[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/6zc773j.jpg[/img][/center] [center][img]http://i.imgur.com/3R5vYYi.png?2[/img][/center][hr][center][color=silver]𝕄: π•Šπ•–π•‘π•₯. πŸ™πŸœ, 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟘 / / π•Œπ•Šπ”Έβ„π•€π•ƒβ„• 𝔼𝕒𝕀π•₯ / / β„‚π•’π•žπ•‘π•¦π•€ / / πŸ™πŸœπŸ˜πŸ˜[/color][/center][hr] The weather had simmered down to a light, but persistent drizzle by the time guards came to collect the students again as the rain filled in puddles throughout the campus and town. They were taken back to the briefing room, where Commander Kardos looked as if he had remained there since the morning, evidenced by the dining hall's brown take-out box near the side of the front desk. Laying across the other desks were rolled bundles of what appeared to be clear fabric or plastic, several the length of an arm while others were little longer than a hand. For each seat to be occupied, there was an accompanying combat helmet. One bundle of the material sat on the Commander's desk as well, though he seemed occupied with the computer, eyes fixed on the elevated screen in front of him while a hand busied itself with the nearby mouse. When the students had been seated (forcefully) once more, he stood, picking up his small pack of that strange, clear material--the same material that coated the students' ankle cuffs, incidentally. [color f7976a]"A demonstration,"[/color] he announced, by way of greeting (or lack thereof). A flick of his wrist unfurled the short length of cloth-like crystal, revealing its pliability to indeed be similar to fabric. It hung in folds from his fingers as if weighted, but had been measured to be as thin and light as paper--that same trick of physicality reminiscent of Shane Alkana's armaments. The Commander placed his other hand on the bolt of material, holding it there for nearly ten seconds. The clear cloth undulated for several seconds more before melting downward and upward, splitting apart in the middle soundlessly with a rippling motion like water parting. Two lengths of material wrapped around and molded perfectly to coat the Commander's hands, leaving his fingers free to move with almost no impediment. He checked the motions to be doubly sure, opening and closing his hand repeatedly. The amount he originally held was enough to reach the middle of his forearms, the clear substance overlaying the sleeves of the man's gray uniform as well. Satisfied with the result, he turned to the group. [color f7976a]"You'll notice similar sets of this material on your desks,"[/color] he began, clasping his hands behind his back. [color f7976a]"A recent breakthrough from Hephaestus, but supply is incredibly limited. We've outfitted several of the advance team with what we could spare, but the intention was to equip this group in particular. It needs more rigorous tests given previous experience with Hephaestus's work, but for now I am assured that it can dampen impact to the point of withstanding most conventional firearms."[/color] He flexed his fingers again, a modicum of disbelief lining his features at the ease of movement. The moment passed, however, and he continued. [color f7976a]"You're advised not to apply the material to your face, however. There's a lot of fine-tuning to be done, and currently it'd suffocate you faster than it'd save you. You'll rely on the helmets instead for head protection. Not ideal, of course. On your desks are five bolts of the material the researchers have taken to calling 'wishalloy' as something of an inside joke, but it'll suffice for a name. I recommend wearing the material beneath your clothes, unless you don't mind losing access to your pockets temporarily. The longest section should be wrapped around your chest, and the remaining four around your limbs. Leave the material on for the approximate ten seconds it takes to recognize the form and it should neatly merge into a single piece covering up to the base of your neck. Those of you with contact-dependent powers can decide what area you'd rather have unprotected. Proper armor is still under construction, but given the nature of this emergency Hephaestus has given what prototypes he has."[/color] And now the bothersome part. [color f7976a]"We've yet to test the true upper limits of its stability,"[/color] and a grimace followed the confession, the man clearly displeased with exactly how many unknowns were involved, [color f7976a]"and we've never field tested this equipment before, so err on the side of caution. It will destabilize and revert to its original cloth state with repeated, heavy impacts that cover enough of its surface area. Three or four should be all you risk. Past five and results have varied. For now, if it holds past five, count yourself lucky. Alternatively, it also reverts after roughly three hours and is useless as feasible protection for another hour past that. Perfected, this might prove invaluable in engagements to come, but for now it's, at best, a gamble."[/color] Explanation over, the Commander turned back to his computer, tapping and clicking through another series of commands and keystrokes that pulled up a blurry image of two seemingly identical figures standing side by side in an open field, the image clarity obscured by night and a fuzzy focus. [color f7976a]"Before I cover the fine details of your fireteam positions, there is another factor to consider. This image is of an unknown operative--subnatural--taken near the outskirts of Crimen Culpae 1 over three months ago. Ability is, at best guess, an assimilation and replication effect, though there are marked differences between the original power and the duplicate. Mr. Francisco has ascertained with almost complete certainty that this man is part of a larger group pursuing unknown objectives that are, at the very least, detrimental to every facet of civilized society. I bring this matter up because there is the danger this current subnatural terrorizing Wisford is not acting alone. Your first priority is to neutralize not only the large target, but also the amassing horde. Your second priority is to stay alert for subnatural attacks. If this situation is intentional, then they are expecting a response from USARILN East. If they intend to simply watch, then we should be grateful, but don't bet on that being the case."[/color] The screen flicked back to a distant, bird's eye view image of the clockwork monstrosity curled in on itself near a scattering of mine shafts and battered earth, its four legs crooked in zigzags around its mechanical torso like a sparse nest while its arms were bronze blurs in the air. Around it, clockwork creatures were half formed, the material of their bodies pulling from thin air. [color f7976a]"We'll refer to the primary target as Factory,"[/color] the Commander announced after a moment, eyes still on his screen. Another click of the mouse and the image changed to a simplified map of the town with markers and designations pre-arranged. A quick drag of the mouse highlighted the first areas to cover. [center][url=http://i.imgur.com/Z2caRyA.jpg][img]http://i.imgur.com/XIbwdr7.png[/img][/url][/center] [color f7976a]β€œThe support team will move in first. Your position is here,"[/color] he said, pointing to the corresponding location on the map, [color f7976a]β€œabout one mile North-West of the target. You are to hold position and engage the main bulk of the enemy force at their most concentrated point. Prepare to be swarmed. Your job is to hold as much of Factory's attention as possible.”[/color] Four points of red were selected next. [color f7976a]β€œThe sniper team will be dropped off with everyone else in the same location. Your objective is to reach higher grounds and provide support to our ground teams while picking off any stragglers that slip past the first group. Your main focus is the support team, but keep track of the two healer teams’ positions as well and respond to their requests.”[/color] [color f7976a]β€œThe two healer teams will be located here and here.”[/color] Kardos gestured with the mouse, circling the area with quick motions. [color f7976a]β€œYour orders are to stand by, as of now. Further instructions will be given when the situation arises. Avoid combat if possible. When threatened, relocate to safer positions and inform other teams.”[/color] A final selection colored another dot in a brighter shade of red. [color f7976a]β€œAs for the evacuation team, you will start from here. You'll be driven around in the back of an armored truck. Keep your eyes peeled and scour the perimeter and aid civilians as best as you can. However, major threats should be avoided and reported back to command. If forced to engage, retreat at the earliest opportunity.”[/color] [color f7976a]β€œThe striker team will remain out of the engagement zone until enough of Factory's creations have been baited and annihilated to allow unhindered access to Factory itself. Deployment will commence once appropriate. Francis will engage Factory first, with the hope that a dragon's aerial maneuverability will provide a sufficient advantage against Factory. Prepare to dodge debris and retaliation even during the approach; we've lost plenty of air support to that. Keep those limbs occupied and the remaining two strikers will drop down to join you once it's fully engaged. Target the lower limbs and bring it down, then destroy the main body while it recovers. With any luck, destruction of the chest or head should shut it down, but be prepared to obliterate the entire construct.”[/color] The conclusion of the finalized plan and equipment briefing was followed by several soldiers entering with a large metallic box which opened to reveal phones encased in a thick shell of black leather and metal with a honeycomb traction grip and protective urethane film surface. On the backs of all the phones were short antenna attachments. As the students received their devices, the Commander spoke again. [color f7976a]"We've inputted tracking data for this group onto the phones, and they can be used to communicate quickly between members of this team even without cell coverage. Push-to-talk is the button on the right and the radio transceiver covers up to five miles. The ankle cuffs have similar transceiver capabilities should the phones fail. Preface communications with 'transmit' followed by the message to activate that function. Some of you will have already realized by now that outside cell coverage areas and certain detectors, the cuffs cannot effectively track you, though they will stun continuously as a fail safe should you leave a detectable area without proper clearance. The Director is particularly interested in this group, however, so it falls to me to provide both incentive to remain and deterrent for escape. First, we have, on occasion, cleared certain subnaturals for release from the cuffs given prolonged obedience and good behavior. I believe you've all encountered Alkana on the battlefield a little under two weeks ago. Crystals, for those who don't recognize the name. He [i]was[/i] cleared for removal of the cuff, but refused, citing it an effective method of group communication that didn't occupy his hands. Unfortunately, he's not available to verify the statement, but rest assured that it does happen. Second, the Institutes and surrounding towns are one of the main receivers of supplies. You'll notice there is an abundance of resources at our disposal, most of which are also granted to the students for free: food, shelter, electricity, so forth. Without the Institutes' backing, any escape attempt would require connection to someone well-funded enough to provide even the basic necessities of life, let alone modern conveniences. This is not taking into account the kill-on-sight order for any escapees and general fear of subnaturals worsening the situation. You would be struggling on multiple fronts, and any area far enough from civilization to be safe from humans would render you prey for Dreamcatcher's creatures. There is little benefit in running away, but should you choose to do so, my order to the rest of the group follows: escapees and traitors are kill on sight."[/color] A supply case of weapons and ammunition was rolled into the room on a trolley cart as he spoke, and the soldiers managing that popped off the lid to display various types of firearms and melee weapons. [color f7976a]"You'll each receive a collapsible baton, knife, and a pocket canister of pepper spray,"[/color] he continued, motioning to the guards to hand out the respective items along with adjustable belts with compartments for all the tools, [color f7976a]"but unless you have former training with firearms, do not take any. A gun in untrained hands is more danger to yourself than the enemy, and magic surpasses mundane weapons more often than not. Any human targets we might encounter will likely be prepared for conventional weapons, as well, and the last thing you want your death to accomplish is providing unknown groups with more supplies. The only exception in this group is Roless, due to the nature of his power, but even then I'll caution to only use what you're sure you can handle. Selection and final preparations should be handled on the ride. Soldiers will escort you to the trucks."[/color] On cue, the students and their equipment were moved swiftly down the hallway and out towards an underground parking garage and then into a long, reinforced truck whose initial purpose had been to ferry supplies. It was now outfitted with two bars of lighting along the length of the ceiling and wall-mounted benches with ample room even for the large group. The munitions case followed them in along with several soldiers on high alert and with little more than a quick [color f7976a]"Roger"[/color] from one of the soldiers inside, the back doors of the truck closed and the engine started. [center][img]http://i.imgur.com/3R5vYYi.png?2[/img][/center][hr][center][color=silver]𝕄: π•Šπ•–π•‘π•₯. πŸ™πŸœ, 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟘 / / π•Žπ•šπ•€π•—π• π•£π••, 𝕄𝕒𝕣π•ͺπ•π•’π•Ÿπ•• / / π•‹π• π•¨π•Ÿ / / ~πŸ™πŸŸπŸ˜πŸ˜[/color][/center][hr] [center][img]http://i.imgur.com/Bs0kMzGl.jpg[/img][/center] Roughly three hours later, they had arrived at their destination where rain still sprinkled into muddy puddles and across the ruined, smoking town. The truck parked a safe distance from the worst of the fighting, perched on a hill that overlooked much of the destruction, where flashes of white light and familiar lines of neon-bright colors shattered buildings and automatons alike in the fading evening light. The closest buildings to their location had fared slightly better than the wreckage that stretched further down the street and the sounds of distant explosions and gunfire rebounded off shattered walls and broken glass mixed with gears, springs, and cogs that were the blood of Factory's minions, destroyed in the ongoing fight. Several soldiers stood in the midst of the nearby mounds of debris, eyeing the surrounding area carefully for any further signs of the clockwork creatures in case another straggler had snuck past the bulk of the fighting. Darker stains that the rain hadn't completely washed away splashed across pavement and walls and the broken bodies of people crushed beneath dead clockworks and rubble defined the battlefield more clearly than any briefing room. A small town and smaller lives lost to the inscrutable whims of a monster. Or many monsters. And some of them wore the faces of humans marked by Dreamcatcher's magic. The advance team had managed to hem the combat towards Factory's location by now, providing a clear enough path to each team's respective destinations. A flash of neon blue lines cleaved a wing from a clockwork avian several hundred meters away, sending it careening down and out of sight behind a far building. On the other side of town, visible even from that distance, an oval of gleaming red lights marked Factory's location, looming over several of the broken, jagged buildings like a downing specter, its body still almost in the exact position shown on the screen. The maps on their phones marked the locations each group was meant to occupy and an armored personnel carrier sat waiting for the evacuation team at the rendezvous point, ready to escort the injured to safety once the support team had moved in first to attract most of the attention. From there, it seemed the majority of them would have to proceed on foot, likely because the piles of machine wreckage, rubble, and large, disabled constructs made most of the quickest roads impassable for any regular vehicle. A quarter of a mile back, a helicopter waited to fly overhead and drop two of the three strikers directly onto Factory once Chris had fully engaged the behemoth of metal, though several large new birds were already creating themselves around the creature, along with what appeared to be a 15-meter snake circling in the sky above Factory on eight mechanical wings that moved out of rhythm with its undulation, a recent creation that floated smoothly on supernatural forces of propulsion. [center][img]http://i.imgur.com/3R5vYYi.png?2[/img][/center][hr] [hider=OOC Interaction Tags/Notes] [@VarionusNW] [@Lasrever] [@ERode] [@VampireOracle] [@Zombehs] [@GreenGoat] [@Diggerton] [@banjoanjo] [@Baklava] [@RedDusk] [@Piercing Light] [@Dragonmancer] [@Riffus Maximus] [@Deathmyster] [@Chasers115] [@PapiTan] [@Kyrisse] [@January] So a correction to the initial timeline of starting three-day timers again here, since there are plenty of potential interactions on the truck. We'll set a week for the opening moves to allow collabs and interactions and we [i]should[/i] be right in the thick of things by the next round. Within reason, write what you want from the munitions box if your character chose to grab anything more than what was given. Lawrence and Savannah will be puppeted from here on out and are still around with evac. Enjoy that, Marcus and Sophia. Evac team is free to move into the prepared APC. If support takes too long, the plan proceeds regardless, but with significantly more problems. The offensive support team is intended to move first here and they're allowed to [i]begin[/i] proceeding towards the destination (but won't be officially reaching it until the next IC update) if they want, but the situation is now open for various moves from all parties before we truly begin. Chris is allowed to head towards Factory directly here if he wants, though leave the resulting consequences to the GMs. Pathing is mostly clear until you guys reach roughly the point where the support should set up. Everyone's been briefed, but we all know that saying about the best laid plans of mice and men.... [/hider]