"Sneaky little bastards," Jet comments upon seeing the flanking maneuver. He pulls out the Ripper once more and takes aim at the center robot, firing a few solid bursts at the oncoming bot. The rounds barely scratch the armored shell of the robot, and they have no effect whatsoever on the bladed shield. "What the hell?" Even four shots from John's heavy sniper rifle hardly damage or impede the bot. "They're tough ♥♥♥♥, that's for sure."
=============================================
Appearance: 6'1", short cut dark blue hair, brown eyes, medium build.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: K12 "Ripper" Carbine [20|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 [0|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.)

Slightly panicky at the ineffectualness of Jet's rounds, John aims and fires at the center bot, then fires again, and again, and finally a fourth time, hitting with every shot. The impact of the first shot is entirely shrugged off by the bot; the second shot seems to slow down the bot, albeit barely; the third shot punches a hole into a section of armor dented from the previous shots; the fourth shot sends sparks and oil flying out of the back of the bot. Somehow, the resilient bastard is still going at almost top speed, shield now raised to protect it from further damage.
=============================================
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

After Jackson points out the bots' flank, Aicaya decides to disrupt it by taking out one of the bots with a Terra Spike- armored or not, there's no way one of those bots could resist such a huge mass punching through them. "Better take out one of the flankers," Aicaya decides, raising her hands and forming her earthen spear in the air. She hurls the Terra Spike at the bot furthest left, closing the gap between them within seconds. As the spike approaches the bot, it tries to evade the projectile by turning sharply left. "You're not getting away, you ♥♥♥♥!" The spike suddenly bursts and flings fragments of rock flying in a conical pattern the same direction as the spike had been going. The bot would've dodged the big spike, but there's no dodging the razor sharp flak flying at it now. Several dozen of the spear rocks punch into the bot, some just denting the armor, others ripping straight through. In a fiery cascade of sparks and dust, the defeated and disabled bot is sent flying backwards. "Whoa. Didn't know I could do that."
=============================================
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.)
Terra Shatter (Earth, Directional. Launches a rock spike that then fragments into hundreds of small, razor-sharp rocks, which spread like buckshot. Effective over a wide area.)

D raises his cannon to spray at the two robots flanking the center bot, but thinks better of it when he sees how quickly the robots are capable of moving- I can't just spray, I need concentrated fire to break down their armor. They'd dodge and reach me before I could disable them. He watches as one of the bots is taken down by Aicaya's ether attack. So that's what you need- a quick attack with piercing capability and a wide spread.
=============================================
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.)

Mike aims at the center bot, already damaged by Jet and John, and squeezes off two more rounds at it. One round slams into the bladed shield and ricochets off ineffectually, while the second punches through the side of the already gaping hole in the bot's armor, causing more sparks to fly into the air, but otherwise having no effect on the bot. Mike squeezes the trigger once more, only to find that he's run out of ammo.
=============================================
Appearance: 5'9"
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: Jackson [0|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 takes a good look at the incoming bots to see if they have any vulnerable parts. Based off of the effects of his comrades' attacks, he's able to deduce that the armored body of the bots are tough, but with concentrated firepower, can be punched through, while their shields seem close to immune to small arms fire. Judging by the fact that they seem to be coming head-on and are heavily protected in the front for rushing, Ulysses also predicts that the back of the bots likely contains a weakspot. Well, enough thinking. Time to help out. He raises his Tesla Rifle once more and takes aim at the weakened center bot. The bots may be fast, but nothing is fast enough to avoid an electrolaser. A bolt of lightning arcs from Ulysses' rifle, under the shield of the bot, and into the gaping hole made by his allies' attacks (Roll + Calmed = 6), frying the bot and causing it to deactivate with a series of small explosions as its power source overloads. "Another one bites the dust!"
=============================================
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|22]
---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
-Calmed: +1 to accuracy. Three turn duration [*--]

"Tch. My weapons aren't gon' do ♥♥♥♥ at this range. Maybe the Rhino'd punch a nice hole through one of those bots, but there's no way I could it with it. Better get ready for them to get closer." Jackson reasons, reloading his Shredder and watching the mercenaries around him fight. These guys are pretty good... it's clear they don't have very much battle experience as a team, but a few months of ♥♥♥♥ like this and they'll be damn near unstoppable. Kinda a scary thought.
=============================================
Appearance: White skin, dirty blonde hair, orange eyes, roughly 6', medium build.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: JS-319 Shredder [30|60]
---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)

Jet charges up a Vapor Lance, forming the pressurized spear rather quickly in light of the incoming attack, and hurls it straight at the head of one of the bots. The bot responds simply by ducking under the attack and continuing its assault, the water flying over its head and splashing ineffectually into the endless desert. "Well, ♥♥♥♥." Jet quickly changes to his ripper, preparing to rip through a bot with the attached shotgun, though that proves unnecessary- Aicaya's earthen ether attack smashes into the bot, stopping it in its tracks and causing the other two to serve out of their attack pattern, and then John's wind ether attack disintegrates the remnants of the bot.
=============================================
Appearance: 6'1", short cut dark blue hair, brown eyes, medium build.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: K12 "Ripper" Carbine [20|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 [0|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.)
Conditions

John supercharges a Kamaitachi into existence, putting in much more ether than usual and causing the attack to pulsate and hum with energy. "FUTON, RASENSHURI- I mean what, KAMAITACHI!" John launches the extra large sphere (Roll + Wind at my Back = 3), which has started to rotate rapidly in one direction, creating spiraling patterns of wind, towards the center bot. The bot ducks to dodge a Vapor Lance from Jet, then gets smashed by a direct hit from Aicaya's Terra Shatter, and is then finally finished off for good by John's charged Kamaitachi, the already broken and battered pieces of the bot sliced and diced into scrap metal as the sphere of air explodes and sends currents of razor-sharp air in every direction. "Huuuh. OK, pretty sure that doesn't usually happen." The attack was much more powerful than John had expected, and he feels small tingles in his arms again. However, considering the magnitude of the attack compared to multiple Kamaitachis, it would seem that John's overall tolerance for ether attacks has increased.
=============================================
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.)
Rasenshuriken (Air, Area. Launches a condensed ball of rapidly rotating wind that explodes on contact, creating a sphere of effect where anything inside is slashed to pieces by razor winds.)
Conditions

Aicaya watches Jet fire a lance of water at the center bot, which deftly dodges it. Just as I thought- they're really fast and responsive. Then... "Terra Shatter!" Aicaya hurls another mass of rock at the oncoming bots, which explosively fragments and sends flak-like pieces slamming into the center bot. The bots to the left and right have time to swerve away, but there's no escape for the one caught in the midst of it all- it's pelted and slammed into pieces, flung back by a hailstorm of rocks, then utterly annihilated by a massive wind attack from John.
=============================================
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.)
Terra Shatter (Earth, Directional. Launches a rock spike that then fragments into hundreds of small, razor-sharp rocks, which spread like buckshot. Effective over a wide area.)
Conditions

D watches as the center bot is taken out in a barrage of ether attacks, causing the other two bots to flank. D closely follows the one on the left and raises his autocannon, putting all of his focus into his targeting system (Roll + Innate Targeting = 5) and waiting for just the right moment before letting loose with a cascade of autocannon rounds. The shield of the bot deflects one or two, but the rapidity of the shots makes it impossible to block all of the damage. A leg comes flying off, then the non-shield arm, and finally the entire body is severed into two, leaving the bot with a head, torso, and shield. So my autocannon's effective as long as I can pour the rounds in consistently... hm. I'll have to be careful with my ammo, though. D walks over to the bot, now attempting to crawl away. Just as they'd guessed, the back of the bots is nowhere close to as protected as the front- just a single layer of metal plating separating the world from the internal circuitry of the bot. D stomps on the back of the bot, crushing the inner power source as evidenced by a small, audible explosion. The bot doesn't move.
=============================================
Appearance: 6' dull grey humanoid skeletal cyborg with a red mono-eye.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: Custom ZIGER Rotary Autocannon [225|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.)
Conditions

Mike slings his backpack into his hands and opens it up to retrieve a fresh magazine. He unloads the empty mag, tossing it into his bag, then slams the new magazine into place- with the fingers of his left hand right between the two objects. "OW. OH GOD. PAIN. PAIN. PAIN." It hurts.
=============================================
Appearance: 5'9"
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: Jackson [0|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.)
Conditions
Smashed Left Hand (-1 to actions with left hand, five turn duration [*****])
Sharp Pain (-1 to actions, two turn duration [**])

Ulysses looks around, trying to find some high ground or a vantage point at the last second, but his efforts are in vain- the nearest high ground is a steep mountain a few miles away. He pulls out his Hg PG-9610 and gets ready to intercept an approaching bot. After a barrage of ether attacks demolishes the center bot and splits up the other two, he closely watches the one on the right, which is getting ever closer to him. Ulysses carefully aims, concentrates, and fires when the bot is about five meters away (Roll + Calmed + Concentration = 3), sending a superheated bolt of plasma through one of the bot's legs with a high-pitched zap-like sound, causing it to tumble and smash against the ground. The bot stubbornly tries to rise up until Jackson calmly discharges his .44 at point-blank range into the back of the bot's head, the noise of the shot as deafening as a thunderclap. The concussive cartridge makes a blast almost as loud when it punches an explosive hole through the bot's head, blowing out the entire face of the bot.
=============================================
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|22]
---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 [3|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

Jackson watches as one of the diverging bots comes towards him, only to be stopped by a shot from Ulysses' plasma pistol. The bot stubbornly tries to rise up until Jackson calmly discharges his .44 at point-blank range into the back of the bot's head, the noise of the shot as deafening as a thunderclap. The concussive cartridge makes a blast almost as loud when it punches an explosive hole through the bot's head, blowing out the entire face of the bot.
=============================================
Appearance: White skin, dirty blonde hair, orange eyes, roughly 6', medium build.
===Equipment===
Primary Weapon: JS-319 Shredder [30|60]
---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 [5|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)
Conditions