Aug 09 11:15:40 107 PA - Slavers!

From Chronicles

The current game time is: Wed Aug 09 11:15:40 107 PA.

Libre watches Tirzah polish her weapon in the sun. He does his best to stay in the shade of the wall. The differences continue, if one cares to note them. He wears no armor at all and does nothing to care for the club tied to his belt or revolver on his other hip. His body is tight and is visibly nervous. He pays, a lot of attention to the armored figures but is clearly hesitant to approach.

Erica rides in on her hover cycle. She is dressed in some heavy armor that is painted with a grey camo design. Her helmet is off and sitting in front of her as she drives up to Tirzah and Sage. She raises her hand to offer both women a quick wave. "Reanna will be along shortly. It looks like we still need to wait for a few people." She says as she looks around. Spotting Libre she offers the man a quick smile as she walks around to the cargo area of her hover cycle.

Tirzah shrugs to her partner not looking to really giving the past much thought. "My life was simpler, not better. The city offers many opportunities we'd miss in our origins, and many risk to go with them. Often in the same package." She replies before nodding to Erica. With the departure emanent she sheathes the flamberge over her shoulder, walking to collect her cycle before rejoining Sage.

"Yes, I suppose mine was at least simpler." Sage replies with a musing undertone to her voice before chuckling softly and shaking her head gently. When Erica arrives, she glances towards the woman. "Hey Erica..." She greets simply, before following the other wave with her gaze. She considers the seemingly unarmored man in the shade. She raises her hand to wave over as well.

Libre sighs a little but most of the nervousness remains. He begins to make his way toward Erica with his hands firmly planted in the bottoms of his pockets to keep them from being fidgety. "Hola Seniorita. I am afraid my gun has not yet arrived but I am here." The nervousness betrayed by his body language is only hinted at in his voice. To the other women present gives a slight nod head.

A tall, slender man wearing black riding armour turns the corner, leading a horse towards the gates. It looks like a horse, anyway, a proud Arabian with a black coat and white star on its forehead. James doesn't seem to be in any particular hurry, politely touching his stetson to the ladies as he nears them.

Erica opens up the cargo area on the back of her bike and takes out pieces of another suit of armor, this one painted with a dark green camo design. She lays the pieces on the ground as she looks up at Libre. "Well I am sure Rasputin will be along soon. Here is that armor we talked about. I hope you have some transportation of your own. We will need to travel a few miles today." She says with a raised eyebrow as she finishes unloading the armor. She turns to her cycle and hits a button on the radio and music starts playing over the speakers of the bike as she starts unloading and checking an impressive array of weapons.

Tirzah looks between Erica and the hispanic fellow with a bit of speculation. "Looks like this will be a nice and easy trip." She remarks keeping her tone light before she gives her own gus fastend to the bike a check before inviting Sage to join her as she slips on her vambraces. "We heading to the nexus north of town?" She asks Erica with a calm expression

When the unarmored man approaches Erica, Sage considers the man for a moment longer before she begins to move closer to Tirzah and her bike. The only weapon she has that can be considered large enough to need strapping in is the pulse laser rifle she has. The rest is strap to her armor in various positions, including some forearm vibroblades. She remains quiet for the moment having nothing much to add at the moment.

"I will care for it well Seniora." Libre replies to Erica as he removes his club and pistol in preparation to encase himself in dark green camo painted armor. He avoids eye contact with the others but does subtly look about at the vehicles and horse present.

Daeni walks south along the roadway towards the gatehouse. Her stride is firm, but not hurried, although it subsequently slows as she becomes aware of the congestion around the city entrance. She may be forced to wait longer than expected to continue on, and reconsiders entering Kingsdale.

Erica looks up from an energy rifle to look at Tirzah. "Yep. Reanna is going to meet us here. Then take us to the nexus. She has special permission from Kingsdale to use it. She'll transport us to a nexus near her town. She'll want to stay there for a bit to recharge, so I'll lead us to Franklin and there we can meet with the militia there." She looks up at the passing horseman and she nods her head at him in a polite manner while slipping a long e-clip into a very large particle beam weapon.

James pats his horse on the nose, leading it forward a few more paces so that he can mount up and clear the gates. Turning the animal, he asks of Erica, "Goin' somewhere fun, ma'am? I'm lookin' for some work, if you know of any."

Tirzah nods and looks to the hispanic fellow donning the armor. "So what's your name then? I'm Tirzah. Warlock and head of Arcane Solutions. This is my partener Sage." She says, introducing them both with a nod and friendly smile.

Sage's gaze strays for a moment as the horserider comes in, but her interest seems more on the horse than the man. Her gaze doesn't linger long as introductions are made. She nods her head slightly as she's introduced with a small smile on her lips. "She may also answer to trouble." She adds with a teasing tone as she glances briefly to Tirzah.

Libre begins fitting himself into the armor. Clearly he knows where everything goes and how it fits together but it is not a well practiced skill. He listens intently as Erica explains the plan for getting to their destination. He also provides a brief wave of greeting to as she approaches the gates Daeni. Looking up at Tirzah as he sits down to put on the leg portion he says, "I am Libre. Very nice to meet you both." Hearing Sage's quip brings a smile that appears to be more of his natural expression than the worry that has been evident to this point. "I thought I would run into "trouble" today, one way or another."

One or more known, if not familiar faces, are recognized within the gathering of those preparing. Daeni does not know for what they prepare, but is curious. She comes to a stop nearby and observes the activities. If she cannot deduce their purpose, she may take the next course and ask.

Erica looks up at the man on horseback and she raises an eyebrow. "Well me and my friends are going out on a mission, but I am afraid that I don't know who you are. I don't often hire people who are just riding by. Perhaps you can introduce yourself and then we might talk business." She says with a slightly bemused expression on her lips. Turning her head slightly she looks at Daeni and give the elven woman a quick nod of her head while she slings the heavy weapon across her back.

James touches the brim of his stetson in reply to Erica. "Well, li'l lady, m'name's Grayson, James Grayson, an' I'm what you might call a gun for hire." His accent is straight out of the New West - much like the man himself appears to be. He couldn't be much more of a walking stereotype of a gunslinger if he tried, from the riding armour to the moustache to the gunbelt to the trenchcoat and stetson.

Tirzah giggles nodding to Sage. "Yeah I answer to trouble whenver I'm able." She confirms with a wink. "On that note its been advised not to be infront of me when its about. I've missed once or twice." She continues, though she sounds pretty sincere.. Looking about she spots the elf checking them over. "Is she coming too?" She asks Erica with a gesture to Daeni.

A smile comes from Sage before she makes a small face at the missing once or twice comment, "It isn't pleasant." She adds, sounding no less sincere. Then she takes a moment to consider the others that are arriving. She regards the elf curiously before nodding faintly, "Hey..." She greets simply before looking to the man on horsemback that's calling himself a gun for hire.

"You found army to battle in... Op." Daeni did not need to ask, afterall, as Erica answered the question indirectly. Her eyes continue to pan over the others whom she does not know. "Many enemies?" She ends her scan on Tirzah and arches a brow. "If I go, not need many." A hand gestures minimally to the others.

Erica laughs softly to herself as she shakes her head slightly. "You know I've been recruiting people for some time. And now people are trying to join up just as we are about to leave. That is kind of funny." She says with another giggle to herself. She looks over at Daeni and then shrugs her armored shoulders. "The Huntress? I don't know how well she would work in a unit." She says while leaning against her hovercycle while talking to everybody. "As for work. Don't call me lil' lady and I guessd you can come along. If you can follow orders. Either way Reanna will be getting here soon. We need to be ready to head out." She turns at Daeni's statment. "If you can follow orders you can come. If you are going to act on your own then No." She says to Daeni with a serious expression.

Tirzah smirks at Daeni. "And I thought I was sure of myself." She remarks simply to Sage with a slight nod.

James shakes his head. "Didn't know that, no," he replies. "Was just headin' out of town when I saw y'all, but I could use the work." His horse takes a restive pace sideways, but is swiftly controlled. "An' yeah, I know how to follow orders. So who'm I talkin' to, an' who do I collect from when we're done?"

"Guess this might be a more interesting trip than I thought." Sage comments with a faint smile before bringing her helmet up to begin sealing it into place.

Libre finishes sealing the Camo painted armor and dusts off his rear end as he stands. He then dusts off the belt holding his revolver and club and straps it on. The helmet of the armor he keeps in his hand as he looks back toward the city as though expecting to see someone or something in particular.

Rasputin is dressed very differently now. Only the fact he has a very short statue, and is yet wearig his helmet tells people that it is him. He has a gun belt with a pistol on each side, and a duffle bag slung over his shoulder. A stark contrast to the suit wearing chef most are used to seeing.

Celaeno splutters slowly to the gates, her hovercycle making several lazy serpentine turns as she approaches from the landing strip. Dressed in her urban-camouflage NTI branded body armour, she pulls up to the assembled group, one eyebrow lifting behind her faceplate as she notes the size of the group. Kicking a kickstand to the ground she swings her legs over, giving a loose wave to Erica, "So, this the right place, the right time?" she calls out, brightly.

Daeni's lips curl in an echo of Tirzah's smirk. "Doubt kills." There is the matter of Erica's ultimatum, which Daeni turns to her in order to answer. "Can fight together. Listen to orders, if orders smart." She states her acceptance, with a caveat. "Will get armor, return here or on move." Daeni pivots and moves north at a more energetic jog to retrieve what she needs.

Turns her head from the small crowd gathered at the gate to regard a woman in her fifties riding a strong white horse. She is dressed in metal armor reminiscent of a Greek warrior. Erica raises her hand up to wave over the older woman. Reanna takes the shining silver helmet off her head to reveal long white hair. She rides closer to the small mob of people gathered in front of the gate. Erica turns to the rest of her party and gestures to the woman on the horse. "This is Reanna. She is the leader of Franklin and will be transporting us to the town." She says while turning to offer Rasputin a quick smile, then she turns to Celaeno and nods her head.

Reanna quickly dismounts from her horse in a practiced manner. Turning to the small crowd she speaks in a clear authoritative voice. "Hell. I am like Erica said Reanna. I want to thank each of you so much for helping my town and my people out. The slavers have been a pain to the town of Franklin for a long time, but I am sure with your help we can make them know that my people are too expensive to bother."

Tirzah smirks again as Cel joins the group, retrieving her helmet to put it on as the client arrives. She pauses before lifting it over her head. "What sort of slavers are you refering to?" She asks calmly.

With her head covered by the helmet, it is difficult to gauge what Sage's expression becomes at the mention of slavers. She does flex her fingers, though. She briefly takes note of the new arrivals, but pays more attention to Reanna. "And, how many are there?" She asks, figuring it a practical question.

When Libre catches sight of what who he is sure must be his new Russian amigo, his body language visibly becomes more loose. "Mi Amigo?", he calls out to approaching man. At Reanna's approach Libre blinks a few times at the shiny-ness of her armor.

Rasputin walks over towards Libre, and nods. "Da." I am havink da weapon for yous, "You are needink da weapon, still, da?" He smiles, "Can you be usink a rifle?"

The appearance of the Valkyrie elicits a head-tilt, but little more from Celaeno as she begins taking in the rest of the assembled group. She gives a little wave to Tirzah and the others she recognizes, but those whom she doesn't recognize get a longer gaze without the greeting. She moves into a reclining position as she lets the rest flow over her.

James stays mounted. He checks his weapons, one at a time, then starts checking each of the straps, clips and buckles of his armour, making sure they're all done up to the right degree. Reanna's speech doesn't get a great deal of reaction from the tall human; he's far more interested in making sure that he's properly dressed and ready.

Reanna looks towards Tirzah and offers the younger woman a smile before turning back to the assembled group. "Splugorth slavers have been raiding the surrounding country side of my town. These slavers are much more frequent in the north east where the Franklin lies. There are two slaving barges that have been around the general area. Now the plan is I will use the nexus that is near Kingsdale to transport you to a nexus closer to my people. Kingsdale has thankfully granted us the use of their nexus. There I will rest at the nexus for a few hours while Erica leads you to the town. Rollin is the leader of the militia and together we can plan how to push these slavers back."

Erica nods her head slightly as she listens to Reanna speak to the group. She mounts up on her hovercycle and does a quick final check of the systems as she makes sure that she is ready to go. "Are there any questions?" She asks before starting up her hovercycle. Reanna grabs the sandel of her horse and swings up on to the back of her horse.

Tirzah shakes her head, slipping on her helmet before her expression reacts to the news of the splugorth slavers. "Lets go then, much to do and little time."

The news that the slavers are Splugorth brings a pause to Sage before she begins to glance at the others to see if the other's reaction to the new. Her gaze coming to settle onto her partner. Once it seems the dye is cast, she'll move to mount up and be ready for when they move out.

Libre still hold the helmet of his newly borrowed armor in his hands as he is greeted by Rasputin. "Si, I can use the rifle but, if you have one, I am much better with energy pistolas." I wave of embarrassment flows over Libre again as he provides the question Erica requested, "Who do you think wouldn't mind giving this bumming cabrone a ride?" He digs his toe into the dirt as he waits the kindness of strangers or at least their desire for another gun during the fight.

Rasputin nods and shakes Libre's hand, "Da." He pulls out a NTI-01A Carnivore Pulse Rifle & Grenade Launcher out of his duffle bag. He hands him a few extra magazines as well, "Da, should be givink you some weapons, da?" he smiles and looks around, "I will be needink a ride as well, da? Anyones?" He frowns a moment as he thinks to himself about needink to get a vehicles. Celaeno's recline extends into a full-blown stretch and yawn, her arms draping slowly over the handlebars. With the jumpstart of another hovercycle, she reluctantly brings herself back into a face-forward seated position, moving to do the same herself. She slowly starts gliding sideways toward the nexus of motion, giving a soft call of, "I can take one on the back.,"

James doesn't seem to care what the slavers are - or that someone needs a lift. He reaches back to check his saddlebags and their contents, the bedroll tied over them and its contents, and his backpack. "Ready when you are, ladies an' gennlemen," he says, the horse beneath him apparently just as ready to do something other than stand around.

Departed shortly before the woman on the horse arrived, Daeni requires some time for travel and preparation before she returns. When she returns, she is more appropriately dressed for battle, although only vaguely similar to the others. Her protection consists of hides, likely skinned and sewn by her own hand. The cuirass bears reptilian scales, and her helm is nothing more than the skull of a creature that was once prey.

She is prepared and has no questions, although she may have missed the poll. When she sees the woman mount her steed and the others prepare to move, Daeni slows to a halt. There is no need for her to rejoin when the journey will bring the others to her.

Erica hooks her thumb over her shoulder. "Yes I can take someone over on here." She says as she gestures to the back of her hovercycle. After making sure everyone is mounted up Reanna starts traveling at a fairly easy pacetowards where the ley lines intersect to form a nexus. Reanna looks over her shoulder from time to time to make sure everyone is following. After a little while the party arrives at the large fortress that Kingsdale built to contain the Nexus. "Ok so here I will open up the portal. Erica know the way from there. It will take me a while to recharge after this, so I will join you again as soon as possible." With that she starts a slow chant of magical words. Soon enough she finishes her speel and gestures grandly. At the gesture the very fabric of reality tears open to reveal a blue, shimmering portal. Quickly the portal opens up wide enough for everyone to enter. On the other side is a forested area that looks like it has recently gotten some rain. Erica licks her lips quickly before putting on her helmet and driving her hovercycle through the rift.

Tirzah belatedly returns the wave to Celaeno as the group heads out, bringing her cycle along side Cel's as the travel. "I havent yet got around to thanking you Cel. You helped get Sage back, and your people fixed the artifact problem for me. So I figure I owe you two. Though if you have any repairing to do from dealing with the slug then I'll fix that and say I owe you one large favor, and thanks, of course." She bids nodding her helmet in a friendly gesture.

Once her partner is settled into the driver position on the cycle, Sage will get on behind her. Wrapping her arms lightly around her partner's waist, she prepares for the trip ahead. She also glances towards Celaeno with a faint nod, "Thank you." She says simply before they are off and then through the rift.

Libre attaches his helmet and thanks Rasputin with, "Damn, that's a nice one." Before they make their way away from town.

Rasputin has gotten his helmet on for the ride out. He has double checked his two pistols, his shotgun, and now on foot. He casts a spell of some sort, and s faint shimmer goes over him. Now on foot, he walks through the rift. Ready for what comes on the other side.

Celaeno's entrance through the portal is... tentative, her hesitancy almost palpable before she plummets rapidly in an apparent. Once through, however, her motions on her 'cycle are somewhat erratic, falling behind only to dart forward, long arcing pathing that takes its time to catch back up, and the occasional added bunny-hopping. At least, so she begins until Tirzah's approach, where she straightens out into something more approaching a direct route. She gives a rather protracted shrug - setting free the controls for the time tat she responds, "I've got one banged up suit that could use some looking at," she admits with a soft hum, "and though I wouldn't really call 'em 'my people,' I'll take that favour, hey? Just keep me in mind when you've got a job on the backburner." She clicks her teeth behind the faceplate, "Assuming we don't get carted off and sold."

James's horse appears to have no trouble whatsoever keeping up. And when it's time to move through the portal he does just that, nudging his steed through while drawing a laspistol. The horse displays a total lack of concern at the magical transition, almost robotic in its lack of caring about the situation.

Daeni travels with the others, despite the pace and the fact that she knows the interim destination. The slow travel allows her to move in a moderate jog to the fortress. This is her first time inside the structure, however, and the almost-casual journey becomes more tense and curious as she takes in the interior. She is also wary of the portal that is opened, and hesitates a moment before steeling herself and approaching to step through.

Erica looks around at the other side of the rift. She takes her time to make sure there isn't anything dangerous that was attracted to the anomaly.

Reanna waits until everybody has entered the rift before she lets out a little sigh. Reanna looks tired after the magic she preformed and she takes a moment to lean against a tree. "Please I will catch up soon." She promises as she starts to hover up so that she can use the power of the ley line nexus to recharge herself.

Tirzah nods, smirking behind her helmet. "We're not for sale." She notes to Celaeno before pausing a moment on the other side of the nexus. "I'm going to take a mintue to draw some power Erica, dont wait up. Will only be a minute." She tells the leader of the group as she opens herself to the blue lines about them. MMM sugar rush..

Erica leads the group of people through the woods. She makes sure to keep an easy pace so that everyone can keep up. The surrounding area is heavily forested and quite damp from the previous rains. As they all travel the humidity raises and tendrils of mist creep throughout the dark forest. The mist grows denser after almost two hours worth of travel. Erica halts her cycle as she tilts her head slightly. "Huh I thought I heard some…" She says before being interrupted by a thud of an explosion in the distance. Where the explosion happened is hard to guess with the sound being muddled by the mist. Erica frowns inside her helmet as she reaches behind her back and readies a Wilks laser rifle in her hands. "Everybody watch out." She says as she heads closer to where the town of Franklin is supposed to be. Sounds of combat become more obvious with only a little distance traveled. Ahead is a large hill and Erica turns to the group. "I don't know what is happening, but the town is just ahead over that hill.

Tirzah growls slighly and dismounts from her cycle. "Guess we wont have much prep time then." She notes before summoning a phantom. "Anyone using blades come see me for a quick enchantment. I can help you to fly to if you want." She offers quickly, gesturing fron any wanting a buff to get in line.

"I have blades, but I'm kind of hoping that I wont have to use them exclusively." Sage comments to her partner before shaking her head faintly, "And when have you ever known a plan to work?" She adds with faint humour. She grows quiet after that, preparing herself for what is to come. Libre moves the Carnivore into a position that it will be more ready to fire but says nothing. He does begin looking around a lot though. Since no one can see his face with the helmet on, it is possible to think he's being vigilant rather than worried.

Rasputin now ready with energy, he goes through the large Rift. He draw's his pistol, and checks his spell and is ready to progress as he follows the people into the Rift.

Her movements remaining erratic until the thud of the explosion, Celaeno moves into a more normal formation - though she appears adamant in being a rearguard and trailing behind the rest. Her own NG-IP7 is unslung and held precariously in one hand as she moves lazily until she's the furthest from Tirzah. She sets down, legs swinging over as she adjusts her weaponry, though she remains leaning against the seat, apparently unconcerned.

James's hat goes into his saddlebags at the first sign of trouble, replaced by the helmet that goes with the riding armour he's wearing. Unlike the stetson, his hat is as black as the rest of his armour. "I'm good with my feet on the ground, but thank you kindly for askin'," he says to Tirzah. Both his laspistols are drawn a few moments later, the man controlling his steed with knees and weight alone.

Daeni spends the journey moving her eyes over the scenery with more speed than her feet carry her through it. The observation is not casual sightseeing, and promptly focuses ahead at the sounds of explosion and conflict. Her pace increases to bring her to the fore, although she does not yet draw a weapon. A glance is spared Tirzah. "Do enemies fly?" She carries both blades and bow, so range is not so much of a problem. After asking the question, she moves up the hill to answer it with her own eyes.

Erica quickly dismounts from her cycle and looks over the rest of the group. She gnaws on her lower lip inside the helmet before she speaks. "Ok I'm not sure what is on the other side of this hill, but we have to be ready. There are likely a lot of innocent people in danger." She turns to Daeni and nods her head. "It is quite possible there are fliers around. I know there will likely be lots of floating and flying eyeballs. Just be ready and don't attack until we know the situation. Our priority is protecting the villagers." She says as she approaches the hill and starts climbing it slowly, using as much stealth as she can in the misty forest.

"Just once, I think it'd be really kind of the fates if it did." Tirzah replies to her partner before summoning a second phantom. The air swirling about her from the first as it enchants her with walk the winds. Then she takes to crest the ridge and assess the situation, keeping low to the ground of course.

Taking out the pulse rifle as she gets off the hovercycle, Sage makes sure its switched to the pulse setting. She also takes a moment to extend her vibro-claws on her left wrist while keeping the ones for her right wrist retracted. She has a mixture of other small weapons on her as well should the need to use them arise. "Be sure to write them a nice letter next time." She replies before she gets ready to find out what they're about to get into. "I'm not sure whether I'd rather be in the air or on the ground, though, myself."

Libre follows the others up the hill, staying a touch behind and to the right if them. He ensure the rifle has been set to pulse as he makes his way, with knees bent, folded at the waist and shoulder hunched.

Rasputin is definately lagging behind. He is moving fairly well, just taking a long time. He has an old style coboy pistol drawn. He isn't breathing heavy, yet... His magical armor still holding out, but who knows how long it will last.

Pushing off her 'cycle, Celaeno moves to follow Daeni up the hill, glancing back to it and the rest of the group as she goes, helmet cocking to the side as she tries to determine where everybody seems like they're wanting to go. Her hands remain on her rifle as she moves - not bothering with a great attempt at stealth until she begins reaching the crest of the hill. She's humming softly to herself.

James dismounts in a single easy movement. He touches his horse on the nose in silence, and then retrieves a rifle from the inside of the bedroll. The follows him as he too moves up the hill, slinging the rifle over his shoulder.

Daeni crouches further the nearer she moves to the crest, her bow is unshouldered and readied on the the way. By the time she reaches the top to look over, she is crawling. The sounds of the battle might mask the sounds of her approach, but she attempts to remain unseen by whatever is below.

Rising over the hill the sounds of combat you heard before grow louder. The mist parts briefly to let you glimpse a scene of devastation in the field below the hill. Two great armies are fighting a battle of annihilation before the once thriving town of Franklin. On one side are horrid mountains of tentacles and blades that are bombarded by energy weapons from creatures in organic looking armor. Slave barges control hundreds of darting, floating eyes while green, giant warrior woman, with odd organic protrusions, clash with an array of smaller women in leather, and mighty power armor.

Over to your left is the crater that marks where the town of Franklin once resided. There a mass of humans and D-bees are huddled in a few metal cages while a few beings in armor, with swords and axes, finish a battle with a hulky broad faced hairless figure in armor, which has three large buttons that he pushes with obvious desperation. The three beings in armor turn back from the defeated hulky creature to join another one of their companions who is guarding the metal cages. The metal cages are about 300 feet away from where you stand.

Upon the seeing the carnage of the battle below, Sage grimaces within her helmet. When she looks back to the others, it seems like they've reacted more strongly than her. She takes a moment to walk towards the two closest and reaches out to touch both, letting her ability to suppress fear enter their body. She's likely to pick Tirzah and one other. "This is no time to lose heart." James returns his laspistols to their holsters, unlimbering the rifle instead. He drops to the ground, eeling forward so that he doesn't provide a nice silhouette on the skyline, the horse waiting where it is out of sight. Magazine in, bolt closed, and then he's aiming carefully. The creatures return to their compainion and stand guard over the townsfolk that are being held prisoner. They watch the battle unfolding before them. Two of them have swords out, and two of them have energy rifles out. The ground shakes suddenly drawing attention as one of the massive tentacled mountains of organic spikes crashes into the ground after it succumbs to concentrated fire from some of the green, giant warrior women.

Daeni is confident, not invulnerable, and the sight below is unexpected. Her eyes widen as she takes in the strange creatures, mouth opening to gape. Large or green is not that unusual, but all the tentacles are unsettling. She pauses where she lies, not as immediately eager to enter the fray as she might otherwise be. Despite this, or to conceal it, an arrow is nocked and the bow drawn as she takes aim upon one of those near the cages.

As she crests the hill and secures her place in the wings, Celaeno stops, her eyes sliding first left, then right, then up and down and back to the barges. A sharp whistle is given, a sharp shudder seen, followed by a flat "Fucking shit." After a moment of heathy breathing, she crackles over the radio through clenched teeth, "So, what's the response, boss? Pull back or charge forward?" Her voice carries a strained note.

Erica stands there for a long moment as the battle scene before her makes it's impact. She shakes her head after a moment and then turns away from the mighty forces fighting a giant battle before her. She takes in the towns people and uses her optic systems to zoom in on them. Raising her laser rifle to her shoulder she takes aim at one of the creatures wielding a rifle. "We rescue the towns people and take them back to the nexus. It doesn't look like the big battle is paying much attention to the prisoners.

Let's go quiet and fast. Take them down and get the people out of here before we are noticed." She says with authority while taking aim. "Tirzah watch out for your phantoms. We don't want the floating eyes to notice them or us."

Libre drops quickly to the ground trusting that those terrifying tentacled tormentors will remain focused elsewhere. His prone position gives the impression that he is giving mother Earth a good-bye hug. The Carnivore rifle isn't likely to do any good when it's wielder has it laying unceremoniously in the dirt along side him.

Tirzah was cursing at her luck and adding up negatives unti her partner graced her hand to send all that away. Smiling she nots in retrun before looking to the others. "Well they are far less likely to be noticed than the rest of us.." She notes with a slight shrug. "Being noticed is a two way street though. My phantoms and I could make one hell of a diversion while you guys get the prisoners out. Just a thought." She bids as she recovers her wits.

Rasputin finally gets up the hill, he bends down and takes a knee. He is breathing fairly heavy, his head down. He doesn't seem to notice the war going on around, until he looks up and survey's the scene of death infront of him. His eyes bug out of his head as flashes of memories super impose upon those which he sees now before him. He grips his pistol, fear of the past and future taking a hold of him...

A flying eyeball bigger then your head zooms out of control after taking a hit from magical lightning. The eyeball crashes into a rock outcropping to the right of the hill. The battle continues to fill the air with loud screams and explosions as a group of leather bound, blind warrior women take down one of the larger green women.

Once she's settled the nerves of two of her friends, Sage wanders back to a place where she can settle for the moment to aim at a target. "So... focused ranged fire while others move in closer?" She asks, "I'll aim at the guy with the rifle on the right near the cage." She comments, waiting for the course of action to be approved before she brings the combat. "I've got the guy with the rifle on the left," James replies to Sage, turning to line himself up and taking the time to make sure his aim is spot on. Black armour covered in road dust is remarkably well-camouflaged, at times.

One of the creatures guarding the cages looks over at the crashing eye. He jumps in surprise as he takes notice of the party on the hill. He calls out to his friends who all quickly turn and ready their weapons. The two holding swords sheath their weapons and draw out energy rifles. One manages to squeeze off a shot as they try to ready themselves for an attack. The order is made, their presence noted, and Daeni acts. Her arrow is loosed at the middle of the three creatures with axes and blades, intent on finding his skull (aimed called to head). Without waiting to determine success, she springs to her feet and begins to move down the hill. Her focus is on speed, not quiet, as they are already spotted. As she moves, she begins the transition from bow to blades, stowing one to draw the others.

"Goddamn it," Celaeno says, apparently having been really pulling for withdrawing. "If anybody else wants to be a damn idiot with us…" she says, rifle coming up as she begins her approach in light of the beginning of hostilities. She seems content to swing out around Daeni, though she opts to keep her rifle for the moment as she goes, lifting it to snap off a shot. Erica finishes taking aim and squeezes off a pulse shot at the man in armor that fired at them. She swears at herself as she moves her rifle around to fire another pulse burst at the creature that Daeni hit with an arrow.

Libre appears to be a bit unsteady as he begins to refocus on the world around him instead of the world of terror in his mind. He jerks his head toward his companions who appear much less affected by the very violent vision that welcomed them to the top of this hill then rolls to his back and brings the rifle, aside from his laying on his back, to the ready position. "Padre, give me strength," he says to himself before turning back over to a prone firing position. Libre fires a pulse at the same fella that Daeni hit before she and Celaeno can block his angle

"So much for going undetected. Diversion it is. If any of you can draw attention to yourselves and survive this feel free to join me. Otherwise get those people out." Tirzah advises as her phantoms take her up to zip her down to the battlefield. Immediately twin booms of thunder resound to shock the enemy forces as Tirzah charges her armor and draws her sword. (thunderclap, Tir moves up in init)

Rasputin frowns as he sees the scene and shakes his head, he casts a quick spell, and all of a suddent there are four short, armor clad individuals. They all take a few steps and begin to look for some cover as they holster their pistols. Over his mic he says, "Net, net goodink." While her idea of focusing fire on the ranged enemies doesn't seem to be entirely panning out,

Sage notes the response of one other seeming to agree with her idea. She keeps her weapon trained on her selected target that may just be the one that tried popping a shot off at her. Not knowing how strong their protection may be, she aims for the head before pulling the trigger.

When Sage's rifle fires, James' fires a moment later, the tall man shooting at his target and trying to disregard most of the rest of the battlefield in an attempt to get the shot right. On the battlefield Tirzah is clouded in inky darkness before sending a fireball at one of the guards. One phantom further protects her with cloak of darkness and invisibility. The other summons a howling wind and northern lights to frighten and daze the opponents. Both are set carefully so as to leave the others room to get the prisoners out.

The creatures take note of the loud noise that comes from the thunderclap. One fires off two quick shots at the quickly approaching elf. One slings his rifle behind his back after dodging a energy pulse and draws out a plasma axe. He moves foward to meet the charge of the elf. The other two turn their energy rifles to fire at Tirzah as she approaches them, carried by the phantom. Daeni continues her extremely rapid charge towards the three, ducking abruptly to avoid the incoming fire. The axe-wielder that moves to greet her now becomes her target, as the closest, and the remainder of the distance between them is consumed.

Celaeno does her best to keep up with Daeni, but the woman appears quit content to outpace her already quite speedy charge - not that Cel would be particularly upset about not being the closest target to the enemy. She snaps off one more shot at the one in the back before her rifle is shouldered and she begins to process of producing two swords - one of the katanas at her right hip and eventually the shorter parrying sword at her left.

Erica frowns as she watches one of the minions they are fighting take out a plasma axe. She turns to take a look at the battle happening between the two armies. She winces slightly as she watches a volley of missiles fire from a suit of power armor collide with a group of hulking brutes in armor. Turning her head back so as not to be overly distracted she takes aim at the minion with the axe and fires off a shot.

Libre is undaunted by his poor marksmanship as he tries to keep his weapon trained on target. He tries to be mindful of his breathing as he squeezes the trigger harder than he needs to as he targets a pulse at the guard aiming at Daeni with his gun.

One real, and three magically all swing the shotguns from their backs. The three figures, in unison, shoulder the weapon and fires off two shots. Gouts of red fire streak accross the battle field at the left most rifle wielding armor clad individual.

All of the belabored minions look like their armor has been beaten half way to hell already. Only one of the creatures looks like its armor will hold for much longer. The other battle is reaching a high point as waves of magical energy strike a slaver barge buffeting it while at the same time strike after strike of lighting crackles loudly against the same barge. The tentacle waving monster controlling it slumps forward, smoking as the barge crashes down to the earth. The people in the cages look hopefully to the newcomers as they wince with every explosion.

Her swords flashing up in anticipation, Celaeno brings the swords up, the short red one in her right hand beginning to crackle with lightning as she dodges to the cages, hissing, "Stand back!" at the people behind the bars, she begins carving into the metal with large arcing strokes of the katana.

The people quickly back away as the metal bars fall away quickly creating a hole in one of the cages for people to escape from. The people in the other cages start calling for Celaeno to help them.

All four of the Rasputins move a few steps forwad and to the left. As they do the real one focuses his magical energy into the rifle in his hands, recharing it. He yells into his mic/speaker, "Someones pleasink be calling targets for next attacks? Focusink fire, da!" All four short figures take a knee and begin to repair the next volley of fire.

Libre hasn't been terribly effective up to this point but appears to be less unsettled by the nasties before him. He again takes aim at the guard that has targeted Daeni with his gun. And quips to Rasputin, "Fire at will. He a real bastard."

Tirzah sends another fireball at a beat up minion as both phantoms summon lightblades. "Disarm and dismember." She gives as a standing order, pointing to the mostly unhurt one.

Erica reaches down and takes out her Wilks 330 sniper laser pistol and tosses it over to Libre. "There try that it might be a tad easier." She calls out as she raises her rifle up to her shoulder to take aim again at one of the minions guarding the caves.

Disarm and dismember Daeni can do. Not allowing the intercepting axe man an opportunity to strike first, she lifts both blades and brings them together at her foe from each side. One swings at shoulder height, the other at waist level, and neither is empowered with more than strength, skill, and a sharp edge.

The armor comes off quickly under the expertly wielded swords of Daeni. Underneath the armor is revealed a tall creature that looks very simian in nature. With a large almost grotesque head. James works the rifle's action, the spent cartridge ejecting and a new one sliding into the breech from the magazine. As brass skitters down the hillside he lines up his shot at the same target and takes it before working the rifle's action again.

With the battle evolving around her, Sage decides not to get locked in on her target that she's already missed once. Her gaze considers the other options and notices that the defenders are mostly battered. She decides to change tactics as she switches to target of opportunities. She tries to pick out the two most - and unobstructed - battered looking to snap a pulse off at. She doesn't worry about aiming for the head anymore.

The monkey men growl with hatred as they try desperately to fight off the party. The one with the axe swings with great force at Daeni. Another takes a shot at James. The third creature who is still wearing at least some scrap of armor takes a grenade from his belt and throws it at Celaeno and the cage full of prisoners. The last monkey humanoid fires a shot at Daeni to help his comrade.

As the grenade lands, Celaeno stares at it for half a moment, in a moment, and then, grumbling, throws herself on it - the explosion doing no apparent damage to her armour, though bits of dirt have scattered themselves where they shall. "Go on, get out of here - you get misted, it's not my goddamn fault!" she yells, before turning to one of the other cages.

Rasputin's mirror images all shoulder their shotguns, and then two more gouts of flame spring forth towards two targets. One after the other, choosing to take down targets who are still standing, than leave two alive...

Two of the monkey men scream as they are consumed with flames leaving only some chared bones a moment later.

Libre allows the rifle to fall as he rolls onto his right side and catches the pistol from Erica in his right hand. Turning back to his prone firing position, he puts the pietol to good use by firing a shot towards armorless monkey man that has been hacked on by Daeni.

Tirzah conjures two fireballs at the last armored minion with a scowl over the grenade incident. Her phantoms go after the unarmored minion, holding no emotional qualms over eviscerating weak unarmored flesh.

The one with some armor screams as his armor is burned away then he is consumed by the second fireball

Erica takes aim at the last opponent and squeezes of a shot trying to finish them off.

"Worthless," Daeni snorts at the clumsy one who is now without immediate companions. She might have allowed him to surrender, had he the common sense. Her blade is brought around as she spins to end his ineptitude.

James's rifle is lifted as the man rolls to one side, an energy rifle's pulse scarring the ground where he'd been a moment before. He settles the weapon again and takes another shot, this one at the last remaining target.

The battle continues to rage as the last of the warriors opposing you drops from a hole in his chest. The men and women in the cages look a little more hopeful, but they look at the battle with fear. They push against the metal bars that make up the cage while the cage that has already been broken has people pushing and shoving trying to escape.

The enemies dispatched Tirzah sends her phantoms to dismantle the remaining cages, summoning one more.

Libre watches the last of the guards fall before coming up to a kneeling position in preparation for making good their escape with the newly freed villagers. He waits to see what the other, more combat experienced folks do before he makes a move.

James rolls to his feet as the last enemy drops, slinging his rifle across his back. His horse is beside him a moment later, the tall man swinging up into the saddle.

Daeni's growl is not likely heard over the sounds of battle, but her displeasure is evident as the axe-wielder manages to deflect her swords only to be felled by a shot from afar. She pivots to face away from the cages, and towards the conflict, tensed and shifting her weight. The captured are not going anywhere until freed and are no threat, and so her attention focuses upon the battle. "What of them?!" she calls out with a slight turn of her head back towards the hill and others, while a sword points towards the continuing assault.

While the last of the guards falls, Sage doesn't really move from the stance she's assumed during the attack. It seems that her companions realize the guards are down. She doesn't relax, though. She begins to watch the enemy host to see if any start to take note of the escaping prisoners. "We are but an irritating fly compared to the rest of this." Sage comments over the radio, "Let's not worry about them until we're sure these people wont be re-captured or killed. All this activity is bound to draw attention... we'll be lucky if things stay like this."

Erica slings her rifle across her shoulder as she runs down the hill towards the cages. "Ok lets get these people out of here as quickly as we can before we are noticed." She says while turning her head towards the battle to see if anyone is being dispatched towards them. "Let them kill each other for all I care. I don't know why Splugorth forces are fighting each other, but it can't be good." She says while in the battle a volley of missles strikes into a group of the giant green warrior women, knocking them about.

Third phantom at her side as the others dismantle the cages Tirzah moves to the fallen overlord, looking it over with an expression of curiousity. She gestures and the third phantom picks up the corpse. Then she moves to the intact Kitanni body.

Libre slings the borrowed Carnivore rifle onto his back and retains the Wilk's 330 pistol in his right hand. He appears more comfortable staying where he is to provide cover until everyone can make it over to their side of the hill.

James nudges his horse with his boots, and the 'animal' starts picking its way down the hillside, heading for the cages. He draws one of his laspistols, holding it casually as he heads for one of the as-yet unopened cages.

Her mood and restlessness does not improve at the response, and Daeni turns to step towards one of the cages. She receives little consolation from slashing through one to create an opening or free the door. "Run if want live." The captured are offered some helpful advice before she continues to the next.

As most others seem to be moving to assist the captives escape, Sage will remain to mark the place they should be fleeing towards and to keep a better perspective due to her location. "Over here!" She tries to call out, likely being too far to be heard. She raises her hand to wave beckoningly a few times to draw the captives attention.

Erica hurries over to a cage and draws out a vibro knife. Quickly she cuts through the simple lock holding the cage shut and opens the door. She motions for the people in the cages to start heading towards where the party left their vehicles. Soon all the cages are open and the people are hurrying off, away from the battle. "Alright let us get these people to Reanna. She can get us back to Kingsdale." She winces as a stray plasma blast rockets overhead, hits a tree and vaporizes it. She turns to the battle and while they might have been noticed the minions fighting seem much more intent on killing each other.

With the cages all cut Tirzah has her second phantom take up the Kitanni corpse as she starts making her way back the way they came. She'll take her time to take out the rear behind the escaped priosners, stopping to collect the kitanni plasma axe.

Libre turns toward aims at something amongst the leaves of a nearby tree.

James's laspistol is on the move as well, the man's reflexes doing him credit as he targets and fires. He doesn't seem to be too bothered by being on the back of a moving horse, either.

Daeni moves from the opened cages and generally towards the hill that marks their point of arrival. Tirzah's scavenging catches her eye and she begins to ask, "Take for hide or meat?" She cannot fathom that either from either of the humanoids carried by the servant spirits to be worth much. Her speculation halts with the others' firing, however, and she promptly looks to the trees.

As Sage brings back her hand to settle it onto the rifle, she can't help but glance at something odd. "Aw hell..." She starts to bring her rifle to bear on the thing in the tree. "Things are about to get a lot more interesting, people!" She calls over the radio as she pulls the trigger to fire at the same target that's draw attention from others.

Erica takes a moment to collect as much of the damaged weapons that the minions were using. She grabs whatever she can then hurries off to join and escort the prisoners towards the vehicles. She tries to comfort and sooth them as best she can and doesn't notice the laser fire for a moment.

Out of the trees comes a giant floating eyeball. About the size of a fifty gallon drum it summons some of its magical energy and lighting shoots out of it towards one of the phantoms. A weapon mounted on its underside fires at Sage.

Tirzah shurgs at the eyeball, sending two fireballs at it. Her unaffect phantom attacks it with the lightblade twice. The other two race ahead to drop off the bodies and return. With the exchanged fire going mutually wide of the mark, Sage can do little but continue to fight. With the better part of her clip remaining, she wont have to worrying about running out of shots just yet. She keeps her weapon trained on the eyeball thing. This time, she squeezes off a couple pulses to help take it down. Yet, it seems unlikely they'll be able to prevent other enemies from joining the fight now.

James drops his reins and draws, pulling a second laspistol from its holster with the serpentine speed of the professional gunslinger. The first laspistol pulses again, the deadly bolt flying towards the monstrosity.

The flying eyeball is taking a lot of damage. It quickly fires off another lightning bolt at Tirzah and then a large fireball at Daeni right before it turns and starts flying towards the larger battle at a pretty good clip.

Erica is too busy trying to protect and escort the prisoners to take notice of the battle with the Eye of Eylor. She looks up but her hands are currently fall with salvaged equipment in one arm and a small child in her other arm. She breathes a quick sigh of relief as she watches the eye start to fly away. But she asks the people of Franklin to hurry as best they can.

Pleased to have finally hit something, Libre attempts to press the attack while yelling, "You'll shoot your eye out." Instead he gets out "You'll sho" before fumbling the pistol and dropping it to the ground. "Oh shit!," he exclaims as he bends to scoop it out of the dirt.

As the eyeball makes a break for it all three phantoms pursue to inercept. Two treurning from over the ridge where they dropped the bodies. (assuming those two wont make it in time to attack this pose) The one slashes at it with its lightblade again, getting between the eye and the conflict beyond.

Tirzah ignores the bolt that sturct her. Making sure the civilian make it to safety is her priority for the moment.

Daeni attempts to dart away from the rapid blast of fire, but is scorched by the heat. This does not improve her mood, and a curt string of elvish explicatives are flung at the eye, along with another arrow.

As Sage is ignored this time by the flying eyeball, she concentrates on keeping her fire on the enemy. She isn't sure whether it has already alerted others to their presence not. It seems to be a moot point as she squeezes off another couple pulses.

The glass like container that surrounds the floating eyeball can't take the sustained fire and damage that is being put into it and it falls away leaving the eyeball itself. Sage's shots scorch the eye as it continues to try to escape.

James's two laspistols pulse together, the tall man half-standing in the saddle as he shoots at the suddenly-defenceless eyeball-thing.

The eyeball turns around in mid flight and summons some of its magical energy to hit the phantom pursuing it with a magical net.

Erica moves to hurry the men, women and children away from the battle and off to the nexus. She has little concern for the flying eye and instead is trying to get the people out of here before the battle is decided.

Libre blows on the pistol with a quick puff of air to get some dust off now that he had regained his grip on the wayward weapon. Needing to redeem himself, he prays for a hit on the eye as he aims and squeezes the trigger.

The two phantoms converge on the defenceless eye with their lightblades as the third is caught in the net. Two might be enough though given the effectiveness of lightblades. The slashes are quick and should be devastating. Tirzah dismisses the third, finding that faster than cutting it out.

The eye falls under the combined attacks of the phantoms. It bursts spewing eye juice all over.

The refugees eagerly hurry away from the battle. After the part gathers their vehicles the large group is able to hurry along a little better. Soon the former prisoners head into the mist. An hour and a half passes before a rider approaches. Reanna in her armor and on her horse rides up. Immediately she looks shocked at the state of her people. "What happened here?" She asks as she moves to help the people to the nexus.

James rides rearguard for the escapees, checking the backtrail and making sure nothing's coming after them. He keeps one of the laspistols in hand at all times, displaying the professional gunfighter's wariness after having displayed his skill.

Tirzah makes her way to the nexus after picking up Sage, phantoms carrying the corpses. She'll wait there to go through last as she draws some more power from the junction, reaching her maximum for the day.

Without her own mode of transporation, Sage keeps an eye on things before she can be picked up by Tirzah. Once away, she relaxes a little against the back of her partner. "We were lucky this day." She murmurs. Erica walks along side her hovercycle as she uses the bike to help carry some of the children. She explains as best she can to Reanna what happened. As they ride through the rift that Reanna opens up, Erica finally breathes a sigh of relief.

"For once." Tirzah agrees, smiling to the others as the pass through. "Guess we had to have a good run sooner or later right?" She asks her partner before driving through the rift. Libre is silent and travels with his head down. No expression can be seen through the helmet but the body language says "Crap, I sucked big time." The puffs of dust kicked up by his dragging feet agree.

Daeni withdraws with the others, and with more than once glance back to whatever conflict remains. She is as reliant as the others on the portal to easily return, a fact that is more compelling to depart than any other. The portal is also the source of her next reluctance and brief hesitation before she steps through. So long as she returns where she expects to, all will be well.