Tentacles And Robot Maidens Do Not Mix

[Zephyrus]

01[22:33] <Jin_> Feb 19 20:25:18 <Aisutori>   "Jin-san, pull back!"  Aisutori still with her hands against the icy ground made it more slippery around the man as she again slammed out with ice in crippling strikes at his legs.
01[22:33] <Jin_> Feb 19 20:25:22 <Aisutori>   roll 2d6 vs 7
01[22:33] <Jin_> Feb 19 20:25:24 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Aisutori rolls 2d6 vs 7 and gets 4." [2d6=3, 1]
01[22:33] <Jin_> Feb 19 20:25:34 <Kotono>   roll 2d6 vs 6
01[22:33] <Jin_> Feb 19 20:25:35 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 vs 6 and gets 10." [2d6=4, 6]
01[22:33] <Jin_> Feb 19 20:25:44 <Kotono>   OOC: Damage?
01[22:33] <Jin_> Feb 19 20:25:52 <Aisutori>   OOC: 21 icy damage...and hopefully broken legs :P
01[22:33] <Jin_> Feb 19 20:27:12 <Kotono>   With the ice slashing out the man falls! He hits the ground, shattering into oily black water! All that's left behind is his sword, lying on the ground. OOC: Free act, let's go ahead and pause here. I don't want to go on too terribly far without Jin. Besides, the three of you are beat to hell'n'back.
01[22:33] <Jin_> Feb 19 20:30:12 *   Aisutori quickly hurries forward, steadying Jin.  "Jin-san, stay awake...We need to get him back to a hospital."
06[22:35] * Jin_ winces and limps over to the body to pick up the sword, inspecting it. "I think I can manage. I don't really want to be in a hospital if I can avoid it. Besides, we've barely done any investigating here."
[22:36] <Noriko> "That is correct. We are in poor condition to repel other foes if that man was not alone."
[22:37] <Aisutori> "I don't think that's wise Jin.  Even though we've not learned much, you're very hurt.  If he had any friends, you could get killed." Aisutori tried to gently pull Jin back.
[22:38] <@Kotono> The sword is short and wavy, light seeming to split around it into waves. It feels strangely heavy in Jin's hand, as if it is swollowen with mass and weight.
06[22:40] * Jin_ grunts but doesn't offer any resistance to Aisutori's insistent tugging. "Fine. But no hospitals." Jin does his best not to limp as they retreat.
01[22:40] <Jin_> "Maybe gramps or big bro would like this sword. Or maybe I could use it..." Jin comments thoughfully as he tucks it in the crook of his arm.
[22:41] <Noriko> "Jin, you will recover more quickly with medical attention. You are not being rational." Noriko glances around the outside of the subway car, checking for other potential opponents.
[22:41] <@Kotono> Outside the subway car looks empty enough. No immediate signs of threats at all.
[22:42] <Aisutori> "Noriko, can you help him away?" Aisutori crossed her arms, seeming as stern as she could about leaving.  "We should get out of here and let the police also know.  They might be in danger too."
06[22:43] * Noriko starts back the way they came from. "I agree that it is tactically advisable for us to retreat when wounded. Jin? If you have difficulty walking I am capable of carrying you."
06[22:44] * Aisutori looks out ahead, taking the front of the trio as aside from the cut to her stomach, she was in the best shape.  She held her arm over the cut protectively as she walked.
06[22:45] * Jin_ shakes his head at Noriko. "I'll walk as far as I can, No-chan. If I faint, you're more than welcome to drag me home." Jin grins weakly, clutching his bokken and sword as he follows the two girls.
06[22:47] * Noriko nods. "Please alert me when you're condition degrades to the point where it cannot be salvaged by your machismo."
[22:47] <Noriko> *your, ugh
06[22:48] * Jin_ grunts sourly, but makes no reply while he concentrates on putting one foot in front of the other.
[22:49] <@Kotono> So limping, the heroes escape back to the police! On seeing their sorry state, the officer does the logical thing, "The three of you need medical help. What happened to you? You look like you got beaten and cut up!"
06[22:50] * Jin_ leaves the talking to Ai-chan and No-chan, leaning heavily on the looted sword and breathing harshly.
[22:50] <Noriko> "This is a precisely accurate summary of events. Fortunately the aggressor is in even worse condition being no longer alive."
[22:52] <Aisutori> "There was someone waiting to stop our investigation.  They did succeed, we're in no shape to keep looking, but I still think there's another out here," She glanced up at the cop seriously.  "There was some tentacle creature underground that we saw and drove off, but is likely still in the area.  Whoever is behind this storm might be too."
[22:52] <@Kotono> "We'll get you three some treatment," The rain continues to fall, as amid the offical cars is an ambulance. "I'll pass word on up."
06[22:53] * Jin_ gave the man a thumbs up and staggered slightly. "The faster, the better, far as I'm concerned."
[22:53] <Aisutori> "Be careful," Aisutori nodded to him, moving back to help Jin toward the ambulance.
[22:53] <Noriko> "Do you have an adwquate cybernetics expert on staff?" Noriko wonders.
[22:54] <Noriko> *adequate
[22:56] <@Kotono> Thus the three of you are taken to treatment! Soon enough medicine soothes pain and knocks Aisutori and Jin out. They are taken to a nearby hospital. Noriko has some luck as well - the hospital work room has the tools to aid her own healing!. OOC: 20 HP back for everyone. More.
[22:59] <@Kotono> The next morning the three meet in Jin's room. Hospital breakfast isn't much, the TV news on. OOC: If you guys wanna chat, go ahead, or do anything else. Go ahead and line each of you real quick.
06[23:00] * Jin_ makes a face as he tries a spoonfull of the oatmeal. "How do you mess up *oatmeal* for God's sake?" Jin eyes the news as the ladies settle in.
06[23:00] * Aisutori stretches out a bit before getting out of her bed and heading over to Jin's hotel room, the hospital treatment leaving yesterday's pain a simple memory and a quickly healed line that seemed not to scar.  She still looked worried as she stepped in and noticed the still bed bound Jin, sitting down in a nearby seat. "How are you feeling, Jin-kun?"
06[23:00] * Noriko watches her companions eat. "Do either of you have thoughts on the notorious inadequacy of hospital food? I am not programmed to taste food."
[23:02] <Aisutori> "It's not too bad,"  Aisutori looked a bit aside.  She'd only eaten a small cold yougurt that they'd brought and none of the general food, begging off as allergic even though that wasn't...quite true.
01[23:03] <Jin_> "Hospitals are more concerned with keeping people healthy than serving five star meals. I say that they cut every yen from the food budget that they can so they can pad their paychecks with it." Jin gives up and pushes his plate aside. "I just want to get out of here and go home. I think more training is in order; that guy nearly killed me and he wasn't even the Big Bad."
[23:06] <@Kotono> The news is going on about yesterday's tsunami. "...tsunami in Hyogo is officially being called a fluke, as scientists report no unusual seismographic activity. The Prime Minister's office has promised aid to the devastated town. Dietman Shinji Watanbe and the LDP coalition have promised..." On the anchorman goes, "Reactions vary - the most notable has been that of Masuhiro Suzuki, noted actor..."
[23:07] <Aisutori> "Jin-kun!"  Aisutori glared slightly.  "They took care of us, you shouldn't say things like that."  Sure she didn't use it often, but she was taught proper behavior.
06[23:09] * Jin_ frowns. "Yeah, yeah. I just hate hospitals. Let's get home as quick as we can, yeah?"
[23:10] <Aisutori> "Did they say you could yet?" Aisutori wondered, looking over him closely.
06[23:10] * Noriko listens for more on the actor mentioned. It's important to note public reactions to these events, as the Voices will surely take advantage of such.
06[23:11] * Jin_ shrugs and pushes the NURSE button, summoning who he hoped was a cute, young nurse to answer his questions!
01[23:11] <Jin_> "We'll find out, I guess."
[23:11] <@Kotono> "Noted actor who has appeared in last year's blockbuster movie, Triple Action in Hong Kong. To quote, "What the hell can anyone do about that? Those people can't do anything but accept it's going to happen." A publicist has apologized for his remarks, calling them 'spontaneous' and 'ill-thought out'."
[23:12] <@Kotono> The nurse in question is about 40 years old, cute in a motherly way. She comes over and pats Jin's head, checking, "Ah good, no signs of a fever. Do you need something?"
06[23:13] * Jin_ looks slightly disappointed but still smiles charmingly. "Sorry to bother you, m'am. I know how busy you ladies are. I just wanted to know if I could be discharged? I'm feeling much better than I was."
[23:15] <Aisutori> "Jin-san, are you sure?  You look like you could use more rest," She eyed him, knowing his tendancy to push himself when he shouldn't.
[23:15] <@Kotono> "Let me check your orders," she says, going and returning. "You're allowed to leave when you feel better, sir."
06[23:17] * Jin_ eyes the two girls shrewdly. "Will you two go scout while I stay one more night? I suppose it couldn't hurt...but if you're going, then I don't think you should go alone."
06[23:17] * Jin_ smiles at the nurse. "One moment, m'am and I'll have this all sorted out."
[23:19] <@Kotono> The nurse just nods and smiles.
[23:20] <Aisutori> "We'll wait for you, Jin-san, you really should rest more.  It won't be any good if we have to drag you right back here."
[23:20] <Noriko> "Jin, we are more effective as a team than without you. We are fuly capable of waiting for you to recover before returning to the field. Please rest another day without worries."
06[23:21] * Jin_ nods. "Very well." He turns to the nurse. "Looks like I'll be staying another night. Do you know how to play Rummy?"
[23:22] <@Kotono> She doesn't know that, but she does know how to play Snakes and Chutes. Sadly, no snakes go up or into chutes, but such are the vagaries of life.  The next day dawns, Sunday! OOC: +20 HP to all. What do you guys want to do now?
[23:23] <Noriko> OOC: unless an evening trawling the news turns up more strange events or anything else might be suspicious about that actor (although I rather suspect he's just a stupid, loudmouthed celebrity), I guess we head back to the deluged town.
[23:24] <Aisutori> OOC: Head back to deluged town.
01[23:24] <Jin_> OOC: What they said
[23:26] <@Kotono> Sunday's trip to Hyogo goes without incident on the way there. The rain has passed, allowing you to see Hyogo. It's a washed out city, lost in a great tidal fury. What still stands is waterlogged, much does not. Houses have collasped or been swept along by the ocean's fury. It's quiet here, save for emergency personel checking over damage. OOC: Going ahead and do things/look for anything/act/whatever.
06[23:27] * Jin_ murmurs as they approach the scene, "I believe we should check out the subway again. It's the only lead we have at the moment." Jin's bokken is in his hand, the sword strapped behind his back.
[23:28] <Aisutori> "This is terrible.  So much damage," Aisutori was a little overwhelmed seeing it in daylight.  It really put the sheer scope of what they were facing into perspective as they walked past broken building after shattered home.  "...Sure, Jin-san.  That's probably a good place to start...though I think they might've just been luring us there as a trap."
06[23:28] * Noriko will first attempt to track down the site of the tentacle ambush to make sure whatever it was won't trouble emergency aid workers or anyone trying to rebuild. As she has a record of every moment she takes filed in her electronic brain somewhere, retracing her steps should never be hard! If there's nothing there, returning to the subway will follow.
[23:28] <@Kotono> OOC: Going to split up or do these all together? If the latter, which one first?
[23:29] <Noriko> OOC: just seemed easier to stroll by the tentacle battle site first since hey, that was on the way to the subway last time.
01[23:29] <Jin_> OOC: What she said
[23:35] <@Kotono> Checking things out, the party is able to return to the scene of teh tentacle attacks! The ground is a bit ripped here, but there's no immediate, obvious signs of trouble.
06[23:36] * Noriko nods, satisfied there's little chance of reemergence here, and continues on to the subway.
06[23:37] * Jin_ idly kicks at one of the holes, then follows Noriko.
[23:38] <Aisutori> "We should check the underground areas afterwards to see if we can find out where that creature was going."
01[23:39] <Jin_> "A sensible idea. It could still be nesting around here somewhere.
01[23:39] <Jin_> "
[23:39] <@Kotono> The subway is quiet. It look sforgotten, the strange ice having melted. The subway car's door sare open, if you care to go in there.
06[23:40] * Jin_ marches forward, stepping quickly into the car, eyes darting to every corner rapidly.
06[23:40] * Noriko examines the interior of the car first, then! If there's nothing of note, she will methodically proceed to the tunnels unless her companions have better ideas.
[23:42] <@Kotono> The car looks empty enough. The ice is gone, just a beaten up car. Oooh, you can see the bloodstains you left!
01[23:43] <Jin_> "Hmm. Disappointing. Perhaps the tunnels will yield more information?"
[23:44] <Noriko> "Yes. Shall we proceed in the direction we came from first? Perhaps the creature that attacked us from underground did so from down here."
06[23:44] * Jin_ pauses for a moment, then steps farther into the car, aiming for the place where he *thought* the body of their foe collapsed.
06[23:44] * Noriko turns, pauses. "Jin?"
[23:44] <Aisutori> "Is something wrong Jin-san?" Aisutori glanced back at him.
[23:45] <@Kotono> Jin heads in! He goes to the spot, the sword on his back feeling heavier yet. There is a faint, dull hum in the air, enaminating from the blade.
01[23:45] <Jin_> "The sword--it feels heavier the closer I get to where our enemy fell." He crouches down, sliding the sword from his back and bringing it nearer to the floor."
[23:47] <@Kotono> OOC: Make a soul check, Jin.
01[23:48] <Jin_> roll 2d6 vs 7
06[23:48] * +Hatbot --> "Jin_ rolls 2d6 vs 7 and gets 8." [2d6=3, 5]
[23:51] <@Kotono> Jin feels dazed a moment, the humming growing louder! His arm extends up, light gathering around the sword! Then is simply dissipates, Jin's arm falling down.
[23:51] <Aisutori> "Jin-san, what are you doing?" She sounded disturbed, seeing the quick light show around the sword.
[23:52] <Noriko> "Jin? What is happening?"
01[23:53] <Jin_> "....I have no idea what just happened." Jin gives the sword an experimental swing or two, to see if it was still heavy. "It probably wasn't smart of me to do that, but I was curious."
[23:53] <@Kotono> The sword feels a little lighter now.
01[23:54] <Jin_> "The sword is definitely lighter now, though."
[23:54] <Noriko> "Would you like me to monitor your future behavior and alert you before you do somethign unintelligent from now on?"
01[23:55] <Jin_> "From your perspective, I'm *always* behaving unintelligently, Noriko." Jin responds wryly. He stands up, slinging the sword back over his shoulder. "Shall we check the tunnels while we're down here, then?"
[23:55] <Aisutori> "That's not true. Sometimes you listen to us," Aisutori teased as she lead out toward the tunnels.
[23:56] <@Kotono> You go down the tunnels! It takes a bit of doing to get past the tunnel cars, then you're off and moving...and just a bit past teh platform you see that tunnel power is out. It's pitch black. Doing something about that may be a good idea unless you want to be eaten by a grue.
[23:57] <Noriko> "Is anyone in possession of a flashlight?"
01[23:58] <Jin_> "No-chan, you're a robot. Are you really telling me that you don't have a light source of some sort?"
[23:59] <Aisutori> "I have one," She slipped into the small bag she was carrying on her back, pulling out a pretty standard flashlight, but serviceable enough as it illuminated a short way into the darkened tunnel.
Session Time: Sun Mar 06 00:00:00 2011
[00:00] <Noriko> "I could hypothetically break off an arm and use the sparking wires as an intermittent light source, but it would not be reliable. Ai's flashlight will be more useful."
01[00:01] <Jin_> "You need to get your mom to mod you. Seriously, what's the point of being a super awesome 'bot if you don't have lazer eyes and external light sources?" Jin_ bumps Noriko's shoulder with his own to show he was joking. "I guess you're in the lead, Ai-chan."
[00:02] <@Kotono> roll 1d3
06[00:02] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d3 and gets 3." [1d3=3]
[00:03] <@Kotono> For a time you walk, going down the tunnel! About five minutes, down the tracks and...(More)
[00:03] <@Kotono> roll 2d6
06[00:03] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 and gets 9." [2d6=4, 5]
[00:04] <@Kotono> The crack of stone echos! Bits of stone fly as a tentacle erupts out next to Jin, making a pass at him! It happens so fast that Jin barely has time to even realize it's happening, yet it misses him!
06[00:04] * Noriko immediately adopts a battle stance!
06[00:04] * Aisutori twists quickly, shining the light at where that just came from.
01[00:05] <Jin_> "HOLY SHIT!" Jin jumps backwards, nearly falling on his butt in his haste!
06[00:05] * Jin_ draws the sword instead of the bokken. He'll need something sharp to cut those tentacles!
[00:05] <@Kotono> In that cone of light you can see the tentacle, indeed up through the concrete! It broke through it with pure power, leaving cracks radiating out from it's penetration! OOC: Initiative, it's back and it's noooooot happy.
[00:05] <Noriko> roll 2d6+7
06[00:05] * +Hatbot --> "Noriko rolls 2d6+7 and gets 13." [2d6=4, 2]
[00:06] <@Kotono> roll 2d6+7 tentacles
06[00:06] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+7 tentacles and gets 14." [2d6=4, 3]
[00:06] <Aisutori> roll 2d6+7 Aisu
06[00:06] * +Hatbot --> "Aisutori rolls 2d6+7 Aisu and gets 9." [2d6=1, 1]
03[00:06] * Kotono changes topic to 'Tentacles(14)>Noriko(13)>Ausitorimiko(9)'
01[00:06] <Jin_> roll 2d6+7
06[00:06] * +Hatbot --> "Jin_ rolls 2d6+7 and gets 17." [2d6=5, 5]
03[00:06] * Kotono changes topic to 'Jin(17)>Tentacles(14)>Noriko(13)>Ausitorimiko(9)'
[00:06] <@Kotono> OOC: Go Jin.
06[00:07] * Jin_ darts forth with a wordless cry, slashing the tentacle with the hopefully sharp sword!
01[00:07] <Jin_> roll 2d6 vs &
06[00:07] * +Hatbot --> "Jin_ rolls 2d6 vs & and gets 7." [2d6=1, 6]
[00:07] <@Kotono> roll 2d6 vs 5
06[00:07] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 vs 5 and gets 6." [2d6=2, 4]
[00:07] <@Kotono> OOC: ACV? I'll calculate damage here since it's an unknown weapon.
01[00:08] <Jin_> OOC: 7
[00:09] <@Kotono> The blade cuts into the tentacle with awing ease, slashing in like it's little more than air! It's nearly cut in half with one stroke, only the end of Jin's momentum preventing total severance! As it writhes, it tries to wrap around Jin!
[00:09] <@Kotono> roll 2d6 vs 7
06[00:09] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 vs 7 and gets 9." [2d6=3, 6]
[00:09] <@Kotono> But so cut, it can barely manage to throw itself at him! OOC: Noriko.
06[00:11] * Noriko takes up position opposite Jin and tries to tear through the tentacle where Jin cut it.
[00:11] <Noriko> roll 2d6 vs 8
06[00:11] * +Hatbot --> "Noriko rolls 2d6 vs 8 and gets 10." [2d6=6, 4]
[00:13] <@Kotono> Noriko charges ahead, but her systems must stil be damaged! Her aim is errant, missing the tentacle! OOC: Aisu.
06[00:16] * Aisutori steps back a bit, keeping the light in the wall with the tentacle and making very sure to protect it, knowing how dangerous this could be in the dark.  She twirled her hand around, trying to send a dart of sharpened ice into the opening the tenatcle was coming out of.
[00:16] <Aisutori> roll 2d6 vs 7
06[00:16] * +Hatbot --> "Aisutori rolls 2d6 vs 7 and gets 8." [2d6=4, 4]
[00:17] <@Kotono> Aisutori gathers ice to hurl at it, but teh tentacle weaves aside! It hits the wall instead, missing! OOC: Jin, go.
06[00:18] * Jin_ dashes forward once more, hoping to cut the tentacle in half entirely!
01[00:18] <Jin_> roll 2d6 vs 7
06[00:18] * +Hatbot --> "Jin_ rolls 2d6 vs 7 and gets 3." [2d6=2, 1]
[00:20] <@Kotono> roll 2d6 vs 5
06[00:20] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 vs 5 and gets 5." [2d6=3, 2]
[00:20] <@Kotono> But this time the tentacle is faster than Jin, slipping away! A split second later it's lashing at him again!
[00:20] <@Kotono> roll 2d6 vs 7
06[00:20] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 vs 7 and gets 7." [2d6=6, 1]
[00:20] <@Kotono> OOC: DCV.
01[00:20] <Jin_> roll 2d6 vs 5
06[00:20] * +Hatbot --> "Jin_ rolls 2d6 vs 5 and gets 3." [2d6=2, 1]
[00:21] <@Kotono> But Jin brings his blade up, deflecting the rubbery appendage away! At the same time the ground next to Noriko erupts open! Another tentacle rises out, lashing out at her!
[00:21] <@Kotono> roll 2d6 vs 7
06[00:21] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 vs 7 and gets 6." [2d6=4, 2]
03[00:21] * Kotono changes topic to 'Jin(17)>Tentacle 1=Tentacle 2(14)>Noriko(13)>Ausitorimiko(9)'
[00:21] <@Kotono> OODC: DCV
[00:21] <@Kotono> .
[00:21] <Noriko> roll 2d6 vs 5 no robot groping please
06[00:21] * +Hatbot --> "Noriko rolls 2d6 vs 5 no robot groping please and gets 8." [2d6=4, 4]
[00:23] <@Kotono> Ack! The tentacle is around her! It wraps around her waist, a flare of system damage from the constriction! OOC: 7 damage and you have a tentacle around your waist. May wanna do that before it imprints on you and calls you Mommy. Go Noriko.
[00:24] <@Kotono> *do SOMETHING ABOUT that. Gah.
06[00:24] * Noriko focuses her considerable strength on shrugging off the offending appendage before it can do any further damage!
[00:25] <@Kotono> OOC: Body check.
[00:25] <Noriko> roll 2d6 vs 11, now we see how bad Hatbot will troll us today
06[00:25] * +Hatbot --> "Noriko rolls 2d6 vs 11, now we see how bad Hatbot will troll us today and gets 11." [2d6=6, 5]
[00:25] <@Kotono> roll 2d6 vs 7 opposed, needs 6 or lower to beat you.
06[00:25] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 vs 7 opposed, needs 6 or lower to beat you. and gets 4." [2d6=3, 1]
[00:25] <@Kotono> Noriko valiantly struggles in the grasp, but her metallic body can't force the tentacle off from her! OOC: Aisutori.
06[00:28] * Aisutori stays far back, keeping a wide light on the whole scene. "Noriko-chan!"  She focused, forming a sharp series of icicles over the the tentacle where Jin cut earlier, seeing if she can sever it to make it drop Noriko.
[00:28] <Aisutori> roll 2d6 vs 7
06[00:28] * +Hatbot --> "Aisutori rolls 2d6 vs 7 and gets 3." [2d6=2, 1]
[00:29] <@Kotono> roll 2d6 vs 5
06[00:29] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 vs 5 and gets 7." [2d6=4, 3]
[00:29] <@Kotono> OOC: Damage.
[00:30] <@Kotono> OOC: Incidentally, your targeting is screwed up. Jin cut the first tentacle, the second one is the one that has Aisutori.
[00:30] <@Kotono> OOC: ER, Noriko.
[00:30] <Noriko> OOC: Hit the damaged one anyway!
[00:32] <@Kotono> OOC: Anyway, pick one. The one that Jin wounded or the one that has Noriko.
[00:32] <Aisutori> OOC: One that has noriko.  21 damage.  hopefully trying to free her.
[00:35] <@Kotono> The tentacle is skewed with ice all over, like a hedgehog! It's hanging limper after the slicing, but it's not broken it's grasp on Noriko, not quite! OOC: Jin, go.
06[00:36] * Jin_ decides to leave the first tentacle be and free Noriko! He slashes with fervor!
01[00:36] <Jin_> roll 2d6 vs 7
06[00:36] * +Hatbot --> "Jin_ rolls 2d6 vs 7 and gets 3." [2d6=2, 1]
[00:37] <@Kotono> roll 2d6 vs 5
06[00:37] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 vs 5 and gets 11." [2d6=6, 5]
[00:38] <@Kotono> With a smooth slice, the tentacle is severed and Noriko is freed! As it is severed in twain, time seems to slow for Jin! A voice murmurs in his head, "Absorb enemy matrix?"
01[00:39] <Jin_> "What? Who's that? What are you talking about!?"
[00:41] <@Kotono> After that reply, time resumes as the tentacle is severed, Noriko freed! Aisutori and Noriko are unaware of any time slowing or anything wary having occured. The first tentacle, already cut and damaged, lashes out again for Jin!
[00:41] <@Kotono> roll 2d6 vs 7
06[00:41] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 vs 7 and gets 8." [2d6=2, 6]
[00:41] <@Kotono> But so injured, it can't quite manage a decisive blow! OOC: Noriko.
06[00:42] * Noriko leaps at it, chopping down with one hand at the wounded point.
[00:42] <Noriko> roll 2d6 vs 8
06[00:42] * +Hatbot --> "Noriko rolls 2d6 vs 8 and gets 8." [2d6=4, 4]
[00:42] <@Kotono> roll 2d6 vs 5
06[00:42] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 vs 5 and gets 8." [2d6=5, 3]
[00:42] <@Kotono> OOC: Damage?
[00:43] <Noriko> OOC: 16
[00:43] <@Kotono> With a heavy thump of her boot, the tentacle is squished! Between that and the ice it goes limp, lying ont he ground! OOC: Aisutori, go ahead. No visible opponent right now besides ruined tentacles.
03[00:43] * Kotono changes topic to 'Jin(17)>Noriko(13)>Ausitorimiko(9)'
[00:45] <Aisutori> "Stand back a bit," Aisutori aimed a little blindly, her hands on the ground as a small swell of ice ran from her over into the holes where the tentacles had come through, trying to freeze the ground/wall behind it.
06[00:45] * Noriko prods at one of the ruined tentacles, tries to see if she can dislodge it and peer through the break in the concret to see where it came from. "Whatever creature controls these appendages must be very large."
[00:46] <@Kotono> OOC: Attack roll, +2 since something is very actively opposing you, Aisu.
[00:46] <Aisutori> roll 2d6+2 vs 7 alright
06[00:46] * +Hatbot --> "Aisutori rolls 2d6+2 vs 7 alright and gets 11." [2d6=4, 5]
06[00:47] * Jin_ steps back as requested. He hefts the sword in his hand and eyes it speculatively. He decided to use the lull in the action to try something. He /thinks/ very hard at the sword. ~Hello? Was it your voice I heard a moment ago?~
[00:47] <@Kotono> Aisutori begins to focus ice power down, but it shatters apart! The concrete all around the heroes is starting to crack and strain! OOC: Jin, go.
[00:47] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, that'll be your action. Make a soulc heck.
01[00:47] <Jin_> roll 2d6 vs 7
06[00:47] * +Hatbot --> "Jin_ rolls 2d6 vs 7 and gets 3." [2d6=2, 1]
[00:49] <@Kotono> "Current status is 0 matrixes absorbed." Jin hears this back, as abruptly teh ground beneath the party explodes upwards! OOC: Everyone gets a DCV check at +1. Good luck.
[00:49] <Noriko> roll 2d6 vs 6 augh
06[00:49] * +Hatbot --> "Noriko rolls 2d6 vs 6 augh and gets 3." [2d6=2, 1]
[00:49] <@Kotono> OOC: Include the +1 in the roll, so I can tell on a glance if you pass or fail. Noriko passes!
01[00:49] <Jin_> roll 2d6 vs 6
06[00:49] * +Hatbot --> "Jin_ rolls 2d6 vs 6 and gets 5." [2d6=4, 1]
[00:50] <Aisutori> roll 2d6 vs 6
06[00:50] * +Hatbot --> "Aisutori rolls 2d6 vs 6 and gets 5." [2d6=2, 3]
[00:50] <@Kotono> OOC: 6? Isn't your DCV 5, Jin? The modifier is to you roll, not to your raw DCV. It's a penalty.
[00:51] <Aisutori> OOC: oh wait, confused. so thats 6 vs 5.  I failed
[00:51] <@Kotono> OOC: Yeah, for future reference roll anything like that as 2d6+1 or whatever the modifier is.
01[00:51] <Jin_> OOC: Oh. Apologies. Then I failed too
[00:53] <@Kotono> The ground eruption sends the party flying! Jin and Aisutori go to one side, back the way you came! Noriko lands in a safe crouch, unharmed! Jin isn't so lucky, send end over end in the air and faceplanting down hard! Meanwhile Aisutori is tossed the way the party was going, landing hard on her back! What emerges out is a giant squit! It's entire body is purplish, taking up the entire tunnel!
[00:53] <@Kotono> Tentacles wave around viciously, it's eyes blowing a sickly green! OOC: Noriko, go.
[00:53] <@Kotono> OOC: 7 damage to Jin/Aisu.
03[00:53] * Kotono changes topic to 'Jin(17)>GIANT FUCKING SQUID>Noriko(13)>Ausitorimiko(9)'
06[00:55] * Noriko charges in, flying at the monster's face with a fist full of lightning!
[00:55] <Noriko> roll 2d6 vs 8
06[00:55] * +Hatbot --> "Noriko rolls 2d6 vs 8 and gets 6." [2d6=4, 2]
06[00:58] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 reroll, whoops! and gets 7." [2d6=4, 3]
[00:58] <@Kotono> OOC: Strike my line then. Damage?
[00:58] <Noriko> OOC: 24, special attack
[00:59] <@Kotono> WHAM! Pure robo-wrath explodes as Noriko's fist of lightning hits the squid! It's body convulses with electricity, vast damage occuring! It looks stunned, crackling and twitching wildly! OOC: Aisu.
[00:59] <@Kotono> roll 24*2
06[00:59] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 24*2 and gets 48."
06[01:01] * Aisutori gathers up a large spike of ice to follow Noriko in, sending it flying through the air at the creature's head.
[01:01] <Aisutori> roll 2d6 vs 7
06[01:01] * +Hatbot --> "Aisutori rolls 2d6 vs 7 and gets 12." [2d6=6, 6]
[01:01] <@Kotono> Aisutori sends the spike in like a javelin of justice, but it's errant! It slams into the wall, once again earning Aisutori top marks in property damage! Regretably, she needs to take remedial 'hitting the bad guy' courses! OOC: Jin.
.06[01:03] * Jin_ takes a deep breath and flies forward, wringing every bit of speed that he can from his body! He leaps onto the tentacl'd monster and stabs wildly toward a roiling eye!
01[01:03] <Jin_> roll 2d6 vs 7
06[01:03] * +Hatbot --> "Jin_ rolls 2d6 vs 7 and gets 2." [2d6=1, 1]
[01:04] <@Kotono> OOC: Ooh, crit! Roll 1d6.
01[01:04] <Jin_> roll 1d6
06[01:04] * +Hatbot --> "Jin_ rolls 1d6 and gets 6." [1d6=6]
[01:04] <@Kotono> OOC: Holy shit, 4x crit. Hope it doesn't make it's DCV.
[01:05] <@Kotono> roll 2d6+2 (+2 penalty due to crit as normal)
06[01:05] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+2 (+2 penalty due to crit as normal) and gets 9." [2d6=1, 6]
[01:05] <@Kotono> OOC: I'll calculate the damage since you're still using that sword.
01[01:05] <Jin_> OOC: ACV is 7
[01:06] <@Kotono> Jin leaps as he runs so fast as to be a blur! His looted sword is thrust out, slamming straight through it's eye! Jin isn't done, his momentum hardly spent! His blade is sharp, his energy carrying straight through the squid in a flash! A Jin shaped hole is where it's forehead and eyes once were, a still moment before it's blood explodes out! It's body slumps as everything slows down, "Absorb
[01:06] <@Kotono> enemy matrix?" murmurs in his head!
06[01:07] * Jin_ decides to take a chance. ~Yes!~ He thinks back to the voice, what he suspects is his sword.
06[01:08] * Aisutori blinks, putting her hands behind her back a moment in embarassment before shining the light back on the squid, staring somewhat in amazement.
[01:08] <@Kotono> In an instant the squid, blood and all, glows with light! It shatters into nothing but light, flowing into Jin's sword in a speeding blur! In Jin's mind he can hear it murmur, "1 matrix absorbed....identified as Stygian Squid. Instill, Absorb or Release?"
06[01:10] * Jin_ replies with a slight hesitation. "Instill."
06[01:10] * Noriko watches this display with something resembling surprise. "Jin, what did you do? It appears that this sword is very good at cleaning up after us."
01[01:11] <Jin_> "I have no idea, Noriko. I suspect that it can absorb the powers or traits of the foes it defeats."
[01:12] <@Kotono> The sword glows bright again! In a moment it has transformed! It is now a long whip, resembling a purple tentacle! In Jin's mind this echos, "Instill complete. Form of Stygian Tentacle Whip. Downloading information to user." (More in PM in a moment, Zeph. Go ahead and react in the meantime, I need a split sec to run to the bathroom. Free act.)
06[01:12] * Jin_ looks down at his new...tentacle. "....goddammit. I didn't want a *whip*. I WANT MY SWORD BACK!"
[01:14] <Noriko> "Perhaps it has unexpected uses? Regardless, you have been fighting without a magical sword for your entire career so you should surely be able to cope with not having one any more."
01[01:15] <Jin_> "But...but No-chan!" Jin whined. "It was an *awesome* sword!"
[01:16] <@Kotono> OOC: Make a mythology check, Aisutori.
[01:16] <Aisutori> roll 2d6 v 7
06[01:16] * +Hatbot --> "Aisutori rolls 2d6 v 7 and gets 11." [2d6=5, 6]
01[01:16] <Jin_> Jin frowns and decides to try to communicate with the sword again! ~Hey, can you understand me? We need to talk.~
[01:17] <Noriko> "Perhaps now it is an awesome tentacle? You should attempt to use it against an enemy before drawing conclusions, Jin. It is generally ineffective to make assumptions without data."
01[01:18] <Jin_> "Do you know any other guy cool enough to use a whip in battle besides that one American hero Indiana Jones? I'm sorry, it's just not a manly weapon."
[01:18] <@Kotono> "Current status is 0 matrixes absorbed." Is the answer Jin gets.
06[01:19] * Jin_ frowns and rethinks his approach. ~Access database, previous maxtrixes absorbed and/or users.~
[01:19] <Noriko> "So you will not use it because you are not cool enough to use it? I am not following your thinking, Jin."
[01:19] <@Kotono> "Current status is 0 matrixes absorbed." Is the answer Jin gets. Again.
01[01:21] <Jin_> "...this sword is a pain in the ass. It keeps saying the same thing over and over again." Jin sighs and coils it around his waist. "Maybe you can help me figure it out, Ai-chan or that doctor we visited the other day. Either way, we better keep moving." Jin studiously ignores Noriko.
[01:22] <Noriko> "I have not heard the sword speak at all. It would be very unusual behavior for a sword." Noriko studies Jin with an attempt at a concerned expression. "Jin, were you struck in the head when I was not watching?"
[01:23] <Aisutori> "Well maybe Jin doesn't know how to use a whip?  I'm sorry but a transforming sword doesn't seem that familiar to me and I'm not sure who would be good to ask about it."
01[01:23] <Jin_> "I promise, Noriko. I'm fine. Whenever I kill something, it asks me if I want to 'absorb matrix'. After I did so, it asked me if I wanted to 'Absorb, Instill, or Release.'"
[01:24] <Aisutori> "If it is a magic sword, even if it talks though, it might just have very limited responses.  It might not really be aware."
01[01:24] <Jin_> "And what's really weird is that it's using tech-speak. It sounds really...I dunno, mechanical in tone."
[01:24] <Noriko> "Robots much simpler than myself also have a very limited range of responses. Perhaps it cannot respond in any manner that does not strictly relate to its function."
06[01:26] * Jin_ rubs his chin in thought. "Well, I'm not sure how skilled I can be with a whip, but I'll figure something out. I'd much rather have my sword...but this will do for now." He gestures down the tunnel. "Shall we continue?"
[01:27] <Aisutori> "Ask if it has a name?" Aisutori considered.  Most things that thought really tended to have one.
01[01:27] <Jin_> "Not a bad idea." Jin thinks to the whip as he walks. ~Do you have a name? A designation?~
[01:28] <@Kotono> "Current status is 0 matrixes absorbed." Is the answer Jin gets. Again. It's quite predictable!
06[01:28] * Jin_ shakes his head. "No dice. I give up."
06[01:29] * Aisutori walks with them down the tunnel, slower this time though and flashing her flashlight up near the roof and along the walls, more ready to grab them and try and run if the tunnels look ready to collapse.
[01:30] <@Kotono> The tunnel goes a ways further, a half hour of walking, until you find that the roof has collapsed. Water is about, lots of puddles. The scent of the ocean is here, tangy, mixing with the musty air.
[01:30] <Noriko> "Think of it as akin to a toaster, Jin? It can only perform a specific function on different settings." Noriko follows Ai, watching for monsters or structural damage that might indicate the presence of more.
06[01:32] * Noriko steps into a few of those puddles, looking for anything deeper.
06[01:33] * Aisutori ponders a bit as they walk.  "How did they get a giant squid so far underground?  I didn't know squids could burrow through earth."
[01:34] <@Kotono> One of the puddles is quite deep - it looks like it's an outright hole! Fresh sea water burbles up from it, and as Noriko puts her foot in, they bob up! Two large pearls, floating up! A familiar female voice calls, "This was a strike by the Leviathan's forces...I send what help I can..."
06[01:35] * Aisutori reaches down and picks them up.
[01:35] <Aisutori> "Well, that was clear...but any help is welcome and at least we came back and made sure the squid wasn't staying around.  Something like that could cause the whole town to just fall into the sea with time."
[01:36] <Noriko> "We are very close to the sea here, Ai. Perhaps it used an underground river or cave to burrow into this tunnel?"
[01:36] <@Kotono> The voice whispers further, "One...healing...the one in your right hand...the other...protection..." Then the voice speaks no more, silence returning.
[01:39] <Noriko> "Perhaps the healing pearl should be saved for dire circumstances when we require quick recovery from injury?" Noriko suggests. "As for the other, one of you two should take it. This is only fair as I used the last pearl."
02[01:39] * Wayland (~yuthirin@c-71-194-208-215.hsd1.il.comcast.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
06[01:42] * Jin_ speculates. "Hmm. Well Ai, shall we flip a coin for it?"
03[01:45] * Yuthirin (~yuthirin@c-71-194-208-215.hsd1.il.comcast.net) has joined #dunes
[01:46] <Aisutori> "I guess," She nodded flipping a yen piece and calling it...correctly it seemed.  She handed the healing pearl to Noriko to hold onto for the moment. "Now how did we use this again?"
01[01:47] <Jin_> "The good doctor requested that we bring these to him for study before we used them. Why don't we wait to open it until we get back?"
01[01:47] <Jin_> "Wouldn't hurt to humor the poor fellow."
[01:48] <Aisutori> "Alright, but let's be careful and not let them out of sight."  She didn't quite trust the man not to grab them and keep them for weeks of experimentation.
[01:49] <@Kotono> Getting out and getting back to Dr. Sasaki's takes up most of the day. Near sunset you head on over. On knocking at the door, several panels slide open! Half a dozen gunpoints appear, glowing bright with lasers!...before they grow dim. A voice can be heard from the door, "Oh, Noriko! Is that you and your friends?"
06[01:49] * Jin_ breathes a sigh of relief. "Looks like the doc has upgraded his security system."
[01:49] <Noriko> "Yes. Please do not shoot us."
01[01:50] <Jin_> "Yes, the not-shooting would be very nice." Jin adds, looming over Noriko's shoulder.
[01:50] <@Kotono> There's a pause, "I have to be sure it's you. Tell me something about your Mother that only a daughter would know."
06[01:52] * Aisutori glances over the guns, and resists giving a snarky thing only they would know.
[01:53] <Noriko> From her mother's wide range of idiosyncratic behavior, Noriko selects: "Mother is appalled by broccoli and will not eat it under any circumstances."
[01:54] <@Kotono> The door opens up! "Come in, I'm downstairs!" he calls!
[01:55] <Aisutori> "Noriko-chan, your mother's friends are stranger than mine," She followed the girl in, using her as a protective wall against the strange doctor.
01[01:56] <Jin_> "At least the guy practices constant vigilance." Jin comments as he moves in. "I don't blame him after that whole assassin bit." Jin cheerfully navigates his way to the entrance to the lab and knocks twice before entering.
[01:56] <@Kotono> The doctor is downstairs in his laboratory. Within Dr. Sasaki awaits, "So what do I owe the pleasure?"
06[01:57] * Noriko heads on in and downstairs. "Only the greatly intelligent or eccentric interest her," she says en route. "I have found these to be almost mutually inclusive categories."
06[01:57] * Noriko presents one of the pearls for the doctor to examine. "We found two of them this time."
06[01:59] * Jin_ unwindes the whip from his person. "I also found a weapon which seems to be able to absorb the characteristics of its defeated foes. Think you can tell me more about it?"
[01:59] <@Kotono> He takes the pearl immediately, nodding, "Excellent! Now I'll have to run this through the spectral analysis routine, the occultism malignaficer, a few density readers..." he nods to himself again, taking the whip with his other hand, "I'll have to analyze all of them! Where's the other pearl?"
[02:01] <Noriko> "Will this be an extensive process? We may need to use the abilities granted by them as we are of late prone to being attacked at unexpected times."
06[02:01] * Aisutori keeps the other one hidden in her bag for now, getting a little nervous at the long list of processes he seems to be listing.
[02:02] <@Kotono> "I won't know until I runt hem," He admits, "Well, give me the other one and feel free to go upstairs and help yourselves to dinner." OOC: Which pearl DId you give him?
[02:02] <Noriko> OOC: I assume healing? Correct me if I'm wrong there, guys.
[02:02] <Aisutori> OOC: Healing it would be, that's what Noriko was holding onto
[02:03] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay.
02[02:04] * Yuthirin (~yuthirin@c-71-194-208-215.hsd1.il.comcast.net) Quit (Quit: )
[02:08] <Aisutori> "Isn't one enough?  I'm bit worried you might break them during checking."
[02:09] <@Kotono> That gets a frown, "Well I suppose it is possible," he confesses at last, going off to do his thing! OOC: Going to just cool your heels why he works, or...?
[02:09] <Noriko> OOC: Sure.
[02:09] <Aisutori> OOC: Sure
01[02:10] <Jin_> OOC: Aye
[02:11] <@Kotono> A few hours pass before you're called back down! Dr. Sasaki is soot-covered all over, whistling a merry tune. On the table before him is the pearl and the whip, perfectlyintact and undamaged. "Good news, everybody!"
[02:12] <Noriko> "Doctor, did you attempt to detonate something down here?"
[02:12] <Aisutori> "What is the news?" She eyed the man, a bit relieved the items were intact, but more worried about him being smoked through.
[02:14] <@Kotono> "It's not important," Waving it off, "First of all, the pearls can't be opened. I think it's magic! However, I was able to analyze the one I have! This one," He taps it with his knuckles, "Once consumed will instill a spell right into you! Some sort of restoration spell, with the exact form varying on who consumes it. The sword, now..." He looks to Noriko, "I believe that if you hold it, you
[02:14] <@Kotono> may be able to interface with it, Noriko."
[02:15] <Noriko> "We will find out." Noriko picks up the sword...tentacle...thing.
[02:15] <@Kotono> OOC: Make a soulc heck?
[02:16] <Noriko> roll 2d6 oh man I need one of those threes from earlier
06[02:16] * +Hatbot --> "Noriko rolls 2d6 oh man I need one of those threes from earlier and gets 10." [2d6=5, 5]
[02:17] <@Kotono> Noriko takes the whip! Abruptly her systems clash ERROR ERROR ERROR UNKNOWN SYSTEM ERROR OVERRIDE PROTECTION SCHEME ALPHA ENGAGED! Almost automatically, Noriko drops the whip!
[02:18] <Noriko> Noriko's arm spasms, fingers jerking mechanically for a moment. "I will not be doing that again."
[02:19] <@Kotono> "Just as well." Dr Sasaki agrees, giving Noriko a long look, "It seems that tentacles and your systems don't mix." He picks up the whip and puts it back, "Tomoko-chan must've included some defenses."
[02:19] <Aisutori> "Are you okay Noriko?"
[02:20] <Aisutori> "You mean the sword was trying to take over her?"
01[02:20] <Jin_> "Hmm. Doc, do you reckon you can rig something so that I can interface with it? I need to learn more about it if it's going to be of any use to us."
[02:21] <@Kotono> "Maybe, but it'll take time." He rubs his chin thoughtfully, "Noriko is easiest since it's two systems working. Bridging the mechanical/human divide is more effort. I'll need to work with it."
[02:21] <Aisutori> "I thought you already heard it, Jin?"
[02:21] <Noriko> "I am unharmed. However, while am I not designed to feel pain, the unpleasantness of an incompatible operating system is I believe as close as I can get to it."
[02:22] <@Kotono> "Yes." After a moment, "I'd like to make a request of all of you. If I presume right, you can open the pearls?"
01[02:23] <Jin_> "I heard it, yes. But I want to understand it, not simply hear it." Jin nods at the doc. "Yeah, we can. Why do you ask?"
[02:24] <@Kotono> "I'd like to study and use up one of the magic patterns kept within the pearl. If I can dissect and understand it, I can learn what's going on and perhaps replicate it, or manipulate what exists." So he says, "You can imagine the benefits...but most likely the pearl you offer will be lost, or at least not usable to it's original intent."
[02:27] <Noriko> "It is a potentially useful experiment." Noriko looks to the others. "Shall we cooperate? If so, I leave it to Ai to choose which to give up since she wont the coin toss."
[02:27] <Aisutori> "Well," Aisutori glanced at Noriko, sort of out of her depth with 'imagining the benefits'.
[02:28] <Aisutori> "Well, if you really think it's a good idea..." She hemed a bit.  "Healing is probably more valuable to us," She eyed Jin, "Certainly so." She swapped the pearls, leaving the professor with the protection pearl.
[02:29] <@Kotono> Taking it, "I'll need one of you to crack it, hold on," he says, going to get a pair of bowls. He passes one to them, the pearl in it. "Use the other for the other pearl if you're going to use it."
01[02:30] <Jin_> "Oh, doc. Before you do your thing, how long do you suppose it will take you to rig an interface?"
06[02:30] * Aisutori nods, carefully cracking each of them in their intended bowls.
[02:31] <@Kotono> "At least a few days, possibly more depending on how it progresses," he says, "It shouldn't take that long!" After that he takes the protection bowl and hurries off, heading deep into the laboratory! OOC: Aisutori, go 'head and take yours?
06[02:31] * Aisutori drinks hers down without a worry, if it worked on Noriko, it definitely wouldn't cause her trouble.
01[02:34] <Jin_> ---