Terraform

Luca eased away from Renee as the girl agreed, calming down rather quickly. The adventurer settled herself and offered a small smile. It comforted her to know that at the very least Renee was not going to turn on them–although the stranger, Masq as he announced, did nothing in battle, she worried about being able to break up a fight if one occurred. Although... if a fight between the party were to happen, the stranger would probably take care of it anyway. Luca crossed her arms in front of her, shifting her weight instead of grimacing. Hopefully they could just continue onwards and maybe find some answers?

The battle was over and Katyusha turned her attention to the stranger once more. He seemed to understand far more about the world outside the village than the rest of the group, and it would be a smart idea to follow him for the time being. Even if he was quite suspicious at the end of the day he was still somewhat aiding them for the time being. So even if he planned to backstab them somewhere down the line she could still take advantage of this facade he was putting up. Betrayals weren't uncommon on the battlefield and from the military knowledge passed down her family as per tradition Katyusha was well aware of how to deal with traitors among the ranks.

Now when one of the females had questioned the integrity of the stranger Katyusha chose not to say anything. The first rule of the battlefield is that it is not for the weak of heart. And if one's conviction falters or if they allow their emotions to interfere with their abilities or judgement then they are better off gone from the battlefield, either by leaving or being killed.

"No, nothing Sir. All is well. Let us be off." Katyusha responded when the stranger asked for further questions, completely disregarding the fact that the others may have something to ask.

Thage felt her head throb. With every beat of her heart, her world rocked. She gasped and stood, listening to the stranger finally introducing himself as Masquerade... or Masq. He claimed to have many, many names. This was most likely true. Her sister had shared stories of all the strange people she had met. Most of them were a tad bit gruesome, but most were just strange. She contemplated him. What news he? Was he a native of the Chaos? Was he here to destroy the little bit of sanity that they had all worked so hard over? Masq asked if they had any questions, and Thage regarded each of the girls in turn as he addressed them. None of them had anything, so she believed that it would be wise to to let the journey proceed. She silently shook her head at Masq, not saying a word.

All she did then was contemplate how she was going to find Francine. Would she be the same person she was as when she left two years ago? Was this even the same void as back then? Something told her that Masquerade knew the answers to most, if not all, of her questions. Eventually she would ask, but a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step...

That was it then. Masquerade. An alias, of course, but it was good enough for Karin. She just didn't care for calling him Stranger this whole time. She was sort of surprised no one else asked before she did. Karin had hoped that these other girls would at least be of the curious type. But alas, it looked as though Karin would be the one posing the simplest of questions. She had other things to work on, but one more thing to add to her list was not a terrible thing.

She had no further questions, and so Karin remained silent and patient. Ever waiting for her time to move along. The introductions were quick, and she committed every name and face to her memory without effort. She was that kind of person, after all. Not a single memory ever escaped from the iron grip of her mind.

Renee whirled back around on the group.  They said they were ready to go, but Renee had a pretty important question and she certainly wasn't going any-damn-where without it being answered first, and not with some sort of enigmatic riddle.  This was no time for games.  The truth behind the Cataclysm was a serious matter if that was truly their goal.  The huntress couldn't help but think that Masquerade had an ulterior motive, but with his nonchalant and mysterious guise, he kept said motive well under wraps.  "I have one last question before we march off, and that is where are we even going?" she asked, slightly exasperated.  The river headed north, farther into Nevada territory...or at least what used to be Nevada.

Masquerade started pacing away without much regard to the question, but he did answer it in a loud, ecstatic voice and with his fist punching the air.

"TO VEEEEEEEGAS!!!"

The city of Vegas was exactly what it sounded like--it used to be Las Vegas, Nevada.  It was one of the cities that was salvaged after the Cataclysm and made into a main trading post and market.  It was also more technologically advanced than most of the ragtag settlements in the Land of Rain and Mystery due to the inhabitants salvaging what was left after the disaster.  The cost of living there was high, but the safety was guaranteed to be top notch, not to mention the standard of living was equally as high.  It wasn't the same city as it was before, however, with plenty of showcases, casinos, and fine dining.  Only remnants of that remained now as reconstruction was still the primary focus of the city, even after a century.  There was still more that needed to be done.  Following the Caranda River north would lead them to the Broken Highway, the remnants of a highway that led across a deserted expanse to the city.  No one ever bothered fixing it because vehicles weren't exactly common anymore.

Strolling along the riverbank seemed to be peaceful enough, and the group had made it quite a ways.  The trees on either side were starting to thin a bit.  The river ended in a salt lake that had formed quite a ways north, even farther than where Vegas now rested, and all around the lake was nothing but rock and arid soil, probably the source of all the salt.  If the trees were thinning, then they were getting close to the expanse along with the Broken Highway.  However, something caught Masq's interest, and he came to a halt.  Being at the lead, he raised a hand to indicate for the others to stop as well.  Up ahead there appeared to be a couple of large turrets made completely of sand.  Hopping around them were a couple of the strange clams from before that fired their pearls like cannonballs.

"Now this is interesting for sure," Masquerade said enigmatically as he drew his weapon.  He didn't state that there was a fight, but how else was one to interpret his actions?

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

Masquerade (Mysterious Stranger)
HP: 40/40
MP: 15/15
DD: 2/10
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

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

Dandes (Sand Turret) *CHR +10%*
HP: 35/35
MP: 20/20
DD: --/--
Atk: 6
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 0%
Move: 0 cells

Tolat (Sand Turret) *CHR +10%*
HP: 35/35
MP: 20/20
DD: --/--
Atk: 6
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 0%
Move: 0 cells

Aim (Cannon Clam)
HP: 15/15
MP: 25/25
DD: --/--
Atk: 5
Def: 2
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Fire (Cannon Clam)
HP: 15/15
MP: 25/25
DD: --/--
Atk: 5
Def: 2
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Cluster (Cannon Clam)
HP: 15/15
MP: 25/25
DD: --/--
Atk: 5
Def: 2
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

{t} - Tropical Tree
[No Occupy]

{~} - Rushing Rapids
[No Occupy]

Players may start in rows J-K!

Luca starts at J2

Vegas, huh? She couldn't help but smile. She had never been to Vegas–didn't even pass through it on her way to the Land of Rain and Mystery. To visit a new place was the exact reason she decided to go on this venture; she knew deep down this would be the first of many. But of course, their travels were interrupted as a group of Cannon Clams, similar to the ones they had just fought, appeared in an area surrounding a couple Sand Turrets. Luca drew her rapier in response to Masq's actions almost immediately. "We should be able to make quick work of them." she answered easily, pushing hair out of her face with her free hand.

[Thage starts in J4!]

Thage walked with Masquerade as he fist-pumped the air. She didn't expect that form the stranger, but then again, what did she know about him. Men... She sighed and shook her head as she began to examine herself. She didn't seem to be too badly hurt anymore. The magic is only temporary, and the wounds that she had endured were now fading. That was a relief. She was hoping that she wouldn't have to keep suffering during the pilgrimage to Vegas. Vegas...

She had heard stories of a magical place where one went with all the riches they would ever have and coming home with absolutely nothing. She thought that it may be the same if they went now. She knew that it was a top-notch place to be, still, and she may not even be able to afford passing through. But now, after th e world being rendered asunder in front of her eyes, she rethought about what she had to do. She knew that she needed to save what little innocence the Earth had. This was no longer about what she wanted. She needed to make sure that allw as safe and well once more. That was her duty. Her sister would just naturally be on the way... she hoped.

As the entourage walked on the beach, she noticed some odd forms in the distance. Luca mentioned that they were Cannon Clams from earlier. Thage had stayed towards the back during the last battle, so she was not sure of exactly what they looked like. Regardless, she knew that she needed to prep for battle. Gripping her empty tome, she stood behind Masquerade and Renee, waiting to take their hits and keep them strong. That was her task.

Katyusha starts at cell K-4

There were more of those clams even when they've traveled quite a ways from where they've first encountered them. Either these clams were a common sight around this land or whoever sent those monsters after them in the first place was tracking them. Katyusha hoped that it was just the former and she was just overthinking things but she could not deny the fact that it could potentially be the latter. It was also a good idea to continue keeping an eye on this Masq character. The presence of these clams here further supports the idea that he may be the one behind all this and he could potentially turn on them at any moment. She drew her twin pistols and aimed them at the closest clam. She's blown a few of them apart before so it should be fairly simple to do it again.

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

Masquerade (Mysterious Stranger)
HP: 40/40
MP: 15/15
DD: 2/10
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 5
Evade: 3%
Move: 3 cells

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

Luca (Adventurer)
HP: 30/30
MP: 25/25
DD: 7/10
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

Dandes (Sand Turret) *CHR +10%*
HP: 35/35
MP: 20/20
DD: --/--
Atk: 6
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 0%
Move: 0 cells

Tolat (Sand Turret) *CHR +10%*
HP: 35/35
MP: 20/20
DD: --/--
Atk: 6
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 0%
Move: 0 cells

Aim (Cannon Clam)
HP: 15/15
MP: 25/25
DD: --/--
Atk: 5
Def: 2
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Fire (Cannon Clam)
HP: 15/15
MP: 25/25
DD: --/--
Atk: 5
Def: 2
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Cluster (Cannon Clam)
HP: 15/15
MP: 25/25
DD: --/--
Atk: 5
Def: 2
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

{t} - Tropical Tree
[No Occupy]

{~} - Rushing Rapids
[No Occupy]

Player Phase 1!

Masquerade moves to G5.

Everyone seemed to be about as on board as possible, taking his rather discreet lead rather well.  Yes, they were to engage these foes because they certainly weren't getting through without opposition.  The stranger's bang-obscured eyes focused on the turrets, for they were the real targets of his interested.  Several ideas were tossed about within his mind, yet he vocalized nothing and instead opted to dash off towards the nearest turret, turning on the clam that was near it.  "Well then.  Shall we not play any more games?" he spoke cheerily as a deep gash appeared in the clam's shell, completely out of nowhere.  Again, it hadn't even looked like he had made to swing his weapon.  He wasn't even really in a decent battle stance.  Everything he did was unorthodox, though that was just the way he liked things to be.  His gaze kept shifting to the corner of his eye where the turret stood ominously, probably waiting on its chance to fire.

Masquerade attacks Cluster!  7 Dmg! (ATK) [Cluster falls Asleep]

Renee uses Canopy Glide! [Moves to C1][Next attack deals 10% more damage]

MP: 17/25

Renee attacks Fire!  10 Dmg! (ATK)

What was this?  Masquerade was actually doing something?  Now that he was attacking, she felt even more unsettled.  Was he doing this as a ruse to appease her, or was he genuinely interested in what was going on.  Regardless, his power could not be denied.  There wasn't a single sign that he had attacked, and yet a vicious wound remained scarred upon its shell, nice and fresh.  It was almost frightening.  What the hell IS this guy? she pondered in bewilderment before shaking herself.  She quickly withdrew her wires and tossed them through the air.  They latched around a branch of a tree where conveniently an unsuspecting cannon clam rested just on the ground below.  Taking to the air, Renee swung right over the creature and landed somewhere off behind it, retracting her wire and suddenly lashing out at the clam with it.

"Seems kind of pointless to be serious now that the enemies are so beneath us," Renee remarked, mostly to herself since she was so far away from the others.  All of them were quite headstrong.  Despite their lack of sensibility, though the huntress was guilty of this herself, she couldn't have asked for better allies to fight alongside in this savage land.  I'm going to be seeing a lot of monsters I could never have imagined.  If I bring back some trophies, I'll be renowned in the village...not like that's all that important.  I'd definitely want Nona to be able to see though, she thought some more as she kept her leg muscles tight and ready to spring in an instant.  At any point, she could get a pretty pearl fired at her at the speed of a bullet, and that certainly wouldn't feel pleasant.  She needed to dodge if she could, and she was pretty dead set on that for the moment.

Renee waits.

Thage watched as the party went into battle mode once again. She sighed and held her empty book to her face. Will they always have to fight? Was it worth it? She opened it and considered the situation at hand. The stranger and the huntress went ahead of them and began hacking at the clams. She wondered if they would be alright by themselves... Those things were vicious and merciless. She figured they would be; they were strong; they should be able to handle themselves.

She regarded the scientist now. Thage felt Karin's eyes sweep over the party. Thage thought she even saw her nod towards Katyusha before lighting her machine. She saw a bright, red light come from Karin and towards Katyusha. She wished she were able to do stuff like that for her comrades... She swept her own eyes over the battlefield. One of the last clams was really far away from them. She ran to the back lines, determined to be useful. She opened her book and moaned.

From a distance away, the last clam was enveloped in a pink light. A nonexistent proof could be heard if one concentrated hard enough. Then, with a sharp crack, it appeared over here in a thick cloud of acrid green smoke in front of Luca. She sank to her knees and cried out. "Luca! Destroy it!"

[Thage moves to K3!
Thage uses Juxtaposition! [MP: 30/40]
Chance of MP cost reduction!
Aim is Warped to I2!
Thage cannot Act during the next Player Phase!
Thage waits...]

Katyusha moves to cell J-5

She felt something on her back and just as she turned to see what it was some sort of energy field had surrounded her. She didn't have to guess who it was as there was only one person among the group who wielded this kind of technology. "Thank you." Katyusha spoke softly then turned to one of the turrets. She aimed her pistols at the closest one and like many times before a barrage of rockets fell on the turret.

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

The familiar sounds of a moan followed by a crack echoed in the adventurer's ears, followed by a plea for her assistance. "Gladly." she answered, not taking a second to hesitate. Luca made a quick diagonal slash and followed through with another from the right. However, she did not merely stop there, continuing her onslaught with another slash from the left. She drew back for but a moment before finally thrusting her blade in the clam's direction. Assuming her aim had not been off–and thus far it hadn't–the creature would most definitely be finished.

Luca uses Onset on Aim! 2 Hits! 6 Atk Damage per Hit!
Remaining MP: 19/25

Luca uses Onset on Aim! 2 Hits! 6 Atk Damage per Hit!
Remaining MP: 13/25

Tolat takes 40 Dmg!

Tolat KO!

Aim takes 16 Dmg!

Aim KO!

Fire takes 8 Dmg!

HP: 7/15

Cluster takes 5 Dmg!

HP: 10/15

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

Renee's Haste has 2 turns left.

Thage cannot act next turn.

Katyusha's Protect has 3 turns.

Enemy Phase.

Dandes uses Programmed Assault on Katyusha!  7 Dmg! (ATK) [Katyusha is Weak]

MP: 12/20

Dandes waits.

Fire uses Pearl Blast on Renee!  6 Dmg! (ATK) [Renee evades Weak]

MP: 19/25

Fire moves to G2.

Cluster is Asleep!

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

Cluster is Asleep for 3 more turns.

Player Phase 2!

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

Renee (Huntress) *HASTE*
HP: 22/25
MP: 17/25
DD: 9/10
Atk: 8
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Luca (Adventurer)
HP: 30/30
MP: 13/25
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 [7]* *PROTECT* *WEAK*
HP: 21/21
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

Dandes (Sand Turret) *CHR +10%*
HP: 35/35
MP: 12/20
DD: --/--
Atk: 6
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 0%
Move: 0 cells

Tolat (Sand Turret) *KO*

Aim (Cannon Clam) *KO*

Fire (Cannon Clam)
HP: 7/15
MP: 19/25
DD: --/--
Atk: 5
Def: 2
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Cluster (Cannon Clam) *SLEEP*
HP: 10/15
MP: 25/25
DD: --/--
Atk: 5
Def: 2
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

{t} - Tropical Tree
[No Occupy]

{~} - Rushing Rapids
[No Occupy]

Masquerade uses Siesta Slice on Cluster!  14 Dmg! CRITICAL!! (ATK)

MP: 7/15

Oh how vulnerable dreams were.  Masquerade disposed of his intrigue for just a moment to ponder the nature of things as they were.  The air wavered and distorted in the path that looked like it would belong to a swinging blade.  Another deep gash appeared on the clam's shell, and that one looked like it might have done it for the helpless, pearl-spitting bivalve.  In reality, it had never stood a chance.  Masquerade sheathed his weapon and turned his gaze back to the turrets, the gears in his mind turning rapidly.  This battle would be over before he knew it, and he wasn't exactly worried about what might be awaiting them in Vegas, but certain circumstances gave the mysterious man a sense of deja vu.  Perhaps something in his past was coming back to haunt him?  No one could say for sure, for no one was apt to read the look on his face.  Everyone was so straightforward.  Perhaps it was best that it stay that way for now.

Masquerade waits.

Renee uses Canopy Glide! [Moves to H3][Next attack deals 10% more damage]

MP: 9/25

Renee attacks Fire!  10 Dmg! (ATK)

The pearl had caught her by surprise, and damn if it hadn't hurt.  The thing nearly knocked the wind out of her.  Renee glanced at the scorched sphere on the ground that was still smoking.  More smoke billowed out of the clam's open mouth where there appeared to be another pearl waiting in the wing.  The huntress grit her teeth; she wasn't too keen on taking another one of those to the stomach.  Releasing her wire and watching it connect to a nearby tree, she pounced upwards and soared through the air, landing easily on the ground somewhere behind the clam.  Retracting her wires once more, she manipulated them to slash at the clam, watching as the wires managed to dig into the shell.  It didn't seem to be the most effective of attacks, but she had accomplished what she desired to.

Looking around, she noticed that the enemies were falling one by one.  It looks like we're nearly unstoppable as a unit, the huntress mused to herself with a slight smile.  It felt weird on her face since it seemed like it had been a while since she was content enough to do so.  For the moment at least, she could forget about the weird journey they were on, and forget about the even weirder stranger that had riled them up to take it.  She wiped the smile away, however.  She didn't want to give anyone the wrong idea.

Renee waits.

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.