3rd platoon post here


This message was last edited by the GM at 08:18, Mon 09 Apr 2007.

Before leaving the barracks, Mithas stands in front of Xion, and shakes his hand.     Then in a deep voice, "Your vote of confidance is appreciated."  He waits to see if Xion has anything to say.  After conversations, Mithas will make his way out of the barracks and prepare to meet Zed.

Xion nods to Mithas, "I know you risked you own neck to save Fearless out there. That tells a man alot about the character of a soldier. And admit it or not, you earned the respect of everyone here with your actions. You have proven a sound combatant, and I believe they will follow you." Xion turns to all those assembled, "I may not be the most inspirational leader in this war, but I'll be damned if any of you are ever left behind or doubt my merit as a soldier, an ally, and hopefully, if we make it out alive as a friend. I have not had command of a unit such as this before, and I want you all to know you are damn fine soldiers, and it is an honor to fight beside you on the front lines."

Xion knew he wasn't the best leader in the world, spec ops were so much different than this type of outfit, but everyone here had proven themselves over and again on the field ob battle, and Xion would die before letting one of them remain on the battle field like last time...
This message was last edited by the player at 22:59, Thu 14 Sept 2006.

The 6'5 power house, ex-crazy, stands tall at the back of a large military truck. Walls extend from the back of the truck, each containing several weapons on display. A few tables have been set up, and crates as well. It is a portable weapons store.

Several other mercenary-type people surround him, including; A female Cyber Knight, A juicer, A Quebec-Made Heavy Cyborg (heavily modified, and scuffed up), An equally tall, and bulky human - a Mystic Knight, an obvious western gunslinger of sorts, and two other armour clad Mercs (one of which operated out of his APC repairing anything that uses a battery.

Zed is wearing the lower half of a modified Gladius Exoskeleton, and a black tank top. He has only three magnets (as opposed to the usuall dozen or so) protruding from his skull, with a large pistol at his side. Spotting the platoon making their way over he waves them over.

The Mystic Knight, who was engaged in a friendly conversation with Zed, turns to face the group as they approach, then stands motionless, with his arms crossed.

As they move towards Zed, Xion looks to SilverMasque and Mithas, "Guys, I have the groups, if you have problems with them let me know please. Mithas, you get Ulik, Mephisto, and Atilla. Masque, that leaves for you Arven, Lotus, and Fearless. Can those groups be managed? Masque I put both Lotus and Arven in your squad because they seem to have some repoire with one another."

Mithas nods his head indicating to Xion that he understands.  Not knowing too much about the three in particular other than Mephisto was probably more powerful than him.  He straitens to his full hight and contiues walking with the squad.

   Lotus walks up to Zed's equipment depot with her helmet tucked under one arm alongside Arven.  In the light of outdoors it can bee seen that her armour has been neatly repaired where she took the rail gun rounds the day before.  She peruses the wares but is really only interested in two things: a new hovercycle and explosives, preferebly a grenade launcher and some anti-personnel land mines.

Mithas is looking over the hovercycles when Lotus walks up behind him.  He moves aside for her to see what she needs but continues looking.  His shopping list includes a rocketlauncher as well as a new hovercycle.  Maybe there's something infused with magic?  That would be a steal.

 [That's Mithas not Masque on that one thar, Xion... I was trying to help from my shellhole, never got a chance to. ^_^ ]

 After the briefing, the big tiger happily falls in, strolling along as he tries to find a way to make a pair of cybernetic rebreathers produce enough airflow to blow smoke rings from his cigar...

 "I am getting second pick, da?" he asks with another grin as Xion hands out the assignments, before glancing sidelong at 'his' trio, "Eastwood, Fearless... and of course pretty little Lotus - is whole lot of hurt to be dropping on anyone, if they can be following orders. Of course, is only my problem if you are being out of action." - and there's a happy thought to offer the officer commanding.

 After leaving the briefing he picks up his pack before hitting the resupply tent, which now has a new toy to counterbalance the NG plasma cannon - one of Wellington Industries infamous grenade launcher rifles, which to be truthful leaves precious little that Zed can supply the big Russian... not that this stops him from asking.

 "So, you are having new toys for big heroes to make explosions with, da?"

"Sounds good boss. So you got the A-Team and the B-Team." Arven smiles over at Mithas and says jokingly, "Go B-Team!" When they reach the supply tent Arven throws a sack full of depleted e-clips over to one of Zeds underlings. He kneels down so he can get a better look at the equipment scattered about. Now that he is almost eye level with Lotus he asks, "So do you think Hulan will come through with anything special for us? They really ought to ya know. I mean get serious we handed them Emperor fucking Prosek and we got a 10K credstick. That is like getting slapped in the face with a dead horses cock."

When Zed walks over Arven asks, "Hey there slapnuts what is the biggest fucking gun ya got back there. I can handle anything and most with one hand. I am in serious need of something with range. Oh and ya got any magic shit?

Van hears the squad breakdown. "So I guess in special teams I'm with you and the sergeant?" he asks Xion, "Cool..."

When getting his chance he goes to Zed and asks "Show me where you keep the TW gear. I think it's time for a full equipment change..."

"Yes, Van, the squads were for Mercs. As I understand you are militia I didn't assign you to one of the smaller squads. Let's see what kind of goodies Zed has, we can further discuss strategy then." Xion says moving up to Zed, "I need something for melee combat, and something with very, very long range, what might you have that would fit for me Zed."

Zed stares at Lotus like he knows her. He continues the stare until she glares back at him. Then he looks away, and deals with the first one to his truck.



To Silvermasque "Yup"

To Arven "Magic is gay. I don't carry that stuff. That is his business"
He points a thumb towards the massive mystic knight beside him.
As for your range problem How about this." Zed picks up a large, sleek rifle. On the side is... "This here is your CTT-M20 Coalition Missile Rifle. This will solve all your problems."

To Van "Talk to him you scrawny little fag-boy."

To Mithas "Those are free burger-man. Just take one you like."

To Xion "For close combat I have Coalition, and Quebec Vibro-blades. If you want anything fancy - I think you want him as well. But If you want my advice, if you are cornered, and you run out of your precious mystic energies... you will wish you took a vibro-blade. They're cheap as dirt. As for your range problem, I think you are looking for this. This is a Quebec-made Q2-20 Light Laser and Grenade Launcher Infantry standard. This is what is workin for the french poufters up north to keep the Coalition back."

Fearless approaches Xion. He seems to be in fine health. His wounds appear to be healed, and he is back to his healthy self.

"Gruk tik luk'uaran rauf un esturk Mithas ikfrit trah"
(the language is Orcish)

"Goddamn right." Arven says collecting up the missile launcher. Holding out all four arms he says, "If you got another like it pass it over I tend to work in pairs." After his business is completed with Zed the Rahu-Man pats Van on the back with one of his lower hands. C'mon fag-boy lets go se about some magic shit. Arven starts to open his mouth and say something no doubt very offensive but show he has some intelligence by keeping his mouth shut. "Hey Lotus sweety looks like you and this assgrabber over here run in the same circles. Think we might be able to get better stuff if you talk to him?" Arven waits to see what Lotus says about the Mystic Knight shopkeeper before he talks to the man.

"I've only got a couple of those dude, gotta pass them around. I could throw in a CR-1 for a thousand K."

Arven leans in more to show he is serious than to try and intimidate Zed. He has a strong feeling this guy does not get imtimidated. Chunking down the bag that contained his bonus as well as reaching into a pocket underneath his serrape he pulls out the last remaining five credsticks and drops them on top of the bag. "I like things to match. Im real fuckin big on style. Besides I don't give a shit about you spreading the wealth to some cocksucker who is just gonna go get themselves killed and lose the damn thing. I need extra loads for em' too."

OOC: 15,000 total
This message was last edited by the player at 15:27, Fri 15 Sept 2006.

"Tell ya what. We will make a trade. You give me two of those Naruni motherfuckers - you get another M20, and I will throw in a case of missile rounds, 24 in total, and one of those new Quebec shotgus for good measure. rounds for it too."

Not backing down he barters with the Rahu Man.

 And that just puts a big ol' smile on the oversized cyborg's face as he starts to investigate the stacked-up weapons while Arven attempts to bargain the heavy weapons specialist down, mentally working through his own loadout as he considers what might be available.

 'Another pair of vibro-swords... got to love four-sword twirling action, youbet... haven't been using NG-45's, maybe trade in for new toys - can always stick MP-23 in hip holster with uniform.'

 It's like a kid in a candy store.

Xion nods, "I don't rely on my mystic energy nearly as much as some. But I trust if you could tap yours, you would find it very useful. At any rate, philosophy aside, I will take your reccomendations Zed." Xion then turns to the mystic knight, "Well, have you anything of value to show us today? I would like a sword to compliment this one, and perhaps something in the way of armor."

The fag-boy will go to Kelthos to see about magic armament, keeping his indignation to himself...

OOC - If those didn't just happen to be my own words I would give you a piece of my mind.

To Xion and Van "What is your price range Lieutenant? and you?

"I have about 140k on a cred stick. What can we do with that?" Xion asks hopefully.

Van writes something on his palm computer and shows it to Kelthos.  "Plus I've got some assorted TW items I'd like to pawn if I can, including this sentry gun I made. It's on a hover platform and it has the spell Watchdog can be set for overnight guard shifts. It fires medium powered fireballs and magic net and has a surveillance camera whose feed can be sent to a remote as well as multi-optics; passive nightvision, infrared, thermal. It also has a stealth mode; Invisibility Simple, but it's deadly like that because optics can't quite pinpoint it on account of not having a heat signature."

"I want to buy it back when the war's done though, but for now it's too bulky. I'd like to consider it part of the trade for some top quality armor, and maybe one of the high-end FoM TW blades."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:37, Sat 16 Sept 2006.

To Van "First, you need one of these. And yes I will take your gun, I could use somethign like this actually..."

Kelthos pulls a tarp from a Techno-Wizard Turbo Board.

"This is yours kid. Not sure if you can get one of the blades you are thinking of. I think a Lightning Spear may suit your needs however. Deadly in close combat, even deadlier when thrown, I can get you one 7 feet long if you want. And a near-new mirror shield. Are we in agreement?""

The ones who want hovercycles. There are 4 different models - and two differnt techno-wizard features. The TW stuff is secret, so you can choose whatever model you want - then tell me TW 1 or 2.

The models are:

Manistique MI-1010 Desert Fox (double-armored, 75% speed)
Legion 50/50 Arctic
QV-229 Bobcat
Manistique MI-3000 Firefly (double armored, 75% speed)

"I was supposed to offer a Mountaineer to you guys if you want it - it can turn invisible... ?"

Mithas eyes the Firefly after Lotus move away.  He sits down on the bike to try it's size... It takes a moment but he fits... tightly, but a puff of steam escapes the minotaurs snout as if in approaval.  Waiting for Zed's attention, "I'll take this one."

Yeah somebody will drive that sonofabitch. Then I can ride on top of it since my darling petunia got shot out from underneath me." He gives Lotus a glare as if it were her fault or something. Reaching into a secret pocket in his waistband Arven pulls out another credstick and drops it on top of the the others bringing the total he has on the table to 25,000 credits. Almost completely ignoring Zeds mention of trading in his Naruni sidearms the thought makes him shudder. In fact thick beads of sweat are rolling down his face and his color is a little off. Apparently it takes alot out of him to be nice and to not lose his temper. Through gritted teeth he manages to say,"Could you do me a favor and quit bustin my fuckin balls already. Take this money give me the godamned things and I will promise to bring you back some good salvage for free.

Van is polite but unimpressed. "I've already got a lift. Basically same as that only a little customized," he replies to the Mystic Knight, "And I'll hold off on the spear. Even if it's the teleporting model it's still a rediculous amount of energy just to do the same kinda damage I can do with a CS Plasma rifle. The mirror shield I could use though, integrate it into my arm buckler. So how about the sentry gun for the mirror shield and any spare PPE batteries or talismans you've got lying around?"

Van also adds, "Oh, and don't sell the sentry until the war's over, clear? I hope to buy it back after this."

To Van "Of course it hits like a Coalition rifle - they have some of the best stuff around. You can't handle a spear, but you use those puny demon claws? Here take this bag of talismans. In it you'll find all your wildest dreams. But don't go thinking that Coalition rifles are the bottom of the food chain, this shit here is free, AND can cause some damage. And maybe you should look at this mirror shield... bucklers don't even count as shields in this war."

To Arven "Nah, no free salvage later - all deals are final and closed at the time of purchase. This is a war, and I am selling guns, there is no guarantee either of us will be alive tomorrow. Take the guns."

"Don't get me wrong, CS makes fine weapons; some of the best. It's just right now that shit's free. I was just looking for some top notch TW weapons, something better than what I've already got, but I guess I'll have to make do like this. Being a kid in this war I think you'd agree I've got a lot to compensate for. I'm not like fucking turret arms over here who can run off his mouth at anybody that looks at him queer. I need every advantage I can get."

   "Hey!" Lotus takes offense from Arven's stare.  "That ugly cow you were riding would've died anyway.  There was no way Marlene would've teleported it back here.  Be glad she got blown to bits otherwise the Coalition dead boys would be having a barbecue right now.  Any time you need my magic for your own skin, lemee know.  But I'm not wasting it on a fuckin' animal..."

   Lotus will take a Desert Fox hovercycle, as well as a collection of e-clips.  As she has mastered the ability to drain them for additional mystic energy, carrying several around at any time would be more than prudent.

   OOC - How many e-clips can she take?

Fearless walks towards the bikes and hops on one. Being able to understand but not speak English is still pretty helpful. He turns the bike on to test if it works. Fearless chose the other type - it casts a globe of silence around the bike and pilot, as well as impervious to energy on both the bike, and the pilot.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:47, Sat 16 Sept 2006.

"Deal...and you'll get your salvage magnet head." Arven says with a smile loading up the C.S. rocket launchers and thinking about how nice it will be to turn the deadboys own weapons against them. Moving over to check out the Mystic Knights wares he mouths off about what Van said but it is obvious he is just poking fun."Shut up fag-boy it aint my fault you got penis envy." The Rahu-Man spots some oversized and giant sized weapons and items and walks over to pick up a heavy metal pole that looks like little more than a crude club. Taking a few practice swings with it he says,"Hell yeah I will take this bitch I don't even care what it does." He also picks up a tattered cloak that despite being solid black still shows a heavy amount of blood stain.  "I need some of them talismans evrybody is so apeshit about. Tired of gettin my ass blown all to hell everytime we go out."

"And it ain't mine that you've got magic-envy, arms-for-brains," at this point Van's kinda frustrated with this army being dominated by supernatural powerhouses; maybe because he wants to be one, maybe just because he can't get the swords he wanted.

Where Arven starts to branch off into magic, Van is going to turn back to technology -- afterall, he knew how to fix a hovercycle before he knew how to turn invisible. His tight rubber suit serves its purpose, but he's gonna need some extra protection. "You got anything like a Naruni personal force-field or that crazy camouflage armor?" he asks Zed, after settling his business with Kelthos.

"You guys all want talismans and magic armour. I still don't see the value, but the Knight does, so go to him he has what you want. I still suggest you all get SAMAS and give them a run for their money."

OOC - you can take as many e-clips as you can carry. But Zed mentioned if it looks like you are gonna go open your own e-clip booth down the street, he will insert large weapons rectally.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:42, Sun 17 Sept 2006.

Xion will grab 3 clips for each weapon he has and stash them in the various pockets on his trenchcoat.

He will then return to Kelthos and wait his turn to speak.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:25, Sun 17 Sept 2006.

Nearly forgetting about his expended e-clips, Mithas turns his attention to how many he can carry.  He fills his bag with about 10 clips all together.  To Zed, "Are we able to take the bikes at this moment?"  Mithas waits for a reply.... (assuming that it is okay) Mithas moves to the back of the group and begins to assemble his gear.  Storing some eclips into various niches of the bike as well as his backpack.

   After a few minutes of sorting her equipment out and eventually deciding that she's not going to take anything other than a dozen e-clips, Lotus walks back over to Zed.  She eyes the stoic mystic knight known as Kelthos as she walks past.  She stands in front of Zed for a few seconds longer than one normally would, staring at him.  "Do I know you?"

   Lotus will try to telepathically read Zed's surface thoughts...

 As things start to clear a little around the quartermaster, 'Masque heads back over to stand in front of him, offering one of those trademark wide silvery grins before fishing the two mag-clipped holsters of his NG-45's out of his kit and placing them on the table before him - each of them with the oversized grips necessary for use by a heavy 'Borg, RPA suit or demonic powerhouse of supernatural energy.

 Okay, so it's a niche market.

 Anyhow he raises a hand to take the stogie out of his mouth while another fishes out his credstick from somewhere in his BDU's.

 "Hey Zed... you are maybe having another couple of can openers?" he asks, jerking a thumb back over his shoulder at the two PA-sized vibrosword hilts projecting over his shoulders, And perhaps I am thinking of trading in well cared for NG-E12 if you are having something with as much punch but maybe touch more range?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:29, Mon 18 Sept 2006.

Completely ignoring Silvermasque; as nice as his grin is... he is staring at Lotus.

"You do look familiar..."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:51, Mon 18 Sept 2006.

Mephisto appears very pleased with his new purchases, and his new hovercycle. He begins to draw on the energies in the air, preparing for the upcoming mission.

"Be careful Van. This war is not dominated by those who are big and supernatural my young friend. Arven and Masque may have a higher kill count than either of us. But it was Zephram who managed to capture the Emperor. It was Zephram who dug us into Izmit. Our old companion Ren was petrified, by a simle spell. And it was you who discovered the Emperor cowering under the debris was it not? You are becoming a powerful man, but you are dressing like a warrior. This war has a place for each of our talents, and you should not dress as a warrior, if you are not one. In the end, it will be ourversatility that preserves us."

 Since he's busily being ignored by the quartermaster, 'Masque is about to kick off on a rumbling rant when Mephisto speaks up nearby, bringing the Tiger's big, red-lit visor around to focus on the duo with a mighty furrowing of synthetic brows...

 "And what was I doing when I leapt into line of fire to make grab on bossman and buddy?" he asks of Mephisto, when the suggestion that Zephram did it 'all by himself' is vouched - because at the bottom line, that's an out and out lie.

 "I made snatch, mage-boy pulled us out, team provided fire - was not one 'hero' doing job, but everyone working together made successful. Don't you listen to hairless little amateur Van - you are shaping up into good solid soldier, and this is me saying this." - a massive white-furred hand slaps his B.D.U.-covered chest. "You carry what you can to do job, think ahead, plan for disaster, hope for success. You rely on team, pray hard and pass ammunition - is what makes good soldier, that and great big dangly ones of chromsteel, da?"

Mephisto turns his head to Silvermasque, a look of slight annoyance that he stuck his nose into his lessons again. He hadn't done it for a while however...

"To answer your first question, what were you doing jumping up there... in this case you were getting in the way. I agree it was a Company victory, no one hero - but Zephram made the grab, and the group, like the heavy hitters, covered them upon returning... at which point Marlene teleported everyone to safety. It just seems to me that you grunts are supporting the mages... at least so far."

 Curiously it's not a dissimilar attitude that moves the big Tiger, who, having fought his way across three continents and taken part in more actual battles above the skirmish level than any three people he's met since leaving the Russias, tends to react badly (but not Arven-badly) to people suggesting he might not /precisely/ be contributing to the war effort.

 "I see - perhaps this explains why Tolkeen is losing war, when following orders is considered 'getting in way'?" he asks of Mephisto, reasonably. "I went forwards, was one to capture, stun and restrain maybe-Emperor and target both. I could /maybe/ have done so without Zephram. Zephram /maybe/ could have done so without me. Together, was good, fast work."

 He indicates Van with a wave of his lower-right hand, "If I had to pick between him and Arven to go into battle beside, I would take Van - big 'gunman is killer, and is very good at it - but takes things too personally to ever be good soldier, is too focussed on killing, when war is about winning instead. You take soldiers out of line, mages are mostly gunned down. You take mages out of line, soldiers are mostly swarmed under. Do not be giving me 'power to destroy a planet is insignificant next to power of magic' speech."

 Opinionated, but still fundamentally good-natured... That's Masque.

Van listens to the debate and grins, "Don't worry Meph, dressing like a warrior doesn't make me dumber. This time though I'm gonna do some fucking damage. Now, I've got some extra PPE from the ley line, I can cast Sustain on everybody; should give us 5 days without needing food, water, or even breathable air. It'll also mean we'll be golden on 2 hours of sleep a night. Trust me, I've been on this since Hillcrest, it's a god-sent." If everyone's game he'll begin touching people two at a time like he's some kind of TV evangelist curing the sick.

Anxious to leave, Mithas would normally have waited for a reply.... But being in Tolkeen was no normal event for him anyway.  Knowing that they were free though, he didn't feel bad just taking it.  A puff of steam escapes his snout and he raises a single eyebrow... "Even a new windshield." He thinks to himself.  He rides it to the back of the group and parks it.  Removing the key as he gets off the bike.  And looks around for the squad that he'll be commanding in lieu of an officer.

   Lotus stands there, staring at Zed for a long time.  Her hands hang loosely at her sides, her lower lip hanging slightly open, almost as if in shock.  She has the wherewithall to remove her helmet but she doesn't take her eyes off Zed's.

   OOC - this is still before Arven came up to express his jealousy.  Lotus is using telepathy and needs a response :)
This message was last edited by the player at 12:28, Tue 19 Sept 2006.

Xion thanks Kelthos for the armor and then returns to his troops. "Mithas, Masque, gather the others and head to the gates. Wait for me outside, I believe we have a brainstorming session to attend. I will be with you all shortly."

Xion will then head off to meet up with Drake and Zephram.

Mithas spots all three members of the squad rather quickly.  Once Xion gives the  orders for the troops and mercs to meet at the gates, he waits for the three to either move towards the gates or gather near him.  (If they gather near him, he will lead them to the gates, if they begin to head there on their own, Mithas will "bring up the rear" so to speak.

Zeds eyes widen with shock as Lotus stares at him, he actually backs up a step.

"Sam..."


Zed remains in shock.

OOC - this is before Arven's dialogue

Finishing up his transaction with the Mystic merchant Arven cannot help but notice the odd stare-down between Lotus and Zed. When the man steps back in fear two guns appear in Arvens lower hands so fast it seems like they teleported there. If he draws on either Lotus or Arven then the Rahu-Man will open fire. If anyone else gets jumpy he has two more hands and two more guns waiting for them.



OOC: I will just post my bothersome bit of info later then :)

Attila has remained completely still, and quiet since... well, since he was introduced. He has said nothing, and done nothing but follow the platoon. Not as though he is mindless - he walks similar to that of a human Power Amour pilot... but different...

Again he follows as the group begins to head out.

Quinn did not purchase anything from the crazy or the Mystic Knight. He waited for the mercenaries to satisfy themselves. Upon Xion moving to the briefing, he speaks up

"Let's go people - to the gates. Make any last minute preparations now."

The sergeant moves off towards the gates.

 'Masque turns away from the 'confrontation' with Mephisto (the latest in a line of debates with the half-witted shifter about the virtue of combined arms) only to find staredowns and gunplay, although in Arven's defence he hasn't actually accidentally shot anyone yet.

 Squaring his shoulders, and giving the scene a quick once-over to work out who and what is doing what to whom that might be the cause he steps over towards the big 'Slinger and - unless physically prevented, quite firmly reaches out and plugs the barrels of both 'pistols' with long, steely fingers - making it /exceedingly/ bad for both him and the 'pistols' should they be fired.

 "Here is thing..." he states (and by this point he may well be staring into two additional barrels), "You are foot taller than me, weight maybe six hundred pounds. To pull guns on little half-armoured man with knobs in head make you seem sort of smaller - if he and pretty little Lotus have history, is none of ours. If is bad history, and if she is somehow very sick and cannot deal with him, or if he does silly thing, then you pick little man up by leg and shake him, maybe bounce him off some tables, without firing big guns... Khorosh?"

 Ahhh, 'appropriate levels of response' - it's a lesson that's been a long time coming.

Arvens sits there for a moment unblinking. It is apparent he often acts on instinct like a wild animal if he or something dear to him is threatened. The two guns retract back onto their forearm holsters and he smiles. "Hell she can handle all them herself. No big shakes, besides those assholes just cut me a good deal. What I didn't get was any more chew dammit. I might have to borrow one of them big shit stinking cigars of yours. He says to Silvermasque in quite possibly the most friendly banter he has ever had with the cyborg.

 The lack of sudden blazing (and barrel-wrecking) death from the bottom two guns, and the failure of the top to to pop out results in a welcome nod from 'Masque - who though fairly confident of his ability to put the Rahu-man in a lock so long as they start up-close and personal (and equally confident of his inability to do so if things should start at a distance) had absolutely no desire to put it to the test.

 "You are just lacking good taste." the 'Borg replies with a wide silvery grin as he folds his lower arms comfortably and buffets Arven on the upper shoulder with another hand, turning then to watch the confrontation, "Is nothing wrong with good Russian tobacco, except that I am down to last three. Cannot get good smoke in this country for love or threats of bodily folding."

 "Oh, is reminding me - we are to be getting together to see what new plan command has to get us shot - you are having all things you are needing to blow big holes in fascists?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:44, Tue 19 Sept 2006.

   Lotus steps closer to Zed but looks back at her platoon quickly before looking back up at him.  "I have to go..."  She pauses, completely taken by surprise at the appearance of him here.  "You're my brother, but I've sworn an oath.  I am a mystic knight, like your friend there I suppose.  I didn't know they released you.  I will return to find you."  Lotus looks into Zed's eyes and telekinetically removes his sunglasses, careful not to damage them.  "I'll use this to come back to you.  I have to go now..."  The glasses float into her hand and Lotus touches Zed's shoulder once before forcing herself to turn around and hop onto her hovercycle.  She gives Arven a look that says 'lets go now' and doesn't waste any time getting out of sight of her brother.  She is thankful to have her helmet to cover her face...

Arven looks pretty damned surprised himself. Shrugging to Masque the gunslinger jogs off after Lotus but then realizes he will not exactly be hopping on the back of her hovercycle with her. Running over to the ATV he looks to see what the best way will be to ride on top of it. Looking over at everyone standing around and he yells. "Alright fuckers move your slackasses! Somebody come drive this motherfucker already and any sudden braking is gonna get a  size 32 boot broke off in your asshole!"

The up-until-now quiet Knight jogs over to the ATV from the bike rack.

"I will drive. Get on."

Ulik does not look at Arven when he talks, he simply gets in the ATV and sits down at the driver's seat. From inside he yells to The Rahu Man.

"Hold on!"

Ulik rips out of Zed's market area and speeds off to the gates to meet with the others.

 "I ask you, is nothing but fuss, fuss, fuss." mutters 'Masque, not quite meeting anyones gaze for a moment as the deadly mystic warrior is reunited with her long-lost brother in front of her hopeless paramour on the eve of going into battle.

 If he's sniffing it's because he's clearing his cybernetic sensory clusters, and nothing to do with being an absolute sap for romantic soap operaa. Right.

 Anyhow, a moment later he steps forward and tries once more to attract Zed's attention, "What are you having for me, if I may be asking?"

Zed, still in a daze snaps out of it to answer Silvermasque "Hrm... what? What do you mean - look around tell me what you want. It's primarily Coalition and Quebec weaponry but have a look."

There are other patrons moving about - so he is not just being lazy.

 "I am liking Northern Gun toys - are being good and solid weapons... But please, tell me about this - is made by Quebecoi, work in cold weather like me, yes?" the towering 'Borg states, plucking the massive length of one of several Q2-30's from a table and turning it over in his hands, "What is so good that it is needing three clips?"

"Well furball, first off - I am guessing you have never been to Quebec have you? or Canada at all? it isn't a cold country... until the winter. The equipment does not have anythign special to fuction in the cold - it is a myth. As for the 3 e-clips thing, it could probably do with 2, it leaks power somewhere and the Quebec techs just haven't bothered to fix it up - because metal heads seem to like carrying a gun that seems like it is 3 times as powerful as anything else. Sure it packs a punch, and fires rapidly... but you are from Russia I am guessing and have probably come into contact with a Borlofsky at least once... not much difference - except I actually sell the Quebec ones..."

 "Canot say I have, have spent lot of time in last few years avoiding snow and ice and giant killer bugs." answers 'Masque with no apparent objection to being described as a big furball, a metal head or just about anything else. "But could maybe do with refining huh?" he asks, stroking the sleek, Mauser-styled case with thoughtful fingers before putting it down. "Maybe after I see one in action I will change mind, but for now I think I keep my money."

Pluto Company is back out to war, or for the first time for some of the new recruits. But they now carry with them a victory. Nearly every other platoon in the Company was decimated, but not Third Platoon, (and the survivors of second and sixth). They lost but one man in the entire battle, and held off the Coalition forces long enough to get the prisoners and wounded out of harms way.

This time they set out to rescue some of their own men, not just faceless officers of Tolkeen, but actual members of third platoon. They already mentioned the old Captain, Sorkhan Shira. The other two were described as a Cyber Knight and a female medic... Tecumseh and Sarah... and if they have Tecumseh then those warlocks, and Okom are probably dead...

It is nine miles north to the ley line. The three platoons travel the length of the Ley Line to the river bridge. Being along a ley line, this has been used as a pathway for Tolkeenites for a hundred years. And since the war began the Coalition has had some measure of defense at this bridge, where the ley line crosses the river.

Twenty Four miles so far, the bridge another four.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:56, Sun 01 Oct 2006.

Arven holds onto the chain and cusses the leaders of Tolkeen for the majority of the ride. Most of it concerns capturing the Emperor and not getting a goddamn thing for it least of all something comfortable to ride in. There are of course many colorful expletives peppered in. Mainly he just lays there happy he is not in charge and at the same time hoping that the stupid motherfuckers that are don't get his ass blown off for him.

Mephisto looks unfulfilled atop his hovercycle. He would likely never admit it, but technology bothers him... if it's man made, it will break...
He looks to Xion
"Hey Xion, I was wondering. Since when did Lieutenant Avery take over this whole Company? Just thought I would mention that when an officer is the only one to survive from his platoon... there is a problem..."

Mephisto seems content now that he has likely scared a few people...

Under Lieutenant Avery's direction, the three platoons move around the creatures. They act as if Pluto isn't even ther and allow them to pass by without any problem. The route is about to split off from the ley line, the platoon waiting long enough for the mages to secure a sufficient amount fof energy for the upcoming battle.

Their route takes them down to the border of the Tolkeen Barony and east along it's path towards the two prisons.




Just five miles past the borders of Markeen, and Tolkeen to the outside - the radio speaks up, but not someone from your company...
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:00, Sun 01 Oct 2006.

   Lotus has grown somewhat silent after her encounter with Zed.  She is speeding along on her hovercycle with the rest of her platoon, but seems to focus only on steering and keeping pace.  At one point she is riding parallel to Arven and her demon-helm turns to look at him for a moment.  Then she increases her speed slightly and rides a bit ahead.  Lotus double checks all of her e-clips, making sure they have a full charge before drawing the ley line energy into herself and holding it for some future spells.

Van smirks at Mephisto's dig. He was right though, even though Lt. Drake seemed to be a confident leader who was full of ideas, outliving his platoon spoke very badly of his ability. It was chaos out there and it could've happened to anyone, but still, one had to wonder.

Van is stocked up on PPE, and tries to hold onto it as long as he can. He gets ready when the radio call comes through.

Arven just nods at the fearsome little Mystic Knight as she spares a glance in his direction. He can only guess at what her thoughts might be. He can barely get a good grasp at what his thoughts and feelings are. He had come to Tolkeen to die, plain and simple. He has killed so many it had left him dead inside. But now he is starting to want to live again.

"Goddammit I can't lose my edge. Gotta get my fuckin head outta my ass!" Arven samcks himself on the forhead a couple of times obviosuly frustrated about something. When the radio cal comes the ever paranoid gunslinger responds by rising to a kneeling position his two new toys are brought out. The two CTT-M20 Missile Rifles are big enough to be mounted on vehicles but he holds each aloft using his upper and lower arms. The thought giant raining down missile volleys from up to a mile away and not only being deadly from 500ft in has made his stock as a warrior rise considerably.

Xion calls a halt to his personels movement, over there radio he speaks, "Stay low, keep your heads down."

 The lack of any orders to set the flank or rear patrols he's expecting faintly troubles 'Masque, and has done since his time at the store - Normally he would have spoken up, but it seems that the team is trading security for speed and so instead he's just been keeping his cybernetic eyes peeled (amongst other, more esoteric senses) as he ventures from one flank to the other, accelerating or dropping back as the whim takes him - always on the lookout for possible trouble.

 The radio communication brings him to a halt some fifty feet off on the left flank, two tonnes of camoflague-armoured shocktrooper hitting the deck and bringing up his plasma cannon in two arms, supporting his upper body on two more.

 He stays silent however - knowing that whatever the team needs to know, they'll find out in a few moments.

"Nothing's been the same since Tolkeen" Mithas thinks to himself... "We never used to start, stop, start, stop.  Maybe it's becuase we're in a hurry to get to the Coalition carravan..."

Mithas rides up beside Xion.... He wants to be ready if Xion starts giving commands.

Not seeing anyone to immediately "rain death" down on Arven looks a little angered. Truth be told he is frustrated for lots of other reasons but then does it really matter. The Rahu-Man lays down one of the missilie rifles and stands on top of the ATV to get a good look around and in the process makes a really nice target out of himself. Lifting up his poncho he starts pissing right down the windshield of the vehicle and yells to Ulik the Ogre Mystic Knight that is driving, "Its raining you ugly pig-nosed sumbitch! Better hit them wipers." Putting away his business he unclips the radio from his belt. The human sized device is small in his large hand. Looking around at the platoons as the spread out in a defensive postion he shakes his head and then keys the radio putting it up near his mouth. "Hey ya stupid fucking cocksucker! We obviously ain't the shitsucking Coaliton so why the fuck are you bugging us? You think were out here for the goddamn fun of it?

Ulik says nothing... but he does turn on the vehicles wipers... then steps on the gas, but just for the sudden jerk - possibly causing Arven to lose his balance.

It is apparent that the other platoons are being approached by men from hiding, and they seem to be received well.

Two men stand from their natural cover and approach the platoon. One is a massive 15 foot tall mutant ape. Wearing heavy body armour, his fur jets out at the joints. Moving like a gorilla should, his arms nearly drag on the ground as he walks, with his massive PA rifle at ease. The other man is smaller by comparison, a rahu man - wearing heavy body armour as well, and not as heavily armed as Arven...
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:34, Tue 03 Oct 2006.

While lighting a huge cigar - "Hey boys. Heard about the Prosek grab. Damn fine work. Too bad Saturn has been babysitting this path. Apparently we are supposed to get visitors soon... but they said that a week ago..."

"Everyone mind your business, and keep to yourselves. Should any of them say anything to you, let it go. Arven?" Xion makes asks, making sure his large four armed friend was clear that he was not to shoot these people for making fun of his hat or poncho. "We are getting a bit of an assist here, unplanned, but no worries, they were waiting on the intel we just received apparently." Xion stops for a bit, "Masque, keep an eye out in the rear of our group please. Something has my nerves up and I am not sure what it is. Could be the war I suppose. Forward scout, Van, can you take car of this please."

 "You got it boss." replies 'Masque, the massive cybernetic killing machine cheerfully hefting his plasma cannon once more as he levers himself upright and swings back to the trail-dust-eating position of tail-end-charlie, a good fifty yards or so behind the main body of the convoy where his positively superhuman sensory packages are likely to be most useful.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:50, Tue 03 Oct 2006.

Mithas doesn't need to respond to Xion. He simply nods as he lights one of the cheap cigars that he bought while in Tolkeen.

   Lotus keeps quiet.  She lands her hovercycle, keeping the engine idling.  She'll stay put in silence until the group starts moving again.  She does take the opportunity to remove her helmet briefly and take a drink of water from her canteen.  She glimpses Arven's escapades on the ATV but pays him no heed, not wanting to embarass him any more than he is.

Arven just stares at the other Rahu-Man not angrily but not in anyway friendly either. He has not seen many others like himself since he was a very young child. Almost falling off the top of the ATV when Ulrik guns it he sits back down securing the big missile rifles thumbing on their safeties. Yelling down at the big bull riding the hovercycle he asks, "Hey Mith you getta look at that big ass ape? Maybe later on you and him can fight and I can fight that other four armed bastard. Ya know if they get froggy. Xion already said I cant shoot them. Like I would or something. Fucking Mac got warned three times and that is about as nice as I have ever been. You got another one of those stogies? Masque is bogarting his shit."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:44, Wed 04 Oct 2006.

The ape pulls out a second cigar, and walks up to the ATV, reaching out to hand it to Arven.



"Take one of mine - I have plenty."

As they begin moving again, Bull Ova returns to his (large) hovercycle and follows.

OOC - Arven, technically you saw a Rahu Man a few days ago. His name was SYn, and he was one of the last survivors of 6th platoon when you guys got their. Zephram, Ajax and Razgriz made it out, but a rahu man and a juicer were killed during your fight with their attackers.

"Aye Captain..." he mutters sarcastically, then tagging on "I'll refrain from looking them in the eye too if you like..."

With that he'll take position ahead of the group and above, ignoring the new comers.

A puff of steam escapes Mithas' snout. His first thoughts were to ignore Arven.  Then he realized it wasn't likely that he miss hearing Arven's booming voice.... He starts to reach into the saddle bag of the hovercycle, when, much to his surprise, before Mithas could act, the Gorrila... Bull something... beat him to it. Mihtas makes eye contact with Arven and as he does, he points to Arven and the end of the cigar flames up quickly then slowly begins to burn with the sweet aroma of tobacco.

Arven gives the mutant ape an appreciative nod. "Thank ya very kindly gorilla-man." He gives Mithas a thumbs up to thank him for the light. Laying back on the roof of the ATV he waits to get under way again.

The platoon is under way again...

In the far North, Van can make them out first. Several mages of obvious sort, stand atop two APCs, in front of them stands an army of animated dead. Thousands of them - mostly fallen Coalition soldiers. No mass movement has occured yet - the mages appear to be adding more to the legions as dozens of corpses walk towards this dark gathering. One such corpse passes through third platoons path, as if it doesn't even notice the platoon...

Over the radio Van announces: "I've got several mages of obvious sort with a legion of zombies around a couple APCs. Any of this ring a bell Captain Loor?"

He adjusts his multi-optics band to get a better look.

When the shambling corpse is clear of the group Arven quick draws on it just for practice. The bright red energy beam zips out and disentegrates the things head. Holstering his weapon he sits back down on top of the ATV.

Mephisto will take this time to cut the engines on his hovercycle and dismount. He moves to a clear area among the platoon. Mephisto then begins speaking his arcane language. A demonic voice grunting each word along with his seems to bellow from his throat, and his eyes turn black. A sulfur smelling black fog begins pouring from the ground under his feet - the smell is nauseating. A strong cold wind comes in from the East, as growls and moans can be heard around everyone watching. The air in fron t of Mephisto's outstretche arms begins to crackle with electricity, and then small bursts of fire, where the very air he is breathing seems to ignite. A loud rip is heard, as the very fabric of space is forced open, wide enough for a door. Howls and cries can be heard from within, as the sulfur smell grows stronger. The black fog forms into a large, clawed hand  outstretched from Mephistos' own arm. It punches into the dark door - Mephisto is searching for something. A deathly scream is heard, and then a grunting cry similar to a dog being beaten or killed. The cry continues for several seconds as the Shifter pulls the arm of fog back into view. In it's grasp is what looks to be a massive dog boy. The demonic hand drops it on the ground in front of Mephisto, where it lays in a fetal position. The arm punches in a second time, as a second burst of black fog explodes from under his feet, bringing dirt and rocks hurdling into the air with it. The arm searches again, and finds a target - and again the cry, the helpless cry of another of these creatures begging for life.

There are two large dog creatures laying at Mephistos' feet now, the fog is seemingly sucked back into the earth, and the hole in space closes violently with a snap. Mephistos' eyes and voice returns to normal, and the cold winds cease.

The shifter looks down at the two creatures.

"Stand to your feet"
Both creatures look up at him, and with looks of desperation in their eyes they stand.

"Tell me your names"

My name is Kuhd master. This is Throwka. Plesae do not harm us master. We will serve you - we will kill for you..."

"Unfortunately you have no choice in the matter."

He looks to Xion
"Lieutenant? These two dogs will be of some help. They can turn invisible..."

Then back to the demons

"From this point on you will not speak unless spoken to by myself, This man - his name is Xion, or sir to you. This man - he is Quinn, Or either of these two - Silvermasque, and Mithas. Do you understand?"

The demons nod in acceptance

"Lieutenant? I present to you Kuhd and Throwka. Two stealthy Alu Demons - ready and willing to fight for our war."

"Lords of light! Demon Dogs!" Arven says and then yawns. He lays down for a little siesta before all the fun begins.

After Mephisto's display of powers, Mithas collects his thoughts... Mephisto was likely the only person on the team that Mithas feared.  Some of the giants on the team were heavily armed, sure, but Mephisto...  You never new what firey card was going to be pulled out his sleeve....

One could tell Mithas was uneasy around the shifter, Mithas would keep a stray eye on him, always paid attention when Mephisto spoke, even if what he would say was tainted wisdom.

Now two "Dog Boys".... thoughts continued to flow into Mithas' head for a little while and it would be clear to the anyone who watched him, that/perhaps/ the Minotaur was day dreaming....
This message was last edited by the player at 18:04, Sun 08 Oct 2006.

(NPCified)

"We are sending a scouting party to find out just how tough these bastards are. We are sending 2 men from each platoon. Silvermqasque and Fearless - you're up. Sergeant Tyirrak will be leading the party."

Fearless dismounts his hovercycle, grabs his rifle, and leaves his excess equipment. He nods to Mithas, and salutes to Xion. He walks alongside Silvermasque on his way to Tyirrak.
This message was last updated by the player at 03:45, Mon 09 Oct 2006.

 Despite his rather more than human senses, 'Masque didn't notice the convoy of the dead or the walking cadaver - probably because he was out on the other flank at the time keeping his eyes on something else. This is an important thing to consider, as otherwise he'd have fired off a lot more ammo by now.

 As the orders come in he picks up his pace, moving with unnatural lightness for a two-tonne hypersophisticated war machine, cannon held lightly in two arms while the other two are free to reload or offer additional balance. "On way, da." he replies briefly, slowing to stay alongside Fearless as they go to report.

With the platoon holding up again while waiting on the scouting party Arven decides to get down and stretch his legs some. Walking near Lotus he grins at her.  Hearing Zephram call over the radio about the picture he waits to see if anyone immediately answers. When the channel is clear he fumbles with his little radio for a minute and replies. "Not real big on the photography myself Z-Man but if somebody gets ya one holler at me I got a neat trick I can  do that might help us out some."

   Lotus glances at Arven as he walks by but makes no move to pay him much attention - or anyone else for that matter.  She just rests on her hovercycle, waiting for the next orders.

"Does anyone have extra weapons I could borrow - my two minions are unnarmed and will kill much better with tools of death. I was thinking if any of you had picked up any Coalition souvenirs, since we will likely be getting a few more after all this."

"I gotta TW shotgun if ain't nobody else got nothin they can use. The piece of shit only has two shots and burns through some magic energy like a shit through a goose though."

Mithas removes the C-14 slung over his shoulder, he dismounts his bike, awkwardly, and approaches Mophisto, gun in hand.  ”I can trust that you have the same control over these creatures as you did over your last?” he asks as he flips the rifle around, butt end first to Mophisto.  Eyes locked onto Mophisto’s face... Trying his best to determine the facial expression of Mophisto as he answers.

(HIS NAME IS MEPHISTO NOT MOPHISTO)

Mephisto grins as MEETHAS approaches him. He seems like he can tell the minotaur is uneasy around him, as he should be. Minotaurs don't even count as lesser beings to the shifter. However MEETHAS is a partof his platoon, and therefore his ally.

"Thank you - and yes, they are completely under my control Minotaur."

Mephisto also accepts the shotgun from Arven, nodding in thanks to him as well.
This message was last updated by the player at 03:56, Tue 10 Oct 2006.

Fearless returns - to grab his hovercycle. He rides it back to the others.

"Lieutenant Xion sir? It may be wise to send at least one of the platoons across to the other side of their path. There may be a point when we wont be able to do so - at least without them knowing. If they do have scouts... they could be SAMAS or Death Wings... we should get into our places, or perhaps into our squads."

"Excellent suggestion Sargeant," Xion gets back on the radio, "Zephram, Drake, it has been brought to my attention that perhaps sending one platoon to the opposite side of the trail would be a good idea, any objections to my platoon doing so?"

Gunfire is heard from Fourth Platoon's position.

"I imagine the brodkil of 4th just became a problem. You see - that is why Shifters should remain with their summons... otherwise you expect minions of hell to act on good behaviour. Van - some day I shall teach you the ways of summoning - perhaps you can assist me with your skills once we are through with the war."

Van laughs and shakes his head thinking about the possibilities, "You mean I could have my very own Brodkil bitches one day? I don't know man, it's hard to picture, but I'll be the first to admit I haven't even scratched the surface of what magic is really capable of. But if I make it through this war I think I'm gonna spend a lot more time learning." He seems only half concerned with what's going on with 4th platoon.

"You do not grant yourself enough credit Van. You are a very powerful man - I have seen some of the creations you have had. Together we could potentially open a small, controlled semi-permanent rift. Your possibilities are endless - as are those of the magic we weild."

   Lotus scoffs loudly like she is rather annoyed with something.
   "Mephisto, stop trying to warp the boy.  Van, don't ever listen to fucking shifters.  They have no code of honour and this one is probably just trying to use you."
   The mystic knight gives Mephisto the evil eye from behind her demonic-faced helm.

"Ha! A lesson of morality from a Mystic Knight. I have summoned demons I would feel safer with my back towards. Mystic Knights are cut throat murderers - professional goons. Their very code preaches that revenge is glorious, and the end justifies the means. She does not trust shifters out of simple jealousy of power. I have a bond with magic that Lotus could never hope to achieve. She is a mystic - a human mutant - a product of the rifts, like a psi-stalker. Van is a wise man - not an impressionable boy who's mind could be warped by a man like me. He will make the right choices."

"I'm not the one preaching to him."

"Now I'm accused of preaching? I was complimenting Van, and speaking of a time in the future outside of this war, when we could share our talents. I mentioned nothing about my code or anything of the preachable sort."

Mephistos' fists clench tightly on the handlebars of his bike, as he stands with it unpowered. He glares at Lotus with something more than him behind his eyes, something dark, evil, and supernatural...
This message was last edited by the player at 14:10, Fri 13 Oct 2006.

   Lotus had adjusted her position on her hovercycle to more easily speak to the shifter.  She wasn't planning on getting into a debate, but she should have known Mephisto was the sensitive sort.  Maybe she had spoiled some larger plans than she had thought when she interceded in his rather blatant attempt at manipulation of the young technowizard.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:30, Sat 14 Oct 2006.

PM

"Heads up cocksuckers!" Arven yells in his best booming giant voice. Flipping on his force field he runs toward the side of the road where he dives into a ditch. Provided his ass is still intact he will pull down his goggles and pop up with his new missile rifles at the ready to try and obtain a target.

  Lotus senses it too, something grave is about to happen.  It could be from Mephisto and his minions if he is getting agitated enough, or from an opportunistic Coalition ambush, taking advantage of our momentary diversion.  Lotus hopes she is sensing some retaliation from the shifter, but plans for the worst.
  She gets back on her hovercycle and zips over to take cover next to Arven where she will begin scanning the area, looking for any obvious signs of an attack.

Mithas hightails his hovercycle over to Ulik in the mountaineer.  The bike jets raise Mithas so that he and Ulik are at equal level as they speak to each other,     In a low growling voice, the slow but steady tone of the minotaur is heard by Ulik. ”We need to camouflage the APC.  Can you make it invisible?” He asks.  After waiting for a response, or if the vehicle turns invisible, Mithas will then turn his own bike invisible staying near the APC.

Mithas looks around briefly to try to locate Mephisto, but only to make sure that he seems to be aware of the possible threat...

OOC: If not enough people are hidden before the CS scouts arrive, Mithas will cast the armor spell on himself, if enough people are hidden, then he will feel safe enough being invisible.

Mephisto hears the radio at the same time everybody else does. He quickly looks to his recently summoned minions - "Conceal yourselves quickly! Turn invisible!"

After the Alu Demons follow his command, he activates the feature on his hovercycle, as all three fade out of sight.

Van had been sitting on the sidelines of the argument (despite being at the center), and he had almost had enough when he openned his mouth to speak and was cut off by Arven. He knew what it was right away.

While others are turning invisible he does the same and flies his turbo-board into nearby cover, staking out a good hiding place, but staying crouched atop his board.

Ulik looks at Mithas as he talks to him, but does not respond. Ulik has a permanent expresion of anger. He simply looks back down at the dash board and activates the invisibility as the vehicle and the ogre disappear.

Quinn jogs over to the ATV just after Ulik vanished with it. He calls for the Mystic Knight to open a door, and let him in. Almost instantly, Quinn is inside and invisible.

Attila stands staring towards the alleged path. He doesn't turn his head, or rather the power armours' head when he speaks to no one in particular.

"I cannot adequately hide."

Xion looks over to Attila, "I can help with that." Xion casts invisiblity simple on him, "I am sure you know you will stay invisible until you attack." Turning to the rest of his platoon, "Take cover stay hidden. Move people, we do this right and we all go home in one piece." Xion will take his hovercycle into the trees a bit once everyone else has moved to cover and become invisible.

   Lotus joins, still beside Arven, turns herself invisible with a flick of the switch on her hovercycle.  She cuts the jets and settles the vehicle on the ground, waiting calmly for what is about to happen.

Settled down in roadside ditch with Lotus preparing to assault a force likely much larger than their own Arven feels really pretty calm."Well damn now I ain't got nothing worth looking at." Arven says with his trademark grin when the Mystic Knight turns invisible. Closing his eyes he relaxes and seems to be meditating. Psychic energy radiates around him but all traces of PPE disappears for those who can naturally sense such things. Opening his eyes he looks over at Lotus despite her invisiblity and says, "Damn a guy can't even get a kiss or reach around or anything for good luck around here." Laying his two missile rifles on either side of him he lays flat on his stomach his legs kind of spread out like a frogs so he can maintain his cover in the ditch. He figures the fireworks can begin without him poking his head up so he will wait for the fun to start before unleashing hell.

   "Fuck that, you can play with yourself if you want cause Tolkeen sure as hell ain't paying me for that.  But you better cover your fat ass up with some camouflage fast pal."
   Lotus quickly breaks off some leaf-covered branches and tears up some bushes, using her sword to hack them up as necessary.  It shouldn't take too long to cover up the massive rahu man...

A deep voice is heard beside Arven. Lotus can hear it come from Arvens' direction while she is gathering cover.

"You are invisible now Arven. You know, I like you. There is something... warm and comforting about you... ah yes. You remind me of my Alu Demon pets back home..."

The voice belonged to Mephisto. Arven is now invisible.

The sky cycles come, and go. If they spotted any of Pluto Company they aren't doing anything about it...
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:05, Thu 19 Oct 2006.

"Your such a fucking bitch Lotus. Guess thats what I like about you." Arven just lays there. He can see the invisible so he is not surprised by anyone approaching. When Mephisto starts in the Rahu-Man retorts. "Mephisto you and your pets can go eat a fuckin dick. Im daring ya to try some of your voodoo horsehit on me and there won't even be enough of your asshole left for them brodkil to fuck. Now decidedly pissed off, likely the best frame of mind for him,  Arven settles into the ditch using branches and scrub brush to further mask his outline in case the invisibility wears off before the CS gets there.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:12, Mon 23 Oct 2006.

   "I'll show ya bitch..."  Lotus responds to Arven after listening to Avery's plan on the radio.  She marches over to Xion.  "I'm volunteering to go in with Corporal Man on this mission."

When harmon addressed Arven about charging in with Magnet Mans crew he just looked at the fat human like he was stupid and then went back to laying in the ditch under the bushes. When Lotus got up and went to volunteer for said team the giant just set there for a minute or so grumbling to himself. Then he got up shaking off all the camo he had been laying under and puts his Sombrero on. Shouldering his missile rifles he walks over to where Magnet Mans "blitzkrieg" crew is starting to assemble. Looking down at Lotus his lip curls into a sneer.

"What? You think they are gonna be scared of a little girl? If we are supposed to fucking draw their fire then you jackasses will at least need someone worthy of their attention. Fucking Magnet Man...shit."

   "Hey, when I start bouncing their shots back at them like a fucking tennis match, they'll soon forget about your rahu-ass.  Just remember, if magnet boy goes down, you better hide behind me cause I'll be the only other thing stopping those rail gun rounds from ruining those goddamn metal teeth of yours."
   Lotus strolls over towards Magnet Man with Arven while removing her demon-helmet and handing it to the rahu man to hold on to for a moment.  She runs her fingers through her long blonde hair, re-tying a pony tail at the back and then dumping some water from a canteen over her face to wash up a bit.  She takes the helmet back but just carries it in one hand for now.  "Arven, when the time comes, I call dibs on taking your magic energy."

"No arguments, you put up with him in life, his PPE is yours in death. Me I would like to volunteer for the close-quarters sqad by the APC. I can stay basically undetectable except to the hounds and I can summon supernatural strength, so I'll be able to subvert reinforcements no problem."

Van is readying his weapons and looking through his bag for a scroll. He can feel the adrenaline beginning to run through him. This is his chance to prove himself and damned if he's gonna be caught off-guard.

   "I guess Van is still learning about magic... Arven, I wasn't talking about taking your energy upon your death.  Just like I've done before, I would take it while you're still alive and kicking."

Van lowers his brow at Lotus and replies in a sarcastic tone, "Sorry, 'when the time comes' just sounded much more desolate when you say it."

Ulik hops down from the ATV drivers' seat - and jogs over to Lotus and Arven carrying his helmet.

"You will not be alone on this one Lotus."

Ulik says nothing more, and continues along with them to meet Corporal Man.

"Yeah it kinda does sound that way don't it?" Arven says to Van grinning. His grin looks rather omninous these days with the scarred lips and metal teeth. Acknowledging he knows what Lotus intended he replies simply. "Yeah...you can have whatever." Arven walks along rather stoically and quiet hoping this big cluster-fuck actually works. Works and does not get him killed before he can make a good showing. When Ulik shows up he claps the Ogre on the shoulder, a friendly gesture but one the fiercesome Mystic Knight is probably not used to. "Your goddamn right she ain't jacknuts. And now that your here we will have an experienced chaffeur if we need one."

"Fearless, Mithas, go join up with Zephram for his assault on the APC's." Xion gives the order to the pair, Fearless would not leave Mithas' side after he had saved his life, so the pairing seemed to make the most sense to him.

Van goes by Mithas before he goes to join up with Zephram. Giving him a firm handshake he offers, "Good luck." After witnessing his bravery on the field rescuing Fearless, he is impressed by the cow-man, and hopes he will be as lucky this time around.

"See there retreating underground where it is nice and safe. You big pussy!" Arven jests at the expense of Mithas. The Rahu-Man walks back actually rather happy that the "Magnet-Man Plan" was scratched because frankly he thought it was shit. Heading back towards the rain carved ditch he initially holed up in he settle back down into it. It is the perfect natural soft cover really providing maximum protection on the front facing the bridge and pretty good cover on either side.

The downfalls are that there is no protection from the rear and that should he need to retreat he will have no cover until he hits the treeline which is over 100 yards away. He really doesn't give a crap though because it offers maybe the best firing lane in the whole damn ambush spot to any given area and he doesnt really plan on retreating anyway. Gathering the foliage that Lotus had previously collected he once again camouflages himself and waits for the whole thing to go down. He makes sure his entire head is down in the natural foxhole and he doesnt plan on sticking it up until after the shooting starts.

 Back from his mission of espionage, or more accurately, from playing taxi service to a day-trip 'Masque returns to Third Platoon, collecting once more the heavy backpack that contains his newest toys in the form of the Wellington Arms grenade launchers and a moderate amount of ammunition for them, which he has every intention of opening the scuffle with if the opportunity arises.

 Not least because of their range... There's little milleage in being up-front in /this/ little fight, "Is having any need for these?" he asks of Xion, bringing up a two-pound pack of NG plastic explosives from what looks to be an armoured ammo-case containing at least a dozen times as much more.

 Ohhhhh brother.

Mithas looks down to Van.  A large toothy grin, once again, spreads across the minotaur's face.   Van can feel the warmth in the giant "cow's" hand and fur... or maybe it wasn't his hands that were warm but really Mithas who was radiating heat...

Mithas takes a couple steps in the direction of Zephram... then stops.  He turns... "Hey Arven!" he calls.  A serious look on his face as he eyes the rahu-man.  Mithas reaches for something at his waist... and pulls out the remaining cigars.  He pulls one for himself and flings the remaining two over to Arven.  "Keep these safe for me.... And if you do get shot and die... try not to crush them."  The same toothy smile spreads across Mithas' face... maybe he only has three facial expressions but this is definately the most welcoming of them.

Mithas marches off to join Zephram and the others.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:56, Mon 29 Oct 2012.

Arven catches the case with his lower left hand and quickly tucks it away underneath his serrape. "Shit bro we are both gonna get shot up. But we can smoke these bitches when we are in the infirmary and piss off all those pretty little nurses." Arven walks off to his "hidey-hole" as previously mentioned getting his game face on.

Passing Xion on the way he shouts over at his commander. "Hey boss you got any pearls of wisdom before this most glorious of ambushes jumps off?"

Xion forces a grin, "Yeah, fire fast, reload faster, and keep your damned head down."

 Giving the heavy sigh of someone who has to deal with the challenged on a regular basis, 'Masque moves a little closer to the clotheared officer and repeats his question, just a little louder and more slowly this time, holding up the large metal case of plastic explosives in an explanatory fashion.

 "Sir... is anything you want made to go boom, whilst is still time?" he asks patiently, two arms folded and the fourth tat-at-tat-tatting on the case.

Xion nods to the tiger, "You are the demolition expert my friend. Although, I think since we will be at least here in the treeline you could perhaps set the explosives here between us and the road. We will try to draw them towards us and then, once a substantial force has been drawn into the blast area...we make the Deadboys go boom," the elvish officer grins to his heavy cyborg counterpart. "What do you think Masque?" Xion then looks his troops over, "This is what we are going to do, remember those squads we designated earlier? Well get in them, all those who were with Mithas, come with me. Masque your team will remain as is for the time being. We split up, keeping a fair bit of distance between us. We hit hard when our time comes and we get to cover when our time is done. If we are able to keep them off balance like we should everything should be alright." Xion looks over to Mephisto, "Since they are going to know we are here, with the dog pack, we may as well draw as much of that attention to ourselves as possible, why don't you, once they are here of course, send those Alu of yours in and let them draw the ire of the pack, demons like those...the dogboys love them. They will come after them to be sure. At least then, an effective retreat can be made if necessary."

 And this is 'Masque's element - the very place he lives and breathes (or used to).

 "This was kind of what I was getting at, da... I have three grades of explosive in magic box - will use most of it to create killing zone downslope - comand detonated with clever little Northern Gun detonators, two hundred fifty-six digit coding. Is very nice." - as he speaks, he starts idly casting a glance over the woodlands towards the road, plotting fields of fire - "That done, will use lighter stuff to create cover if need to pull back, implant along ridgeline we take shelter behind."

 He talks as he moves, musing openly, "For pull-back if things go all fubar, have smoke grenades - can use to cover ass while trees cover heads maybe, in case Tinmage is not so clever as he thinks he is... Do not think is enough of us to pull fighting retreat, so maybe will need more than one distraction - is up to you boss, but always do twice planning for when devils grandmother dance on your plans than for if things go well, youbet."

 He nods over at the Rahu-man and Lotus, gesturing them closer... "I am thinking Arven, you are quick with guns - would be good if you were on house cleaning... Keep eye out for missiles, knock them down as soon as can, Khorosh? - Pretty little Lotus, we will be some way back - I do not know what else you can do but fight real good up close, but you probably have good magic to hand, is not my field - if you have suggestion, be glad to hear it."

Van has been sketching out a rough diagram of the field on his palm computer. He adds in the strike zones as they are told to the troops. He approaches 'Masque and Xion. "Ok, if you're setting up mines or explosives let me know where so I can mark it down. Also just as a note, are we rigging the bridge at all? I don't recall if that was discussed or not. The crazy bastard in 4th platoon mentioned he wanted to wire it but I don't think he did, am I right? Once everything is finalized I'll give copies of the map to anyone with a computer or HUD display and it'll update in real-time, it'll help to keep actions clear."

OOC -- Basically that map is the map that Zephram made, this way though we have IC clarification. It also has the list of all the units that Caramon mentioned in his scouting report.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:09, Mon 06 Nov 2006.

"Yeah that sounds good. If any of those cuntmouth ass-reamers are bunched up when the shit goes down im gonna fire some plasma volleys up their fuckin ass. Hopefully at those cocksuckers they have been talking about that are mages or whatever.

Arven pats the missile rifles cradled in the crook of his lower arms emphasizing his rather crude words.

"After those first couple of shots though I can concentrate on shooting down their fuckin missiles with my own fuckin missiles. Would plasma or armor piercing be better for that?" He asks Masque in all seriousness.

 "Proximity-fused fragmentation is best, but you probably do not have fine control with big guns... Plasma of the two you list - would have to be very good shot indeed to hit missile head-to-head with armour piercing every time - maybe even better than you." the big 'Borg replies as he drops to one knee to bend over Van's palmtop, then extends a wrist, from which in turn extends a tiny, self-powered cyberjack that hovers like a tiny electrical serpent until and unless Van gives a nod of approval for him to jack in to the computer, spend a few moments working out compatability, and then start rapidly updating the imagery with his intentions.

 "Bridge is untouched, has garrison or turret or something - did not get good look somehow but am pretty sure it saw us as we crossed river." - as he talks, the images of the Coalition convoy as captured by his inhumanly acute cybernetic vision also flash up in a scrolling sidebar, in the last configuration he saw them... "Would be good time for magic folk to be telling us what tricks they have to play smoke and mirror games up here, to diffuse enemy fire is better sometimes than to toughen against it, youbet."

Xion looks over his platoon, a genuine smile shows up on his face. Perhaps from pride that his troops would fight and die to save a few prisoners, and preserve their way of life.

"Alright, everyone, this is how we are handling this. Van, you are going to go with Masque to plant the explosives and get that map up you mentioned. Masque we need the biggest bang we can get, but you already knew that. Atilla, you are going to stay close to Arven and provide some help with fire power there. Ulik, Quinn, Lotus you are all with me, we are going up that hill a bit farther to provide some cover, and a better vantage point. Masque, you and Van come up when you are done. We need to keep a route for Atilla and Arven open as well so they can make it up to us should things go badly. Mephisto, follow your demons if need be, if not then join us atop the hill." Xion stops, "Everyone ready?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:11, Wed 08 Nov 2006.

Van glides over casually on his wing-board, still jotting notes with the pen of his palm computer. "Thanks, this helps a lot. Alright, I've got no formal demolitions training, but let me know if you need any help. Otherwise I'll just keep making notes. Give me blast radius estimates too if you can." With that Van keeps working on the map, looking up to plot landmarks as well as tunnels. He goes over the radio, "Can someone from Zephram's team meet with me about exact locations of the tunnels? I'm devising a tactical map that I can give anyone with a computer."

Arven looks at the monstrous war machine that is Atilla and is reminded that in many peoples eys he is not much different. Talking to the juggernaut he says, "And by close he means way the fuck over there at least 100ft or so that way those Coalition cock-knockers have to pick one of us to shoot rather than just hosing down our general area. If we move to retreat though you swing back around here towards me and I will jump on your back and ride out."

 'Masque gives a low growl as Van drifts off and essentially ignores his offer of an accurate datastream, the cyberjack sliding back into his wrist-socket without further comment as he simply sets down the case and begins to prepare several charges, pressing each charge of moulded explosive into a small armour-repair slap-patch from his kit, each of which is first scored in a hasty cross-hatch pattern... and tucked inside an empty biogel ration tin which is then packed with whatever loose metal and ceramic fasteners and fragments he can find to make impromptu claymores.

 "I can give blast and yield, direction and intention... as well as code." he rumbles to the wizard's back, determined not to let his irritation spoil a good, professional kick in the Coalitions collective ass.

 Or so he hopes.

The juggernaut stares at Xion until the orders are finished. In response to his directions Attila asks

"Which one is Arven?"



At Arven's statement Attila just stands staring at him...




OOC note - Attila is a blazing Iron Juggernaut. He is constantly ablaze, and would not be the best to give piggy-backs for retreating Rahu-Men...

The shifter looks across the short distance to Xion, and then to his Alu Demon pets.

He looks back to Xion, with one hand raised - in preperation of sending his Demons to lure the Dog Boys as Xion had ordered earlier when they arrive...

Mephisto seems to be waiting for a nod of confirmation...

Xion looks to Mephisto, "Send them one minute after the holes appear. We must keep them distracted from the underground team." Xion takes his rifle, not aiming it yet, but flipping it off of the safety. He looks to those under his command, in position, ready to giev their lives for the cause. The sense of pride growing inside him as he watches them all get prepared, the enemy in sight, even Xion has to fight the urge to rush to battle. Xion mumbles waits for the needed minute to pass after the holes open before racing through a few incantations.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:42, Sun 19 Nov 2006.

Arven has been laying on his back considering his options and trying to think about how things will likely go down. He has decided that sitting and being an anti-missile battery as he discussed with Masque would not best serve the team. Not exactly anyway. He figures if he can destroy alot of the missile launchers before most or any of the missiles are launched then all the better. Looking over at Lotus he sighs, "You know it is kinda hard to fully concentrate on the war effort sharing a foxhole with your fine ass." Taking out the plasma mini-missiles he had loaded up in one of the CTT-M20 rifles he replaces them all with armor piercing munitions.

"Seriously though you gotta keep the pissants of of us while I take out the big-dogs. Im gonna be ignoring any incoming as long as I can. Hopefully only having my head poked up over this hill will give them a little target and hopefully I will catch them with their pants down and be able to unload on them before they know what hit em'. It shouldn't take me long to blow my load."

Laying the fully loaded missile rifles down on either side of him Arven remains on his back quietly until he hears the approach of the large convoy. With his adrenaline surging he waits until he hears the first shots fired or the obvious sound of the APC's crashing into the trap that has been laid for them. He will then flip the toggle switch activating his force field then roll over onto his stomach. Bsets of arms on either side reaching out for the big rifles he pushes up with his boots and crests the berm with as little of his upper body as possible. Quickly acquiring his targets he fires simultaneously but at seperate enemies maximizing his damage potential. With each shot four armor piercing missiles streak out rocketing across the short expanse at over 1400mph. As fast as he is pulling the triggers it is hard to imagine he is aiming properly but it is obvious he is as he makes minute adjustments between each shot. He looses forty mini-missiles in fifteen seconds!

 'Masque has been preparing minute by minute, laying out his traplines and momentarily regretting the lack of supporting firepower - that's one hell of a lot of Coalition personel down there, and an awfully thin line of Tolkeen soldiery to box them in.

 He's arranged reloads for his launchers around the forwards edge of his foxhole, just back from the enemy line of fire, looking to maximise his fire in the first closing seconds of the engagement and, as all hell begins to drop loose he swings the barrel of each A.G.L. up and over the edge.

 Unlike the missile rifles there's no muzzle flare and no screaming contrail of ignition gas, just a rapid-fire 'fump' that blurs into a pulsing sound like a misfiring internal combustion engine that sends tiny metallic spheres high into the air to rain down like a deadly hailstorm across the clustered enemy infantry, where they blossom like a murderous garden of flames, sending razor-sharp fragmentation clusters scything through their immediate vicinity.

 In the course of eight seconds, both magazines run dry as eighty of the deadly grenades fall amongst the enemy ranks, plastering 1,300 square feet of terrain with hard-driven destruction - and then he calmly reloads, to do it all over again.

The front APC - the larger Mark VII Slayer stops as planned - on what looks like quicksand. And the other just a few seconds after.

The front ends start to sink quickly - a few feet already...

All of the skelebots rush to form perimeters around the APCs. The robot vehicles stop and turn to face the trees. The SAMAS all turn on their jets and begin to hover a few feet from the ground. The hovercycle pilots leave their bikes parrallel with the treeline, and use the bikes as cover. The dog boys are... rather calm.

Orders are to hold off the attack for 60 seconds...

Several dozen flares are fired out into the trees - from the Heavy hover tank up front. Only a few seconds have passed.

After another 30 seconds the first, larger APC drops through the quicksand as planned. The perimeter around it spreads out to avoid falling in. And still the attack is to be held off.

After another 30 seconds the second APC drops through.

The bang of the sound barrier being broken about 2 miles north west of this location is heard, a moment after the Grinning Skull Battle Tank in the rear of the convoy is hit by a well-placed Glitter Boy rail gun slug. Followed by missile fire and grenade fire from Arven and Silvermasque.

The battle has begun...

"Mephisto NOW!" Xion shouts as he begins taking shots at the closest soldiers to him, "Remember the plan people, keep them occupied." Xion remains calm, as he has been through this before, although not quite on this scale with so many depending on him, now was no tthe time for such doubts however.

Mephisto had already sent them on their way - calling to them as they leap and run anxiously towards the Coalition - while invisible.

"Attack one - bring one alive back to me - it will ensure they follow you. If you do this and they follow - I will return you to your homes."

Mephisto takes cover behind his hovercycle and begins to cast his magic.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:46, Thu 23 Nov 2006.

Readying himself for the attack, Van unleashes a series of spells:

Invincible Armor
Invisibility: Simple
Aura of Death

He is now basically undetectable. In his quiet post, feeling truly invisible, he picks up his Hellfire Plasma Cannon and holds it tight into his body, the stock firmly planted on his shoulder. He acquires his first target; one of the Dog Boys. Without a doubt they are top on his hit list. Then with the pandemonium of the flying missiles and grenades, he finds the apparant alpha male and squeezes the trigger, firing four times before relocating 20ft to the north. From there he fires four more times and relocates again while changing the clip.

He will keep up this pattern until their platoon relents and the next platoon attacks from the other side.

As soon as the Grinning Skull battle tank is hit in the rear - by Jonas - Xion looks to Mephisto - as the shifter was already sending his two Alu demon minions into position.

3rd platoon hold off their siege for a few moments while 2nd platoon distracts them - appearing to be the main point of assault.

2 grenades go off among the Coalition south-flank squad - before they are engaged by several members of Pluto Company in hand to hand.

Jonas continues his onslaught. The boom gun does not let up - and fires another slug every 3 seconds.

The 8 SAMAS from the main convoy take to the skies and head North West towards Jonas' position in the river - several missiles have already been fired in his direction from the power armours. They are stopped in mid-travel - seemingly by the sky itself. Their flight patterns are thrown off - and they are under attack by some invisible entities of some kind.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:19, Fri 24 Nov 2006.

As the two Alu demons make it to about half way down the hill they are completely blown to pieces by the 3 spider walkers, and the two hellraisers in the rear of the convoy.

They did not distract any dog boys - and did not lead anybody into any mine field. And they do not get to go home as Mephisto promised...

(OOC - still waiting on a post from Lotus - she won initiative... then I will post here - no need to respond to the dead Alu demons yet. wait until after Lotus and I post please.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:37, Fri 24 Nov 2006.

   Lotus follows the plan to the letter, remaining as concealed as she can among a few trees with Arven.  She has her compound bow drawn and an arrow loosely notched, but she is just watching the progression of battle and waiting calmly for the sight of that first cannon to be aimed up at her.
   She is also talking quietly, although only Arven would be close enough to hear her.  "We're right beside you!  Invisible and ready to kill!"

As Jonas' first shot struck the Grinning Skull Battle Tank, and the Alu demons made their charge - Silvermasque and Arven had already begun their siege. This prompted the snipers to open fire as well - while the troops were scattering for order.

Arvens' shots all made their targets - except for three - which hit main body. Nearly all of the robots vehicles in the rear are covered in explosions - it is unclear which are without missile capabiltity - the left side of the vehicles was favored in the strike points. The Hellfires nearly fall over, as their two legs struggle to stay standing.

Silvermasques' grenade fury - carpets the skelebots in fire - leaving all forty of them on the ground - half of them to stay down - and the others severely damaged. and missing limbs, or guns.

Xion and Van fired from their concealed positions firing on the dog boys only who only had their bikes for cover. Returning fire unsuccessfully, also left them out of cover for short periods at a time. Xion and Van used this to their advantage and killed four of the hounds.

Ulik and Quinns' shots could be seen hitting the norhtern pack of dog boys.

Xion and Van relocate further down the tree line and continue their fire. The mani group of SAMAS are being torn limb from limb and their jets are crumpling by an unseen force. They drop from the sky one by one. The classic SAMAS first - all 6 of them, and then the 2 Heavy SAMs. The four Light SAMAS that were the Northern flank ignores what took their fellow pilots down and fire several missiles into the trees below - where the snipers are firing from.

Xion and Van narrowly moved in time - it is unknown if Ulik or Quinn survived. The Light SAMAS seem to have fallen under attack now by whatever it was that took out the other SAMs.

The bridge seems to be covered in flames - likely from Attila.

The robots and power armour on the ground, along with the tank return fire into the trees where the snipers are, and heavily where Lotus and Arven are.

The Grinning Skull Tank fires two volleys of 5 mini-missiles at Arvens' position, the Spider Skull walker fires its heavy rail guns into the trees at the snipers, the Hellfires fire a volley of 8 missiles each - from the right launchers - one volley into the trees the other at Arvens' position.

The Hellraisers seem to be focused on 2nd platoon. The cyborg and two of the Terror Troopers fire their massive energy rifles into the trees as well.

Silvermasque lands more of his grenades among the spider skull walkers and troops as well as the tank.

Both scout walkers are in pieces, with black smoke bellowing from the main body. The right Hellraiser is scorched and appears to have a twitch in one leg - but other than that - it is functioning as well as the one on the left - which is severely burned. 2 of the Dog boys - the ones on the right - exploded in a spray of blood and armour chunks - the others thrown to the ground yet to get back up.

The other dog boys in the rear are electrocuted as they stand and collapse again with smoke rising from their bodies.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:13, Sat 25 Nov 2006.

Van high tails it further north and east on his (also invisible) wingboard, trying to avoid the missile fire heading for their location. Once he's out of harm's way, he starts making his way through the trees toward the smaller cluster of trees to the east of his current position. On his way he activates his Targetted Deflection talisman, reloads his Plasma Cannon, and then scans the area breifly, cycling through the different spectrums on his multi-optics band. He sets up again, this time with the CS Psychic in his sights.

   "Arven! Incoming!"
   Lotus raises her bow into the air and lets an arrow fly towards the incoming mini missiles.  She stands in front of Arven, her giant companion who should have little trouble shooting around her or over her head.  The two have fought alongside each other long enough to know that her position will allow her to attempt to deflect enemy fire away - even missiles that don't get shot down.
   Lotus let's a second arrow fly towards a second volley.

Dice Rolls:
18:21, Today: Lotus rolled 20 using 1d20+11. arrow strike #1.
18:22, Today: Lotus rolled 84 using 1d100. chance of secondary explosion.
18:23, Today: Lotus rolled 15 using 1d20+11. arrow strike #2.
18:27, Today: Lotus rolled 91 using 1d100. chance of secondary explosion.
Should be enough to take out two volleys (I believe two is the max for one person who isn't using paired weapons.  The percentile is high enough to have destroyed both volleys completely.

Xion moves the away from his third position as fast as possible, heading south parallel to his current location. Firing when an opportunity presents itself, staying as far away from the road as possible.

 'Masque starts softly counting under what would be his breath if he truly needed it, seconds ticking by as he runs through them in Russian whilst his lower arms smoothly service the emptied grenade launchers, slotting home new drums, stowing the old ones on mag-clips and pushing off to relocate twenty yards or so further along the defile from which he's been shooting before he reaches 'zero', at which point a decent ballistic computer should be able to localise his point of fire in amongst the chaos of the attack...

 And then it's time for another hellstorm of high explosives - though perhaps more carefully directed this time, since all the careful pre-planning of the initial volley has been lost in a cloud of fire and shattered metal.

 And /that/ is why he was brought along...

Even through the wall of smoke still lingering from Arvens ungodly missile barrage he could already see the retaliatory strike coming as Lotus shouted out her warning. His hands unclench and the missile rifles drop towards the ground. The holdout holsters spring his NE-600's into his hands and four bright red lines of energy shoot forth into the incoming volleys before the CTT-M20's even hit the ground. Unfortunately it all happens so fast that there little else he can do. It takes everything he has not to wrap up Lotus, who is standing almost beneath him, into a little ball and try to shield her from any missiles that might get through. He respects her ability too much for that though and trusts that if she is standing there then it is for good reason.

OOC: 3 of the 4 shots were successful called shots and the percentiles for all three indicate that the entire volleys in question would be destroyed.

15:37, Today: Arven The Annihilator rolled 43 using 10d6+10. dam 3.
15:37, Today: Arven The Annihilator rolled 51 using 10d6+10. dam 2.
15:37, Today: Arven The Annihilator rolled 47 using 10d6+10. dam 1.
15:34, Today: Arven The Annihilator rolled 11 using 1d20+10. shot 4. (miss)
15:34, Today: Arven The Annihilator rolled 25 using 1d20+10. shot 3.
15:34, Today: Arven The Annihilator rolled 23 using 1d20+10. shot 2.
15:33, Today: Arven The Annihilator rolled 21 using 1d20+10. shot 1.
15:57, Today: Arven The Annihilator rolled 98 using 1d100. % damage to other missiles, shot 3. (entire volley destroyed!)
15:57, Today: Arven The Annihilator rolled 70 using 1d100. % damage to other missiles, shot 2. (entire volley destroyed!)
15:56, Today: Arven The Annihilator rolled 66 using 1d100. % damage to other missiles, shot 1. (entire volley destroyed!)

Second platoon appears to be inneffective in their supposed second assault. Nothing is seen for several seconds - until chaotic winds carrying dirt, debris, people and trees tears across the ground and heads towards the spider skull walker.

Masque - you move 20 yards in which direction?

Arven and Lotus - what do you do supposing you defend against the volleys? relocate? continue firing?

Xion - I am confused as to where you are relocating. South and parallel to your current spot. How does one move parralel to an unmoving spot? I am guessing you meant you move south and then east parralel to the road?

OOC yes sir...been sick, please forgive

OOC: Well I figured as long as Arven was still alive he was going to yell at Lotus and tell her to relocate while he provided cover fire. He would hten unload a melee worth of shots from his guns since he went to all the trouble of drawing them. After that he would duck/cover and try to follow her if able.

 [ OOC : Let's call it west - it doesn't matter quite so much as that I move before the Coalition radar systems go 'all the grenades came from /there/' and make my little hidey-hole a world of searing plasma unfriendliness. ]

OOC - Lotus would tell Arven to suck it up and she'd stand her ground.  They can relocate later if the Coalition forces actually become a threat.

It would appear second platoon is having some difficulty as they do not make a very noticable dent in the Coalition forces this time around. They seemed held back for the first few seconds - until a visible torrent of winds tore out from their location - filled with dirt, debris and a few people. The winds move towards the road where most of the Coalition remain.

Xion, Van and Silvermasque relocate. Arven and Lotus hold their positions. The rest of third platoon is nowhere to be seen. It is time for third platoon to make their second assault.

(OOC - the dead CS include the two spider-scout walkers and the northern batch of skelebots)

Arven is no expert on military hardware but with the guns and missiles the tank looks to be packing he figures it is the closest deadly threat to him. With that in mind he begins unleashing quadruple blasts from his Naruni hand-cannons fully intending to validate the Coaltions xenophobic stance on the ungodly power of alien technology. Within eight seconds his guns are empty and he drops back down into his nature made foxhole to reload.



OOC: Arven inflicted 526 MD to the area around the mini & medium range missile launchers on the left side of the tank and 888 MD to the main body on the same side. A total of 1414 MD.

Arven rolled 192 using 40d6+40. MD (quad burst 7).
Arven rolled 182 using 40d6+40. MD (quad burst 6).
Arven rolled 185 using 40d6+40. MD (quad burst 5).
Arven rolled 158 using 40d6+40. MD (quad burst 4).
Arven rolled 171 using 40d6+40. MD (quad burst 3).
Arven rolled 165 using 40d6+40. MDx2 for natural 20  (quad burst 2).
Arven rolled 196 using 40d6+40. MD (quad burst 1).
Arven rolled 15 using 1d20+10. quad burst 7 (CS ground tank Main Body).
Arven rolled 14 using 1d20+10. quad burst 6 (CS ground tank Main Body).
Arven rolled 15 using 1d20+10. quad burst 5(CS ground tank Main Body).
Arven rolled 15 using 1d20+10. quad burst 4 (CS ground tank Main Body).
Arven rolled 25 using 1d20+10. quad burst 3 (CS ground tank Main Body).
Arven rolled 30 using 1d20+10. quad burst 2 (CS ground tank MM housing).
Arven rolled 23 using 1d20+10. quad burst 1 (CS ground tank MM housing).

 As the second storm of explosions drop into the swirling (and unplanned) melee developing around the Skull-walkers, 'Masque again drops back from the edge of the defile - onace again loading with a pair of drums with drab green banding, one into each launcher.

 In less than fifteen seconds of furious combat he's nearly cut deeply into  his ammunition, having emptied a pair of foot-square ammunition cannisters, but having damaged or destroyed somewhere in the region of three hundred and eighty million credits of front-line Coalition technology...

 He hits the ground just below the level of the ridgeline as his original 'rifle pit' disspears in a storm of energy and missile fire that would probably have breached even his titanic armour. Unwilling to risk activating his radio to guide the conflict in this early stage he instead extends an optical probe over the edge of his new position and looks for good, hard targets to try and hammer, in the process revealing the carnage below.

 "Bohjmoi!"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:46, Tue 06 Mar 2007.

The trees have been set ablaze. Silvermasques' former postion along with it. Fortunately Silvermasque relocated in time, but there is not telling what has become of Xion, Van, Quinn, Ulik and Mephisto. To the north - the glitter boys' cannon has stopped, with no transmissions from Jonas, Seifer or even Attila.

Silvermasque considers for a moment he is all that is left of his platoon, until the smoke clears around two old companions: Lotus and Arven. Arvens' devastating gunfire continues as he melts the cannons on the rear tank, then melting a hole through the side. It completely stalls, and 4 soldiers climb out a rear hatch - their heads can be spotted one by one as they climb out.

The large spider skull walker scans the area ahead for movement - glaring in Silvermasques' direction for a moment it opens fire with both cannons.

Two dog boys charge closer to Lotus and Arven. In the south a heavy cyborg next to a Hellfire Walker climb over the bodies of Mephistos' alu demons. Behind the tank is a massive tornado - sent from second platoons' direction. There are maybe a dozen men caught in its' winds. The SAMAS have all crashed into the dirt after seemingly being wrestled to the ground by the sky itself. The spider skull walkers have crumpled, bellowing black smoke from the eyes, next to two dog boy bodies.

Arven whistles approvingly after having slagged a top of the line CS tank in about fifteen seconds. Blowing non-existant smoke from the barrels of his topmost weapons he quips to Lotus, "Best five-hunnerd-thousand credits I ever fuckin spent." He drops the clips from his lower two guns and slides another two back into their place. Small arms fire sizzles all around them and dirt explodes into the foxhole. The larger bits of debris vibrate for a moment against his force field before they fall to the ground.

"Alright sweet-cheeks keep the fleas off my nuts!" The Rahu-Man says to the petite human standing in front of him. Popping back up he braces himself for fire he knows will be coming and begins shooting deadly bursts of intense laser fire into the midst of the CS column. The two guns on his left are both trained on the large Spider Skull Walker. The top right is aimed at the Hellfire Walker and the bottom right at the heavy cyborg next to it. Given that he is simultaneously shooting at three seperate targets he is aiming for center mass only. Afterall he is fancy but not that fancy.

 Fire starts coming in hard - still invisible to most ground troopers, the Skull Walker nonetheless provides a better than thirty foot high vantage point from which to direct a pair of one point two tonne railguns with pinpoint accuracy...
 Just how accurate its shooting is of course is going to determine whether or not 'Masque is even around to shoot back...

As Silvermasque makes for his maneuvering the Spider Skull walker concentrates its' fire; both heavy rail guns blast away trying to hit the Heavy Cyborg, these CS pilots aren't used to the borgs of Russia...

Trees are splintered, and the ground is chopped to shreds around Masque's feet. One shot can be heard and faintly felt as it skims off of whats' left of the borgs' synthetic hide. He realizes in that mooment that the next shot wont miss...

Masque is hit in the back once by the heavy cannon, but it is enough to knock him off his temporarily...

Arven takes this opportunity to lay some fire into the walker. Simultaneously firing on one of the Hellraisers and the CS Cyborg trooper.

The main body of the skull walker is completely devastated after only a few seconds of fire from the rahu man. The vehicle stalls, and as the smoke clears it is clear the crew inside were not spared...

The Hellfire on the other hand is still coming full force, heavily damaged but determined - along with the Cyborg.

The Dog boys are blasting away as they come closer and closer to Lotus and Arven. SHe mystically parries their rifle fire, back at them. By the time they are within range of her TW flame thrower, their armour is little match for its' flames. The hounds become ashes in front of them.

(more to this post to come...)
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:18, Tue 20 Mar 2007.

The cyborg returns fire from a massive rail gun, along with a pair of mini-missiles from his forearm. The Hellfire returns fire with a volley of its' own. All directed at Arven and Lotus.

Note to Masque - in the last post I said the shot skimmed off what was left of your hide. I meant to say it tears off a chunk of whats' left of your hide.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:18, Tue 20 Mar 2007.

 ...or, perhaps fortunately, the heavy armoured plating that 'Masque has strapped on over his own frail, fragile, two-tonne ceramic and composite, shock-frame-centred body... Not that this makes things a great deal better as the massive 'Borg is struck by a screaming line of hypersonic slugs, thermal and kinetic energy dumping into the layered armour, thoroughly overloading its ability to resist.

 He's hurled from his feet and smashed through several shot-shredded trees - bur even as he hits the ground he's rolling to bring both gun barrels up for another volley of indirect shooting, intending to evade the majority of the Coalition's deadly firestorm and carpet the roadway once more with high explosive and shrapnel, first pounding the grounded heavy armour threatening the road, then splitting his fire to send a deadly rainstorm of golf-ball sized munitions scattering across the remains of the convoy.

PM

 PM

Arven and Lotus - update
The Hellfire launched a volley of missiles at the both of you, the borg is moving to take cover behind the broken Spider Skull Walker - blasting at Lotus with a heavy rail gun the whole time.

 PM

Arven manages to blast the volley of missiles before it reaches the two mercs, and returns fire full force into the borg and Hellfire. Lotus parries every incoming shot back at the Cyborg as he races for cover.

Silvermasque lets' loose with another spray of grenades, landing several at the Borg and Hellfire. Both mechanized units of the CS were already showing signs of heavy damage before the grenades went off; they lye in the scorched dirt after the smoke begins to clear.

Other grenades land among the SAMAS and the near-by Terror Troopers, as well as across the road by 2nd and 4th platoons.

The SAMAS armours are tossed up into the air, ripped limb from limb they scatter the battlefield in shreds. The terror troopers regain their menacing stance and continue to march forward scanning the battle field for targets - launching more at Arven and Lotus...

The Mystic Knight holds her position in front of Arven. She continues to deflect incoming fire up until thi moment. After all there is a limit to how fast she can move and she is hit several times in the chest. The first few shots are absorbed into an invisible mystic armour or force field of some sort, but the last few put near-fatal cracks in her armour.

Lotus ducks and moves behind Arven quickly and begins to restore her mystic armour.

From behind the terror troopers - a stream of fire covers both of them from an invisible source - it lasts a few moments then stops. In the street to the north - Attila is seen headed to rejoin the group. The bridge and pillbox behind him is on fire. Arven returns fire with more Naruni fire power into the closest Terror Trooper.

Both Coalition power armours turned to look in the direction o fth efire, and were not firing when Arven let loose. The target of the Rahu Mans' fury was already heavily damaged from Silvermasques' grenades, and the burst of fire - it face planted into the loose mud that was recently a grassy field.

One Terror Trooper remains his attack on his side of the road. A massive tornado still containing several troops remians generally around the destroyed spider-scout walkers. Two huge explosions can be seen across the road at 2nd Platoons' battle. The 2 Hellraisers were tripped some how - then one of them had two fusion blocks explode on its back.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:42, Thu 29 Mar 2007.

 Flame and volatised alloy streaming from the ragged gash in his heavily armoured outer shell, 'Masque hurls himself into cover once more, both lower hands moving smoothly as they once more remove and stow the emptied drums of fragmentation ammunition and replace them as he hits the ground and rolls with his only pair of armour-piercing...

 Coming up on one knee he again gives a moment to scan the battlefield from his soft-cover vantage point, and as his guns come up level he sees an opportunity, a stentorian cry of 'Fire in the 'Hole!' ringing out with the power of cybernetic speakers as he punches a short-range laser signal to one of his detonators, trying to set off the first trapline of explosives under the feet of the advancing Terror Troopers.

While Lotus activates several protective spells and abilities, Arven continues to relentlessly fire upon the remaining terror trooper. The Trooper returns fire not nearly as relentlessly (only having two arms, and one gun...) - before Silvermasque detonates his explosives. The Power Armour is immediately sent flying towards the road; landing violently and rolling.

Lotus comes out from hiding to lay in several shots along with Arven - while Silvermasque takes note of what is happening across the road for any potential targets.


There are no visible moving targets remaining on the battle field. Attila is seen coming dwon the road - walking away from the flaming bridge. Explosions and gunfire can still be heard coming from 4th platoons' location. There is also the magically created tornado in the road...
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:20, Tue 03 Apr 2007.

Still invisible Van heads towards Quinn and Ulik's last known position. "Sgt. Quinn! Talk to me!" he yells, trying to find him.

Mephisto is spotted jogging to the heavy hitters position. He is covered in mud, and minor burns. The shifter brushes the dirt and ash from himself and starts chuckling. He looks down the hill at the tornado, and the debris and bodies of the Coalition armed forces... He points down the hill as his chuckle turns into a full-out laugh.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:48, Wed 04 Apr 2007.

Firing the last couple of shots remaining in the clips in his gun the Rahu-Man slags what is left of a still twitching borg and then he laughs out loud along with Mephisto. "Buncha motherfuckin punkass bitches!" He yells at the corpses strewn all about as he begins collecting the small pile of spent magazines laying around his feet. Having a seat he will set about reloading the two missile rifles. "Nice job sweater-meat." He says to Lotus with a wink.

 Silvermasque is slower to break cover than the others - but after a few moments have passed he too rises and begins to move slowly down the shot-and-explosion torn slope, each of two heavy grenade launchers supported with two massive cybernetic arms, sweeping back and forth across the battlefield until he reaches the road itself, whereupon they're slung in favour of empty hands and onboard weapons as he begins to smoothly search for signs of life amongst the wrecked war machines and shattered armours.

Xion comes jogging from the woods, "3rd Platoon, on me...4th Platoon is still in it, let's get them some support, Arven, Masque I hope you guys have a few big booms left." Xion will then head towards the sounds of gunfire and 4th platoon.

Mephisto catches his breath for a few seconds then replies : "Those Alu demons I summoned... they were slaughtered before they even touched the Coalition... it is things like that that keep me going...."

After listening to Xion arrive and bring the group back to business Mephisto answers : "Sir - our team is not accounted for... I have not seen Van, Quinn or Ulik - they were in those trees when the SAMs lit them up... and Attila appears to be the last one from the bridge... should we still move to assist 4th Platoon?"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:33, Thu 05 Apr 2007.

The massive Iron Juggernaut walks powerfully towards Xion and the others. The bridge completely consumed in flames behind him. There is no sign of Jonas or Seifer anywhere. Attila stops about 20 feet from Arven - as the bridge turret explodes into a giant mushroom cloud.

Xion nods, "Van went to look for them I believe, or survivors rather, I found you first. We will check the trees then, eyes up and ready. Enough of us have been lost in this battle, no more today. We search, we find them, we join 4th ASAP. Understood? Spread out a bit and let's move."

 As the orders come in, 'Masque veers from his intended course, moving with empty, but undeniably lethal vibro-taloned hands to flank Xion and the others at a comfortable distance as they move to support the Fourth in their ongoing struggle.

 "Think is worth calling for surrender?" he asks, directing a tight-beam communication signal through the static towards his team leader.

"The fuck you think Boss im shooting blanks?" Arven rpelies to Xion rhetorically. Slapping the last of the AP mini-missiles home the Rahu-Man hefts the two CS missile rifles up into the ready position and starts to move out. With his pronounced limp he is easily he slowest of all the members of 3rd platoon. "Ya ain't got any run-fast spells up yer ass do you Miss Hot-Pants?" the callous giant asks Lotus as they follow after Xion.

Lotus doesn't stop to discuss, and let's Arven run at his own speed. Then she takes off at superhuman speed towards 4th platoons' location.

Third platoon spreads out through the trees in search of Ulik and Sgt. Quinn. Mephisto protects himelf with magic again before entering.

Van finds them first. A charred-black skeleton is all that is left of Quinn, and a shrapnel-ridden corpse of Ulik.

Xion and the others come upon Van and the bodies a few moments later. Silvermasque grabs Ulik and Mephisto lifts Quinns' body telekinetically (after casting a spell, as opposed to instantly doing it psionically...). 3rd platoon escapes the forest at the trees among the pieces of the SAMAS and their pilots...

Second platoon can be seen heading for 4th platoon across the road. Tyirrak is up front, followed by Anniyan. Behind them are Lord Osema of the Brodkil, along with Klowkuh and Gendun - and their Syvan companion : Reginald. Razgriz and Obidiah are in the rear. There is no sign of Maitlyn The Brave, Patulik (the fat brodkil...) or Jelme among them.

The platoon continues to 4th platoon - in the distance down the road, Dalamar and Caramon can be seen crossing over to 4th as well. Moments later third arrives to what now appears to be a meeting, and a scan of the faces to see... who's left...

Sgt. Braga the simvan Gunslinger stands to his feet as third arrives. He stands next to Lt. Drake in his Power Armour, and Magnet Man. Next to them on the ground is the body of White Moon - the psi stalker. And int he air on the other side of Magnet Man is a CS soldier suspended in mid-air... a cyborg of some sort...

Second platoon is here as well - they arrived just before third. Followed by Dalamar and Carmon - arriving last.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:32, Mon 09 Apr 2007.