expiationlogs | let's get down to business

Entry tags:

let's get down to business

Who: Miller, Richard, the Aldrip Defense Squad and anyone else who decides to toss their hat in the ring
Where: From Aldrip to Pessiria to the mountains by Lorentia Cave
What: Let's kill some demons, boys.
Warnings: Violence, presumably. All the rest TBD.

video; un: spartan

[ The scene that the video opens up to is quite the view. Whoever is recording it must nearly be standing on the tallest building in all of Aldrip's lively commercial district. Although it becomes clear soon enough that this is no daredevil attempt, nor a desire to share a vista of the city at night. There is a dark silhouette sweeping the sky in the far distance, out where the pathways of the outskirts begin being canopied by the trees leading into Pessiria Forest. The creature drifts and then dips down, like a massive hawk diving to breach the surface of the water for a fish, and then it's out of view once more.

Miller turns his device around, leveling a solemn look at the camera with binoculars in hand. ]

You see that, my friends? That is what we, back in my home, call a "demon." I first learned they had migrated here last month when the sun refused to rise and the monsters started gaining their courage. Since then, it has come to my attention that the problem may be larger than I had ever dreamed. It's no fluke — that creature is not alone. It has competition. And I will be the first to tell you that we cannot allow these beasts to propagate in this world.

Which is why I am proposing we make use of our newly founded defense squad and launch a proper extermination effort. As it is my suspicion that they are making their nests in the mountains surrounding the caves, I will be making the trek out there personally. However, this task is too big for myself alone. Whether you are prepared to come in an organized fashion or not, I am asking you all for your help. If protecting the place we live is not incentive enough for you, then bring me proof that you've killed one of these things and I will pay you a reward.

[ With that proposition out of the way though, he certainly needs to provide more information and make it clear that he's not encouraging a hapless rush to make some extra cash just for the thrill of the hunt. ]

I still must stress that no one takes this matter lightly. These beasts are predators that made the irradiated surface of my planet their kingdom. They can stand up to ten feet tall and lift grown men off their feet without a second thought. I am aware that many of you are not familiar with the threat of nuclear radiation, but for those who are not, you may think of it as such: it is a type of energy that can destroy living things from the inside out, and once it is deployed, it may linger for centuries. Mutants like this demon did not always used to be this way — they were born from the radiation. It cannot be tabulated exactly, [ at least, not by him ] but it is quite likely they emit radiation themselves and that is a threat to all of us.

Additionally... [ You know how he said this was a bigger problem than he'd thought? Yeah. He sighs as the wind whips about, resulting in an adjustment of the tablet. ]

I have spotted some of the smaller beasts as well. They are not nearly as formidable as the flying ones, but they travel in groups so that they can use the swarm to their advantage. The demons hunt these creatures as their prey, so keep that in mind. I suggest you do not take this on alone. Safe travels, and plan your strategy wisely.

[ Miller out. ]

notes/ooc

As the timing for this tends to fall on a particularly awkward point in the year, I (aki) especially wish to encourage the spirit of backtagging! :) Toplevels are to organize each set of scenarios, so put your own toplevels beneath!

⬦ There is a PLOTTING POST here if you wish to hash out some OOC plans with any of your fellow players first. Feel free to ask any questions there as well.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

i. warmup round

[ Two forms of lesser mutants may be encountered once the sun has set. These are the prey of the demons that Miller was talking about, so find them, and an encounter with a demon may not be far behind. It would be ill-advised to underestimate these monsters due to their size, however... ]

a. watchers

[ At dusk, the canine adjacent sound of howls might be heard for those far away enough from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Should anyone follow it to its source (the outskirts of the city leading into the forest), an encounter with the scrawny, gray-furred watchers is inevitable. They move together in packs and freeze at the sound or smell of another living thing, their blinded eyes looking at nothing as they decide whether to flee or fight. You may want to make yourself intimidating lest you wish to provoke the mob. Once they start their howling, you're not getting out of this one without a battle. ]

b. nosalises

[ While fortunately the watchers never show their faces anywhere close to civilization, there is one opportunistic group that, in their hunt for any scraps that have been left during the day, edge uncomfortably close to the city. These hairless creatures make their home in damp, dark recesses, burying themselves into tunnels they've dug into the snow. The first sign of their presence might be whatever bits and pieces of rodents or birds they've left behind, but investigate too closely and expect retaliation. Like the watchers, the nosalises are also blind — but their propensity for caution is considerably weaker. They will attack with reckless abandon! Thankfully, to anyone with fighting prowess, they're pretty easy to kill. Just watch out because they don't travel alone! ]

ii. eye on the prize

[ From town, it will be difficult to spot a flying mutant within the confines of the city. Should one make the effort to get a decent vantage point, however, they may catch a glimpse of a large, black mammalian animal in the far, far distance, against the backdrop of the evening. It's never close enough to make out, but to the keen eyed, it may be noticeable that the wings are bat-like in shape, and the monsters at times will carry things through the sky with their rear limbs.

But to those who decide to join in on the extermination efforts, a closer look can be granted upon traveling on the path into the forest.

It's unclear how many there are — a handful, or maybe a dozen, at most? — because they are mostly solitary in nature, maintaining large swathes of distance between where they make their nests out of territorialism. Should a decent breadth of space be kept, they can be observed without being provoked... but the closer one gets to their resting place, the more other living things begin to hide themselves away. Observe them long enough and one might catch a glimpse of a watcher being carried off.

It might be possible to lure the demons closer to the ground if the Chosen are willing to take the risk. Just keep in mind that they may be the ones carried off next!

When faced in battle, they are formidable opponents whose natural armor makes them resilient to most firepower. A human combatant is an easy target caught out in the open, so a tactical use of cover is going to be key to taking these things down. They attack mainly with their clawed front limbs and bashing from midair, but may also bite with their many teeth if forced into close combat. Those with supernatural abilities may have an easier go of things, but enough well-placed headshots with a rifle can do the trick as well. Just make sure you bring back a souvenir if you wish to get paid for your kill! ]

iii. help wanted

[ Kidnapped Chosen will find themselves carried on a bumpy ride for that long distance, and some may even be abandoned along the way should a conflict of territory arise. Just watch your fall — it's a long way down! For those that make it to their nests, however, it won't be a very pretty sight. The massive shelters are nestled high in the cliffs of the mountains surrounding Lorentia cave and while, structurally, are mainly made from organic materials, also contain random stolen pieces of structures or personal objects they might have mistaken for food. The carcasses of actual food are also aplenty. Escape does not seem likely while the demon is keeping watch.

Would-be rescuers will have to be extra cautious if they hope to make the climb. ]

[Tactical use of cover? That's only for normal people. For a superhero?

Anyone nearby might see the area turn dark, as though night fell. Then, a figure shrouded in fire and ice floats into the air... and then flies at immense speed towards the nearest demon, seemingly splitting it in half with a mighty kick.

As she lands on the ground, she takes a strange stance... and daylight returns as the demon just fucking explodes. It's frankly gratuitous explosions.

The problem with this, though, is that after she explodes the demons... there's no proof left of the kill. So as she's trying to take down another demon, you may have to stop her if you want to get paid. Or you can just boggle at the explosions. You know, either way.]

[ah, well. guess who's pissed them off. but at least she has her gauntlets, and Caitlyn sniping to cover her back. she's making decent work out of them, but there's still so many more.

not that she looks all that concerned about it, because she knows she'll win. but she won't turn down help, either.

another metallic clang as her gauntlet hits one of the nosalises, and steam comes out of her weapon as she straightens back up and watches more come towards her.]

Bring it on.

[yeah, she's a cocky shit.]

[OOC: Caitlyn's probably not far behind her, but let us know whether you just want Vi or Vi and Caitlyn!]

You got radiation suits? Geiger counters? Anything to protect people while they're fighting?

[Caitlyn will always have Vi's back. Even if her sniping isn't as clean and perfect as she likes, she's slowly working her way back to her normal talent. Still, she's a deadly shot, and the monster that falls in front of Vi is proof of that.

It helps, having the Hextech rifle now. Even if she's a little weary, just being that it's Hextech, it's still useful, given the circumstances. But the gemstones seem to be stable, albeit a little glitchy, but they're working well enough for her gun and Vi's gauntlets.]

On your left! [There's plenty more where these came from, that's for sure. She'll let Vi handle the one coming up on her now, and put her own focus on some in the distance.]

a

[When Miller had brought up the matter of these Demons for the first time Richard had immediately known that this could very well be out of his wheelhouse. He was seasoned soldier, a renowned war veteran and respected leader. But even so, he was sadly outmatched when compared to these individuals with the most fantastic powers that went against any sense and order. Still, he had promised to extend his helping hand to colonel and his cause. And this was a golden opportunity to show that he is willing to put his money where his mouth is when it came to protecting others.

So, he went along with the mission, bringing his noble steed Blackie with him, of course. He willingly stayed away from the front-lines and was content to provide backup, leaving the fighting to those who were more qualified to tackle this level of threat. However, when the news about those who had fallen back during the fight and captured reached to him Richard knew he could not just stand still.]

I am going in. [He says as he pulls out his blade, preparing for the battle.].

b

[Richard rides Blackie as far as he can, but he eventually needs to leave his horse behind as he began to ascend the mountain where the monsters had built their nests. That's where the captured chosen had been seen the last. It's a slow and rough climb, for sure, but Richard manages to push through it without being spotted. Most likely thanks to his small and dark figure that blend into the shadows seamlessly, staying invisible.

The nest offers a truly macabre sight. Though it's nothing that he hasn't seen before. It was nearly identical to the views of his childhood. He silently oversteps the carcasses and piles of bones, wrinkling his nose only slightly in distaste for the smell coming off the rotting flesh. Some remnants he could recognize belonging to some of the bigger animals while others were smaller beasts of the woods. And then there were those that had been mauled beyond recognition.

There's a sound of hectic rustling from deeper ends of the nest. Could it be another chosen struggling against one of the monsters? Well, whatever it is, Richard brings his hand to the handle of his sword and lowers himself, stalking towards the ruckus -- all ready to slay the monster.]

[ Even at the best of times, with the best of gear at the ready, it was considered the most tactically sound choice to avoid an encounter with a demon. In the conditions of the world that birthed them, exterminating them was a waste of resources and a potential suicide mission for almost zero gain.

But this world is different.

Even with it revealed to be a simulation, some virtual confines for the sake of who knows what, isn't it real to the very real consciousnesses — the lives — that exist within it? Miller can't ignore this chance to nip the problem in the bud.

In the daytime hours, he heads out in search of clues on his lonesome, but after he's exhausted every conceivable nook and cranny for information, it's a fortuitous bit of timing that his call to action grabbed the attention of a couple of acquaintances by dusk. After a quick back and forth on their preparations, he awaits the separate arrivals of Shaw and Levi at the southern exit of Aldrip, gas mask dangling around his neck and railgun in hand.

Miller's voice is stern, but he appears calm, backtracking just a few paces to meet them. ]

Glad you could make it.

Enough to shield everyone? No. I am just the same as the rest of you. I came here with the gear I was carrying at the time and nothing else. Had I known this threat would ever encroach upon this place, I might be better prepared...

[ Well, who's to say anyone would have listened to him anyway? Those who have no familiarity with it would take the need for radioprotective equipment as ranting and raving. It's a frustrating predicament. ]

You are welcome to borrow mine. Maybe someone craftier than me can take inspiration from it.

[Welp, that's about what she'd feared.]

Crap. Okay, uh-- what about places around here where we might be able to pick up more? You know of any survivalist shops in the city?

[on Caitlyn's callout, Vi turns to the left and turns the next monster into a pile of flesh. she takes a moment, breathing a little hard, checking up on Caitlyn.

and... there's one coming up right behind her, because of course there is.]

Cait!

[and before the other woman can react, Vi's there, squashing another one like a bug. she holds up her gauntlets after that, kicking the body away from her girlfriend as her gaze flickers over at her.]

I got it before it hurt you, right?

[unlike the poor unfortunate beasts that died by this creature's claws and teeth, this one seems to be having trouble with their current prey. it hadn't expected it to be a fast mover, as jinx continues to weave this way and the way to avoid their clutches. her pistol and machine gun, sadly, got discarded when she got swooped away, and all she has on her person is one explosive (that seemed to be taunting her lately to use and to end all everything).

and quite frankly, she might need to take advantage of this opportunity. no one is going to come to her rescue (did anyone even see her get taken away), and even jinx is aware that she's been a curse to others and towards society — that maybe death will be more of a greater good than for her to live and bring more messes. the beast manages to strike her, and the teenager falls hard onto her back, scrambling to unhook the grenade. just one pull and all of this will be over, and as she scoots back while clutching it tight to her front... she slips her index in the hoop... ]

[Levi has traded out his normal rifle for a more modern, powerful one. Its even got a proper scope. He's got a coat on because its cold, so its possible he has more guns on him. Never enough guns or something like that.

He shows up to the meeting place slightly early.]

Sir. I'm glad I could help. These things seem like real trouble.

And I've got a few surprises up my sleeve.

[ Shaw lifts her handgun - a small, sleek piece that really doesn't look like much next to Levi's larger weapon - and opens the chamber, showing them the bullets inside. ]

These are magic. Apparently. The guy who gave 'em to me says they can take down stuff that normally wouldn't be affected by gunshot wounds.

[Richard creeps towards the struggle as fast as he could, while still being mindful to any other possible danger lurking around. He keeps his breathing under control and quickly ducks behind the pile of debris and carcasses, getting closer and closer. And, fortunately for Jinx, it barely takes a minute from him to make it to the scene.

The sheer size of the monster was almost enough to freeze on his track. The creature standing before him was not something of human world, no. An abomination -- a demon, as Miller had called it.

But he does allow the shock to stay with him long. That thing was not the only creature born from the darkness present. So, gritting his teeth together, he summoned his wrath and gripped the handle of his blade with both hands. He, of course, saw Jinx and recognized the girl. In any other circumstances, he probably would have let her bite it and reap the benefits of her death. But seeing that one could not trust in death to stick the best course of action for him to is to do what he came to in the first place. And it's not like he actually hates the girl, despite her causing him more grievances than what he preferred.

So, pushing past his own personal feelings, Richard surges towards the beast -- thrusting his blade into the monster's back between its wings just as Jinx's finger finds its way into the loop of her weapon. The monster's skin is thick and rough, so it does take more strength from Richard than what he had anticipated to have his blade pierce through his target. And well. Needlessly to say, the attack is hardly enough to take the monster down but it does manage to draw out a high pitched shriek from the creature and brief moment of distraction -- hopefully enough for Jinx to move away -- before it turns around and begins to shake Richard off its back.]

[the howl of the monster takes her by surprised, and for a split moment, perplexity clouds over her face. what caused this demon to cry in agony like this? her gaze shifts, and she sees a thin figure in dark attire using all of his strength to puncture the thing with his blade. the blunette blinks once, twice, but speedily scuttles away from underneath the demon's distance.

of course, she isn't going to leave the man to fight this thing alone (any other person might), but jinx has the most efficient tool right between her fingers. and if she times all of this just right, she and richard can make a break for it before the timer reaches its last countdown. in a panic, her pinks cast down to her monkey in hand... quickly contemplating and going over her calculations.

if richard can hold it off just a minute or two, she can go in and adjust the timer to have it detonate four seconds rather than immediate. as long as she grabs a hold of her counterpart and uses her shimmer speed to bolt them both out of the nest, they should make it out in time. the teenager switches her attention from the fight and to her bomb, exhaling out a breath as her slight, trembling hands work unfastens her grenade to adjust its ticker.]

Not exactly, but there is a local blacksmith in town. There isn't time to commission a suit or anything, but some of their wares might be... modifiable if we're lucky.

[ Trouble is certainly a mild way of putting it. Although the two who've come to help are coming in blind though, he has developed a trust in Levi's capabilities by now — and he senses Shaw will prove equally reliable. Fortunately it looks like they're both pretty decked out. ]

Magic bullets, eh? That will definitely come in handy. These creatures have durable bodies, like their skin is made out of thick leather. They're not invulnerable to gunshots, but with something like this... it may take less of them.

[ And the less they have to get up close and personal with these guys, the better. ]

I hope you're both ready for a trek. I've tracked their movements all the way to the caves. It seems like they're making their nests up on the side of the mountain.

Edited (typo!!) 2025-01-22 03:46 (UTC)

Those sound useful.

[Magic bullets was just normal by now, honestly. Maybe he should see if someone could magic some of his if they ever had another giant monster fight.]

What about eyes and mouth? Assuming we can get a good enough shot do you think that'd work?

If they're in the mountains I might be able to ask for some intel. Uh, maybe.

[Miller may remember Levi talking to the rat-things in the caves the last time they went in.]

Do you have contacts who live up there?

[Shaw asks, raising an eyebrow. To her understanding, pretty much everyone clusters in Aldrip - but the idea that some people might choose to go it alone and live outside the city doesn't strike her as all that unlikely. The other cities might shun the Chosen, but from what she can tell, there's nothing keeping anyone from living off the land.]

[For better or worse, Richard still had a lot to learn when it came to explosives. He did not recognize the item in Jinx's hand nor could he make a guess of any kind of what it would do. Not that he had much time to contemplate on such things, seeing that he was pretty occupied at the moment. The blade of his sword was firmly stuck on the monster's back and would not come off despite its best efforts.

Richard had his hands full with trying to keep his balance as the beast keeps trying to shove him off, shaking and trashing its back violently while screeching in pain. Gritting his teeth he holds on the handle of his weapon and press both of his knees against his target's thick grey back to stabilize himself. He knew that he could not hang on too long and that he needed to move fast if he wanted to make it. So, he decides to go for it. With one swift movement he jumped up, quickly wrapped his arm around its neck as the other one reached for the dagger strapped on his lower back. He jams the blade deep into the beast's right eye socket, earning another blood chilling and pain induced shriek from it. The monster raises its clawed hands and tries to grab the human in its back.

Perfect timing to do your thing, Jinxie.]

How shall I put this... they have eyes on the sides of their heads and about four sets of teeth. Don't risk anything more precise than a headshot unless you have a lot of room to move.

[ And in any case, several well-aimed headshots may be enough. He doesn't want to downplay the seriousness of it; he's both seen full grown men carried away to death drops and demons felled by a single grenade. It's all a matter of what they can safely get done.

As for the things in the caves, he'll let Levi speak for himself, but — ]

You mean those rodent creatures?

Understood.

[He nods to Miller then looks to Shaw.]

Not like you're thinking. I can talk to the rat-things in there. They can only be so helpful cause they're not very smart. But they might know where the new predators are.

We're going to take advice... from rats.

[Look, she's not saying no. But she's also not going to pretend she doesn't think that's bugfuck insane; sorry, Levi.]

Whatever; I guess I've heard stranger. Let's head out, boys.

[And unless either of them stop her, she'll turn to do just that, assuming that they'll come long with her.]

[ Listen. He never said anything about taking the advice, but if Levi thinks it's worth doing, who is he to stand in the way of a possible lead? So long as it doesn't sidetrack them from what really matters.

Little else needs to be said about that, so he'll follow Shaw's lead. They've got a lot of ground to cover. He does, on the other hand, have a few other points to discuss while they travel. ]

I take it neither of you could find much in the way of protective gear. We'll have to be smart about our approach.

[ Not that he's not willing to share what he has, but the less contact with the creatures, the better. ]

I must warn you. We may run into some other ugly things along the way. The demons are not the only mutants I encountered out here.

[ she tries to block out the sounds of battle that's in front of her, ignoring the tussling and the beast's screeching so she can set the timer just right. if she becomes distracted for a measly second, richard would be done for and her next. but thankfully, the bomb is set and ready for combat, and the bluenette jerks her head upward before dashing off to the scuffle at the head of her. her pointer coils around the steel pin, and like breathing, she yanks it swiftly while she screams: ]

Jump off and grab on...!!

[ by grabbing on, she means her arm as she stretches it out to his perimeter, and the teenager can only hope this will be the moment in their lives the duo can work collectively than opposingly for once. with the bomb blinking and ticking, jinx thrusts the explosive at the beast's torso — with the device already screaming its rapid warning of its eruption. and if/when richard clutches or links arms with her, she'll dash them away, but not without the blast giving the two an extra boost along the way — the heat of its blast warming her/their backs, but luckily, not reachable enough to cause any damage to their attire or skin. there might be a whining ring in their ears afterward, but that'll go away momentarily. ]

Not advice, they're not smart, but they'd know where danger is.

[He shrugs.]

Or you can ignore it, but I'd rather take any advantage we can.

[He follows after the others, remaining on alert in case something jumps out at them early.]

No...I don't think this place is equipped with more than suits of armor.

[Which he doesn't think would be helpful for him.]

But I'll manage.

Edited 2025-02-04 12:51 (UTC)

Haven't found a store for tactical gear or PPE.

[Shaw agrees - though that fact doesn't slow her pace any, nor does it tense up her body language. She's on alert, not relaxed - but as far as visible nervousness goes, she might as well be on a walk through the park.]

But, uh-- there's ways to get stuff, right? Root showed up with our dog from home one day. If she could get him added to the simulation, armor should be no biggie, right?

[ There's the Forge and there are, perhaps, private citizens or other Chosen with the capability of crafting the things that they'd need. The trouble is that any commission of that sort is at least days out. He was hoping that maybe one of them would dig up something he couldn't, but it's effectively right that none of that is outwardly available. So it is what it is.

Similarly, Miller is attentive to their surroundings, but the way he keeps his eyes moving has no sense of obvious urgency behind it. ]

Well... yes. Show enough "good behavior" and you might be able to cash in a reward with our captors here. Never in my wildest dreams did I think they would force me to stoop so low.

[ If it's not obvious, he doesn't exactly like the thought of asking them for help. Even if it's really quite meaningless to kick a gift horse in the mouth when literally everything around them is part of the simulation. ]

[Levi uses the forge for ammo a lot, but mostly PPE is things he's never heard of before.]

I don't really know how bringing stuff in from home works...I don't think I'd ever have anything to want to bring in, anyway.

[Even if it didn't mean cozying up to the council or whatever it meant.]

[That earns the two of them an appreciative glance from Shaw, albeit one that's brief and subtle. She doesn't have the same moral qualms with what's going on (mostly because Root doesn't, and when it comes down to it, this is something that she trusts Root on), but she sure as hell has existential ones, and honestly, it's good to hear other people questioning the situation.]

I don't need a lot of stuff, either.

[This bit is mostly directed to Levi.]

I can be minimalist. And, uh-- I have my own issues with this place, but not wanting to stoop low enough to ask for armor isn't one of them. What do you say, Miller? It won't help us today, but you want me to get you some tactical gear?

[ Oh, he questions it alright. But what he doesn't question is the sincerity of most of the other people here. The only thing that's gotten him by in this place is forging connections with others. Relying on people like these two who volunteered to help him out is a far easier bridge to cross. ]

You'd do that? [ He chuckles briefly. ] Oh, but let me guess, you have some kind of elite American hook-up. I appreciate the offer, but I don't know if I should accept that on principle.

[ Touchy subject aside, he sounds relatively lighthearted about this... although the subject doesn't get much further before he stops dead in his tracks, hushing them both. There's a distant sound, like a branch breaking further down the road. Miller lifts his railgun up to peer through the sights. ]

[Levi just shrugs at the suggestion of asking for armor. He never had much more than the reinforced jumpsuit and maybe a helmet anyway.

As Miller stops Levi snaps to attention. Similar to Miller he takes out his rifle to look through the sights in the direction the sound came from.]

[Richard is really fighting for his life here. He is grimacing hard as drove his blade deeper inside the monster's eye, growling and spitting along with the creature as if it was just as much a battle of wills as it was strength between them. And for a second or two he nearly forgets that Jinx is even there. At least until a foreign metallic chirping reaches his ears.

He looks down and sees the small device latched on the monster's body and that's enough for him to put two and two together, piecing together what's about to happen. With a quick movement he places the sole of his feet on the monster's back and uses it as a leverage as he bounces off. He actually does jump towards Jinx, grabbing her forearm. And what happens next goes past fast. They are moving fast away from the creature and before he even knows it, there is a loud explosion, one that reminded him of thunderous canon being fired, and the hot air along with the debris hitting their backs. Rocks and the bits and pieces of the monster's body are flying all around the nest, painting the surroundings in black and red. ]

[Shaw will circle back to the tactical gear request later: as soon as the branch breaks, she's all business, cocking her weapon and holding it at the ready. Miller is the one most familiar with the monsters as well as the one who'd organized this little expedition, and so Shaw sees him as the leader here, which means that she she automatically shifts to his side to provide him backup support. Awaiting your orders, boss.]

[ The trouble with maintaining any sense of stealth, in this case, is twofold. The outskirts of town are rather bare near the main road, giving little opportunity for them to take cover. But the more pressing of the two is the fact that these creatures use their sense of smell to detect their prey. And the creatures? They don't operate on stealth. Never needed it. ]

Everyone, split up! Move!

[ Miller's order comes near simultaneously with an echoing roar that rattles the trees. Birds can be seen scattering through the air in a dark cloud as a large, black beast makes its presence known. A short flight ninety degrees above falls seamlessly into a swoop into the group's direction.

Miller himself runs straight in the direction the demon came, anticipating it's descent close enough for him to fire a shot of his gun aimed at its head. The projectile releases with a bang, scarcely missing to get stuck in the thick skin of its neck. Miller never stops running, calling out to them with urgency. ]

Get to cover!

[ Out in the open, they are all basically sitting ducks. ]

[Levi stays low and sprints to the nearest copse of trees. Something that offers him more protection from above than from ground level but with the beast in the sky that seemed more helpful. He takes a knee and scans the sky. Miller's shot didn't seem to do much, but if he could spot a weaker area through his scope he could take advantage of it.]

[It's like nothing that Shaw has ever encountered before, a fact that shows in the way her eyes widen. This is the exact sort of thing that should destabilize her, reminding her that she's in a place filled with things that can't be real, shouldn't be real, definitively aren't real.

But the heat of battle is a boon, as it always is. Maybe later, she'll have a mini existential crisis moment because of this - but right now, she doesn't hesitate to unholster her gun and duck behind a large boulder, angling around it just enough to let one of those magic bullets fly.]

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

let's get down to business

mutant encounters

demon hunting

kidnapping & rescue

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