Terraform

Luca uses Rest! Luca recovers 1 HP and MP! Luca gains a second Act Action next turn!
Remaining MP: 8/25

She had been ready to go after the clam that had fired a pearl at Renee, but the huntress beat her to it. And before she could set her sights on the only other thing within range, Masq took care of it with the trippiest of slashes. With no way to get over to the turret and end its existence, Luca frowned–nothing to do but wait. So she did. She drew back her rapier and allowed a sigh of relief to pass through her lips. Relaxing.

Thage knelt there in the sand watching the battle continue to rage on. She wished that they didn't have to fight so hard... or so much... She looked into the sky. It looked as if it were about noon. She didn't like that hot weather, but she did not have much of a choice in being in it. The beads of sweat rolled down her face and close to her eyes. She was glad that she was wearing skimpy clothes; she might have overheated if she had on much else. She fell sideways into the stand and continued to pant for air. That exerted a lot of effort... Just a little while longer...

[Thage cannot Act!
Thage waits...]

Katyusha moves to cell H-5

The others were having no trouble taking care of the clams. They weren't much of a challenge for them, especially after they've already engaged them once before. And with all the mana being expended she had enough excess energy gathered in her pistols to take out the next turret. Pointing one of the pistols at the turret she took a moment after the little laser pointer of death locked onto the sandy construct. Another barrage of rockets, another turret blown to smithereens.

Katyusha expends 10 charges of energy
Katyusha uses Hornet's Nest on Dandes. 7 Int Dmg per hit, 8 hits
MP: 17/35

Dandes takes 40 Dmg!

Dandes KO!

Fire takes 8 Dmg!

Fire KO!

Cluster takes 12 Dmg!

Cluster KO!

Chapter 00-B: Shoreline Gunfight

Location: Caranda River - Thinning Bank

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~The Old Expanse~

Achievement: Dodging a Bullet - Collectively evade the long-range skills of the enemies at least 3 times. [8 AP]

{ } { } {t} { } { } {~} {~} {~} {~} A
{t} { } { } { } { } {~} {~} {~} {~} B
{ } { } { } { } { } {~} {~} {~} {~} C
{ } { } { } { } { } {~} {~} {~} {~} E
{ } { } {t} { } { } {~} {~} {~} {~} F
{ } { } { } { } {M} {~} {~} {~} {~} G
{t} { } {R} { } {A} {~} {~} {~} {~} H
{ } { } { } { } { } {~} {~} {~} {~} I
{ } {L} { } { } { } {~} {~} {~} {~} J
{K} {t} {T} { } {~} {~} {~} {~} {~} K
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

All enemies have been defeated!
CHAPTER COMPLETE!!

EXPERIENCE:

+6 - Sand Turret x2
+6 - Cannon Clam x3
+2 - Player Phase completed less than 10
+2 - No Player Character KO
+2 - No D-Abilities used
+2 - No Items used

TOTAL EXP GAIN: 16

Masquerade: 4/24 --- 20/24
Next Level: 20/24
DD: 4/10

Renee: 4/24 --- 20/24
Next Level: 20/24
DD: 10/10

Luca: 4/24 --- 20/24
Next Level: 20/24
DD: 10/10

Karin: 4/24 --- 20/24
Next Level: 20/24
DD: 1/10

Katyusha: 4/24 --- 20/24
Next Level: 20/24
DD: 10/10

Thage: 4/24 --- 20/24
Next Level: 20/24
DD: 0/10

No Skill Points Awarded...

Achievement FAILED...

The Party finds 45 Accra!

Items found:

---Sandy Barrel x1
---Scorched Pearl x2

Edit your profiles, please~  Update will come shortly.

With all of the clams poached and the turrets wrecked, the group was free to mull about and scavenge some materials from their fallen opponents.  After a brief rest, Masquerade urged them all onwards proclaiming that it would be best to reach Vegas by nightfall when it was the most beautiful, neglecting the fact that things get much more dangerous at night when traversing the wilds.  It was as if he thought the beauty of the city were more important than the truth of their mission or the state of the world.  Regardless, no one could say much, for despite the short time they had spent together, the group knew what the mysterious stranger was like.  Danger didn't seem to register in his vocabulary.  Whether it was true bravery or just plain self-destructive stupidity, that was anybody's guess.

Trudging along the riverbank, the group was forced to make a turn towards the west where largely broken chunks of asphalt with faded yellow and white markings were grouped together--a collection that would form a highway should all the pieces be reconnected.  This was the Broken Highway that would take them to Vegas.  It was a long walk and the heat seemed to intensify.  The trees had thinned out completely now into an expanse of arid desert.  The air itself was definitely less muggy, but the sun blazed down on them ferociously.  It was one of the few places in the Land of Rain and Mystery that didn't receive a steady cascade of rain, and no one could figure out what made this place out of all of them immune to the environmental changes brought on by the Cataclysm.  But apparently, it wasn't that important.  The black asphalt absorbed the heat, though its blackness had faded over time along with the lines that used to help aid the flow of traffic.  As they continued along, they took note of heaps of steel and technological/mechanical waste.  Wrecked cars, dysfunctional household devices, and random unidentified metal parts rested along the side of the road in no particular order.  It was almost disturbing.  So many remnants of the past...

Masquerade came to a halt in the middle of the road much like he had done back at the riverbank, holding up a hand to stop the others.  There were roadwork automata performing what appeared to be maintenance on the broken road.  Street sweeping, to be precise.  Red flags were raised instantly; Masquerade knew there was no way they would be out this far, if out of the city at all.  It was then that the floating constructs immediately halted their work, all at once, their brooms waiting tentatively to fulfill their task and brush the pavement, but that moment never came.  The bright green orbs that served as eyes for the robots turned red and they appeared to ready themselves for combat.  Just as Masquerade was about to draw his sword, he shouted out someth--

The earth rumbled and a massive shockwave knocked the party to the ground.  A massive robot now stood in the midst of the highway, its entrance wrecking things further and leaving a giant crater where it now stood.  The metal that constructed it was dark like obsidian--the surface would probably be very hot if it had been in the desert for a long time, but the fact that it fell from the sky left that to be questioned.  Its eyes were made of LED lights glowing a pale red in horizontal patterns.  Its dome-like head seemed to swivel as it scanned the environment, its large metallic, three-fingered fists clenched and unclenched until it marked the party in its sights.

Renee scrambled to her feet, instantly exasperated.  She was exhausted from the walk and pouring with sweat.  Dust clung to her skin in several layers, and she just felt rather gross and dirty in general.  Standing there with her legs trembling, she grasped her wire for strength.  "What the fuck IS this?!" she shouted, never having witnessed such technology before.

"Remnants of the past, only advanced by our modern technology.  These are common in large cities that have research and development departments for the technology of the world pre-Cataclysm," Masquerade was surprisingly quick to explain, his own form clambering back up to a standing position, sword drawn and at the ready.  "But this isn't right.  Their systems should be programmed to be non-aggressive."  He was quiet for a moment before an incredibly stony expression settled on his face as he came to a conclusion.

"These were hacked.  And I think I know who the culprit is."

Chapter 00-C: Roused Suspicion

Location: Broken Highway - Steel Graveyard

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~The Old Expanse~

Achievement: And A Stun For You! - Have every member of the ally party succumb to Stun at least once over the course of the battle. [10 AP]

{ } {'} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } A
{ } {'} { } {h} { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {h} C
{ } {'} { } { } {A} { } { } {'} { } D
{ } { } {B} { } { } { } {C} { } { } E
{ } {'} { } { } {R} { } { } { } {h} F
{h} { } { } { } { } { } { } {'} { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } {'} { } {h} { } {M} { } {'} { } I
{ } {'} { } { } {R} { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Masquerade (Mysterious Stranger)
HP: 40/40
MP: 15/15
DD: 4/10
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Renee (Huntress) *HASTE*
HP: 25/25
MP: 25/25
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Aggress (Heavyset Mech)
HP: 120/120
MP: 65/65
DD: 0/10
Atk: 8
Def: 6
Int: 2
Spr: 3
Evade: 0%
Move: 2 cells

Broom (Sweeper)
HP: 40/40
MP: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 6
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Ristles (Sweeper)
HP: 40/40
MP: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 6
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Clean (Sweeper)
HP: 40/40
MP: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 6
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

{'} - Cracked Asphalt
[No Occupy]

{h} - Junk Heap
[No Occupy]

Players may start in rows I-J!

Luca's brow furrowed for the slightest of moments as the large machine revealed itself and they were thrust into yet another battle. Letting go of a slightly exasperated breath, she brandished the rapier at her side. "I'm not particularly fond of machines." she muttered to herself, throwing some of her long hair over her shoulder, wiping some of the residue from her clothing. She scanned her clothing for a second before drifting to the rapier and then the sweepers amongst the mechanical monstrosity. "I suppose I'll just have to vent my frustrations." she stated, entering a battle stance.

Luca starts at I3!

Thage walked with the group, staying silent the entire way. She was lost in thought, or lack of it. She wondered if she had a real role in this endeavor. Was she useful? Was she able to help? So far, the best thing she had been able to do was move people. She sighed as yet another battle went in front of them. She grew weary of the things, but she was ready for the fight ahead. Maybe she would be able to become useful... maybe.

[Thage starts in J9!]

Katyusha starts at cell J-6

The turrets and clams proved to be of little trouble and they were able to advance toward the city without much trouble, or so she had thought. Katyusha knew of these robots they had seen, or rather she's only heard of them, automated workers created to help ease the lives of human beings. They tended to be very passive and Katyusha had planned to just pass on by them, however that doesn't seem to be much of an option when a much larger robot seemingly dropped from the sky, knocking her to the ground with her landing and leaving a rather impressive crater in its wake. The soldier quickly recovered and retrieved her pistols, pointing them at the large mechanical construct.

Chapter 00-C: Roused Suspicion

Location: Broken Highway - Steel Graveyard

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~The Old Expanse~

Achievement: And A Stun For You! - Have every member of the ally party succumb to Stun at least once over the course of the battle. [10 AP]

{ } {'} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } A
{ } {'} { } {h} { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {h} C
{ } {'} { } { } {A} { } { } {'} { } D
{ } { } {B} { } { } { } {C} { } { } E
{ } {'} { } { } {R} { } { } { } {h} F
{h} { } { } { } { } { } { } {'} { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } {'} {L} {h} { } {M} {K} {'} { } I
{ } {'} { } { } {R} {A} { } { } {T} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Masquerade (Mysterious Stranger)
HP: 40/40
MP: 15/15
DD: 4/10
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Renee (Huntress) *HASTE*
HP: 25/25
MP: 25/25
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Luca (Adventurer)
HP: 30/30
MP: 25/25
DD: 10/10
Atk: 7
Def: 5
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 10%
Move: 5 cells

Karin (Computation Engineer)
HP: 35/35
MP: 20/20
DD: 1/10
Atk: 4
Def: 5
Int: 4
Spr: 4
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Katyusha (Gunslinger) *ENERGY COLLECTION [0]*
HP: 25/25
MP: 35/35
DD: 8/10
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 7
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 3 cells

Thage (Arcane Mistress)
HP: 35/35
MP: 40/40
DD: 0/10
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 5
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Aggress (Heavyset Mech)
HP: 120/120
MP: 65/65
DD: 0/10
Atk: 8
Def: 6
Int: 2
Spr: 3
Evade: 0%
Move: 2 cells

Broom (Sweeper)
HP: 40/40
MP: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 6
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Ristles (Sweeper)
HP: 40/40
MP: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 6
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Clean (Sweeper)
HP: 40/40
MP: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 6
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

{'} - Cracked Asphalt
[No Occupy]

{h} - Junk Heap
[No Occupy]

Player Phase 1!

Masquerade moves to F6.

"Damn it," Masq cursed as a blazing white aura surrounded him and he surged forward, coming to a halt next to one of the front-most robots, his boots skidding against the asphalt as he turned to deliver a brutal slash to it.  The blade barely nicked the metal composing its body causing Masq to growl in frustration.  This was bad.  Extremely so.  How was it that she made it to this world?  To think that she would go to such lengths to follow him...  Women and their duties--they were frustrating.  Regaining his composure, Masq straightened up his form and prepared for counterattack from the automata.  He had thrown himself into the midst of things for once on this journey, but he wasn't too terribly worried.  He could handle whatever these things dished out.  Better he be on the receiving end of a harmful blow than one of the fair ladies accompanying him.  At least for now.

Masquerade uses Trigger Command: Slumber Surge! [Chance of Sleep +150%]

Masquerade attacks Ristles!  7 Dmg! (ATK) [Ristles evades Sleep]

Renee uses Canopy Glide! [Moves to G3][Next attack deals 10% more damage]

MP: 17/25

Renee uses Wire Pierce on Ristles!  11 Dmg! (ATK)

MP: 11/25

Adrenaline was quick to kick in, and Renee's heart started beating faster, not just out of panic now.  Vision intensified.  Reflexes were honed.  This was the form of the huntress.  A wire shot outwards through the air, digging into one of the junk heaps off to the side.  She leapt into the air and spiraled to a spot near it, tugging out the wire only to sending it flying in the opposite direction with expert skill, her expression fierce as she utilized her mana to have the end of the wire pierce right through the automaton.  With another tug, she retrieved the wire and gripped it tightly.  Her eyes shot toward the large mech which truly frightened her.  One punch from that thing would be enough to send her admittedly fragile form flying.  Or one squish and it was all over and done with.  This might take drastic measures, she thought in anguish, her muscles burning from overexertion.

"I guess we're cleaning up the small ones first?" she called out to the others, trying to establish some sort of group-wide plan so that everyone wasn't just blindly doing whatever.  In the past that may have been fine; their raw strength was enough to carry them through, but this time they would need wit along with their power.  Without a defined strategy, there was a chance some of them might not make it out alive, if not all of them.

Renee waits.

Luca drew back for a moment, simply watching as her allies targeted one of the sweeping robots nearby. The adventurer nodded––clearly fighting the same one all together would prove the most effective. However, she still doubted her ability to dent the damn machines, especially with her rather lackluster rapier. She frowned. "We'll need to get some new equipment when we reach town." she declared sharply, hand passing over the blade smoothly. The metal seemed to glimmer just a bit in response, but Luca paid it no mind––she merely strolled over to the robot and eyed it with distaste.

Luca uses Preparation! Bestows Bravery!
Remaining MP: 17/25

Luca moves to F4!

Thage looked towards the machines in fear. How would she make it out of there alive? She wouldn't be able to get anywhere close to the things told else risk becoming smushed on the floor. Certainly this was the worst the journey had to offer them, right? She wasn't sure of what she was supposed to do. Frantically, Thage looked towards the mechas, trying to keep a sense of wit about her. It wasn't coming. Before she knew it, she began to chant and moan. An odd pink light enveloped the largest mech. With a pop, it disappeared from view. "Stay away!" She snapped her tome shut and the large machine reappeared with a large crack a long way away. It looked ten times smaller with an impressive distance between them...

[Thage uses Juxtaposition on Aggress! [MP: 30/40]
Aggress is moved to A1!
Chance of waiving 25% of the MP cost!
Thage cannot Act during the next Player Phase!]

Katyusha uses Hornet's Nest on Clean. 7 INT Dmg per hit, 8 hits
MP: 17/35

The much larger mechanical construct seemed to have been teleported away from them. It looked to be quite slow so it would be a while until it would be able to traverse all the rubble to reach them. Katyusha turned back and gave a nod to the woman with the strange magic and pointed her pistols at one of the mechanical workers. Once again a barrage of rockets fell upon the target with deadly precision and raised a massive cloud of smoke. However after the smoke had cleared the mechanical worker was still standing and functional, albeit barely.

Katyusa moves to cell J-7

Aggress reappears at A1!

Ristles takes 10 Dmg!

HP: 30/40

Clean takes 32 Dmg!

HP: 8/40

Chapter 00-C: Roused Suspicion

Location: Broken Highway - Steel Graveyard

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~The Old Expanse~

Achievement: And A Stun For You! - Have every member of the ally party succumb to Stun at least once over the course of the battle. [10 AP]

{A} {'} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } A
{ } {'} { } {h} { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {h} C
{ } {'} { } { } { } { } { } {'} { } D
{ } { } {B} { } { } { } {C} { } { } E
{ } {'} { } {L} {R} {M} { } { } {h} F
{h} { } {R} { } { } { } { } {'} { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } {'} { } {h} { } { } {K} {'} { } I
{ } {'} { } { } { } { } {A} { } {T} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Renee's Haste has 2 turns left.

Masq's Slumber Surge has 3 turns left.

Luca's Bravery has 3 turns.

Katyusha's Protect has 3 turns.

Enemy Phase.

Aggress moves to C1.

Aggress waits.

Broom attacks Renee!  6 Dmg! (ATK) [MISS]

Broom waits.

Ristles moves to G5.

Ristles uses Stifle on Renee!  6 Dmg! (ATK) [Renee evades Stun]

MP: 24/30

Clean moves to H7.

Clean uses Stifle on Katyusha!  6 Dmg! (ATK) [Katyusha evades Stun]

MP: 24/30

{ } {'} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } A
{ } {'} { } {h} { } { } { } { } { } B
{A} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {h} C
{ } {'} { } { } { } { } { } {'} { } D
{ } { } {B} { } { } { } { } { } { } E
{ } {'} { } {L} { } {M} { } { } {h} F
{h} { } {R} { } {R} { } { } {'} { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } {C} { } { } H
{ } {'} { } {h} { } { } {K} {'} { } I
{ } {'} { } { } { } { } {A} { } {T} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Player Phase 2!

Masquerade (Mysterious Stranger) *SLUMBER SURGE*
HP: 40/40
MP: 15/15
DD: 5/10
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Renee (Huntress) *HASTE*
HP: 22/25
MP: 11/25
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Luca (Adventurer) *BRAVERY*
HP: 30/30
MP: 17/25
DD: 10/10
Atk: 7
Def: 5
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 10%
Move: 5 cells

Karin (Computation Engineer)
HP: 35/35
MP: 12/20
DD: 1/10
Atk: 4
Def: 5
Int: 4
Spr: 4
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Katyusha (Gunslinger) *ENERGY COLLECTION [8]* *PROTECT*
HP: 22/25
MP: 17/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 7
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 3 cells

Thage (Arcane Mistress)
HP: 35/35
MP: 30/40
DD: 0/10
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 5
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Aggress (Heavyset Mech)
HP: 120/120
MP: 65/65
DD: 0/10
Atk: 8
Def: 6
Int: 2
Spr: 3
Evade: 0%
Move: 2 cells

Broom (Sweeper)
HP: 40/40
MP: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 6
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Ristles (Sweeper)
HP: 30/40
MP: 24/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 6
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Clean (Sweeper) *CRITICAL*
HP: 8/40
MP: 24/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 6
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

{'} - Cracked Asphalt
[No Occupy]

{h} - Junk Heap
[No Occupy]

Masq moves to F5.

"Sounds like a plan to me," Masq said coolly.  It was nice that someone had a plan, but there was no point in plans when it came to the person they were dealing with.  If they could even press through this mechanical onslaught, only death awaited them if they piddled around.  They don't even know....how close their journey is to ending if we don't play our cards right, he thought, his expression only hardening as he sidled over, body still glowing in the aura.  Raising his blade, he slashed through the robot he had targeted before.  As expected, Katyusha had rained down hell upon one of the others which was always a good thing.  They would survive, so perhaps he could think of ways to combat their true adversary in the meantime.  If he could afford to be distracted in this battle, then he would be.  In the end, it would be worth it.  Maybe, just maybe, they could walk away with their lives when the time came.  Maybe I can put an end to her once and for all, Masq thought sinisterly, a flash of a malevolent grin forming on his face and quickly dissipating.

Masq attacks Ristles!  7 Dmg! (ATK) [Ristles evades Sleep]

Renee moves to G2.

Renee attacks Ristles!  2 hits!  8 Dmg per hit! (ATK)

Dodging one broomstick only to be conked on the head with another, Renee quickly rubbed the sore spot.  A bump was definitely forming despite her immense displeasure.  Growling, she leaped back and lunged both hands forward, one after the other allowing her wires to shoot out and pierce the steel that composed the bodies of the automata.  Yanking the wire back, she noticed how minimal the outward effects were, but hopefully she'd be striking some vital inner circuitry or something.  She didn't know much about machines, but she knew they were similar to humans in the way that they had complex systems that made them operate, and just like a human could be easily debilitated by taking advantage of weak points in their systems, so could an automaton.

Masq seemed to be on board with her plan, but something was very off about him.  This marked the first time she had seen him so aggressive in battle since the journey started, but for what reason?  Because he knew who was behind this particular crime?  Any acquaintance of the stranger's was most likely as sketchy as the man himself.  Of that she was positive.  We're going to have to remain wary.  Maybe we did choose this path, but our own lives come first, she thought, quickly scanning the others who seemed to be more preoccupied with the battle rather than the bigger picture.

She had been planning on stabbing one of the glorified dustmops a couple times, but it seemed these things had some sort of intelligence to them––the closest one had moved out of range. Luca, however, was a sensible woman. She knew better than to complain about battle not going according to plan; it was, after all, a very mutable experience to take part in. The tides would change at the slightest movement: no limits or constraints could hold it in one place for too long.

Luca moves to G7!

But it seemed an opening had shown itself. Out of the corner of her eye, the adventurer noticed Karin launching an attack at one of the broom robots. The spiked disk barely nicked the damn machine, but Luca could tell what needed to be done. Although they had not been traveling wrong, it seemed quite clear that Karin would act ridiculously––she appeared motive oriented––this would be no different. Nodding mentally, the adventurer dashed from her current position to a spot just next to the machina, aiming her strike.

Luca attacks Clean! 11 Atk Damage!

Katyusha moves to cell J-6

She still ended up being hit by the mechanical worker she had previously bombarded. She had underestimated their reach, something that hopefully won't happen again. Especially since the next time it occurs it would most likely be against the much larger mechanical construct. If that were to happen it would end in more than just a slight wound. Seeing that the previous construct had already been taken out Katyusha moved to the side in order to get a good, clear shot at a different target. Two bullets were fired then, one from each gun. Both struck the robot in the exact same spot.

Katyusha attacks Ristles. 7 INT Dmg per hit, 2 hits

Shards of shrapnel flew past Thage, leaving gashes everywhere on her body. She yelped, but knew that the pain was minimal compared to what the others might be feeling. She was huddled up the furthest away from the fray, and she needed to change that. She was still exhausted from the use of her magic, though, and she knelt onto the ground and continued to watch, to observe. She had an odd urge to record what was going on here within her empty tome, but she did not know whether she wanted to give in to that urge. For now, she would stay silent and pray that her allies would be okay.

[Thage cannot Act!
Thage waits...]

Ristles takes 19 Dmg!

HP: 11/40

Clean takes 8 Dmg!

Clean PERFECT KILL!!

Chapter 00-C: Roused Suspicion

Location: Broken Highway - Steel Graveyard

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~The Old Expanse~

Achievement: And A Stun For You! - Have every member of the ally party succumb to Stun at least once over the course of the battle. [10 AP]

{ } {'} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } A
{ } {'} { } {h} { } { } { } { } { } B
{A} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {h} C
{ } {'} { } { } { } { } { } {'} { } D
{ } { } {B} { } { } { } { } { } { } E
{ } {'} { } { } {M} { } { } { } {h} F
{h} {R} { } { } {R} { } {L} {'} { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } {'} { } {h} { } { } {K} {'} { } I
{ } {'} { } { } { } {A} { } { } {T} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Renee's Haste has 1 turn left.

Masq's Slumber Surge has 2 turns left.

Luca's Bravery has 2 turns left.

Katyusha's Protect has 2 turns left.

Enemy Phase.

Aggress moves to E1.

Aggress waits.

Broom moves to F3.

Broom attacks Renee!  6 Dmg! (ATK)

Ristles moves to G4.

Ristles uses Stifle on Renee!  6 Dmg! (ATK) [Renee evades Stun]

MP: 18/30

{ } {'} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } A
{ } {'} { } {h} { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {h} C
{ } {'} { } { } { } { } { } {'} { } D
{A} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } E
{ } {'} {B} { } {M} { } { } { } {h} F
{h} {R} { } {R} { } { } {L} {'} { } G
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } {'} { } {h} { } { } {K} {'} { } I
{ } {'} { } { } { } {A} { } { } {T} J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Player Phase 3!

Masquerade (Mysterious Stranger) *SLUMBER SURGE*
HP: 40/40
MP: 15/15
DD: 6/10
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Renee (Huntress) *HASTE*
HP: 16/25
MP: 11/25
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Luca (Adventurer) *BRAVERY*
HP: 30/30
MP: 17/25
DD: 10/10
Atk: 7 --- 11
Def: 5
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 10%
Move: 5 cells

Karin (Computation Engineer)
HP: 35/35
MP: 12/20
DD: 2/10
Atk: 4
Def: 5
Int: 4
Spr: 4
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Katyusha (Gunslinger) *ENERGY COLLECTION [9]* *PROTECT*
HP: 22/25
MP: 17/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 7
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 3 cells

Thage (Arcane Mistress)
HP: 35/35
MP: 30/40
DD: 0/10
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 5
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Aggress (Heavyset Mech)
HP: 120/120
MP: 65/65
DD: 0/10
Atk: 8
Def: 6
Int: 2
Spr: 3
Evade: 0%
Move: 2 cells

Broom (Sweeper)
HP: 40/40
MP: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 6
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Ristles (Sweeper)
HP: 11/40
MP: 18/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 6
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Clean (Sweeper) *PERFECT KILL*

{'} - Cracked Asphalt
[No Occupy]

{h} - Junk Heap
[No Occupy]

Masq moves to F4.

"Luca, assist me with other, yes?" Masq called out to the woman, taking notice that she would be able to cover the distance with ease.  Dashing around the unharmed automaton, Masq strategically positioned himself so that an escape to the west would be impossible.  Luca could then come in and retake his northern position.  Boots skidding against the asphalt, Masq came to a stop and raised his shimmering blade, slicing through the robot's body and hoping that his magic would actually have an effect on it.  To put a robot to sleep?  Now that was a task in and of itself, but his power was absolute.  If it would so dare to act against him, then he would force it into slumber and subdue it.  "Thage, can you continue to hold the big one off?  One more ought to do it," he next called out to the arcane mistress who seemed to be recovering from her spell's effect.  Masq kept his sword at the ready, but with the way things were going, he wouldn't have to be on such a defensive for long, granted it was good practice since he'd need to be on the defensive one hundred percent against...her....

Masq attacks Broom!  7 Dmg! (ATK) [Broom falls Asleep]

Renee moves to H2.

Renee attacks Ristles!  8 Dmg! (ATK)

Renee uses Wire Pierce on Ristles!  10 Dmg! (ATK)

MP: 5/25

"Look at him giving out orders.  He actually sounds like a leader," Renee mused in a sort of sarcastic tone, but at heart there was some sincerity lingering about.  It was true that she still far from trusted this man, but at least he was taking charge and responsibility for their motley team.  Maybe, just maybe, he could win her over.  But for right now, there were things to be hunted.  Being smacked around by brooms was NOT something the huntress took particular pleasure in, and she was about to show the robots just how displeased she was.  Sidestepping agilely, Renee loosed her wire, watching it deeply graze the steel husk of a body of the weakened robot.  Pulling the wire back expertly, she unleashed it with a straightened trajectory allowing the ends to pierce through the metal.  Sparks could be seen; she was sure she had impacted some critical circuitry.  All it needed now was to be blown over.  She gave a look to the others.  Thage would have her task, but someone else needed to step up to the plate now.

Luca drew her blade back, a slight smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth as the damn machine fell to pieces before her. She really hated machines. Loathing such as this wasn't exactly common, but Luca was, as expected, an exception. Never in her life had she been able to trust these things were truly for the greater good––malfunctions such as the one these machina were going through at the moment illuminated that fact. To see this one fall into a state beyond repair truly satisfied her; however, more remained among the ranks.

"Luca, assist me with the other one, yes?" Luca's gaze darted over to the man who, no sooner after he had finished speaking, had already launched an attack on the robot the party had ignored thus far. The adventurer merely nodded in his direction, disregarding the fact that he had made the targeted robot fall into a state of slumber. What happened to the robot apart from destruction mattered not, and destruction she could surely dish out.

Luca moves to E4!

Although not a quick as Masq had been, Luca too dashed over to the robot and primed her strike. With a step toward the mechanical foe, the adventurer slashed once from the right and followed through with another. Whatever state of REM the thing had been in broke immediately, but Luca didn't care––her attack seemed to do even more damage than usual. It pleased her to see much larger dents in the broom's body. Yes. It pleased her very much.

Luca uses Onset on Broom! 2 Hits! 15 Atk Damage per Hit! CRITICAL!!
Remaining MP: 11/25

Thage watched as the battle continued to rage on. The machines were beginning to show signs of wear and more dents were beginning to show up in their polished bodies, and the tension that she felt began to tighten even more, almost as if it were beginning to strangle her. She stood and watched the party valiantly struggle against the things... all except her. She felt bad about that and she knelt her head down. She knew that her mission was to find her sister in the roiling chaos, but she could see the scene in a different light now: She needed to undertake this pilgrimage for the sake of her constitution. She needed to become more of a person, and she knew that she wouldn't come across another fine opportunity such as this one so easily again...

Suddenly, she heard her name, followed by some orders. She immediately snapped out of her reverie and gave the voice a once-over. It came from a deeper voice and something in it made her heart flutter. "Y-Yes, sir." Without a second thought, she opened her tome, willing for the machine to begone. A poof and a crack, and the looming machine was once again small in an impressive distance.

[Thage moves to J7!
Thage uses Juxtaposition on Aggress! [MP: 20/40]
Aggress is moved to A9!
Thage cannot act during the next player phase!
Chance of MP cost reduction!
Thage waits...]

Katyusha moves to cell H-5

The much larger robot was being kept busy by the female with the strangest of abilities. Good, while the mechanical titan was spending time trying to get back to the group the other, far less intimidating robots were being rapidly disposed of. Two of the three had already been broken apart and the third had somehow ceased all movement. It was effectively neutralized now but just to get it out of the way Katyusha aimed her guns. It was nice for whoever it was to have stopped the movement of the robot, made for an easier target. Not that she needed a target to stay still in order to hit it but it was nice nevertheless. A noise could be heard from up in the sky, signaling the immanent doom of the robot as rockets bombarded the automaton, blasting it to pieces.

Katyusha expends Energy Charges
EC: 0

Katyusha uses Hornet's Nest on Broom. 7 INT Dmg per hit, 8 hits
MP: 17/35

Aggress reappears at A9!

Broom takes 89 Dmg!

Broom OVERKILL!!

Ristles takes 11 Dmg!

Ristles PERFECT KILL!!

Chapter 00-C: Roused Suspicion

Location: Broken Highway - Steel Graveyard

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

Background: ~The Old Expanse~

Achievement: And A Stun For You! - Have every member of the ally party succumb to Stun at least once over the course of the battle. [10 AP]

{ } {'} { } { } { } { } { } { } {A} A
{ } {'} { } {h} { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {h} C
{ } {'} { } { } { } { } { } {'} { } D
{ } { } { } {L} { } { } { } { } { } E
{ } {'} { } {M} { } { } { } { } {h} F
{h} { } { } { } { } { } { } {'} { } G
{ } {R} { } { } {A} {K} { } { } { } H
{ } {'} { } {h} { } { } { } {'} { } I
{ } {'} { } { } { } { } {T} { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Renee's Haste fades.

Masq's Slumber Surge has 1 turn left.

Luca's Bravery has 1 turn left.

Katyusha's Protect has 1 turn left.

Enemy Phase.

Aggress moves to B8.

Aggress waits.

{ } {'} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } A
{ } {'} { } {h} { } { } { } {A} { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {h} C
{ } {'} { } { } { } { } { } {'} { } D
{ } { } { } {L} { } { } { } { } { } E
{ } {'} { } {M} { } { } { } { } {h} F
{h} { } { } { } { } { } { } {'} { } G
{ } {R} { } { } {A} {K} { } { } { } H
{ } {'} { } {h} { } { } { } {'} { } I
{ } {'} { } { } { } { } {T} { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Player Phase 4!

Masquerade (Mysterious Stranger) *SLUMBER SURGE*
HP: 40/40
MP: 15/15
DD: 7/10
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Renee (Huntress)
HP: 16/25
MP: 11/25
DD: 10/10
Atk: 8
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Luca (Adventurer) *BRAVERY*
HP: 30/30
MP: 17/25
DD: 10/10
Atk: 7 --- 11
Def: 5
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 10%
Move: 5 cells

Karin (Computation Engineer)
HP: 35/35
MP: 12/20
DD: 3/10
Atk: 4
Def: 5
Int: 4
Spr: 4
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

Katyusha (Gunslinger) *ENERGY COLLECTION [0]* *PROTECT*
HP: 22/25
MP: 17/35
DD: 10/10
Atk: 1
Def: 3
Int: 7
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 3 cells

Thage (Arcane Mistress)
HP: 35/35
MP: 23/40
DD: 0/10
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 5
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Aggress (Heavyset Mech)
HP: 120/120
MP: 65/65
DD: 0/10
Atk: 8
Def: 6
Int: 2
Spr: 3
Evade: 0%
Move: 2 cells

Broom (Sweeper) *OVERKILL*

Ristles (Sweeper) *PERFECT KILL*

Clean (Sweeper) *PERFECT KILL*

{'} - Cracked Asphalt
[No Occupy]

{h} - Junk Heap
[No Occupy]

With all of the smaller robots cleared out, Masq eyed the last remaining threat--the metallic titan that Thage had shifted to the far reaches of the area.  It lumbered towards them despite this fact, intent on inflicting harm upon him and the others.  All because of her hacking skills.  This battle had to end, and it had to end now.  The machine was far away at the moment, and he could close the gap.  But how much was he willing to show them?  I'll have to reveal it eventually; I won't have any mercy on her.  If I can end her now, then... the grin appeared on his face again, sinister as could be.  And he was gone.  The sound of flapping filled the air and he was next to the machine, weapon glimmering even more brightly than before--simply mesmerizing.

Masq uses Trigger Command: ???! [Rushes(?) to B7]

Masq uses Trigger Command: Eternal Phantasm! [Chance of Sleep +300% for the next attack]

Standing there for a moment with his back turned, Masq cut an ominous figure holding that shimmering blade that looked like it was stolen from a dream.  A quick slash and a trail of energy.  A deep gash formed in the robot and it slouched over...almost as if it were asleep.  The light on the blade flickered out rapidly and Masq dropped to one knee.  Oh the price to pay, but it was so worth it.  All that was left was for the others to clean up...if they could reach the thing in time.  "Now's your chance, everyone!  Don't hold back!" Masq shouted, though it was hardly necessary.  With the giant steel titan out of commission for the time being, all was silent once again as it had been before.

Masq attacks Aggress!  7 Dmg! (ATK) [Aggress falls Asleep]

Masq waits.

Renee uses Canopy Glide! [Moves to C5][Next attack deals 10% more damage]

MP: 3/25

What did she just witness?  First was the complete massacre of all the remaining smaller cleaning robots.  That was understandable.  Her expert and analyzing eyes were now focused on the mysterious being known only as Masq.  In a single movement, he probably traveled farther than she could have with her wires.  In a single stroke, he was able to put that giant machine...to sleep?  Did machines even sleep?  How was this possible?  Yet there it was slumped over, just like a human who had passed out and was taking a gentle snooze.  "And he's going to act like there's nothing wrong with what he just did," Renee muttered to herself frostily under her breath before hurling her wire through the air and watching it embed and wrap itself around some junk in a heap in the distance.  She took to the air and landed just next to the heap, yanking her wire back and keeping a focus on the slumbering automaton.  It was large and likely very defensive.  Getting a closer look, she realized Masq's attack hadn't been substantially powerful, but the effect was more than enough to snag her negative attention.

Renee waits.

"Just what are you?" she finally decided to question him while the others were out of earshot.  There was something far more than met the eye to this guy, and she was determined to figure out what that was exactly.  "I suggest you answer me.  Maybe not now, but we're going to have a chat when this is over.  Just you and me," she said so coolly that her breath may as well have been frigid as ice as it poured out of her mouth with each word.  She had to keep her composure.  The others would not stand for her immense distrust.  They were a team and functioning quite well as one so far, but with this guy just...UGH.  He obviously had secrets!  What kind of team player has this many secrets?  Not a good one.