Stalkerkain

"Being ferried across this chasm is much more preferable than being thrown. Forgive me for doubting your sense of aim, but I shudder to consider the event in which you miss and one of us ends up in the abyss," Soryn said with concern. "It is precisely times like this where I regret being unable to create myself wings and fly, but I will settle for being carried." "Just out of curiosity, I wonder how deep this opening spans," Soryn said. Raising his arm, Soryn prepared to fire a bolt of electricity to light up the darkness, and to see if anything would react to the stimulus.

"By the sound of it, you seem to be suggesting an application of the sciences, Hiroki," he said. But he shook his head in response. "However, I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar in matters regarding scientific application, beyond the fact that you are referring to electricity. Not to mention that I'm unsure if the applications of your world would apply here in our strange... environment," as he was referred to their physical transformation and the changed nature of his abilities. Was he even a vampire anymore? Soryn decided not to pursue this train of thought, lest it led to some sort of existential crisis. "But if it is something I am able to do, I will gladly lend my assistance. Otherwise, I would much prefer to tackle the Stones that have a more... clear-cut approach to them and worry about the Water Stone at a later point."

"Are we supposed to be expecting the same sort of welcome at every... other stone?" Soryn said disdainfully, as he dispersed the remaining electricity from Jade. Even as they were ascending back to the surface, Soryn was giving a cautious eye behind them, as who knows if anything decided to come skittering back along with them. Their encounter with the Makuta had left him a little rattled. "I certainly wouldn't mind if the other places were more accommodating."

Toa Heartlight Equipped (+2 to CON) Soryn Éclaire (62/100 HP) The contents of the Blood Well ripple, even though it's probably a battery pack or something (96/120 Capacity) (Capacity updated at the start of every post). Soryn thrives in the darkness... Soryn sacrifices [12] health and casts Impale on the Kofo-Jaga, dealing (Nocturnal Modifier)[1.3]*(INT [12]+ 45% of missing health, after skill cost), for a total of [44] damage! Hide contents Primal Awakening is [INACTIVE]. Frenzy (Trick): Increase Soryn's initiative by 2 for every unique (once per enemy) Bleed Effect. Currently Initiative bonus: +0. Stats: STR: 3 DEX: 3 INT:12 CON: 14 SYN: 0

Toa Heartlight Equipped (+2 to CON) Soryn Éclaire (75/100 HP) Soryn drew from his own energy reserves and shot bolts of lightning straight towards Jade. Instead of harming his metal-clad ally, the electricity seems to only attach to the surface of Jade's being, and begin to race all across his body. It would seem that anything that came into contact with Jade would receive a burst of electricity... The contents of the Blood Well ripple, even though it's probably a battery pack or something (68/120 Capacity) (Capacity updated at the start of every post). Soryn thrives in the darkness... Soryn sacrifices [12] health and casts Impale on the Kofo-Jaga, dealing (INT [12]+ 45% of missing health, after skill cost), for a total of [28] damage! Primal Awakening is [INACTIVE]. Frenzy (Trick): Increase Soryn's initiative by 2 for every unique (once per enemy) Bleed Effect. Currently Initiative bonus: +0. Stats: STR: 3 DEX: 3 INT:12 CON: 14 SYN: 0

Toa Heartlight Equipped (+2 to CON) Soryn Éclaire (100/100 HP) Soryn drew from his own energy reserves and shot bolts of lightning straight towards Jade. Instead of harming his metal-clad ally, the electricity seems to only attach to the surface of Jade's being, and begin to race all across his body. It would seem that anything that came into contact with Jade would receive a burst of electricity... The contents of the Blood Well ripple, even though it's probably a battery pack or something (68/120 Capacity) (Capacity updated at the start of every post). Soryn sacrifices 25% of his current health [25] and casts Hemosphere on Jade with health of (Sacrificed HP + INT) [37]. When Hemosphere is destroyed, deal [Original Barrier health/2, rounded down, + INT] for a total of [30] damage. Soryn thrives in the darkness... Hide contents Primal Awakening is [INACTIVE]. Frenzy (Trick): Increase Soryn's initiative by 2 for every unique (once per enemy) Bleed Effect. Currently Initiative bonus: +0. Stats: STR: 3 DEX: 3 INT:12 CON: 14 SYN: 0

Soryn let out a bated sigh, as whatever that train wreck that just occurred, had finally passed. But it would seem this moment of respite wouldn't last for long, as his hearing picked up on the skittering of some fast approaching creatures. For once, he would like some peace and quiet, but he had already learned quite quickly that that would be too much to ask for. Soryn readied himself the best he could, for whatever lurking dangers lay ahead of the party.

"I- You- What do you know of me?" Soryn said, being caught off guard by the mysterious entity's revelations. He tried to calm himself, not wanting to play to the enemy's tune. "A hero, perhaps the wrong way of viewing myself, I agree." Magna's words echoed back to him once more, making his gut feel twisted and uncomfortable. "But if I cannot be a hero, then one must pursue through other means then, even if I have to resort to spite. It's not just one woman who has influenced me so," he said with contempt. He didn't want to admit it, but he had already been played by two different women. "Joining you is out of the question, you are simply detestable company. And if I have to feed, then it shall be your life I will drain first, before anything else crumbles around me."

"Is there a point to conversing like this anymore?" Soryn had no difficulty seeing in the dark, being a vampire and all, but he activated his electrical barrier on his body to allow his allies to have some light to permeate their surroundings. "Those who choose to dwell in darkness oft are able to be trustworthy. It would seem that an entity like you would be the type to not cede to anyone's request. Otherwise you would have shown yourself by now."

Soryn gathered electricity in his fingertips and attempted to form a sphere of electricity, much like he would with blood. But to his dismay, trying to contain electricity to a particular form only caused it to violently disperse. His conventional methods of fighting would have to change, as he was no longer able to deal with liquids. Instead, using his body as a conduit, Soryn began conducting electricity, using his body as a conduit. It began as mere sparks, but soon electricity leapt across his entire body, This would have to do in place of Hemosphere. Satisfied with the result, he dispersed the electricity. "Just how stable are these tunnels?" Soryn asked with slight concern. "I'd certainly hate to be buried beneath rubble, or have our way out be blocked."

Yet again, Soryn found himself in another strange scenario. It hadn't been long before their group had managed to return to the their home in one piece, only to be thrown into another universe once more. Soryn was conflicted as to whether he should take this as a surprise, or to just give up and acclimate himself to these strange occurrences. It would seem that this time, their appearances had been altered. Though clad in various metals and colors, it appeared that a few of the group had been taken along as well. Soryn drew blood from his reservoir, and clad himself in blood in an attempt to morph his appearance, much like many other vampires do. Despite his efforts, it seemed that something was blocking the use of the spell. "This is rather unsettling. I do hope that we are able to return, after we had so shortly gotten back from our last... adventure," he said wearily. "In any case, I concur that we should look for the earth stone. It seems that it is in the most tangible location of them all."

Magna Sigyl (56/60 HP, +6 resist to bladed attacks) "Roar, O' Rage of Mine!" "La Grondement de la Haine!" Jeanne d'Arc (98/900 HP) casts La Grondement de la Haine on Gilgamesh, dealing SYN[20]*3 damage for a total of [60]. Magna's Officer B (4/100 HP) uses Ignite on the Emiter, dealing [1d6 + SYN(10)] and inflicting Burn, dealing SYN[10] damage for 3 turns. Magna's Lahmu Charger A (18/100 HP) uses Ram on the Emiter, dealing 1d6 + STR[6] damage, as well as staggering it. Magna's perk, Undying Servitude is active! Every reanimation that perishes under her control increases her damage by 2% for the remainder of the battle! (Current boost: 10%) Magna uses Reanimate the Dead (perk) to select a Human Officer from her Compendium of Lost Souls (perk) and revive it at 18 HP. Hide contents The following information is determined after the above moves are taken: Magna's Stats: STR: 0 DEX: 0 INT: 12 CON: 6 SYN: 12 Jeanne d'Arc Stats: STR: 14 DEX: 14 INT: 4 CON: 2 SYN: 20 Undying Servitude (perk): For every reanimation that perishes in Magna’s service, increase damage dealt by Magna by 2% (up to a cap of 20%) for the remainder of the battle. Current: 10% boost. La Grondement de la Haine enters cooldown on turn 6, and will be available again on turn 9.

Soryn Éclaire (73/90 HP) "It's times like these that seem like all is lost..." Soryn said coldly. "But even in dark times, she served as a beacon of hope." "I cannot hope to come close to the original, but just a glimpse serves as a reminder of what was." "Luminosité Momentané." The Blood Well is brimming... (68/108 Capacity) (Capacity updated at the start of every post). Soryn disables Primal Awakening (perk). Frenzy (Trick) increases Soryn's initiative by 2, as a result of a unique Bleed effect on Tiamat. The total current bonus is +6. Thanks to Lotus' Pathing Advice, Soryn will move after Lotus. Soryn casts consumes 20% of his maximum health [18] to cast Luminosité Momentané (perk, buff), granting the party a 20% boost to their attacks and 25% Lifesteal for 2 turns. Players affected by Luminosité Momentané can only lifesteal up to 25% of their maximum health per turn. As a result, Soryn inflicts Stun on himself for 2 turns. The sun is shining, and Denounce the Sun! is active. Soryn takes 20% increased damage from all incoming sources. Hide contents Primal Awakening is [INACTIVE]. Frenzy (Trick): Increase Soryn's initiative by 2 for every unique (once per enemy) Bleed Effect. Currently Initiative bonus: +6. Enemies affected: Lesser Lahmu B, Lesser Lahmu C, Tiamat

Magna Sigyl (50/60 HP, +6 resist to bladed attacks) "What insolence! To dare even attempt to suppress the flames of the Dragon Witch... I'll burn you all!" "Ohoh! You're finally getting into it!" "Polished by hatred..." "Hear my howl..." Jeanne d'Arc (102/900 HP) uses her current turn to charge mana! On the next turn, she will cast La Grondement de la Haine on Tiamat, dealing SYN[20]*3 damage for a total of 60 damage! Magna's Officer B (15/100 HP) uses Ignite on the Emiter, dealing [1d6 + SYN(10)] and inflicting Burn, dealing SYN[10] damage for 3 turns. Magna's Officer C (18/100 HP) uses Lightning Bolt on the Emiter, dealing [2d8 + SYN(10)]. Magna's Lahmu Charger A (18/100 HP) uses RAMMING SPEED on THE GRAND LAHMU, dealing 1d6 + STR[6] damage, as well as staggering it. Magna uses Empower (free action) to sacrifice her Officer B to empower her next Scythe ability! Magna's perk, Undying Servitude is active! Every reanimation that perishes under her control increases her damage by 2% for the remainder of the battle! (Current boost: 10%) Magna uses Empowered Shadow Stride to deal [Life Reaver's Damage (3d4 + INT(12))] + 0.5*Reanimation’s Remaining Health (15) for a total of: [1.1x (Undying Servitude)][1.14x (Sensuality Affection)][3d4 + 19] damage to the Emiter, Tiamat, and BBQed Lahmu A. Hide contents The following information is determined after the above moves are taken: Magna's Stats: STR: 0 DEX: 0 INT: 12 CON: 6 SYN: 12 Jeanne d'Arc Stats: STR: 14 DEX: 14 INT: 4 CON: 2 SYN: 20 Undying Servitude (perk): For every reanimation that perishes in Magna’s service, increase damage dealt by Magna by 2% (up to a cap of 20%) for the remainder of the battle. Current: 10% boost. La Grondement de la Haine enters cooldown on turn 6, and will be available again on turn 9.

Magna Sigyl (50/60 HP, +6 resist to bladed attacks) Jeanne d'Arc (120/900 HP) uses Conflagrate on Emiter, inflicting 2*[STR(14)-1] damage, and inflicting Burn, dealing SYN(20)/1.5 [13] damage for 3 turns. Magna's Officer B (24/100 HP) uses Lightning Bolt on the Emiter, dealing [2d8 + SYN(10)]. Magna's perk, Undying Servitude is active! Every reanimation that perishes under her control increases her damage by 2% for the remainder of the battle! (Current boost: 8%) Magna uses Reanimate the Dead, selecting to fabricate a Human Officer from her Compendium of Lost Souls (perk) with 18 HP! Magna's Vengeful Curse (passive) is active on Lahmu Charger A! It will revive under Magna's control next turn! The following information is determined after the above moves are taken: Magna's Stats: STR: 0 DEX: 0 INT: 12 CON: 6 SYN: 12 Jeanne d'Arc Stats: STR: 14 DEX: 14 INT: 4 CON: 2 SYN: 20 Death's Whisper is on cooldown. Will be available on turn 5. Undying Servitude (perk): For every reanimation that perishes in Magna’s service, increase damage dealt by Magna by 2% (up to a cap of 20%) for the remainder of the battle. Current: 8% boost. Jeanne's La Grondement de la Haine will enter cooldown on turn 3, becoming available again on turn 6.

Esyllt "Care to fill me in, then? I'd hardly like to believe that we were too focused to notice an earthquake, but we're having this conversation now, aren't we," Esyllt said, as she opened her snack and began munching on its contents. "You're saying this earthquake caused a crater, but is there anything special about it that would be worth checking out? Otherwise, forgive my terseness, but I think I'd rather worry about what our common villain was up to." That being said, Esyllt didn't have a clue as to where to start looking. At the very least, having a look at the site of the crater would kill some time, if anything.

Magna Sigyl (60/60 HP, +6 resist to bladed attacks) "HEY! HOW DARE YOU PLAY WITH THE SANCTITY OF LIFE AND DEATH?" Magna fumed, shaking her scythe angrily at Gilgamesh. "THAT'S MY JOB." "Words I wish I never heard." Death's Whisper has ended. Jeanne d'Arc (120/900 HP) uses Conflagrate on Tiamat, inflicting 2*[STR(14)-1] damage, and inflicting Burn, dealing SYN(20)/1.5 [13] damage for 3 turns. Magna's Officer A (16/100 HP) uses Ignite on the Emiter, dealing [1d6 + SYN(10)], and inflicting burn damage of SYN[10] for 3 turns. Magna's Officer B (36/100 HP) uses Lightning Bolt on the Emiter, dealing [2d8 + SYN(10)]. Magna's Greater Lahmu (18/100 HP) uses Impale on the Emiter, dealing 1d6 + STR(6), with a 1/6 chance to do an additional d8 of damage. Magna's perk, Undying Servitude is active! Every reanimation that perishes under her control increases her damage by 2% for the remainder of the battle! (Current boost: 4%) Magna uses Empower (free action, self-buff) to sacrifice her Greater Lahmu after it attacks! Magna uses Empowered Shadow Stride, dealing [3d4 + INT(12)] + 0.5*(Sacrificed Reanimation's health) [9] for a total of [3d4 + 21] to Emiter, Creeper, and Greater BBQed Lahmu Hide contents The following information is determined after the above moves are taken: Magna's Stats: STR: 0 DEX: 0 INT: 12 CON: 6 SYN: 12 Jeanne d'Arc Stats: STR: 14 DEX: 14 INT: 4 CON: 2 SYN: 20 Death's Whisper is on cooldown. Will be available on turn 5. Undying Servitude (perk): For every reanimation that perishes in Magna’s service, increase damage dealt by Magna by 2% (up to a cap of 20%) for the remainder of the battle. Current: 4% boost. Jeanne's La Grondement de la Haine will enter cooldown on turn 3, becoming available again on turn 6.

Soryn Éclaire (73/90 HP) "S-so there are monsters like this in the world..." Soryn nervously murmured to himself. "The universe is a vast place..." The Blood Well is brimming... (82/108 Capacity) (Capacity updated at the start of every post). Soryn consumes 20% of the Blood Well's max capacity [21] to continue Primal Awakening, allowing any of his attacks that deal damage to inflict Bleed status, according to Suiren's effect (INT/2 [6] damage for 3 turns). All damage from bleeding effects are doubled while Primal Awakening is active. Only half of Soryn's dealt damage is added to the Blood Well while Primal Awakening is active. Thanks to Lotus' Pathing Advice, Soryn will move after Lotus. Soryn casts Siphon on Tiamat, dealing [1d4 + INT(12)] damage and healing Jade and Lilya for 75% of the damage dealt. Inflict Bleed [12 damage this turn (doubled from Primal Awakening)] for 3 turns. Frenzy (Trick) increases Soryn's initiative by 2, as a result of a unique Bleed effect on Tiamat. The total current bonus is +6, putting his current initiative at 7. The sun is shining, and Denounce the Sun! is active. Soryn takes 20% increased damage from all incoming sources. Hide contents Primal Awakening is [ACTIVE]. Frenzy (Trick): Increase Soryn's initiative by 2 for every unique (once per enemy) Bleed Effect. Currently Initiative bonus: +6. Enemies affected: Lesser Lahmu B, Lesser Lahmu C, Tiamat

Magna Sigyl (60/60 HP, +6 resist to bladed attacks) Lesser Lahmu A revives under Magna's control! The other souls float away into the horizon. Jeanne d'Arc (114/900 HP) uses Self Modification EX. Her STR increases by 5! INT decreases by 3! CON decreases by 2! Magna's Officer A (10/100 HP) uses Ignite on Gilgamesh, dealing [1d6 + SYN(10)], and inflicting burn damage of SYN[10] for 3 turns. Magna's Officer B (30/100 HP) uses Lightning Bolt on Gilgamesh, dealing [2d8 + SYN(10)]. Magna's Lesser Lahmu A (18/100 HP) uses Rake on Gilgamesh, dealing [1d4 + STR(6)] damage. Magna's perk, Undying Servitude is active! Every reanimation that perishes under her control increases her damage by 2% for the remainder of the battle! (Current boost: 2%) Magna uses Reap to sacrifice Magna's Lesser Lahmu A to heal her Officer A and Officer B for INT [12] + 0.5*Remaining health [18] for a total of 11 health each! (If Officer A dies before Magna casts Reap, heal Officer B and Jeanne instead.) Vengeful Curse is active on Bel Lahmu A & B and Greater Lahmua A's corpses, which will revive under Magna's control on Turn 4. Magna cannot exceed her capacity of [3] normal minions, and must choose to either sacrifice one of her current minions or let Vengeful Curse disperse into the wind.

Esyllt "Not... quite. I just happened to be there by coincidence, that's all." Her entire thought process had skipped a beat when Caliko gave her explanation, leaving her rather speechless. Perhaps she overthought how much Caliko knew, and that she could have unlocked her powers more recently, just like her. In that case, Riley was still her best chance at grasping the overall situation at hand. "How did you manage to find us? From what I could tell, we were enclosed in some kind of time space. If there had been some sort of earthquake at the time, none of us had felt it."

Esyllt "Since it would be pointless to ask whether or not you are a friend or an enemy, I'll cut straight to the point; what was your business in stopping that girl Katja, and what did it have to do with Alva?" Esyllt said, as she inserted a coin into the vending machine. The fact that Caliko was still here meant that she had power either on par or greater than that of Katja. And that was something to be even more wary about. Esyllt pressed her palm against the buttons, the inputs producing a random selection of snack which dropped down. If Esyllt could figure out where Caliko stood relative to all the events, it would be easier for her to assess whether or not she would become involved in more peculiar events in the future, and if siding with Caliko would produce an invaluable ally. "I'd hardly like to believe that you were saving us out of sheer altruism."

Soryn Éclaire (70/90 HP) Rays of sunlight began streaking across the landscape, slowly illuminating the land. Soryn preemptively opened up his umbrella above him, as some of the light began reflecting off the innumerable amount of metal objects in the area. The Blood Well is brimming... (90/108 Capacity) (Capacity updated at the start of every post). Soryn consumes 20% of the Blood Well's max capacity [21] to continue Primal Awakening, allowing any of his attacks that deal damage to inflict Bleed status, according to Suiren's effect (INT/2 [6] damage for 3 turns). All damage from bleeding effects are doubled while Primal Awakening is active. Only half of Soryn's dealt damage is added to the Blood Well while Primal Awakening is active. Soryn casts Impale on Lesser Lahmu C, consuming [12] of his own HP to deal INT [12] + 45% of missing health [14] for a total of 26 damage. Inflict Bleed [12 damage this turn (doubled from Primal Awakening)] for 3 turns. Frenzy (Trick) increases Soryn's initiative by 2, as a result of a unique Bleed effect on Lesser Lahmu C. The total bonus is +4, putting his initiative at 5. The sun is shining, and Denounce the Sun! is active. Soryn takes 20% increased damage from all incoming sources.

Magna Sigyl (60/60 HP, +6 resist to bladed attacks) Magna's eyes begin to glint as all the bodies hit the floor. It was just like Christmas, because there were just so many corpses just waiting to serve her! "Hey Jeanne," "What. I'm busy," she growled. "Focus on your own tasks." "Fire off your ultimate move for me?" "My Noble Phantasm is not a toy-" "FIREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" "God damn it." Jeanne d'Arc (108/900 HP) begins gathering mana... On Jeanne's next turn, she will cast La Grondement de la Haine on Caster, dealing SYN(20)*3 damage [60], and permanently inflicting Lingering Hate (Blocks all use and application of buffs by and on Gilgamesh) to Gilgamesh. Magna's Officer A (24/100 HP) uses Ignite on Bel Lahmu A, dealing [1d6 + SYN(10)], and inflicting burn damage of SYN[10] for 3 turns. Magna's Officer B (24/100 HP) uses Ice Spike on Gilgamesh, dealing [1d6 + SYN(10)], and attempts to reduce his INIT by 2? Magna's Bel Lahmu A (24/80 HP Halved Damage from Melee (Flying. Passive)) uses Flyby on Greater Lahmu B, dealing [1d12 + DEX(8)]. Magna uses Empower (free action, self-buff) to sacrifice Magna's Bel Lahuma A after it attacks! Magna uses Empowered Shadow Stride, dealing [3d4 + INT(12)] + 0.5*(Sacrificed Reanimation's health) [12] for a total of [3d4 + 24] to Bel Lahmu A, Greater Lahmu A, and Greater Lahmu B. If any of her targets die, direct the remaining strikes towards available targets (1/enemy). Vengeful Curse is active on a shit ton of Lesser Lahmu corpses, which will revive under Magna's control on Turn 3. Magna cannot exceed her capacity of [3] normal minions, and must choose to either sacrifice one of her current minions or let Vengeful Curse disperse into the wind.

"Hm, I think I will go with you. All this lying around has made me a little restless," Esyllt replied with cheer, though her tone still retained a little of its prior edge. Despite everything, she was still unable to hide the unease at the back of her mind and this was a perfect opportunity to put some concerns to rest. Esyllt lazily made her way over the railing of the top bunk instead of using the ladder, and landed crouched at the foot of the bunk with a soft thud. The railing gave a disapproving creak, indicating that it wasn't a good idea to do it a second time. "I'm quite opposed to celery sticks, and I'd like to see what wonderful selection is on display," she said jokingly, knowing full well of the boring availability. "This will also give me an opportunity to get to know Caliko better."

Esyllt Esyllt flopped back onto her bunk, as she started playing with her hair in disinterest. "Hm... is that so. Seems like a pain to always keep in the back of my mind. I don't think it'd be something that would just casually let slip, but perhaps I should take you up on that bribe money, fufu~" she said jokingly, though Esyllt's tone was such that it was difficult to tell whether she was serious or not.