Finished [Eastern Border of the Fae See - M’lynra Village] - One Last Push

[Irihi]

Nearby Pincher Bugs
Bug 1 (Falling Behind Almeida and Yunaesa)
The pincer bug screeched as Watching’s spine jabbed into it. It continued to make horrible noises until it’s vitals finally gave out and it died.

Spoiler: Bug 1 Is Put Out of its Misery

Action1: Gets Stabbed (uncontested)
Action 2: Screeches
Action 3: Dies
HP: Dead

Bug 4 (Attacking Flare)

The remaining Pincer bug facing Watching, Flare, Glim, Seraphina and Irihi attacked the only visible target; the huge suit of armor containing the fire elemental. The monster bug attempted to catch an arm of the OVEN suit in its claws and crush it. It swung the opposite claw at the elemental’s helm, trying to smash it in with repeated blows.

The creature was lanced by ice, spiked by bone, sliced by steel, and broiled by a fiery fist. It’s internals pierced, cooked, and frozen, the monster expired upon the OVEN suit’s flaming fist, falling backwards, it’s legs curling with gruesome rigor around the embers of the crater Flare had made in its belly.

Spoiler: Bug4 Counters Flare and the Team

Action1: Pincer Attack/Counter E - Flare/Team
Action2: Pincer Attack/Counter F - Flare/Team
Action3: Pincer Atttack/Counter F (Ungraded) - Flare / Team
(STR D(3) + Pincer E(2) + Abil(E)2) + 2 combo = 9

Effective (Bug 4 V Flare, Watching, Seraphina, and Glim)
Glim: IntC4+CatD3+AbilE2= (BE(9+1combo) (+Blight: Ice E(2))
Watching: BE(8) converted to +1
Seraphina: +1
Flare: BE(6+1combo) converted to +1 (+Blight:Fire F + Continuing F)
9 V 13 (+3blight +Status:Continuing)

Bug 4:
HP: Pincer 1: 0/2, Pincer 2: 2/2, Armor E : 0/2, Vitality E HP: -1/2
Dead

Bugs 5&6
Again, both bugs massed attack on Yunaesa were defeated by a powerful hammer-blow from Valerius knocking their pincers aside. The hammer destroyed bug 6’s Pincer that Zjorn had damaged, and went on to crack the armor of the monster. The explosion of Valerite and the shockwaves of the blow completely destroyed the bug’s armor and nearly killed it then and there. It was only Almeida’s retreat to check on her friend, Watching of Reflection, that kept the bug alive.
The blinded and enervated bug 5 fared little better against Zjorn. With it’s pincer knocked aside, Yunaesa was able to dart inside it’s guard and saw into the bug’s internals. Zjorn roared and the bug screeched as guts and ichor sprayed like sawdust from a buzzsaw. The ragged cut was not quite lethal, but the bug was only just barely clinging to life as Yuna followed Almeida to join up with Watching.

Neither monster could see their adversaries. Dedicated soldier insects, they tried using their vestigal [Echolocation F], but Yuna and Almeida were beyond the surface range of the tunnel-evolved clicks and screeches. Unlike in their tunnel homes, the sounds dispersed into the distance instead of bouncing off stone walls and bringing back information about their surroundings. Confused, the two blinded bugs milled aimlessly around until their vision returned. Both bugs were heavily damaged and near death, but they could still fight.

Spoiler: Bug 5&6 Actions (None) and Results

Bugs 5:
Action1,2,3: Unable to move and nothing to attack.
Cooldowns: E 1/1 - Ready next turn, F 0/0 - Ready next turn
Bug 6:
Action1,2,3: Unable to move and nothing to attack.
Cooldowns: E 1/1 - Ready next turn, F 0/0 - Ready next turn

Effectiveness:
Alm: STR B (5) + Abil F (1) + Weap C (4) = 10
Yuna: STR E (2) + Abil F (1) + Weap F (1) = 4 (teamed +1)
BE: BUGS V CONSTRUCTS
9[Team-Up] - 2 [Yuna Initiative, cuz I think I shorted you a point last time] = 7 V 11
4 damage to bugs - 1 from Zjorn to Bug 5, 3 from Valerius to bug 6, plus status effects.

Bug 6 HP: Tail: 0/2, Pincer1&2: 2/2, Armor: 0/2 (Continuing 2/2 - Gone Next Round), HP 1/2 - Blinded 2/2, Enervated E 2/2 - Gone Next Round

Bug 5 HP: Tail: 2/2, Pincer 1: 0/2 (incurable F), Pincer 2: 2/2, Armor E : 0/2, Vitality E HP: 1/2 (incurable) (Continuing 1/1 - Gone Next Round) Blinded 0/1, Enervated 0/1

Town Bugs: 6 Throwers, 14 Pincers, 1 Tank

With a rippling roar the fire mage’s spellcraft arrived. Massive explosions rocked the ruins of M’lyrna with shockwaves, fireballs, and smoke bursting skyward along with fountains of dirt, masonry, and bug parts. Some of the few remaining buildings collapsed under the onslaught.

Even though the magic had been guided in by the telepathic Fae, Glim had only been able to see a few of the bugs. A line of explosions obliterated the throwers, the bursts of spellcraft tearing apart claws raised in ineffective shields, shattering armored carapaces, and blowing apart muscle and organs.

The rest of the bugs in the village had taken cover--either burying themselves in the dirt or pressing close to the walls of still-standing buildings or ruins. The bombardment fell randomly within the town, killing some while sparing others.

The Tank Bug took a direct hit from the bombardment, but the explosive magic detonated harmlessly against its armored claws and carapace.

Spoiler: Artillery Strike V 21 Town Bugs

[Fire Mission B Flux] - Magic B(C) - Magic Range Range C(B) - Targets E - AoE E - Affinity Explosion C - Blight: Thunder E - Flare E (Hearing)
Int A(6) + Magic C(4) + CatB(5) = BE:15 + 2 Blight:Thunder E + Flare E (Hearing)
X10 Targets X50’ AoE

4 Throwers (Formerly Bugs 7, 8, 9, 10) V Guided Bombardment
(Type 2 Bug V Bombardment)
BE 6 V BE 15 + Blight:Thunder E(2) + Flare E (Like it matters) + AoE E
HP: All 4 very very dead.

Type 1 Bug V Unguided Bombardment
BE 7 V BE 15 + Blight:Thunder E(2) + Flare E (Like it matters) + AoE E
HP: All very dead if hit. 16 targets available. 2D8 Roll to determine how many are hit.

Tank Bug V Guided Bombardment:
Action1: [Bunker C]: Pincer B + STR A + Abil C (Energized C) = 15
BE 15 V BE 15
HP: Pincer1: 5/5, Pincer2: 5/5, Wings: 5/5, Armor B: 5/5 Vitality A: 6/6
Cooldowns:
B(Energized):4/4
C(Energized):0/3 - Unavailable
D(Energized):2/2
E(Energized):1/1
F(Energized):0/0

2 D 8 - # of additional Bugs Destroyed

Summary;
Bug 1: Killed by WoR.
Bug 4: Killed by Flare, Seraphina, WoR and Glim
Bugs 5&6: Blinded. Not moving for now.
Bugs 7,8,9,10: Killed by Artillery
Village Bugs: 10 Killed by Artillery: 3 Throwers, 7 Pincers
Tank Bug: Unharmed

 

[Elvario]

Almeida

Spoiler: full image and source

From: Almeida

Mentions: Irihi | Yuna TheTimePiece | Purpler Giftvi | Flare Develius | Seranphina Karcen
Languages: Common | [Terran] | %Analog% | <Beastial> | {Sylvan}

“[Yeah, someone definitely said that!]” She nodded. “[Do you think that also means that more more there are the merrier merrier it gets?]” She wondered if that process could stack up or not.

“[Only one way to find out!]” She'd nod, to pin or to be pinned, that was the bedroom question.

She nodded regarding monsters. “[Let's hope it'll remain clear which ones the real monsters are so we can cut them and smash them up without worry whilst trying to just befriend the others! I like these bugs that way, it's really simple they're monsters and all that!]” She'd state, the big positive about this mission for sure.

“[Oh, thanks! You two are really smart too, especially you, as the fairy thought to put you even above me in the command chain!]” Clearly that meant Yuna was smarter, which hurt as she'd rather just be equals, but so be it.

“[Zjorns Zealful Zap!]” She added some extra alliteration. Because why not?

“[Smash 'em, mince 'em, stick 'em in a pot~]” She sang. “[Perhaps we can cook 'em, before they'll rot~]” Her lyrical genius was clearly showing.

Upon arriving at Purpler, she'd translate. “<Yuna says hi, and that is Zjorn.>” She'd introduce them. “<She's also thank you on behalf of me for letting me draw, which was neat, so thank you from me as well!>”

That reminded her... “<So why'd you make the bug scream so loudly? Why are you even here to begin with... ehm... How to get you to answer quickly. We in trouble? Yes, no? We need to fall back, yes, no? Other enemies arrived, yes, no? Ehm...Missing change, yes, no?>” She'd just spam a few yes/no questions to see which ones it'd nod or shake its head at.

…

And then the bombs dropped. “[Ah... I guess that's why.]” She spoke. Suddenly things made sense.

She'd move towards purpler and (probably together with purpler) close to the rest of the group.

“[Hey guys! What's up! Who did that bombing just now? That was cool!]” She'd call out. “[Does that mean the big one's dead or should we go check?]” She'd add.

Actions:
Move x3

 

[TheTimePiece]

Yunaesa
​

Languages: "[Terran]" "%Analog%"

Mentions: Irihi Elvario Giftvi Develius Karcen

"[Maybe if you get merry enough it unlocks ultra merry merrier!]" Yunaesa declared very insightfully, that mathed up.

"[It'd be nice if more of them would be friends! I dunno though, I don't think it's always easy to find ones that are agreeable like those last ones cause not all of them are controlled against their will, but there's probably more out there like them!, but yeah it definitely makes the job a lot easier, probably also means there'll be more jobs like this than not with how a lot of monsters tend to be]!"

"[Zjorn says thanks! and I do too, Zjorn thinks Valerius is smart too!]"

"[I mean I am pretty smart, but she probably just put me there cause she realized I've been doing some military work beforehand and it looks like she's been trying to run us more like that rather than an adventurer party which is cool with me, I mean these bugs are pretty much waging war!]"

"[Yeah Zjorn can definitely bring the zeal!]" She said with a grin.

Before looking a bit more reflective,
"[Maybe we really will have to try cooking part of one of these things up into a soup or something! Might be nutrient dense]!" She'd giggle some.

It became apparent to Yunaesa that it might be hard for her to talk to Purpler without Almeida translating, when they spoke in the beastial language that Yunaesa still wasn't sure about. Hopefully if her creator was as much like Almeida's as she thought they were, then that'd mean she'd be able to pick up some languages too at some point and hopefully it wouldn't be too hard, she'd have to ask Almeida how she learned some of them in the future maybe.

She'd listen to the conversation even if she wasn't entirely sure what was going on, but then she heard the big booms and spun around. "[WOAH! That was pretty awesome!]"

"[Zjorn said he wants to learn how to do something like that!]"

After the realization she let out a soft sigh, "[Please Tell Purpler thanks for helping us not get blasted!]" She said turning to Almeida.

Yunaesa then followed back toward the group with Almeida, leveraging Fast F for one move action.

She'd listen to see if anyone would answer Almeida's question, wondering if whoever did it could maybe teach her and Zjorn how

Actions:
1. Move with Fast F, following Almeida (And probably purpler)
2. Move
3.Move

 

[Karcen]

Seranphina
Languages common, Terran​

It seemed that Glim got what she was saying and that they needed to talk. If Glim had decided to ignore what she was saying then she would have just told everyone her theory. The bugs seemed to battered and bruised for now and Seraphina suspected the whole operation was fucked, they likely should just retreat and let these bugs have this village till they could be cleaned out latter. There couldn't be that many and it wasn't like the tank bug would be making more. this was a fixed number of bugs which honestly was likely more than they suspected because why would an army this incompetent had good intel when even good armies got bad intel.

when everyone was back including the two who wouldn't understand anything Seraphina turned her illusion just into her ghostly form. her arms were crossed and she wore a frown though she wasn't quite sure who to focus on, but ended up mostly on Glim as well the witch didn't feel guilt for this she had likely retreated to orders and being a tool to avoid these things. " So then Glim explain as i doubt you want me to explain what i think your people are doing with their pet death mage and us " She almost commanded as right now there wasn't to much the fairy could do, she was tired, battered, and beaten, and out numbered. Glim would either explain a hopefully less fucked up plan than Seraphina thought was going on.

 

[Giftvi]

Watching of Reflection

Ambient Vibes

E Grade Character
Point Booster: Attentive Student
Languages: Common | <Bestial>
Titles: Beast [Mundane], Hunter, Guardian
Interaction: Irihi Karcen Develius TheTimePiece Elvario

Perhaps it was due to the adrenaline, or the horrible sounds of the bug's last screeches of pain, as it served as its method of communication blasting over the other sounds. That it struggled to recognise immediately what Almeida had said, or rather find any difficulty to understand the difference in tone that was palpable, perhaps the vastness of how they perceived and recognised the reality for what it was? Or could this be due to a difference of experience? Was it due to the experience of near-death it had just experienced?

Whatever the case, its message had come through to them. They retreated back.

As it got to see the curious sight of not only Almeida now properly, but a second figure. A figure who looked… remarkably similar. Frighteningly so in some ways. Yet then not at all in others. It seemed perfectly clear neither of them were anything alike, so why such a simple hunch upon them being siblings?

One was tall and the other short, their attire was different yet similar in the manner. It had understood from Katsuko after all that most would cover up the “mammalian” chest, especially if it were more akin to a 'woman' in what societal boundaries had defined such. Yet most of all? This person seemed to carry as strange a weapon as Almeida, one it had never seen used before. And just like Almeida, there were parts of her where metal and flesh seemed to meet in a familiar sight. Attempting to make heads or tails of such in seconds upon the battlefield was neither a helpful thing.

The critter head craned up to look towards both of them at once, since it was a small bit shorter than Yunaesa even. Giving a slightly blank stare as it heard them now speak in beastial, even if it was not as fluid as a native speaker. Yet, above all else, they spoke exactly as it had thought they would from their previous meeting.

As she asked if they were in danger, it nodded. And once more as she asked if they should fall back, and pointed back towards the position with the 'thumb' of its four fingered hand where the others had reconvened behind the debris.

Before the silence was broken in an instant. As it all crashed down upon the town, engulfing it in an inferno, kicking up dust and soot to obscure the morning light. And it covered its ears.

Not for the screams and cries of the bugs, which began to perish one by one, but rather as the echoes of the bombardment pierced its sensitive ears. Afraid that any confusion on its part could spell trouble, like not looking towards an enemy on the battlefield, due to how much it could rely upon its own hearing after all. So it stood there clutching its own ears for a few moments.

Waiting for the bombardment to finish as the three of them ran across the barren, scorched earth, together with it. To arrive and reconvene together with the others. Standing there together with the rest, it for the first time looked to discern its own state. Covered in mud, and viscera of the bugs, as it began to clean itself awkwardly using the surrounding debris. Its breathing slowly getting to find some rest, rather than the heavy rhythm of what had been before.

Not having a tongue, magic or any water to make itself clean after all. Especially its hands, before it would put down its folded cloth backpack from both its shoulders. Taking out a blueish paint and the wooden board as it began to write down.

”<Thanks for waiting, it was a lot in such a short time. Best to wait till I had a moment to breathe. It's good to see you again, Almeida. Really. Are you okay?” As Almeida could now for the first time actually read and understand what the Purpler was saying, which might have been an odd experience depending on what tone she had expected it to speak in all this time. As it walked forward to check her for any minor injuries she might have sustained. Giving such any attention, if there was anything of small nature to be found. Before continuing. ”<Sorry but, I need to talk with someone else first for a moment.”

As whilst Seraphina tried to immediately put Glim on the offensive, Watching approached the little fairy, ignoring whatever the ghostly apparition's plan was first-hand. Its small white pupil eyes in the open morning light, looking to find Glim's. To meet Glim's. As it tried to find any connection to the fairy who looked so distraught. If she seemed to welcome it, rather than distance such, it would walk towards Flare as it erased its previous message with the rag and wrote down with its fingers the next one. ”Pardon me, but could I climb up your shoulder?” Intruding upon the conversation, though least it was trying to write rather than talk, as it would ask them. And would climb with ease, or find perhaps Flare giving it a giddy up. ”I… couldn't do anything for them, once the bombs exploded we were all caught up in it. But after this, I want to help you find each of them a suitable place of rest. I promise such.” Maybe what drove it to say this was a sense of guilt towards what had happened. To give itself a purpose to deal with such itself, or perhaps what was most important to it by saying such, was to give Glim a purpose. To give Glim something beyond the feeling of anger and the want for revenge now. Give her the will to life when this was all over to pursue something else, and importantly with such, the time to think.

Ending it on such as it jumped off of Flare's shoulder to land upon the ground. As it looked not towards the illusion which stood there, but rather towards the blade from which the voice originated. Its head tilting, as it questioned something in the back of its mind. ”If you want to tell them Glim, otherwise I can fill in what I understand? Less, you left me somewhat out of the picture as well?” Attempting to give some support for the fairy who was being pushed back into a corner, yet it had a bad feeling in its stomach about this which it couldn't quell.

Before walking back to Almeida and Yuna, who had not understood anything of this conversation, to begin writing down a small synopsis in Beastial for Almeida as a sort of translation. Or at least as best as it could keep up at the moment right now.

 

[Develius]

---

Language Key:
| Common | {Sylvan} |
Mentions:
| Irihi [Irihi, Corporal Glim] | Karcen [Seranphina] | Speed [Grubble] | Giftvi [Watcher] | Elvario [Almeida] | TheTimePiece [Yunaesa]
​

---

With Flare's fire and Glim's ice, combined with stabbings from Watcher's and Sera's steel, the fourth bug would finally succumb to their wrath. From the periled risks earlier in the fight, the tides of this battle have now turned. They were beating them back! least for the moment. Though there still was that tank bug they had to take care of. But as the corporal's bombing campaign was drawing closer to the village, she asked that they call the others back before they'd be pelted in explosive fury. "Way ahead of ya," the fire elemental replied before taking a deep breath and calling everyone back, "{FALL BACK TO OUR POSITION! BOMBS BOUTTA DROP!}" They'd repeat this in common for individuals like Watcher to understand.

Watching the fireworks, Flare basked in the fiery glow of the bombardment against those repulsive bugs. Surely it would be enough to take out the vast majority still within the vicinity, if not all of them. They could faintly see the green bile and gore splatter across the village through the harsh explosions from here. It made them smile... even for a bit. Though apparently it was nowhere near as many as they suspected. Only a mere fraction were ripped to shreds. And the tank bug? Virtually unharmed. The smirk turned into a frown, marked by the flames dimming just briefly.

As Almeida asked what it was all about, Flare pointed to Glim on their shoulder. "{She called it in.}" they stated in Sylvan, "{Though it seemed like it didn't do as much damage as we thought. Don't even think the tank bug got damaged at all. We need to regroup and think of another strategy... among a few other things.}" Her stare turned towards Irihi upon saying that last portion.

That's when Flare noticed Watcher approaching them. "Ah hey lil' guy," Flare casually said to the purple creature, before seeing the message it wrote. Ah... it couldn't speak; yet it could write. It wanted to get on their shoulder first. "Sure bud, no need to ask." they nodded, lowering their body to allow him to climb to their other shoulder. He'd feel subtle yet present warmth pressing under him, like the pleasant subtle blow of a fireplace warming his footsies.

Sera had already reverted back to their ghost form, proceeding to ask Glim about what exactly was going on and more importantly what Irihi was truly containing within her. Indeed, there was much explanation to be had, something which Flare would gladly revel in for the moment. They stood firmly in place as they crossed their arms. "Trust is what's going to get us through this day." Flare stated with stern yet [Empathic F] sincerity, mentioning towards everyone but more specifically at Irihi, "Keeping secrets here helps nobody. I get it about having whatever private 'orders' you might have, and while it's not my business to pry, but if you're not going to fight with the rest of us you better have a good explanation."

---

ACTIONS:

1. Calls everyone back.
2. Lowers opposite arm to let Watcher climb on their shoulder.
3. Uses [Empathic F] to try and ease tensions, allowing a more genuine answer

 

[Irihi]

Corporal Iona Glimmerleaf
​

Equipped Titles: Tiny (0.2m), Fae, Fire Team Leader Mentions: Speed TheTimePiece Karcen Develius Elvario Giftvi

They deserved answers. She ought to press them to attack the town--to try to complete the mission, but the mission was well and truly fucked. Irihi was a tankbuster in name only. The willful deathmonger might have the power to blast through the Tank Bug’s armor, but she was such a sociopath that she’d been relegated to bait status--bringing just enough firepower for the bugs to take them seriously--while their powerful and well-trained mages had been attached to Alpha Team.

Corporal Glimmerleaf looked at Watching of Reflection as he climbed aboard Flare and said a few comforting words.
“Thank you, Watching.” She really didn’t want to talk or think about her dead squadmates. Still, Watching felt like the only person on her side at the moment. It, at least, pretended not to judge her for her role in this nightmare of a mission. ”I’m glad you were with them at the end, and I’m glad it was…” you who survived. No she wasn’t. It was unkind, awful, mean, and shitty, but she wished that it had been one of her people who had survived. She felt a tiny hard kernel of resentment, in her heart, against Watching, just for living through the attack that had killed her other squadmates.

Get your shit together soldier. It’s not Watching’s fault, and it can’t feel good; being the sole survivor. She scolded herself, silently. ”I’m glad you survived, Watching.” She offered up a weak smile. ”Yeah, let’s win this thing for them, so they can rest easy.” She said, with no conviction in her tone.

“I’m okay, Watching. This is on me, not you. I can’t hide from it. I followed the orders; I could have refused. They’re,” she motioned to the mercenaries, ”all probably going to quit, but they’re definitely going to leave if their leader,” she said the word with a bark of bitter laughter that sounded more like a sob, “won’t even face up to her fucking failures, herself.” Glim thanked Purpler for his offer, but decided to address the mercenaries, herself. Speaking to the sympathetic creature, she found, had given her the resolve to try to retake command of the squad--those of it that would still follow her, that was.

Glim again used [telepathy F] to add thoughts to her words, in receptive minds. Even those who did not speak common would find themselves understanding. ”Okay; there’s no time, but okay.” It was a much less upbeat Glim that spoke to the group now. There was a plan B, but it was doomed to fail--even worse than plan A had. So what if she spoiled it by telling the mercenaries the truth that would see them walk away? None of them were heavy enough hitters. Maybe it was better they saved themselves and only her and Private Spokelse threw their lives away assaulting M’lyrna.

”Those drones were supposed to hit us. I tried to get them to come after us. Alpha team had most of our firepower.” She said. ”This d… private Spokelse is just here to make us look like enough of a threat that they’d bomb us instead of Ironfoot’s squads.”

Glim looked haunted, hollowed-out, empty, as she spoke. ”I’m sorry you were lied to, I’m sorry I hid the truth from you, but sacrificing you was our only chance to stop the bugs from breaking out here. There’s nobody behind us, nothing but more undefended towns like M’lyrna; a million See men, women, and children that’ll be bug food now.”

”SHUT UP, BITCH!” Glim’s scream held no less vitriol for being tiny and shrill as she cut off another of Irihi’s “Death is a doorway” mantras. ”Not for me! Not for them! Not for all their families back home, it’s death! Not a fucking doorway!!”

”She’s not… anything special.” Glim shook her head at Seraphina and Flare’s questions about Irihi’s nature. ”She’s just a creepy asshole; that’s why I told you not to talk to her. Everyone hates guarding her. Everyone hates her. I hate her, but her magic is the only thing we’ve got that can pierce the tank’s armor.” Glim spat sparkling essence bleeding from her loosened teeth. ”She’s not lying about her orders; she’s not supposed to shoot anything but the tank--except as a last resort--because if her magic doesn’t hit, she dies--instantly.” The Fairy grimaced, pulling out a miniature bandage roll and beginning to wrap her torso and broken wing in it, to keep the shimmery appendage immobile. ”That doesn’t mean this assault is any less a suicide mission than baiting those drones, though. Even after that fire mission, it’s 2-to-1 odds against us in the village.” She shook her head, dejectedly. ”And that tank can one-shot me--and likely any one of you.”

”Look--I’m… Glim drew in a shuddering breath, just trying to hold herself together enough to get the words out. ”...I’m not inspiring; that was Sergeant Ironfoot’s job. I was just supposed to lead you all far enough to… well…” She didn’t realize it, but Irihi had already told the others this ”So, I get it if you decide to quit--you probably should. This wasn’t what you signed up for.”

Glim waited a moment to allow those who wanted, to leave, then she continued, her voice a little steadier. ”Okay, thanks for seeing this through. Maybe it’ll help leave somebody alive to remember us, or something.” She pointed toward M’lyrna. ”The odds are against us in the village. The bugs are going to be smarter and tougher. Killing the tank will neutralize them all, but they’re not going to make that easy. We have to fight smart, if we’re going to have any chance at all.”

”We’ll make a frontal assault on the town and draw as many bugs out as we can. I’ll teleport myself and Irihi past the frontlines and into range of the tank. She’s not strong enough to kill it without someone else saturating its defenses. So I’ll… try… to do that.” Here, Glim’s voice faded.

It was impossible, she knew. She could teleport herself and Irihi, drop the witch halfway and attack the tank up close, but the bug would kill her while Irihi was reloading. The witch might get in a couple of good hits, but that was not enough to knock it out of action. Glim almost kept silent about this, but then decided that she had enough of lying to squadmates. ”I… don’t think it’s going to work, so… if we… go down, you should retreat.”

Why should they even come at all, if they were just going to fail? Glim worried she was talking them out of even trying. “I don’t think we can win this, but I know we can’t without all of you. Try to fight your way to the tank if you can, but protect yourselves--and each other.” Considering what she’d already ordered them to do, Glim felt singularly unqualified to give anyone here directions. Still she did her best to power through that guilt and self-doubt and tried to give them a few suggestions that would improve their battle order and effectiveness.

Summary;
Glim admits she was trying to lead the team into a trap.
She asks for volunteers to stay and fight, anyway.
She outlines the battle plan:

Spoiler: OOC: Suggested order of battle

Plan
Yunaesa, Almeida, WoR, Seraphina, and Flare Attack the bug defenders.
Glim and Irihi teleport into range of the tank and attempt a knockout blow.

If possible, Yunaesa, Almeida, WoR, Seraphina, and Flare fight their way through to the tank.

More Details
I’ll treat group attacks on the same bug as teamed whether it is called out or not. The same goes for bug group attacks on OC’s. Or groups V groups. So it is a good idea to pair strong and weak characters.

Glim will suggest that the groupings stay the same. Since Yuna, Flare, and WoR have BE’s high enough to overcome or stalemate 2 bugs, using combos, the group should be able to beat 6 bugs at once, with teaming bonuses.

Don’t get close to the tank bug unless you are sure you are ready to take it on, and pay attention to its cool-downs. Bugs farther from the tank may still be somewhat dumb, but anything close to the tank will be playing moneyball.
Here’s another notional map:

 

[Karcen]

Seranphina
Languages common, Terran​

What Glim admitted was not what Seraphina had expected she had been rather sure the idea was to kill them off to power up the death witch. Honestly given the plan was so poorly constructed she might even respect that one more given it wasn't predicated on winning a coin flip. Still that plan was to kill them so that the team the little purple thing had been on could get in then likely die as well once the feral bugs attacked them as well. Seraphina was out as far as this mission was concerned, let glim and her death witch deal with the see's problems. Seraphina owed no allegiance to them, and knew nothing of them beyond it seemed they believed in throw men at the problem till it was fixed. She didn't want her or flare to be part of those who were sacrificed just because some general somewhere was okay with just sacrificing people as a key part of the plan. She could almost thank the bugs for fucking the plan up so hilariously. Glim's plan was the exact same run in get all the bugs to attack everyone dies. Seraphina didn't trust the fairy to not speak in half truths and keep things just open enough she could argue that she had told them they could retreat, when really she expected them all to die. The fae see was seemingly an awful place filled with awful people.

" So the plan is go and die again" Seraphina said sarcastically not honestly having much of a choice if Flare felt a sudden urge to go fight bugs " No wonder This place is in trouble if the plans are just do the same thing over and over again and hope for different results " She really did not want to do this to be a sacrifice to just be some stepping stone of some fat ass's tally so he could get a gold star after never having seen combat.

That Glim seemed to want to get to the tank bug to Seraphina just made her think that Glim was wanting to use them as sacrifices again. She wasn't going to just let one person's pointless dedication to an already failed mission get flare and herself killed. this all tugged at some part of her an ancient grudge she didn't remember fully. Something about the fires and he struggles in them. She had never known if she had gone willingly or, had been forced in against her will. This hate she felt towards this whole situation was different than her hate for the annoying bitch who couldn't see how free she fucking was compared tot he actual weapon. This was an anger from deep deep down perhaps something born of about betrayal.

" Really here i had thought the big betrayal had been using her to kill us to kill the tanker bug " Seraphina gestured towards irihi the illusion flickered as Seraphina thought and figured out what she wanted to say.

She moved close to flare or the illusion did " we should leave we owe the See nothing, and all that will come of this is some general somewhere getting a letter saying how good he did. They won't even remember this. I have been sacrificed for someone else's ambition before I'm not eager to do it again" The last part made the illusion flicker again as Seraphina had to process what she had just said and realize she didn't know why she had said. She might have been projection her idea of what happened or perhaps she was having minor emotional memories trigged from similar situations. It was hard to tell as it had been so long.

 

[Develius]

---

Language Key:
| Common | {Sylvan} |
Mentions:
| Irihi [Irihi, Corporal Glim] | Karcen [Seranphina] | Speed [Grubble] | Giftvi [Watcher] | Elvario [Almeida] | TheTimePiece [Yunaesa]
​

---

So... there's a bunch to take in from all this.

Flare had figured something was up from the moment Corporal Glim was put in charge. At first they assumed it was simply their natural state; a relatively inexperienced corporal of tiny stature tasked to manage a big task. Frankly that's no surprise. She was nervous. Everyone saw it. But... there seemed something about it. Oddly so. Like there was a need to hide something. A secret that no one should've known. And Irihi, well. She didn't help smooth those concerns at all. Flare wanted to believe everything was going to go relatively OK, still believing to give the poor fairy a break. Just that benefit of the doubt.

And that's when Glim decided to be honest... and it all made sense.

They were the B-Team... the fodder made to make way for the main team to throw their firepower at the bugs. Glim attempted to divert the bomber's attention to them, essentially sacrificing themselves to save the other group and other countless lives. A suicide mission. It was a job no one desired to undertake, especially to those unaware and left in the dark. And a difficult one for the morally conflicted commanders in charge... as seen with Glim looking... well dead inside. She didn't seem to be the type of person to revel in these choices, quite the opposite in fact. Desperate times called for desperate measures after all.

Still, while the realization stung for the moment, the explanation regarding Irihi's behavior and motives revealed a significant caveat. Not so much that everyone hated her, oh no, that seemed crystal. Her orders to attack the tank were true too... it were the consequences of MISSING it that raised a gigantic red flag. If she missed... she dies. That's why she had to get in close. Not that she seemed to be too stoked about living anyways, but as she said. Orders were orders. And as Glim finished, she understood if anyone wanted to walk away form this.

Sera was clearly not having any of this... and Flare couldn't blame her. Heck, she initially though Irihi was trying to sacrifice THEM to kill the bug. And given her usage of "death" powers that also checked out. Either way, the ghost wanted out and was urging Flare to exit with her.

The elemental was already was getting a better understand of the situation. This whole operation was messy, disorganized, wrought with trust issues and against unfavorable odds... and yet they believed it could still be salvageable.

"You're right." Flare replied to Sera, audible enough for everyone to hear, "We DO owe the See nothing. It's their fight, not ours. We're here for a job requested on behalf the Adventurer's Guild, not to be recruited and to die in a full-fronted war on the See's behalf." An armored gauntlet rivets as it points to the ruined village sternly, their voice reverting back to that of a more confident entity. "If there's anyone worth fighting for here... it's THEM. The innocent men, women and children of this village. We understand the maliciousness of our enemy; their callous unfeeling nature towards the world. And we're gonna try our damnest to ensure we help these poor folk when no one else will... not for the higher ups. But because it's the right thing to do."

They paused for a moment to face everyone. "And I believe there's still a chance we can secure victory, but ONLY if we work together and ensure we all participate in the fight accordingly. Only if we see it's truly hopeless, do we abandon the mission; just not until we give it a FIRM and HONEST go at this." Glim seemed to affirm this sense of unity, encouraging it even. A plan was finally coming together and they were willing to do whatever it took to win.

"And don'tcha worry Sera," Flare whispered to their partner genuinely as they perked their head over to them, "I'm not gonna let you fall here. I ain't THAT irresponsible. Just trust me on this... alright? "

 

[Elvario]

Almeida

Spoiler: full image and source

From: Almeida

Mentions: Irihi | Yuna TheTimePiece | Purpler Giftvi | Flare Develius | Seranphina Karcen
Languages: Common | [Terran] | %Analog% | <Beastial> | {Sylvan}

“[For sure. All the merriment.]” She'd nod at Yuna's declaration. She'd nod at the military bit. “[I think I prefer adventurer stuff. Military stuff seems to have too many rules.]”

There was one issue. “[Hmmm... I don't think we can try cooking any bugs, as they've all been blown up now.]” The bombardment had totally ruined any parts that might be edible and that might've remained in good enough eating condition.

She'd turn to Purpler. “<Yuna says she wants to thank you for helping us not get blasted. That was pretty neat.>”

Upon reading the question if she was okay, she'd check herself. “<Yep I'm totally fine. No missing parts or leaking bits. What about you?>” She'd ask. “<And yeah, it's great seeing you again as well!>”

After he went to 'talk' with some others, Purpler would return to write them a summary, which she'd translate for Yuna. “[Purpler says he asked Glim to explain some things..?]” That's the gist of it, it seemed.

Flare was the one to actually give some more context. “{Huh? She can call in bombs? That's pretty neat. Though she should've told us she was gonna do that ahead of time so we'd not nearly get bombed as well. I can't imagine it'd have been nice getting caught up in all of that.}” She shook her head, staring at Glim as she spoke, knowing the latter would understand her.

“[Seems like it's the Fairy who called in that bomb drop.]” She'd translate for Yuna. “[Though apparently it didn't do enough to get rid of the big bad bug.]”

That's when Glim herself spoke up with some mindey-bendy stuff that allowed Almeida to understand as well. “{What... why us?}” That was a very confusing start. “{Who's Spokelse?}” She was confused already.

“{Eh? I don't get it. Isn't it easier to just beat up all the bugs?}” She honestly didn't get all this 'sacrificing' stuff. “{Well, yeah, aren't we here to kill these bugs to stop all that and stuff?}” She asked, not getting why the Fairy was going all doom and gloom on them.

“{Creepy? It's not that bad. She's just whatever a {{dearheart}} is.}” She'd nod to herself. So far Irihi hadn't made the worst impression, though that was probably due to Almeida not really understanding most of what she'd said. “{Oh, you can get through the big bugs? That's neat. Though... wow. Dying if you miss. That's rough. Didn't know that was a thing. I feel for you.}” She'd say to Irihi. Sounded like a rough life to live.

“{Eh, then we just gotta make sure the tank doesn't hit or that we team up to counter it. No big deal.}” She'd nod. “{We totally got this.}” She nodded to herself, totally strategic and all.

“{I don't care, I signed up to kill the big bug and I still wanna try doing so.}” She shrugged. “[We're still gonna get the big bug, right Yuna?]” She'd ask.


“{I can totally fight smart.}” She stated. A dubious claim, but a claim nonetheless. “{Oh, why can't me and Valerius and Yuna and Zjorn do the saturating of defences? We've already gone through bug armour before and you already lured them out before. I'm sure it'll work.}” She'd nod, self-confident about her plan.

“{Oh come on, can it, you're just being all doom and gloom and stuff now. Let's just beat it up and them see if we can cook it. Then we can all find the nearest bathhouse and chill. It's worked out twice before and it'll work out again.}” She refuted Glim, getting a bit tired of all the negativity.

“{Can you do bathhouses Flare? If so, you and the sword should come.}” “<You should come to a bathhouse too Purpler, after this, since you missed the one where we ate bear meat.>” “[Let's go kill the bugs and go to another bathhouse with everyone!]” She'd finally add for Yuna.

It seemed the others were debating stuff in 'Common' again, so she just yawned as she stood stand-by. Eager to actually get going into the action.

 

[Giftvi]

Ambient Vibes

E Grade Character
Point Booster: Attentive Student
Languages: Common | <Bestial>
Titles: Beast [Mundane], Hunter, Guardian
Interaction: Irihi Karcen Develius TheTimePiece Elvario

Before it could reply to Almeida's words the words of Glim began to pour into its mind, this strange undescribable sensation. Her thoughts of the mission, and more exposed for each of them, transcending the need for a language to convey what it was which you wanted to share most of all with another. From the most complex of feelings to the simplest of moments.

It came to a pause, hampered for a moment as it listened inside, to the deep echoes of its own heart. A tragic aching. One which had festered for the last few days, more and more, waiting upon the awful day this mission was to commence. Upon the faithful day, these people would make the cruel thought of sacrificing another into a reality. Perhaps it could have stopped.

Maybe it had not tried enough to convince these people that they were making a mistake? But in the end, such wasn't up to it. It was barely a civilian in the eyes of the people of Kuridan, so how must these people who cared for their country and would do anything in their intent to save their homeland listen to its pleas.

Letting out a sigh as it kept these thoughts and feeling to its own. As it looked upon the person who would have been sacrificed had things not gone as they did.

It could not find the words it would wish to share right now with the group as it head Seraphina's wishes. It understood completely why they might feel that way. After all, one's life is precious, and to be betrayed by someone so cruelly when you have extended your hand out to help them.

Of course, neither did it know of the situation on the military, just truly how much the commander who had planned out this mission was unable to participate due to the horrific scourge finding its mark elsewhere. Or whether he had left these people to struggle in the fear of his own demise, an action made of cowardice. Whether supported by the unwillingness to leave someone behind or naught. For Watching had much to lose itself.

How should it feel about all of this? As all that surfaced was a maelstrom of frustration, its hands clenched so tightly it could draw blood as it looked upon the surrounding group. It knew naught what Almeida was saying, it could not understand their words spoken in the melodic language of the people here. But it could see their face, it could see that dauntless expression upon Almeida which had remained. Made only the more apparent as they stammered out the strangest of things they could have said.

It nodded towards Almeida as it looked towards her, communicating little in any manner of a facial expression to be read, except for its eyes which met her gaze. It looked towards Flare, and wondered for a moment just how much of that held true. Perhaps it could sometimes be so simple, though. It had never questioned the risk of its own life, now or before… It feared its own death, but such had always been a part of its life. And it did not wish for death to control its life now, either. Its eyes alone made its resolute stance apparent, though silent in giving an answer as to why that was the case.

 

[Karcen]

Seranphina
Languages common, Terran​

Sera had in truth hoped that Flare would see things her way and be willing to ditch the betrayer. She also didn't want to be around for whatever smart ass comment Irihi was brewing for her wrong guess as to the nature of how they were to die. That would be so annoying almost as annoying as the witch and her incessant repetitions of death being a doorway. It might be a doorway but that didn't mean you had to walk through willingly or without a fight. Death was a door you were forced through most of the time. Still Flare it seemed had more of a heroic spirit than Sera had and felt like saving future people from the bug. That had to be it because that village had no one in it. Sera was, well thinking about it she did feel a bit bad, but she had been willing to let the see sacrafice its people as much as it did those it hired. Thus far the others seemed to be on Flare's side so no one to take her away if she was going to leave. Still Flare was here and going in and therefore so was she. Sera might not care for the see or the civilians or their team that much, but she cared for Flare. If Flare was going then she wouldn't run off even if she wanted to if only out of anger.

" Fine fine I'll help " she said sounding more reluctant than she was " just worry about yourself more than me " she added having her own ideas for her own defences.

 

[Irihi]

Corporal Iona Glimmerleaf
​

Equipped Titles: Tiny (0.2m), Fae, Fire Team Leader Mentions: Speed TheTimePiece Karcen Develius Elvario Giftvi

Glim finished binding her wing as she listened to Seraphina’s complaints. “I understand.” She said, dully. Before all this, the fairy would never imagine she would do something so horrible as the orders she had carried out. Sure, some will-o-the-wisps were evil, and would lead innocent travelers to their deaths, but Iona was not one of those. The idea of what she’d done was enough to dim her glimmering to darkness. But she’d witnessed and perpetrated so many atrocities in these battles that, if she had a soul left, it was almost wholly numbed to the darkness with which the war had tarnished it. A part of Glim wanted to weep and throw herself to the ground and beg forgiveness, but she stuffed that part down until very late at night, when no one was depending on her, when she wouldn’t do something that would endanger the mission.

Just as Seraphina’s angry realism didn’t faze her, Flare’s resolute optimism didn’t inspire her. “Thank you; I think so too.” Glim said quietly as the elemental proclaimed they needed to fight to protect the innocent citizens of the See from the threat of the bug hive. “It makes a difference.” She said, and wondered if she was trying to convince the others or herself. ”If we kill the tank, the bugs can’t exploit the breach here. They don’t have many of those big ones left, and the type 1’s and 2’s are no smarter than animals without them.”

When Almeida proved as ignorant[ resolute as ever, Glim offered a grimace trying to be a smile. ”That’s a good idea. I think we have a better chance, if you’re willing to face the tank with Irihi.” The corporal wasn’t going to force any of the squad to attack the tank, but Almeida’s proposal was a good one--an improvement on her initial plan..

Firstly, Glim could only just barely teleport one “rider” at a time, and Flare was probably too massive. That meant Flare and Seraphina would have to try to fight their way through--but that ought to force the bugs to split their forces.

Secondly, Glim’s magic was some of the strongest they had. She’d intended to use it to protect Irihi while the witch recharged, she couldn’t do that if she was acting as a dropship; popping in and out of reality all over the battlefield, but Almeida was as strong as Glim--and her ability to enervate and blind the tank gave her attacks an edge on powerful enemies. It was worth bringing her forward if she was willing.

Finally, Glim thought she could get their spear tippers forward in good battle order. She could bring Irihi up, have her launch, then retrieve Almeida in time to add her status-laden attacks. Glim was hesitant to bring Yunaesa forward, but it seemed like the two beastial-speaking constructs wanted to stay together. The corporal figured she could get Yuneasa forward with time left for Glimmerleaf to defend Almeida and Irihi while the pair recharged.

That left Watching of Reflection, Flare, and Seraphina facing the five-or-six bugs expected to be defending the village border. Watching silently indicated its agreement to fight on, and Glim was relieved. Flare and Watching were powerful. Seraphina’s illusions were effective. It wouldn’t be an easy fight, but they should be able to slice up the town’s defenders--at least before the bugs adjusted tactics.

Summary;
Glim thanks the mercenaries and Watching for continuing the fight.
She adjusts the battle plan based on Almeida’s suggestion.

Spoiler: The Plan

Turn 1: Glim will Teleport Irihi and Almeida into range of the tank.
Irihi and Almeida will team on the tank.
Flare, Seraph, Yuna, and WoR will team on bug defenders.
Turn 2: Glim will teleport Yuna into range of the Tank.
Glim, Yuna, and Almeida will team on the tank.
Flare, Seraph, and WoR will team on bug defenders.

And we’ll see how it goes from there. This is Glim’s notional plan, no one is bound to follow it.
Heroes will go first against the Bug Tank.
Regular Bugs will go first against the Heros

 

[Irihi]

Irihi Spokelse
​

Irihi had been standing with arms crossed since Seraphina had decided to extend her illusions to cover the witch. Despite her insults, the little-girl-in-a-sword seemed to be trying to help Irihi. Of course, it was laughable; like a flightless baby sparrow trying to aid the vulture deciding whether this noisy little thing would make a worthwhile snack.

“Fear not, child. No one will ever think that of me.” Irihi replied to Seraphina’s warning that she might be mistaken for a good person. “No matter how much warning I give.”

Irihi stepped back while Flare, Watching, and Seraphina finished off the bug, nodding to Flare when the construct proclaimed she was leaving “more for us.” She lingered near the stone wall through the bombardment and Corporal Glimmerleaf’s entreaties.

“A rousing speech, Corporal. Irihi’s tone of voice was equivalent to a slow clap. “You inspire confidence almost as great as your stature.” She sneered as the fools all volunteered to be led to their doom by their tiny glittery betrayer. Perhaps my bolster didn’t hit, after all. She thought, crossly.

Glim did not hold back from denigrating the witch, but Irihi was not here to be friends. Insults rolled off her like water from a duck’s back. She listened to the foolish mortals make their doomed little plans, only adding her thoughts on death. She quieted with a half-shrug after the corporal screamed out her frustrations, aiming her words at Irihi, though the necromancer knew it was someone else causing the noncom’s distress.

Seraphina was the only one making any sense, but Irihi could see that the kind-hearted little idiot would follow her fiery friend to their dooms. Despite herself, the elfwitch decided that, yes, she did like the sentient weapon. If Seraphina did not wish to die (she didn’t), and it was within Irihi’s power (it wasn’t), she would try to keep the sharp-tongued, sharp-edged fool alive.

The wielder of the huge hammer returned and said her piece. Irihi resolved not to try a bolster on her intelligence; it was sure to fail, and that would be a rather ignominious death. Still, Almeida was kind to Irihi, in her ignorance, and the elfwitch was not one to eschew common courtesy, even if the one to whom she should be courteous was some mishmash of flesh and metal. After all, is she really so different from what you made h-- Irihi crushed that thought with a slight shake of her head. Irihi refocused on the construct’s modern Sylvan.

Am I? She wondered, when Almeida called her dearheart, the casual term of endearment with which she ironically denigrated her companions. Before she could think on it further, the hammer-wielder was in her face, commiserating about her under-powered, over-wound magic. Irihi shrugged. She was no stranger to suicidal magic, when she strained the leylines of this world in unstable magic-starved Möbius loops, it was really not all that different from the way she had abused the aether in her old world. {{“Well, thank you, dearheart.”}} She replied to Almeida in proto-sylvan. {{“It is not so bad as all that, perhaps I’ll have a chance to show you.”}} She commented on dying if her spellcraft failed.

As Glim thanked the mercenaries and adjusted her battle plans to incorporate suggestions from--of all people--Almeida, Irihi felt her bolster fading. She almost didn’t ask; Flare and Seraphina were facing away from her and immobile. Corporal Glimmerleaf was involved in plotting. She could bolster them all without lowering herself by asking. But why be rude, even to the dirt upon whom I tread? She sighed. “Corporal, Flare, Seraphina; I will enhance your magic, if you desire.” She gritted out the closest thing to a civil offer as she could manage. “Hold still and try to think of something pleasant,” she suggested.

Upon herself, and those who agreed, Irihi would cast [Booster B - Bolster:INT F(E) - Magic E(B) - Targets F - Range F (2/4 Charges Used) ]. Though her magic was powerfully wound and tripled-folded upon itself, the spell would only effectively enhance their spellweaving INT by two levels. If the targets of Irihi’s spellcraft guarded their minds as she suggested, the unsettling glimpses of another world, that flavored the witch’s spellcraft, would feel much less real and present--they would be only fleeting feelings of loss and rage--as from an unremembered dream, banished by a sleeper waking.

With the edges of a sallow cheek standing in sharp relief from the teeth clenched behind it, Irihi extended a hand to Corporal Glimmerleaf. “Shall we go forward, then, to kill and die before the insects can recover?” She suggested.

Summary;
Irihi replies to Seraphina, Yuna, and Glim
She bolsters INT +2 on any willing targets among: Irihi, Glim, Seraph, and Flare. (This does not stack, but just re-ups the previous bolster)

 

[Irihi]

Corporal Iona Glimmerleaf
​

Equipped Titles: Tiny (0.2m), Fae, Fire Team Leader Mentions: Speed TheTimePiece Karcen Develius Elvario Giftvi

Glim resignedly stepped onto Irihi’s hand and then took a position on her shoulder. Without flight, she had to ride on the person she was to transport, or waste time transferring or teleporting to them in combat.

It made sense to do so, but Glim hated riding on Irihi’s shoulder, and she was certain the feeling was mutual. Malice seemed to radiate from the woman, and the Corporal’s emotions were negative enough, without the elfwitch’s influence.

Though they still used the cover of walls and ruined outbuildings, it seemed that the bombardment had suppressed any remaining snipers in the town, as no throwers took potshots at them as they approached the village. “Maybe we got them all…” Glim wished aloud, and held onto that hope right up until a line of pincer bugs emerged from behind the smoldering wreckage of bombed-out houses, blocking their way. "Shit.” Glim said. At least she could catch a glimpse of the objective; the massive immobile bulk of the bug tank a few hundred yards away. ”Good enough. Contact front! Good luck!” She called out, and blinked out of sight.

[Teleport D - Energized D - Glim and Irihi are warped to within 20’ of the Bug Tank]

“Good luck, Private.” Glim gasped, kneeling on Irihi’s shoulder. This was not the first time she had teleported the elfwitch, but it was still a struggle. She hoped she could manage the same feat again with the heavier Almeida and her hammer.

[Teleport E(D) Flux - Energized C - Magic C(D) - Glim warps back to Almeida’s shoulder]

The fairy reappeared, kneeling on Almeida’s shoulder this time. Her tiny hands gripped the construct’s armor. ”Okay… here… we… go!” She panted.

[Teleport E(D) Flux - Magic E(F) - Energized E - Glim and Almeida warp in next to Irihi.]

Glim collapsed on Almeida’s shoulder. It was all she could do to hold on to the construct as her vision swam and she fought to remain conscious. ”This… is… as far… as I can…”

Summary;
Glim transports Irihi and Almeida behind enemy lines.

Spoiler: Glim’s Actions

Action1: [Teleport D - Irihi into range of bug tank]
Action2: [Teleport E(D) Flux - Glim back to Almeida]
Action3: [Teleport E(D) Flux - Almeida and Glim next to Irihi]
Cooldowns:
C: 0/2
D: 0/1
E: 0/0 - Ready next round
(Distant Support Mages):
B: 4/4 - Ready next round

 

[Irihi]

Bugs
Front Line Bugs Pincers: 1,2,3,4, Throwers 5,6

The entire swarm of town defenders massed in a single attack aimed at the largest target; Flare and their OVEN suit. Pincer bugs rushed forward, claws snapping. Throwers hung back, hurling bricks at the construct.

The bugs were probing; testing their attackers to see how many of their number would be required to destroy Flare. While the lead pincer bug used its maximum strength, the others held back, so that they could keep up the intensity of the fight, even as their less-numerous adversaries tired.

This close to their controller, they were smarter; knowing that their numerous weapons and heavy armor would buy them time to find a weakness and grind down the heroes attacking the town.

Spoiler: Bug Attacks

Pincer1:
Action1: Pincer E Attack on Flare BE:7
Action2: Ungraded Combo attack on Flare +1BE
Action3: Ungraded Combo attack on Flare +1BE

Pincer 2-4:
Action1: Ungraded Teamed attack on Flare +3BE
Action2: None
Action3: None

Throwers 5&6:
Action1: Ungraded Throw at Flare +2BE
Action2: None
Action3: None

Total BE: 14

 

[Karcen]

Seranphina
Languages common, Terran​

Aside from revelations the break between the last fight an the assault had been used for planning and while Seraphina didn't feel she could do much, well she could be one hell of a defense btu as always she was lacking in being more than a one trick pony. The bugs however didn't know that trick as The flare they saw was not real as once more Seraphina had twisted and bent the light so that Flare appeared to be about 5 feet from where she actually was. If one looked the signs were there, movements not matching the terrain, slight discoloration, and in the worst cases her phasing through larger rocks instead of going around them. well it didn't matter the bugs weren't that bright even this close to their controller. though Seraphina did wonder why this just seemed to be how it worked as she could swear she had heard of this kind of situation before. Why would bugs concentrate things in a few big easy to spot targets? if they had some magic link then them all being like a real hive mind made more sense, no one weak point to exploit. Seraphina still didn't trust Glim or Irihi and was planning to tell the adventures guild about this, maybe they would think twice about working with the See if they ere just going to use their members as sacrifices. Though Seraphina decided to try to add more to this illusion.

While she couldn't make the bugs feel like they were biting something , without likely messing with Flare, she had to settle for trying to make them think she was real and hurt. Seraphina kept the light bent but altered it so that the Oven cracked and shattered splintering under the assault and hits from the bugs. What they unleashed however was perhaps more terrifying for bugs. Fire, heat, death as Seraphina mixed in the memory of burning the heat the pain, and while flare might feel it Seraphin hoped the heat and burning would not affect her as she was a being of fire. While she couldn't hurt them Seraphina hoped the imaginary inferno she conjured from the fake shattered armor would strike fear into the bugs instincts of being baked alive inside their own shells. there was another trick Seraphina had decided on, but she didn't want to use that till the real flare was in danger, once they figure out this illusion.

Actions:
1 Seraphin will do her usual trick of displacing flare, but alter the illusion when the bugs attack to make it seem the oven has shattered and unleashed a great wave of heat and fire.

 

[Elvario]

Almeida

Spoiler: full image and source

From: Almeida

Mentions: Irihi | Yuna TheTimePiece | Purpler Giftvi | Flare Develius | Seranphina Karcen
Languages: Common | [Terran] | %Analog% | <Beastial> | {Sylvan}

When Purpler nodded, she'd smile back. “<Great, that's one more for the post-battle bathhouse scene!>” She called out, happy to have it on board.

“{Yep, I came here to kill the big bad bug, so that's what I intent to do!}” She'd call out in response to being allowed to the front-lines.

Glad to hear that Irihi seemed to take it well enough, she'd just smile back. “{You're welcome {{dearheart}}!” She'd reply again. She didn't get much else of what Irihi said though. “{Do you know any good bathhouses around and do you want to join us to go to one after this is over? Trust me, there's nothing like a bath after a fight!}” She'd ask with a smile.

Resisting the urge to pet Glim on the head with one of her metallic fingers, she got a tad dizzy from the warping effects. “{Whooo... what a ride.}” She stated. “{You may want hold onto to this instead. Or I can put you in one of my pockets.}” She'd say, pointing at the horns on her helmet and the pockets in her pants. “{My shoulders move a lot when I'm swinging Valerius around, so I'm bound to throw you off. Either that or you can find another spot to hold onto or fit into or something, I don't mind, so long as I can move freely.}” She'd state, though she did recall one thing. “{Oh, right, don't expect me to defend you either.}” Both for practical reasons and due to the fact she'd been sacrificed by the fairy, she felt neither need to desire to try play guarding. “{I'll be focussing fully on bringing that bug down~}”

Should Glim be unable to move on her own, even after that advice, Almeida would just see if she could put the fairy in one of her pockets so that she could move around without needing to fear the latter falling off.

She'd look at Irihi. “{I'm going to swing at it only once, but I'm going to use full-force. It'll wear it out, burn it and might make it unable to see for a bit, so if we both start off hitting it good and hard, we should bring it down~}” Having informed the latter, she'd rush at the big bug and seeing how the OOC said she'd get all three actions she'd bring Valerius down at full force, using [Full-On-Hammering E].

Action 1 / 2 / 3:
Full-On-Hammering E – Martial Ethos E, Initiative [Attack] E, Blight (Valkanite) E, Continuing (Valkanite) E, Deflect E, Enervation E, Flare (Sight) E - Grade E – 3 actions – 1 post Cooldown.

CD's
E – 0/1

 

[Giftvi]

Ambient Vibes

E Grade Character
Point Booster: Attentive Student
Languages: Common | <Bestial>
Titles: Beast [Mundane], Hunter, Guardian
Interaction: Irihi Develius TheTimePiece

It was time.

Purpler rushed forward, as it ran upon its four limbs, across the muddy remains of the grassland and husks of trees eaten away by bugs, which had been around Mlynra village, the literal remains of this village. Attempting to align its speed together with both Flare and Yuna who had to make their way across the battlefield like it still. As unlike Irihi and Almeida who would be teleported in the first few moments of distraction, the four of them would serve to be for the assault upon the tank bug.

It was surprised if by anything by the pace which Flare could keep wearing such a bulky set of armour, but that was only for the better after all. Quickly, as they began to approach the begotten walls and buildings, it was time for all things to go down. As the various pincer bugs climbed out of the wood works, literally, and began their assault upon the four of them. Perhaps it was not a surprise that most of the focus inherently went towards the most conspicuous target from the bunch.

The large gigantic figure of Flare was pounced upon not by a single one, but rather a total of four pincer bugs all attacking simultaneously, in a manner of tactics which far exceeded anything they have showcased before. Truly it was just like had been mentioned, this monstrosity of a bug really acted as a sort of collective which moved the various bugs as if they were puppets to control or something. Yet if the pincer bugs stood back to reserve their stamina, it still meant they were all clumped up together to reach Flare in the first place.

A perfect clump to utilise her fire in a large area such as before in order to hit multiple targets, as they most certainly all would be within a small area of about 15 feet. So it could do its best to leave Flare to make the best of the situation, hopefully. Leaving behind Flare, Seraphina and Yuna to deal with the immediate situation in front of them whilst providing support. If anything, what immediately caught Purpler's attention now were the rocks thrown by the bugs towards Flare. Bugs which had been unseen up until now.

The ones Watching needed to focus upon at this moment were the ones which had positioned themselves on top of one of the larger remains of a building within the village. Perhaps it had been a fest hall, or something else, whatever it had been was left unrecognisable now. But it was enough to withstand the weight of these creatures to have sight upon the whole clearing around the village. Climbing upon the building was nothing too difficult, considering its experience in climbing up the sides of large vertical hills or trees. In a fluid motion it jumped upward to stab its spine into the building, jump off of it as a platform once more and pull it out with its tail, making the rest of the distance by pulling itself up. [1]

Intent on giving neither thrower a moment to aim once more. It rushed forward with its tail wrapped around its spine, taking the spine with its right hand as it jumped upon the back of its carapace and stabbing it. Before jumping across to the other bug, lengthening the spine in its hand midst the forward momentum to potentially pierce deeper into the carapace. [2+3]

---

Actions:
1. Movement [Climbing F]
2. Basic Attack [Team-Up] — [Target: Thrower Bug 1] (Effectiveness = Strength C (4) + Tail Spines D (3) + Team-Up (Variable) = 7)
3. Spinal Lunge [Team-Up] — Perception {F}, Tail — Watching of Reflection thrusts a spine held in its hand, stabilizing its own footing, if it extended forward in an uncomfortable position for someone who was simply bipedal through use of its tail. [Attack] [Target: Thrower Bug 2] (Effectiveness = Strength C (4) + Tail Spines D (3) + Ability F (1) + Team-Up (Variable) = 8)

Cooldowns:
B (X) | C (X) | D (X) | E (X) | F (0/1) | Regen (0/6)

Statistics:
HP: 3/3 {D grade Speed}
Armour: 1/1 {F grade Natural Light Armour}
Weapon: 3/3 {D grade Natural Weapon}

 

[Irihi]

Irihi Spokelse
​

​

Irihi blinked when Almeida invited her to a bathhouse. Considering how the goldfish had died when she barely touched the water in which they swam, she wondered what immersing her whole body in a common bath would do to the other bathers. That was the second thing she wondered. The first was why this hammer-wielding golem would invite her in the first place. I really need to stop being shocked when people the scum treat me as one of them. She resolved. This was a new world, and--unlike her last--it had been free of her corrupting influence for the past eight millenia. {{ “I… think I would like that.”}} Irihi replied, faintly.

Then they were moving, sneaking along hedgerows and crouching below fences. Irihi found herself following Almeida. She was not really focused on the upcoming battle. Life and death were inconsequential to the Necromancer; mundane aspects of her profession she leveraged like a mechanic would a screwdriver. Except that she had forgotten almost all her techniques, and was now called to serve on an extermination mission against insectoid monsters. Rather than obsess grumpily over just how far she had fallen, Irihi, instead, occupied herself admiring the construct’s backside and wondering about just how libertine were the mores of Almeida, and that other melee fighter.

At the Bug TankIrihi unlimbered her athane as the sparkles of the fairy teleport faded and Glim popped back out of existence. The tank bug loomed over her, swinging its massive pincers skyward as it turned to face this unexpected threat. There was a rippling noise, like air filling a canvas sail, and Almeida appeared beside her, and told Irihi she was going to hammer down. The elfwitch nodded. {{ “Wait for me, Dearheart, then strike!” }} She said. {{ “Let’s get you to that bathouse.” }}

She intoned one of the weak necromantic spells, not locked away in the depths of her mind, even as the tank bug’s pincer descended on her and Almeida. Sweeping her dread scythe in a reaping arc the black blade met the armored claw with a green flash of magical discharge.

Spoiler: Irihi’s Actions

Action1: Necromantic Javelin E(B) - Magic E(B)[Backlash X3] - Magic Targets F - Magic Range F - Magic Affinity: Penetrating F - Magic Affinity: Homing E - Magic Affinity Blight: Necrotic F - Cooldown: 1 (BE: 16 + Penetrating F + Homing E + Blight F)
Action2: Mana Snapshot F(C) - Magic F(C)[Backlash X3] - Cooldown: 0 (BE:13) (+1 combo)
Action3: Snapshot (Basic Magic) - Magic Ungraded(D)[Backlash X3] - Cooldown: 0 (BE:12) (+1 combo)
Cooldown E: 0/1
Cooldown F: 0/0 - Ready next turn

 

[Irihi]

Bug TankThe monstrous tank turned the baleful glare upon the women facing it. The monster was huge--nearly house-sized, with two gigantic claws, a thick undamaged carapace marked and scorched from previous attacks, and an intelligence in its eyes that gazed out from under armored lids that were more like blast shutters.

As the massive bug tank regarded its tiny attackers. Irihi, Almeida, and Glim would feel the unpleasant sensation of [Appraisal E] scouring their minds and bodies of tactical knowledge--assessing the level of threat they presented so that the bug could calculate an effective response. Irihi and Glim’s effective intelligence might keep their plans a secret to the monster, but they could not stop it assessing their physical and magical weaknesses.

Before the appraisal was complete, the monster counterattacked, bringing both battering claws down upon Irihi and Almeida as the two teamed to attack the creature. There was a flash of necromancy, then a brilliant flare of Valerite as hammer and scythe met armored claws.

The tank bellowed as one claw was rent through by the magic in Irhi’s athane. The other claw crunched upon Valerius, its armor cracking and only just barely holding together against the glowing blight that threatened to bash the monstrous weapon apart.

Almeida’s tremendous upswing knocked the claw away as Valerius continued on its arc, smashing into the underside of the crab-like tank and causing it to rock back on its useless legs, as a tremendous blow rang through its body, the shockwaves disrupting sense and organ alike, despite the thick armor.

The bug tank was blinded by the flare of Valerius and dismembered of one of its primary weapons by Corpsemourn. The other claw was heavily damaged. The monster found it’s senses scrambled and abilities weakened by the damage dealt it.

Yet it survived, and it knew it’s adversaries had expended their strongest attacks upon it. Despite the shockwaves still bouncing around inside its armored hull, the creature was formulating a plan to destroy these puny, but powerful, enemies.

Spoiler: Tank Bug Actions and Effectiveness

Actions
Action1: Appraisal E + Targets F + Energized E
Action 2: Pincer Attack B + Energized B
Action 3: Pincer Attack F + Energized F (+1 combo)

Effectiveness
Irihi BE: 20 + Penetrating F + Blight F
Almeida BE: 11 (+1 Teaming) + Ethos(Attack E) + Blight E + Continuing E + Deflect E + Enervation E + Flare (Sight) E

Total = BE 20 + 1 Penetration + 1 Blight + 1 Team + 2 Blight + 2 Ethos + 2 Deflect + (Continue E + Enervate E + Flare E) = 29 + (Continue 0/2 + Enervate 0/2 + Flare 0/2)
V
Pincer B + Pincer F(+1) = Abil B(5) + Weap A(6) + Str A(6) = 17 + 1 = 18

29 V 18 = 11 damage to Bug Tank

HP: Pincer1: 0/6, Pincer2: 1/6, Wings: 6/6, Armor B: 5/5, HP: 4(6)/6
[All Stats -2: 0/2 rounds, Continuing Damage 0/2 rounds, Blinded 0/2 rounds]
Cooldown B: 0/3
Cooldown F: 0/0 - Ready next turn.

Bug ReservesEvery remaining bug in the village was recalled to the beleaguered bug tank. The monster would have pulled the bugs on the front line as well, but it knew concentrating its forces like that could see them obliterated by another magical artillery bombardment. No, the skirmishers at the front would fight on, while its reserves helped it deal a killing blow to the surprise of the teleporting strike package.

One thrower and four pincher bugs turned from their positions guarding the north and south approaches, and dashed toward the tank bug. They circled around to attack Irihi, Almeida, and Glimmerleaf from behind, catching them between the tank bug and themselves.

Spoiler: Reserve Bug Actions

1 Thrower, 3 Pinchers
Action 1,2&3: Move to surround Irihi, Almeida, and Glim. Within melee range next turn.

Summary;
The tank bug appraises Irihi and Almeida and tries to counter their attacks.
Irihi and Almeida do heavy damage to the Tank Bug.
4 Pincer and 1 Thrower bugs approach to attack the forward See forces next round.

 

[Elvario]

Almeida

Spoiler: full image and source

From: Almeida

Mentions: Irihi
Languages: Common | [Terran] | %Analog% | <Beastial> | {Sylvan}

“{Whoo! Great!}” She'd have cheered upon Irihi accepting the invitation to join them for the post-battle-bathhouse scene whilst displaying a smile worthy of such happiness. There was nothing better than a post-battle-bath shared with the friends you made along the way, after all.“{Let's get you there as well {{Dearheart}!}” She'd reply without fault.

“[Boy, you're a big one.]” She couldn't help note upon spotting the giant bug. That was rough. Though not rough enough. “[Let's hammer straight through it, Valerius!]” She'd encourage herself and her hammer alike.

“[Ugh, that's weird.]” She complained at the feeling of being appraised. She didn't like it. “[I'm flattered you're checking me out, but I”m not into bugs!]” She'd call back at it.

“[Whoo! Looks like we got it good buddy!]” She'd state happily after the initial hit. “{Well done!}” She'd call out to Irihi as well.

As she saw them getting surrounded, the plan seemed pretty simple. “{Let's wrap up and get this big bastard down before his friends attack!}” She'd state, wanting the biggest annoyance dealt with first, so they could focus on the smaller ones later.

She'd follow her attack up with a [Grand Slam] F and a regular attack. Hoping to further turn this bug into bug-mush. “{Do you think it's edible?}” She'd ask Irihi, as she was pummelling away at the bug, wondering if such a vast amount of bug meat would make for a good barbecue, like that bear did in Kuridan.

Action 1 / 2:
Grand Slam F – Martial Ethos F, Initiative [Attack] F, Blight (Valkanite) F, Continuing (Valkanite) F, Enervation F, Flare (Sight) F - Grade F – 2 actions – 0 post Cooldown.
Action 3:
Normal attack x1 for combo-bonus.

CD's
E – 1/1
F – 0/0

 

[Develius]

---

Language Key:
| Common | {Sylvan} |
Mentions:
| Irihi [Irihi, Corporal Glim] | Karcen [Seranphina] | Giftvi [Watcher] | TheTimePiece [Yunaesa]
​

---

The very offer of joining Almedia and others for a bathhouse nearly caused the fire elemental to have a core attack. Must've forgotten who Flare was for a moment. Laughing it off, they had to politely decline. "Yeah, I might have to pass on that, sorry..." they replied sheepishly, "Fire and water don't mix too well and all. Appreciate the offer though!"

Despite her reluctancy, Flare was happy Sera was able to continue tagging along. Not that she had too much of a choice in the matter. "Well of course!" they declared with a raised fist into the air, "Wouldn't be standing here if that wasn't the case now would it? Just sit back and make sure to watch my back as you've been doing. We got this!"

Glim seemed a little bit hopeful with Flare's optimism, even if it wasn't by terribly much. Even Irihi seemed just the bit curious about their chances. Though again, it was hard to discern over her monotone expression. Regardless, the plan was further established: with Flare, Sera, Yunna, and Watcher taking on the defense bugs while the others would teleport their way closer to the tank bug. If the tank bug could be destroyed, all the bugs here would perish with it. Flare and their team were responsible to keep the other bug defenders occupied in the meantime as they advanced towards their position.

Swallowing her pessimistic outlook, Flare was surprised to see Irihi offer her magic abilities consensually and willingly, only that they asked they think of something nice for a change. Flare found themselves hesitating the offer, given their last experience, as their hand paused mid stretch. However, they decided to bite the bullet and receive it; while thinking about the good times they had with Master Fraust and Seranphina the past couple days.

Intelligence C --+2--> A

Feeling the confines of her mind flaring outwards, the fire elemental now felt more alert and in tune with the battle around them. They nodded at Irihi with an affirming grunt. "Thanks." they said gratefully, "Everything counts." They didn't bother to make any half-sarcastic jabs at this point, knowing the stakes of the battle at hand.

Once everyone was prepared, it was go time. "Best of luck, fellas." Flare nodded, wishing their teammates the best.

Watching Glim and her team teleport into position, Flare and their team set forth towards the village and towards the defending bugs. And it wouldn't take long to finally encounter them... and they were ALL focusing their beady eyes on Flare - arguably the biggest threat here. "Gonna need yall to help cover me!" they called out towards Yuna and Watcher respectively, already knowing Sera was gonna do their part here, "And careful! You might not wanna stand directly in front of me. For this next attack is gonna get FLASHY!"

As the swarm began closing on them, their pinchers clapping madly and their chittering growing audibly louder and erratic, added on by a chuck from one of the ranged bugs, the fire elemental felt like they needed to give it their all. Fireballs or even a stream of Flame weren't going to cut it here... they needed something with a BANG. And quick! This next ability felt a bit early to be pushing out now, but there seemed no other choice. Thankfully... no one seemed to be in their way... with Watcher going about their own battles nearby. They knew what was coming...

Perfect.

Flare's inferno core began to grow brighter and brighter, cracking through the seams in their armor as the OVEN looked to glow a brilliant bright flaming orange. It was an endeavor to keep it all concentrated within their chest, but Flare had to keep it together. And just in the nick of time, as Sera's illusion ability would help to ensure it looked as if Flare was hit and heavily damaged by their assault. But while they may think they had them, Flare was ready to burst. Both metal hands gripped onto the sides of the OVEN's chest cavity, while their boots dug into the ground.

"EAT THIS YA BUG BASTARDS!"

With a roaring bellow, Flare opened the OVEN's chest and unleashed a hellish [HeartBurn E] volley of flame towards the approaching onslaught! The fire elemental felt as if their non-existent guts were spilling out during this attack, bathing the bug scum in a cascade of roaring flame and fire, as they focused their full attack in front of them. Even so, their whole body now produced an incredibly hot aura around them. Even through this intense strain, Flare attempted to lessen the burden on poor Sera by manually leading a sliver of space around where she was, to ensure she wouldn't get burnt...

If ghosts could even get burned by normal fire in the first place?

As they finished, Flare quickly closed their chest up before feeling a temporary wave of exhaustion hit them. That was a LOT of energy they just emitted, but even so, they still felt like they had plenty of more energy they could spare. Still... it wouldn't be wise to use that ability again less it was vital to finishing off a more powerful quarries. Flare proceeded to move against the bugs, getting closer to Watcher while still allowing considerable space between forces.

It would be best not to stand still in the middle of an active war zone after all...

---

ACTIONS:
3/3 HP (D-Grade Vitality)
2/2 Armor ([Heavy Armor + Catalyst] E)

1. -Flare unleashes [HeartBurn E] on the incoming bugs 100 feet in front of her. Uses SELECTIVE to ensure Sera is not damaged by the (Aura [Flame])! - COSTS TWO ACTIONS = [TEAM-UP COMBO = SERANPHINA, WATCHER, YUNASEA] - (Targets = PINCERS 1 - 3 | THROWERS 5 - 6 (?)) -
2. ---------------------------------------------------------
3. Moves closer to Watcher's Position (not right towards him).

• HeartBurn E - [Magic E, Fire Affinity E, Range E, Targets E, Continuing E, Fire Blight F, Aura [Flame] F, Selective F] - +1 Cooldown - Flare can open their OVEN suit's chest cavity to unleash a powerful overcharged burst of flame up to 100 feet away in front of them and hitting up to 10 targets. Anyone in the blast wave within 100 feet from when they activate this ability will risk getting set ablaze due to the intense heat. Typically used as a last resort, as it takes up a considerable amount of energy. Takes 2 out of 3 actions.

COOLDOWN F: +0 [READY NEXT POST]
COOLDOWN E: +1

 

[TheTimePiece]

Yunaesa
​

Interactions: Irihi Develius

Yunaesa didn't really know a good deal of what was being said if it was in common, Almeida was whisked away to fight the larger bug apparently. "[Woah that's pretty cool Flare!]" She'd call out upon seeing all the burning transpiring. "[That'll cook e'm real nice! Zjorn thinks so too!]"

Yunaesa was pretty undeterred by the bugs, what she knew at this point that the only good monster bug was a dead monster bug. So she'd make her way over to the nearest Pincer Bug and attack with Zjorn once again, hoping to help finish it off in some capacity, Zjorn roaring to life once again, radiating with energy, attempting to cut into any of the weakened spots with a well placed
Zooming Zjorn's Zinger F - [Specialize] Fighting Style F Zjorn’s Mechanized Melee, Incurable F, Fast F
Yunaesa moves up to 40 ft and slashes and or stabs a single target up to 5 ft away from her to try to inflict a wound which is more difficult to heal.- Grade F, 0 Post Cooldown.

"[Take this!]"

She'd then follow up with another basic attack.

"[And that!]"

Spoiler: Yunaesa Actions

Yunaesa Actions:
1 & 2 Zooming Zjorn's Zinger F To move up to 40 ft and attack on closest pincer bug.
3. Basic attack follow up.

 

[Irihi]

Front Line Bugs
Throwers 5 & 6

The thrower bugs had not been prepared for Watching’s rapid assault. As the creature popped over the roofline, both bugs staggered back, neither ready to mount anything but a desperate last-ditch defense. The first bug (5) raised its undersized pincers, only to have them pierced and rendered useless by Watching’s spine. It tried to turn aside the stabs with its weak armor, which was likewise destroyed. Its vitals were pierced before it finally managed to get its powerful tail between itself and the small purple assailant, suffering heavy damage, but managing to survive the attack before watching lept onto its companion.

The other thrower bug (6) was pierced through, neither pincer, nor tail, nor armor stopping Watching’s assault. The bug was left completely disarmed, clinging to life by a thread.

The flames from Flare’s Heartburn blazed across the battlefield and licked up the side of the building upon which the Throwers perched, whipping past Watching to bathe the monsters in flames. With their armor already pierced by Watching’s attack, they were broiled by the flames, screeching and thrashing before curling into crackling pyres atop the building.

Spoiler: Thrower Damage

Watching&Flare V Thrower 5
Watching&Flare: IntD(B) 5 + CatE 2 + Abil 2 + 1 TeamW = 10
11 V Uncontested (except for having to chew through weaponry)
Thrower 5: Pincer 1&2= 0/1, Tail: 0/4, Armor: 0/1, HP -1/2
Dead
Watching&Flare V Thrower 6
Watching&Flare: IntD(B) 5 + CatE 2 + Abil 2 + 1 TeamW = 10
11 V Uncontested (except for having to chew through weaponry)
Thrower 5: Pincer 1&2= 0/1, Tail: 0/4, Armor: 0/1, HP -1/2
Dead

Front Line Bugs Pincers: 1,2,3,4

The bugs at the front line were bathed in flames and sliced by Zjorn, yet their massed pincers and the masonry hurled from above deflected and diminished the stream of flame such that it only scorched their armored hides, failing to set them alight or do significant damage.

No sooner had Yunaesa’s chainsword began to bite into a claw, then another bug would intervene, causing the spinning teeth of the blade to skip and skitter across thick chitin, scoring it but scoring no real damage against the monsters.

The massed attack of the bugs might even have turned back the tide of flames and chains but for Seraphina’s illusion. The bugs were preoccupied with Flare’s apparent image rather than her actual location. They managed to defend against the fire, but the strikes they leveled at the armored elemental hit only air as they charged through Flare’s wavering image.

Spoiler: Pincer Damage

Flare: Heartburn E + Seraph + Yuna
Flare, Yuna, and Seraph: IntD(B) 6 + CatE 2 + Abil 2 + 1 TeamS + 1 TeamY = 12
Bug Total BE: 14 V 12 Heros = 2 Damage
Negated by Illusion

No Damage Dealt

Front Line Bugs Pincers: 1,2

Finding their attacks stymied by the illusions wrapped around Flare and Seraphina, the bugs split into two pairs. The first pair attacked the obvious target of Yunaesa. Her chainsword seemed ineffective against their armor, and dispatching her would give them an advantage when teamed up against the elemental cloaked in illusion. Further, they could avoid using echolocation and pit their full strength against the zooming zinging construct.

One of the pair did use its echolocation to try to keep track of Flare and Seraphina. The underground sense would not be effective at long range in the open air, but the bugs hoped to drive the fighters apart so they could quickly finish off the melee fighter before dealing with the fire mage. If Flare and Seraphina moved out of echolocation range (20’, same as blind ranged fighter F), then Yunaesa would be easy pickings.

Spoiler: Bug 1&2 Actions

Pincer 2:
Action1: Pincer E Attack on Yuna (Teaming) BE:7
Action2: Ungraded Combo attack on Yuna (Teaming) +1BE
Action3: Ungraded Combo attack on Yuna (Teaming) +1BE
Cooldowns: E: 0/1

Pincer1:
Action1: Ungraded Teaming attack on Yuna +1BE
Action2: Echolocation F Flare
Action3: Follow Flare if they move.
Cooldowns: E 1/1 - Ready next turn

Total BE Directed at Yunaesa: 10

Front Line Bugs Pincers: 3,4
The other pair of bugs turned and skittered up the scorched building, heading for Watching of Reflection. Combined, their enemies might gradually overcome them, now that the mercenaries had killed their snipers. The bugs best bet was to keep them separated. These surface dwellers were soft-hearted. They were rarely willing to sacrifice their weaker allies to achieve victory.

To this end, they now attempted to split the group. The bugs did not have the ability to appraise their enemies, like the Tank could. They still needed to probe their defenses individually. Once they found a weak point, they would mercilessly exploit it.

The two bugs crested the building, their sharp claws scoring the masonry as they climbed. Not expecting the small purple creature to possess the same power of illusion as the fire mage, they charged it, snapping at Watching with their powerful claws.

Spoiler: Bug 3&4 Actions

Pincer 3:
Action1: Move toward Watching
Action2: Pincher E Attack on Watching (Teaming) BE:7
Action3: Pincher Ungraded Combo on Watching (Teaming) +1BE
Cooldowns E: 0/1

Pincer 4:
Action1: Move toward Watching
Action2: Pincher Ungraded Teaming Attack on Watching +1BE
Action3: Follow Watching if it moves.

Total BE V Watching: 9