"Suck it." With the aerial threat neutralized, Jet takes out his Ripper and ejects the magazine, then fiddles around with the slide until he's able to eject the defective round. "Piece of ♥♥♥♥." He tosses it into the sand, then replaces the magazine and chambers a fresh round in just fine. "Now that's more like it." The doors of the compound begin to swing open...
=============================================
Appearance: 6'1", short cut dark blue hair, brown eyes, medium build.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: K12 "Ripper" Carbine [29|180]
---Underslung Shotgun [1|10]
Secondary Weapon: DefCore MGL [5|18]
Tertiary Weapon: Plasma Torch "Sword"
===Inventory===
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Sociopath (+1 to actions that involve inflicting extreme pain)
-Endorphin Rush (+1 to injuries that would give a -1)
-Charming (+1 to persuasion)
Techniques
Vapor Lance (Water, Single. Forms an extremely high pressured lance of water.)

"Better get ready for those ground bots," John reasons, pulling out his Barrett TK101. He sits tight and waits for the massive doors of the compound to open and reveal his targets. "C'mon, we don't have all day..." The doors of the compound begin to swing open...
=============================================
Appearance: Goatee.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: Barrett TK101 [7|21]
Secondary Weapon: Quasi BF-14 [15|60]
Tertiary Weapon: Fluted Knife (Accelerates using Air)
===Inventory===
- Pack of Gum (8 pieces)
- Multitool
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Wind at my Back (+1 to Air Techniques)
---Wind in my Veins (Able to shape and control generated air at will)
-Gum Nom Nom (Chewing gum calms John down and reduces pain)
Techniques
Kamaitachi (Air, Single. Launches scything blades of air at a target.)
Conditions
Ether Exertion: Due to overuse, cannot utilize ether techniques. Three turn duration [**-]

"I'm with you, John," Aicaya agrees as she aims her PUSHKA towards the doors of the compound. "I'll blast those ♥♥♥♥ as soon as they step out." The doors of the compound begin to swing open...
=============================================
Appearance: Shoulder-length black hair, green eyes, muscular build.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: PUSHKA Artillery Cannon [1|24]
---High power long range cannon.
Secondary Weapon: CERBERUS Pile Bunker [2|16]
---Mounted on the back of the left forearm.
Tertiary Weapon: N/A
===Inventory===
-HIBISCUS Heavy Powered Combat Armor (Equipped)
-13 High Explosive shells
-8 Fragmentation shells
-4 Armor Piercing shells
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Target Prediction (+1 to shooting at long range targets)
-Grounded (+1 to defense if stationary)
-Durable (Can carry an increased load)
Techniques
Terra Spike (Earth, Single. Launches a rock spike at the target.)

Deciding to use the downtime between engagements to gather ammo, D starts off towards the wrecked drones, intending to use the scrap metal for his ZIGER. "Hey, where the hell are you going?" "I'm getting ammo." "The closest one of those drones has gotta be at least a good 25 meters away; there's not enough time for you to go out there, get what you need, and come back before those doors swing open." The doors of the compound begin to swing open...
=============================================
Appearance: 6' dull grey humanoid skeletal cyborg with a red mono-eye.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: Custom ZIGER Rotary Autocannon [300|0] (DEPLOYED)
Secondary Weapon: Twin Lens-Based Lasers [4|∞]
Tertiary Weapon: Nano Blade Claw Fingers
===Inventory===
-D-Series Armor Shell (Equipped)
---Heavy armor designed around the D-Series cyborg bodies, made from strong plasteel, they provide strong frontal protection compared to the armor's other parts. Doesn't restrict movement. Has five convenient compartments for storing things.
-Monkey Wrench
---A heavy monkey wrench was one of the first things D-EYE5 found, he's fascinated by its use as a bludgeoning tool and adjustable size.
-Cherry Bombs [20]
---Harmless explosives made for children to play with. Not for human consumption.
-Rotten Sandwich
---Unlucky custodian's uneaten lunch, salami, Swiss cheese, with everything, used to be delicious.
-Case of ZIGER Autocannon Ammo [300]
---Ammo that was actually made for D-EYE5's autocannon!
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
Innate Targeting (+1 to ranged attacks)
Defensive Abilities
-Plasteel Chassis (+1 to Defense)
-Nanobot Blood (Auto-repairs damage over time; takes longer to repair more extensive damage)
Techniques
Psycho Mode (Lightning, Self. Overcharge self for increased reaction speed at the significant cost of accuracy of all attacks.)

Mike starts forward, too, deciding to see if any part of the drones can be salvaged, but Jackson stops him- "Let's take care of those sentries, first, then you guys can start looting." The doors of the compound begin to swing open...
=============================================
Appearance: 5'9"
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: Jackson [4|20]
---A heavily modified semi-automatic rifle, derivative of the twentieth century M14. It has a significantly shorter barrel, a forward mounted grip, heavy metal plating, and several gruesome looking blades, enhancing its durability for and usefulness in close quarters combat. It's been re-chambered for the heavier rounds usually found in precision rifles.
Secondary Weapon: I-2 Custom [20|20]
---An older variant of the current standard issue ISC sidearm, it fires the same low velocity ammunition of the new handguns. Fitted with a lighter polymer slide and a shaved down grip, it sacrifices balance and accuracy to make it one of the lightest weapons produced.
Tertiary Weapon: Bayonet blades on Jackson
===Inventory===
-Old Seatbelt
-- I-2 Custom
-- 1 Jackson magazine [5]
-- 1 I-2 Custom magazine [20]
-Backpack (Closed with zippers 'n ♥♥♥♥, so fairly inaccessible. Quite durable, and fireproof)
-- Toolbox (Various low-tech tools, wrenches, screwdrivers, wire-cutters etc)
-- Flashlight (With spare batteries)
-- 5 Rations
-- Combat Knife
-- 3 Jackson magazines [5]
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Improvise (+1 to creating and using improvised weapons in combat)
Techniques
Surge (Lightning, Self. Improves muscle reaction and strength in the legs to vastly increase running speed and stamina.)

Ulysses hopes for a reversal of luck, and he suddenly feels much calmer than before. His hands have stopped trembling completely, and no doubt his next shots will be much more accurate. The doors of the compound begin to swing open...
=============================================
Appearance: Tall, six foot, dark and handsome. This was before he started to age. Sleek black hair. Dark eyes too.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: Tesla Rifle [1/24]
---A directed energy weapon that creates a plasma channel with a high-powered laser and then sends an incredibly strong electrical current through the channel. Comparable to a lightning gun.
Secondary Weapon: Hg PG-9T10 Plasma Pistol [4/40]
---Fires bolts of superheated mercury at high speeds. Due to the heavy heat resistant polymers of the gun, it's a bit hefty, and while the shots are ineffective at long distances, they are extremely damaging at close to medium range.
Tertiary Weapon: Concealed Stiletto
===Inventory===
-Tobacco Pipe
-Regenerating Tobacco Pouch
-Lighter
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Concentration (Lowers heartbeat and increases reaction time and reflexes; +1 to close quarters combat)
-Meditation (Lowers heartbeat, slowing bleeding and metabolism; +1 to injuries)
-Bargain (+1 to persuasion)
Techniques
Electrical Affinity (Lightning, Self. Can manipulate electricity, like by draining batteries, overloading circuits, and bending currents; capable of redirecting electrical attacks)
Conditions
-Reversal of Luck: +1 to next roll
-Calmed: +1 to accuracy. Three turn duration [***]

"Get ready, boys."
=============================================
Appearance: White skin, dirty blonde hair, orange eyes, roughly 6', medium build.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: JS-319 Shredder [16|80]
---This battle rifle made by Jirachi Systems has plenty of stopping power and accuracy, making it a reliable weapon at long range, but its full-auto fire selection means it's a monster at close range, too.
Secondary Weapon: JS-44 Rhino [6|24]
---A hefty .44 caliber revolver, the Rhino packs an enormous punch and is highly accurate even at long range. It uses special concussive cartridges that explode on contact to combine heavy penetrating power with the high damage of fragmentation.
Tertiary Weapon: Shredder Bayonet
===Inventory===
-M88 Grenades [5]
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Gunslinger (+1 to reflexes and reaction speed)

=============================================
Appearance: Olive skin, black hair, black eyes, roughly 6'2", gaunt.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: TX-31 Serpent [7|40]
---A .338 sniper rifle with a bullpup design, reducing overall weight and size while allowing for a longer barrel. Highly accurate. Manufactured by Trinity Experimental.
Secondary Weapon: TX-90 Ripper [50|200]
---A 5.7mm personal defense weapon. Stable and with a high rate of fire, it is an ideal close range weapon. Can be suppressed to allow for covert reconnaissance.
Tertiary Weapon: High Frequency Combat Knife
---A basic combat knife, except designed to vibrate at high speed, giving it higher cutting power.
===Inventory===
-Motion Sensor
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Marksman (+1 to long range combat)

=============================================
Appearance: White skin, brown hair, blue eyes, roughly 5'10", heavily built.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: YT-649 Dragon [80|400]
---A 7.62mm squad automatic weapon that shoots incendiary rounds at a high rate of fire. Manufactured by Ypsilon Technologies.
Secondary Weapon: YT-9 Breaker [18|72]
---A .45 repeating pistol. Reliable, accurate, and strong.
Tertiary Weapon: Machete
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Suppression (Sustained fire from the Dragon reduces the accuracy and perception of enemies, often prompting them to take cover.)

"Oh, dearie me. Two casualties, already? Well, dibs on their loot." With that said, Jet raises his DefCore and fires a single grenade towards the bots. It explodes a few feet away from the nearest one, throwing up smoke and dust. "Heh. That's a good enough trajectory." Jet's finger clicks the trigger four more times in quick succession, each press lobbing a grenade high into the air to come slamming down on the mechanized defenders. The cascade of explosions creates quite a lot of smoke, so it's hard to determine just how much damage was done, but there was definitely at least one confirmed casualty- the mutilated remnants of a bot that had been flung forward by the explosion of Aicaya's artillery round and then received a direct hit from a second grenade. "Now that's more like it."
=============================================
Appearance: 6'1", short cut dark blue hair, brown eyes, medium build.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: K12 "Ripper" Carbine [29|180] // Underslung Shotgun [1|10]
---A state of the art carbine rifle, designed to fire normal, AP, or hollowpoint rounds as the situation demands. Moderate to long range, with a 3x scope that can be used as needed. For close quarters combat, it comes with an underslung shotgun, firing flechette rounds.
Secondary Weapon: DefCore MGL [5|18]
---The DefCore MGL (Multiple Grenade Launcher) is the next generation design of the tried and tested revolver style grenade launcher. Capable of firing six grenades without reloading, it allows for the elimination of multiple hostile personnel groups with minimal effort. Additionally, it can accommodate various different grenades types, allowing for a mixed load-out for maximum effectiveness.
Tertiary Weapon: Plasma Torch "Sword"
---A converted plasma cutter that projects a 3' long concentrated plasma "sword" when activated. Can cut through almost anything, given enough time.
===Inventory===
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Sociopath (+1 to actions that involve inflicting extreme pain)
-Endorphin Rush (+1 to injuries that would give a -1)
-Charming (+1 to persuasion)
Techniques
Vapor Lance (Water, Single. Forms an extremely high pressured lance of water.)

Over the gunfire and explosions, John calmly brings one of the bots into view of his scope and fires, sending a bot tumbling back from the impact with a dent in its frontal carapace. Another round busts straight through the armor and puts the bot out of commission for good.
=============================================
Appearance: Goatee.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: Barrett TK101 [5|21]
Secondary Weapon: Quasi BF-14 [15|60]
Tertiary Weapon: Fluted Knife (Accelerates using Air)
===Inventory===
- Pack of Gum (8 pieces)
- Multitool
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Wind at my Back (+1 to Air Techniques)
---Wind in my Veins (Able to shape and control generated air at will)
-Gum Nom Nom (Chewing gum calms John down and reduces pain)
Techniques
Kamaitachi (Air, Single. Launches scything blades of air at a target.)
Conditions
Ether Exertion: Due to overuse, cannot utilize ether techniques. Three turn duration [*--]

"♥♥♥♥, men down already?" Aicaya fires another demolishing shot towards a tight concentration of bots, obliterating a bot with a direct hit and sending the bot next to it flying into a wall, where it is finished off by Jet's grenade barrage.
=============================================
Appearance: Shoulder-length black hair, green eyes, muscular build.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: PUSHKA Artillery Cannon [1|23]
---High power long range cannon.
Secondary Weapon: CERBERUS Pile Bunker [2|16]
---Mounted on the back of the left forearm.
Tertiary Weapon: N/A
===Inventory===
-HIBISCUS Heavy Powered Combat Armor (Equipped)
-12 High Explosive shells
-8 Fragmentation shells
-4 Armor Piercing shells
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Target Prediction (+1 to shooting at long range targets)
-Grounded (+1 to defense if stationary)
-Durable (Can carry an increased load)
Techniques
Terra Spike (Earth, Single. Launches a rock spike at the target.)

D aims and fires a hail of bullets from his autocannon in the general vicinity of the open gates, but with little real effect. Many of them miss, and the ones that hit seem to do superficial damage at best.
=============================================
Appearance: 6' dull grey humanoid skeletal cyborg with a red mono-eye.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: Custom ZIGER Rotary Autocannon [250|0] (DEPLOYED)
Secondary Weapon: Twin Lens-Based Lasers [4|∞]
Tertiary Weapon: Nano Blade Claw Fingers
===Inventory===
-D-Series Armor Shell (Equipped)
---Heavy armor designed around the D-Series cyborg bodies, made from strong plasteel, they provide strong frontal protection compared to the armor's other parts. Doesn't restrict movement. Has five convenient compartments for storing things.
-Monkey Wrench
---A heavy monkey wrench was one of the first things D-EYE5 found, he's fascinated by its use as a bludgeoning tool and adjustable size.
-Cherry Bombs [20]
---Harmless explosives made for children to play with. Not for human consumption.
-Rotten Sandwich
---Unlucky custodian's uneaten lunch, salami, Swiss cheese, with everything, used to be delicious.
-Case of ZIGER Autocannon Ammo [300]
---Ammo that was actually made for D-EYE5's autocannon!
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
Innate Targeting (+1 to ranged attacks)
Defensive Abilities
-Plasteel Chassis (+1 to Defense)
-Nanobot Blood (Auto-repairs damage over time; takes longer to repair more extensive damage)
Techniques
Psycho Mode (Lightning, Self. Overcharge self for increased reaction speed at the significant cost of accuracy of all attacks.)

"BUTBUTBUTBUT," Mike objects before reluctantly finding another target. He fires two rounds in quick succession at one of the bots, weakening the armor and then busting straight through and sending it tumbling to the ground. The bot attempts to raise itself, but a deafening blast from Ulysses' Tesla Rifle sends electricity coursing through it, frying all of its circuitry and killing it for good.
=============================================
Appearance: 5'9"
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: Jackson [2|20]
---A heavily modified semi-automatic rifle, derivative of the twentieth century M14. It has a significantly shorter barrel, a forward mounted grip, heavy metal plating, and several gruesome looking blades, enhancing its durability for and usefulness in close quarters combat. It's been re-chambered for the heavier rounds usually found in precision rifles.
Secondary Weapon: I-2 Custom [20|20]
---An older variant of the current standard issue ISC sidearm, it fires the same low velocity ammunition of the new handguns. Fitted with a lighter polymer slide and a shaved down grip, it sacrifices balance and accuracy to make it one of the lightest weapons produced.
Tertiary Weapon: Bayonet blades on Jackson
===Inventory===
-Old Seatbelt
-- I-2 Custom
-- 1 Jackson magazine [5]
-- 1 I-2 Custom magazine [20]
-Backpack (Closed with zippers 'n ♥♥♥♥, so fairly inaccessible. Quite durable, and fireproof)
-- Toolbox (Various low-tech tools, wrenches, screwdrivers, wire-cutters etc)
-- Flashlight (With spare batteries)
-- 5 Rations
-- Combat Knife
-- 3 Jackson magazines [5]
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Improvise (+1 to creating and using improvised weapons in combat)
Techniques
Surge (Lightning, Self. Improves muscle reaction and strength in the legs to vastly increase running speed and stamina.)

Finally calmed, Ulysses watches as Mike sends a bot tumbling to the ground with two direct hits. The stubborn guard tries to rise, so he takes aim with his Tesla Rifle (3 + Calm = 4) and zaps it to its grave for good.
=============================================
Appearance: Tall, six foot, dark and handsome. This was before he started to age. Sleek black hair. Dark eyes too.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: Tesla Rifle [1|23]
---A directed energy weapon that creates a plasma channel with a high-powered laser and then sends an incredibly strong electrical current through the channel. Comparable to a lightning gun.
Secondary Weapon: Hg PG-9T10 Plasma Pistol [4|40]
---Fires bolts of superheated mercury at high speeds. Due to the heavy heat resistant polymers of the gun, it's a bit hefty, and while the shots are ineffective at long distances, they are extremely damaging at close to medium range.
Tertiary Weapon: Concealed Stiletto
===Inventory===
-Tobacco Pipe
-Regenerating Tobacco Pouch
-Lighter
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Concentration (Lowers heartbeat and increases reaction time and reflexes; +1 to close quarters combat)
-Meditation (Lowers heartbeat, slowing bleeding and metabolism; +1 to injuries)
-Bargain (+1 to persuasion)
Techniques
Electrical Affinity (Lightning, Self. Can manipulate electricity, like by draining batteries, overloading circuits, and bending currents; capable of redirecting electrical attacks)
Conditions
-Reversal of Luck: +1 to next roll
-Calmed: +1 to accuracy. Three turn duration [**-]

Jackson fires two solid bursts into the head of a bot, disabling it almost instantly and wiping out a fifth threat.
=============================================
Appearance: White skin, dirty blonde hair, orange eyes, roughly 6', medium build.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: JS-319 Shredder [10|80]
---This battle rifle made by Jirachi Systems has plenty of stopping power and accuracy, making it a reliable weapon at long range, but its full-auto fire selection means it's a monster at close range, too.
Secondary Weapon: JS-44 Rhino [6|24]
---A hefty .44 caliber revolver, the Rhino packs an enormous punch and is highly accurate even at long range. It uses special concussive cartridges that explode on contact to combine heavy penetrating power with the high damage of fragmentation.
Tertiary Weapon: Shredder Bayonet
===Inventory===
-M88 Grenades [5]
===Ether===
Passive Abilities
-Gunslinger (+1 to reflexes and reaction speed)