Nondescript News

[Teddy]

Lookit it. They're losing, but they're making a big scene about it. War gives a WRRRRRRRYYY battlecry as it leaps from the wreckage. Anyone who knows anything knows that ain't the 'real' War. That ain't Tyr, it's some sorta copy. Looks like Shadow isn't bringing everything he can to the fight. That's about right for him, ain't it? Nothing but a tricky lying snake. That Death? He's learning slow, slower than even Allen. Still hacking away at the shield and needs his 'brother' to shoot for the legs of yet another mech with that blood red spear of his. Scary as hell, even for a copy. Pestilence is the slowest though, swinging that big hammer at generators only after seeing War go for it twice.

Shadow's already learned, creeping blackness shooting up the legs of the mech he's currently engaged with, tearing at metal, sucking at generators. He's brought all he can personally. Maybe the snake has a soft spot after-all, for his children. Or maybe he's just waiting for something else to bring them to bear. It's hard to tell, even as he turns the mech into brittle obsidian, hissing his spells aloud. "Awful, Corvy~ You're an inexperienced commander."

Meanwhile, Shade's darted to his mech, his fake arm firing off a grappling hook up above him. It hooks onto something, and he again becomes a blur of motion as he sails upwards, sword biting into metal. He's still utterly silent, as his own men open fire onto another's legs with cannons drawing from the West's own necrotic energy. Of course, the technology isn't so stable, as a few implode in on themselves, leaving burning wreckage where a man once stood.

Noticing that his own artillery isn't working after a few launches, Corvus takes note of being surrounded. With a subtle nod to the demons and the horrors around him, he strides forward, the runes burning into his arm. The horrors take to the skies, shrieking at him, and falling back. The demons scream and wail, trying to fall back as best as they can, tearing their way through anything that's keeping them from escaping away from Corvus as fast as they can. His eyes burn with an awful rage as a small sphere encircles his fist as the army no doubt presses in on him.

The air around him seems to stand still. It'd probably be best to run. Even mindless machines can feel the pressure he's beginning to radiate, reality trying to buckle out underneath him. It might have broken had he been anywhere but this domain.

(Current positions:
War and Death: Attacking the same mech now.
Pestilence: Slowly beginning to hammer-time.
Shadow: Turning one mech into obsidian in a glorious dick move.
Shade: Lone-wolfing a mech because he's just that good.
Humans: Dying horribly from their own ill-prepared armor, but firing a decent volley. 40 left!
Pestilence and Horrors: Fleeing the area around Corvus by air.
Demons: Panicked escaping from Corvus.
Corvus: Probably doing something unspeakably nasty. STOP HIM.)

[Feng]

Grumpy smiles at the woman before returning his attention to the meeting.

"I have one," says Doc. "On our journey to the continent we encountered a strange form of aircraft, similar in manner to a Raptor. In a way it reminded me of the Thundering Ones back home. What exactly were we fighting back there?"


The CTC craft investigating the wreckage might notice a strange presence in the water, their radar depicting a blip in the shape of a monkey. This enigma is accompanied by smaller blips... Most curious!

::Bzzzt-Bzzzt. - .... .. ... / .. ... / - .... . / -- ... ... / ... . .- / -- --- -. -.- . -.-- .-.-.- / .-. . .--. . .- - / - .... .. ... / .. ... / - .... . / -- ... ... / ... . .- / -- --- -. -.- . -.-- .-.-.- / .--. .-.. . .- ... . / ... - .- - . / -.-- --- ..- .-. / .- .-.. .-.. . --. .. .- -. -.-. . / .- -. -.. / - .... . / -. .- - ..- .-. . / --- ..-. / -.-- --- ..- .-. / -... ..- ... .. -. . ... ... .-.-.- / .-. . .--. . .- - / .--. .-.. . .- ... . / ... - .- - . / - .... . / -. .- - ..- .-. . / --- ..-. / -.-- --- ..- .-. / -... ..- ... .. -. . ... ... Bzzzt-Bzzzt::

A strange greenish glow engulfs a portion of the wreckage.

[Jello Shot Mischa]

Grumpy smiles at the woman before returning his attention to the meeting.

"I have one," says Doc. "On our journey to the continent we encountered a strange form of aircraft, similar in manner to a Raptor. In a way it reminded me of the Thundering Ones back home. What exactly were we fighting back there?"

(( I'll respond to the trump card in due time... I think these meeting posts may be big enough as it is :3 ))

Major Durant nods at Doc's question. "To answer that... well, to give a complete answer, it may be best if I started our presentation."

The holographic display activates, changing to project an image of the globe in mid-air in glowing neon colors. It rotates, revealing both of the major land masses -- the continent containing Muffinville and its environs in the 'west', and the continent the group is now on in the 'east', much like the Amercian continents vs. Eurasia. The rotating globe slows to focus upon the western half of the 'eastern' continent, displaying a network of cities and towns across it.

"Approximately two years ago, an unknown organization began a systematic assault upon the communities in this area. We have been unable to retrieve detailed records of this time, but apparently the assault was fairly widespread and rapid. As near as we can tell, major metropolitan centers were quickly overrun, and devastated."

"About the earliest concrete information we have concerns an expedition sent to investigate the ruins of one city, that founded it occupied by a hostile army, well organized and heavily mechanized. The investigating party did find what appeared to be a large vessel, possibly some kind of transport, with an orb-like device on board that seemed to have been instrumental in the assault, either as a power supply or weapon, given the amount of power it seemed to contain."

"The earliest period that we have much in the way of concrete data is when we heard rumors of the invasion, and started examining the area through high altitude drones and orbital reconnaissance. Realizing that something disastrous had occurred to the area, expeditionary forces were dropped from orbit to establish operating bases to begin investigating from."

The map of the continent shifts, flattening out to a more conventional format, displaying the location of the CTC's initial wave of operations bases. Various images of ruined cities and barren wasteland are also displayed, with lines indicating the location and time that they were recorded at.

"What we found was that this region had fallen under the occupation of the aforementioned organization. They appear to be highly organized, with a significant degree of mechanization, to the level of large assault robots and vehicles. Their methods of logistics and transport are unknown -- we have suspicions that they are using some form of teleportation or possible dimensional transfer in order to move their forces and supplies. The construction of their equipment seems to be largely conventional if technologically advanced, using energy weapons and shielding fairly extensively. One oddity is that most of the structural elements of their vehicles are comprised of an unusual material. We have not been able to learn much about it, save that it is very similar to a material found in other worlds known as soulsteel." Major Durant glances at Doc. "We believe it was several vehicles belonging to these forces that engaged your ship, as well as some of our own forces. As you've undoubtably learned, they've proven to be rather formidable, and difficult to fight with conventional equipment."

"One of the things we learned is that they regularly engaged any other forces, whether expeditions of H-class individuals from further east, or any survivors that they found in hiding. The survivors, for their part, mostly remained in hidden, scattered enclaves, seeking to avoid being noticed while scavenging from the ruins of their cities. The cities themselves, we learned, are overrun with undead of various types, both physical and incorporeal. In fact, according to some information we learned, any undead brought into this region fall under the control of this occupying force almost immediately."

"The occupying force seems to largely detect targets to attack through thermal emissions. The survivors, in particular, took great pains to conceal any thermal emissions. After being forced to engage the occupying force several times, we began to make increasing efforts to disguise our own emissions."

"As time passed, however, we began to observe an increasing degradation in the environment. Electromagnetic interference began to spread, hindering communications and widespread operations. Living organisms began to suffer some kind of withering or draining effect, and, after a time, the miasma began to spread. The miasma appears to be a highly caustic or corrosive compound, that also has various supernatural effects. For example, the presence of undead appears to be particularly pronounced in areas where the miasma is more concentrated."

"One discovery that were were fortunate to be able to make was given to us by an unknown individual who visited one of our outposts, identifying herself as Ligel -- an entity we believe to be related to the entity known as Helel, who has also been observed in this area, combating the occupying force. Ligel indicated that a certain technique using 'geomancy' was able to stabilize the immediate area, in particular forcing the miasma to retreat."

Major Durant glances in the direction of Doc again. "We believe certain individuals may be more familiar with the details about geomancy than us, but our Unusual Research Division was able to find certain parallels between those techniques and various reality-manipulating systems we have developed. Using that knowledge, we've managed to develop and deploy a prototype artificial geomantic array, that provides at least a temporary defense against the miasma and other effects this region is undergoing."

She lets out a sigh. "I apologize if this presentation has been somewhat disorganized or confusing -- it was prepared somewhat hastily, when we realized we had the opportunity to inform some of the other organizations taking an interest in this area about what we had learned. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to ask them."

[Raleigh]

Ah, good old angel/demon. I will say I'm surprised simple geomancy is effective given that I was using a version earlier to determine spread, length of time of corruption, and epicenter only to have the earth of this place boot me away from the connection. Still, this does tell me what set of powers to employ as needed to help guard your soldiers as we inspect those ruins. Might I see the geomantic array you are using so I can replicate it? Also, since our dead will be a liability here, should I produce a way of dealing with remains? Admittedly it means summoning a large creature though.

****Aboard the Storm Crow****
Raleigh2: Alright then. I'll set to procure these. *The papers disappear in a flash of blue flames.* In that case I'll be off. Be careful Bones. Staying in this airship while grounded might be dangerous. *His body dissipates into winds.*

***At the chibi market****
*Elenore and Mower appear in a burst of smoke just outside of the market. They turn and set out to find the temple or some guards, whichever they reach first.* Elenore: Be ready to help me move this stuff Mower.

***At CTC HQ****
Ebony: I'm supposing your guards won't mind then. Casting the protection spell. *Ebony starts to mutter the spell.*

[Funny Hat + Funny Accent]

*Rommel shares an uneasy look with his two companions.*

"Do you know who is leading these attacking forces?"

[Anonymouse]

"Squeak squeak..."

Out at sea, efforts to recover pieces of wreckage via various factions proceeds without much incident- unfortunately, the sub that ate the orbital bombardment seems to have lucked out the least, as it was utterly incinerated by the blast and resulting internal meltdown of whatever powers it. The waters around it are darker than the black they already were- if such a thing is possible. Those taking readings of the waters will begin to notice that the miasma isn't just in the air now, but the waters as well, acting like acid as it burns into whatever touches it- which means the ships could be in danger, with time. Furthermore, the waters darkened by whatever is left of that obliterated sub have it even worse. Around the wreckage of the other subs that eventually rise up, there's traces of the darker fluid, but not in as high amounts.

For the pieces of wreckage that are recovered, they find remains of what looks like the propulsion systems of an aircraft, but geared towards moving water rather than air. Pieces of the hull seem to contain a thin film of color changing substance, which may help the vessels blind into their surroundings like an octopus. It can also be seen that a vast amount of the structure recovered from the subs is composed of a pitch black steel, which is cool to the touch, no matter how much heat is applied- this mystery metal is just that to many, but some of the CTC's engineers may have seen this metal before.

For now, it seems no weapons systems are recovered from the remains- but it's possible that they, and the power sources of the vessels either exploded or sunk to the dark depths below. As for the odd signature which approaches its piece of the remains, it is left alone for now, assume no one else tries to mess with it. And a chunk of the remains are cast into a green glow by whatever is sneaking about under the guise as a loveable monkey at sea.

To the far East, the battle rages on with Corvus and his brothers. While the derp-clones of the horsemen slowly make progress with the warmechs, Shadow's method seems to wriggle it's way through the mech's defenses, rip out the shielding, and then render it vulnerable to being destroyed with all manner of ranged attacks from the army. Soon, that one falls as well, its power core going critical and glassing another hill that it was on. Darn, those things do some collateral damage.

Shade meanwhile, manages to slip through the shielding of yet another mech, and his efforts bear quick fruit as well, while as Corvus' forces fall back, the rest of the black plague swarms forward. Heedless of the terrible pressure, they crash forward like a flood, eager to lay down their lives if it means giving the opportunity for just one hit to claim Corvus' life. And given the torrent of energy beams and bladed weapons flying Corvus' wave, that's a lot falling for no apparent reason. But, what is a life to the king of death?

"Squeak squeak..."

[Raleigh]

When you say soul steel do you mean the one made from the labyrinth and ghosts or the one of the bound souls in the metal of what they term the Maker's body in that one world? I suppose that means to expect those of the Abyssal which I suppose isn't surprising. *Makes a note to send word to infuse star metal into some of his troops armor along with the soul gems.*

Rommel, you might want to know some of your comrades recently landed in a volcano on this continent. I think they are alright but I'm unsure.

[??????? ?? ????]

[quote="Jello Shot Mischa"]She lets out a sigh. "I apologize if this presentation has been somewhat disorganized or confusing -- it was prepared somewhat hastily, when we realized we had the opportunity to inform some of the other organizations taking an interest in this area about what we had learned. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to ask them."[/quote]

"No need to apologize miss, that was quite an informative presentation. That it was prepared in haste only shows that you should be commended, rather than admonished for your efforts."

The voice, coming from the back of the area, belongs to a cloaked and cowled (go figure) person of moderate height. The poise and demeanor exuded speak of impeccable manners and an upbringing kids these days have never heard of (on TV).

[Jello Shot Mischa]

***At CTC HQ****
Ebony: I'm supposing your guards won't mind then. Casting the protection spell. *Ebony starts to mutter the spell.*

Outside Muffinville, Caine simply nods, although she's a bit uncertain how her Imagine Breaker will affect the spell...

Ah, good old angel/demon. I will say I'm surprised simple geomancy is effective given that I was using a version earlier to determine spread, length of time of corruption, and epicenter only to have the earth of this place boot me away from the connection. Still, this does tell me what set of powers to employ as needed to help guard your soldiers as we inspect those ruins. Might I see the geomantic array you are using so I can replicate it? Also, since our dead will be a liability here, should I produce a way of dealing with remains? Admittedly it means summoning a large creature though.

Major Durant simply shrugs at Raleigh's comments. "According to our admittedly preliminary research, we believe that this technique simply restores the original flow of energy in the area, which has apparently been corrupted or subverted by this occupying force. It may be that restoring the flow of energy to its earlier paths is easier than other manipulations. As for the dead..." She shifts a bit uneasily. "I would prefer to find solutions that don't appear to involve creatures consuming the dead."

*Rommel shares an uneasy look with his two companions.*

"Do you know who is leading these attacking forces?"

The major notices the look. "We only have some very tentative information. What little we've been able to determine is that a single entity, apparently known as 'Nokel', is in command of these operations. Unfortunately, we don't know much more than that at this time."

She studies Rommel for a moment. "Is there any information you'd be able to share regarding this?" she asks.

"No need to apologize miss, that was quite an informative presentation. That it was prepared in haste only shows that you should be commended, rather than admonished for your efforts."

The voice, coming from the back of the area, belongs to a cloaked and cowled (go figure) person of moderate height. The poise and demeanor exuded speak of impeccable manners and an upbringing kids these days have never heard of (on TV).

As the cloaked figure makes itself known, Major Durant shifts her attention to the woman, studying her with half-lidded eyes. "While I appreciate the comment, it would be preferred if you would at least introduce yourself properly, if you wish to join in this discussion," she says, letting out a faint sigh.

[Raleigh]

**At a DrakeCorp Facility****
Scarlet: Well general analysis is complete. Time for the real test. *She flicks a switch on her control panel and swivels her chair around to look inside the sealed room containing the metal. One of the nanobot hives contained in the room opens up and the micromachines swarm over the metal and begin to break it down to analyze how its made.* Once we finish this we'll replicate it to verify we have all properties accounted for and then it'll be put into the pattern for materialization technologies. *The cat chuckles to herself as she continues her work.*

[Teddy]

Well, Shadow siiiiighs as his derp-clones derp around like a bunch of derps. Famine in particular seems to be especially, well, stupid, as she finally just try to push through the shielding herself. Shadow throws her backwards, into the massive black army, where she's swept away by the tide. "You were always my least favorite, even as a real horsemen." It titters to itself as she flails around, probably to no avail. Or even if she is, she's drawn closer and closer to Corvus.

Shade meanwhile leaps from his fallen (or falling!) mech, whipping his grappling hook to the one his boys are trying to take out with sustained fire. With a nervous glance cast backwards to his brother, he gestures for his own men to flee forward as he starts on the new mech. Regardless of his slashing success, he shifts as quick as he can to turning the grappling hook into a miniature rocket, to send him streaking past the mech, past Shadow, and far away from Corvus.

Death finally gets the idea, moving downwards where his other copycat brother is to attack the coolers with a giant screw-off scythe. War gives another cry of rage as it forcibly takes Death's weapon from him and rushes forward, a blur of motion. Death takes this as a sign to turn to magic, tossing down black tendrils of energy into the growing plague below, putting only small dents into the thing at large.

Pestilence and the horrors hiss from their high position, throwing a few projectiles down, some actively trying to hit Corvus. Mostly this involves Corvus's still raised arm flaring brighter and brighter as he's knocked around a little, the swarm encroaching onto his position. The demons have given up trying to protect their 'liege' as they push farther and farther away from him. A few of the weakest break under the pressure Corvus is exuding, their essence shattering and swirling into the sphere, an eerie blue glow beginning to consume his arm.

Corvus himself begins to march forward, pushing through the plague. Some may break apart under the force the weight of casting his spell is exuding. Some may strike him with their weapons, seeming to do very little damage to him. He's walking through them, towards the closest thing they might have to a center might be. Or until enough of the slightly stronger ones swarm him. That might do enough too.

(As always:
Shadow, moving to where Famine was, after presumably killing her.
War and Death: Derping at the same mech
Shade: Being excellent and moving far far away from Corvus
Soldiers: Trying to keep up with Shade as best as they can.
Corvus: Being terrifying and marching forward, unflinching as his demons flee, as the horrors stay far far away, and as Pestilence just. Watches.)

[Raleigh]

*Addressing the cloaked lady.* I was wondering when you would speak up. *To Durant.* Very well, no summoning Nidhoggr. So which attachment of troops is going with me to the ruins?
****Once More Miles Outside the CTC base camp*****
*Raleigh again manifests this time accompanied by a zombie and a ghost.* Raleigh2: So let us see how it affects the spirits and how fast it overtakes undead.

[Feng]

Raleigh's agents will find themselves amidst a bustling marketplace that is swarming with Chibi and human shoppers. In the distance they can make out a large obsidian construct, the temple of the Smoking One!

Bones meanwhile, disembarks from the Storm Crow.

[Funny Hat + Funny Accent]

*Rommel grimaces noticeably.*

"Nokel? Well, when it snows, it's a white-out. Anyway, I do have information available. I'm fairly knowledgeable about Nokel's forces and tactics. Where do you want me to start?"

[??????? ?? ????]

As the cloaked figure makes itself known, Major Durant shifts her attention to the woman, studying her with half-lidded eyes. "While I appreciate the comment, it would be preferred if you would at least introduce yourself properly, if you wish to join in this discussion," she says, letting out a faint sigh.

"Ah, how rude of me, I do apologize for my unseemly behavior." *the lady(?) throws back the cowl of the cloak to reveal...well...body armor, which a faceplate shaped unlike any human face, in fact, its quite plain in that regard. An intricate set of black braids come from a hole in the back of the helmet, connected with the torso of the armor. At this point, the only clues to that it is indeed a woman is her general shape (pleasing to the eye) and her voice, though owing to a complete lack of skin showing, the possibility of an android of some kind is not discounted.*

"I cannot, however, reveal myself at the present, at least not in mixed company, for it would go against the mandate of my master. I am merely here as an observer of recent events and I will assure you that I mean no harm to you or yours at the moment." *The 'at the moment' comment hangs in the air like a wet gym sock during her pause for reflection, the threat or statement implicit coming hand in hand with her unnoticed entry to the presentation.*

"If this will bar me from the discussion, then I will of course withdraw until such time that we might speak again under less trying circumstances."