Session Start: Sat Mar 29 21:38:56 2008 Session Ident: #lunar-iog2 * Logging for #lunar-iog2 started * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 71: Lazarus Rises, pt 2 | Location: Colonial Capital Meribia | Pool: 5 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/' * TheStoryteller sets mode: +m == SESSION START == As members of Meribia's defense awake early before sunrise to rpepare for the dawn raid, a tense atmosphere reigns supreme. Many have been unable to sleep in anticipation, and others sleep entirely too soundly knowing what may come. Though still a little tired, Niri is up early. She is a bit more quiet and subdued than usual, though a distinctly jittery air runs beneath the surface. She can be found sitting in rebel HQ, staring out the window and munching a muffin absently. * Saki looks tense, but hardly nervous: she's up at the crack of dawn prowling the battlements in an anticipatory and very definitely predatory manner. Hiro is awake, though you can tell he'd appreciate more of that restful sleep for his wounds from the daring escape. He's been practicing with Ghaleon's sword, recalling his old techniques with the large blade. in the midst of the preparations, a messenger in a dark runed cloak appears at the mansion steps. Bits of blond hair poke out of the tall woman's cloak as she speaks in an assured, expectant voice. "I have come to speak with whomever fancies themselves the new mayor of this town." * Mikel has his radio primed as he sits in the Stormrider, feet propped up as he and the rest of his group keep their vehicles ready for the word. The patterns on the back seem to be that of a shadowy rose. * Niri finishes her muffin and goes outside to join Hiro. "Feeling any better, Dad?" The various Horam dojos are still bickering over who should defend which position, and fight for the greatest honor, but most are generally in good spirits. Mikel's bunny girl motorized cavalry has been practicing non-stop and checking over all of their bikes for any maintenance issues. The industrial might of the Trade Fderation and some Labs mercenaries coordinate with Vytor, pumping out armaments with the silver forges under his excellent craftsman ship as well as some imported firearms from Takkar Ramus had in storage. [Hiro] I wish i could've slept for two days. But I'm ready to give those creeps some payback for my men. * Niri nods. "Yeah, same here. I'm kinda nervous, but...I'm also itching to go." The visitor is escorted to where the resistance leader turned impromptu governor is. Right now Franz's lieutenant Heath is on call to take the visitor, with the little anarchist bigwig laying some explosive devices in the field. * Saki looks over Horam with a bright grin and eager eyes; Rachel in control, perhaps, but perhaps not. She fishes her way up to a high spot of the barricade, looking out over the landscape. Yuriko nods to Saki as she scans the horizon. The sun is just about to pierce it. The time should be drawing near. >> There is some commotion at the mansion as people try to find a ranking individual. Ryllan is down at the front though, so after a bit a slightly frazzled looking Heath appears. "Can I help you?" [Hiro] I'm really surprised by how prepared you've made this city, Niri! I feel safer than I have in awhile. Eh. I really didn't have much to do with it, Dad, it was Ryllan and the others. *she shrugs* [Visitor] Hmm, so it was you that deposed Mikayla? You have my thanks. I am Lemia ausa, the head magi of the Black Rose Society. She removes her hood and smiles tersely at Heath. "I've come here with a little proposition for you." [Heath] Oh, uh, nice to meet you, miss. A proposition? What sort? [Lemia] The army of Zophar is not far from the gates. My magisters have foreseen their coming, and been preparing for a long time in secret. Though your preparations are admirable, they alone will not be enough. * Heath raises an eyebrow, managing to bite back a slightly disgruntled comment along the lines of, "Couldn't you have told us sooner?" Instead, he shrugs. "Okay. I assume you have another suggestion then?" [Lemia] To truly turn the tide in our favor, you will require a brand of ancient power these creatures have no resistance towards. True Magic. [Lemia] This is contained in several artifacts we possess, as well as many more that have been horded away by Bree in ehr vaults. << her* >> [Heath] Better than willforce, huh? Well...I s'pose it can't hurt. [Lemia] I have come to offer the Black Rose Society's aid to you.. and in return we gain access to these relics Bree has kept hidden from us. With them put to use by skillled artificiers, then we can tap into what remains of the old magic of Lunar and Vane. [Lemia] I intend to create a shield that will banish any and all of these foes from our walls -- and thus, allowing you to go on the counter-offensive. What do you say? [Lemia] As for the rest... that will be revealed in time and the ample study of Bree's treasury. * Saki grins ferally at Yuriko for the briefest of moments and turns, yelling out across the square of Horam. "ALRIGHT! Listen up!" [Heath] Eh...it sounds good to ME, but I'd like to clear it with Ryllan and maybe Franz. You mind if I send a runner to the front? [Lemia] Do what you need to do. The hour is very late. I and my followers will begin the preparations... She bows once, and turns to leave. The palpable aura of magic about her is very telling. It's likely she's quite serious. [Yuriko] Hey, Saki... do you see that? * Heath nods, a bit discomfitted by the lady. Yuriko points into the distance, where a cloud of dust begins to be whipped up. * Saki glances over her shoulder, watching the horizon for a moment. Then she thumbs her radio to yell a single word 'Contact!' and then looks out over the assembled fighters. "--right, all of you! The enemy is in sight! And we are not going to let them take even a single step inside our fair walls! Are you going to be the one who lets them through?!" It's coming from the ground itself, as dirt and silt is whipped up by violent wrenching. Could it be a digging machine of some sort coming up from underground? [Horam Martial Artist] No, ma'am! We will fight for honor and for Horam! Thew diggin continues at a blinding speed as numerous gigantic armored vehicles surface from underground as the sun's light creeps upwards. * Saki leaps off the tower and moves to the edge, watching the approach closer. Quieter, she hits the radio again on open channels. "... some kind of digging. Horam's direction. Probably under--enemies at Horam, vehicles! Get the cannon going!" Tunnels open up like a checkerboard, and entire formations of armored troops pour out of them and assume a battlestance in the distance to march forward. They move with almost mechanical logic and precision. * Vytor hears Saki's report, and starts ordering sentries to the watchtowers, "If any breach the city's interior I want to know ASAP!" The do not agress yet, as everything lines up into place. There are soldiers with sword and shield, rifleman, and all sorts of military hardware in iron construction that reminds you of Emiria. Then, as a signal of some sort, a single giant howitzer fires a long arcing volley right over the walls of Meribia into the air. It skids to a halt and floats, strangely. * Niri is on her way to the front with her father as the noise starts. She breaks into a run! Incom...ing? * Saki looks straight up, and instantly hits the radio again. "--forget the vehicles! Target that thing!" The air itself wavers as a holographic projection of a blue haired man in a presumably officer's uniform appears for all to see. He is serious and resolute as a programmed voice echoes from it. A recording -- << http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/lands/message.htm >> * Trune bursts out his room at the noise, breaking into a run as he heads to the source of the commotion. What the hell? Hiro follows Niri to the front as he takes in the strange recording. "Wha...?" * Mikel looks up, blinking. "Well then." * Niri stares, listening to the recording, gritting her teeth in anger and discomfort as she listens. [Yuriko] ...don't listen to that rambling. He's obviously trying to confuse us. Is this guy serious? * Trune reaches the willforce cannon, though he seems distracted, stumbling a couple of times before finally reaching his appointed poisition. Making good on the threat, the enemy army of iron and steel begins to mobilize! The assault tanks form up into columns, flanked by the riflemen. From behind the formation, the howitzers prepare to fire something more serious than a message shell. The air also buzzes with a few scout drones, ones Niri recognizes from back East. Crap! Useless stupid message. Time to go! Here they come! * Niri unsheathes the Sword of Althena and summons a current of air that levitates her slightly off the ground. * DooM_GazE (~doomgaze@d199-126-60-248.abhsia.telus.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 * ChanServ sets mode: +o DooM_GazE << whoo doom :) >> << just in time >> * Trune tenses, placing a hand on the willforce cannon. Instantly, several hand-drawn sigils begin to burn with the raw power of willforce, "Right...let's do this!" * Saki watches the recording with quiet eyes, then turns to face the crowds. "... are you going to listen to a man pointing guns at our walls?" she bellows, Rachel in full-swing. "Whatever empty threats they pose are no match for Horam courage! Now to positions!" * DooM_GazE is now known as Ryllan The Servitor long-range artillery blasts to life again as an incindiary volley screams through the air towards the Meribian walls! * Mikel stares at where the image was for a couple of moments before lowering his feet and revving up the Stormrider. "Alright, start moving! We're rapid response for any breaks!" * Vytor starts barking orders, getting the support teams under cover while prepping the mercenary teams to move out as needed. The three tank columns advance into attack range. The left wing of melee combatants, clad in helms that mask their faces line up to advance slowly to meet and protect the tank advance. the Rifle brigades follow behind the main army getting into positions and range. The logistics arm of the enemy army digs out of the tunnels completely and begins arranging fuel lines for the emchanized brigades. << mechanized >> The airborne cover spreads out and does recon, but two are closing in on the flying Niri. * Ryllan touches a hand to the post driven through the Destiny's cabin to connect him to the Willforce Cannon, "Trune, See if you can't do anything about those tanks, would you?" The destiny's engine roars, as his voice calls out on the radio, "Engage, but stay covered! Don't present targets if you can help it!" * Saki doesn't even wait for the rest of the Horam troops, trusting they're following: as the first shell impacts the wall, she leaps off it. "--then! Horam attack group! CHARGE! Horam defence group! Watch your damn backs! Let's go!" * Niri turns toward the drones, sword ready to meet them. "Yeah, bring it on!" * Trune nods to Ryllan, "Right, I'm on it!" * Trune narrows his eyes in concentration, his hand clentching and unclentching over one of the hand drawn sigils. The sigil slowly begins to to pulse with a strong yellow light, which grows more intense by the moment, "This is gonna be a big boom, you see." The first shell impact the walls with a shudder, as some men are sent flying to the ground. Horam lines up to meet the melee forces of the enemy! The defense group tries to organize the marksman and get some engineers to repair the damage. I want teams 1, 2, and 3 on standby for a counter-strike! If those walls are breached I want someone there to push the enemy back so we can regroup! Move! The Destiny and the mechanized bunny bikers roll out and disperse, dodging some small arms fire as they advance. several bullets scratch the Destiny, but it's armored against such light arms of the rifleman. Teams 3, 4, 5 and 6, keep under cover and await further deployment orders! * Niri darts forward in midair, slashing out at the nearest flying drone. Engineering teams! To your posts! << scratch that, Destiny still at city defense firing ^^.) >> * Huw is now known as Huwnap * Trune lets out a sharp breath as arcs of lightning energy arc up the cannon, "Hey, you bastards! Hope you like this!" Niri tries to send a wave of holy slicing at the tiny drones, as one is clipped on a wing and drops into a death spiral. It lands on a tank, which is momentarily halted. * Trune draws his hand away quickly as a blast of lighting screams from the barrel of the cannon! Team 7! Maintain your vigil in the shelters. If any breches occur, your task is to hold the line until reinforcements arrive! * Saki hits the ground running, a straight charge at the front lines of the army. Some of the Horam attack group follow her, but she's simply faster than the rest of them. The martial artists yell and cry as they clash in a thunderous meeting of weapons with the dark Servitor ranks. Clangs and cries echo up as numerous foes and friends alike fall to the earth in fierce fighting. Trune's lightning shot answers the opening fire, landing exactly into the tank colum when the flaming drone hit. One tank is destroyed and rendered useless, another two are halted and short circuiting. * Vytor maintains his watch from one of the watchtowers closest to the first stages of fighting, watching events through a spyglass. * Trune salutes, "That was...beautiful. Again!" The tank brigades fire their guns on the firing position with quick response. The area where the Destiny is park is shelled, sending it bouncing from the impacts. * Niri goes after the second nearby drone in an effort to take it out, meanwhile keeping an eye on events on the ground. * Trune grunts as he's counter-attacked. He holds onto the cannon as best he can, avoiding getting killed for now. He concentrates once more, this time the sigils are glowing with a soft blue light. * Saki launches above the first wave of soldiers and spins in a complicated mid-air dance that just happens to decapitate one metal soldier, then send her piling into a cluster of them. She disappears from view for the briefest of moments before they explode upwards in a shower of black flame with Saki in the middle of it, uppercutting the thin air. She's on the move again almost immediately, launching into the next line. The rifle brigades of Lazarus divid themselves and begin to surge through the openings the slowed tanks create as well as the front line, sniping Horam fighters as they bust through to harass the defenders. Saki's brutal assault bludgeons several soldiers to the ground with muffled yells. Hiro grabs a spare bike and readies himself for the coming assault, watching Niri up above with approval. * Ryllan speeds away from the area, slowing only as he lines up another shot at the Lazarus forces for Trune Yuriko tryies to protect her men, dodging some gunfire and dropkicking a few servitor infantry herself. * Trune glances upwards as arcs of watery energy snake up the cannon's face. He then levels his gaze towards the incoming enemy, "You're not getting through!" The Lazarus artillery again slams a volley into the walls. A banner of the Colonial government catches fire and a blaze breaks out! * Niri , once those two drones are taken care of, begins flying towards other visible drones, attempting to systematically take out as many as possible. >> Ryllan's calm voice over the radio again, "All units be advised, stay away from the Destiny unless necessary. I think we got their attention." Fire teams 1 and 2! Get that fire under control! * Niri darts around quickly in midair, changing directions with lightning swiftness....rather like a hummingbird, really. :P Niri manages to take out another drone, but the remainder of about 8 are not so easily dispatched. They begin to chase her with small gunfire, blocking her from advancing any further into the army's base from the air. It's all she can do to dodge the aerial assault without help. * Saki cuts a blazing path through the battle, moving ever forward and away from her unit. As they lead the fight at the front line, she appears to be screaming at speed for the frontmost of the armored tanks, power building around her fist. She swerves to clothesline a soldier, then scatters a group with an enourmous flying kick. * Mikel keeps one ear on the radio as he and his group speed along the rear, waiting for the call before charging in to bail someone out. * Trune fires a volley of watery energy at the enemy! * Niri does her best to continue the game of dodge and chase, sticking her tongue out at the drones. "That the best you can do? C'mon, your aim is awful!" She holds her own, avoiding the gunfire pretty well. A few indirect hits bounce off her armor. Trune's second attack sends a wave of water at the heavy tank brigades, which hits the ground more than anything. But this is a welcome side-effect... for his willforce has caused some of the earth to be muddy and their advance has slowed. Saki extends herself far, penetrating through the front line shield for the tanks, soon face to face with dozens of them. Hmm...slowing their advance...I wonder if I could stop them for good. Huh...I wonder... * Trune 's lip curls into a most devious grin, and he places his hand on the cannon once more. They are armed with a large cannon, and smaller arms, and built indeed like hulking behemoths that can roll over the city's walls with enough time. Meanwhile, the rifle brigades charge forward and begin to pepper the walls with piercing rounds, trying to create weakness in the fortifications. other try to find cover and pick off the defenders, which by now are also returning fire with slower, more crude rifles from the south. * Ryllan speeds off once again even as Trune works, not wanting to get caught in the return shelling. One of them happens to unfortunately trip a hidden wire, and a group of gunner is blown sky high by Franz's buried explosives! * Trune watches with satisfaction as the sigils begin to glow green, and vines, peppered with sharp thorns, begin to weave and twist around the barrel of the cannon. * Saki roars, and her slight aura becomes a roaring blaze in time with her voice; a few soldiers are swept up and away from her in the force of it as with a final spinning kick she then leaps high into the air and drives back down, smashing a fist point-blank into the cannon of the front-line tank. Even as the shockwave rings she's turned to drive another series of punches into the hatches and cannons, a screaming banshee atop it. Utterly baffling to the armored divsion, Saki takes out a tank - all byherself. * Trune then lets out a shout as the cannon is fired, and plant energy streams from it! However, it seems instead of hitting the enemy, the beam hits the ground instead. A few keep firing into the walls which are now in range, but others engage with machine guns trying to take Saki down. She's a bit out of her league going against dozens of them... * Saki is easy to lose sight of in the ensuing explosion and smoke but then visible as she launches from the wreckage at a full run, trying to lead the tanks that are now paying attention to her away from the rest of the battlefield. Niri narrowly dodges a missle aimed at her, but shocking it continue to follow her and not stop. o-o * Niri is slightly appalled, but can't stop herself for letting out a cheer. "All right, Saki!" * Trune doesn't seem phased though. He clutches his spear and focuses. The melee fight seems to be going poorly, as They are getting flanked and rear sniped by the riflemen who have come out in front. Between the two fronts, they are going to lose and be steamrolled by the tank advance behind the melee infantry. * Niri squeaks, turning her attention back to her aerial battle. She darts forward, trying to move evasively and try to lose the missile, meanwhile gathering power to attempt to strike it with a bolt of lightning. * Mikel glances up, shaking his head as he lifts his staff. Thunder gathers around the yellow crystal set into it before a bolt suddenly shoots up, zeroing in on the missile. Good thing Mikel was so quick to act, for Niri is persued by two smart missles, tracking her heat. But two bolts later the fuses are shortedf and they explode. The force does send Niri spiralling down however, momentarily off balance in midair * Trune then holds his spear aloft, as the crystal inside glows green, "Now for something different!" * Saki kicks off an explosion and winces as she gets badly singed by the latest volley, then cuts across the battlefield at speed trying to lose them. As Niri drops, Saki grins in eagerness and zeroes in on her, yelling over the din. "--Niri! NIRI!" Trune tries to purposely hit the ground around the armored corps, as now the muddy patch grows gigantic vines that grapple the tanks from several sides. many are slowed down or even halted altogether as their gears grind and steam. A small group escapes unscatched and finds a weakness in the Horam line that's been created and begins sieging the walls! << unscathed >> * Mikel then hits the radio even as he brings the Stormrider about. "Alright, we're going in. First hit 'em with magic and gunfire if you've got it then just break through!" With that action's put into words as he speeds straight for where things seem most dire, lightning and shards of ice sent into enemy lines from him. * Niri flails in midair, trying to regain control of her flight spell. She turns as she hears Saki shouting, looking in that direction as she tries to redirect the air currents around her. Teams 1, 2 and 3! Move in! Push those soldiers back from the walls! Teams 4 and 5! Move into support postions! * Saki is being followed by more than a couple of angry tanks. She dodges a blast with a bright grin on her face, then yells a second time: "--give me a lift out of here!" And then she's leapt to grab for Niri's arm. Team 6, stand by! * Niri squeaks, barely managing to get control of the flight spell before Saki yanks on her arm. She grips Saki's arm back, trying not to drop them both to the dirt, and attempts to lift out of the melee. Vytor's teams of mercenaries move ahead to support the defenders, as the gunfire picks off some snipers! One tank also hits another bomb and a piece of it is sent flying, landing against a weak spot in the city walls. They are holding, but if the column gets through they will be too weak to resist many more. * Saki is apparently having the time of her life: she laughs long and hard as Niri starts to lift, and then grins up boyishly at Niri. "--nice catch! Alright, get me to the front lines!" Niri strains hard to support two bodies in flight, dragged down by the weight. Nggh. Lucky you're so skinny! *Niri pants a little, heading for the front lines, wavering a little* The howitzers come to life again as the front line is indescriminately fired upon! Horam fighters and soldiers of Lazarus alike are caught in the blast which leaves a smoking crater and scores of casualties. * Trune scans the battlefield, seeing what he can target next. * Saki twists in mid-air, dangling awkwardly as she watches the howitzers fire. She judges the distance, then frowns, clearly Saki in control. "--get those guns somehow," she commands into the radio, then nods at Niri with a smile. "That's far enough--" and she's slipped from Niri's grasp, bolting the moment she hits the ground in the direction of the ground toops. The tanks struggle to proceed from the plant spell's effects and are in trune's range. but other trouble spots are brewing. * Niri nods to Saki and swoops upwards once more, now unburdened by the extra weight. Mikel's cavalry finally moblizes, as Hiro sends gusts of wind along with Mikel's magic to clear away some of the riflemen at the gates. the tanks continue trying to open up a weak spot, hoping for the infantry to push through in time . * Niri regains control of her flight and heads back to take out more of the airborne drones. * Vytor starts hollering for any sharpshooters left in the Manufacturing Quarter, "Start cutting down those aerial drones! The fewer spotters they've got the better!" I've bought some time...now... * Trune places his hand on the cannon, this time the sigils glow a dark red. Firey energy races upwards. The range on Takkar's guns is not much, but the amrksman try to take out some of the buzzing flies in the sky, with a few successes. << marksmen >> "Mikel! Think you can dodge some stuck tanks? Get in there!" *Ryllan bangs on the roof* Trune! We're after their big guns, think you can hit them from here, or do I need to get you an angle? Get me an angle if you can, this is gonna be rough! Saki lands in the middle of a melee almost immediately, back to Yuriko. "This isn't good.. we're surrounded almost." Keep your head down, then! * Trune drops to his knees and ducks his head downward, as instructed. * Ryllan zooms out of the city at long last, deliberately driving the Destiny THROUGH the line of Lazarus riflemen! Those who can't dive for cover in time are knocked away by the sheer force of the speeding Land Cruiser! * Mikel swerves, simply plowing through a few enemies with the Stormrider and clocking another one across the face. "Got it, Ryllan!" He waves his group to follow him as he starts blazing through, cutting down more infantry as his group makes for the tanks now. "Watch their big guns, make those things dance and let's wreck their toys!" Explosions rock the numerous corners of the fight as things intensify. Franz's traps are proving effective against the small tank advance, disabling a couple more. but that lifeline is sued up and they are still coming in small numbers as the vines are delt with. * Saki rakes her hair, surveying the battle. "... that's fine. It just means we have to hit everywhere around us." She concentrates, her aura flecking up again with power. "--still, I'm going to need to sleep a long time tomorrow. Ready?" The weak section of the wall is nearly falling over, as severla sections start to collapse on the engineers reinforcing them. the fire from before is beginning to break out of containment! Engineering teams! Fall back! Fall back! Mikel and his bunny girl riders come to the rescue of the beleaguered defense line! Their moblity proves a great advantage to the lumbering machines, which cannot hit them and take severe damages. A few wild shots do find their marks, though, as a handful of girls yelp and are thrown to the ground and their vehicles skid away from them at high speed. Team 6! I need you on fire control! Now! Move it! * Mikel gestures for a few vehicles to peel off, raising his voice to be heard over the din. "Pick up the people downed and bring them back!" Team 5! I need cover for the Engineering teams! Team 4! I need you on that western line! Move in! * Saki grits her teeth and calls to Yuriko. "--that's more like it! Let's go!" She holds out a hand and dashes, grabbing a support bar of Mikel's rider and swinging herself on top as it races through the melee. "--you took your damn time!" * Trune watches as the fiery energy intensifies. He's still hunkered down in an attempt to not be shot at, but he still has a hand on the cannon. In an instant, the cannon roars to life, sending a brillant ball of fire upwards into the sky! Vytor's troops try to follow roders as best they can, though manpower is scarce to cover all the hot spots at once... * Ark (kohryuu@staff.lunarnet.org) Quit ([eldrasia.cv.uk.lunarnet.org] Local kill by Stelas (BELATEDLY)) * Ark (kohryuu@staff.lunarnet.org) has joined #lunar-iog2 * Vytor hands off his spyglass to a subordinate, and rushed to help get the Engineering teams out of the line of fire. * Mikel glances back, grinning at Saki as he adjusts his goggles and plows through a cloud of dust. "Sorry, had to pick up a sandwich. Try not to fall off this time!" Trune's gigantic meta-magic'd fireball rains from the sky onto the artillery brigades, exploding in a massive inferno. Heh...burn baby, burn! A few cannons are damaged, but the worst is when some hit the fuel trucks running to the front. They set off a chainr eaction as several more are made into beautiful fireworks * Saki swings off the roof of Mikel's rider to take out a soldier with a wild kick, then twists to swing herself back on top. "--how are you on avoiding tanks?" Yuriko tries to slowly organize a retreat to the walls as the pressure is relieved somewhat from the rear for now. The tanks are moving again and threaten to run them over, even as the infantry contineus to engage them. * Mikel brings the Stormrider around, leading his group to flank the tanks and start opening fire in earnest. "Concentrate it if you can!" Another glance back at Saki with a shrug. "You're about to find out." The riflemen are taking heavy losses as the tanks are delayed, and this frees up more colonial riflemen to try sniping at the drones and tanks. * Saki leans forward, hunched over the roof of Mikel's rider like a very angry and bristly lion as she draws a hand back, crackling energy surrounding her. Something about the situation may be a little familiar to fans of battleships. Hiro tries to cover Mikel, chopping down a few combat infantry with his blade. 'This is kinda fun!" Ryllan, can you see what's going on down there? Where to, next? * Mikel blinks at the crackling before snickering. He adjusts his course slightly, bearing towards one of the less damaged tanks at full speed. "Don't wreck my ride in the process." * Saki smirks. "It's fine. --I'm going to jump, so you might not want to drive into it. But I'll expect a pick-up." Mikel dodges some blasts that nearly paste him, as the artillery is more focused on the immediate threat than the walls for the moment. Saki barely is able to ahng on with his evasive manuevers. * Vytor works on getting the wounded Engineers to safety There's also some activity in the rear ranks of the Servitor force, as fire crew try to control the damage from trune's cannon. A much weaker long range barrage assaults the defense now. * Mikel nods, narrowing his eyes. "Get ready to become a nice wrecking missile in three... two... go!" With that he /swerves/, giving Saki a nice bit more momentum to kick off and go straight for the tank. The shells are made of a strange chemical that drops a sticky tar down upon impact, immoblizing some archers and starting to burn their skin. * Saki almost loses her grip and so apparently decides that's time to be leaving; with a repeat performance she uses the rider's speed to kick off of it, arcing through the air in another mad assault - one punch impacts the wall of the tank, sending a shockwave through it. << er riflemen >> * Trune places his hand on the cannon again, and once again the sigils glow a bright red, "Well, what ain't broke..." Just as Vytor's fire is contained again, some of the tar hits it and it resurges once more. * Niri decides the aerial threat is no longer so serious, but she spies the tanks shelling the walls and heads in that direction at top speed, positioning herself directly over the largest concentration of enemy tanks that she can, and hovering as she gathers thunder willforce in her blade. Dammit! Saki's Aura Punch ripples through the skin of the tank, sending it's bolts literraly flying out and it collapses. A small crew flee through a hatch * Mikel speeds around the wrecked tank, providing a spot for Saki to hop onto. * Saki kicks off the top as a bullet towards Mikel's rider; she nearly sends the thing tumbling when she hits it, and lands somewhat roughly, but hangs on. At the same time a runner comes up to Vytor. "Sir, we've got reports of activity in the tunnels. The enemy's sending a raiding party behind our lines!" H-hey, watch it! Right! * Trune fires up another ball of firey energy into the sky! Team 6! Follow me into the tunnels! We got inbound! Team 7! Incoming hostiles! Protect the civilians in the shelters! More attacks are exchanged as Servitor and Meribian alike meet the earth with cries of anguish. The tanks try to fire on Mikel and press the assault, but their numebrs are dramatically lessened. The enemy riflemen have moved to harassment more than attacking. the infantry continues to advance, now ahead of the tanks, as Yuriko keeps giving ground and trying to regroup outside the gates. * Vytor hefts his hammer and makes for the point of intrusion! * Saki doesn't reply to Mikel, hanging on grimly. She's not looking too hot, but appears resolute: "Next one!" * Mikel nods, heading for the next tank. There's a flick of the hand as his attention is momentarily dragged towards the advancing infantry. A gesture of the hand as he sends a bolt of lightning streaking into the skies. There's a rumble before the bolt is returned with interest, the wrath of the skies raining down. * Niri unleashes a barrage of multiple bolts of lightning down on a group of tanks, all at once, using the Sword of Althena to magnify the power as much as possible. Vytor leaves his command post with a hastily assembled group. A squad or two of more covert teams from before stream out of a blown tunnel entrance and fortify a building nearby to protect it, taking up sniping positions. Vytor's team does likewise in a adjacent house as a urban gunbattle breaks out. * Electricity arcs back and forth between sky and earth, sparking and leaping from tank to tank as machinery shorts out and parts smolder. * Saki hisses in pain as the spell goes past, and sets up for another attack run. "--Blast me! As much as you've got!" she barks as an order as she does so./ Niri's holy sword almplifies her power, as Heaven's justic rains down on the impure. W-ait, /what/? * Vytor starts issuing orders as the gunbattle gets heated Explanations later! I am the Horam commander and the ranking officer! Mikel narrowly dodges more explosions, the bike rocked several times and nearly falling over twice. Saki hangs on by a deathgrip that slips, and she is hurled onto the roof of a tank * Saki yelps and can't finish her sentence as she slips, rolling as she impacts the roof. Fi- dammit. Get back on here then! * Saki skids to a halt, snarling. "--just do it!" Trune tries to create a blaze of his own in the enemy. two can play with fire, as more artillery is blown to bits. The volleys have almost ceased. but then, the walls are several pressed, and news of the raid begins filtering to the fighters. << severly >> We...we need more power! There's just too many! * Vytor moves to flank the assaulting troops while the mercenaries keep them occupied. ...Wait... I cannae change the laws of physics, Trune! << Sorry >> * Trune blinks, and then slaps his forehead, "Fuck, I'm a moron! Ryllan, can you cover me for a moment?" Thankfully the incursion seems limited in size to Vytor, though they are highly skilled. Outwitting them pproves harder than it sounds, and his mercenaries take losses as they try to find the mark on elusive, well trained targets. With what? *Ryllan growls, but the way the destiny starts dodging around probably involves acceptance. Probably.* * Mikel sighs, aiming as sparks of blue start gathering around his hand. "Fine!" It gathers into a bright spark of blue visible from a distance, then he hurls the spell at Saki, taking shape into a jagged chunk of black ice. On top of the tank, Saki notices a hatrch open as two soldiers jump out and assault her hand to hand! * Vytor doesn't bother entering through the door, and simply smashes down a wall, and starts his own assault! * Saki raises her fist as the spell hits and --doesn't take hold. Rather than the usual magical carnage the magic bends around her, swirling into and around her. She audibly gasps in relief from the pain as her body takes in the icy blast, and then the rest of it swirls around her hand as she smashes another enormous punch into the roof of the tank she's landed on. The spell finally discharges; the tank all but flash freezes under her as the blow impacts out outwards. The Elementlors! They'd help us! I uh...kind of knew this but the cannon was big and flashy and distracted me! Their attack is brief however, as she instead drives a hole into the body below her and slays the driver. The vehicle begins to swerve madly without direction and collides with another vehicle nearby! * Saki stands up newly strong atop the frozen tank, the last vestiges of Mikel's spell arcing around her, and gives the pair of soldiers a Look. The Servitor are throw off balance and roll into the dirt, followed by the amrtial artist in a massive scale military car pileup. * Trune holds a hand upwards as whisps of elemental energy begin to seep from the ground, swirling around Trune. First it's a yellowish mote of energy, then a blue one, then a green one, until all the elements pulse together as one. * Mikel lets out a whistle, pulling the Stormrider about and making to come up alongside Saki so she can get back on. "Bit of trouble?" * Ryllan desperately tries to keep Trune alive without dislodging him, weaving the destiny sharply as they careen away from the worst of the fighting. * Niri takes out another couple of tanks with more blasts of lightning, zooming low over the battlefield as she does so. * Vytor proceeds to smash his way through the building, taking down any invaders he can find, any way he can! The Horam defenders hold the infantry forces otuside the gates now, the tanks nuetralized for the most part. But the fire behind the wall is doing their work for them as more of the battlements are weakened and a hole begins to emerge at long last. * Saki coughs up dirt, looking a little the worse for wear; she gives Mikel a baleful glance but seems in better spirits as she hops back up. * Trune stiffens slightly, and his eyes take on a cold, commanding look. The motes of elemental energy draw into the gray crystal at the end of his spear, and he holds up upwards. «ooc: up = it » Elementlors, heed my call! Come forth! Vytor smashes the walls themselves, busting into a room and bludgeoning two soldiers with great force. one hits the wall and the impact knocks off his helmet. Underneath is a... huamn face. but it's not that that is shocking. Vytor is staring at himself. * Trune raises the spear aloft, and the swirling vortex of energy collecting in the spear suddenly shoots into the sky! Trune begins establishing a mental link with the Moonbase! A beam of light returns and energy swirls begin to coalesce in each domain of elemental power, the avatars in making of the Elementalors. * Vytor freezes as the magnitude of what he's just seen sinks in. * Mikel gives a bit of a salute as he floors it. "What do you want to wreck now?" * Saki twitches and looks up, then lowers her head and breathes out. "... get me to the wall; I'm needed here." Session Time: Sun Mar 30 00:00:00 2008 * Mikel nods, barking out to the rest of the group. "Pull back, pick up any wounded on the way!" With that he turns the Stormrider back towards Meribia and makes for the wall. Vytor is pegged by a laser sighted bullet as he stands there vulnerable and in shock. The force sends him to the ground, clutching his chest in pain. Grk! * Trune glances upwardes, his face showing no emotion, "Elementlors, on the offensive!" But, what might have been a possibly fatal chest wound instead feels like nothing more than an everyday cut, as his enhanced immune system kicks in unconsciously. The bloodflow staunches itself quickly. Trune decides to even the odds by summoning his own private army of superweapons. * Vytor throws himself behind a pillar, trying to find himself some cover. [Jupiter] Ah, the war never ended it seems. The flaming visage of Mars cackles. "Finally... i can let loose!!!!" The Elementalors each begin to create chaos in their own way, directed on the enemy armies! Mars launches herself head on into the Tank column, creating a literal volcano in the center of them, spewing lava everywhich way that chews through their sizeable armor. * Mikel is suddenly very glad he and his group are getting the hell away from the tanks. * Saki leaps off the rider as they near the walls; she takes the breach on foot, striking down soldiers in her path as well as she can while trying to clear a route. Vytor's team tries to gvie him cover fire so he can fall back from the nest of entrenched enemies for now. Up above, the drone force is getting pared down and the air cover is weakened. * Vytor uses the opportunity provided to retreat! The hefty Uranus begisn to fortify the walls with earth moved by will alone, and Neptune placated the blazes with summoned water from the air. * Mikel drives along the walls, instructing his group to take out any enemies they happen upon as he hits the radio. "What's going on?" Venus creates magical shields to block some of the gunfire, and Mercury's winds disrupt the already weakened air defenses to nothing. * Saki follows up Mikel's question with a 'Vytor! Where are you!' * Trune nods as he watches the elementlors in action, "This...was the only way it could have ended, Destroyer. The only way." Saturn attempts to use the power of life to heal casualties in the Horamites, and Pluto screens the riders with illusions. Ngh! I'm with team 6, we got hostiles fortifying positions in the city! We're trying to contain them! Trune! You still you up there? * Ryllan hits the Destiny's roof for emphasis. * Trune blinks and clutches his head for a moment, blinking, "...Y--Yeah, I think so." «ooc: er, take out the blinking » * Saki nods, even if Vytor can't see it, and begins a pell-mell dash through the streets, still talking into her radio. "--I'm on foot, inside the city. I'll head for you, give me a more exact spot." Ready to head back in? We might need to do some siege breaking. * Trune 's face slowly looks confused and perhaps, panicked. He takes a deep breath, "Yeah...I'm ready." We're two blocks from residential shelter 1, I can see the eastern watchtower of the manufacturing quarter from where I am Gunfire echoes over the radio as Vytor speaks. * Niri barely dodges a splash of fountaining lava from Mars' attack. She quickly vacates the area, letting the Elementalors take care of the tanks. Looking around for the others, Niri prepares to regroup. Jupiter, by the by, supervised Mars while she has some destructive fun, shorting out the targeting comptuers of the tanks where possible. Surveying the battle from ehr vantage point, it appears the advance has now been halted. << er Niri >> * Mikel turns about, heading back into the city while shouting for the rest to go and support where it's needed. Mikel for his part burns for where Vytor is. * Vytor dashes from cover to cover as he works his way back to where team 6 is. * Saki hitches another ride with Mikel; it's faster than her on foot, if only barely. Vytor finds some other teams freed up from firefighting and fortifying to help contain the incursion in the city. But breeching their defense is going to need more firepower. * Mikel mutters something about charging for rides as he makes for Vytor's position, thunder crackling into the frame of the Stormrider to speed her up. The Horam lines have suffered many casualities, but from the walls begin to outfight the invaders with sheer spirit and resolve. Keep them from spreading if you can! Teams 1, 2 and 3, maintain watch on the front lines! Teams 4 and 5, we need backup at my position! * Niri heads back for the wall, coming to a skidding landing just inside the front lines. She pants a little, looking around for the others. "Anyone got a radio?" she shouts. Someone tosses her one, and she calls into it. "It's Niri - status report?" Hiro seems to be enjoying himself, having broken away from the bunny cavalry now and started practicing swiping the legs from under troops with his sword as he makes a few passes. His boomerang wings out and deflect bullets coming from his sides. Niri! We have hostiles at my position! We need back up before they start to fortify other buildings! "Vytor, Destiny's inbound. You've got the view at the moment, can we put some fire on target for you?" * Saki completely innocently siphons off a large chunk of Mikel's magic, hampering the speed of the rider somewhat but making her feel considerably better and less worn. Ryllan! Start hitting Meklan's Foundry if you can! Keep their heads down until back-up gets here! * Mikel gives Saki a bit of a look. * Trune overhears the conversation, "Don't worry, Vytor! We'll do what we can!" * Vytor puts his hand over his chest where he was shot earlier as he tries to think. The wound is almost completely healed, the dried blood the only reminder of how serious it once was. * Vytor tears his attention away from the wound, "Fire teams! I need a report!" Clangs of fist, iron, gun barrels, and gears reminds all that the fight continues, the forces currently in a deadlock. But the Servitor momentum has been halted, and the allies are starting to push back. * Trune places a hand on the cannon, the sigils once again humming to life. The glow a deep red. * Saki leaps off the rider, twisting suddenly down a side-alley that's simply too small for the vehicle to traverse. Several twists and turns at a run later and she's bolted out of another alleyway closer to Vytor's position. [Firefighter] The blaze has been put out with a little help from some magical rain! Just who is that guy anyway?! Ryllan, give me a really good shot of the Foundry! An ally. All I can go into right now. * Mikel rolls his eyes at Saki, continuing to floor it. Saki gets a good view of the firefight going on at the complex, where the defenders have begun to take up positions all around the invader's spot. But they are losing out in sheer skill to the elite snipers perched in the enemy structure. Something is very different about this company... Trying! But be careful! Try to keep the rubble in one direction, if you can. * Niri speaks into the radio, "On my way, Vytor!" With that she darts off in his direction. I'll try...ready...fire! * Trune watches as firey energy once again races up the cannon, and then blasts outwards! * Saki skids to a halt next to Vytor with not much of a word, regarding the scene. Hey. * Mikel screeches to a halt as well, glancing at the building and shifting a bit so he's behind some cover. "So what's on the menu?" "Vytor! Blast from the east! Advise keeping your distance west of the foundry!" * Vytor relays Ryllan's warnings accordingly. Trune attempts to bombar the enemy position! His aim is mostly on target, as the firey meteor crashes into the occupied building, sending it reeling. the top half ignites and creaks, falling off into the streets and sending defenders running to avoid the debris. A few are crushed, and nearby bushes and empty merchant stalls serve to fuel yet another fire brewing... Aw shit. * Niri swoops in near Vytor and the others, her flight spell fizzling out as she makes a slightly wobbly landing. She ducks for cover, heading for the others. There are definitely enemy snipers eliminated in the chaos, but it's hard to tell how many. A small group escape to a nearby building, almost taunting you to follow. * Mikel winces, raising a hand as he starts whipping up some rain to put out the blaze. "...got some runners. Should we?" * Vytor doesn't dare call for the fire teams until the snipers are dealt with. We got runners! Don't let them out of the enclosure! The wreckage truly sets the scene of a war-scarred landscape. Now in a small way you can appreciate the ancient scenes of devestation. * Vytor moves into pursuit. * Saki shields her eyes, then looks aghast at the destruction. "--don't do that to my goddamn city!" she yells through the radio, and apparently decides to do things herself. She speeds forwards, keeping pace with Vytor. A few enemies are pciked off, but they escape again to cover. This is definitely a game of cat and mosue someone is playing. << mouse >> * Niri darts after Vytor and Saki, heading for the runners. * Niri draws even with them, panting. "They're playing with us." * Trune gulps, "Something tells me Saki is going to push me up against a wall next. Great. Just splendid." That... might have been overdoing it, Trune! Yeah, I kind of see that now! I tried to aim! * Ryllan turns the Destiny around the corner and pulls up next to the building, "Willforce Canon is too much. How you for juice? Up to a little expedition?" It's weird...I'm not tired at all. I feel like I take on anything. * Mikel tchs, hopping off the atv and chasing after Vytor and Saki. "Alright, then!" ... Right Then. Be careful. * Ryllan makes sure at least a few defenders will remain outside to make sure all the war machinery doesn't disappear on them. * Trune pauses for a moment, not liking the silence. He finally answers, "You too." * Saki rotates one shoulder as she runs, looking the worse for wear again. "You're right ... we need to box them off. Niri, blast me with something. I'll go around the sides." Blast you? *She eyes Saki askance, then shrugs.* Okay. Let's trying amping up your harmonics. Blast her. It /helps/ her. * Niri gathers song willforce to herself, unleashing a burst of sonic power on Saki. * Niri exchanges a rueful grin with Mikel. * Mikel just shrugs. * Saki blinks and tosses her head as she magic washes over her, frowning. "... ... that one felt strange," she decides, then shakes her head and nods to the side. "... I'll go around. Try to lead them towards the manor." Right. Next time I'll zap you then. Okay, should I go with you, Vytor? * Saki takes off down another alley, working through the streets. I'd appreciate it. The reserve mercenaries and militia take up positions to cover you and try to keep them contained if they run again. in the background the apartment building that was set ablaze slowly burns, sending black smoke into the sky. * Niri nods and sticks close to Vytor. * Trune finally spies Vytor's group, running over to them. * Ryllan follows after Trune, sparing the Destiny one last look. Saki maneuvers to be a distraction and cover angles of escape as well, while the air lights up with a few more rounds whizzing over Vytor's head. These attackers have to be stopped, and soon. A few mercenary defenders from the Trade Federation bust down the door to the structure, exchanging some fire with the enemy. "We'll cover you, Vytor! Take the fight to them before we run out of ammo!" * Vytor charges forward! Vytor leads another charge with friends this time, as the group finds themselves in the foyer of one of Ramus's factory outlets. A few dead mercs and high-tech snipers show you the gunfight that just ended, with the foyer littered with crates riddles with holes. Six of the assailants are still standing, using the coutner top as cover. There they are! [Servitor] Target acquired! The gunners all immediately focus on Vytor! >> COMBAT! >> Enemy Front: Series 6-10,11,12 >> Enemy Rear: Series 6-13,14,15 >> Declaration Phase. [Servitor] It's definitely the rogue. Attack! * Vytor realizes he's being targeted, and moves to defend himself. >> Servitor 6-10,11,12 all move to fire on Vytor! * Niri blinks, a little confused as to why they are focusing on Vytor, but she flanks him, drawing her sword. "Not getting him, or any of us, without a fight!" >> Servitor 6-13 begins to focus on his gunsight. 6-14 begins to focus as well, a status attack. 6-15 loads a canister of something. * Mikel hefts his staff, closing his eyes as thunder and water both begin flowing around him. >> Trune's sharp mind begins to focus on the enemy, finding many of them to be similar. Servitor 6-Series 1320 Hp, 360 MP, Str 200, Sta 200, Tal 150, Wil 150, Dex 200, Agi 175, React 375. No weaknesses/resists. Items: Optic Helmet, Jasmine * Trune 's face blanks in confusion, and his gaze slowly turns from the Severtiors to Vytor. * Vytor keeps a neutral expression on his face as he defends himself. >> Battle Phase. >> Mikel Jolts to 441 React! >> Ryllan dematerializes! >> Servitor 6-13 uses a pre-emptive aimed shot at Vytor! his hardy defense blocks the worst of it.. 120 damage! * Vytor winces, but doesn't falter >> Quick Hammer repostes twice for 130 and 122! Vytor also focuses, recovering 28 MP. << and 136 HP >> >> Mikel's action. >> Mikel splits into two entities of Thunder and Water... Gemini Storm! * Mikel twists the staff, seperating it into two sections as both crystal flare up with their respective elemental energies. There's a flash of the same before there are two Mikels, both setting themselves with their half of the Gemini Staff readied. >> The first three servitors coordinate fire on Vytor as he moves to try to block all of it, hammer a dizzying blur in a fight for survival. 47! 49! 55! 44! 43! 52! 50! 51! 49! Damn it, leave him alone! Vytor! You okay? * Mikel` (Zack@DORMS-90-85.loyno.edu) has joined #lunar-iog2 >> Vytor counter attacks each in rapid succesion. 133, 124 to 6-10! 120, 130 to 6-13! 128, 139 to 6-12! * Mikel sets mode: +o Mikel` * Vytor takes a few hits here and there, but the majority of the storm is turned away, "I'm hit, but not too bad!" >> 6-14 follows it up with a greande launcher that explodes in Vytor's face with smoke. He is BLIND! >> 3 turns. GAK! >> 6-15 launches a gas canister into the room, as a choking agent spreads throughout the ranks of both parties... >> All servitors are MUTE for 3 turns! Both Mikels are MUTE for 2 turns. Niri is Immune! Vytor is MUTE for 2 turns. Trune is MUTE for one turn. Ryllan resists the effect. * Vytor begins to choke (unsurpringly) as the gas starts to spread. >> Niri's action. * Trune chokes for a moment, and attempts to sputter a curse, only no sound comes out. He contiunes on his tirade, anyway, only it's slightly more comical since there's no sound coming out of his mouth. * Mikel glances at his other self who glances at him. Both look supremely unamused. b Niri's Tenuto fails, as does Tanan's magical action! << niri = immune >> >> Vytor is defending for his life! trune's spell action fails! << n/m Niri and Tanan did not get affected. >> << still your go >> * Niri and Tanan unleash harmonic spells in tandem, Niri singing encouragingly with Tanan humming an echo. >> Niri's harmonics bolster the resolve of everyone, with a little help from ryllan. Mus/Tal up for trune, Mikel & Vytor! Sta/Will up for Vytor, Ryllan and Thunder Mikel! << thunder mikel for the first one that is >> * Vytor is still unable to speak, but gives the group a thumbs-up * Saki yells, and then one of the windows behind the soldiers cracks and creases... together with the wall around it. Another sound of impact and the window shatters into so many pieces, closely followed by large chunks of rubble, closely followed by most of Saki looking a little worse off for wear. "--sorry I'm late," she grins. 'Bout time! Hey, Saki. *Niri smiles a bit though* >> Saki arrives on the scene, coming from the rear of the soldiers! >> Vytor's Antibitotic kicks in and cures him of BLIND. Unfortunately, the servitors opposing you also have healing factors and their MUT states are similarly removed! >> Vytor is still mute for 1 turn. Trune fights off the MUTE effect. Each Mikel is at 1 round left on MUTE. Mikel woudlr egain MP, but both are full! >> Round 2 ---and screw your mother too! ... ... ... Right. * Trune coughs. * Niri blinks at Trune, then grins and chuckles. * Mikel` and the other Mikel both look at Trune, raising an eyebrow before they stand a bit closer, willforce crackling between them as sigils of red begin to glow. * Vytor resumes defending himself, sensing that the beatdown may not let up just yet. >> Saki is in full combat mode from the previosu fighting at the frontlines, Battle Apoteosis is active * Trune holds the spear aloft, the tip of the crystal glowing a bright red, "Let's try this again!" >> The snipers in the front continue to relentlessly target Vytor. 6-13 aims a premeptive shot at the interloper behind him. 6-14 also tries to target Saki with blinding rounds, surprised. 6-15 continues to loads a canister, something with a different color stripe on it. * Saki almost talks to herself, a little dreamily. "--we're almost done..." she mutters, then lets her head drop and glares at the enemies targeting her. "--then come!" she yells as she races forward. * Niri readies the Sword of Althena, giving it a satisfied grin as she notices its pulsing glow. "Time to face the music!" She turns to the servitors, settling into an offensive stance as she begins to hum under her breath. * Mikel and his others self then give Niri a blank look. * Vytor tries REAL hard to forget what Niri just said. * Ryllan raises a hand toward Niri, "Best take advantage of this, Tanan." * Niri gives Mikel a winning smile. * Trune goes slack-jawed at Niri, "You...you just...you know what? Nevermind. I should be used to this by now." * Niri winks at Trune with a grin, then turns serious and nods to Ryllan. "Right, we're on it." >> Battle Phase. >> Mikels! << rather >> * Mikel jam the staffs back together, ice and thunder and shadow and starfire engulfing the duo as the sigils pulse one last time. The same sigils reappear in a circle around where they are standing as the willforce melts into the floor, then rises back up in Mikel's alternate form. He smirks, whirling the spear about as he steps up to the front alongside the others. >> servitor 6-13 fires a snap shot from the hip at Saki before she can react! 220 damage! >> Mikel melds back together into his combat form! The status is cleared as he brims with power. * Saki takes the shot in the arm, her attack run jolting for a moment. * Mikel` (Zack@DORMS-90-85.loyno.edu) has left #lunar-iog2 >> The front line servitors open fire on Vytor once more, the spell blunting the htis somewhat -- 33, 35, 38, 36, 32, 40, 41, 39, 32! Dangit leave Vytor ALONE! What the hell is with you people!? * Vytor winces, but keeps standing. >> Vytor rampages through the front, returning their pain - 166, 178 to 6-10! 180, 155 to 6-13! 181, 176 to 6-12 >> Vytor recovers 136 HP and 28 Mp from Focus >> 6-14 fires a blinding round at saki but she resists it! >> 6-15 bombards the battelfield with another chemical weapon, this time a poison that sends headaches through those adeptly minded. All Servitors are MROT for 3 turns! Ryllan is immune! Saki and Trune are MROT for 2 turns. Vytor i& Niri are MROT for 1 turn. >> Combat Mikel is also MROT for 2 turns! * Vytor squints as the headache sets in Nngh! >> Saki's action. * Mikel grits his teeth, setting himself. "...not going to stop me!" * Saki pushes the barrel of 6-14's gun away from her with a sweeping slap to the body of the gun, then uses the opening to deliver a series of rocket-fast punches to the thing's body. The last sends it flying into a compatriot, and Saki has enough time to nod at it. "--they're not 'people'. Not really," she adds before flinging herself back to a more defensive position. (sorry should have gone first) * Trune actually goes down to his knees, his already horrible headache intensifying even more. Gahh! Not fair! >> Saki Torrents! 171, 169, 188, 166 on servitor 6-14! She recovers 62 health << or willpower, as the case might be.) >> >> Niri's action. * Niri 's hum reaches a climax as she charges toward the enemy, slashing out in a rhythmic pattern. As her sword strikes, thunder claps, sapping the enemy of elemental resistance. >> Niri's Harmonic Strike deals 372 damage to Servitor 6-10, as it's weak to Thunder as a result! >> Tanan's action. >> Tanan unleashes Astrea ZSHock on the weakened member! << shock* >> * Tanan glows faintly yellow, and electricity arcs off of him to Niri's target! >> 976 damage... the Servitor goes down crackling with energy, breaking the firing pattern on Vytor. >> Trune's action. Cord of flame, pierce the enemy with your power! Flare Arrow! * Trune holds out his spear towards Servitor-6-10, and a single point of flame appears at the tip of the crystal, expanding and growing larger. Suddenly, it flies towards Servitor-6-10 in a stream of fire and smoke, impacting him dead-on! * Niri looks pretty impressed. «ooc: Make that 6-11 since 10 is dead » >> Trune's firey assault he visited upon the Lazarus artillery makes another showing, blowing the one designated 6-10 into a wall and knocking him unscious and third degree burnt as well. 991 damage! KO! << 6-11, rather >> Heh...serves...serves you right! Nice. >> Ryllan's action. * Trune is quiet again, the heel of his hand pressing tightly against his forehead. << scratch >> >> Mikel is at full MP. Saki loses 181 willpower! Trune loses 53 MP. 1 turn left on both. Vytor loses 28 MP, Niri loses 51 and both clear status. The servitors healing factor removes their status effects! >> Round 3 * Vytor goes on the offensive, now that the withering barrage is lessened. >> Servitor 6-12 continues to fire almost mechanically, now supproted by the series 6-13 and 14 from the rear. ^-15 prepares to launch another canister solely at Saki. Trune, you good to go again? Y--yeah... * Trune holds his spear aloft, the tip once again glows a bright red. His arm is shaking slightly, however. * Mikel just gets the maniac glint in his eyes as streams of blue light begin to wrap around his spear. "...well then, can't have that." * Saki turns to pin her sights on her attacker, tossing her head. "--you think you've a chance of felling me now that everything's done?" she sneers, and bolts in at top-speed. * Niri eyes Mikel suspiciously. * Ryllan closes his hand into a fist, focusing on Trune's magics. * Niri turns to the nearest Servitor, readying her sword again. >> Battle Phase. >> Mikel's action. * Mikel spins the spear about, leaving behind three faint afterimages of it in blue light that start to float around him. There's a flash and sound of ice cracking before three replicas of the Meteoric Lance appear, carved out of solid ice. Come on, then! >> Mikel uses Icy Retort! Triple coutnering enabled.. now drawing physical strikes! >> Saki's action. * Saki smashes into the side of 15 as Mikel draws it's attention; a swift kick to the wrist is a spirited attempt to disarm it which is surprisingly clinical for the several vicious knee strikes that follow it. * Niri fixes Mikel with a disapproving glare. >> Saki sacrifices 72 HP to attack relentlessly upon the remaining rear guard... Torrent of Blows! 184, 181, 177, 195 >> The servitor remains on his feet, and fires his grenade launcher point blank. A sickly haze encomapsses Saki as she discovered the gas is radioactive! o_O >> Saki resists Freeze, Sleep, Blind. Affected by Poison, Mute, Daze for 2 turns. Mindrot extended to 3 turns! * Saki chokes and coughs, trying to get out from the acrid cloud; she ends up stumbling and disoriented instead. Saki? *Niri looks alarmed* >> the remaining snieprs are drawn to fire at Mikel isnetad of their intended targets! >> Coordinated Fire resumes with 3 servitors on target. 77, 82, 69, 81, 85, 74, 80, 70, 70! * Mikel bears the assualt, whirling his spear about to knock away some of the barrage. While they fire away though the three spears floating around Mikel suddenly take flight, whirling through the enemy lines. >> Mikel roars with venegance and counterattacks with a cold hearted flurry! S 6-12: 190, 188, 199! S 6-13: 187, 196, 180! S 6-14: 188, 177, 195! >> ^-12 and 6-14 are barely standing! * Saki only gags in response, her brow knitted with anger. * Mikel staggers back a step or two as the exchange fades, breastplate chipped and damaged in a variety of ways and bleeding from various wounds. "Finish 'em!" >> Vytor's action. * Vytor rears back and slams his hammer into 6-12! >> Vytor connect with a mighty swing, sending the Servitor 6-12 sprawling and unmoving from the force. 192, KO! Nice job, Vytor! >> Trune's action. * Vytor returns to the group, looking a little more confident now. Ngh...gonna...wipe the floor with you lot! Cord of flame, pierce the enemy with your power! Flare Arrow! * Trune holds out his spear towards Servitor-6-13, and a single point of flame appears at the tip of the crystal, expanding and growing larger. Suddenly, it flies towards Servitor-6-13 in a stream of fire and smoke, impacting him dead-on! * Ryllan holds up his closed fist, pulling a second fireball out of thin air, and flinging it toward the other remaining servitor with deadly accuracy. >> Trune once again performs like living artillery, torching the three servitors in fire from nowehere bent to his destructive will. 830, 910, 988 to each. They are all defeated! Nicely done. >> VICTORY! >> Party gains 8 MXP. * Niri relaxes, letting out a breath of relief. "Did we get them all?" Heh...go me. * Mikel lets out a breath, the form flickering in and out before he snaps back to normal. "Jeez, what the hell are these guys?" I think so. >> Trune's fire spell seems to be a bit too ambituous, catching the coutner and the room blaze. saki's damage to the wall also seems to make it seem a lot less sturdy than it once was before the fight. ...Oh for goddess' sake, I didn't mean to do it again! << ablaze rather >> ... Uh, Mikel, would you mind? ...Dammit, Trune, stop that. * Mikel points a hand at the fire, sending a spray of water at the blaze. I'm not meaning to. Honest! Bodies of the Servitors litter the floor, unmoving and unresponsive. the squad has been eliminated. Or at least it seems... This place looks a bit unsteady. * Saki falls to her knees and gags, trying to shake off the effects. * Rogar (~DNW@c-67-180-33-225.hsd1.ca.comcast.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 * Mikel sets mode: +o Rogar >> Saki's status clears and Mikel gets the fire under control before it starts to get out of hand around all the wooden furniture and fixtures, crates, etc. * Rogar advances through the hole in the wall Saki made previously. He appears to be the man who gave the ultimatum message previously. * Niri eyes the man, recognizing him, and her eyes flash, but she says nothing. ...nevermind, don't stop that. * Rogar looks around at the dead servitors. "Interesting. Very interesting indeed." * Trune eyes the man as well, "Heh, isn't that the nutjob who gave that ultimatum?" ..? * Saki rises to her feet in front of the man, glaring daggers, swords, shivs, and possibly sledgehammers. "--then... this makes things a lot simpler." I must admit, I did not expect you to fare this well. Your reputation is not unjustified. The man bears an uncanny resemblance to Vytor... but something about him screams that he is everything the gentle craftsman is not. And just who are you supposed to be? I am Rogar. I am the voice of Lazarus. I am here to deliver a message. * Trune mutters to himself, "Is it going to be as longwinded and crazy as the last?" It's not the one you gave earlier, is it? Because if it is, we heard it. It was long and wordy and pointless, and inflammatory to boot. But I'm sure you know that. First things first. Servitors, get up. Your work is done. Wait, I'm sorry. I have pressing business. * Ryllan holds up a finger, "Is there a terribly good reason why we shouldn't just burn you here and now? Because, frankly, we have a city at war here." At first the command seems ludicrious to the assembled. But, is a twisted simialrity to iuts namesake... the servitors you just defeated arise anew. * Mikel hefts his staff, taking careful aim. "Short attention span. Make it quick.... oh for the love of Althena." << in a twisted similarity to its namesake >> * Trune 's mouth drops, "We...just...didn't we just? What the hell?" Servitors. Return to the lines. * Niri blinks. "But we just- they- we-" They don't linger long, however, immediately retreating out the back gate, much to the confusion of the allies watching that spot as a gunbattle breaks out again! * Rogar turns his gaze towards the group. "Now then." Darnit, no! * Vytor blinks. A lot. (w) If these things can just revive...do we have a chance at all? (w) Next time, we don't put them out. * Saki watches Rogar cooly. She is solemn and silent. The building around you creaks and shivers, adding to the tension. * Rogar stands perfectly still, then in an explosion of movement, rips the axe from his back and hurls it sideways. The axe flies in a berserk arc, bypassing the party entriely and slashing through the support beams of the building in quick order. Rogar raises his other hand and the axe obediently flies into it, whereupon he slips it back into place. "I'd get out of the building, if I were you." * Niri curses under her breath. ...that's a pretty nice trick. Did I mention you were an ass? * Mikel whirls the staff about, a crackle of lightning gathering and shooting towards Rogar. "Stick for the fun while we get the hell out of here." Rogar expertly hits ever single structural weakpoint of the shop in rapid succession. It is almost unbelievable, and yet, in a few seconds the reality of what you face comes crashing downin so many wooden splinters and mortar * Ryllan throws up a hand to assist Mikel's torrent of stunning energy. A pillar drops in front of the group, seperating them from Vytor! Gah! V...Vytor! Vytor, no! It's followed by a lot more rubble and dust, making it hard to see what's going on! * Niri coughs, trying to see. * Trune is already tracing willforce sigils int he air, wind energy flowing behind it. * Rogar dashes backward with a cool expression on his face as the building begins to fall, obscuring him from view. * Saki narrows her eyes a moment, and then does as told; she starts to retreat, intent on surveying the situation outside. * Niri struggles forward, trying to reach Vytor, but she is forced back by the lack of visibility and clear air- and the rumble of falling supports. Alternate Exit! Move! Vytor, get out! Um...working on it! Run for it, Vytor! *She follows her own advice then, heading outside the building* * Ryllan heads for the stairwell. * Trune attempts to pump a bit of wind into the room...not enough to screw with the stability of the building, but to clear the group's vision, somewhat. * Trune looks hesitant to leave Vytor behind, "...Vytor, be careful, all right!" The winds try to blow some of the dust and grit in the air away. Niri dashes forward, trying desperately to reach Vytor before more of the supprots give way. She manages to find him, but there's one small problem. << Scratch my last post then >> * Vytor lies inert on the ground in a pool of blood, his severed head lying nearby, still sporting a look of surprise on his face. Message delivered. * Niri 's hand flies to her mouth. Her eyes go wide and she makes retching noises, backing up in horror. Rogar's vanished into the chaos of the impending collapse, leaving behind his message, delivered in a most brutal fashion. * Mikel takes a step or two back, not seeing the scene just yet. "Niri! Vytor!" * Trune is heading towards the stairs, but stops as he hears Niri, "What? What is--" * Niri stumbles in the haze of debris and her own blurring vision. * Trune stops and stares...simply stares in mute shock. There's not much time to stare, the place begins to splinter and fall down all around the group still inside! * Mikel starts forward to grab the two... though this gets derailed as he sees the scene as well. * Ryllan turns back, "...Goddess-damn." Moving quickly, he pushes Mikel towards the stairwell, then grabs Niri and Trune by the arms and pulls them along as he rushes out of the building. N...No! We can't leave him! Wait-! * Niri numbly stumbles after Ryllan, allowing him to pull her and trying to keep up. It's not hard to drag Niri and Trune out as they are both in a shocked mental state at what just happened. ANd it's a good thing to, because they narrowly miss being buried. The Ramus outlet collapses as they narrowly make it outside, coughing and wheezing * Saki counts heads as they leave, her expression stony. * Wireless_Reader (~Scrollrea@pool-72-70-24-113.bstnma.east.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout) * Mikel stumbles, starting to move at the prompting shoves from Ryllan. Once outside he stumbles another step or two, whirling about and trying to look for any sign of Rogar. * Wireless_Reader (~Scrollrea@pool-72-70-24-113.bstnma.east.verizon.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 * Niri stares almost blindly into space, just kind of sinking to one knee in the middle of the street. Over the radio is a frantic militaman. "Sir, sir... the enemy army. It's freaking me out.. they just got up and started to retreat!" * Rogar (~DNW@c-67-180-33-225.hsd1.ca.comcast.net) Quit (Client exited) * Trune falls to his knees, coughing violently. * Saki nods to herself, and thumbs the radio. "... let them," she intones solemnly. "We've won this round." * Ryllan hits the radio, "Ryllan here. Let 'em go. Keep some scouts on 'em to make sure they're not faking us out, but let 'em go." * Niri gives Saki an almost bitter look at the word "won" * Trune bangs his fist on the ground, actually looking close to tears, "Fuck...fuck...fuck it!" Outside the gates, the defenders take some parting shots as what remains of the Lazarus war machine in Meribia drops their heavy equipment and goes into full retreat, leaving behind a battlefield full of Meribian defenders, along with some servitors too damaged to resuscitate. They quickly withdraw into the tunnels once more, collpasing the entry points so they cannot be followed. * Saki meets Niri's gaze for a moment without a word. Then she steps forward, trying to wave aside the dust and smoke, and starts trying to heave rubble. * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 71: Lazarus Rises, pt 2 | Location: Colonial Capital Meribia | Pool: 13 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/' Saki claws through the rubble, and some confused mercenaries of his company join her when they hear he didn't make it out. * Ryllan clips the radio to his belt, then sighs, "Don't, Saki. You don't want to see it." * Saki gives Ryllan a skeptical look as she throws a rotten beam aside. "--I've seen worse, I'm quite sure. He might not even be dead." * Trune snarls, "We should bury him, at least. It's what a comerade...let alone a friend should do." * Niri stares at Saki. Saki. He- * Mikel blinks a few more times, then looks at Saki. "I... wait, /what/." * Niri swallows hard. She can't say it. I'm sure, Saki. Rogar killed him. His head...oh goddess I think I'm going to throw up... * Niri winces visibly as Trune says this. She looks similarly ill. * Saki nods to herself. "--then, if you don't want to see it again, you may wish to move. Frankly, I'd rather see the truth." Removing a few more beams you find the wreckage of the counter. Behind it in a pile of debris is Vytor's body and head nearby... (Curiously, the pool of blood isn't growing, its shrinking. Its as if the liquid is turning into a gel, and is beginning to gather. As it does, it draws up into a pseudopod-like shape, which begins to retract into the body, dragging Vytor's head with it. Within moments, the two meet. There's an unpleasant wet, cracking sound along with some spasms as severed bone and tissue re-connect, followed by the cut sealing up like a zipper.) * Trune stops retching and STARES. * Saki raises her eyebrows, whistling to herself. "... that's some 'dead'." Am...am I tripping out? Do you all see this? * Niri is not looking, but she hears the sound and feels even more sick. She can't turn around to look, but... "What- what's happening?" She swallows hard. * Mikel stares, dropping the staff. "I... hol shit, what the hell?" His head...I swear it's reattaching to his body by itself! * Vytor begins to stand, very slowly. But when he opens his eyes, something is very wrong. They're not the eyes of the man you knew, instead they are the soulless eyes of those you just faced off against. * Niri turns now to look, staring at Vytor, her wide eyes fixed on his face. * Ryllan pauses, "Shit! Mikel, hold him!" Unit 6-12 is now online. Please verify command codes, and designate operational perameters. * Trune meets Vytor's eyes, and he feels his stomach lurch, "...Vytor?" * Saki regards the figure carefully. "... mm, you didn't know? Ever get a look at one of those creatures' faces?" I...I... V-Vytor? Y...yes, but he was different! He was Vytor! * Mikel doesn't manage a response to Ryllan, too busy staring. * Vytor stands by passively, not moving so much as a msucle. * Saki frowns. "... get your ass in gear, blacksmith," growls Rachel. * Ryllan pauses to make sure Vytor isn't attacking-on-sight, then sighs, "I suspected. I didn't suspect he could get back up after having his head removed." Command code invalid. Please restate. Did...did the Vytor we know just...and this is what we're left with? * Saki considers briefly. "I said 'Get your ass in gear, blacksmith, or I'll punch you back into shape." Command code invalid. Please restate. * Niri just sits down heavily in the middle of the road. * Trune looks down at the ground, trying now to fight back tears. * Mikel opens his mouth, though nothing manages to actually come out for a couple of moments. "I.. the hell, what the /hell/.." Saki - please don't do anything construable as an attack. We'd do best not to have him fighting us before we get Vytor to re-assert himself. * Saki glances back over her shoulder. "... mm, but when he's interpreting anything as a command, where do we get our clues from?" Maybe...maybe it should be something simple, like 6-12 please sit down or something. Command code invalid. Please restate. I don't think so, this sounds more like... Well, security. Code words. You need a password so he'll listen. Prevents a guy with a bullhorn from taking out an army. * Saki nods, crossing her arms. "The guy with the password just decapitated him and escaped. We've only got the default to fall back to." There is the faint twang of Rachel hiding in her voice; possible danger ahead. * Trune stands up, trembling, "Codes, WORDS? Screw this...screw all of this...people aren't meant to be used like this...fed codes and information and turned into SHEEP!" * Mikel just blinks a few more times, shaking his head and making his way over towards Niri. He crouches down next to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. There's almost certainly some form of self-defense programming. You absolutely certain of how many times he'll get back up, Rachel? * Niri barely responds, her eyes shifting slightly toward Mikel, though they still look glazed over and she seems rather pale. * Saki shrugs. "I'm not one for decapitation, and he's fine with that." She beams suddenly, lazily turning her head back to Vytor. "--see what you're doing to the kids? Now wake. The hell. Up!" and she's delivered a solid left hook at Vytor's reconstituted face. * Vytor takes the shot without attempting to defend himself. Alert! Hostile action detected. Initializing defense systems. Error: system not found. Engaging system check. Primary persona shell not active. Initializing primary persona shell. Error: primary persona shell not found. Initializing last known usable configuration. Please stand by. * Saki perks up and beams at that last sentence. * Vytor blinks once, twice, and then looks around, "Where'd the building go?" * Mikel perks up, looking at Vytor. "...holy shit!" * Trune stops and stares for the third time today, "...Vytor?" * Saki dissolves into choking laughter. * Niri blinks a couple times, the glazed look fading slightly. She still seems stunned, of course. "V-Vytor?" * Vytor looks very lost, "What happened here?" You, ah, died. ... Actually. * Trune breaks into a wide smile, "Vytor...holy shit!" Let's go see if anyone's celebrating our victory yet. You might want a drink before we give you the whole of it. * Saki straightens up, very sombre. "Then, I punched you better." She collapses back into peals of laughter, and is forced to sit down. Wait...what? * Niri stumbles to her feet, staggering over to Vytor and hugging him tightly, burying her face in his shirt. * Vytor blinks as he's suddenly attacked by Niri * Trune breaks into a run and hugs Vytor as well. * Vytor is suddenly dogpiled, and looking hightly confused. I must have misshed something. :| A few of the workers and mercenary forces cheer as the leader is unhurt. "It must've been a miracle! Althena be praised." C'mon, Vy. Let's go pull rank and confiscate us some highly illegal drink and I'll lay out the long and short of it for you. Uh...OK ^^; * Mikel straightens, looking relieved. "I....goddess." * Saki smiles up as her laughter stops almost dead. "... mm. Just a bit," she nods. Her hands go behind her head and she lays back on the rubble, apparently soaking up some sun. Even for Saki rather than Rachel she looks remarkably unconcerned. The frontline begins to pick up the peices, collecting the dead and scores of wounded from the defense effort. The battelfield and city smolders from the forces unleashed, yet Meribia remains standing. Does this mean we won? Looks like. ... Y'know, I'm not sure we did. But we hurt them worse than they hurt us. * Saki nods awkwardly, staring up at the sky. "... for now, at least. A retreat is a retreat." Heh...We won. I...I need a beer. 'A'. * Vytor looks oddly a Trune and Niri, but says nothing, hoping the promised explanation will clear things up. Hiro comes riding up in the borrowed cycle, wondering what he missed. * Niri lets go of Vytor and stumbles backward, keeping close by him but not looking at him. More than one's gonna be needed, I think. * Saki lifts herself up with a groan. "... damn soldiers don't even use willforce for me to heal up... ngh." She stands, a little wobbily. "... I need to clear things with Horam. Check how everyone is. Don't wait for me too long; I know the deal." I never said I wouldn't have other achoholic beverages. [Hiro] Eh, what's this? if that's the case... Drinks on me for the entire city! You've earned it. ... * Mikel looks at Hiro. "How much silver do you /have/?" * Saki smirks unpleasantly. "... I'll tell Horam that when I'm there." Just make sure you can function in the morning, Trune. [Hiro] ...hey, you're talking to the man who financed the Big Dig. I'll just put it on my tab with the government. Hehe. ...nice. [Hiro] Put that money Bree had to good use! There's still more battles ahead of us. * Saki takes that comment in stride, moving to deadpan. "Ah. Taxpayer silver. I'll tell Horam that when I'm there." * Niri is still very, very quiet. * Trune blinks, "Function...right." We've earned our break here, but there's a lot that needs to be done. Althena only knows if they're coming back, and if they're not... Then our next stop is Lazarus. [Hiro] then moves over to comfort his daughter. "You alright, Niri? Perk up, now, you've made your father proud - again." Y-yeah, Dad. Thanks. * Mikel looks at Niri for a moment, about to say something. Hiro manages it before he does though. * Trune blinks, suddenly straighting, "...how much time do we have, Ryllan?" Unknown, and we've used a lot here. A day or two, at least? * Saki shakes her head. "... it'll take at least a couple of days for them to reach Lazarus, I'd say, and--" she frowns at Ryllan. "... you can't march a tired army." (w) The doctor...why couldn't I see it? It has to be.. * Ryllan glances at Saki, then back at Trune, "What've you got in mind?" Er...I need to do more research on it to be sure. There's someone I need to speak with. * Saki shrugs. "Rest, in my case." She steps to one side, tapping Vytor on the shoulder. "... come find me after Ryllan's done. ... drunk or not." * Ryllan steps right next to Trune for a moment, "(m) Tell me later, then. But I'd really appreciate being kept in the loop. Or someone, at least. Remember our little chat about secrecy." * Trune nods, "(w) If you got to know, I'm going to speak with my dad." * Ryllan squeezes Trune's shoulder once. * Trune gives Ryllan a wavering smile. The sun rises into the sky, as the rag-tag miltia of the capital city take a moment to celebrate and regroup. The counter-strike is not far away, now, once all preparations are made... and somewhere out there, commander-in-chief Rogar plots his forces next move. Servitors, after all, only live twice. == SESSION END == >> 27 XP! Session Close: Sun Mar 30 03:39:17 2008