Normality, Shattered

"Slow your roll there," a voice sounded from behind them.  Someone else had entered the doorway to Regis's house, and there was no way it could have been just some random person.  "You might be carting some weaklings with you, but I can actually take care of myself, thanks.  And do more than enough to protect the frail."

The man brushed his green bangs from his eyes and stepped aside allowing a young girl to enter behind him who happened to be none other than Claire, only she was dressed much differently.  She wore beige robes like something you would see in a fantasy movie, a dark olive green sash around the waste and small braided tassels hanging from the flared cuffs.  There was a hood on the back but it was down, and strapped to her back was a long staff with a simple wooden crescent moon ornament at the end, the staff rest over a small backpack that she had brought filled with supplies she figured they might need.

"H-hey everyone," she greeted and closed the door behind her quickly, figuring it would probably be wise to do so.  "It feels pretty tense in here," she added, noticing that Marya's eyes were damp and red, swollen from her brief moment of crying.  Claire didn't waste any time in approaching.  "Oh no, what happened?"

"A friend of mine from normal Levall, one that came with me here has gone missing.  He left of his own will and that it was to protect us, but I still felt sad.  Felt, but I won't be sad anymore.  He's doing what we have to and so must we," she nodded in resolute affirmation, tail flicking back and forth.  She placed a hand on Ariadne's shoulder.  "I think we can handle this.  We do have...that guy's help!  He looks pretty strong."

"Eagle is the name.  I've seen my fair share of battles, granted I still have much to learn.  I pride myself on being an asset to your little excursion.  Regis talked to me and I figured I'd lend my aid for this mission."

"He spoke to me too.  I asked him how I could be more useful and he suggested I study an art of battle.  I already knew a slight bit of magic and he suggested I study space magic, as it would be extremely helpful when trained properly.  He taught me the basics and I too have a LOT more to learn but I hope to be useful to you guys!" she cheered, giving Marya in particular a confident look.

Adriane turned on a dime and stared up at the man who had entered behind her and Marya. He certainly didn't look frail. Nor could he be some random civilian – someone, probably Authur, had recruited him to their cause. He immediately combatted Adriane's sharply thrown questions and no sooner had he finished did the Maid's demeanor shift from an offensive aura. Claire's miniature transformation only aided in this and by the time Marya's hand had found its place on her shoulder, Adriane relaxed. Her gaze softened and she turned to Regis.

"I don't like it," she commented coldly, giving the duo a look up and down a moment. "I am grateful, however, that you thought ahead. Especially for Claire's sake." She offered the young civilian-turned-magician a bright smile. "It pleases me to know you'll be okay – I wouldn't want to have to explain to your parents if something went wrong." Her gaze then shifted upward to Eagle and she gave him a nod. He definitely seemed like he had seen his fair share of battles – he even spoke like a warrior. The Maid breathed easy, he could keep them safe. "It is good to have your assistance as well, Eagle."

"A pleasure to be of assistance, madame," Eagle responded a bit more respectfully this time now that the tension had practically vanished from the room. He even bowed his head slightly to the maid.

"Now that we got all that nasty business outta the way, le's focus on the task at hand," Regis said, standing up from his seat after draining the remainder of the tea from his cup. "You guys are headin' out to Ender's Outpost along the Tamaris Highroad on foot. Gettin' a vehicle out there would just rouse suspicion, make ya easy targets for King William's own reconnaissance specialist, Sylvana, the Whisperer. When you get close to Lake Tamaris itself, you'll veer off the highroad and stray closer to the shoreline, following it around 'til ya reach the Transas River which holds a path leadin' into the back of the outpost. You'll have to scout out the machine. Check through logs stealthily, maybe ask some soldiers that appear trustworthy, but definitely have a cover for why you're asking and who ya actually are."

"With that all said, was there anyone else ya wanted to take with ya for sure? It is a recon mission so the less the better. I'd say only room fer one more if ya gonna do it."

"Turner," Adriane replied quickly, the tone of her voice set in determination. "He made preparations of some sort yesterday to come with us. If we can only take one more then it should be him. He already planned to come along, anyway." The maid hoped that no one would argue with her. As much as she disliked the thought of putting the beggar in danger, she knew he had made up his mind and decided to aid them. He had even gone to the trouble to prepare for today's mission so it only made sense that he come along too. It was the polite thing to do.

"I don't even know why I asked. He pretty much told me the same thing last night," Regis stated flatly as he snapped his fingers, opening a portal emanating with aquamarine light. It was akin to the sea, and the person who stepped through was none other than Turner himself.

"Thank you for having me along," Turner said and turned to Regis. "And it's good seeing you again, Regis. Who would have thought this would be where we'd be now, working together again only against the king this time."

"Wait a second, what do you mean?" Marya quipped quickly, her interest raised. Had the two known each other before all of this?

"When I told you Regis here worked on the king's council, I may have neglected to mention that I, myself, was on that very same council!" Turner exclaimed, raising a finger into the air. He could feel Regis's ire but there was no point in being dishonest to the people doing his dirty work. "Regis, Master of Dimensions and Turner, Thief of Existence. Us two and one other are the only ones to have left the king's council. I won't mention the last one; speaking her name puts a foul taste in my mouth."

To say that Adriane was shocked was an understatement. To say that her mouth fell open and could have easily collected flies would not be an overstatement. Had she just heard that correctly? Turner used to be a member of the King's council and even had his own fancy title?! The maid could not help but gape at the thought. "That's a pretty big oversight, my friend," she murmured, a thousand thoughts racing through her head. If the two had worked together previously then they both likely knew a great deal about the King. Why had they left? Did they have a choice? What had happened to Turner to put him where he was now? And who was this woman that he had just mentioned? "I suppose now is not the time to be asking too many questions," Adriane began quietly, "but how did that happen? What was your reasoning?"

"I'm afraid just those questions alone are enough to keep us here all day," Turner explained with a chuckle.  "We really should get a move on, my dear.  We had best make it to Tamaris before nightfall.  The highroad is no place to camp.  There's a small town near the lake that has a motel. We'll likely stay there if we can help it," Turner added, hobbling to the door.

"Hey, don't think we're going to forget about it though," shot at him as followed along, ushering everyone else to come along as well.

Turner just shook his head and departed with the rest of the group in tow.  Regis wished them luck and closed the door behind them.  It would be a fairly long trip and a dangerous one at that.

* * *

The group proceeded to leave Rose Village through the east gate and headed down the Tamaris highroad, a long, well-taken care of dirt road that wound through the eastern plains that preceded the coastal region.  Wild grasses grew proud and tall with sparse trees dotting the landscapes with occasional groves and small forests making themselves present in the distance, but never too close to the road itself.  Caravans and cars passed by every once in a while forcing the party to get out of the way.  Turner encouraged them to stay well off the side anyway in case a military vehicle passed and questioned them.  They would recognize Turner, even if he looked in far worse condition than he did in the days of his prime as a member of the council.

Several hours passed before the group reached a small rest stop consisting of a bathroom facility, a cartographer shop, and a small convenience store.  Turner was fairly out of breath by that time and found a wooden bench under some shade to sit and rest.

"Sometimes I...happen to...forget my age," he muttered tiredly, panting and struggling to get his breathing regulated.

"I think we could all use a break regardless," Marya reassured him, wiping the sweat from her brow.  The day was fierce and the sky was cloudless offering no resistance to the heat whatsoever.  She went over to the bench and parked it right next to him.

Adriane's brow furrowed, but she did not argue with Turner. He was right, after all. As the group made their way to Tamaris, the sun proved a formidable foe – with no clouds to give the small party any sanctuary as they walked along, they were forced to bear the brunt of the hot rays blaring down on them. Adriane had been about to suggest stopping when a rest stop came into sight. Marya and Turner plopped down in the shade on a bench but Adriane remained standing. Her gaze trailed to the convenience store. "I'll go get us all some water," she mentioned before breaking away from the group.

Thankfully the small shop had air conditioning. The maid took a moment to relish in the cool air blowing on her when she first walked in the door. Although she had not complained once during their trek thus far, the sun had bothered her quite a bit. She feared she had already gotten a bad sunburn, but she supposed there were worse things in this world than a little heat and ultraviolet pain. Nevertheless, she gathered up five large bottles of water and a large can of SPF 50 Sunsational™ sunblock and made her way to the cashier. "Just these please," she chimed as she dug through her tote for her cash.

"Your total is 10 Cash today, ma'am.  Trying to beat that heat out there I take it? If you're heading to the lake to cool down, be careful.  I heard there were some terrible beasts in the area, not to mention those Crystal Sand hooligans causing trouble," the cashier said, waiting for Adriane to pay what she owed.

* * *

"So old man, are you going to tell us about your history with Regis?  We are taking a break after all," Marya chided, poking the man playfully with her elbow causing him to laugh.

"I won't say anything without Adriane around; she deserves to hear it firsthand too, so maybe I'll share a tidbit when she returns," Turner said, running a hand through his scraggly beard.

"I'll admit I'm curious to hear about this, too," Eagle spoke up having been silent for most of the trip up until this point.  He retrieved a white handkerchief from the pocket of his gray pants and wiped his brow and face, his green eyes narrowing as they glared down at the grime that had come off of it in disgust.  "I'm sure you have plenty of info on the king to divulge."

"Probably not enough to figure out what's going on," Claire said, making her way over to Marya and taking a seat beside her, pretty much filling up the bench.  "After all, then we would already have all our answers instead of having to search for them, yeah?"

Adriane fished out ten Cash and quickly recounted it to make sure it was correct. "Crystal Sand hooligans? Is it a gang?" she questioned, placing the money on the counter. The maid immediately swore mentally. If something happened and the guards were involved then someone could trace them back to this store. Best to cover up her ignorance and fast. "Sorry, I'm a little behind the times. I haven't left Rose much since I moved in with my grandfather." She gathered up the items she had paid for and put them in her tote. "At any rate, I'm sure they must be based on your description. I'll be sure to avoid the lake. I don't want any trouble. Thank you," she continued as she turned to leave, keeping her tone smooth and slightly cheerful.

As she rejoined her allies, she mentally sighed. She would have to get better at living a double life she created if she wanted to be more believable. Perhaps she could craft one on the rest of their journey. Pushing the thought from her mind for now, she distributed the water bottles. "One for each of us. I also bought some sunscreen if anyone would like to use it," she explained as she finished handing over the drinks and uncapped her own. She took a small sip. "Apparently there's some trouble by the lake. Beasts and some sort of gang; they go by the name of Crystal Sand?"

"Ah yes, the Crystal Sand," Turner said as he took his water bottle graciously and began to down the contents quickly at first, but slowed his pace and conserved.  He wanted to make sure he had some to last up until they reached the lake.  "The Crystal Sand have been around for about 12 years or so.  They are a special group capable of wielding the sand itself as a weapon and they formed a group that was open to those who wanted to learn or at least try to learn the art.  Over time, however, the group degraded.  More and more uncouth souls joined and overthrew the leaders turning it into nothing more than a gang of thieves and vandals.  Over the years their arts have grown sharper.  It's become more difficult to suppress them but only because William has yet to send a member of his council.  Hell, old Claudia could probably decimate the group on her own in one fell swoop!  But I'm sure there are some politics involved in this that are preventing him from doing something of the sort.  He never did encourage us to use our powers so flagrantly, as if he never wanted the populace to know what we were capable of."

"I've fought the Crystal Sand before.  Mere grunts anyway," Eagle spoke up.  He had taken the can and applied some sunscreen to himself before drinking some water to quench his thirst.  "Even as low rankers they were pretty tough.  The beasts she probably mentioned are not Craze-induced.  They're probably indigenous species."

"Ligers, I would assume.  They're pretty common.  If it were the Lord Kankarion, there would be a mass panic.  That's a whole different ball game."

"Well, it's nice to know what we're walking into," Adriane remarked with a small smile. Before they had gathered Turner and the others, they knew very little of what they were to face – Regis had not exactly been the most helpful in terms of preparing them for the types of dangers the area held. Thankfully Turner would be around and could help keep everyone informed. The benefits of age, she mused, taking a larger sip of her water. "If that's all then we should be alright. I can't imagine we're going to run into anything we can't handle between the five of us..."

"Yes, between all of us, it shouldn't be a problem.  What will be a problem is if we linger for too long here when our destination is so close," Eagle reassured and instructed.  Everyone gathered their things and prepared for the rest of the daunting walk that lie before them.  "It's not too much farther to the lake and the town.  About an hour or two to go, but we never know what sort of trouble we'll come across." With that said, the group proceeded to hit the road once again, taking big breaths and drinks of water before plunging onward.  Luckily for them, clouds began to blow into the sky from the east, puffy white cumulus drifting lazily through the air, probably on an ocean's breeze.  Both the clouds and the delightful wind brought great solace to the travelers.  More cars passed by but Eagle led them away from the highroad and down a side road that led to the lake's designated swimming spot.  The lake itself was enormous and dark blue, the Grandas and Transas Rivers jetting out of it, one leading down from the mountains and the other out to sea to the east--essentially the same river, but the one who named them seemed fitting for them to be different because of the split caused by the lake.

Eagle grimaced as they approached the shoreline, the crystalline sands glimmering in the sunlight.  There were a lot of people laying on the shore enjoying the sun while the rest splashed about and swam in the waters.  Eagle took two fingers and directed them towards the tall grass that continued to go around the lake.  The grass tickled at whatever exposed skin was offered to it, and Marya was sure she heard a snake or two along with plenty of birds.  She prayed no one would get bit.  She had no idea what the natural fauna of Crazed Levall was like.  Quite a few minutes had passed as they continued their hurried pace and Eagle jet out of the grass and sighed in relief.  There was a short wooden fence that barred entry to the rest of the lake and the untamed environs.  A posted sign cautioned people that leaving the designated swimming area, whether it be by water or land, would be so at the risk of their own lives.  Eagle scoffed.  Whatever lie beyond would be child's play.  He led them to the sands of the shore where large rocks jutted out from the lake shallow's bottom aiding in providing natural cover for them as they headed along.  At the far end of the lake, several buildings could be seen along with a few lakehouses that would naturally be the town at which they would be spending the night.

Unfortunately, they would not be making it there that easily.

"Xirin, you were right!  They ignored the sign!  Gods, they're a suspicious lot~  Going to do away with all that precious cash today right?  And goodies?"  The sand began to swirl several yards away from the group and from beneath it arose two figures.  One was male and one was female but they both wore exposing elaborate costumes, thin veils of cloth covering their lithe and well-toned forms.  Both were actually rather tall, with long legs and bare feet.  The female had piercing blue eyes and dark skin, a beige mask covering her mouth.  The cloth she was draped in covered only her shoulders and breasts, and extremely short shorts adorned her bottom half.  Her bellybutton was pierced and she wore several gold bangles on each arm.  Her hair was short and brown, coarse, but straightened.  Dangling gold hoop earrings hung from her small ears.  She tapped a thigh with her long nails, painting a blue color to match her eyes.  Her associate was slightly muscled and had no shirt on whatsoever with tight beige mid-thigh shorts being the only clothing he possessed, accessorized with a worn leather belt that held a small burlap sack that dangled off of it precariously.  His hair was similar in color to the woman's and of similar coarseness, but was cut short around the edges and back and feathered up in the front and on top giving it a messy appearance where it had the appropriate length to do so.  His eyes were blue as well, but stormy, tinged with gray.  His face was rigid, jawline strong.  His expression was set in a stern and stony form of indifference betraying not much emotion at all.

"Of course I was right."  The man's voice was as stony as his expression, deep and graveled.  He gave a low deep whistle and the waters of the lake splashed about as a trio of beautiful blue ligers emerged from the below, blocking the group's escape.  They were trapped.  "Let's not kill them.  I think they would do well in the Underground Circus except for the old man.  He can be liger food."

"Brilliant idea, Xirin!  You never fail to impress!  Let's go!"

Chapter 02-A: Setting Out

Location: Lake Tamaris - Prohibited Shoreline

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

{~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } A
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{~} {~} { } { } {I} { } {X} { } { } { } C
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } E
{~} {~} { } { } { } {E} { } { } { } { } F
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{~} { } { } { } {T} {C} { } { } { } { } H
{~} { } { } { } { } {M} { } { } { } { } I
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } J
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } K
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } L
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } M
{~} {~} { } {W} { } { } { } { } {C} { } N
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } {T} { } { } { } O
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10-

Marya (Nekomata)
HP: 35/35
MP: 25/25
DD: 0/10
CG: 0/50
Atk: 11
Def: 7
Int: 3
Spr: 5
Evade: 21%
Move: 4 cells

Eagle (Blitzer) *WIND RESIST +10%*
HP: 40/40
MP: 20/20
DD: 0/10
CG: 0/50
Atk: 9
Def: 6
Int: 2
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Turner (Beggar)
HP: 15/15
MP: 15/15
DD: --/--
CG: 0/50
Atk: 3
Def: 3
Int: 2
Spr: 7
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Claire (Mage) *MP COST -10%*
HP: 15/15
MP: 25/25
DD: 0/10
CG: 0/50
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Inir (Sand Dancer) *MP REGEN [3]*
HP: 50/50
MP: 50/50
DD: --/--
Atk: 8
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 5
Evade: 8%
Move: 4 cells

Xirin (Sand Dancer) *MP REGEN [3]*
HP: 50/50
MP: 50/50
DD: --/--
Atk: 8
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 5
Evade: 8%
Move: 4 cells

Waves (Lakeside Liger) *ACC +15%*
HP: 40/40
MP: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Tide (Lakeside Liger) *ACC +15%*
HP: 40/40
MP: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Crash (Lakeside Liger) *ACC +15%*
HP: 40/40
MP: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

{~} - Lake Shallows
[On Occupy: Move -1]

Players may start in rows F-I!

Adriane starts at I5!

Adriane's shoulders filled with tension upon hearing the woman's voice. While she had not expected an easy time getting to town – especially with the prior knowledge of the danger and the signs warning them about the risk – she had not expected to be confronted so soon. Things can never be easy, she thought with a frown, grabbing her feather duster and holding it cautiously in front of her. I probably look a sight right now, she added, keeping her eyes fixed on the enemies despite her focus being on the weapon in her hand. Although they didn't know it, they would be in for more than a light dusting.

Chapter 02-A: Setting Out

Location: Lake Tamaris - Prohibited Shoreline

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

{~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } A
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{~} {~} { } { } {I} { } {X} { } { } { } C
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } E
{~} {~} { } { } { } {E} { } { } { } { } F
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{~} { } { } { } {T} {C} { } { } { } { } H
{~} { } { } { } {A} {M} { } { } { } { } I
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } J
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } K
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } L
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } M
{~} {~} { } {W} { } { } { } { } {C} { } N
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } {T} { } { } { } O
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10-

Marya (Nekomata)
HP: 35/35
MP: 25/25
DD: 0/10
CG: 0/50
Atk: 11
Def: 7
Int: 3
Spr: 5
Evade: 21%
Move: 4 cells

Adriane (Maid) *HEAL GIVEN +20%* *MP COST -10%* *SUPP MP COST -15%*
HP: 25/25
MP: 35/35
DD: 0/10
CG: 0/50
Atk: 3
Def: 5
Int: 8
Spr: 7
Evade: 2%
Move: 3 cells

Eagle (Blitzer) *WIND RESIST +10%*
HP: 40/40
MP: 20/20
DD: 0/10
CG: 0/50
Atk: 9
Def: 6
Int: 2
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Turner (Beggar)
HP: 15/15
MP: 15/15
DD: --/--
CG: 0/50
Atk: 3
Def: 3
Int: 2
Spr: 7
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Claire (Mage) *MP COST -10%*
HP: 15/15
MP: 25/25
DD: 0/10
CG: 0/50
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Inir (Sand Dancer) *MP REGEN [3]*
HP: 50/50
MP: 50/50
DD: --/--
Atk: 8
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 5
Evade: 8%
Move: 4 cells

Xirin (Sand Dancer) *MP REGEN [3]*
HP: 50/50
MP: 50/50
DD: --/--
Atk: 8
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 5
Evade: 8%
Move: 4 cells

Waves (Lakeside Liger) *ACC +15%*
HP: 40/40
MP: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Tide (Lakeside Liger) *ACC +15%*
HP: 40/40
MP: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Crash (Lakeside Liger) *ACC +15%*
HP: 40/40
MP: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

{~} - Lake Shallows
[On Occupy: Move -1]

Player Phase 1!

Marya moves to M6.

Marya uses Adept Claw! [Basic Attacks +1]

MP: 17/25

Marya ran forth into the midst of the ligers and took a battle stance, focusing her strength into the quickness of her strikes.  She could feel the surge of speed fill her as her muscles tensed and reflexes sharpened.

"All right, liger beast things!  Come get the kitty cat!" she shouted tauntingly at the beasts hoping that they would all converge on her.  She knew that with Adriane's support she would be fine.

* * *

Eagle uses Tailwind! [Bestows Haste]

MP: 12/20

S-Ability Wind's Blessing doubles the duration!

Eagle moves to D5.

"Brace yourself."

Eagle attacks Inir!  2 hits!  9 Wind Dmg per hit! (ATK)

Eagle moves to D7.

"Hey big guy, now that I have your attention, how about showing me what you got?"

* * *

"Time for a wise investment, I think."

Turner uses Investment! [30 Cash Lost]

MP: 12/15

"I promise I'll make the most of it."

Turner waits.

* * *

Claire moves to H7.

"Time to make the most of my training!"

Claire casts Aether Rocket on Xirin!  7 Dmg! (INT)

MP: 20/25

Adriane moves to K6!

"Do be careful, everyone," Adriane called out as she watched their little group split off. Everyone had chosen their targets and started to set about destroying them – Eagle and Claire had taken on the sand goons whereas Marya had gone the opposite way to deal with the ligers. Only Turner had stayed still, opting to take some of their funds, likely to generate some more cash with his unique abilities. "I suppose I should go help Miss Marya," she murmured, eyeing Turner carefully as she followed after the cat girl. She would stay close to help him if the need arose – she wasn't going to let him get hurt.

Inir takes 10 Dmg!

HP: 40/50

Xirin takes 2 Dmg!

HP: 48/50

Chapter 02-A: Setting Out

Location: Lake Tamaris - Prohibited Shoreline

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

{~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } A
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{~} {~} { } { } {I} { } {X} { } { } { } C
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } {E} { } { } { } D
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } E
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } F
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{~} { } { } { } {T} { } {C} { } { } { } H
{~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } I
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } J
{~} {~} { } { } { } {A} { } { } { } { } K
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } L
{~} {~} { } { } { } {M} { } { } { } { } M
{~} {~} { } {W} { } { } { } { } {C} { } N
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } {T} { } { } { } O
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10-

Marya's Adept Claw has 3 turns.

Eagle's Haste has 5 turns left.

Turner has made an Investment.

Enemy Phase.

"I will put you in your place!"

Inir uses Sand Lash on Eagle!  9 Dmg! (ATK)

MP: 44/50

Inir waits.

"You're going to wish you hadn't done that to my sister."

Xirin attacks Eagle!  8 Dmg! (ATK)

Xirin waits.

Waves moves to M5.

Waves attacks Marya!  7 Dmg! (ATK)

Tide moves to N6.

Tide attacks Marya!  7 Dmg! (ATK)

Crash moves to M7.

Crash attacks Marya!  7 Dmg! (ATK)

{~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } A
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{~} {~} { } { } {I} { } {X} { } { } { } C
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } {E} { } { } { } D
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } E
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } F
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{~} { } { } { } {T} { } {C} { } { } { } H
{~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } I
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } J
{~} {~} { } { } { } {A} { } { } { } { } K
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } L
{~} {~} { } { } {W} {M} {C} { } { } { } M
{~} {~} { } { } { } {T} { } { } { } { } N
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } O
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10-

Player Phase 2!

Marya (Nekomata) *BA +1*
HP: 32/35
MP: 17/25
DD: 0/10
CG: 5/50
Atk: 11
Def: 7
Int: 3
Spr: 5
Evade: 21%
Move: 4 cells

Adriane (Maid) *HEAL GIVEN +20%* *MP COST -10%* *SUPP MP COST -15%*
HP: 25/25
MP: 35/35
DD: 0/10
CG: 0/50
Atk: 3
Def: 5
Int: 8
Spr: 7
Evade: 2%
Move: 3 cells

Eagle (Blitzer) *WIND RESIST +10%*
HP: 35/40
MP: 20/20
DD: 2/10
CG: 10/50
Atk: 9
Def: 6
Int: 2
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Turner (Beggar) *INVESTMENT [33]*
HP: 15/15
MP: 12/15
DD: --/--
CG: 3/50
Atk: 3
Def: 3
Int: 2
Spr: 7
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Claire (Mage) *MP COST -10%*
HP: 15/15
MP: 20/25
DD: 1/10
CG: 0/50
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Inir (Sand Dancer) *MP REGEN [3]*
HP: 40/50
MP: 47/50
DD: --/--
Atk: 8
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 5
Evade: 8%
Move: 4 cells

Xirin (Sand Dancer) *MP REGEN [3]*
HP: 48/50
MP: 50/50
DD: --/--
Atk: 8
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 5
Evade: 8%
Move: 4 cells

Waves (Lakeside Liger) *ACC +15%*
HP: 40/40
MP: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Tide (Lakeside Liger) *ACC +15%*
HP: 40/40
MP: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Crash (Lakeside Liger) *ACC +15%*
HP: 40/40
MP: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

{~} - Lake Shallows
[On Occupy: Move -1]

* * *

"Well I have loads of targets to choose from!" Marya exclaimed as she laid into the liger to her right, clawing at it twice aiming to scratch its face, poison seeping into the wounds with her soaked blades.  With any luck it would take effect making it easier to put this beast in particular down.

Marya attacks Waves!  2 hits!  11 Dmg per hit! (ATK) [Chance of Poison]

Marya waits.

* * *

Eagle attacks Xirin!  4 hits!  9 Wind Dmg per hit! (ATK)

Eagle waits.

"So that's what sets you off, eh?  What kind of big strong brother brings his sister into battle?  How does it feel to know she's going to die?"

* * *

Turner moves to F5.

Turner waits.

"Looks like the flow of money is well.  But it might be time to accrue some different resources."

* * *

Claire moves to H5.

"The spell wasn't so effective on them...maybe it will be different on the ligers."

Claire casts Aether Rocket on Waves!  7 Dmg! (INT)

MP: 15/25

Adriane moves to L6!

Adriane casts Up and Atem' on Marya! Marya's evasion is increased by 20% for three turns!
Remaining MP: 29/35

Seeing Marya immediately get surrounded by the ligers, Adriane quickly joined the girl and tapped her shoulder as she drew back from attacking the one on her left. A burst of mana jolted from the tips of the Maid's fingers and surged through the cat girl's body. Although these things seemed rather adept at hitting even speedy creatures, the little boost to the girl's speed would help. "That oughta do it. I'll help you clean up now, Miss Marya," Adriane expressed cheerfully, chuckling slightly when she realized the pun she had made.

Xirin dodges Eagle's last hit!

Xirin takes 15 Dmg!

HP: 33/50

Waves takes 20 Dmg!

HP: 20/40

Waves is Poisoned!

Chapter 02-A: Setting Out

Location: Lake Tamaris - Prohibited Shoreline

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

{~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } A
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{~} {~} { } { } {I} { } {X} { } { } { } C
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } {E} { } { } { } D
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } E
{~} {~} { } { } {T} { } { } { } { } { } F
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{~} { } { } { } {C} { } { } { } { } { } H
{~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } I
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } J
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } K
{~} {~} { } { } { } {A} { } { } { } { } L
{~} {~} { } { } {W} {M} {C} { } { } { } M
{~} {~} { } { } { } {T} { } { } { } { } N
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } O
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10-

Marya's Adept Claw has 2 turns left.

Eagle's Haste has 4 turns left.

Turner's Investment is accruing interest.

Marya's Up and At 'Em has 3 turns.

Enemy Phase.

Inir launches a small shell of sand at Eagle!  8 Dmg! (ATK)

Inir waits.

Xirin moves to D10.

"You have a mouth on you that I'll be damn sure to tame once you're in the Circus, you got that?"

Xirin uses Sand Spikes on Eagle!  11 Dmg! (ATK)

MP: 40/50

Waves moves to L5.

Waves uses Aqua Bounce!  Hits Marya and Adriane!  9 Water Dmg! (ATK)

MP: 20/30

Tide attacks Marya!  7 Dmg! (ATK) [MISS]

Tide waits.

Crash attacks Marya!  7 Dmg! (ATK) [MISS]

Crash waits.

{~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } A
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{~} {~} { } { } {I} { } { } { } { } { } C
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } {E} { } { } {X} D
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } E
{~} {~} { } { } {T} { } { } { } { } { } F
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{~} { } { } { } {C} { } { } { } { } { } H
{~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } I
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } J
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } K
{~} {~} { } { } {W} {A} { } { } { } { } L
{~} {~} { } { } { } {M} {C} { } { } { } M
{~} {~} { } { } { } {T} { } { } { } { } N
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } O
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10-

Player Phase 3!

Marya (Nekomata) *BA +1*
HP: 30/35
MP: 17/25
DD: 2/10
CG: 16/50
Atk: 11
Def: 7
Int: 3
Spr: 5
Evade: 21% --- 41%
Move: 4 cells

Adriane (Maid) *HEAL GIVEN +20%* *MP COST -10%* *SUPP MP COST -15%*
HP: 21/25
MP: 29/35
DD: 0/10
CG: 0/50
Atk: 3
Def: 5
Int: 8
Spr: 7
Evade: 2%
Move: 3 cells

Eagle (Blitzer) *WIND RESIST +10%* *HASTE*
HP: 28/40
MP: 12/20
DD: 6/10
CG: 25/50
Atk: 9
Def: 6
Int: 2
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Turner (Beggar) *INVESTMENT [36]*
HP: 15/15
MP: 12/15
DD: --/--
CG: 6/50
Atk: 3
Def: 3
Int: 2
Spr: 7
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Claire (Mage) *MP COST -10%*
HP: 15/15
MP: 15/25
DD: 2/10
CG: 0/50
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Inir (Sand Dancer) *MP REGEN [3]*
HP: 40/50
MP: 50/50
DD: --/--
Atk: 8
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 5
Evade: 8%
Move: 4 cells

Xirin (Sand Dancer) *MP REGEN [3]*
HP: 33/50
MP: 43/50
DD: --/--
Atk: 8
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 5
Evade: 8%
Move: 4 cells

Waves (Lakeside Liger) *ACC +15%* *POISON [3]*
HP: 17/40
MP: 20/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Tide (Lakeside Liger) *ACC +15%*
HP: 40/40
MP: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Crash (Lakeside Liger) *ACC +15%*
HP: 40/40
MP: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

{~} - Lake Shallows
[On Occupy: Move -1]

* * *

R-Ability Swift Counter activates!

Marya counterattacks Tide!  11 Dmg! (ATK)

Marya counterattacks Crash!  11 Dmg! (ATK)

Marya was taken aback by the liger's sudden bounce attack, but out of the corner of her eye she saw the others aiming to strike.  Balancing herself quickly, she nimbly dodged the first and struck it hard, using the momentum of her attack to dodge out of the way of the other's attack and deliver a deft kick to it's face without mercy.  She quickly caught up to the one that used the bounce attack and aimed to take it down for good with a couple of quick strikes from her paws.

"Be careful, Adriane, and Claire too!  These things have unpredictable attacks!" she cautioned as she maintained her fighting stance after her assault.  After all, there were still two ligers to keep an eye on.

Marya moves to M5.

Marya attacks Waves!  2 hits!  11 Dmg per hit! (ATK) [Chance of Poison]

* * *

Eagle moves to C6.

"It's not all talk, you know?  I mean you're the one abandoning your sister!"

Eagle uses Triage on Inir!  3 hits!  8 Dmg per hit! (ATK)

MP: 4/20

Eagle attacks Inir!  2 hits!  9 Wind Dmg per hit! (ATK)

* * *

Turner moves to E5.

Turner uses Beg for Arms on Inir! [Steals 25% of target's ATK]

MP: 4/15

Turner's ATK is boosted by 2!

S-Ability Pay It Forward activates!

Turner passes the stat boost to Eagle!

"Thank you for your charity, miss!  It will be a donation you soon will be regretting most definitely."

* * *

Claire casts Aether Rocket on Waves!  7 Dmg! (INT)

MP: 10/25

Claire waits.

"Don't worry, Marya!  I've got your back!"

Adriane attacks Tide! 8 Int Damage!

The Maid bit down hard on her tongue as the one liger which looked worse for wear bounced at both herself and Marya. The catgirl and Claire quickly teamed up on it in retaliation, but Adriane had to breathe harshly. The attack had certainly hurt! "Right bother these things are," Adriane muttered as she raised her feather duster – feeling some sort of instinct take over as she brandished it at the remaining ligers. Perhaps it was some sort of inner voice or confidence, but she swiped the duster through the air and in that moment her eyes widened in disbelief. A series of rose-colored feathers popped into existence and shimmered like freshly-polished steel. Another instinctive swipe of the duster sent them careening outward and around Marya's lithe figure before homing in on one of the ligers.

Adriane blinked. Ruby eyes stared at the duster in hand. "I suppose that's one way to clean up," she quipped quietly to herself. It certainly seemed much more effective than to try and bash the creatures over the head with the blunt handle. Yes. This would be of much greater use to her. I never was one for physical altercation, I suppose...

Inir takes 22 Dmg!

HP: 18/50

Waves takes 20 Dmg!

Waves KO!

Tide takes 13 Dmg!

HP: 27/40

Crash takes 8 Dmg!

HP: 32/40

Chapter 02-A: Setting Out

Location: Lake Tamaris - Prohibited Shoreline

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

{~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } A
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{~} {~} { } { } {I} {E} { } { } { } { } C
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } {X} D
{~} {~} { } { } {T} { } { } { } { } { } E
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } F
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{~} { } { } { } {C} { } { } { } { } { } H
{~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } I
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } J
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } K
{~} {~} { } { } { } {A} { } { } { } { } L
{~} {~} { } { } {M} { } {C} { } { } { } M
{~} {~} { } { } { } {T} { } { } { } { } N
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } O
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10-

Marya's Adept Claw has 1 turn left.

Eagle's Haste has 3 turns left.

Turner's Investment is accruing interest.

Marya's Up and At 'Em has 2 turns left.

Enemy Phase.

"I'm perfectly capable of defending myself!"

Inir moves to D5.

Inir uses Sand Spiral on Eagle and Turner!  5 hits! 4 Dmg per hit! (ATK) [Eagle is Bleeding][Turner evades Bleed]

Eagle dodges the first hit!

MP: 38/50

Xirin moves to C10.

"You are ALL talk and now you are ALL dead!"

Xirin uses Sand Spikes on Eagle!  11 Dmg! (ATK)

MP: 33/50

Tide uses Aqua Bounce!  Hits Marya and Adriane!  9 Water Dmg! (ATK)

Marya dodges the attack!

MP: 20/30

Tide waits.

Crash moves to M6.

Crash attacks Marya!  7 Dmg! (ATK)

{~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } A
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{~} {~} { } { } { } {E} { } { } { } {X} C
{~} {~} { } { } {I} { } { } { } { } { } D
{~} {~} { } { } {T} { } { } { } { } { } E
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } F
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{~} { } { } { } {C} { } { } { } { } { } H
{~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } I
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } J
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } K
{~} {~} { } { } { } {A} { } { } { } { } L
{~} {~} { } { } {M} {C} { } { } { } { } M
{~} {~} { } { } { } {T} { } { } { } { } N
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } O
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10-

Player Phase 4!

Marya (Nekomata) *BA +1*
HP: 29/35
MP: 17/25
DD: 6/10
CG: 37/50
Atk: 11
Def: 7
Int: 3
Spr: 5
Evade: 21% --- 41%
Move: 4 cells

Adriane (Maid) *HEAL GIVEN +20%* *MP COST -10%* *SUPP MP COST -15%*
HP: 17/25
MP: 29/35
DD: 1/10
CG: 0/50
Atk: 3
Def: 5
Int: 8
Spr: 7
Evade: 2%
Move: 3 cells

Eagle (Blitzer) *WIND RESIST +10%* *HASTE* *BLEED [3]*
HP: 16/40
MP: 4/20
DD: 10/10
CG: 47/50
Atk: 9 --- 11
Def: 6
Int: 2
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Turner (Beggar) *INVESTMENT [40]*
HP: 10/15
MP: 4/15
DD: --/--
CG: 10/50
Atk: 3
Def: 3
Int: 2
Spr: 7
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Claire (Mage) *MP COST -10%*
HP: 15/15
MP: 10/25
DD: 3/10
CG: 0/50
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Inir (Sand Dancer) *MP REGEN [3]*
HP: 18/50
MP: 41/50
DD: --/--
Atk: 8 --- 6
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 5
Evade: 8%
Move: 4 cells

Xirin (Sand Dancer) *MP REGEN [3]*
HP: 33/50
MP: 36/50
DD: --/--
Atk: 8
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 5
Evade: 8%
Move: 4 cells

Waves (Lakeside Liger) *KO*

Tide (Lakeside Liger) *ACC +15%*
HP: 27/40
MP: 20/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Crash (Lakeside Liger) *ACC +15%*
HP: 32/40
MP: 30/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

{~} - Lake Shallows
[On Occupy: Move -1]

* * *

R-Ability Swift Counter activates!

Marya counterattacks Tide!  11 Dmg! (ATK)

"This isn't good, Adriane. Eagle and Turner are in trouble. Mind helping them out a bit? I'll be good here for a long while to COME," Marya suggested to the maid before bringing a paw down with great force on the skull of the liger who had dared to snap at her and actually manage to connect the attack. Another paw jet upwards in an uppercut.

Marya attacks Crash! 2 hits! 11 Dmg per hit! (ATK) [Chance of Poison]

Marya waits.

* * *

"Hahaha, you've really done it now!"

Eagle initiates his D-Ability...

"You've not seen the likes of a more skillful aerial ace! Your body, one with the breeze before succumbing to my blade! Be ravaged now!"

Eagle raised his hand suddenly causing a jet of wind to send Inir hurtling into the air. Eagle crouched low and leaped straight upwards with great ease, the wind carrying him gently around and around as he sliced at his helpless victim before dealing a final blow that caused an explosion of green energy to fill the sky. Eagle landed on his feet. Inir's body landed on the ground with a thud.

Eagle executes Aerial Destruct on Inir! 22 Piercing Wind Dmg!

Eagle waits.

"You're next, big boy." He pointed at Xirin threateningly.

* * *

Turner moves to G5.

"I've scars from battles far worse than this. Though I have lost much of my vitality, I can still take a hit or two."

Turner waits.

* * *

"I can assist, Marya. A little preparation might be needed though."

Claire casts Reserve! [+2 Mana Substitutes][Claire is Immobile]

Cooldown: 4 turns.

Claire waits.

Adriane casts Breakfast, Tea, and Cookies on the Ally Party! 5 Int HP Recovery! Recovery persists for three turns!
Remaining MP: 20/35

"I've got them covered, Miss Marya. No worries!" the Maid exclaimed as she turned on her heal. Although she made no attempt to rush to their aid, the young woman did begin to focus her energy – she had used this spell a few times before and it had certainly helped to keep Marya and Authur standing. Now it would save Turner and Eagle from falling prey to the gang members and their pets who were getting tossed around fairly easily.

A wave of her feather duster and suddenly the smells of hotcakes and scrambled eggs floated decadently on the air. Shortly after, the sound of tea in the kettle whistling pierced everyone's eardrums. Adriane kept focusing her energy until suddenly a replenishing spread of every type of breakfast, a wealth of tea, and even an assortment of cookies fanned out amongst each member of the party. Although no one took a bite the food slowly began to disappear and with it, they could all no doubt feel energy returning to them.

"That ought to do the trick," Adriane chimed happily, already feeling much better after the ligers' vicious bouncing attacks.

"It wasn't...supposed to end like this..."

Inir INSTANT DEATH!

Tide takes 8 Dmg!

HP: 19/40

Crash takes 16 Dmg!

HP: 16/40

Crash is Poisoned!

Chapter 02-A: Setting Out

Location: Lake Tamaris - Prohibited Shoreline

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

{~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } A
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{~} {~} { } { } { } {E} { } { } { } {X} C
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } E
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } F
{~} {~} { } { } {T} { } { } { } { } { } G
{~} { } { } { } {C} { } { } { } { } { } H
{~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } I
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } J
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } K
{~} {~} { } { } { } {A} { } { } { } { } L
{~} {~} { } { } {M} {C} { } { } { } { } M
{~} {~} { } { } { } {T} { } { } { } { } N
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } O
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10-

Marya's Adept Claw fades.

Eagle's Haste has 2 turns left.

Turner's Investment is accruing interest.

Marya's Up and At 'Em has 1 turn left.

Eagle is Bleeding for 2 more turns.

Breakfast, Tea, and Cookies has 3 turns.

Enemy Phase.

Xirin moves to C7.

"You've done fucked up now!  I will END you!"

Xirin uses Sand Spiral on Eagle!  5 hits!  6 Dmg per hit! (ATK) [Eagle evades Bleeding]

MP: 24/50

Tide uses Lunge on Marya! 8 Dmg! (ATK) [Tide lands in N5][Marya is Stunned]

MP: 12/30

Tide moves to O5.

Crash uses Frozen Fang on Marya! 11 Dmg! CRITICAL!! (ATK)

MP: 22/30

Crash waits.

{~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } A
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{~} {~} { } { } { } {E} {X} { } { } { } C
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } E
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } F
{~} {~} { } { } {T} { } { } { } { } { } G
{~} { } { } { } {C} { } { } { } { } { } H
{~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } I
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } J
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } K
{~} {~} { } { } { } {A} { } { } { } { } L
{~} {~} { } { } {M} {C} { } { } { } { } M
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } N
{~} {~} { } { } {T} { } { } { } { } { } O
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10-

Crash is Poisoned for 3 turns.

Player Phase 5!

Marya (Nekomata) *STUN* *B,T,C [5]*
HP: 34/35
MP: 17/25
DD: 9/10
CG: 45/50
Atk: 11
Def: 7
Int: 3
Spr: 5
Evade: 21% --- 41%
Move: 4 cells

Adriane (Maid) *HEAL GIVEN +20%* *MP COST -10%* *SUPP MP COST -15%* *B,T,C [5]*
HP: 25/25
MP: 20/35
DD: 1/10
CG: 23/50
Atk: 3
Def: 5
Int: 8
Spr: 7
Evade: 2%
Move: 3 cells

Eagle (Blitzer) *WIND RESIST +10%* *HASTE* *BLEED [3]* *B,T,C [5]*
HP: 18/40
MP: 4/20
DD: 0/10
CG: 50/50
Atk: 9 --- 11
Def: 6
Int: 2
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Turner (Beggar) *INVESTMENT [44]* *B,T,C [5]*
HP: 15/15
MP: 4/15
DD: --/--
CG: 14/50
Atk: 3
Def: 3
Int: 2
Spr: 7
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Claire (Mage) *MP COST -10%* *MANA SUB (2)* *IMMOBILE* *B,T,C [5]*
HP: 15/15
MP: 10/25
DD: 3/10
CG: 0/50
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Inir (Sand Dancer) *KO*

Xirin (Sand Dancer) *MP REGEN [3]*
HP: 33/50
MP: 27/50
DD: --/--
Atk: 8
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 5
Evade: 8%
Move: 4 cells

Waves (Lakeside Liger) *KO*

Tide (Lakeside Liger) *ACC +15%*
HP: 19/40
MP: 12/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Crash (Lakeside Liger) *ACC +15%* *POISON [3]*
HP: 13/40
MP: 22/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

{~} - Lake Shallows
[On Occupy: Move -1]

* * *

Marya is Stunned!

The healing effects of Adriane's magic took effect, but before Marya even had a chance to voice her thanks, the ligers pounced into action. One surprised her from above, completely knocking her out of her senses while another laid into her with a vicious bite that caused her arm to tingle in an icy pain, but she could not yelp out in anguish. She was helpless for the moment.

* * *

Eagle triggers his Craze! [ATK/INT x2][DEF/SPR is Halved]

CG is FROZEN!

"Is THAT all you have? HAHAHAA! Gods, your sister must have thought you were pathetic...may her wittle soul west in PIECES."

Eagle attacks Xirin! 4 hits! 22 Dmg per hit! (ATK)

"Silly ME. Did I forget to mention you'd be joining her? OH WELL. HAHAHAA!!"

Eagle waits.

* * *

Turner waits.

"I can already feel the wondrous effects. Thank you, Adriane. You have soothed these old bones of mine."

* * *

Claire waits.

"What is wrong with Eagle? Is it...is it the Craze? Is this what it does?"

Reserve CD: 3 turns.

Adriane attacks Crash! 8 Int Damage!

Although her work had been performed sufficiently, it seemed Marya was now having trouble with the ligers – not so much so that she had been backed into a corner, but just enough to have lost the upper hand against them. "You'd think these things would realize they're simply no match," the Maid huffed indignantly as she waved her feather duster at the nearest liger. Once more, sharp feathers flew and cut into the creature. Adriane resituated herself back just a bit.

Adriane moves to K6!

As she stepped back, the Maid took sight of Eagle as he demolished the man and let him lay with his sister. "Yes," she responded in regards to Claire's questioning, "this... that is why we are searching for the truth." Adriane frowned. Hopefully they could get to the bottom of the matter soon – although she doubted this one journey alone would give them the answers they so desired.

Xirin takes 64 Dmg!

Xirin OVERKILL!!

"My circus days are up..."

Crash takes 5 Dmg!

HP: 8/40

Chapter 02-A: Setting Out

Location: Lake Tamaris - Prohibited Shoreline

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

{~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } A
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{~} {~} { } { } { } {E} { } { } { } { } C
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } E
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } F
{~} {~} { } { } {T} { } { } { } { } { } G
{~} { } { } { } {C} { } { } { } { } { } H
{~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } I
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } J
{~} {~} { } { } { } {A} { } { } { } { } K
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } L
{~} {~} { } { } {M} {C} { } { } { } { } M
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } N
{~} {~} { } { } {T} { } { } { } { } { } O
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10-

Eagle's Haste has 1 turn left.

Turner's Investment is accruing interest.

Marya's Up and At 'Em fades.

Eagle is Bleeding for 1 more turn.

Breakfast, Tea, and Cookies has 2 more turns.

Eagle is Crazed for 2 more turns.

Marya is no longer Stunned.

Enemy Phase.

Tide moves to N6.

Tide uses Lunge on Adriane!  8 Dmg! (ATK) [Tide lands in J6][Adriane is Stunned]

MP: 4/30

Crash moves to L6.

Crash uses Frozen Fang on Adriane!  11 Dmg! CRITICAL!! (ATK)

MP: 14/30

{~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } A
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{~} {~} { } { } { } {E} { } { } { } { } C
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } E
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } F
{~} {~} { } { } {T} { } { } { } { } { } G
{~} { } { } { } {C} { } { } { } { } { } H
{~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } I
{~} {~} { } { } { } {T} { } { } { } { } J
{~} {~} { } { } { } {A} { } { } { } { } K
{~} {~} { } { } { } {C} { } { } { } { } L
{~} {~} { } { } {M} { } { } { } { } { } M
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } N
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } O
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10-

Crash is Bleeding for 2 more turns.

Player Phase 6!

Marya (Nekomata) *B,T,C [5]*
HP: 35/35
MP: 17/25
DD: 9/10
CG: 50/50
Atk: 11
Def: 7
Int: 3
Spr: 5
Evade: 21%
Move: 4 cells

Adriane (Maid) *HEAL GIVEN +20%* *MP COST -10%* *SUPP MP COST -15%* *B,T,C [5]* *STUN*
HP: 21/25
MP: 20/35
DD: 2/10
CG: 34/50
Atk: 3
Def: 5
Int: 8
Spr: 7
Evade: 2%
Move: 3 cells

Eagle (Blitzer) *WIND RESIST +10%* *HASTE* *BLEED [3]* *B,T,C [5]*
HP: 20/40
MP: 4/20
DD: 4/10
CG: 50/50
Atk: 9 --- 11
Def: 6
Int: 2
Spr: 5
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Turner (Beggar) *INVESTMENT [48]* *B,T,C [5]*
HP: 15/15
MP: 4/15
DD: --/--
CG: 18/50
Atk: 3
Def: 3
Int: 2
Spr: 7
Evade: 1%
Move: 2 cells

Claire (Mage) *MP COST -10%* *MANA SUB (2)* *B,T,C [5]*
HP: 15/15
MP: 10/25
DD: 3/10
CG: 0/50
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Evade: 2%
Move: 2 cells

Inir (Sand Dancer) *KO*

Xirin (Sand Dancer) *OVERKILL*

Waves (Lakeside Liger) *KO*

Tide (Lakeside Liger) *ACC +15%*
HP: 19/40
MP: 4/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

Crash (Lakeside Liger) *ACC +15%* *POISON [3]* *CRITICAL*
HP: 5/40
MP: 14/30
DD: --/--
Atk: 7
Def: 3
Int: 1
Spr: 3
Evade: 5%
Move: 4 cells

{~} - Lake Shallows
[On Occupy: Move -1]

* * *

Marya moves to M6.

Marya saw that Eagle had succumbed to the Craze, and probably for a good reason.  They would have been fine all and all with Adriane's support, but the sooner they ended this the better.  If she were in his shoes, she would have done the same.  Even now she felt the tinges of insanity creeping around the edges of her mind.  The Craze was starting to get to her as well, but she would not relinquish herself to it.  She slid across the ground to where the liger had just bit Adriane and scowled.  She clenched a fist and dealt a horridly strong uppercut to the liger's hind end sending it up at least ten feet or more into the sky before the body fell to the ground.

Marya uses Skyriser on Crash!  14 Dmg! (ATK)

MP: 9/25

* * *

Eagle moves to I6.

"All this time and I didn't get...to pet...the KITTIES!"

Eagle attacks Tide!  4 hits!  22 Dmg per hit! (ATK)

* * *

Turner withdraws his Investment! [+48 Cash]

"I'd say that was a decent moneymaking venture."

Turner waits.

* * *

"Yes...the truth..."

Claire waits.


Tide takes 57 Dmg!

Tide OVERKILL!!

Crash takes 11 Dmg!

Crash KO!

Chapter 02-A: Setting Out

Location: Lake Tamaris - Prohibited Shoreline

Objective: Defeat all enemies!

{~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } A
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } C
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } E
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } F
{~} {~} { } { } {T} { } { } { } { } { } G
{~} { } { } { } {C} { } { } { } { } { } H
{~} { } { } { } { } {E} { } { } { } { } I
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } J
{~} {~} { } { } { } {A} { } { } { } { } K
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } L
{~} {~} { } { } { } {M} { } { } { } { } M
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } N
{~} {~} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } O
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10-

All enemies have been defeated!
CHAPTER COMPLETE!!

EXPERIENCE:

+9 - Sand Dancer x1 OVERKILL
+8 - Lakeside Liger x2
+6 - Sand Dancer x1
+6 - Lakeside Liger x1 OVERKILL
+2 - Timely Completion
+2 - No Player D-Abilities used
+2 - No Player Character KO
+2 - No Recruit Character KO
+2 - No Items used

TOTAL EXP GAIN: 39

RESERVE EXP GAIN: 10

Marya: 12/16 --- 51/16
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Next Level: 35/64
Current DD: 10/10

Adriane: 12/16 --- 51/16
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Evasion +1%!
Next Level: 35/48
Current DD: 2/10

Eagle: 0/16 --- 39/16
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Next Level: 23/64
Current DD: 7/10

Turner: 0/10 --- 39/10
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Next Level: 29/32
Current DD: 0/10

Claire: 0/10 --- 39/10
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Next Level: 0/16 --- 29/16
Level UP!
3 Stat Points gained!
Next Level: 13/24
Current DD: 3/10

Skill Points Awarded!

+2: Claire
+1: Marya, Adriane, Eagle, Turner

Adventure Points Awarded!

Eagle: 11
Turner: 7
Claire: 10
Reserve Units: 2

The Party receives 74 Cash!

Items found:

---Clump of Sand x1
---Cracked Jewel x1
---Fluid Fur x2
---Icy Fang x1

Edit your profiles, please~ Update will come shortly.

* * *

~ A D V E N T U R E ~ P O I N T S ~

All right, now that your recruits have actually earned some Adventure Points, I'll go into detail about how they are earned and distributed, along with what you can do with them and the interface involved. You may have noticed that all the recruits in this particular battle received different amounts of Adventure Points. There are several factors involved. Let's look at Eagle's breakdown.

Eagle earned 11 Adventure Points.
---Battle Completion Default: 4
---Level Up Reward: 3
---MVP Bonus: x1.5

Each unit will receive a few adventure points for completing a battle. They might also attain more adventure points through special tasks executed outside of battle during a mission that happen to aid the team. Adventure Points are also granted to recruits who level up, and bonuses are given out for extraordinary plays, being the most valuable player (at least out of the recruits), and for participating and defeating bosses. There is also rewards for completing side quest lines as well.

In each recruit's profile, there will be an Upkeep section giving you options of what to do with the Adventure Points. Adventure Points can be used to do a variety of things to make your recruits stronger including boosting stats, upgrading equipment, altering MP costs of skills, and even yielding temporary experience gain bonuses. There's a wide variety of ways to alter recruits, so stay cautious of what kind of battles or missions you are to undertake, for some upgrades might be more valuable than others. For instance, if you know you are about to go through a mission with numerous battles, picking up a temporary experience boost might be nice. If you know the monsters are going to be particularly strong, maybe some equipment and stat boosts might be better depending on the Adventure Points you have at your disposal.

On a final note, equipment upgrades are fairly basic, however, if you have certain materials in your inventory, the upgrades can be made more potent by offering them up, kind of like synthesis. The interface will be in the Recruit Profile Thread as soon as I can get it there. That's all for now!