(Awareness: 32 + 10 + 5 (Sight) = 47)

Grunt took a quick look about the place. His companion was correct but aseptic environments did strange things to biology. Made old instincts misleading.

((Target:  40.  Grunt succeeds))

The old instincts are throwing Arkady off, but not Grunt.  One of the first things one should do in a situation like this is to check the ceiling, and there, he sees it:  a humanoid figure, insectile, slight, vaguely robotic but somehow... not.  Both hands bear small pistols, and once noticed it raises both to aim at him!

((Right now what we'll call the Insectoid is in the Server Room zone.  Insectoid was spotted, so it has to go first on init for the next 3 rounds.

Init R1:
10, 10, 10, 9, 7, 4 & 3
*Float 0-0
*Init 19 + Speed 15 + AB 5 = 39))

---

Crossfire makes his way further along the path, only to find the path up ahead... occupied.  A tall figure, built 7-8 feet tall, strides along the outside of the compound, adjusting its trajectory with microjets.  It looks like the power armor Lucifer supposedly wears, but somehow... wrong, and carrying a huge axe.

The axeman turns to face Crossfire and starts jetting towards him with evil intent!

((You're both in Zone:  Outer Perimeter Between Two Scaffolds.

Init R1:
10, 8, 5, 4, 4, 1 & 1
*Float 1-1
*Init 18 + Speed 5 + AB 5 = 28
*Analyze Style Fears 24 + Tactics 10 + AB 5 = 39))

Init R1:
10, 9, 8, 6, 3, 2 & 2
*Float 2-2
*Init 19 + Speed 20 + AB 10 = 49

Wrapped all up in iron, the giant stands alone, Cosmo wonders if it's real, or if he really cares. The ax is rising, the actors moving, it's time to ride, or else it's time to die.

Crossfire does his best to use the elaborate structures to his advantage, engaging his magnetic aided traction to take control of the battle's pace. The larger figure, pretending as it was at the Monster's form, had taken him a bit off guard, though he was confident he would get the first strike, especially with the terrain getting in the way of the much larger figure. He was tempted to go all out, but he didn't know the enemy's strength yet.

"Wanda, keep all your eyes open for any of its friends. We don't want to dilly dally too much out here with the others inside. Nevermind if Big Lucy mistakes us for a bug and squishes us."

His companions wordless reply is all the assurance he needs
This message was last edited by the player at 08:00, Thu 17 Aug 2017.

(Shadow Catching w/Saber
Init: 9, 7, 7, 6, 6, 4 & 1
Float: 7-7
Assess Qualities: 26 + 15 = 41
Init: 19 +10 = 29)

(( 8, 8, 7, 7, 5, 4 & 1
Init: 28+10=38
Analyse styles/Learning (Twilight caste special) 27+15=42

Subtle force -  unarmed/ranged))

Arkady takes a relaxed pose with his palms open and attempts to figure out what he's about to face.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:57, Fri 18 Aug 2017.

((Arkady, you can analyze a style's Qualities, Laughs, or Fears.  Takes 3 to fully get the measure of an opponent.  But for now I'll assume Qualities, as that's what Grunt did and lets me kill two birds with one stone.

Insectoid's style's Qualities:  Adaptable, vacillating between yin and yang; reactive and simple.

Order:
*Insectoid 39
*Arkady 38
*Grunt 29

Insectoid Attack R1:
10, 9, 6, 5, 4, 4 & 4
*Flooded Secondary Strike 20 + Strike 10 + AB 5 = 35
*Primary Strike 34 + Strike 10 + AB 5 = 49))

The Insectoid looks between the two, and in a split second has decided its choice.  The two arms twist in bizarre angles and open up on Grunt, the more martial-looking of the two!  The two handguns spit out an amazing volume of soft bullets, which thankfully don't seem to be doing the server room too much damage.

((Crossfire R1:
External: Green Jade Horse w/ Ranged/Massive
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5 & 2
Activating Drawn to Oneness for 2 Chi
*Primary Strike 32 + Strike 10 + AB 10 + Internal = 62))

From the broken pieces of that castle in the sky, Crossfire rises like lightning to test false monster's might. He dashes in an out the scene to thwart the creature's guard, striking with precision with the missiles he had stored. Sowing confusion is his aim for this first lap. He only hoped he'd not guessed the thing too low.

((Attack R1: 6, 5, 5, 4, 3, 2 & 2
Flowed Strike: 45+15=60
Clarity in openness /3 chi +10 learning
Disrupt Strike w/ learning : 22+15+10=47))


"SUKA Watch out Chuvak!!!" Arkady flinches slightly out of surprise and raises his arms to cover his upper body from possible ricochets.

"You have triggered my curiosity, so I'll take you back to the lab and dissect the fuck out of you."

His arms start to glow Red light and and air around them ripples as he calmly extends his right arm towards the insectoid. "Boom. Shell shock."

He punches his open palm towards the opponent, creating something of a directed shockwave that ripples the air and a thunderous crack resonates in all metal surfaces, leaving behind a stream of condensed air moisture crackling with static electricity aimed at the insectoids head area. The usual spot for information traffic in both organic and inorganic beings.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:35, Sun 20 Aug 2017.

(R1 Defense: 10, 7, 6, 5, 4, 2 & 1
Primary: 49 - 10 - 17 - 5 (Laughs: Reactive) = 17
Secondary: 35 - 10 - 16 - 5 = 4
Toughness 5, spend 1 chi on chi aura)

Grunt had been distracted, trying to take in too many details at once. He caught the most important one but still paid for it as he had to take a series of quick rolls around the unfamiliar space just to avoid being profusely perforated.

((Grunt Damage:
*19 + Damage 5 - Toughness 5 - Chi Aura 17 = 2, Bleeding Left Side- Action

Grunt is at 2 Ripples

Insectoid Defense:
10, 10, 9, 8, 5, 3 & 3
*Defense vs Arkady 23 + Dodge 5 + AB 5 = 33 vs 60, 2 Ripples; damage isn't high enough to grant extra ripples, this thing should be treated a bit closer to a LL than anything else
*Takes Disrupt
*Float 0-0

Grunt is up for attack

Init of critter up after Grunt))

One of the shots catches Grunt across the ribs, digging a bloody furrow across them.

The insectoid seemed to think Arkady was unarmed- not so!  The attack catches it right in the face, making it reel back.  The electricity doesn't seem to hold, though.  With a living being- or a formally living opponent- one would expect to see muscles and tendons tighten.  With a robotic opponent, perhaps sparks would play across its body.  In this case, it was uncomfortably similar to watching electrical probes get pressed against stone.

---

((Axeman Defense:
9, 7, 6, 6, 4, 3 & 3
*Defense vs Strike 26 + Block 15 + AB 5 = 46 vs 62, a Ripple
*Float 3-3

Axeman Attack Crossfire:
10, 10, 10, 8, 5, 5 & 4
*3 'Chi' for Secondary Strike
*2 'Chi' for Strike +5 on secondary
*Strike 30 + Strike 20 + AB 5 = 55; Block is -10
*Secondary Strike 25 + Strike 20 + AB 5 + IKF 5 = 55; Block is -10
*Disrupt Strike Flowed 23 + Tactics 10 + AB 5 = 33))

The axeman rocks back as a missile blasts a crater into its chest- resembling ceramic?- and then turns on its boosters, moving in a strange pattern.  It darts forward, then zips to the side, then darts forward again, attempting to hit Crossfire's flanks.  The giant axe is brought down in a lightning 1-2 movement, threatening to cut the Infernal in half.

((Crossfire Defense:
8, 8, 8, 8, 4, 3 & 3
*Defense vs Strike 48 + Block 10 + AB 10 - 10 = 58 vs 55, Nada
*Defense vs Secondary Strike 23 + Block 10 + AB 10 = 33 vs 55, Two Ripples and an Immediate Rippling Roll
*Defense vs Disrupt Strike 14 + Ride 15 + AB 10 = 39 vs 33, Nada

Falling from the sky, the axe like meteor comes down. One blow is deflected, but the other sinks like stone. Dashing in amongst the cover only helps so much, and though he knows he's bleeding, he knows that he's to blame. He will make it up, he's sure he'll take it back. But for now, he screams in pain, into the void of space.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:29, Wed 23 Aug 2017.

(R1 Attack: 8, 7, 7, 6, 5, 2 & 1
Disrupt Speed (Medicine) : 27 + 10 + 10 = 47
Strike: 18 + 10 + 5 (Laughs) + 10 = 43)

Grunt really didn't like having to deal with guns. Especially inside the generally fragile confines of a ship or station. It was hell making combat worthy ships that could handle exterior damage, and nearly impossible to make something resistant to internal disruptions.

Which is why he had a knife at this particular gunfight. He charged straight at the thing, trying to drive his blade in, then up, its torso. Simple, basic, and not something easily diverted by complex movements. The precise point of entry is the creature's left hip, an attempt to slow it down a bit.

((Defense vs Grunt:
10, 10, 10, 5, 4, 2 & 2
*Defense vs Strike 30 + Dodge 5 + AB 5 = 40 vs 43, takes a Ripple #3
*Defense vs Speed Disrupt 22 + Stealth 10 + AB 5 = 37 vs 47, takes Disrupt

Insectoid Init R2:
10, 5, 5, 5, 3, 2 & 1
*Float 5-5
*Flood 5:  Style Changes!
*Init 15 + Speed 10 + AB 5 = 30))

The Insectoid tries to flatten itself against the wall as Grunt charges in to stab it, only to realize it's got nowhere to go.  The knife jams into the hip, chipping a portion of the paint and revealing yellowed ceramic of some sort underneath it.  Solid yellow ceramic.

The Insectoid looks like it should hiss, but it doesn't; instead it explodes into action, flinging itself off of the ceiling with guns ready to fire.

---

((RR on Cosmo:
*16 + Damage 10 - Toughness 10 = 16, up to Cosmo if he wants to use Chi Aura

Cosmo has first init))

(( Init R2: is 9, 6, 6, 6, 5, 4 & 1.
Init: 19+10=29
Wave/craft: 36+10=46))

After witnessing the Hail of bullets that wounded his comrade,  Arkady's survival instincts took over. Cover. He needed cover. The insectoids Bullets didn't seem to damage the surrounding environment. An opening to exploit. He pushes over a couple of metal tables and other trash that could be conceivably bullet proof, and impromptu welds them together using a blowtorch to create a barricade, and he immediately takes cover behind it.

"It's coming again blyat! Take cover chuvak, for fucks sake!"

(( Init R2: is 8, 7, 7, 5, 4, 2 & 1.
Init: 18+20+10=48
Float 7-7
Spending 1 Infernal Chi to Cover Ground towards the scaffolding adjacent to the enemy with Initiative Roll
Activating Occluding the Constellations (Occluding Self) for 1 Earth Chi))

Power glows around him as his presence starts to drain. What was once is not now as the Anchor speeds away. A little distance. A lot less folly. He'll live to see tomorrow's brand new day.

(( R2 Attack: 7, 7, 6, 3, 2, 2 & 2
Spending 1 Normal Chi to activate Drawing on Fullness
Spent 2 Normal Chi to activate Drawn to Oneness
Disrupt Strike (Wu Wei) : 32 + 15 + 10 = 47
Flowing a 7 to Strike
Flooding a 7 to Disrupt, if it succeeds to increase penalty to -10
Strike: 37 + 15 + 10 + 10 = 72
Scourge Caste Aura: Stealth Marvel (Knockback): 16 + 10 + 10 = 36))

On the scaffolds sits the man who has a plan in mind. He opens up his bays and lets the missiles fly. Then from all around him are so many hungry shards. The broken pieces of the structure have all gravitated down. The rebar rises up to heed the Scourge's call. He sends it flying at the joints of giant tall. The creature seeks to move, oh that he understands. But there's no escaping mounted riders as a man. The missiles streak through space, from every angle they attack. What's up and down seems wrong, what's left and right's made wrong. He wants to confuse him. Send him back from whence he came. He only hopes that the giant hasn't got much brain.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:19, Fri 25 Aug 2017.

(Init R2: 10, 10, 10, 5, 5, 3 & 2
Shadow Catching w/ Saber
Init: 25 + 10 + 10 = 45
Assess New Qualities: 30 + 15 = 45, willing to take IT

Holding off on Attack Roll for Quality Information)

((New Qualities:  Explosive, impetuous, yang; Something seems... off about the insectoid, not robotic nor dead))

((Axeman Init R2:
9, 7, 4, 2, 2, 1 & 1
*Float 2-2
*Cover Ground 21 + Footwork 5 + AB 5 = 31
*Init 19 + Speed 5 + AB 5 = 29

Axeman Defense R2:
10, 10, 6, 4, 4, 3 & 2
*Defense vs Knockback:  24 + Might 10 + AB 5 = 39, avoids Knockback
*Defense vs Strike Disrupt:  Flowed 32 + Might 10 + AB 5 = 47 vs 47, takes -5 Strike Disrupt; keep the 7 in your River
*Defense vs Attack:  16 + Block 15 + AB 5 = 36 vs 72, 2 Ripples:  now at 3/7, your Damage isn't enough to boost the Ripples higher

Axeman Attack R2:
7, 7, 7, 6, 6, 5 & 1
*2 'Chi' for Strike +5 on Primary
*3 'Chi' for Secondary Strike
*Strike Crossfire 37 + Strike 20 + AB 5 - Disrupt 5 + IKF 5 = 62, Block is -10
*Secondary Strike Crossfire 26 + Strike 20 + AB 5 - Disrupt 5 = 46, Block is -10))

Crossfire retreats to a piece of scaffolding, letting loose a blistering salvo that blows further craters in the thing's armor.  But it keeps coming, and for a second Crossfire might feel a bit of relief about it- an odd feeling, to be sure!  Especially since it keeps moving in those harsh forward darts, quick jumps to the side, and then two massive axeswings delivered to Crossfire's body.

In his movement to Zone Scaffolding, Crossfire sees another scaffold and then a solid tube connecting two portions of ONYX SPIRE.  At the end of the scaffolding he can see an airlock.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:11, Sat 26 Aug 2017.

((Init for Group 1 is:
Grunt 45
Insectoid 30
Arkady 29))

(R2 Attack: 9, 7, 6, 6, 6, 5 & 3
Strike: 36 + 10 = 46 (Damage would be +10))

Grunt tries to keep whatever this thing is occupied. He stayed in close, taking fast, shallow slashes at the arms and shoulders.

((Defense vs Grunt:
9, 7, 6, 4, 3, 2 & 2
*Dodge 22 + Dodge 5 + AB 5 = 32 vs 46, Ripple; Damage isn't enough to gain bonus ripples.  Ripple #4

Attack:
9, 7, 3, 3, 3, 2 & 1
*2 'Chi' for Strike +5
*Break Wave 33 + Craft 10 + AB 5 = 48
*Attack Arkady 19 + Strike 15 + AB 5 - Disrupted 5 + IKF 5 = 39))

The Insectoid is quick to realize what Arkady's up to.  The Insectoid brings its gun up and shoots the blow torch right out of Arkady's hand, sending it flying off into the hall to their right.  It's other gun opens up with a few judicious shots to his head.

((Defence  R2: 9, 7, 6, 6, 5, 3 & 2
VS. Strike 26+FW15=41 dodged.

Attack R2: 10, 10, 8, 6, 5, 5 & 4.
Strike: 25+15=40
Clarity in openness / 3chi
Secondary strike: 20+15=35))

"oi blya-" Arkady utters before he quickly dodges to barely avoid the shots aimed at his face. His arms let off a loud hiss as the cooling systems push steam,  only to start charging again and gaining their bright red glow.

He recovers from his dodge with inhumane precision, returning to his relaxed stance.

"Have it your fuckin' way SUKA!"

He pushes his arm forward to release another rippling shockwave towards the creatures chest, but the exact moment it should connect, he brings his other arm forward in an open palmed uppercut, releasing another wave of energy that appears to of no conventional form.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:26, Sun 27 Aug 2017.

((Flowing a 7 into defense.
Defence  R2: 9, 9, 7, 7, 5, 4 & 2
VS. Strike 37 + Block 10 + Action Bonus 10 + + 5 Autolaugh - 10 = 52 versus 62 = 10 One Ripple and an immediate Rippling Roll (Spending 1 chi on aura)
Vs. Secondary strike 29 + Block 10 + Action Bonus 10 + 5 Autolaugh - 10 = 44 versus 46 = 2 On Ripple))

Though he wounds it, he can't stop it, there's no end to the onslaught. Crossfire, he can't take it, meets the blows, comes back red, how many left until he's dead? Riding in through darkness helps, but doesn't stop the blows. No amount of cover seems to make him safe. He prepares to change his stance, to meet his foe a brand new way.

"Speed is getting us a whole lot of nothing, Wanda. Let's slow it down and get dodgy."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:00, Mon 28 Aug 2017.

((Insectoid Defense R2:
9, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3 & 2
*Defense vs Primary 19 + Footwork 5 + AB 5 = 29 vs [50 - EKF 5] = 1 Ripple
*Defense vs Secondary 18 + Footwork 5 + AB 5 = 28 vs [35 - EKF 5] = 1 Ripple))

The next two hits strike the Insectoid dead-on.  It's still intact and ready to move but something seems to withdraw from it.  The creature shudders and falls apart, no doubt to keep Arkady from claiming it.

All that remains is a pile of broken shards, colored on one side but on the other side yellowed like ancient ivory.  As far as they can tell it was completely solid all the way through.

---

((RR on Crossfire:
*27 + Damage 10 - Toughness 5 - Chi Aura 16 = 16, a Trivial wound:  Damaged Faceplate

Axeman Init R3
10, 7, 7, 6, 5, 3 & 2
*Float 7-7
*Init 16 + Speed 5 + AB 5 = 26))

The axeman manages to put a dent in Crossfire's faceplate, something that- if aggravated- will surely make things a bit difficult for Crossfire in the future.  It keeps hurrying towards him!

((Init R3
Ravenous Wings + Massive/Ranged
10, 10, 3, 3, 2, 1 & 1
*Cover Ground (Towards Airlock) 21 Roll + 15 Skikk + 10 AB = 47
*Float 3-3
*FoB (If I can) 20 Roll + 15 Skill = 35
*Init Roll 12 + Speed 10 + AB 10 = 32
Spending 1 Earth Chi on Occluding the Constellations [Self] ))

9, 9, 8, 6, 6 & 5

The prey cuts hard, its bite is sharp, and he can't take it anymore. The bike slows down, the wings come out, he'll dodge or die for sure. Crossfire heads towards the gate, his foe approaches from behind. Crossfire spins around, and just one wheel is down. He strikes a pose and hops from beam to beam. Slipping in and out the blades, his missiles seeking sickness in this servant of the grave. Crossfire turns once more the world to black and fires on the man of clay.

((Attack:
10, 9, 9, 8, 6, 6 & 5
*2 Chi for Strike +10 [Drawn to Oneness]
*4 Chi for Damage +20 (or 25  if in same zone) [Cosmic Monster]
*Tactics Marvel (Knockback) 26 + Tactics 5 + AB 10 = 41
*Attack 29 + Strike 10 + AB 10 + 10 DtO + Laughs 5 = 64
Note: Damage for Ravenous Wings + Massive/Ranged is +15))

Under the beautiful stars, in a wonderful sea of battle and chaos, each insignificant little dart sent out from the anchor is given just a hint of cosmic purpose. Sent out from the cloud of darkness that hides its rider, they travel in some ways slowly, but from many sides, fired as they are from so many places. Ponderous as they are, each joyfully seeks out their target, drawn together towards the center that is the giant, mysterious phantom. Warrior and armor alike watch the display, hoping that it will connect. For how beautiful it would be to see each seed of gravity inside unfold.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:28, Tue 29 Aug 2017.