Mirror!'Splodimus moves to (H14) and fires at the Glitchstrider.
'Splodimus fires on the Glitchstrider.

Both benefit from Empowered5.

Chinook fires on the Glitchstrider.

Java glared at the Glitchstrider, taking a step forward to get the job done quickly, before hearing a gasp of pain, and the sound of a body hitting the ground. A chill ran down her spine as she slowly turned her head backwards, stomach dropping, already fearing the worst.

Unluckily for her, what she had feared was in fact true.

Her childhood friend, her main companion on this trip so far... lying on the ground, in a pool of her own blood. A glitchlance retracted back into the Glitchstrider, and Java glances down at the ground, unconsciously twitching and shuddering. When she looks back up, her expression... would be best described as simply murderous. Her eyes welled up with tears, which she angrily blinked away, fur ruffled up to an extreme as she took another step forward towards the Glitchstrider, then another, breaking out into a run.

Upon reaching L7, she lunges into the Glitchstrider, knuckles white as she grips her glorious staff, shining with a brilliant white light, going for a hard smack across. Of course, that's simply to help relieve some of her pure hatred for the... thing that just murdered her closest companion.

Speaking up, she growls almost in a low hiss, for the Glitchstrider alone to listen to. She didn't really care if it understood her, but hopefully her tone would get the point across.
"You.... you killed her... that was a mistake... and your last one. You should have left her be. You should not have touched her You should not have touched her You should not have touched her!!!"
Screaming angrily, she focuses as much energy as she can into her staff, the gem of which glows yet brighter, coalescing into a burst of white energy right up against the Glitchstrider's armor.

(For actual non-RP purposes. Moving to L7 and casting Shinebright on it)

Ristretto introduces herself to the universe. Well, she probably did that some time ago, but now she's introducing herself to this specific part of the universe. She's a sharkgirl by hobby (and probably by default as well), a pirate by dress, and carries various nautical paraphernalia on her person.
Charlink here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10zi...dit?usp=sharing
Now, if there are no problems with Ristretto, she'll spawn in at C10, move to G9, and toss an axe at the Glitchstrider. She makes a mental note to replace the axes with something more her style later. Then, she retreats to I10 and stops short. Noticing the lifeless Mocha she just passed, the sharkgirl sniffs at the air. Her face lights up, and she hops on the spot in excitement.
"Holy gorilla is that blood? This place is great!"
A giddy smile is stretched across her face, but despite her toothy appearance, she seems to just be enjoying the sensation of blood.

Mocha's eyes widen and her pupils dilate as the Glitchstrider's leg pierces clean through her chest, covering its leg in light pink blood as well as staining her dress. The bell chimes softly. There's no skull rattling scream, but there's a gasp, a mixture of both fear and pain. The liquid comes out of her mouth as well, as Mocha begins to cough up blood. She seems to whisper something.

"J-Jav..."

As the Glitchstrider pulls its leg out, there's another gasp of pain, before her body drops to the floor with a thud. Mocha, now covered in a pool of her own blood tries to lift her head to look at Java, with a look in her eyes that seems to display only despair. They close.

Morningstar watches Mocha fall. Facing the Glitchstrider, he suddenly seems distracted by the code swirling around it.

>Analyzing.

He turns to the party...

Morningstar: I think I can tell what it says.

...then turns back to the Glitchstrider...

Morningstar: IT SAYS

...and brings down his hammer.

Morningstar: YOU'RE A HERETIC

Strix's head pops off, revealing a cup of coffee wielding a steering wheel. A voice bellows from it.

"FOR THE... I DON'T KNOW ACTUALLY. JUST KILL IT!"
----
Strix moves to J9, bonks the Glitchstrider, then surfs back to I10.

Auth claps his hands and focuses, and a whole storm of ink flies over to Mocha. Her body is surrounded by a maelstrom of ink, before it subsides and her body returns to a functioning state. It should be fine for her to move about now... if not a mite uncomfortable for a few minutes.

uA: You'll be alright. Get back in the fight.

Contritum - Round 13

We got some newcomers coming into the game. Say hello to Ristretto. There's also probably someone else gonna appear soon, although I'm not sure if they'll arrive in time to contribute a whole lot of things to this particular round of battle. We'll see.

...Coincidentally the battle is almost over. Let's see if the combined fire of people who are not happy will take down the big glitchy thing.

Battle has been processed.


The Glitchstrider has fallen. It is now mere scrap, black metal and the occasional flicker of red code being all that indicates it was once a thing. That was a group effort, and one hell of an effort for sure given how tough it proved to be. Planner, the woman who introduced herself earlier, stares at the Glitchstrider to make sure it isn't going to whir back to life, then plants the tip of her executioner sword into the ground and leans on it for rest, turning to the rest of the group.

PLANNER: That is not the only Glitchstrider they have. Thankfully, it is the only one they would have out here. This planet is the least fortified of the worlds they hold in this system.
PLANNER: But that is a matter for later. For now, I would like two things.
PLANNER: Firstly, I would like to know each of your names. I have introduced myself, yet I know not who any of you are. I don't want to have to assign names to each of you based on your appearances, either.
PLANNER: Secondly, I would like to know what your next course of action will be. There is much ground to cover here, many more situations to investigate. I remember that you, as a group, decided to skip the factory...
PLANNER: Perhaps it is best to seize that first. Or might something else catch your eye, that could be investigated first instead...

She seems to be doing quite well, for someone who's, you know. Missing an arm. After that conversation, she moves to straighten up and lift the non-blade end of her sword on her shoulders, still mostly carrying the heavy weapon one-handed.

Elsewhere, someone takes note of what happened...
Elsewhere, some campers are having their investigators investigate...
Elsewhere, some forces near a factory are being bolstered...


All situations have been processed. Round over.

Latte goes back in time to before Cal started the next update.

Barely having survived being stabbed herself, Latte looks behind her to see Mocha, covered in her own blood. She turns back to the Glitchstrider, barring her teeth. She emits a low growl before piercing the Glitchstrider twice and retreating to I7, and pressing down on her own wound. She knows she won't last much longer like this, but she's still not giving up.

Java releases a breath, and finally glances back over to Mocha once more, who's... healed, apparently?

"Hhhhahhh... hhahh... w-what..? You're.. you're ok." She states in a whisper, rushing away from the collapsed husk of the Glitchstrider to run over to her friend, wrapping her in a tight hug.

...at which point she promptly didn't move for like a minute. ...+1 SPC attained?

Also adding a mod to Special, which was talked about earlier Cal
At 10 SPC, Self Refresh: All statuses you have upon activating this special have their duration changed to be the same as Manastorm. All statuses received during Manastorm also have their duration shifted.

'Splodimus pays little attention to Mocha and Java doing... whatever they're gonna do. He turns to his mirror image, and salutes to it. It salutes back, and dissipates. He holsters his weapon, and thinks for a moment. Then proceeds to pull out some sorta communication device. Guess he had to make a call.

'SPLODIMUS: Aye, E.G.W? Situation's rough'r th'n we'se anticiapt'd. Nev'r 'xpect'd t' be gimp'd so 'ard aft'r landin'. Send th' 'xperimental exosuit, if ya woul'.
'SPLODIMUS: ...Wha'd'ya mean, 'it's not ready'!? Gah, yer slow!
'SPLODIMUS: ...Aye, it'd be gimp'd 'ard like I'se been. No poin' perfectin' if she ain't gonna work t' 'er full power.
'SPLODIMUS: ...Few minutes, landin' near me location? Soun's good. Thanks.

He appears to have hung up. Guess he'll be getting something new by the end of the turn.

While he waits, 'Splodimus talks with the Planner a bit. Looks like someone who prefers to get down to business quickly, so he responds in kind.

'SPLODIMUS: Aye, righ', introductions. Name's 'Splodimus, cap'n o' a large band o' space pirates. 100,000 strong. Pleasure t' meet ye.

Assuming nothing happens after that revelation, he continues.

'SPLODIMUS: ...Ugh. If they ain't gonna intr'duce themselv's, I s'ppose I'se gotta d' tha' for 'em.

He points to the relevant members of the group as they are mentioned.

'SPLODIMUS: Th' scrwany lookin' healer ov'r there's known as 'The Eternal Author', 'ccordin' t' me logs. Th' merc ov'r there wit' th' rifle's Chinook. Th' robot ov'r there's Morningstar. Tha'... guy ov'r there's known as Strix.
'SPLODIMUS: Thin's're only gonna git strange fr'm 'ere, fer bett'r or worse.

'SPLODIMUS: Th' fox-lookin' girl ov'r there huggin' th' cat-lookin' girl 're Java and Mocha, respectiv'ly. Tha' wolf-lookin' girl ov'r there's Latte. Tha' shark-lookin' lass ov'r yonder, who'se jus' arrived, 's apparently named Ristretto.

'SPLODIMUS: Odd 'ow th' las' few're all animal lasses wit' coffee-relat'd names... eh, I ain't judgin.
'SPLODIMUS: 'Ere. Somethin' so ye wouldn't 'ave t' 'member th' names o' ev'ryone.

He tosses the Planner a device. A digital logbook, updating with all the recent arrivals to the team. Completely hands-free, too!

'Splodimus then seems to pick up on something, coming from the building nearby...

'SPLODIMUS: 'Ang on, I'm 'earin' somethin'...

He walks up to the building, and effortlessly takes out the entire window frame from the outside, with some accurate placement of a (weakened) mining laser. He jumps through the window, and looks around. He listens to the sounds around him...

...or he would, but it looks like his suit came in. It lands right next to the window. He turns and takes an exosuit out of the pod it was in. He then continues listening...

'Splodimus' Exosuit

Ristretto tosses her shiny new point into AGI.

Chinook puts a point into STR and opens the door of the building.

Morningstar hails Planner.

Morningstar: Greetings. I am Morningstar, Paladin of the Shining One.

He takes a point from STR and puts two into DEF, then explores south of Further Along.

Mocha stumbles over to a nearby tree and allows herself to fall to the floor underneath it. She stares blankly into the distance, still holding one of her hands to the freshly healed wound in her chest. It's not entirely clear, but tears seem to fill her eyes.

Java runs over as fast as she can to wrap her in a tight hug, her own eyes squeezed shut for some odd reason.

Mocha allows herself to be embraced in Java's arms, not moving at first. After a few moments, her breathing becomes erratic before she ultimately breaks down, wrapping her arms around Java and squeezing tightly.

 The fox girl would soon lay her tail across her friends lap, as if to try to cover her as much as she possibly can, her own breathing trembling as she tries to keep herself controlled, but unable to prevent herself from releasing some short sobs into her friends shoulder.

“I thought... I thought... I thought you had died...”

Java would be able to feel her friend's heart beating, pressed against her own chest.

"I-I'm sorry..."

Mocha's voice quivers as she apologises.

“No.”

The kitsune whispers back firmly, pressing herself only closer.

"Don’t apologize for surviving, don’t ever apologize for surviving... its not your fault. We killed it.”

"I... I was careless. I could've gotten myself killed..."

Mocha takes a few deep breaths, attempting to calm herself. The bell chimes quietly.

"And then you'd have to..."

She seems unable to finish her thought.

“You didn’t. That’s the important part...”

The kitsune lets another brief sob loose, closing her eyes and clutching her friend tightly.

“That’s the important part... you’re alive, that’s what matters.”

There's a moment of silence between the two as they enjoy the embrace of one another.

"I wouldn't want to let you watch me die..."

The words seem incredibly sombre and more impactful spoken softly through Mocha's lighter pitched voice.

“I... I should have been there... to protect you.”

Java replies softly, tears trickling out of her tightly shut eyes.

“Because my magic wasn’t... wasn’t enough to protect you.”

The kitsune crying seems to have started Mocha again, as she begins to whimper.

"It's... it's not your fault."

Mocha tries her best to smile through her tears.

"You've always done your best to protect me... even though you didn't have to... so thank you." "It might not be much but... I'll try my best to protect you as well. I-I promise."

Java reaches up and shakily begins to slowly stroke Mocha’s hair, although whether it’s to comfort Mocha or herself isn’t clear.

“It’s ok... it’s ok...”

After a moment of catching her own breath, Java softly smiles, saying quietly

“Might be best for you to sit out the next battle... if you don’t feel like fighting. I... I wouldn’t blame you.”

"N-No. I can't."

Mocha speaks rather clearly, and with some purpose, although still quietly. She turns to look at the rest of the party, as well as the remains of the Glitchstrider.

"I need to protect them."

She then turns back, her eyes locking with Java's own only... Mocha's eyes are glowing a light pink.

"I need to protect you."

 Java blinks, opening her eyes to gaze into Mocha’s lightly glowing, and giving a slight tired smile.

“A-Alright... just... try to stay alive, please... I don’t want to lose you like this.”

Mocha puts on a small smile as well, tilting her head slightly while keeping eye contact with Java.

"I'll try my best."

Java gives a slow nod, keeping her gaze on Mocha and her smile widening slightly.

“Alright then... how about we go somewhere a little more comfortable, then..?”

"I'd like that."

She wipes the tears from her face with her sleeves, before playing with Java's hair, brushing it to the side.

Java smiles, briefly throwing her arms around Mocha for another tight hug, then slipping down to grasp her hand with one the kitsune’s own.

“Alright... so let’s get going, then~”

Strix, the sentient mech-piloting coffee cup, screams at the grass in the Old Road while fortnite dancing.

Contritum - Round 14

I should have got started much earlier, but, well... distracted. Anyway.

Java rushes over to Mocha. They have a long heartfelt conversation that's not too many posts above. Also, +1 to the former's SPC, and a trait modifier has been installed.

Splodimus informs Planner of things.

PLANNER: Space pirate... I see. I do not mind as long as you have not targeted Engietech cargo or personnel...
PLANNER: Quite the diverse cast of characters here, excluding the similarities between the... ahem, coffee-name-themed group.
PLANNER: Good to know. I would scan each of you for verification, but I suspect those creatures may be able to hijack my information. Best to deconfirm such a suspicion before doing anything of the sort.

He then proceeds to cut through a window and listen to people talking while putting on an exosuit. Planner glances to see where he has gone, then sighs.

PLANNER: Of course. I forgot to mention that I was not alone...
PLANNER: It is safe to come out now, you three.

There's a pause. Part of the ground inside the building is picked up and pushed aside. A trio of Engietech personnel clamber out - one of them wields a shortsword, another holds a spear, and there's also a fairly ordinary looking person in power armor carrying a toolbox. The spearman is the first to say anything.

???: ...Took long enough.
PLANNER: No thanks to you. You could have stayed out and fought.
???: After seeing what those things do to every man who falls? Not happening. What happens if I'm not brought back in time? Would I be stuck as one of those things?
PLANNER: ...Fine. You may have a point. But someone does need to defeat them. You would do well to lend assistance despite reservations regarding the matter.
???: I'm not going out there unless I'm sure I can afford a resurrection.
???: Same. I've already had to pay up several times this month alone.
???: If that trend keeps up, I'd run out and have to take a loan or sell something... I don't wanna do that!
PLANNER: ...Hm.


Ristretto +1's her AGI.

Chinook +1's their STR and opens the door of the building. It becomes even more evident that part of the building collapsed, as a pile of rubble marks one side of the building while there's (barely) a clear path on the other side. A pair of dead Infesters can be seen trapped under the rubble, as well as someone's leg sticking out. Looks like they've dropped a service pistol too...

Morningstar hails Planner. A name and an order mention. Planner raises an eyebrow while also losing 1 STR and gaining 2 DEF.

PLANNER: Shining One? I do not believe I have heard of them.

He then goes South. This leads to an area where there are many shelves, and on those many shelves are many items. There's also a few Defaced around - some Carriers, but also a more unusual one...

Strix screams at grass. This is not helpful.


All situations have been processed. Round over.

Chinook quickly cremates all of the corpses, then heads to the landing pad to prepare to join a battle at the factory, hopefully.

Strix +1s their INT, and swaps out Terraform for Glitchlance.