After a time, Higura opens his eyes, taken by a certain sense of calm and serene comprehension after his concentration. Despite the fact that he is now different - that he is alive again - there is still a certain sense of peace that emanates from the exploration of those sensations. Not in a sense of longing, for Higura would never wish to ever return to the All-Seeing Fate Engine, nor does he believe the contraption has a right to exist. But there is a certain feeling of completion in experiencing the connection his kind has to Fate - a connection that has been severed for all of the Starchosen of the Coils.

In the darkness, Higura finds himself smiling softly at Nanaret's words. His own exploration of the web of possibilities gave him some insight as to who exactly is present in the room, and Nanaret's words confirmed those impression. Not only confirmed, either - she basically allowed him to get a thorough, three dimensional feel for their situation, the perfect completion to the two dimensional map his mind traced for him. With that in mind, he starts to put his thoughts into what action he should next - there are multiple ways this situation could be handled, but which one are the Freerunners - if these ambushers really are the Freeruners - likely to recognize and appreciate?

The doctor has to decide quickly. In the darkness, he is fairly confident that he and Talia have not yet been discovered. Neither has Xurizu, likely. His animal shape should give him the best cover of all of them. And thus, trusting that his comrades can remain in hiding or reveal themselves as they see fit, Higura makes a bold move - abandoning his position, he walks to the middle of the area he has in his mind. Surrounded by friends and foes, he walks slowly and deliberately, until he is fairly certain he stands more or less at the center of them all.

"Secrets - and truth - lie in darkness." He says, as he comes to a stop, completely relying on his senses. Surrounded by a curtain of black, Higura speaks, remaining straight and dignified despite his environment. "I can feel you. But I cannot see you. And you can see me." As he says the words, he raises his right hand and touches his left shoulder, as if to illustrate his notion - no doubt they would catch the gesture. "Many possibilities lie in the space where senses are dulled. Some will come to fruition - some will not who can tell? But there are words I can speak to you with confidence."

"You can measure mettle by many standards, but I can say that your words are true. We do not know whether you are truly friend or foe, whether your strength would overtake us in the event of a battle. But here in the darkness, we are all alike." The doctor raises a gloved hand, touching one of his cheeks. His eyes are focused straight ahead, in the direction where he think the speaker lies, and yet he does not seem to try to 'see' him. "You know nothing of us either. Not our make nor strengths, not our wills or intents. Should you snuff us out like one of the myriad untold secrets in the starry void, then you too will remain unknowing. You will never know if we truly were those you were waiting for, nor will you ever know why this group sought you."

"The choice is now yours. You can remain in darkness... Or dare to peer at the light."

"Leader!" growls the wolf-man Nanaret is holding. "What now?!" His tone is both tense and inquisitive. For the moment he allows Nanaret to walk him forward, but moving him is like pushing a dead weight. He lets his feet drag and is clearly unhappy with being forced into a hostage position.

Xurizu crawls toward the far end of the room to confirm the report Nanaret gave of the individuals' positioning. [Private to Ledaal Xurizu: You see a large, hulking shape that indeed appears to be some sort of elemental or golem. It appears to be primarily made of earth and embedded with quartz crystals. You might want to roll an Int+Occult to try to figure out what exactly this being is. Whatever it may be, it's clearly serving as the personal guard of the 'Leader'. You can also if you like, position yourself behind the Leader but I would like a stealth roll this time, as you can't be certain what sort of special awareness that golem has up close.]

As Higura moves forward, wading through cool water until the ground slopes upward enough to reach dry earth, he leaves Talia at the shaft opening out into the cavern. There are more subtle movements in the darkness. [Private to Saina Nanaret: The right most wolf-man closest to Talia's position is now pointing his crossbow at Higura. The other two with crossbows are briefly indecisive about who to aim at and settle with continuing to aim at you. As you move forward you can also start to make out details of the original speaker, the 'Leader' addressed by your captive.]

[Private to Saina Nanaret; Ledaal Xurizu: 'Leader', like the others, is a half-wolf, half-man. But unlike his lackeys, who are dressed in simple work clothes and mundane armor, this muscular beastman is actually wearing a jade breastplate. His clothing is of fine quality, a tailored coat, shirt and slacks. He even wears spectacles. A very... un-beastlike beast, though he does have the wolf's head and ears, wolf tail and furry body of the others.]

"Be patient," replies the one designated as Leader, much to his subordinate's dismay. "Let them come."

"You, who walks alone in the darkness. Am I to assume you and the wild one hanging onto my packmate are together? There should be four of you. If you are what we are expecting, then you ought to be more than capable of making short work of us, should we have attacked outright. So you understand, the set up here is more for our protection. To level the playing field."

"We can test this theory. Or you can reveal your light to us. Illuminate for us your true nature and what purpose brings you before us. Otherwise... our future will be decided in battle." [Private to Saina Nanaret; Ledaal Xurizu: You see him draw out what looks to be a hand-cannon in his left hand.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:04, Sat 20 June 2009.

Xurizu continues to pick his way around the cavern, moving around and behind the leader.  He doesn't get too close, since he knows he's far better fighting at range than up close.  He does get close enough that when he does reveal himself, his point will have been made and should things go south, he's ready to assist.  When the leader makes his pronouncement about them revealing themselves, Xurizu waits.

At least for a few more moments.

Xurizu scuttles around the golem creature he knows is standing guard, attempting to position itself. It seems... unsettled, the closer he gets to it, twitching its large hands, swiveling its head. But it seems otherwise unaware of the spider's presence, or at least uninterested in announcing it.

[Private to Ledaal Xurizu: You are convinced this being is an Earth Elemental, not a manmade construct. It is a 'gem-child', a spawn of the cavernous gemlords, a lesser member of the Mineral Courts. Its size lends well to its use in labor as well as defensive tasks and its earth-sense makes it a good sentinel; it can also be used to sense veins of precious mineral. It is slow but powerful.

Its summoner must be very close, as you are certain it would not be in this area naturally (this is after all an abandoned mine, so the earth has been depleted). Very likely the sorcerer is the 'Leader' himself but one cannot rule out that more people could be lying in wait at the exit behind the Leader and his elemental guard.]

Talia steps out of the shadows, hands in pockets, and sighs.  "So, are we just going to stand here challenging each other for much longer?  Because to be honest, I'm getting a little bored.  If you're the Freerunners, we're here to talk to you.  If you aren't, then presumably you're waiting for someone else coincidentally close to where we're having our clandestine meeting.  So, if we're going to fight, let's just get on with it, but otherwise, can we just skip ahead a bit?"


OOC: Sorry for the delay, I was waiting to see if anyone else was going to say it first.

An amused chuckle emerges from the darkness. Something rustles and clicks. [Private to Saina Nanaret; Ledaal Xurizu: The three with crossbows again shift targets, so that one aims at each of the three Exalts they can see. They could fire at any moment, if they wished, and appear restless enough to do so, though their Leader appears calm.][Private to Talia Zerith; Ledaal Xurizu: You're... still uncertain of the wolfmen's motivations, only that so far they have hesitated to attack even though one of their own is threatened.]"For you this is boredom. For us this is survival. Saying you wish to meet the Freerunners does not necessarily mean you wish them well, yes?"

"Oh, well. If you wish to remain in darkness, let us get to know one another the old-fashioned way. May my soul fly to the arctic heavens, should my actions be folly!" [Private to Saina Nanaret; Ledaal Xurizu: And Leader readies his hand cannon, raising his free right hand...]

[Private to Yaishin Higura: Having listened to the Leader speak for a time, and sensed with your preternatural awareness the situation around you, you feel that he had not started out with any intention to hurt you. More accurately he seems to be goading you, testing the limits of the group. Your patience and your integrity, your actions under pressure.

Also you believe he is reluctant to directly address that you are Celestials, yet he seems to be expecting to meet them. He wants to see proof of your Exaltation. Note, you're the only one who realizes this at this point, due to your high Socialize :)]

---

OOC: I'll give Higura and Nanaret one more chance to post, also Xurizu is still hidden so has a chance to act for a surprise turn. Here's the tick count in the event of battle.

actions
tick 0 - Higura
tick 1 - wolfman subordinates
tick 2 - Xurizu
tick 3 - wolfman leader
tick 4 - large hulking shape
tick 5 - Nanaret, Talia
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:33, Thu 18 June 2009.

"Grrrr... Doctor! They preparing to fire!" Nanaret shouts, uncaring now about being socially cautious. Yet the situation has her bewildered. The man she is holding has not yet struggled, and in fact smells... frustrated and nervous to her. Though Ranavalona would be delighted that she consume her so willingly cooperative prey, she has already asserted her will over the Bitch Queen, at least for now. It is only because of this, her lingering compassion for humanity(or half-humanity in this case), that she stays her hand.

No... that is not the only reason. Because she would not disappoint Higura. Because he showed her mercy when she had known none, caged like a beast in the Pit.

Perhaps these men, too, are caged in some way.

Nanaret continues dragging her captive toward the Leader, ignoring the crossbow trained on her. She addresses him now. "Stranger, you speak of light. But like this, only have one light to give that comes from myself." And so she releases her anima, a scintillating silver and dark blue aura, moonlight juxtaposed with slivers of shadow... a light that the people of Coils know of only in old paintings and written accounts. The light of the legendary night sky. The light of an Anathema. "You challenge a Chosen of the Moon!!"

[Private to GM: I'll also activate Hide-Toughening Essence for 3m, +6L/6B.]
This message was last edited by the player at 19:38, Thu 18 June 2009.

Almost on cue with Nanaret's intervention, Higura takes another step forward, eyes affixed in the darkness before him. He does not flinch, nor does he changes his overall attitude - he simply looks into the curtain of black, towards the shape he cannot see but knows is there.

"Nothing is gained if both sides hold back." Higura finally says, raising a hand in a gesture of non-threat in an attempt to defuse the rapidly escalating situation. "If for sake of preservation or survival we both stay entrenched and cloaked in our own fears and prejudices, then no knowledge will be awarded on either side. Darkness is where we would fight in this case, and no amount of light would dissipate it - in darkness we all would remain."

"Secrets and truth are gained with risks and daring. In order to gain them, something has to be offered. Only then will the stalemate be broken. The darkness around me is still somewhat of a cloak - I surmise you can see me thought it, of course, but were I so inclined, I could potentially still try to use its cover to hinder you. This cloak will be my offering."

There is no motion in the doctor's body, and yet the surge of essence that permeates it is all too noticeable. It trails his arms and shoulders like a myriad fireflies, and converges at his forehead, where the sign of Jupiter now shines brightly, illuminating his full form.

"I am Doctor Yaishin Higura, Chosen of Jupiter and once of the Resplendent Assessors. You can now see me fully, bathed in my own light; I know where you are, but I cannot see you. Let this be the offering that breaks the stalemate and cast us both into the light of truth."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:28, Sat 20 June 2009.

The combination of Nanaret's sudden and rather intimidating flare of Essence and Higura's calmer, measured introduction seems enough to satisfy the Leader. In fact he almost seems taken aback... though not surprised. "So be it. We'll do this the proper way, sir and madams. Lights!"

More movements in the dark.[Private to Saina Nanaret; Ledaal Xurizu: As Leader lowers his hand cannon, you see the three with crossbows grumpily lower their weapons, and reach for an object in their belt pouches. It is short stick shaped item (like a short baton) that emits a bluish light.] Finally, three sources of light blossom out of the darkness, two on the right side of the room, one on the left. Unlike a flame, the light sources radiate a cool blue-green aura, more like the luminescent natural lamps the builder bugs make out of fungi and lichen.

The light does not completely chase away the darkness, but one can see clearly the figures holding each source, and a 10 yard radius around them. They are wolf-men, with a humanoid shape but the head, tail and fur of a wolf. They wield hand-held bows in one hand, holding a glowing stick in their other; the bows are now pointed to the ground, though not disarmed.

Leader steps forward, so he is illuminated by the juxtaposition of those lights, joining the silvery aura of Nanaret and the brilliant green of Higura. While his comrades are dressed in simple clothing and armor, the wolfman pack leader wears a combo of tailored slacks, shirt and longcoat, with a breastplate of blue jade strapped over the shirt. Spectacles fit over his blue eyes, a blue made more intense by the light sources. He holds a hand-cannon in his left hand, which he immediately places back in its holster.

Several steps behind him, the lights just barely illuminate a hulking shape near the far exit, a golem-like creature nearly 10 feet tall. The sentinel drags itself forward as well, its steps slow and laborious.

"I am Freyr Irjin Edgestrider, of the Edgestrider sept of the Freerunners, but you can just call me Irjin." When he stops walking, he bows with a flourish; he is now standing closest to Higura, though still a few steps away. "No one cares for the titles anyway. But to be specific, I am to be your liaison to our Boss, our Alpha Leader, the legend known as Free."

There he pauses, and chants a short string of Old Realm phrases that Xurizu immediately recognizes as sorcery. [Private to Ledaal Xurizu: you're still behind Irjin and his elemental, and have yet to be noticed. You may roll Perc+Occult to identify the spell if you wish; 3 or more sux will let you know it is the spell Dragon of Smoke and Flame. If you want to disrupt his casting you have the opportunity to but if you make the roll you'll know the spell is non-lethal.]The wolfman being held by Nanaret meanwhile growls crossly, "Can I be let go of NOW?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:50, Sat 20 June 2009.

Xurizu studies the emerging spell with interest, once he has worked out that its intent is non-hostile.  He's very interested in any magic he sees being woven, comparing the leader's style with other casters he has seen.  He remains in spider form until the spell is cast, though.

Once the spell is complete, he twists and changes himself back to human form, still behind the leader and the elemental, allowing his castemark to shine on his forehead.  "I am glad you decided not to fight," he says, as soon as he is able.  "I am Xurizu."

Nanaret's grip tightens briefly on the complaining wolfman, actually cutting tips of his fur off with her hook sword as she watches the man known as Irjin start muttering like she's seen other sorcerers do.

But when Xurizu steps forward without showing alarm, Nana suddenly lets go of her captor and lets him stagger, or fall, in the absence of her grip. At the same time she draws the wolfman's sword with her now-free hand, and tosses it several yards away. Pushing him none-too-gently forward, toward his Leader, she stalks forward until she stands beside and slightly behind Higura.

"So just ask our name and see our aura is enough for you? Hmph... I hope is worth trouble to risk my provocation." The hooksword goes back in its sheath, and the dark-clothed Changing Moon crosses her arms, her hard smile illuminated eerily in the strange mix of blue, green and silver light that now surrounds her. "Doctor Higura is under my protection. If I thought you mean harm to him..." She shrugs. It would have made her angry, and that meant inflicting pain. "I do not understand why you make things more complex than need be, Freyr Irjin."

As Nanaret steps closer to him, Higura actually turns, and at her words, gives her an encouraging smile and a nod. "I am fine, Miss Nanaret. You need not worry about it for now. But nonetheless, thank you for your diligence." His smile widens, and he turns back towards the man across him, returning his bow before speaking again.

"Then we can finally greet one another, Freyr Irjin Edgestrider. Though the circumstances were rather... Well, unfortunate, I do understand that your people need to remain cautious, especially in these troubled times." Higura makes a gesture for Talia as well, indicating to her that it is now safe to approach as well.

"I do admit it was a gamble for us as well. We did not know if your leader would consider lending an ear to us, or whether he would even consider meeting with someone not of his people. So many tales and legends go about Free himself and his group that it becomes difficult for one to make any sort of assumption." The doctor smiles, then peers curiously at the man across him.

"And so here we are. Are we to assume that you are the one we should speak with, or did your master grant us permission to speak to him?"

Irjin's spell completes in a burst of Essence, forming into a dragonet of bright white light trailing wisps of smoke, illuminating the room much more strongly than the hand-held lights of his subordinates. The spell-manifestation circles him lazily as he listens to the others with interest. [Private to Ledaal Xurizu: Pretty useful lil' spell with the 'destination finding' power, I'll mark it as a spell you can learn later on, if you have the experience to spare.]

"So, Xurizu, and Higura. And the two ladies are Nanaret and Talia, then. Let me guess... You, the fiesty one, are Nanaret, the last reigning Pit Princess." Irjin bares his teeth in the approximation of a smile, which on a wolf's visage looks more menacing than it ought to be. "And Talia, you spent some time with the Freerunner pack that was chased out of B25. My apologies, I thank you for enduring the 'hazing' if you will."

"Our Boss is a demanding individual. He wishes for me to make an assessment," he raises his eyebrows significantly at Higura, "of you, to test your integrity under duress. Only then shall I bring you before him in good faith. I will say you've done well so far, if you've not yet slain me with impatience." The impeccably dressed pack leader makes something of a throaty chuckle. "Now. If you will follow me, please."

That said, Irjin turns without waiting for assent, leading the way through the far exit. Two of his men flank him immediately, while the other two (including the one that Nanaret manhandled, still rubbing his neck and grumbling about the 'crazy one') take up the rear with the golem.

"If you've any questions, feel free to ask them while we walk," Irjin says calmly. "I owe you folks that much, since there IS more to come." A rather ominous proclamation. "Though, I admit I am immensely curious, Doctor Higura. You really are a Resplendent Assessor? Recently freed and all? That's not a title to throw around lightly. Why do you still associate yourself with the Assessors, if you're working toward Freedom?"

The next corridor ahead stretches on several tens of yards until the cavern walls abruptly shift from natural earth to cold metal plating. The angles between walls, ground and ceiling are 90 degrees perfect, like one would expect at one of the Gatekeeper control floors. The group's footsteps echo through the passageway on that hard metal plating, but their guide continues along unperturbed.

---

OOC: Double-posting to hurry along some so we can get to Kilani sooner. :) I'd like to in the next few days so I'll be speeding up the post rate here for a bit.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:05, Mon 22 June 2009.

Following the group when prompted, Higura is mostly politely silent through the Freerunners' procedures, so as not to interfere with their preparations and interactions.

"That is an interesting question." The doctor responds, once Irjin asks. >"Of course, like with many interesting questions, the answer is manifold. One part of why is because it is in my past - there is no escaping it, nor is there any point to lie about it. My name alone perhaps does not ring any bells, but the association more than likely narrows down any familiarity one might have with it." The doctor pauses in his exposition for a moment, taking the time to remove and clean his glasses as he continues.

"The second is rather more obscure, and would apply only to a few people - and will require some explanation of my duties as I was a part of the Assessors. Back then, I was sent to the Water District in order to act as a counselor to Gladiators and other residents - as sort of a 'combat therapist', if you will. To assess their mental health as other healers assessed their physical health. As you might expect, however, I did have other, concealed tasks as well. As my patients confided in me, I was to 'assess' their risk factor. That is, how likely were they to rebel, or cause trouble, or reject authority. Since I was placed in the position of a confident, I was to use this 'confidential' information and make periodic reports on my fellow denizens of the Water District. If one subject was considered too problematic to wait for a report, it would then be my duty to terminate them quietly on the spot, so as not to endanger the rest of the Coils."

"My superiors misjudged who they gave these responsibilities to, however. Given my origins, I was not inclined to follow these orders. In fact, these individuals I was tasked to act against had more in common with me than my 'employers'. For some time, I purposefully concealed information from my superiors, lying about dangerous cases and deliberately allowing these elements to roam free. It has been my hope that in the debacle of the Water District, some of my patients have managed to go free... I usually use my previous appellation since they would recognize it. I sometimes hope they have found other niches, and have joined organizations such as yours. Until now, however, my hopes have not proven true."

"I do not give up hope, however, and continue to use the title in certain situations, in case one of my previous patients will happen to notice it. This is a strange habit, perhaps, but it is the full truth."

Xurizu is mostly silent, observing the route they are taking and listening to the conversation between Higura and Irjin.  When that conversation is over, he is silent for a little while.

"Those weapons your men have," he gestures to the crossbow.  "I don't think I have ever seen them within Five Coils, nor heard of their use anywhere within its confines.  What are they and is there a chance I could see them in operation?" he enquired.  "Although not on us," he added with a grin.

"Perhaps at some other time, I would like to talk sorcery with you too."  He indicates the dragonet, and the golem.

"You guys have got some pretty nice gear," Talia interjects, following closely.  "If you don't mind I'd love to take a look at it.  Well, maybe not right now--if we end up working together, I'll hopefully get a chance to tinker with them a bit.  I don't think the guys I was holed up with had anything like that, but I wasn't there very long.  Maybe they didn't bring out the good stuff around me."

Nanaret "hmphs" and belatedly nods an assent when Irjin speaks her name. She still isn't happy about the trouble of 'testing' them, but the more rational part of her understands that the need for security in such an organization as the Freerunners must be quite high.

Perhaps then she can learn something from them. More and more she is taking her role as bodyguard quite seriously. The idea of using her skills to protect rather than for soulless entertainment is deeply appealing to her.

Letting the others do the talking for now, Nanaret follows along silently, focusing her senses to carefully keep track of every detail of the new environment they are walking into. She would have preferred to take up the rear rather than have the golem and wolfmen at her back; the setup makes her feel restless, particularly after Freyr Irjin mentioned there would be more to the assessment. She would not be caught off guard.

[Private to GM: 03:15, Today: Saina Nanaret rolled 4 successes using 9d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 7,7,8,5,4,1,3,2,9. perc+aware. used perception excel.]

Irjin is content to let Higura explain himself, verbose as he may be. Perhaps he is pleased that the Celestials are so amenable to giving away information. "Fascinating circumstances. And it seems we have similar jobs... just on a different scale, and with different bosses. I see. Assuming everything works out, if you've any names in particular you are seeking I can inquire about that on your behalf."

"Though... if you held such an important position to the Five Coils Council, you must consider the idea that they will prioritize sending individuals now to 'assess' you. And likely as not eliminate or bring you back into the fold." He taps his neck to indicate exactly what he means by that.

Irjin's attention shifts to Xurizu and Talia. "I do hope that we can grow to be friends. My duties come first, but I do not meet a great many sorcerers. You may know that the Boss himself is an accomplished sorcerer. I endured a great deal to learn even a small amount of that."

"As for our equipment. Those weapons are part of the compromises we have made, or in this case inherited, due to having less reliable access to higher technology. Many of our people carry them due to the conveniences they offer, including ease of production and use. Some of us are lucky enough to... erm, acquire even better arms." He pats the hand cannon he holds. It appears to be a compact form of an essence weapon. "Don't worry... you'll have plenty opportunity to watch them in action."

After a few abrupt turns through the metallic maze, it appears the group is now approaching a dead end. The door at the end reminds Xurizu of the metallic sliding doors he saw in the Gatekeeper of Water's B26 Control Floor. It is lit up with white essence power-lines in whorl and serpentine patterns. Irjin directs the rear guard to watch the corridor behind them as he swiftly begins to input glyphs on the panel adjacent to the door. Soon afterward a distinctive whirring sound occurs, coming from beyond the door and making the floor tremble slightly.

[Private to Saina Nanaret: You hear another more minute whirring sound starting up from some distance behind. Some sort of automaton or mechanism activated along with whatever Irjin did at the door?]

[Private to Yaishin Higura: You feel another cold surge as you realize that what Irjin did with the panel has definitely activated some sort of distant trap. You feel you have less than 10 minutes to prepare for it.]

"Do believe me when I say that I contemplate this possibility each day I am allowed to remain free." The doctor responds, continuing to gaze ahead. "But this was meant to be this way, even from the first day I was assigned to the Assessors themselves. I have a role to fulfill, and will accept the consequences that come from fulfilling this role." Higura pauses, then smiles. "But for what it is worth, I am glad you think of me as an equal, lord Irjin. Understanding, even if it is only a fragment of it, is a precious commodity in this world of ours. I welcome it."

The doctor then pauses, and although his expression does not falter, he lifts his chin slightly at the man's inputting of the glyphs. A tinge comes in his mind, and he nods almost imperceptibly. "Of course," he begins, turning toward the group's leader, "It is that same kinship that allows me to understand that our trials are not over - and that what you have just done will mean another bout of danger for us... And soon."

Higura pauses, lowering his gaze. If anything, this statement should at least serve to get his friends anticipating the danger ahead, just as he has felt it.

Nanaret tenses up as well, both at the warning from Higura and the sounds she can hear distantly. Whirring... mechanical sounds. She frowns, thinking of the machines Danae had awakened.

Her next motion is to switch from readying her hook sword to pulling Sixth Coil from its back-tube. The length of moonsilver chain-linked steel slithers smoothly into her hands, so exquisitely crafted that it exhibits a suppleness metal ought not to have. Then she gathers two sections in either hand, snapping the center three taut with a crack!

"Higura may be kind, but I do not appreciate this, Freyr Irjin. Maybe we not worth enough to you to trust us." She doesn't focus her wrath on Irjin, though, but turns, covering Higura as she faces opposite the glowing mechanical door.

[Private to GM: I assume my soak charm is still up. I want to activate Snake Form, but not sure how long it'll be until whatever's coming arrives.]
This message was last edited by the player at 10:29, Sat 27 June 2009.

Irjin, perhaps surprisingly to the others, does not acknowledge Higura's assertions, but frowns deeply. He looks troubled by the news. "No... this was not planned at all. I must have inputted just a touch too slow. One can never be too exact, dealing with machines."

The Freerunner pack leader instructs his men to form a perimeter, with the golem up front. "If it's what I think it is, our crossbow bolts won't be very effective," Irjin says. He pushes his glasses up his snout, a gesture of impatience, or nervousness. "Nor will most ordinary weapons."

"Let me explain. I have called the lift down to take us to B23. But I've not managed to bypass the security completely. Whatever is coming is likely an automaton guard to deal with my transgression."

"It is of utmost importance that I bring you to our Boss. Therefore, once the lift opens I recommend all of you, my Celestial guests, step into it and head upward. I and my people will remain behind to take care of the mess. Of course, we may be lucky and the lift comes before the guardian... we shall see." There is a gleam in Irjin's blue eyes as he readies his hand-sized essence cannon.

---

OOC: Perc+Invest or Socialize, if you want to make sure he's really not expecting what's coming.

Talia's attention is piqued by the mechanical noises; she listens closely, trying to evaluate a likely source of those particular sounds.

"Seems like an awful lot of trouble for a trap; even more for a test," she mutters quietly.
"I wonder if the virus got through yet..."
One hand falls to the fan at her waist.

[Private to GM: I'd like to try and identify the approaching automaton, if possible.  I wasn't sure what to roll so I guessed.
16:44, Today: Talia Zerith rolled 4 successes using 7d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 6,9,10,8,5,4,2. Perc+Craft(magitech).

16:43, Today: Talia Zerith rolled 3 successes using 7d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 with rolls of 4,8,2,10,5,3,4. Perc+Soc. ]

Talia doesn't believe that the coming automaton is one of the Sentries she has typically seen in Earth District before. Particularly because the sounds she hears indicates the machine (if indeed there is only one) is not walking, but rather hovering.

[Private to Talia Zerith: You can think of a couple makes of machine they could be. There are the Whistlers, which are primarily watch-sentries with little combat ability. Shaped like sea anemones, they have spikes to make them appear menacing, proximity alarms to alert the next AI authority in line, and if threatened may activate a self-destruct sequence that can do comparative damage as to an explosive mine. They are also able to survive in water.

Another floating machine type is the Scorpion Swift Striker. A primarily offensive unit that can fold itself into a compact shape and hover over the ground (with similar technology as a gliding chariot) to save travel-time. When unfurled they take the shape of the eponymous scorpion; the tail is usually some sort of ranged cannon, the pincers can be used to crush or immobilize enemies.]

The lift seems to be taking its sweet time, while Freyr Irjin inputs further inquiries. The Freerunners wait tensely, weapons readied, while the golem stolidly stands guard. Something, vaguely round in shape, is emerging around a bend in the corridor, maybe 70-80 yards opposite the glowing door. Irjin, bent over the panel, says in a rather strained voice, "It's coming down now. We'll only have several seconds' window so prepare yourselves."

---

OOC: it looks like the floating thing(s) will arrive about the *same* time the lift opens.

[Private to Talia Zerith: The magitech roll is fine. :) Also, you're certain that Irjin isn't faking. He really wasn't expecting the automatons to come.]

No use getting caught unprepared then, in the case this is not one of the Freerunenrs' tests. Higura thinks, as he readies his own sword and gazes sideways to his comrades. Still, he does not yet give up the idea that this is not part of the plan, and does observe Irjin's mannerisms in case he can pick up a flaw or fault in them.

"I would surmise this is the most secure and direct way up then, if it is so tightly guarded." Higura comments, as he puts his back to the lift and prepares himself for the coming attack. "Which also likely means that we will have to fight with it at our backs and make certain it does not get damaged - or that we do not lose our window of opportunity."

"If you or your men can offer any additional insight about what we are about to face, now would be the time..." Higura finally says, in Irjin's direction, before turning to his own companions. "And the same goes for you, my friends. If you spot anything that might help us, I would advise we put such thoughts together - this situation might prove rather difficult."

[Private to Gatekeeper: Since Higura doesn't know if Irjin is sincere or not (Talia didn't confirm her certainty), I'll have him roll as well. He'd try to be on the safe side, so that'd be part of 'protocol', in a way.

You rolled 1 success using 8d10 with the White Wolf Exalted system with a target of 7 ((4,6,4,4,3,1,8,1)).]