opponents were little more then animals - there was no reason to exercise finesse here. Especially when they had a target to reach. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However, while it sent a slight pulse of remorse through his processor core that he could not take his time with these targets, the sound of the screams he would elect from them as they were incinerated would, for the time being, serve as consolation.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe is not having an issue keeping up with Serenity but she was not expecting something ike this at all s they make hteir way through the building things seem to be going well enough. She wan't expecting this but soon they are are uner attack. She's creeped out by it, and she's now being attacked. She moves to not even grab her guns yet she starts weaving and dodging the astike hs'll even attempt to twist them out of the hands of some of the attackers. <br /><br /> "What the heck are these things?!" <br /><br /> She's very glad she did take some /unarmed/ ranks with Eisen after all it helps a lot she'll even attempt to just punch these guys out where she can. <br /><br /> "Ma'me you got any ideas on this?!" <br /><br /> She calls out to Serenity.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:803|Steve (803)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...huh." It's not that often that Steve actually sounds completely perplexed by something, but what he sees through the thaumometer, that golden hexagon he's been holding all this time, prompts the reaction. Air isn't uncommon, but living or even un-living creatures aren't typically a source of it. Are they just clothed sacks of air, then? He seems to resolve this notion, with a quip of, "Interesting! I knew I had a good feeing about coming here." Wasn't he the one a while ago that said it gave him the creeps? So which is it? Regardless, as one of the orcs appears to revert to a 'true' form, he once again scratches at his beard. That is, before he gives a noise of light annoyance, as the attacks on their little melee have not gone unnoticed, "Damn. I wanted to watch them a little longer. Oh well, nothing to be done for it now."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Withdrawing the gold-capped length of wood from its place at his hip, he takes a moment to twist a silvery-blue bauble onto the end. As the parasites seek a new host, he grunts, "Cripes!" The end of the wand discharges a bolt of electricity at one of them; trusting that Winnowill will be able to finish off any other that gets through. The jolt is sustained however long is necessary, and possibly more than that, in that 'oh god, a bug, kill it kill it' fashion of overkill for panicked safety. As he notices the others beginning to shamble in a threatening manner, he asides, "Now THAT's a zombie, since you were wondering." He does marvel at how efficient at HK-47 is at this killing business, though. "I might have to take some notes. That's a lot better than the dart launchers I've come up with for my own little buddies." He says this, as he aims more arcing electricity at the hoard now approaching. He doesn't seem to care much if they're civilians. Not like they have a world left to wake up to.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Dude sweet. If you get bitten and I have to kill you, I will totally get some sick advancement in my narrative. You're the best, Allenby," He fistpumps a bit, pretty stoked at the idea of having to dramatically kill Allenby at some future junction. Though moments later, he more seriously says, "Please avoid that, though. It'd suck." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Following at the side of Serenity, or at least in her general entourage, allows for Shin to come across some interesting things. Various sights, as he walks, are photographed via his phone to be posted on his twitter later, "So there's a...-" He cuts off, looking at VENOVEL. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh, no, the slang term. Look it up some time. You're pretty cougary too," He notes casually, shooting her a finger-gun before walking along with the group. He continues his thought a moment later. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"-... strange person left in the city, watching, according to what she said. That means it could be a total villain or a protagonist. It's not clear," Shin muses as he rubs his chin. Of course, technicians are attacking a moment later and he has to actually fight. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He doesn't put too much effort into it, being fairly tired out. He dashes towards one and lays him out with a huge haymaker punch before bouncign on his feet a bit, "Mook chumps. Not much challenge."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:108|Winnowill (108)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>As it turns out, Winnowill, or Lady Venevol, doesn't seem like any kind of fighter! The parasites that fly toward her smack right into her face, wrapping around to make her stagger and clutch her throat! Oh god, this is terrible! This is awful! They're killing her and going to take over her body and-<br /><br />Actually, as soon as she recovers her balance, the parasites - both of them - erupt in a spray of fleshy bits. If they have blood, there's a lot of it now, because they apparently just turned themselves inside out when trying to latch onto the woman. She coughs, scowling at the near-miss. "What interesting creatures..." Uh oh. She may have just gotten IDEAS from this.<br /><br />Cougary huh? She doesn't have time to really respond to that. "Mn, I trust that the metal man here can take care of these." She isn't going up quite yet, she'll catch up later. If she can, she's going to check out the man who fell over, just to see if anything is wrong with him. If there is... well whatever. She isn't going to heal him or anything. He doesn't seem like a useful sort.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:760|Allenby Beardsley (760)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Beaming, Allenby gives Shin two big thumbs up, "My death is narratively important! But yeah I do kind of want to avoid that." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A few minutes later: "Neither of these things are zombies." Allenby observes, flicking the safety on her looted handgun and shoving it into one of the pockets of her magenta vest. "Alright, I won't be needing these then." While it would usually be the thing to wait and see what was /supposed/ to be fight, Allenby doesn't seem to discriminate very much. This is especially the case since both parties seem to be willing to attack them, as evidenced by the masked guys that come after the climbing Serenity. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Allenby darts in after the orcs, a grin spreading across her face, "Hey Shin! Hey! Look at this! I've been meaning to show this off-!" Dark purple fire suddenly spills down the length of her right arm, immediately saturating the nearby air with a very angry, hateful feeling. The blue-haired girl lets out a yell as she slams the arm forward, fist closed and held perpendicular to the ground, legs shifting into a horse stance for a brief moment. The purple energy masses, then blasts outward in the form of a seething fireball of hate at a knot of orcs.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:607|Serenity (607)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh... this is... weird. Letting the others handle the group outside if they want, Serenity is confronted with attackers. Her blade is already out, though, and she can see these things are not up to par with typical soldiers. "Useless against normal people, but these troops... I think I see what happened here," she mutters.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They aren't really a challenge to Elites, it seems. Serenity is FAR from at her peak, but she's skilled enough for a quick slash or two to take care of these things, wary about letting them touch her. If enough rush then they might get grabby enough to cause her to tear herself away, though.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:884|Cocoa (884)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;OUTSIDE:<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;HK starts setting orcs and businessmen alike on fire; there are no screams, likely to the droid's profound sadness, but they do burn quite well. Unusual as it must be to be able to set someone on fire and as a result, cure them of whatever affliction has turned them into buggy orcs. Can HK feel conflict at the fact his genocidal tendencies are currently serving to save lives, not end them? Maybe he can drown the thoughts with repeated .gif loops of businessmen going up in flames.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One of the two parasites dashing at Winnowill gets blasted by a jolt from Steve, falling to the ground, lifeless again. Slightly scorched. Does someone want a facehugger corpse?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The other erupts in a spray of fleshy bits indeed, whatever is 'left' of it falling to the ground at Winnowill's feet. She'll find that those orcs that have fallen and reverted are just completely normal human beings. Exhausted from the ordeal, but there's no trace left of whatever transformed them in the first place. Maybe bits and pieces of reality manipulating magic. She's right, though, these guys are useless to her.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the last of the mooks fall, the figure atop the skyscraper glances down, discarding her bowl of popcorn. 'Uriel', a girl with long purple hair, edgy dark clothes with a bit of a bat motif to them, what with the wings, lots of bandages, and a very large clawed right hand, grins as she shouts down: "GOOD JOB! YOU GUYS CLEARED THE TRASH TO THE BOSS! Man, I didn't know there were even people left here, besides the ones I caught. I hope you don't mind, these guys are a few content patches behind, but let's start you off on something easy!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She waves her big, clawed hand, and the air suddenly warps amidst the group at the base of the building. Two towering figures appear, both humanoid. Their faces, like, the orcs, don't have mouths, or eyes, but they're flat, with fancy stained glass patterns on them that loosely resemble a face. Their limbs are bug-like, with chitin and visible joints.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One is green, dressed in heavy armor with two swords. The other is purple, dressed in wizard robes with a staff. The two figures are about fifteen foot tall, roughly.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"BEHOLD! THE TWIN TUTORS! Penultimate bosses of the Quraj Palace! Those guys were total party wipers like four expansions ago, you know?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:884|Cocoa (884)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;INSIDE:<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tomoe punches one of the businessmen! With so much force, it goes right through. There's no splatter of blood, no gore. These guys are hollow, under the skin. The technician collapses, dead. Re-dead, anyway.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shin quickly identifies the narrative place of these guys. Browbeating them isn't hard; they can't take much punishment at all.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Allenby overpowers a number of orcs that had followed them in with her own gush of fire, rivaling HK's in efficiency. The orcs hit collapse, reverting to another batch of policemen and soldiers. It probably catches some of the technicians in the crossfire, too.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And a few cuts from Serenity finish the last technicians off. The road up is clear! The group climbs ten stories up, and emerge on the-- well, not roof, but the thirteenth floor, which has no more ceiling or wells. Close enough to a roof now. They come out behind the girl, just as she starts screaming down at the others. She seems oblivious to the fact people have snuck up on her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:789|Sarah Parsle (789)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sarah continues to hide under the car, but she does activate her STRIF MODUS, producing...<br /><br />A JENGA STACK. Sarah's Modus is set to PUZZLEKIND. Being stationary and having a stable flat surface handy, Sarah begins pulling pieces out of the JENGA STACK, whipping them through the air. She doesn't target the orcs or the strange parasite-headed people, instead focusing on trying to run interference for any parasites that get free. Small balsowood blocks sail through the air and strike with a low &gt;pok&lt; noise as she tries to evoke some kind of stunlock mechanic. <br /><br />Even so, she doesn't do a whole lot of damage. STRIFE MODUS or no, it's still a suboptimal weapon choice even if she /is/ building a STACK COMBO. <br /><br />Oooooooooor that could happen. "What? Seriously? We're in a boss fight? Who the hell designed this crap?" Sarah queries. "Hey, murderbot. You're actually good at this, can you make that problem go away?" She points at the TWIN TUTORS. "Kill the mage first." She advises. She does not leave cover yet. Someone more heroic will certainly save the unconscious people before they get murdered in collateral damage.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Damn Allenby!" Shin says when the Gundam pilot opens up a total can of psychopower on the orcs, cutting them down with some pretty intense moves. He plants a foot on the chest of the guy he cold-cocked and remarks, "You have some new tricks. Pretty intense, but we should keep moving," He notes. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shin bursts through the door up onto the roof, landing and taking a suitably (to him) cool guy stance. The martial artist looks around, lifting up his hands and striking a karate pose to signal his arrival, as all good protagonists should. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is through fortunate narrative timing and pacing that, in accordance with the GM pose, he arrives up on the roof in time for the mysterious girl to be making her speech. Shin listens to it all, his heterochromatic gaze fixed on the mysterious stranger. Abruptly, he shouts... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"YOU. That outfit, that face, those skills. It could only be one person." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He points at her as if she were someone he once encountered years ago. He takes a step towards her and continues to hold the finger out, "I thought we'd never meet. A figure that existed only in myths and rumors! I've been looking for you since the day I started my journey, but I thought we'd never actually meet." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He takes a slow breath and stares at her, reaching up to take off his sunglasses in a dramatic fashion. Could it be possible that Shin knows this strange girl? Is she someone from his past? Is she tied into where he came from somehow? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He thrusts his finger at her again, shouting across their distance, "And now we meet!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A beat pause. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The Dark Path Love Interest, finally revealed."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:754|HK-47 (754)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the burning husks collapse... HK-47 finds to his annoyance that his prior feeling of bliss was evaporating rather quickly, the more ironic notion behind the term "be careful what you wish for" now making it's full presence known. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Instead of turning to ash... his 'kills' were turning into heaps of unconscious meatbags, each one breathing in a form of peaceful unconsciousness as if to mock him with their unawareness of the situation around them. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He would have rectified that in short order... but he had another issue to attend to. Namely the small, vaguely chiropteran creature that sought to challenge them. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Advisory - If your request is to watch us disassemble these organisms to their squishy, fluid-soaked component parts, I believe we shall be all-too-happy to oblige you." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The droid takes a knee and aims his disruptor rifle - at the weaker opponent, the mage, just as the female noted. However, he does let out an a retort to her "Irritated Statement - I am well aware of which flesh-lined fluid-sac takes priority as a target. I am built for combat. You are not. I would advise staying to a working formula lest one of my shots... make any miscalculated impacts." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If there is one thing HK-47 dislikes, it is being ordered around by meatbags he does not know. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An instant later, the first shot is fired, streaking for the 'mage' with lethal accuracy.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:803|Steve (803)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The strangely dressed and clawed girl, though many of the others here are strangely dressed to him, finally manages to capture Steve's attention. You know, in between zapping things with lightning a bit more, just to be certain, in a magical version of the tried and true double tap. A lot of what she's saying sounds vaguely familiar to him somehow, almost like he should have remembered something from a deep and unreachable corner of his forgotten past. Though, once again, he gets that sensation around a lot of things. After clearing his head a bit, after a slight pulsing throb passes from just how familiar some of it feels, he spares a moment from zapping to call up, "Eh, it was a nice bit of exercise, and the jumping things are creepy. And, we're not from around here. Anyway, nice place you got! Must have taken forever to build all these towers, and make them look all ruined-looking." Yeah, he definitely doesn't fully grasp how other worlds do things, at times.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That must mean that these are her play things, in any case, which would explain why she was watching everything go down. Getting the general concept of a boss fight, at least, he rolls up one sleeve of his thaumaturgical robes. "Didn't figure I'd be facing something like this today, else I'd have brought more with me. Like that girl said, though, with this iron golem here, it looks like we've got a whole arsenal." As a potentially ill-advised move, he actually moves one muscled arm to give HK-47 an 'atta boy' pat on a jointed shoulder, having apparently already accepted him the same as any flesh-bearing comrade. Further, in a way that vaguely seems threatening, despite being in a good-natured tone, he adds, "It had better drop something good, too."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If he notices that others have appeared behind the girl, up on the building, he doesn't pay it any mind. Instead he is focused on the TWIN TUTORS. They're easily as tall as one Enderman standing on another's shoulders! Not that this appears to immediately concern him, his face instead moving into a relishing grin. Of course, as he is a creature of trial and error, he could never guess the correct conclusion in one go. Obviously the one in wizard robes is his RIVAL, so they should have a magical duel, joining in a focus fire with the assassin droid, and adding a bit of status effect to the mix. Replacing the end cap of his wand with one of a far chillier blue than the other, he fires a series of what appear to be snowballs at a glance. What could he hope to achieve with that? A slightly errant one strikes a dented parking meter on its way, flash-freezing into a chunk of ice. Oh, that.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also, that there are civilians that might get in the cross fire of magic and bullets does not seem to concern him in the least. Not his world, not his problem.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:760|Allenby Beardsley (760)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I know, right?" Allenby manages a half-smile though strangely nothing more. She also looks a little exhausted by that. As for the re-created humans, she doesn't seem inclined to stick around and help them up or check on them to see if they're okay. In fact, she strides through their prone bodies without giving them so much a look as she trots after the others to ascend the building. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Several flights of stairs later, they finally reach the roof where some girl is yelling over the edge of the building, "Oh right, that one lady climbed it, didn't she...?" Allenby reasons, nudging Shin a few times, "Hey, listen to her, I think she's genre savvy too-" <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shin interrupts with a proclamation of DARK PATH LOVE INTEREST to the purple-haired girl. "/What/!?" Allenby seems almost a little too angry about this and reaches over to smack Shin upside the head, "What the hell, Shin, how am /I/ not the 'dark path' love interest? Are you pushing for the love triangle already?" She glowers at him for a few moments before turning away. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thoroughly annoyed, Allenby forces herself to wait a few seconds as HK shoots the 'mage' half of the boss duo. When she's sufficiently sure that she won't get hit, she speeds in, launching a sweeping kick upwards, followed by a second kick, then a punch as she tries to air juggle the mage for a good 4-hit combo. There are no more signs of the mysterious purple fire as she does this.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:607|Serenity (607)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Serenity comes up just a hair later than the others, as she had to stay behind to briefly check on the unconscious humans. Strange. They revert when killed into normal humans? That's something that is of great concern to her, really. But it doesn't take long to confirm they're okay, so Serenity arrives just in time to hear...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dark Path Love Interest.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Seriously?" She sighs heavily, then whistles again. She's not going to do anything stupid like leap down a skyscraper, she's sending her giant-ass bird down to screech down toward the 'boss fight' and land heavily behind them. She has no idea of any gimmick yet, so the raptor unfortunately targets the mage with a pair of slicing air-slashes, which have minimal effect.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Serenity just... takes the fire escape. Extremely FAST, but still the fire escape. Once she's down there she can probably direct her summon a little better.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:108|Winnowill (108)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Oh no! The boss monsters! And the fighters ENGAGE! Winnowill... uh. Is still just kind of standing around. Instead of engaging the boss monsters with her erstwhile allies, the disguised elf just peers at the strange girl... and starts talking to her.<br /><br />"So you watched the entire world die, and when a challenge of survivors comes along you provide opponents for them?" The woman smiles, tapping her lip with a single finger. "I will have to remember that one." There's a certain smug appreciation for the girl's style in there.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe sees how good Shin is of a fighter and she has to say she's pretty darn impressed then she sees Allenby as well charging in and doing stuff that would be from a VRMMORPG or a movie on her worl it's still something to see and know those are living people dong stuff like that. <br /><br /> "Some sort of infestation is there anything we can do for these people?" <br /><br /> Her punch was bit more than she expected and it seems that they ar eindeed dead and just puppeted corpse to her horror. <br /><br /> "...my world fears stuff like this...happening." <br /><br /> This hits way too close for her, and she's soon got a spaz-12 shotgun out of her inventory as she make ssure it's loaded and she's going to press on with the rest of the group. She pauses as they reach the she hears them screaming about the boss and clearing. She has a sinking feeling she's fallen into yet another death game. Oh why lord, why another death game?! She makes sure her shotgun's ready as she moves to make ready for a possible attack. <br /><br /> "So a death game and let me guess Phantom is the one behind it?" <br /><br /> She's going to check on the people but Serenity is ahead of her and has that handled.. <br /><br /> She then seeing that's well in hand she's going after Serenity and just does not say a thing about the love paths /at/ all. She just does not say one thing. She uses her inhuman agility to bound down the building with eace and the moment she gets in range she opens up with the shotgun also on the mage.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:884|Cocoa (884)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ROOF:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, if people intended to use the surprise to assault Cocoa, they've let the chance slip! Or rather, Shin has. The purple-haired girl turns to stare, edgy crimson eyes glaring at Shin with no small amounts of confusion. Betraying her looks-- the bloody bandages, the black clothes and all-- her voice is actually kind of high pitched.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm the what? No! No I'm not! Can't you tell? I'm the bad guy's Dragon! Look at how scary I look! I DID ALL THIS, YOU SHOULD BE AFRAID!" That's not true at all. Phantom did all this. She helped! Like, punched a few key people. But she didn't do all this at all.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Serenity and Allenby have just pretty much left to go fight the bosses. 'Uriel' points at Tomoe, mostly for Shin's benefit. "SEE? She gets it! Look how pale and pensive she is! Hear the disgust she said the word Phantom with? I'm Uriel, the warrior! I herald Phantom's arrival and the time for worlds to join with the Demonsphere!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cocoa huffs, glancing down towards Winnowill. "I didn't just watch! I helped! Watching would be boring. I ran out of survivors to play with though, so I turned them into monsters and pit them against Phantom's goons to see who'd win. You guys look way more fun, though."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WHACK. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oowwwwwwww..." Shin rubs the side of his head where Allenby smacked him, "No you're not the dark path love interest! You're the 'Good Girl With A Bad Crowd' path! It's totally different!" He shouts at her before she runs off, "It's a different thiiiiiiing!" He insists, rubbing the side of his head and scowling before she runs off to go fight the boss. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She'll get it later, he hopes. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"These are not mutually exclusive roles!" Shin shouts back at Uriel, "You can be The Dragon, but then you succumb to 'In Love With The Mark' and pull a 'Heel-Face Turn'. That's the way the tropes line up this time, yo!" Shin points at her and wags his fingers as he explains the setup, "I'm sorry, that's just my narrative right now. If the path goes that way. It's still pretty up in the air on if I'm gonna go down that path. I'm pretty happy with Allenby, I admit," He jerks a thumb to the girl fighting down below. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But, you know, I figure it's better to cover the bases and tell you in advance we're going to go for 'Love Redeems' at some point if you stick around."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:884|Cocoa (884)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;OUTSIDE:<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Down below, the Twin Tutors encounter begins!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;HK is happy to oblige indeed. A single accurate blaster shot nails the MAGE in the chest, scorching a large hole into the chitin. One could see the exact same damage mirroring on the WARRIOR.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cocoa shouts down at Steve: "I DIDN'T BUILD THIS PLACE, I WRECKED IT! D-Do you guys not know what bad guys are?! Come on! I'm trying REALLY HARD here! Do I have to go down there and kill all those survivors? I thought they'd be a nice reward if you guys won, but now I'm not sure!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's starting to sound a bit irritated.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The ice shots from Steve can't seem to freeze the MAGE, but oddly it's the WARRIOR who starts slowing down a tad, as frost starts forming where the MAGE is hit. It does seem to be working though, as damage adds to HK's shots.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sarah has her trusty JENGA STACK. Those were useful against the mooks, but now she's just hiding under a car! Or perhaps she's tactically observing the fight. That's much better than hiding.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Allenby joins the fray herself, laying hit after hit on the MAGE. The wounds mirror on the WARRIOR, as the massive spellcaster is air juggled for a few moments.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Serenity's shots do seem tanked by some sort of anti-magic aura around the MAGE. It isn't absolute in the slightest and can be overpowered, but maybe it got lucky just this once.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On her way down, Tomoe engages the MAGE too, knocking it out of Allenby's air-stunlock and into the ground with a loud crash. The wizard robes are bruised like skin, and the massive boss struggles to return to its feet.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a booming thundercrack from its staff, the MAGE sends out a massive, arcane shockwave, which uproots trees and blows already weakened building walls away. For those caught in it, it'll do not such thing as tear them apart, so much that it's brute magic force. Sarah will lose the car covering her, most likely, as it's knocked away!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The WARRIOR, on the other hand, suddenly rushes in likea whirlwind of steel. Its swords spin and flourish wildly, as it attempts to give ALLENBY a piece of its mind for stunlocking the MAGE. Slashslashslashslashslash!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:884|Cocoa (884)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm not the love interest! OF ANYONE! I'm the Dragon, and I have a very healthy Villainous Friendship with my Big Bad! I help him eat worlds and boost his forces! Do you know why I did all this? Because It Amused Me! I'm a Complete Monster and I'm way past the Moral Event Horizon, okay?!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By now, Cocoa has taken to standing directly in front of Shin, using that big clawed hand to tap him on the chest with each word she puts emphasis on to... well, put more emphasis on them.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So get it right! I'm not getting redeemed anytime soon! I MEAN NEVER. I MEAN I AM -NEVER- GETTING REDEEMED. Damnit!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:754|HK-47 (754)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Upon feeling contact with his shoulder-armor casing, the droid glances at the offending meatbag with a calculated gaze. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Normally he would be disgusted by the idea of a fleshling smearing his armor with the oily-secretions from their skin-sack coverings... however, HK was able to tolerate it only because the meatbag and it's companion was showing the due respect for his capabilities. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In contrast to their strange opponent's yells, HK actually reacts with excitement at the prospect. "Request - Oh, please do! It is so very hard to maneuver with so many of these fleshy obstructions blocking my path. Supplication - Additionally, if you require any assistance in disposing of these obtuse distractions, I shall be very happy to assist!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Recommendation - also, I must note that, impressive as your work here is, it is far too... empty to truly inspire the sort of disparaging atmosphere that is so purportedly distressing to organic minds. Keeping some of your victims strewn across the area, locked in the last enunciations of a meatbag in the final throws of total systemic component failure, would have been the perfect method to offset the sense of silence, as the anticipation of what may be found drains away when one believes everything has already died." The droid gives this impromptu lecture on the merits of creating a true battlefield dystopia even as he slams down his portable barrier to wither the attack from the shockwave, though it doesn't block it all as he is still sent back several feet when the barrier breaks. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That, it seemed, was an indicator to stop holding back his heavy ordinance. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reaching for a new grenade, the droid pulls his thermal detonator - his strongest explosive - and hurls it at the mage, the droid's intent being to obliterate the target to atoms and catch the warrior in the backblast of the attack.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:108|Winnowill (108)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Okay. This girl is clearly insane. Talking in strange Capital Letters and Other Words of Importance like she is, it would appear that Shin is the one to communicate with her. This is very strange, but that's fine, as Winnowill has something else to worry about. Her ally, Allenby, is being attacked!<br /><br />Well, she doesn't actually care, but then most Feds don't care about one another. Like most, she does recognize the need for allies though. As the warrior leaps toward Allenby, she frowns and focuses an intense Black Sending at him, a lancing burst of telepathic damage.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:760|Allenby Beardsley (760)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So I'm not /evil/ enough for the dark path? I don't know how to feel about that. I definitely don't feel like the 'good girl' in this narrative!" Allenby still sounds annoyed and even she herself is surprised by this. Maybe Shin's words actually hurt her on some level..? Or it could be the work of that mysterious purple hate fire. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Aw, I was hoping the killer robot would shoot it again. I guess that works though." Allenby sighs as Tomoe spikes the mage into the ground. She starts advancing on him again when the thundercrack shoves her backwards, repelling her from the savaged wizard. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Knocked onto her back, she rocks onto her shoulders and hands and handsprings herself back onto her feet. No sooner than she does does Allenby find herself with a warrior suddenly in her face. The first few blows catch her off guard, wounding her and drawing blood, but after that her own considerable speed helps her keep up with the rest of the flurry and Allenby turns away and parries the remaining blows before trying to sneak one in there herself. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Allenby's strike is a two-handed blow that is the physical answer to the mage's spell. She tries not for damage but to force the warrior away from her (and into black magic lance and/or bullet range!)<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:803|Steve (803)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's a pause from the miner, Steve, while taking a break from his spell casting, as he scratches at a cheek. "Bad guys, huh? Seems kind of cliche." He has certainly come to understand that his own twisted morality isn't quite considered healthy in the multiverse at large, but there's little changing for him now. "I mean, I engage in what is apparently shady stuff frequently, but I don't think that makes me bad. It's about survival, you kno--" His deeply philosophical moments are cut short, as he recognizes that the demeanor of the bosses have shifted, now that they have absorbed the heroes(*)' opening volleys. Specifically, his magic super rival is beginning to attack with something he has never experienced before. Is this some kind of pressure wave!? Despite the terrain damage, it somehow feels differently as it begins to smack into him.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While he physically braces, on reflex, it is his silly-looking purple robes atop his clothes that take the brunt of it. It makes an odd sort of sense; magical defense for a magical attack. The force mostly spares Steve, save knocking him on his rear for the moment, but his fancy magic robes are tattered! Wait, they're self-healing? Indeed, the rips are beginning to mend back together in real time. A fact that would seem reassuring to some, but instead, as Steve regains his wits, he begins cursing under his breath, glancing at his wand. "Damn, my vis." The magically astute would realize that the regenerative effect draws from the pool of magical power that is contained, or had been contained, within his wand. It is now utterly tapped, and might be able to make some pretty snowflakes in a pinch. "I hate to have to resort to such crude measures, but..."<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As he picks himself back up to his feet, he withdraws the iron pickaxe, the one he earlier used to extract a piece of car, from its place at his hip, placing his empty wand back in its stead. He gives it a few test swings, then without any grace or subtlety whatsoever, rushes for the (seemingly preoccupied) Warrior, jumping a meter into the air as he closes the gap (gotta aim for that added crit damage) and aims to bury the pointed head of the tool deeply into its body. "Die, and drop your loot," he hisses through clenched teeth!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"HEY!" Shin counters as she pokes him in the chest, puffing it up a bit and staring her down as he argues with her, "It is a narrative FACT that when the- hold on," Shin says as he holds up a finger to her and then turns away for a second. Allenby, upset as she is, takes precedent over his argument with a stranger. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No you're not evil! You generally give off the whole..." He wobbles his hand a bit, "Girl trying to find her place in the world and being exploited for narrative ends. That's not evil, it's more of a dark tragic sort. It's a totally different thing! You're searching for where you belong. The Dark Love interest is supposed to question their place in things much, much later in the narrative," He notes to Allenby before turning back to Uriel. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If nothing else, he's keeping some huge portion of the evil occupied, so it's helping in his own weird way. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Right. It is a narrative FACT that if you are going to be a Dragon that also happens to be an attractive female, you are either emotionless and totally subservient or you have emotions that can be appealed to gradually over multiple meetings that eventually build more and more doubt in you," Shin brings his hands up, chopping one of them into his palm as he explains to her, "There's a system. You don't mess with that system. You chose the path of being a Dragon." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You and I are going through several Tragic Rose moments, where the only time we can be together is when we're fighting, and you can't admit that's the closest contact you get with normal people. Then it moves your heart and we become friends or love interests depending on narrative framework at the time."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:607|Serenity (607)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The explosion of force makes the Raptor screech, sending it hurtling back to thunk against the far wall of a building. It isn't out of commission yet, but it's rattled enough that Serenity herself has to take over.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As for the Maedra in question, she's already leaping from halfway down, whipping her sword out with apparent intent on like, hitting the ground or something? Whatever her plan was, the force blast shatters it by slamming her against the wall of the building instead, leading to a pained grunt. It's lessened considerably by her blade, somehow, which hums with power now.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whatever. It got her down to the ground. As she glances up, she's darting over to replace the car in front of Sarah, commenting offhandedly, "In hindsight, I should have stayed up there and fought her, but I think Shin has it handled in his own way. I have doubts killing her would stop these two, though, so I suppose it doesn't matter."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She waits carefully for an opening, and decides to attack the mage more directly this time. She doesn't move from where she is, but as soon as she sees a chance where it won't hit any 'allies' nearby, her sword sweeps down and sends out a shockwave toward the mage. It's basically the stored energy from her fall and what she could leech off his own attack, focused into a narrow crescent that plows a furrow along the ground as it tears toward him.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe is not holding back today not at all. She hears Cocoa's shouting and pauses. Mentally she shifts some objectiges about and Cocoa has no idea at the moment Tomoe lived through a death game, and got involved with at least one other. Still they can't leave the boss as it is either. She attemps to flips clear. She's caught in the shockeve and lets out a cry she's locked off her feet and forced to come in for a landing which is more than a little styleish, she's very glad she's got some non bugshot loaded in and fires off several solid slugs from th shotgun as she attempts to close with the mage again. She seems to be almost on auto pilot she didn't mean to make things harder for Allenby. Tomoe is not bleeding but there's some crack in her body glowing red, it's kinda creepy really. <br /><br /> "Don't sit still! These guys remind me of an old raid encounter my Dad told me about! Tell me about it I botched that too ma'me! I hate pyschos like that more than Ic an put into words!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:789|Sarah Parsle (789)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sarah twitches as the bot makes a non-too-subtle threat to her. "All right, all right. I get the hint. I didn't think you've be that prickly." Despite the de-escalation attempt, Sarah does scrunch farther under the car. <br /><br />Yeah, that's right, the car. Which is shielding her from being mulched and giving her a vantage point to be TACTICAL and totally not IN OVER HER HEAD. She looks up as she listens to the extremely shouty Uriel, and frowns. "This isn't going to end well at all." She predicts in her own pessimistic manner. Just as she's about to offer some more tactical advice from under the car, it gets SUPER BLASTED. With a yelp, Sarah's JENGA STACK undergoes a COLLAPSE with a low 'Jenga!', and Sarah herself is bowled over moments after the car is hurled away, causing her to thud into some nearby rubble. "Uuuuugh." Sarah groans as she stares up at the chaotic, terrifying sky. "Why did I even bother doing this. Every time I go poking around in a new world, everything tries to kill me, but I keep doing it anyway." She grouses as she sits up, mussing with her hair and trying to recover enough to try to do something about the RAID BOSSES. Serenity moves to interpose herself and act as a shield for her. "Huh. Didn't think I rated that high." She says as she dutifully moves to makes it easier for Serenity to tank for her. "I think Shin will be Shin at the problem. He'll probably solve it with gratuitous amounts of punching, considering the absurd fight he got into in the WMAT. I'd bet on him, but I'd rather see him win."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:884|Cocoa (884)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Wh..." It would be hard to tell if Shin is so right he's stunning the girl into silence, so wrong it's doing the same thing, or if he's just really pissing her off by arguing back. In truth there's probably something to say about it being all three at once. Cocoa frowns, her left (normal) hand clenching in what is most likely fury.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We are NOT going to have tragic love moments! Or heartfelt confessions of any kind! Do you know what we're going to have? I'll tell you what we're going to have. I WILL SHOW YOU WHAT WE'RE GOING TO HAVE."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's speed to Cocoa's motions. Undeniable, aggressive speed. Her massive clawed hand suddenly grows, just a bit under Shin's size. The huge fingers try to wrap around him, to squeeze, and to suddenly turn him around towards the edge of the skyscraper.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Go play with your friends! We're not love buddies, damnit! We could have been fighting buddies or heated rivals, BUT URIEL IS NO ONE'S LOVE INTEREST!" Assuming she even managed to grab him, her claw hand erupts into flames, and suddenly tries to launch SHIN at ALLENBY, like he's a human cannonball. And likely on fire now.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(This attack will happen after I resolve the RAID BOSSES, just had to pose it. If Shin even allows it! Wait for his pose first.)<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:760|Allenby Beardsley (760)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though she wants to pursue questioning this, Allneby doesn't get the chance to reflect on not being evil in the middle of the fight. In a way, it was good enough for her. After all, maybe sellers were using more fake names. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But what if I am questioning myself? What then?" Allenby adds.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:884|Cocoa (884)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That wasn't my call!" Cocoa (presumably freed of her obligations to Shin now) turns to scream down at HK. "Phantom needs the bodies to make soldiers, so he cleaned the place up!" As much as she finds herself agreeing with the droid. Damn, that robot is like, an edgy evil advice dispensor. She should pretty much pay him to give her more advice, sometime.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The droid's grenade, at any rate, hits the MAGE square in the jaw. It then detonates, which is debatably a fate much worse than getting your jaw bruised by a tiny metal object. Thanks to being MMORPG bosses, neither the MAGE nor WARRIOR are torn into their atomic components by the blast, but there's no room to doubt the attack crippled both of their health bars, leaving them heavily scorched and slowed down as they recover from the blast.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The telepathic burst from Winnowill causes the WARRIOR to fall to one knee, and keeps it grounded-- it fails to recover at all from the grenade blast, unable to either protect the MAGE or attack right now.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then, the WARRIOR is grounded completely by Allenby. Her two-handed strike knocks it straight off its foot and knee and on its rear, with a good strike to its chest armor too.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The weakened armor is immediatly exploited by Steve, who lodges his pickaxe into the WARRIOR's chest. It spasms, the pain mirrored to the MAGE, whose defenses all suddenly drop.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Which is good, because in comes Serenity with her charged up sword. The ground-bound crescent cleaves the MAGE's legs, causing it to fall to the ground too. Cocoa thinks, as she watches, maybe she shouldn't have picked these bosses. These guys are obviously at level cap and these two are like, fourty levels behind! The outmatching going on is REAL.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tomoe piles up on the downed mage, emptying her shotgun into it. That looks extremely, extremely unpleasant. The damage is what finishes the job, as the shotgun blasts mirror themselves onto the WARRIOR, and both of the bosses suddenly turn gray. Their bodies puff into clouds of currency and XP. That is to say, purple smoke and gold.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's also the WARRIOR's twin swords, and the MAGE'S staff. They don't really do anything special, they're just good in general.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shin is scowling at Cocoa as she clenches her hand at him. Only instead of disagreeing with her, he just shouts right at her, "THIS CONCLUDES OUR INTRODUCTORY CLASH OF IDEALS AND SUBSEQUENT EXPLANATIONS FOR THIS ENCOUNTER. WE WILL CONTINUE THIS AT ANOTHER TIME WHEN WE MEET AG-" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then she grabs him. He can't resist or stop her much, because his injuries from last night are still pretty extensive. In fact, even the squeezing causes him to cry out in pain and arch himself a bit in the massive claw's grasp. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is made worse by the fact that she then lights him on fire and hurls him right at Allenby. So his wounds are exacerbated, he's lit on fire, and then hurled at his best friend like a comet, "AAAAAAAAAAAAH IF YOU QUESTION YOURSELF YOU NEED TO DECIDE THE SUBSTANTIAL PHILOSOPHICAL IMPLICATION OF WORKING FOR A MORALLY SUSPECT GROUP OF PEOPLE AND HOW THAT ASSOCIATION AFFECTS OR DEFINES YOU IN TERMS OF YOUR PERSONAL, GREATER SENSE OF MORALITY. AAAAAAAAH YOU SHOULD ALSO DODGE!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whether Allenby dodges or not, Shin will hit something. If it's the ground, he'll skid and roll for a bit and then not get up. If it's Allenby intercepts and catches him, he might be fine, if still slightly on fire.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:803|Steve (803)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh man, dibs on the staff," quickly and shamelessly blurts Steve, still in mid-fall from where his embedded pickaxe is no longer embedded in anything. He lands a bit more gracefully than he did from the magical tidal wave that struck him and the other boss rushers earlier. "Those things are a *pain in the ass* to make." If left undeterred from this, he will quickly gather it. The gold doesn't seem to hold his interest nearly as much, since he has quite enough of that stuff as it is. Regardless of his success, or whether he'll have to headbutt someone for it, there are still other matters to attend to. Since the snippets he's heard being discussed from on high were all about the paths lives should take, and this Uriel girl wants to be some kind of super villain, it's given him the green light to shamelessly plug.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Couldn't help but overhear some of your goings on over all the commotion down here," letting his pickaxe rest against his shoulder, and optionally the staff the opposite one. "You and your boss should consider checking out the Confederacy. At least, they haven't given me any trouble. Honestly, seems like the kind of thing that would be right up your alley." Though, he does give a glance around to the world still being siphoned away for sinister purposes, and gives a thoughtful scratch to the back of his neck, "Though, they're more about holding territory, than destroying it, usually. I think. I'm still a bit of a noob."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:803|Steve (803)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After a further moment of grinning and doing his best recruitment poster pose, he breaks out of it to wonder, "Hey, you think your boss would mind if I take some of these building blocks home?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:789|Sarah Parsle (789)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The bosses detonate in a cascade of overkill. Such is the fate of what happens when you don't enforce level and gear sync on a raid boss. Sarah starts to relax a little, only to see Shin get thrown helluva far (down is a direction!) by Uriel. "Oh look. It didn't end well. Look. This is my surprised face. Can you see how surprised I am?" Sarah points at her flat, pessimistic expression for a moment. If gloomy-ass rainclouds could spontaneously manifest around her, they probably would. "Is someone going to catch him?" She asks, knowing it is far too late, and if you think she's going to heroically jump to do it herself you aren't paying attention. <br /><br />When Steve begins trying to recruit, Sarah just folds her arms. "You guys sure move fast." Sarah snarks. "But then, I suppose she's going to need some kind of backup before she gets buried in people wanting to punch her and everything in her general area. Or not. Maybe they like a challenge."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:754|HK-47 (754)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Cautionary - I would recommend ensuring that you face opponents who /do/ care about such paltry concerns as the safety of unwarranted meatbags" HK again chides her, watching with satisfaction as his grenade detonates, then as the 'mage' is finished off by the others. "Advisory - I would also recommend you either improve the quality or the quantity of the opposition you provide, lest it decrease your opponent's opinion even more." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Supplication - I would agree with the meatbag" - HK gestures to Steve - "You would stand to gain much as member of the Confederacy. You would also have a higher chance of encountering much more emotionally-pliable meatbags to target and exterminate." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;HK himself regards the evaporation of the enemy bodies somewhat analytically, glancing at the weapons and finding them not to his liking - he preferred ranged combat or silent kills, and he lacked the use of the power known as 'magic' needed to make use of the staff. Thus, with no more targets, the droid turns to regard Cocoa. "Query - Perhaps now you may inform us of what exactly your intention /was/ with this elaborate and tastefully-done setup."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:760|Allenby Beardsley (760)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For a few seconds to Allenby, time seems to slow down. Coming at her is Shin, on fire, and being thrown. She sees him coming easily, his words a dead giveaway of his passage. With her reflexes, she could easily dodge him and allow him to come crashing to the ground. But if not... <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Time speeds up and Shin collides with Allenby, who lifts her arms to catch him, for a few moments, knocking her backwards and sending her sliding along the ground. Braced, she does not fall over and manages to hold Shin up with ease with her science-imparted strength. It's only for a few moments before she pushes him so he can do a fancy skid and roll for recovery and enable him to continue looking like a kung fu badass. A little bit of burning from the fire was completely worth that brief bit of contact, frankly. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That sounds like a /lot/ of work, Shin!" Allenby finally remarks on his shouted, on-fire words that were directed at her in transit. "ANYWAY LET'S RESUME HITTING HER!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:884|Cocoa (884)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Join the whatnow? I don't know. That sounds like responsibility and work," Cocoa shouts, from atop her building. This method of conversation is definitely awkward. She resigns in the future to perhaps perch herself a few stories lower.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'll think about it! Anyway, whatever, this Earth is done for anyway. In a couple weeks it'll be fully eaten into the Demonsphere, you know? And those guys at your feet are the last survivors. If I were you I'd get them out of here. I mean, I'm not you, and if I actually WERE you right now I'd like... kill them, actually. So hey! Advice, grain of salt, you guys have fun."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She decides to answer HK, before she goes. "What intentions? This place was already done. You guys just stumbled in. I thought I'd have some fun, but I totally misjudged you guys' item level. Won't happen again! And yeah, whatever, feel free to loot the place."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Challenging eyes meet Allenby's, but the edgy dark magical girl just gestures vaguely with her one huge red hand. "Time's up for today, but maybe another time! If you guys are from different places like you said, then it means I'm going to have to start wandering around! Phantom always wants more worlds. Can't blame him, the Demonsphere looks super cool." Mostly because it's all DARK and full of SKULLS and evil motifs.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Anyway, I'm out! Smell you later!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a single hope, Cocoa/'Uriel' dashes off the opposide end of the building, falling out of view! And she didn't even ask for any of their names! At least she knows Shin from Allenby chiding him so much.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:803|Steve (803)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The message having been received, not that getting permission or not would have vastly affected his decision, one way or the other, he doesn't mind much where Cocoa goes. Or, for that matter, what anyone else does with the bodies, skin bags, or sleeping people in turn. Instead, he gets a big laugh from HK-47's calling him a meatbag. It's not offensive if it's technically true. "I wish my golems were as chatty as you. I'm working on it, though! Think I heard one plotting to kill me the other day, when it thought I wasn't around. It was adorable. ...I mean, I still de-animated it, just in case, but cute." He clears his throat again, giving a glance around, and placing his newfound staff into his inventory. He'll figure out its specific properties later, if any.<br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"By the way, the name is Steve. Just Steve, since for some reason people assume I have another name. 'scuse me while I get to work." The building that had been Cocoa's lair is what he has his eyes set on most, as he begins breaking pieces off much like he did to the automobile, earlier, roughly a cubic meter at a time. By all accounts, it's tons of material he's currently plowing through, and stowing...somewhere. He seems to be in his element.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:756|Shin Tokuyama (756)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shin is, thankfully, caught by Allenby and given some momentum dispersal so he could recover himself mid-flight. He collides with her and then is shoved by her strength, sliding forward and then doing a front flip to land on his feet. His hands come up in a proper stance again. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Right! Now with the speeches done we do ba-" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh uh... it's done. Right. Okay,"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He turns back to Allenby when Cocoa leaves. He looks somewhat lost on what to do next, so he just asks the bluenette, "So uh... wanna go to IHOP? They just got those new Fruit and Streusel Crepes, I hear."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe helps bring the mage down and the warrior goes with them. She shakes her head a little bit and starts looking about there's some people she knows of here, some she does not and at least once who still haunts her nightmares at times. HK-47 being here means nothing good will come of that. She slows sown lowers her weapon and now turns her attention to the one at the source of this. She watches the other one bolt. <br /><br /> "...Lovely, this month just got worse...."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:760|Allenby Beardsley (760)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Allenby meets those eyes for those brief seconds. She doesn't say anything but in that moment, she feels that maybe the love triangle is /real/. Maybe she really was charmed by the genre-savvy words of Shin and Allenby will need to fight for his affections! <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Great! We'll catch you later." Allenby gives a casual wave of the hand before turning to Shin. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"IHOP sounds like a plan." Allenby rests her hands on her hips and looks at Shin. She seems to be in a better mood now. "Let's make it happen."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:754|HK-47 (754)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the fighting dies down and the members of their group disperse one by one, HK-47 continues to survey the destroyed remnants of the planet. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It was an effective display... though one that needed some fine-tuning. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However... the idea itself at it's core was not without merit. A soft-test for a larger goal... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There had only been a few missions the droid had gone on as of late... and perhaps the time for this was ending. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Perhaps it was time he took a more... direct role in events. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeding to take his own leave, the droid paused as he believed he recognized the image of a woman clad in purple armor from long ago during his excursion to a virtual reality program. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet now she was projected into the physical world? Or was it because this world could support digital constructs, as the adversaries were? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Another point of research.... and another contingency to plan around. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The last to leave as he spends one last, longing moment taking in the sights around him, HK-47 shoulders his weapons and re-enters the gateway, processor buzzing with thoughts... and with plans.<br> <br><br />
<br />
<br />
}}</div>Waterpuns