The Little Shop of Weapons

[Janus]

First topic message reminder :

The hustle and bustle of the city was without a doubt in it's usual swing. Businesses constantly coming and going so fast due to crime, high rent, poor sales, and what not. It was with these 'natural' sources that a single shop could slide in and occupy a small building cramped between two others. No windows, and the entrance was below street level. One would need to use the stairs to descend down to the buildings entrance, as there was a separate business above the lower. The only hint at what this new business was, would be a very plain sign with an anvil and a hammer. A forge. Should one dare the short trip down the stairs, they would find the front door. Past this, the store itself. Cramped, small, and every single inch that wasn't floor space filled with weapons and armor of all classes. However something was very odd. Not a single item was doubled, unless required ( Such as gauntlets, boots, twin daggers / swords ). Also, perhaps it was the lighting but something was different about the items. Their quality, if the eyes of the customer where trained well enough to see, is beyond the level of any other merchant on the streets. The light source itself was simple orbs of magical light stuck to the ceiling.

[MaliceD]

Malice watched the lad a moment and his movements before simply sighing and looking on the weapons rack and perhaps finding a nice pump shotgun. Taking it off the wall he glanced around to find the ammo for the weapon, after trial and error figured out how to load the weapon. Looking around a bit more his copper eyes landed upon something that looked like a pistol and took it as well. Searching he came across a magazine and loaded the strange looking pistol, having no real ideal to what these weapons are( will leave what they are up to random chance i geuss) glancing to the Lad and Lass. He simply popped his neck and took note of the layout of the shop. After all having cover is a good thing isn't it. Ladd tell us what you sense and lets come up with a strategy for them.

[Ayla_Stark]

Ayla looked slightly concerned as Galvery mentioned many others coming. Watching Malice's moves and choices of weapons, she took a few quick glances around the shop to try to find something she could handle and that she would be able to carry, should they need to run. Looking at the smaller blades, she chose a rather odd-looking dagger, which she doubted was just a dagger. Picking it up carefully, she tested the weight and practiced with it for a few seconds before deciding that it was acceptable. Since she had not been one for guns, she looked over a selection of rather formidable looking crossbows, grabbing one of the smaller ones and choosing a selection of bolts, mixing regular and exploding ones carefully. Once she was satisfied with her selection, she turned to Galvery and Malice, ask if silently asking what their next step was.

[Galvery]

Minutes before firefight: The young half-blood stood in awe at the thick headness of the Ork and then looks from him to the outside, pulling open the door as he says, "I admire your courage Orc, but this isn't even our shop to defend." Pondering that very statement he sighs and rolls his shoulders as he adds, "I guess you let terror gain any ground you might as well give them the whole pie. The fight starts here Malice." Breathing slowly he concentrates his extraterrestrial senses and extends himself to cast his "eye" on the group heading their way and he says as his eyes open, "There are over a dozen in all and there are three powerhouses at the head with one of them being a counter measure for Mr. Caine before his untimely leave. I will go across the street and take the high ground while you keep their attention. I only ask you to be at the brunt of the action because you seem like you can handle yourself."

The Elementian leaves the shop in a flash, charging off in a dead run and pushing himself off the ground and in a single bound lifts his body at least twenty-five feet up into the air. His fingers tear into the buildings material with an iron grip, climbing till all that is needed is a half-measured jump to take the high ground. This literally takes seconds to perform with athletic competency and at the top his kneels for a small prayer to his native gods of Greyhawk, though he unknowingly has gods outside of the Greyhawk realm, "Gods and goddesses please let my father hear my plea. Please father give me the strength I believe you possessed so that I may complete this mission keeping both myself and this Orc alive. I love and miss both you and my mother. Gods rest her soul." It was then after his prayer the real battle began as molotovs are thrown into the weapons shop and a hail of gunfire tears through the place. Still with fear he hoes to turn around eying his new gauntlet or else known as Hand of the Oiad, which just that second a streak of blue descends from the heavens to strike down upon Galvery and with that his eyes become filled with some navy blue hue.

Unknown to the young lad he was just possessed by an even greater being than himself-one of the right hands of the angel king his legendary Horsemen-the Horseman of Havoc.(Yep. That one is for you Malice.) Keeping low the avatar glares at his queries with hunger in his facade, the thrill of the kill in the eyes of a warrior centuries old and lifting that gauntlet arm the oiadium forms "rails" to create a highly powered electromagnetic current procreated via the Legacy under his control. Bolts of lightning stream along bouncing off a fluctuating sphere conjured during the creation of the "rails" and the power at his command preparing to come to life.(Will note that Alura's player will be MIA till Monday)

[MaliceD]

He watched the lad lead his charge. A chuckled sounded from his lips as he turned to Alya and winked at her. It wasn't a attempt to flirt but more of a comforting wink that said with out words. We got this. He moved the sound of a rattling echoed out with a vicious Glee. The ork had deemed it worthy and as such the various charms and pendants along his Aegis armor reacted with a violent shudder. A silent explosion of pure ki washed over him with a glimmering presence that felt like war was coming to the market place.( charge 1) his ki manifested physically pulling like a vortex into his sanctified nemesis force gauntlets that roared with his pure essence. Then enveloped Mal with a field of his Sanctuary, pumping his ki into his fist he punched it at the gun fire enveloping the Front of the shop with the Field in attempts to keep them focused on the shop while Galvery worked his ( possessed ass ) around to do what he needed to do.( charge 2) while his right fist stayed Extended he charged a second level of power into his cocked back left fist. When the shield would eventually fail. And he knee it would he would strike back with his pure energy in well we will have to wait until that would happen. The Sanctuary is strong enough to last 3 rounds until it will shatter at least the continuous energy he was pumping into it=e=

[Ayla_Stark]

(Let's see if this works...I am typing on my phone with terrible service).
Ayla fell to her knees, arms folded over her head as the initial attack happened, the shop sprayed with glass, chemical, and fire. Though they were soon surrounded with smoke, she caught Malice's winpoo r further k and the meaning behind it. Still staying low, she looked up at him as if further direction or reassurance, watching his actions that seemed to be shielding them. Maybe this would be the best time to participate in something other than causing trouble... she thought, nodding a bit to herself. Looking down at the crossbow beside her and then to the bolts she had chosen, she loaded one of the exploding bolts, leaning up on her knees just enough to be able to see out of the shattered window without getting hit. Though not able to see well, she could see the amount of men that Galvery had confirmed. Behind them she saw a vendor's stall that had been abandoned sometime during everything that was going on. This would be her target as their attackers were all close enough that she could atleast injure a few, if not kill some. It was better to try than to die without even attempting to take a few of the others outside with her. The trigger on the crossbow gave a sharp click as she pulled it. When she saw that her aim was correct, she ducked back down, hearing the resulting explosion outside, hoping that it had worked.

[Galvery]

The brief bombardment of shells and rounds indeed takes the young Elementian off guard, but the metal beads of the shotgun rounds do manage to pierce the naturally robust flesh of the extraterrestrial; however, his bones naturally reinforced with carbine and double twined muscles manage to hold ironclad to the spread. He winces as the metal pierces him, but continues to climb; however, when the thompsons are used the first flash of metal and ring of gunfire causes an instinctive reaction. Galvery leaps far to his left to avoid direct shots, stone crumbling under his iron-like grip and he takes that half-measured leap again to take the rooftop. Rather than the awesome force of the Horseman taking over the half-blood he draws his .50 caliber Elementian pistol and lets off a full clip down at the roughians.

Twelve high caliber rounds spin through the air down upon the men and monsters alike, singing as the crystals vibrate their elven song. All twelve rounds take on different forms three of them literally turn into cannonballs, then another three turn into ballista's, three more turn into twenty inch spikes and the final three high explosive warheads of some magical make. Afterwards he'd withdraw the pistol to grip his staff with both hands, preparing for the creature coming his way.

[MaliceD]

(Charge 3) energy continued to build within Mal, though he could feel the Sanctuary becoming weaker. However it served its purpose to bid time. For those that had been Spending there time trying to weaken Sanctuary they may notice the slight Shift. A Explosion of his left fist contacting the shield as his right retreated to his side. The Shield at the present moment was as wide as the front of the shop suddenly began Bull dozen its way toward the cluster of things that continued to fire out of the shop. Stepping out a force washed over Mal as he began his approach directly behind the incoming shield using it as cover to get his melee ass close range to these Bastards. Once Close he go for a near by alley way out of there sight. He had plan as he turned putting his back to the turning wall and lvl the shot gun for the narrow pathway. If they wanted him, then they had to come get him(again no clue what kind of shot gun i grabbed or what it does, will let you decide what happens if the trigger is pulled oh by the way, Charge 4)=e=

[Ayla_Stark]

Ayla continued to watch at Malice fought to keep the shield up though noticed that, despite the strength of the shield and of Malice, that it was beginning to weaken against the firepower. As the orc began to move, she looked around as if wondering whether to follow him or attempt to fight by herself. Even a weakened shield was better than no shield. So her thoughts told her. As she had had very little battle experience on this scale, she assumed that the same rules applied in either situation. If only she had learned shielding magic like that...what little she had learned had been focused on changing appearance and enchanting weapons but the latter would much longer than she had and the former was of no use to her at the moment. She looked down at the crossbow bolts she had grabbed. She had managed to get a few quivers full so she could last for a while but how many were out there? Something seemed to changed at that moment. As she lifted herself only slightly to peer out of the window again, she noticed the visible group was more spread out. She knew exactly what it meant as she was the only one in that vicinity of whatever remained of the shop. Loading another one of the exploding darts carefully, she slipped both quivers onto her back slowly, only after she fired it did she turn to try to find another door out. Not knowing the layout beyond the front of the shops itself, she knew it may be a questionable escape, if it was an escape at all.

[Galvery]

It was fortunate that distance was on his side when it came to the firearms such as the shotguns and frag-guns, missing just barely with the plasma ridden substance. Though the bee bees of the shot gun shells pierced his flesh the muscle stood ironclad as blood coursed down his bare flesh. The warms of his own blood was remotely calming letting him know he was still alive. There was a bang as the handcannon was knocked from his grip, but the Hand of the Oiad kept his fingers intact within the metal, oaidium possessing 3x's the strength of Earth borne titanium; however, remaining just below legendary metals such as vibranium and adamantium. Roaring to life the entity within the gauntlet lets out an electromagnetic burst strong enough to repel the dagger aloft and perhaps whatever effects it might of had. The half-blood Elementian widens his gaze as he feels the ki or spiritual energy slowly used from his core essence and then watches as the electromagnetic pulse continues out like a wave of power, killing anything that uses electricity within a three hundred yard radius, but those closer to its influence would feel the insurmountable force generated.

Falling back he holds himself against the neighboring wall as he steadies himself, but in that second time to him seems to slow to a crawl and the world around him takes on a oily affect. The blue orb returns floating before him as his speaks, emitting light like bolts of lightning with every word, "Use my power the Hand of the Oiad if you desire to live beyond today." It only lasted a fraction of a second but the All-Creater releases the young Galvery to the world once again to eye his opponent. This would be his first real face to face conflict. Looking to the clawed gauntlent he closes his eyes to concentrate his ki, which then electricity rumbles from the relic to slither about it till engulfing his entire body to charge his eyes with the unbridled wrath of Zues himself in the ancient god had existed. Gripping his stave tightly it extends to equal length of a six foot bowstaff. He takes his stand turning his wrist to implant the butt int the stone too and draws his left leg back, bringing his right leg to the brunt while eying his opponent in readiness.

[MaliceD]

(Charge 5, Holocaust) Sanctuary had weakened to the bullets but what finally broke Through it was that cudgel of their leader. The shrapenal came after spiraling toward him along with the dust it picked up. Everything inclose Range suddenly sparked with white flames, the air its self burned as the flames of his soul backed by his words sent a wave of inferno eating away at the shrapenal and dust until nothing was left. The streets and building around his 30ft by 30 ft area where melted and molten everything within the area would have suffered terrible harm if all went to plan. Metals would boil and drip even his own Nemisis Gauntlets where glowing a cherry red. Smoke fumed from his Aegis armor before a smile cracked from his now blackened face, that soon was covered by what appeared to be the aegis armor stretching and form fitting over ever part of his body. The orc felt this was important Alright Lad, lets dance (charge 6, Hammerhand) the energy that had been collect now forced there way throughout his entire body collecting power, the energy wouldn't be released no turned inside to fuel his own destructive strength and Endurance. At the very least he had to keep this leader busy why they delt with the others( didn't make it into the alley)

[Ayla_Stark]

Ayla eventually found an exit from the weapons shop and into a nearby alleyway though found herself disoriented as far as where to go next. She knew that turning one way would send her to the center of the fight (not necessarily what she wanted to do at that moment), the other end remaining clear. One step in the safer direction proved the wrong decision as a building (the one that Galvery had been fight on top of) collapsed, blocking the alley with rubble. The force of the collapse knocked her feet from under her, her back smacking the ground hard. After rolling onto her stomach and pushing herself on the ground, she picked up her weapons and shook her head a bit, looking behind her at the empty alleyway and before her at the collapsed building. Deciding what she thought to be the safer route, climbing carefully over the rubble to try to find her way out.

[Galvery]

The young half-blood watched as Patrekk went flying off and into a neighboring building, which put him at ease until he look and saw Malice the Ork in trouble now as it was but he wouldn't have time to worry about that. The rooftop had become horrendously weakened and he went falling through the floor with a whole ceiling of concrete coming down on top of him; which, caused the next floor to become unstable, but fortunately for the time being it still held together. A cry of surprise escaped the Elementian as he fell through, then a gasp for air as the wind was completely knocked from his lungs, then the groans as he sat on the third floor of the four story building groaning from the agony of a few broken rib bones and a punctured lung. Gasping for air he begins to struggle, pushing large blocks of concrete off of him and then very slowly stands as he begins limping his way down the hallway to try and find an exit, locating his handcannon as he does so.

Lacking the current strength to fight back he holds his handcannon at ready, shaking somewhat as blood filters into his right eye from the breach of his hairline. Speaking to himself he says, "I must go help Mr. Malice...and that girl... I must." Even now his thoughts roamed from his own problems of three broken ribs, punctured lung, reinjured knee and a busted cranium.

[MaliceD]

Blood spewed from the orks mouth and down his aegis armor. He felt his ribbs crack though not exactly fully break due to the combination of his orkish frame and Aegis armor. However the damage was still significant everything felt light as a feather until he went through the stalls, through a outhouse and through the window of the building on the same floor Gal had landed in. Rubble and glass covered the ork as he held his ribbs and coughed, thanks to his armor no glass had managed to cut him.` id amite, that was a good swing, `he coughed up a bit more blood shoveing debree from him and stood.(charge 7) `pft` he sounded before he blinked and glanced to the lad, `fancy meeting you here Lad, how many are left` Mal would never admite this but his body was showing signs of not only damage but heavy breathing with his chest rising and falling as fast as it was.the Sanctuary, the haulocaust where expensive. Giving the distance from the leader he figured he had mabye less then a minute before he to would charge inside. Then the ideal struck him. Lad get them inside, we will bring the building down on them currently he didn't realise their other partner was near or in the building, but he did say it loud enough mabye she could hear the orks voice echoing. To his feet he went. The helmet revealing a bloodied mouth that was streaming down his chin. The Ork however was smiling seeming enjoying his self, after all it was the way of the ork battle was everything to them.

[Ayla_Stark]

Ayla's brows furrowed as she looked around her, having heard Malice's voice but not seeing him or Galvery anywhere. Seeing no immediate way into the collapsed building, she climbed a pile of debris carefully, finding both of them quickly. She looked between the two silently, taking note of their extensive injuries, just then noticing her more minor ones. Her right cheek burned from a slowly bleeding cut just below her eye, receiving from a piece of glass that had blown out of a window though no glass embedded in the cut itself, luckily. Her left sleeve had been nearly shredded and a painful looking piece of glass had nearly run through her forearm. Noting the injury, she tore the shreds of sleeve from the shirt, to assess the real damage to her arm, she then carefully tore the other sleeve from the shirt, holding it in her mouth as she slowly removed the glass, groaning softly, quickly tying the scrap around the wound, pulling it tight with her teeth. After making sure that she had now other possibly life-threatening injuries, she looked back at the other two. "What happened to you two?"

[Galvery]

The young half-blood jerked the pistol aiming his sights right on Malice with the intentions of pulling the trigger, but he stops the instinctive reaction just in time. That goof grin of the Orks putting him at ease and with a swollen eye/busted gum he smiles at him saying, "Hey there." However when he mentioned bringing the building down he grimace as he replies, "There might be innocent people in this building we can't do it and say its just collateral damage. I cant live with something like that." Looking around he sighs an adds, "Let me check something." Concentrating his extraterrestrial senses he extends his "sight" and observes the area from a three-dimensional view; which, in a sensory view much like that of Daredevil he senses all around him within viable proximity. Hren was within that proximity and he could also see there were no roughians around as they for the most part retreated, but something was afoot he could feel the shift in power as the monster commander drew from his innate.

Right then the girl from before arrived, which unfortunately he could not outright remember her name for the situation has been too chaotic. He opens his eyes looking at the two of them and says, "Hurry. Get out of the building. There's some kind of tunnel beneath here." The Elementian can feel the power he was generating at the top of the building before his untimely descent, but something was different about it for it seemed vastly greater this time and he'd loft that Hand of the Oiad to aim directly where Hren is standing. Bolts of electricity slither up his body and into gauntlet until he unleashes an actual beam of lightning with the voltage an ampage enough to light up an entire suburban area. It's enough force and power to char the concrete wall into a perfect circle approximately 2.5x2.5 ft and it streaks with the immeasurable speed of lightning straight for Hren. Immediately following his ki had been dramatically drained and he is left more vulnerable than he was, nearly dropping to the ground with his weapons in hand as he continues to say, "Run."

[MaliceD]

Seeing Ayla, and Gal and after the release of Gal ki into the lightening blast. The collision of energy began to cause the building to tilt. for sake of all that is fair! as the building began to fall he had only one choice. He positioned his self to grab hold of Ayla, and Gal pulling them into a bear hug before he roared with a Shockwave dumping all the stored energy, all the energy he had left in his body into this their chance. Sanctuary roared to life like a sphere surrounding them much like a drill bit. Accessing his already empowered orkish muscles he would attempt to lift them feeling the pain from his ribs but charge up toward the wall on the opposite side of the building that Hren would be facing. If contact happened with the wall a loud explosion shock-waved through the building exploding the portion like shrapnel all around the field he had produced. As the feel he turned his body to be on the bottom before it slammed creating heir line cracks and a trimmer that echoed throughout the city streets shaking other buildings from the force in which they had hit. His body would act like a shock adsorbent for the other two while his own would be cushioned by the Sanctuary that hit first. However the force was still great. The ork felt that burning pain of his bones creaking and cracking, and breaking in his rib cage. Two rib's had broken from where the mace of Hren had collided with before. Blood splattered from his mouth and nose. Mal was out cold simply laying there. The shield shattering around the two, but at-least they would be safe for the moment. His arms went limp slamming into the pavement releasing them from his grasp.

[Ayla_Stark]

Ayla nearly lost her balance as the building began to give out beneath their feet. Not having anytime to consider her own next move, she and Galvery were pulled into Malice's arms and they left the collapsing building, only the collide with the wall of another. After they landed on the floor of the new building, she rolled a few feet away, landing hard on her injured arm though her makeshift bandage still held up. Lifting herself off of the ground and into a seated position, she assessed the current damage, seeing that she was the least injured (by far) of the bunch. This was of no comfort at all as her fighting up til now had mostly been based on luck and overly good aim. She shook Malice carefully and looked over at Galvery as she loaded the crossbow (which had thankfully not been damaged too badly) with one of the exploding darts, just in case. Staring towards the missing wall and aiming carefully, she spoke. "I don't suppose either of you are still in any condition to fight...?" She said, her voice shaking a bit though her aim remained steady.

[Galvery]

Groaning Galvery manages to his feet looking to Alyla and nods as he says, "We can't stay here and fight.." Sighing he grips his now four broken ribs, heaving air as he does so and says, "Get Malice out of here. I'll hold them off." Wiping blood from his mouth he grips his father's handcannon, then turns to make his way towards an open porthole or else known as a window where he climbs out. Using the debri as a stairway the young Elementian bravely makes his way down to ground level, wobbling a bit under his own weight as he reaches a half-way point to eye Hren. Surely Galvery was vastly outclassed, but he had to give the others time to escape and so he tries the first weakness of any bad guy...monologues, "What are you trying to prove here bro? You think it shows your strength by beating on people when you vastly out number them?" He grins as the handcannon is held at ready, but for the time being he does not yet fire. The plan was to occupy the powerhouse while the others escaped not get himself killed.

[Ayla_Stark]

Ayla had looked down at the now unconscious Malice as Galvery spoke, silently questioning how she would get him out without help. As Galvery left, she unloaded the crossbow, putting away the bolt and then strapping the weapon itself to her back with the two quivers. She then turned and stood at the orc's head, bending down to try to lift him by pulling up under his shoulders. Though she managed to drag him a very small distance, she didn't dare try anymore, not knowing how badly he was injured nor wanting to injure herself. Had she been a lesser person, she would have just left but so far both of her companions had saved her life, the orc doing so more than once. As she couldn't move him alone, she retrieved the crossbow and loaded it again, sitting down next to him, deciding to merely try her best to defend him until he woke up.

[Galvery]

The young Elementian was beyond exhausted at this point with a plethora of injuries to boot, but that did not mean take this punishment lying down. The handcannon he had trained on the monster Hren would be put to work as he repeatedly taps the trigger-the hammer popping off round after round and if the commander was to move Galvery would follow with the iron-sights. First round the singing crystal bullet would spin through the air with the lethal impact of a .50 caliber, but just before colliding with the rock it would emit its song and then suddenly transform with a small burst of magic into an iron cannonball; which, of course would smash through the stone with little effort and continue to traverse with increasing speed. The next eleven rounds will follow as such: Two iron cannonballs, three steel twenty inch spikes, three magical energy warheads(non-elemental) with the payload equivalent to a tomahawk missile and three steel circular saw blades. As the half-blood lets off round after round he backs up, putting more distance between himself and the might Hren, which his plans was "Fight to runaway," and that was exactly what he was doing. Feeling tinges' throughout his body he thought it was only the nerves in his injured body reacting, but unknown to him something hereditary was churning.

Deep beneath the flesh all the way down to his very DNA the well practiced Arcane Genetics of high Elementian culture was at work. His body was preparing itself for something huge about to happen. His temperature was dramatically rising to where he was bleeding sweat, emitting even steam from his pores and his bones even felt on fire. After all twelve rounds would be fired off whether impeded or not Galvery would drop to the ground screaming in agony as he cries out, "I'm on fire!" The A.E cells infused with transfiguration magic multiply while dispensing power into the young man's frame, which even those with simplistic senses could feel the tremendous fluctuations of his aura. The first thing on him to change being his eyes as that take on a more animalistic view with blue glowing rings of mama encompassing the iris, then his skin turns a brilliant hot red as bumps from the osteodermis forming beneath the human-like flesh while the organ stretches tight to the point it looks like its about to rip with his slow increase in size.

[MaliceD]

The humming sound of a concussion forming echoed in his mind. The first thing that came back was his eyes opening revealing a haze of his vision. Then as that faded realisation sat in like a smack across his face. The first then that might be heard from him was a low Growl. `Fine if this is what the gods wish then so be it.` his ribbs hurt like hell but slowly he arose infront of Ayla growling and unfastening the Gauntlets that he wore. He had tried to keep his self in check. He was tired of it. Sore to the point each breath was harming him. It was true, his body was out of Energy, his gauntlets had lost all his charges. So what however the Ork in him has his orkish blood pumping with excitement. First the left gauntlet revealing those tribal marking around his left arm. The the right. Revealing diffrenet marking along side it. Holding those guantlets in hand he decided. Dropping the gauntlets his hands came together fist in hand. A spark of his energy ignited from his Soul creating a chain reaction throughout his body. He had no energy to give, and yet something was empowering him. The spark struck again before suddenly like a 57 chevy his base energy spiked to life. A heavy breath even though he had the beginnings to start over his body couldn't take to much. Leaving down and lifting the Nemisis Gauntlets he tied them to his belt and pulled from his waist a pistol=e=

[Ayla_Stark]

Hearing Malice stir, she looked down, watching him rise slowly. "You alright there?" She asked, peering out of the whole in the wall as she heard the commotion outside. Blinking a bit as she watched a bit of the happenings, she turned back to Mal, looking almost concerned. "Can you walk alright?" She asked, lifting the already loaded crossbow, pulling the trigger before ducking down. The exploding dart hit some target nearby, causing a wall of fire to ignite, perhaps because of the open sewer, between Galvery and them. Having already found another exit door on the other side of the building, she forced the door open and stared back at Mal, again inquiring about his condition. "I think he can fend for himself for now..."

[Galvery]

Definitely outmatched and outclassed Galvery continues his transformation as the monster Hren thwarts yet another attack; however, if things were to be assessed the Hobbe family might see this as a loss. The patron of the destroyed weapons shop had long since fled, leaving these three to defend the shop; though, in truth they fought for themselves and one another. The Hobbe family had lost a lieutenant and several underlings, while the higher UPS themselves taken a beating. The Ork, woman and Galvery only took a beating, losing nothing. The half-blood is lost beneath the debri as he falls into the sewers, while narrowly avoiding the repelled cannonball; though, he was knocked unconscious under the rubble before completing his transformation.

[MaliceD]

The moment he had stablized his footing the ground gave way. The words fuuuuuuuccccc sounded as he reached forward trying to grab hold of Ayla. If successfull. His arms and body attempted to cocone around her using his larger frame like a shield forthis woman. Crash his side hit first air escaped violently before the pavement and stone came crashing on top of them. Using the last spark of Energy he managed to time it and bring up sancturary to deflect any object to the left or right that would kill them instantly. This left him breathing heavy. If he had managed to grab and tuck Ayla in he start releasing her and simply lay on his back with probably her position on his stomich gasping to suck in air....that hurt like a bitch.

[Ayla_Stark]

Ayla felt the ground beneath them tremble just before it gave out. A momentary look over shock flooded her features as she lifted her arms to cover her face and head in preparation for the fall. Only after the pair hit the ground beneath them did she realize that Malice had grabbed her and shielded both of them from the debris. Rolling onto her back and looking above them before sitting up slowly, she looked over at him as some of the dust started to settle. "What do we do now?" She asked, eying him with a slightly concerned look.

[Nethuama]

[Falling into Line.] A violent spectacle in the skirting industrial district had drawn all sorts of attention. Visitors and denizen alike faced the direction of this commotion; gunfire was a banal factor to the city hitherto. Explosions heralded much worse. Warriors of the land flocked to the sight, eager to sate their need for action. As if adventure was not enough, they desired a glorious pile-in to display their prowess.

However, among these bellicose parties, there was one approaching force whose purpose was deeper. The familiar cry of canine aberrations soon came into earshot; strange creatures tainted by the Deadeye ‘Hiems’ whose bodies took a most terrifying transformation. Having grown to over five feet in height, their skin had split in various areas to reveal an array of lights. Energies seethed from the tears, brimming with anomalous clusters of consciousness. It was an odd pressure, a perversion to the pandimensional flows. Now they seemed almost skeletal; saliva pouring from their mouths through the countless rows of teeth. Those with acute senses would have already picked up on their advance accompanied by the rumbling of a great engine. Its cacophonic tune would be deafening to the mind itself. It was wide and rather clunky looking, large sponsons scattered about its hull. Six wheels carried it forward, plating drilled directly into the dense material whose structure held no air ([You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] huge wheels instead of tracks, ask for approximate size).

It crushed what lied in its way, bursting through barricades set up to prevent pass-through traffic. The debris tumbled along the hull, flung into whatever resided beside the road including any derelict chose to venture out. If not, they were to be consumed by dust and airborne garbage released from the wells. These vehicles were not allowed in the inner-city but outside it went unnoticed, and the owner of such a hulking beast of technology knowing this full well. Such a tool was required to properly execute their plan, but this was unknown thus far. Eventually it and the hounds came around the southwest corner, the earth trembling at their very presence.

Blam! Smashing through another road-barricade, it climbed over the stump and stopped, air-brakes scratching at the ears. It was uncertain so far what this chunk of metal’s use was, perhaps it had a giant weapon inside or was a transport? Only time would tell. There were a few seconds before the engine’s growling had ceased, the thunk of disengaging locks drowned by the fire feeding at Janus’ shop. Soon the hatch at the left would open, rustling echoing from within the port before somebody emerged.

Our Nostrum… Her skin was dark, complimented by deep bourbon hair whose bangs were split down the middle; the remainder was tied back carelessly by violet ribbons. Zephyrs that slithered around the sector’s buildings pushed those concealing locks aside to show her small face and high cheek bones overshadowed by orbs of emerald. All of this was to go unnoticed, of course, once they recognized that strength-amplifying frame her employer had first sported. The whizzing and subtle hiss with each movement filled in the silence, lifting what appeared to be a microphone from beneath the opening’s rim.

Click! Airway open... Her lips curled into a half-smirk, the words bottling inside her small neck before they were broadcasted, “We do hate to intrude on such a capricious rabble, but all those who are not Mister Hren and Mister Patrekk to mind their business and go on their merry,” Her last few words were emphasized by minor pauses, her voice thick with the Olde English dialect. Pressing the button once more, her breath caressed the microphone’s shell, “As for Mister Hren and Patrekk, I know you two are there because you aren’t supposed to be here; the Hawk never lies,” Her voice was now sly, almost as if she was at the final hours of the business day. Her last words were an obvious display of faux reasoning, “We only wish to speak with you two.” The woman slinked down, her eyes just over the port’s line; there was more than enough expression in those two pools.

Meanwhile those hounds would spread out, paws grabbing at the street as they enclosed Hren’s and Patrekk’s position yet did not continue. This was due to the device upon their backs that regulated the energies coursing throughout, utilizing this to control their volatile behavior. If he were in a hole of some sorts, of course they would rush into there to confront the targets and possibly subdue. They had locked onto this outside signature, unless there were already too many in their peripheral vision. Regardless they were to search about the area outside the burning building or ‘through’ if there were an opening. They sniffed around, gnawing at whatever they considered a possible way to the individuals. It was unclear, but surly these were an effective method to flush almost any prey there was. They growled and stirred, tongues whipping about caustic saliva that had not stringed to the floor. Others such as Galvery and his party were to be somewhat ignored by the Our Nostrum unit. The canine abominations were aware yet did not act, briefly stopping at attention with their movements. Harmless waves rippled through matter, colliding about with other resonances with both object and person. Distant, hollow eyes glanced about the area with their periodically raising heads, behavior almost mechanical and off.

Unknown Equipment
Anubria Orc Vanguard x1
Anubria Human Vanguard x2
Claire-Vanguard x6

[Andion Isurand]

Baetonin felt the reverberations of the explosion and subsequent collapse of one market-city block to the south, followed by the sight of of particulates sent rising into the sky above above it. He had just recently arrived to this city for the purpose of exploration and to check up on the wares available in its market to see if any of them would be of use back in the nearest subterranean enclaves of his people. He was curious to gauge what kind of response the devastation might bring in from the surrounding district and began walking towards the affected area, hoping to gain more insight into where this place stood with regards to the development of its magic, technology and overall infrastructural prowess.

Baetonin soon overheard the distant amplified voice of the woman speaking to the public in the zone of destruction, and singling out two individuals by the name of Mister Hren and Mister Patrekk for interrogation.

It wasn't long until Baetonin approached the northern edge of the district's collapsed section, that left portions of the sewers exposed below piles of brick, concrete, metal sheets, boards, shingles and people's belongings, punctuated by leaking pipes and a few fresh corpses. Many people had descended upon the wreckage to help unearth survivors or too loot anything of value left out in the open. He then scrambled out over the broken cityscape to try and help out, not yet willing to openly display his arcane talents to the strangers around him.

[Nethuama]

[Falling into Line.] Those who sought to plunder Janus’s now smoldering establishment suddenly became hesitant, having sighted the pack of canine aberrations. Whispers to themselves fluttered amid the fading mess, attempting only to be sneaky and not alarm the hounds. Many survivors of Ill Fortune’s tests resided in this city, enduring withdraws to the meta-substance. A few recognized these beasts, finding the endeavor rather costly if not lethal. After all, most of the products were damaged save for a few armaments outside the common category. One managed to grab a piece of rare scrap that might be exchanged for silver, yet he would lose his balance and fall to his posterior as a patrolling abomination came into proximity. Frozen, he stared into the blank orbs of the hound that appeared to have overlooked his presence. The remaining dogs surrounded the Hobbes a few yards away in a half-circle, still as ice with chests slightly puffed. They growled in anticipation, those aforementioned devices kept them somewhat docile. Saliva sizzled upon the asphalt with each drip, their unnaturally lengthy tongues slithering about betwixt the countless rows of teeth. They indeed had noticed Baetonin but that character was but one in the desperate crowd; there was little mind paid to him unless he made a grandiose intervention.

Alessa, the woman whose voice everyone now caught, quirked a thin brow at the Hobbe’s response, answering with a partial smirk along those full lips to compliment, “Well, that’s your cock up, Hobbe.” She released the button, now smiling fully before she continued, “You see, it was never you’l family’s to begin with.” Alessa’s forearm pivoted back to brush her bangs before she decided to insert, “So no need to lose your plot, boys.” She knew they would resist, but it was almost polite to provide a way out. Just after her fairly taunting remark, the mechanisms to the rear doors began to squeal as the large panel began to slowly lie itself down to create a minor decline. From the depths of the vehicle, three immense entities would come marching out. Anubria Vanguard... Two looked similar while the one in the center was smaller and more compact compared. They had dense physiques (7’2” and 6’8”) decorated by natural and man-made plating; mostly in thick, dull strips along the sides, thighs, shins, arms, shoulders, and back. The exoskeleton covered their entire head and down the spine, being a lighter tan hue as opposed to the rhinoesque dermis covering the rest. They were very much a spitting image of Ashcroft’s hound that many became acquainted to.

Anyways, they wore a harness made of a special Kevlar that holstered various items and a segmented plate belt with a loincloth of the same fashion. The two larger men at the side would wield proportional tower shields that seemed to be pieced together with large squares and rectangles. Parallel to where one would grip the shield, there was an odd, overlapping concentric circles that spun approximately one rotation a minute. In their massive other hands they bared straight blades (4’7”) whose edges were the moving teeth of a chain saw.

The condensed engines roared and screamed once engaged, smoke streaming from the exhaust ports. However, the one in the center had a rather large handgun instead, a sidearm that the Hobbe individuals might even identify. Following right behind the wall of enormous mutants were six humanoids sporting the very same suit that Alessa had been seen wearing (will show pics if asked). Their movements generated those faint effects amidst the un-rhythmic tune of the power source. Layered radiation cascaded from their forms in uncoordinated patterns, resulting in a small field of unknown properties. They mostly carried rifles and whatever Ashcroft would have had on his person (grenades, traps, knives or machetes, etc but with only two Adivuo Vadettes for the entire squad). Two others were armed with smaller versions of the Claire-Tech projectiles, complimented by large dual bayonets. One guard for every three had a primitive but effective meta-sensor interface that read what was relayed from the vehicle and hounds. Anyways, the squad split up with the pair of biological titans leading three exo-men around both sides of the heavy transport, which evidently it was. The shorter one stayed at his post (with other exo-men) lest one of the denizens decided to approach said vehicle. Both groups stopped at the first wheel that surpassed the shock creatures by only a few inches, shields presented and at the ready. Their primal but hissing snarls could be heard, as if they were restraining the cry that Mors was most known for. Once they were in position, if the Hobbes did not act, she would speak, “Don’t be rude now, we are being very understanding; lay down your arms.” Something to further ease the situation or so she thought.      

[Anubria Orc Vanguard x2, Anubria Human Vanguard x1, Claire-Vanguard x6]

[Andion Isurand]

At the north end of the collapse, amidst its debris, Baetonin was in the process of helping a few injured civilians climb their way out, when he heard a deep cracking sound and a smattering of booms coming from the southwest. He looked over to see people skirting the edge of the destruction to get away from the streets that led in that general direction. However, he couldn't see what was happening there, beyond the intact buildings that still stood just outside the broken plot of the city.

After climbing out of the rubble, he traveled west until he could find a narrow space between two buildings, with enough obstructions and trash to hide himself from any pedestrians on the street. Once he was mostly out of the way and fairly sure he wasn't being watched, he took a few seconds to assume the form of a typical crow, with his possessions melding into the new form as well, by means of an ongoing transmutation spell already in effect upon his person. He then flew up out of the far end of the alley, and headed south towards the sounds of battle, whilst keeping low to nearby buildings and rooftops to mask his approach.

[MrMystic]

A vessel was flying through the the market, it was approximately 1/2 mile long, and dark blue in color with a ring, that  glowed light blue, wrapped around the midsection of the ship. It flew towards the ports. When it finally docked it just sat there nothing or no one emerged.

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