"Darel, if you would be so good as to let those on the Hammerhead know that people will be surfacing soon," he said to the emissary, then turned, walking over to the door by which they had entered the cell.  "Thank you for your guidance to this point," he said of the misshapen once-man.  He nods, and then organises the sailors with Megara into a rough order, suitable for moving through the tunnels.  It puts himself, Megara and Hera at the front along with Darel and Tomistoma. Then two of those who could fight, then the injured with 4 of the moremobile to help them (and carry Indrid), before  two more of the mobile sailors bring up the rear.  At the moment, those who fight are armed only with lengths of chain, but perhaps that would change soon.

"I suggest the five of us lead, and then when we have confirmed a corridoor is safe, the rest will advance up to us.  Please, lead on, Cynis Megara."

Darel nodded, asking Treon if he didn't have any additional content for the message, and sending it afterwards: "Numerous people about to resurface near Chasm's entrance, some wounded. Once evacuated, Libram will still have to be secured with crewmember's help." His anima blazing, the Aspect of Air then unsheathed his sword and kept his throwing knives at the ready.

[OOC: 3 more peripheral motes, not damaging yet, but that may come soon.]

Finishing breaking the chains, Hera nods and exhales deeply. "Of course. I will lead the way if that will help get these people out of here."

"Louis will guide us. He has a better idea of the complex' structure than I do, and I trust him." Megara announces confidently, to which the mutated creature does a motion that could be a polite nod - the limited movements its fish-like head can do render awkward and forced. "He is already going to be blamed when the prisoners escape - he is in just as deep as we all are."

Under Treon's orders, the group seems to be rather bolstered and spirits are lifted, perhaps only because the sight of order is a reassuring notion to these men and women who until very recently had been imprisoned with no hope of seeing daylight again. The Captain's strategy seems to confer a certain sense of confidence in the group, the tactics understood by the sailors and soldiers and each taking on their roles very seriously.

After a moment's preparation, the column begins his slow advance, meticulously advancing and avoiding obstacles as best as possible. The progress is slowed down by the fact that some of the wounded prisoners cannot move too far without resting, causing the group to have to stop here and there in various niches Louis finds for them. In the rare areas where there is no water (fortunately all the prisoners have been given a mixture by the Pelagials that allow them to breathe underwater), Megara explains that Louis is leading them through the mining complex of Black Rock Chasm - the reason why rooms without water in them is to facilitate the incorporation of human slaves. She explains that the water-breathing mixtures given to prisoners initially are a temporary measure, as the herbs required to make them are available only through summer and thus making the potions too valuable to waste long-term. In time, slaves are mutated with aquatic parts, much like Louis has, and thus becomes forever a part of the Chasm's denizens.

Between these bits of explanation, the group continues to move, led by the mutated creature through the less busy parts of the mining compound until the group arrives at a downward bend in the tunnel. Louis then comes to a stop, indicating with sign cues that their target is below - and that danger lurks ahead.

What the group can see when they peer downwards is that a single construct that appears to be a giant crab made of rusted metal watches over the gate, gem-like eyes at the end of eyestalks darting back and forth to catch sight of the intruders. No other guards are in the vicinity, and the door to the upwards tunnel is closed, leading to the belief that no one is currently using it.

This thus means that the group has a chance to secure the lift now... If they can figure out how to get past its guardian.

"How would you suggest we deal with this creature?" Darel wondered in a low voice. "I must confess that this is somewhat bigger than what we have faced before - we should be cautious... Prepare tactics..."

[Private to GM: [OOC:21:14, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 3 successes using 3d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 6,8,10. Int+War.]]

"It appears to be something we in Home call a crab and should show the same weaknesses as them. Thick shell resistant to blades, unconventional movement, and claws more powerful than their apparent strength. The ones I am used to are no more than a foot across, but I imagine the place to strike remains the same. Aim for the joints, crush, do not cut. Look, the metal already fatigues and decays, the battle is almost already won." She smiles with an eagerness to test her mettle.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:16, Fri 14 Aug 2009.

"Unless our resident savant has a better idea ...," he says with a glance to Megara.  "Hera's suggestion seems to be a good one." He turns to regard the soldiers and sailors which made up the guard.  "You watch back the way we have come, lest our battle with the crab guardian draws the pelagials or their guards."

Then Treon wraps himself in an aura of invulnerability as he considers the crab monster further...

[Private to Raconteur: How giant is giant?]

"I have scant little save my blade in this situation," Darel said. "I am not a martial artist. I will likely remain behind, and target its weak spots with my knives should the opportunity arise."

[Private to Cathak Garel Treon: The crab is about the size of a small horse carriage. It's big enough to carry a rider, likely, though there is no one sitting atop it at the moment.]

"That is an astute observation, Miss Hera." Megara says appreciatively, nodding to the Golden Child. "This seems like a construct of some sort, but the corrosion and nicks in the shell and on the limbs seem to indicate that this thing is not made from magical materials, but mundane ones. Which likely means that the shell serves as an armor of sort, providing some kind of protection for the move fragile mechanisms within."

The Dragoness then turns to Treon, who, to her eye, seems to have taken on the role of military leader. "I am not certain how we can pull this sort of feat logistically, but I can pretty much confirm with almost certainty that concentrated attacks on the construct's belly or underside would likely cause very serious damage to it."

"Whatever the case, we should make sure to step as close as possible before fighting it - the Pelagials have certain sensors in place that can detect abnormal water displacements and ripples... We will need to try to contain such disturbances to this room as best as we can."

[Private to Cathak Garel Treon; Darel Arwan; Hera: Here's the reply - Very very sorry about the recent delays to this thread, people. Times have been kinda rough recently so I've been dropping the ball here... Big apologies for that. Things have gotten better now though, so I'm back at my post.]

"What about ... fire?" Treon asks with a smile.  Something about the grin suggests he's not being entirely serious about how much he likes fire.  "Though the Warm Caress," he indicates his exceedingly odd Daiklaive, "is also naturally good at find its way through the cracks."

"Still, if we should close, we should close with it soon, lest it wander over here and we're forced to fight in the doorway ... with all the disturbance that is likely to cause."

Treon readies himself to join battle with the mechanical monster.
[Private to Raconteur:  23:04, Today: Cathak Garel Treon rolled 6 successes using 5d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 6,10,8,10,8. JB (just to get it rolled). ]

"I'll take the lead.I wil work on cracking the shell, give more cracks for the flames to enter. Is everyone ready?"

Darel checked his knives. "As ready as I can be," he said.

"Then is sounds like a plan." Megara agrees, giving silent direction to her own subordinates according to the Exalts' plans, and ordering them to keep the tunnel behind them secured while they assault the crab-like construct.

"I can help you disrupt the construct with elemental attacks... But I am not used to be part of a larger unit in this fashion. I will help in any way I can, but you will have to direct me to get the best effect, I would surmise." Megara nods to Treon, although she also turns to the others as well, meaning that her last statement could as much apply to them as it would to him. The Fire Aspect had seemed to take on more of the commander role for this operation, but she does consider all of them on similar footing when it comes to giving advice as it pertains to this operation.

"I will be ready when you are, then. Let us do this quicly so we can move on with the rest of the plan." Taking a deep breath, Megara waits for the others to move, so she can time her own movements with theirs. She nods to Hera then, who has offered to head in first, and signals her own readiness.

OOC: Okay, Join Battle for everyone (except Treon, who already rolled his), as well as your first actions within the coming battle. If you plan to actually try to organize your small group (by using war), post it in your next action as well.

The gleam of Darel's knives flickered in the pale lighting. The scion of Mela waited for an opening into the creature's defense...

[OOC: 12:18, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 2 successes using 6d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 3,3,8,1,2,9. Join Battle.]

Treon glanced around him to assess the battle readiness of those assembled with him.  Seeing them ready, he nods.

"Very well.  Here is how it will go," he gestures.  "Hera, you expressed a desire to attack first.  That you should do.  While she is getting into position, I will move to flank it on the other side, forcing it to divide it's attentions," he gestures to the other side of it.

"As myself and Hera strike, you should both attack it from here, with your knives or elemental bolts.  We can hopefully overwhelm whatever passes for a brain in the thing and all strike to good effect."

---

20:01, Today: Cathak Garel Treon rolled 4 successes using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 5,1,1,9,8,3,8,8. Cha+War (group of 4).

So, if we all act on Treon's action (5 ticks after he starts to act), the crab will be at -4DV!  This should let everyone strike much harder.

Hera takes a moment to moment to glow with greater golden light. Her muscles bulge slightly.


Activate Increasing Strength Exercise

15:21, Today: Hera rolled 2 successes using 3d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 4,1,10. Join Battle

The mechanical Creature continues its silent patrol in front of the supply tunnel entrance, apparently still oblivious to the group's plan or its approach. Whatever they do, they seem to have a small window of opportunity before the construct reacts... And perhaps alerts the other Pelagials. They will simply have to make the strike count.

Megara uses the last remaining seconds before the approach to direct her own people and give them the proper instructions according to Treon's plan. The Water Aspect seems to be intent on following every step of this plan to the letter - perhaps a hint of her own methodical approach to problems. Once done she turns towards the others.

"I am ready." Megara says, holding a hand in front of her, the palm already glowing with a blackish blue light, and getting ready to unleash her elemental bolt when the others are in position.

As one, the group falls to silence. Quietly, the three Exalts and Golden Child place themselves accordingly to Treon's original idea.

As one, they will bring this obstacle down.

OOC:
Current tick order is as follows:

Tick 0: Treon (Holding action for Coordinated Attack)
Tick 3: Megara (Holding action for same reason)
Tick 4: Darel, Hera (Earliest tick usable for the Coordinated Attack)
Tick 5: -
Tick 6: Crab Construct

Thus, if everyone goes with the original plan, you can all act on Tick 4, with the Construct being at -4 DV. You can post your actions in any order really, since you're all going at once - you can make that reflect in your stunts as well. Make it count!

Treon holds himself back, waiting until everyone in the group is ready.  Then, on the appointed moment, he drops his hand to signify the attack.  As he drops his hand, he's already moving wide to give Darel and Megara clear lines of attack, circling around to take the mechanical contraption from the other side to Hera.Mere instants after she strikes, he does too.  The strange twisting prongs of the Warm Caress glow with an inner light as he channels essence through them, stroking them over the metal skin of the thing.

Sparks rise up in slow motion from where it runs.

Treon rolls, ducking under one of the legs.  His arm moves in slow motion once more as he draws the blade over the skin.
[Private to Raconteur: Two attacks, 2m of First Melee Excellency on each, for pools of 15 and 14 before stunt.  Each does 9L(P)]

Swinging his sword in an arc, Darel tried to bisect one of the crab's legs' joints.

[Private to GM: [OOC:23:32, Today: Darel Arwan rolled 6 successes using 7d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 10,2,6,9,10,3,7. Attack.
Straight Sword: Speed 3 Accuracy 7 Damage +5L Defence 4 Rate 2]]

Hera draws back her right fist, her golden light gleaming off of her bracers and fists. She begins rushing forward. With each step she picks up speed and by the time she reaches the construct her momentum is far from what would be expected from someone of her side. She begins to swing her fist covered with chain at the largest pocket of rust on it's breast and waves of sunlight pulses off of her exposing this tunnel to the first glimpse of the light of day is has seen. Every crack in the stone is filled. Every spot of grit and grim is irradiated. When her fist collides witht he rusted patch, it is as the hammer hitting the anvil. The sound rings out for all to hear.



Activates Sledgehammer Fist Punch (Speed 5)
9 Dice to hit  + Stunt
17 Dice Bashing Damage + Accuracy
Damage Doubled Pre Soak, if Constructs count as Objects
Soak from armor is halved.

And thus, as one, the group sets out to disable the mechanical guardian keeping them from reaching the coveted supply tunnel.

With an ease only possible for one adept at the military arts and command, Treon directs the group's attack and keeps it focused and steady, his strategy meant to both overwhelm and disable the mechanical construct. Timing his attack so it comes only a breath after Hera's, he quickly lacerates the crab's armor with the Warm Caress, his strategically sound attack tearing apart some of the mechanical being's tough shell (5L).

At the same moment, Hera's attack comes as well, although it is not the strike of finesse that Treon's is - but there is a raw, almost primal force to the Golden Child's assault, and with every step she takes, the power of her assault explodes. And then the strike comes - and even though she challenges the monster's thick carapace head on with her powerful fist, the attack still finds purchase. Hera's tremendous punch, so well-suited to destroy objects, pokes right through the monster's carapace, a shattering sound echoing around when she strikes the more fragile mechanic parts underneath... Steam and a strange, oily dark fluid escape the hole in the construct's shell, and it twitches uncontrollably for a few seconds over the sheer force and damage of the impact. (9B, Ouch!)

As directed by Treon, Darel also joins in on the assault, taking up the flank and aiming his strike at one of the automaton's leg joints. Overwhelmed and taken by surprise, it is incapable of mounting a proper defense, and Darel's strike finds purchase between two of the leg's armor plates. Sparks and the sound of mechanical grinding accompany the dexterous strike, and although it was not enough for Darel to clean the leg at the joint, one can easily tell that what damage has been done will severely impair the limb's mobility. (2L)

As the others approach their target as indicated by the battle plan, Megara prepares herself her bolt ready to fire just as the other hits come. With the impact sounds coming from Treon's, Darel's and Hera's attacks as a beacon, the savant opens her palm, freeing the energy she was holding in one quick surge. The blue-black beam that escapes Megara's outstretched hand streaks towards the crab with incredible velocity, striking, as asked of her, the weakest point she could find on the creature. Using the hole punched through by Hera as a target, she unleashes the bolt at the exposed mechanical components underneath the shell, the impact accompanied by a satisfying crunch and more debris falling from the 'wound'.

The crab momentarily looks ready to turn and meet its attackers, but it seems that the combined weight of attacks has taken too much of a toll on it. It twists to the side, but the leg wounded by Darel makes it wobble unsteadily as it tries to keep its balance. Sparks and the sound of grinding can be heard from the lacerations Treon made and the hole Hera punched through, and once again the construct twitches uncontrollably. It looks about to resort to some alternative method of attack, but unfortunately for it, the damage it has taken is too extensive. Losing power rapidly, the construct collapses with a clang, The light display on its 'face' flickering a few times before dimming completely. (2L)

The assault was formidable, and now nothing seems to stand between the doorway and the group.

Treon stands alert until it is clear the crab automaton will not rise from its resting place, before he relaxes his stance somewhat.  He glances around to check no one is hurt, but it seems that the machine was overwhelmed before it could even begin to strike back.  He nods to those who had participated in the assault.

"Good work there, all of you.  Very controlled attack.  And hopefully it was over quickly enough that anyone who heard the sounds will dismiss them as nothing."  After all, it was all over in a handful of seconds.

"Now we'll advance up to the doorway.  Hopefully one of us can make the device work," he says, the latter comment directed to both Megara and Darel.

He gestures for people to move forward as he starts to move himself, cautiously alert for further guards.

Hera exhales as she motions for those that were captive to come. "Yes come. Let's make haste." Her golden glow lights the way forwards.

Darel scanned the creature's remains, visibly interested by its design. He shook his head, tearing free from his fascination. "Let's hit the road."

Quickly, Megara reconvenes with the others, and works at deciphering the mechanism that opens and closes the loading bay door. "Just a moment... I think I have it. It is a pretty ancient mechanism, but it does not seem to have been tampered with to get extra security measures. Wait... Here, I think that did it."

Almost on cue with the end of the sentence, a clicking surfaces, followed by the strong pull of a metallic mechanism.A few seconds later, the door slowly opens, revealing a rusted metallic shaft, obviously patched together and repaired with metals from various sources.Without losing even a second, the group fulfills their tasks according to Treon's plan, the wounded being immediately carried within the elevator shaft, Indrid among them. Within seconds, everyone falls in place, perhaps galvanized by the security of Treon's plan and the possibility of freedom dancing at the horizon. Within mere moments, everyone is in position, including the group charged with the difficult task of holding the elevator. With everyone in place, the doors are close once more, putting the group into near-complete darkness.

Megara, using her anima to light the platform, uses the moment to catch a breath. It is the same with many of the wounded and weary, who never thought they would see the outside of their cell ever again. After all, who would come for them in this underground prison? It would have been much more likely for them to be written off as MIA and promptly forgotten. And yet, here they are now, on their way to Freedom, rescued by the hand of a group they never expected even existed.

Exhausted, Megara leans against the platform's railing, shaking her head softly. "You have done so much for us, and yet there is still more you wish to do - I am not certain how I or my people can ever repay this debt." She raises her gaze then, looking back towards the others in turn.

"Do you think it can be done? Do you really believe we can take the book back and escape with out lives?"

OOC: A small breather before reaching the Hammerhead. You have a chance to exchange a few words and react here, but by tomorrow night, thursday at the latest, the thread will advance once more and the last part of this chapter will begin, regardless of who posts in the meantime.