Splicers - I Am Legion - IC Thread

[Purr]

Then, she turns to Chaska. "Again, you surprise me with your resourcefulness. Excellent work, Sergeant."

"Tank yoo, tank you," he replies with a respectful bow to Toni. As he rises, he also pauses as an odd thought comes to his mind. Chaska begins to realize his slip in speaking human language. "Thank you, Toni," he corrects himself. "Chaska think Chaska and Woodstock good," he allows himself to say in honor of her praise, "and Deluvane birb? Best!" He points with a big smile to the wounded, intrepid Black Talon.

Perhaps you can get some details that weren't shared with the war hawk, like how did they get a message from Gaia. She is supposed to be one of the many multiple personalities of the Machine, so why is she talking to us? Why do they feel that this isn't a trap? Get moving. If this is as important as it sounds, it needs to be addressed."

"Aye, aye, sir." Chaska salutes Chief Rybeck. Then he looks to Woodstock. Woodstock looks back blankly. Chaska raises his right hand and slowly, crisply brings its knife-edge to his temple. Then he looks again to Woodstock.

Sure enough, Woodstock stands as he always does, but brings his right wing up against the side of his head for all of about two seconds, then he relaxes as Chaska does. Chaska grins, gives him a meat-treat, and they genuinely seem to smile to each other.

 

[Sherwood]

As Cerberus Squad heads for the rendezvous point, you all notice that there is an unusually active amount of Machine patrols out and about, but fortunately for you, they don't seem to be doing much in the way of searching for any Splicer activity. It seems that the bulk of the patrols you encounter are all heading off in the direction of New Harrisburg.

The squad is approaching the rendezvous point when a flight of thirty-six Sky Fighters come tearing across the sky. Most keep on going, but six of them break off and dive down low, heading on a strafing run against some target up ahead. As they fly in, a spray of missiles come up from the ground, hitting several of the Sky Fighters and destroying three of them outright. The missiles are not organic rockets, but instead they are metal, making this either a group of Techno-Jackers using their powers to control a robot or are other robots. A nasty exchange of fire between the targets on the ground and the Sky Fighters results in one of the Sky Fighters limping away from the fight with smoke trailing from its engine and the other aircraft destroyed.

What do you do?

 

[Purr]

In the wilderness, it is easy to become borderline-paranoid when the constant fighting for survival and dangerous risks of living life in the wild get to you. Perhaps it is easy for the rest of Chaska's squad to forgive him when, after seeing the highly-deadly exchange from unlikely and unknown forces, he looks up and shares one sharp word of warning over the Bio-Comms as the Machine's Sky Fighters become tumbling fireballs falling of the sky.

"Legion?!"

Like animals met with sudden violence, Chaska and Woodstock cloak up and high-tail it for safety, both man and birb hoping the rest of Cerberus will immediately do the same.

 

[Eonivar]

Jin moved within their designated formation. Jin was glad to be back in her suit again, aware with all of her various senses, being able to move with great strength and endurance, hidden by her stealth field, and being wide awake without the need to eat at all or the need to sleep again for a few days. My time out of the suit is a reminder of what we fight for and what we need to protect from the Machine.

The area around New Harrisburg was hilly with a lot of forest regrown over the skeleton of the old world, with a lot of branching creeks and tributaries off of what was originally called the Susquehanna river which passed through New Harrisburg.

Upon hearing and feeling the distinctive sounds of the massed Sky Fighters incoming while traversing up a hill to overlook the New Harrisberg area, Jin dove went to ground as the Sky Fighters went over staying still for a moment, then slowly crawling up to the edge of the top of the hill to watch the exchange of missiles from the ground up to the sky....the air filling with many plumes and streaks of smoke followed by the distinct sound of explosions of the sky fighters being hit and then falling to the ground.

After the battle passed, Jin took a 360 look around for anything else that may come upon them.

Over the bio-comms Jin spoke.

"This is concerning...if this 'Legion' is a more aggressive and destructive 'mind' of the Machine, I cannot imagine what it will do if it destroys the other 'minds' particularly the one known as 'Gaia'. It may turn on the world itself and make it unlivable for anything to get rid of us"

 

[Psychie]

Toni makes sure her stealth field is up and running as she says, "Anyone see what is on the ground out there? I want to know what it is that the Sky Fighters were attacking and what shot them down."

 

[Sherwood]

Archos creeps forward and looks over the small rise between you and the source of the ground fire and reports over the bio-com, “Sergeant, I see three robots of a design I’ve never seen before, one is a multi-legged bot that is dissecting the crashed Sky Fighters, and then there are two humanoid robots, one on some kind of flying board while the other is on foot. All three appear to have some damage to them.”

Archos continues to observe the robots, then says, “One of the humanoid robots has a damaged helmet that shows a human face and head. It doesn’t look like one of the androids that NEXUS has made to emulate people; this looks more like an actual human that has suffered a bit of damage and is actually bleeding from its cuts and burns.”

“Sergeant, we can probably evade this trio of robots by going around, but that will add onto the time we have for our rendezvous. Your call, ma’am.”

 

[Psychie]

Toni thinks for a moment, considering the odds. It would be five on three, and they appear to be damaged. But they are an unknown foe with an unknown amount of firepower. Now is probably not the best time to test the enemy. “Let’s avoid combat if we can. I have a feeling that we’ll be neck deep in a fight soon enough. Keep silent and go around to try and find the members of House Deluvane that are supposed to meet us. Let’s go.”

 

[Purr]

Archos creeps forward and looks over the small rise between you and the source of the ground fire and reports over the bio-com, “Sergeant, I see three robots of a design I’ve never seen before, one is a multi-legged bot that is dissecting the crashed Sky Fighters, and then there are two humanoid robots, one on some kind of flying board while the other is on foot. All three appear to have some damage to them.”

Archos continues to observe the robots, then says, “One of the humanoid robots has a damaged helmet that shows a human face and head. It doesn’t look like one of the androids that NEXUS has made to emulate people; this looks more like an actual human that has suffered a bit of damage and is actually bleeding from its cuts and burns.”

“Sergeant, we can probably evade this trio of robots by going around, but that will add onto the time we have for our rendezvous. Your call, ma’am.”

If the situation makes it practical, Chaska and Woodstock stealthily move forward - from an angle different to Archos as to not be near him - to see what Archos is seeing. If feasible, Chaska begins recording using the new recording bio-tech given to the team at the Kraken.

Toni thinks for a moment, considering the odds. It would be five on three, and they appear to be damaged. But they are an unknown foe with an unknown amount of firepower. Now is probably not the best time to test the enemy. “Let’s avoid combat if we can. I have a feeling that we’ll be neck deep in a fight soon enough. Keep silent and go around to try and find the members of House Deluvane that are supposed to meet us. Let’s go.”

"Aye aye, Toni," replies Chaska whether he is able to record or not. He employs Counter-tracking to disguise Cerberus's movement if the act seems feasible.

 

[Sherwood]

Creeping forward, Chaska is a moderate distance away from Archos as he looks between a pair of trees to get eyes on the trio of robots. There he sees the two humanoid robot/cyborg/whatever they are standing a short distance from the third bot as it uses sharp shears and cutting lasers to tear apart the rubble from a smashed Sky Fighter, removing weapons from the hull. There is no talking between the two humans as they continually scan the area for signs of trouble. Looking over the three, Chaska can see that all of them have taken hits and are showing signs of damage, and with his enhanced eyesight, you can see the face of one of the cyborgs and yes, there is fresh blood visible. These are, or at least used to be, people that have been modified with the metal parts in a very disturbing manner.

Axel quietly says on the bio com, “It makes me sick to see people getting chopped up and made into weapons against their fellow humans. Guys? If I’m ever like this, take me out of my misery. I’d rather be dead than live like this.”

 

[Psychie]

Toni quietly replies, “You and me both. I’ll start heading off to our left. Jin and Axel take the lead. If anyone is going to get spotted, it’s most likely to be me. Archos and Chaska, keep a close watch on our three targets. They so much as twitch sideways, give a holler. If they do manage to pick us up, target one at a time and drop it fast with combined fire. Everyone clear on what to do?”

 

[Purr]

Toni quietly replies, “You and me both. I’ll start heading off to our left. Jin and Axel take the lead. If anyone is going to get spotted, it’s most likely to be me. Archos and Chaska, keep a close watch on our three targets. They so much as twitch sideways, give a holler. If they do manage to pick us up, target one at a time and drop it fast with combined fire. Everyone clear on what to do?”

"Aye aye, Toni," Chaska responds as he finds himself hoping dearly that the video footage aids the bright minds on the Kraken.

Axel quietly says on the bio com, “It makes me sick to see people getting chopped up and made into weapons against their fellow humans. Guys? If I’m ever like this, take me out of my misery. I’d rather be dead than live like this.”

"Toni? JodiAxel?" His voice is calm and full of promise. "You no worry. If happen, I make you die. JinLi too. Woo'stock. Even ChiefRybeck. Legion no use you if Chaska has opportunity." From prone position deep in hiding, he adjusts his gear as he watches the three "Legionnaires" like a hawk. He switches through his different visions to learn what he can learn - especially thermograph.

Casually, he finds himself adding, "I think we make Legion die instead. Iz betta."

"This is concerning...if this 'Legion' is a more aggressive and destructive 'mind' of the Machine, I cannot imagine what it will do if it destroys the other 'minds' particularly the one known as 'Gaia'. It may turn on the world itself and make it unlivable for anything to get rid of us"

"Iz troo," Chaska agrees with Jin. "If animal has ally in Machine, iz Gaia. I think no Gaia? No animals. Humans be animals too."

 

[Sherwood]

While the squad slowly begins to slide around the three robots, Toni can see on her radar that there are several ground targets out in the outer edge of her detection range, closing in at about forty miles per hour. The radar returns indicate that they are organic in nature, so it is probably the team from House Deluvane.

A sudden yelp comes up from Axel as he stumbles and falls into a ravine that was hidden in the rough ground, kicking up leaves and branches and making a lot of noise. The two human/cyborgs immediately turn and prepare their weapons for combat.





With Axel's slip, the multi-legged robot continues to rip apart the rubble of the Sky Fighters that were shot down, and the two cyborgs are getting ready for a fight.

Initiative Rolls, please!

Purr Psychie Eonivar

 

[Eonivar]

Upon Axel's yelp and fall, Jin crouches and slowly does a 180 in her stealth field bringing her weapons to bear assuming they do not see her yet.

Initiative 1D20+9 = 5+9 = 14

 

[Psychie]

Initiative roll for Toni: +9

13 total

 

[Sherwood]

The first of the humanoid cyborgs seems to explode into movement as it takes to the air on its wing board. From its back, the strange, winged backpack it wearing bursts from its body and reveals that they are actually four smaller flying drones that immediately fly out to circle around the area that Axel fell down at. All four drones begin to strafe the area around the spot that Axel came to rest at, and the flying board that the cyborg is on launches a salvo of six mini missiles at him. Axel desperately dives to the side from the gunfire, bringing his rifle up to hit the missiles before they slam into him. He manages to evade the lasers of the gun drones and hits one of the missiles with counterfire, but five of the six missiles hit him and rock him back on his heels. He snarls out, "That fucking hurt, you goddamned piece of shit!" His armor is holding, but he cannot take much more than that before he is in a critical state.

Everyone, don't forget to declare if you are having your Sidekicks operate in autonomous mode or if you are directly controlling them.

Purr is up with Chaska

Initiative Order:
24 - Legionnaire 1 = moderate damage [1]
--Gun Drone 1 = moderate damage [1]
--Gun Drone 2 = moderate damage [1]
--Gun Drone 3 = moderate damage [1]
--Gun Drone 4 = moderate damage [1]
--Wing Board = moderate damage [1]
21 - Chaska <====
--Sidekick 1
--Sidekick 2
18 - Legionnaire 2 = minor damage
--Gun Drone 1 = minor damage
--Gun Drone 2 = minor damage
--Gun Drone 3 = minor damage
--Gun Drone 4 = minor damage
16 - Collector
14 - Jin
13 - Toni
--Sidekick 1
--Sidekick 2
11 - Archos
1 - Axel = major damage [2]
--Sidekick 1

Eonivar does Jin have one or two of the Sidekick Rifles? I don't recall.

 

[Eonivar]

No she does

does Jin have one or two of the Sidekick Rifles? I don't recall.

No she does not.

 

[Sherwood]

No she does

No she does not.

So no rifle at all? I just need to make sure.

 

[Eonivar]

She does NOT have a Sidekick. Sorry, I just upgraded to a new bigger phone recently and I am still getting used to it.

 

[Sherwood]

Thank you for clarifying. I didn't want to short you if you did have one. I'll edit my post.

 

[Eonivar]

You know me…I just want to keep you guessing for more “likes”

 

[Sherwood]

Silly head.

 

[Purr]

The first of the humanoid cyborgs seems to explode into movement as it takes to the air on its wing board. From its back, the strange, winged backpack it wearing bursts from its body and reveals that they are actually four smaller flying drones that immediately fly out to circle around the area that Axel fell down at. All four drones begin to strafe the area around the spot that Axel came to rest at, and the flying board that the cyborg is on launches a salvo of six mini missiles at him. Axel desperately dives to the side from the gunfire, bringing his rifle up to hit the missiles before they slam into him. He manages to evade the lasers of the gun drones and hits one of the missiles with counterfire, but five of the six missiles hit him and rock him back on his heels. He snarls out, "That fucking hurt, you goddamned piece of shit!" His armor is holding, but he cannot take much more than that before he is in a critical state.

Everyone, don't forget to declare if you are having your Sidekicks operate in autonomous mode or if you are directly controlling them.

Sherwood
OOC: Sherwood, both Sidekicks are in autonomous mode.

Chaska's eyes narrowed as Alex partially dug his own grave with his tumble. Stealth, secrecy, silence - these were the things that had kept Chaska alive long before the ever laid eyes on the God-like Kraken. In stumbling, Axel had compromised the entire team, and possibly the mission with it if word among Legion spread. But there was no more time for reflection. It was either flee, freeze, or face the enemy that would certainly kill - or possibly remake - Axel.

Was there any other choice but to save him from death, or worse, capture by these Legion-things?

"Legion! Die properly!" Chaska shouts. "Apollo zanbato!" In the way of his dead clan, Chaska declares his battle-stance to Legion and activates his Echo-location, Motion Detection, and his Organic Thrusters to hovering. He targets the cyborg-thing on Axel with his dual Heat Cannons has both Sidekicks fire on it too.

"JodiAxel!" he says over the Bio-Comms. "Fight well! You no die today!"

Meanwhile, he has not shut off his video recorder - if all goes well, it sees and hears all that Chaska does.

 

[Sherwood]

Chaska launches into the air and targets the first Legionnaire with his dual Heat Cannons. The cyborg kicks its jets in to make a quick jink to the side, but the stealthy shot from Chaska catches the borg solidly in its chest, melting more of its already damaged armor.

Purr can you remind me as to what kind of Sidekicks you have? I want to make sure I'm recording their damage correctly.

Legionnaire 2 shifts its aim from the falling Axel and fires off a snapshot at Chaska as he boosts up into the air with its arm mounted energy weapon, and it directs its four remote drones to fire their lasers on Chaska also.

Purr IIRC, you have an auto dodge. What is your bonus to the roll?

As the fighting begins, the insect-like Collector continues to rip into the rubble of the fallen aircraft, ignoring the combat completely.

Eonivar is up with Jin

Initiative Order:
24 - Legionnaire 1 = major damage [2]
--Gun Drone 1 = moderate damage [1]
--Gun Drone 2 = moderate damage [1]
--Gun Drone 3 = moderate damage [1]
--Gun Drone 4 = moderate damage [1]
--Wing Board = moderate damage [1]
21 - Chaska [1]
--Sidekick 1 [1]
--Sidekick 2 [1]
18 - Legionnaire 2 = minor damage [1]
--Gun Drone 1 = minor damage [1]
--Gun Drone 2 = minor damage [1]
--Gun Drone 3 = minor damage [1]
--Gun Drone 4 = minor damage [1]
16 - Collector [1]
14 - Jin <====
13 - Toni
--Sidekick 1
--Sidekick 2
11 - Archos
1 - Axel = major damage [2]
--Sidekick 1

 

[Eonivar]

Jin, confident they are undetected so far as their enemies were focusing on Chaska and Axel, carefully moves to some cover. She zooms in on the most damaged legionnaire to see if its damaged main body is organic or machine wondering if her acid seed would be effective or not, but realizes she does not have time for speculation and fires with her heat cannon from cover at the most damaged legionnaire (#1)

Mega Heat Cannon Shot on Legionairre #1 1D20+10 = 16+10 = 26!
(Accidentally rolled another D20, please disregard)
Mega-Heat Cannon Damage = 2D8x10 MDC = 5 x 10 = 50 MDC

 

[Sherwood]

Purr Your two Sidekicks both fire on Legionnaire 1, but the cyborg manages to evade the laser blasts from the Super Light Cells, but the Stick-um goop splats wetly against the chest of the cyborg. What effect that it will have to it remains to be seen.

Jin's attack with her heat cannon makes the cyborg attempt another dodge, but you manage to track on it well enough and score a solid hit on it.

Psychie is up with Toni. Remember to declare what mode your Sidekicks are in.

Initiative Order:
24 - Legionnaire 1 = critical damage [3] hit with Stick-Um goo
--Gun Drone 1 = moderate damage [1]
--Gun Drone 2 = moderate damage [1]
--Gun Drone 3 = moderate damage [1]
--Gun Drone 4 = moderate damage [1]
--Wing Board = moderate damage [1]
21 - Chaska [1]
--Sidekick 1 [1]
--Sidekick 2 [1]
18 - Legionnaire 2 = minor damage [1]
--Gun Drone 1 = minor damage [1]
--Gun Drone 2 = minor damage [1]
--Gun Drone 3 = minor damage [1]
--Gun Drone 4 = minor damage [1]
16 - Collector [1]
14 - Jin [1]
13 - Toni <====
--Sidekick 1
--Sidekick 2
11 - Archos
1 - Axel = major damage [2]
--Sidekick 1