Testing Run Part 2

With the other entities moving on, Astraea engaged in a brief war of dubious logic with her operator, and then opened the data crystal that had been offered. It spun up quickly, but wobbled here and there from the minor blows it had initially taken. After a second or two, however the cracks fused and repaired themselves, and the crystal performed a few orderly revolutions before unpacking itself and delivering a bundle of chip data towards the mechanic.

GMD: MoonRay1Damage: 80 + Lunar Drain
Accuracy: A
Description: Fires a ray of lunar energy at an enemy.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Special: Lunar Drain: Removes the target's outermost defense layer, even if it wouldn't normally be removed by this attack. Nullifies any counterattacks from that defense. Still triggers other defenses' counterattacks, if applicable.
Trader Rank: D
"Hey look, that chip's as out of the world as you are!" Alex broke into drunken laughter and Astraea briefly rolled her eyes. She finished sending the chip data on then continued on her way, comparing her internal compass against the coordinates she had been given.

Soon their promise would be fulfilled.

[Searching Battle #8]
Astraea
Lvl 5
85 hp
Self Destruct/Masterwork
Further into the network after her encounter with the slightly more learned Metool, Astraea found that the rocky terrain didn't seem like it would be letting up any time soon. In fact, the dried up areas seemed to be getting cracked in places and producing large sinkholes in the ground. The holes were easy enough to avoid, but a closer look revealed that there didn't seem to be a bottom through the holes--they appeared to go on forever into the dark. Moreover, some of them seemed to come in pairs in long intervals, looking like some unfathomably large creature had gone through and cracked the earth with enormous leaps.

Near a solitary sinkhole, Astraea then came across a trio of viruses, two of which seemed to be turret-oriented--a Kabutank and a Cannondumb. There was a Metool next to them, but it appeared to be slightly different than other Metools; it was missing its signature pickaxe, and instead had a strange gun barrel where a mouth would be, underneath its eyes. The Metool and the Kabutank were inspecting a spinning green crystal, when the Cannondumb quickly swiveled in Astraea's direction, detecting her approach. It emitted a shrill beeping noise repeatedly, alerting the other two to her presence. Suddenly, a howl could be heard in the distance. To her right, a duo of Spikeys was now running in her direction, with a pair of long-eared Bunny riders coming along for the trip!

-- Viruses --
CannonDumb EXCannonDumb EX (CannonDumb)

CannonDumb viruses attack any targets in sight every action they are able to. They can and will attack objects, but only objects they can damage. They will not waste cannon fire on IronBody, Shadow, or Invisible targets. The exception is Canodumb DS, which will fire at anything with its DarkCannon's beam blasts. All CannonDumb viruses may opt to spend one action prior to attacking marking their opponent with target lock. They gain the 10% accuracy benefit of Take Aim against this opponent for any and all follow-on attacks until they lose sight of the target, or switch targets.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Yoka

HP: 90
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 40 Null
Primary Attack Accuracy: A
Primary Attack Description: Fires its cannon after aiming.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: Mark Target
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Secondary Attack Description: Marks an enemy within line of sight with a target lock that raises the accuracy of this virus by +1 Rank (10%) until the virus is forced to switch targets or loses sight of the marked target (they take cover).
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Cannon, Zenny
Special: Immobile
: 90 HP [Cracked, in front of Astraea]
KabutankKabutank (Kabutank)

While closely related to Beetank, Kabutank are a bit smarter and faster. They will use terrain and objects to their advantage if possible, and prefer to not allow Navis clean shots at them. They have one passive movement per turn, which can be used as either a movement or dodge.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Okuden Valley, Beach, NetVegas

HP: 90
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Blast 2 x 2 bombs
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Launches a pair of bombs that explode in a small radius.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null + Blast 1 + Seeking
Secondary Attack Accuracy: C
Secondary Attack Description: Launches a bomb that ignores invisibility.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): DoubleBomb, SeekerBomb1, Zenny
: 90 HP [Cracked, in front of Astraea]
NeoMetoolNeoMetool (NeoMetool)

NeoMetool not currently attacking will guard. Entering guard mode requires an action. Exiting guard mode does not require an action.

Area: ACDC, Electown, Okuden Valley, Kotobuki Town, Dentech, Beach

HP: 40
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Spits out a bullet that penetrates an enemy to hit another one directly behind it.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Shotgun, ShieldGuard, Zenny
Special: Can hide in its helmet to negate damage.
Special: If hit while hiding with a non-Break attack, its next attack will do 30 damage instead of 10. This effect does not stack across multiple hits.
: 40 HP [Cracked, in front of Astraea]

Spikey EXSpikey EX (Spikey)

Spikey viruses are a little faster than the average virus, allowing them to cover more ground than normal with movements and dodges. They may attack while moving, but as normal, they cannot attack while dodging without expending a second action to do so. Spikey viruses are also able to use something called 'pack tactics' when 3 or more of them are present. Simply put, the Spikey viruses attack and dodge as a wolf pack. In addition, they are treated as having a reduced power Haste and Accuracy Enhancement effect which grants them a +5% bonus to evasion and accuracy while this effect is active. The effect is passive, and only expires when their numbers drop below 3.

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Yumland, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 140
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Fire + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description - Fires HeatShot
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): HeatShot, Spikey, Zenny
Special: Uses pack tactics when with at least 2 other Spikeys
A: 140 HP [Normal, Coming from the right]
Spikey EXSpikey EX (Spikey)

Spikey viruses are a little faster than the average virus, allowing them to cover more ground than normal with movements and dodges. They may attack while moving, but as normal, they cannot attack while dodging without expending a second action to do so. Spikey viruses are also able to use something called 'pack tactics' when 3 or more of them are present. Simply put, the Spikey viruses attack and dodge as a wolf pack. In addition, they are treated as having a reduced power Haste and Accuracy Enhancement effect which grants them a +5% bonus to evasion and accuracy while this effect is active. The effect is passive, and only expires when their numbers drop below 3.

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Yumland, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 140
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Fire + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description - Fires HeatShot
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): HeatShot, Spikey, Zenny
Special: Uses pack tactics when with at least 2 other Spikeys
B: 140 HP [Normal, Coming from the right]
BunnyEXBunnyEX (Bunny)

Bunny viruses move by hopping. They are adept at jumping, and can reach higher terrain or hop onto objects with ease. They are also very good at dodging, and are treated as having Haste (+10%) for Evasion purposes only at all times. Omega Bunny has double Haste (+20%). These effects cannot be removed except by Glitch. They attack by launching a ZapRing from their ears.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Dentech

HP: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Elec + Stun1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Hops around randomly before lining up a shot and firing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): ZapRing1, Bunny, Zenny
Special: Slightly better dodges.
A: 60 HP [Normal, Riding SpikeyEX A]
BunnyEXBunnyEX (Bunny)

Bunny viruses move by hopping. They are adept at jumping, and can reach higher terrain or hop onto objects with ease. They are also very good at dodging, and are treated as having Haste (+10%) for Evasion purposes only at all times. Omega Bunny has double Haste (+20%). These effects cannot be removed except by Glitch. They attack by launching a ZapRing from their ears.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Dentech

HP: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Elec + Stun1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Hops around randomly before lining up a shot and firing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): ZapRing1, Bunny, Zenny
Special: Slightly better dodges.
B: 60 HP [Normal, Riding SpikeyEX B]

-- Navis --
Astraea.EXE: 85 HP [Normal]

-- Terrain --
15% Missing
  • Permanent bottomless hole.
  • Doubles dodge penalties for bad RP.
  • EJO if you fall in.
[Large sinkhole]
15% Cracked
  • Changes to Broken when stepped on, chance to fall in when triggered.
  • Burrow: Change terrain to Broken, Null 50 to burrower.
  • Panel Crack attacks, >100 Damage Break/Impact/Drop attacks: Change terrain hit to Broken.
  • PanelShot: Splash1.
[Cracked earth surrounding sinkhole]
70% Normal
  • No effects.
[Everywhere else]

-- Objects --
GMD: 35 HP [Next to NeoMetool & Kabutank]

-- Battle 8 Ready? Start!! --
"Huh, those broken panels almost look a trail of footprints! Also more treasure, whoo!" Alex said. He had plugged his PET into the tv and as a result enjoyed a bird's eye view of the area. "Don't fall in the hole, I don't know if I wanna get that deep with you!"

With a fond roll of her eyes at the laughter from her operator the little mechanic came to a stop. There were quite a few foes out and about, and the potential for things to go painfully was very, very high.

'I'll work cautiously to start,' She thought as she surveyed each of the viruses in turn. Her eyes lingered on the Spikeys with their strange rabbit riders. Did these two look a little tougher then the one before? She thought they might, and considering how much that on had hurt she had a pretty good indication of what to prioritize.

"Requesting the water dragon chip and cactus ball chip, Alex." She said as she stepped back and flexed her hands, stretching her tendons and the scant muscle there before the chips were sent.

"Huh, y'know its weird but the plants have actually done better for us than the dragon has." said Alex as he dragged his finger across the slide-reel of chips to pull the designated chips onto Astraea's body. In his peripheral he caught sight of his movements being broadcasted to the tv as well and grinned. "Does this count as being on tv?"

That was a question Astraea didn't have an answer to or context for. Her face scrunched in confusion. She could, with a little effort, send her awareness back along the 'line' to figure out what he was talking about but the viruses were a more immediate matter.

A blue glow settled over her as she activated the dragon chip. The sound of waves crashing in the surf filled her ears as she raised her hands as high as she could before leaning forward to slam them on the ground. A geysar gushed up from between her fingers and she scrabbled back as it shifted from a plume of water to the dripping maw of a mighty dragon. With a roar the chip construct threw itself forward in great bouncing arcs toward the unfortunate dogs and their riders.

As the dragon leaped forward Astraea stumbled back. She didn't quite fall from the force of the water rushing forward but it was a very near thing. She wobbled for a moment on one leg while pinwheeling wildly before her second foot crashed into the ground as well. With an immediate sigh of relief she pivoted to face the group of three and took a couple clumsy steps sideways.

Hopefully that was enough to throw them off.

With a look of intense concentration Astraea raised her hands above her head again as her body became outlined in green light. She wiggled her fingers in the air and with four loud "Pop"s summoned four round cactus balls that went tumbling and bouncing and wiggling across the ground at her foes. She watched them bounce away then drew her raygun and gave the wiggling stack a bounce to speed up the pace.

Action Summary
--------------
Astraea
85 hp
1) AquaDragon1Damage: 100 + Ground Attack + Medium Area Sea Terrain Change + Terrain Changer
Accuracy: C
Description: Summons a WaterDragon that attacks enemies as it glides across the ground. Changes terrain to Sea as it passes.
Duration: Once
Element: Aqua
Special: Terrain Changer: Ceases attacking when the Terrain Change effect is completed (once 25% of the terrain is changed).
Trader Rank: D
: 100 + Ground Attack + 25% Sea Terrain Change + Terrain Changer (Acc: C) @ Spikies
2) Dodge
3) CactusBall2Damage: 40 x 4 Hits + Ground Attack
Accuracy: C
Description: Rolls a spiked ball at an enemy, but if it ceases hitting its target, it will harmlessly roll off into the distance.
Duration: Once
Element: Wood
Special: Attacks the same target up to four times, but the attack will end immediately if it misses at any point.
Trader Rank: C
: 40 x 4 Hits + Ground Attack (Acc: C) @ CannonDumb, Kabutank, NeoMetool
A quick assessment of the hostiles bearing in on her position swiftly led Astraea to the conclusion that a forceful offence was the surest means of reducing her immediate danger. As she prepared to unleash the dragon towards the on-rushing spikies, the two more artillery-inclined viruses scoped her out. The cannon targeted her with a laser sight that painted a crosshair on her overalls, while the tank was more straight forward in firing a heavy shell directly towards her. Not quite towards her enough, as it turned out, much to the engineer's fortune – the shell missed her and thudded into the ground a fair distance behind her.

Meanwhile, Astraea unleashed her first attack and sent the dragon to meet the riders. They crashed through each other in a burst of water, static and steam. When it cleared, three of the viruses had been wiped out, but one of the bunnies had thrown itself clear quickly enough to escape a watery doom. It tossed a ring back at Astraea, but the sparking electricity flew wide by a very broad margin; the virus was too busy preserving its own life to aim well, it seemed.

Leaving it for the time being, the alien navi turned her attention on the cannon that was targeting her, sending the chain of bouncing cactus rounds towards it. It bounced through once, splattering cactus shards all over the turret, then returned for a second bounce, battering it again. The remaining two cactus balls tried a third time, but this time the trajectory was off by enough that they skittered away to the side, losing momentum. Near to the cannon, the mask-wearing metool seemed to tighten its face-fixture a little then launched a large, round shot towards her from the muzzle of it. By design or accident, Astraea's own ungainly side-ways meander carried her out of the path of the attack, and the Neo-met stamped one of its feet in frustration.

In that moment an extra cracking sound followed and the patch that the met was standing on gave way, causing it to drop from sight with a startled, if muffled 'meep!'

-=Viruses=-
CannonDumb EXCannonDumb EX (CannonDumb)

CannonDumb viruses attack any targets in sight every action they are able to. They can and will attack objects, but only objects they can damage. They will not waste cannon fire on IronBody, Shadow, or Invisible targets. The exception is Canodumb DS, which will fire at anything with its DarkCannon's beam blasts. All CannonDumb viruses may opt to spend one action prior to attacking marking their opponent with target lock. They gain the 10% accuracy benefit of Take Aim against this opponent for any and all follow-on attacks until they lose sight of the target, or switch targets.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Yoka

HP: 90
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 40 Null
Primary Attack Accuracy: A
Primary Attack Description: Fires its cannon after aiming.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: Mark Target
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Secondary Attack Description: Marks an enemy within line of sight with a target lock that raises the accuracy of this virus by +1 Rank (10%) until the virus is forced to switch targets or loses sight of the marked target (they take cover).
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Cannon, Zenny
Special: Immobile
: 10Hp [Cracked, in front of Astraea]
KabutankKabutank (Kabutank)

While closely related to Beetank, Kabutank are a bit smarter and faster. They will use terrain and objects to their advantage if possible, and prefer to not allow Navis clean shots at them. They have one passive movement per turn, which can be used as either a movement or dodge.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Okuden Valley, Beach, NetVegas

HP: 90
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Blast 2 x 2 bombs
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Launches a pair of bombs that explode in a small radius.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null + Blast 1 + Seeking
Secondary Attack Accuracy: C
Secondary Attack Description: Launches a bomb that ignores invisibility.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): DoubleBomb, SeekerBomb1, Zenny
: 90Hp [Cracked, in front of Astraea]
NeoMetoolNeoMetool (NeoMetool)

NeoMetool not currently attacking will guard. Entering guard mode requires an action. Exiting guard mode does not require an action.

Area: ACDC, Electown, Okuden Valley, Kotobuki Town, Dentech, Beach

HP: 40
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Spits out a bullet that penetrates an enemy to hit another one directly behind it.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Shotgun, ShieldGuard, Zenny
Special: Can hide in its helmet to negate damage.
Special: If hit while hiding with a non-Break attack, its next attack will do 30 damage instead of 10. This effect does not stack across multiple hits.
: 40Hp [Broken, in front of Astraea]

Spikey EXSpikey EX (Spikey)

Spikey viruses are a little faster than the average virus, allowing them to cover more ground than normal with movements and dodges. They may attack while moving, but as normal, they cannot attack while dodging without expending a second action to do so. Spikey viruses are also able to use something called 'pack tactics' when 3 or more of them are present. Simply put, the Spikey viruses attack and dodge as a wolf pack. In addition, they are treated as having a reduced power Haste and Accuracy Enhancement effect which grants them a +5% bonus to evasion and accuracy while this effect is active. The effect is passive, and only expires when their numbers drop below 3.

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Yumland, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 140
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Fire + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description - Fires HeatShot
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): HeatShot, Spikey, Zenny
Special: Uses pack tactics when with at least 2 other Spikeys
A: SPLOOSH
Spikey EXSpikey EX (Spikey)

Spikey viruses are a little faster than the average virus, allowing them to cover more ground than normal with movements and dodges. They may attack while moving, but as normal, they cannot attack while dodging without expending a second action to do so. Spikey viruses are also able to use something called 'pack tactics' when 3 or more of them are present. Simply put, the Spikey viruses attack and dodge as a wolf pack. In addition, they are treated as having a reduced power Haste and Accuracy Enhancement effect which grants them a +5% bonus to evasion and accuracy while this effect is active. The effect is passive, and only expires when their numbers drop below 3.

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Yumland, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 140
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Fire + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description - Fires HeatShot
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): HeatShot, Spikey, Zenny
Special: Uses pack tactics when with at least 2 other Spikeys
B: SPLOOSH
BunnyEXBunnyEX (Bunny)

Bunny viruses move by hopping. They are adept at jumping, and can reach higher terrain or hop onto objects with ease. They are also very good at dodging, and are treated as having Haste (+10%) for Evasion purposes only at all times. Omega Bunny has double Haste (+20%). These effects cannot be removed except by Glitch. They attack by launching a ZapRing from their ears.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Dentech

HP: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Elec + Stun1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Hops around randomly before lining up a shot and firing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): ZapRing1, Bunny, Zenny
Special: Slightly better dodges.
A: SPLOOSH
BunnyEXBunnyEX (Bunny)

Bunny viruses move by hopping. They are adept at jumping, and can reach higher terrain or hop onto objects with ease. They are also very good at dodging, and are treated as having Haste (+10%) for Evasion purposes only at all times. Omega Bunny has double Haste (+20%). These effects cannot be removed except by Glitch. They attack by launching a ZapRing from their ears.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Dentech

HP: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Elec + Stun1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Hops around randomly before lining up a shot and firing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): ZapRing1, Bunny, Zenny
Special: Slightly better dodges.
B: 60Hp [Normal, to Astraea's right]

-=Navis=-
Astraea.Exe: 85Hp [Normal][Target Locked]

-=Terrain=-
15% Missing
  • Permanent bottomless hole.
  • Doubles dodge penalties for bad RP.
  • EJO if you fall in.
[Large sinkhole]
15% Cracked
  • Changes to Broken when stepped on, chance to fall in when triggered.
  • Burrow: Change terrain to Broken, Null 50 to burrower.
  • Panel Crack attacks, >100 Damage Break/Impact/Drop attacks: Change terrain hit to Broken.
  • PanelShot: Splash1.
[Cracked earth surrounding sinkhole]
5% Broken
  • Not bottomless.
  • Reverts to Normal after a time, if no one is inside.
  • Doubles dodge penalties for bad RP.
  • 1-4 Movements actions to climb back out depending on method.
[Crumbled section at the edge of the sink hole]
70% Normal
  • No effects.
[Everywhere else]

-=Objects=-
GMD: 35Hp [Cracked][Next to NeoMetool & Kabutank]
"Hey hey, be careful around the shiny!" Alex called as one of the green balls of mayhem bounnced a little too close to the mystery data for his liking. Astraea nodded grimly. While her attacks had done much of what she had hoped for there were still a number of undesirable factors on the field.

One of those was eyeing her in a manner just full of hostile intent.

The three gathered by the mystery data certainly were not fans of her but were they the cause of such focused hostility? Her eyes narrowed as she examined the tank and the turret closely. The intense feeling could be her senses alerting her to a specialized lock-on program, and wouldn't such a thing come from the mechanicals on field?

She could twist her awareness out to check, could waste a little processing power on confirming with the viral database that those two were indeed the cause but when the answer was so obvious, why would she?

"Alexander, requestiong Shotgun and MarkCannon." She called. Her blaster was in her hands, she stepped to the side to line up her shot. She ran angles in her head, ran past battle data again. Its should be an easy shot.

"Just a minute, just a minute...Got it! Blast them away!"

Astraea nodded and raised her blaster as the barrel pulled itself part way apart like a celling stopping midway through mitosis. Astraea pulled the trigger and two large mishappen slugs flew forth at the cannon and the tank. Immediately the barrel fused back to its normal shape and a bright blue targetting reticle appeared over the turret. Her personal gun turned a shade darker and she pulled the trigger.

"Hey, what're you going to do about the bunny?"

"Bunny?" Astraea echoed then jerked her head around to look over her shoulder at the rabbit, the crackling of electricity over its ears. Her mouth tightened into a line and she cursed herself before turning fully to face it. She had thought the dragon had devoured all, had not even checked the innate knowledge she had that it was so.

Foolish.

"Cannon, please." Her buster's barrel was still wide, the color had faded from azure back to white but the dregs of chip data were still there.

"Got it!"

Those dregs were revitalized in a flash and Astraea felt her aim become a little surer, knew the force behind her blasts would be a little stronger.

Pew!

-------------
Action Report
Astraea
85hp

1) ShotgunDamage: 50 + Spread 1
Accuracy: A
Description: A gun whose shot penetrates an enemy to hit another one directly behind it.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Trader Rank: E
@ Kabutank & CannonDumbEX
2) MarkCannon1Damage: 70 + Seeking + Lock-on
Accuracy: A
Description: A highly accurate cannon whose automatic aiming system locks onto heat signatures and fires.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Special: Lock-on: Same effect as an automatic Take Aim.
Trader Rank: D
@ CannonDumbEx
3) CannonDamage: 60 + Knockback
Accuracy: A
Description: A decent sized cannon with a single shot.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Trader Rank: E
@ BunnyEX B
Mindful of the prize that remained, Astraea was careful in the placement of her next few shots. Just when she thought she had the right angle lined up, however, the tank virus trundled rapidly out of the way of her first attempt; the cannon virus was infinitely less mobile, and couldn't avoid the scatter of penetrating shot that broke it apart.

As it avoided her shot, the tank fired back, another explosive shell that, like the first, couldn't seem to find a mark that was on target for where Astraea herself was standing. Some of the panels beneath it fell in as it trundled onto solid land, avoiding the tumbling fate of its hard-hatted ally. The mechanist navi had already dealt with the cannon so turned her marked shot on the irksome artillery, but as she took the shot a jolt of electricity crashed into her from the side, sending her shot wide and tracing a debilitating stun through her body.

Despite the spreading lock-up she was able to turn and get one last shot off in retaliation, removing the bunny from the equation as well. While this was going on, small sounds of effort could be heard from the broken hole, until the neo-met clawed its way back into sight, though that seemed to have taken the entirety of its focus for now.

-=Viruses=-
CannonDumb EXCannonDumb EX (CannonDumb)

CannonDumb viruses attack any targets in sight every action they are able to. They can and will attack objects, but only objects they can damage. They will not waste cannon fire on IronBody, Shadow, or Invisible targets. The exception is Canodumb DS, which will fire at anything with its DarkCannon's beam blasts. All CannonDumb viruses may opt to spend one action prior to attacking marking their opponent with target lock. They gain the 10% accuracy benefit of Take Aim against this opponent for any and all follow-on attacks until they lose sight of the target, or switch targets.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Yoka

HP: 90
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 40 Null
Primary Attack Accuracy: A
Primary Attack Description: Fires its cannon after aiming.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: Mark Target
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Secondary Attack Description: Marks an enemy within line of sight with a target lock that raises the accuracy of this virus by +1 Rank (10%) until the virus is forced to switch targets or loses sight of the marked target (they take cover).
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Cannon, Zenny
Special: Immobile
: DELETED
KabutankKabutank (Kabutank)

While closely related to Beetank, Kabutank are a bit smarter and faster. They will use terrain and objects to their advantage if possible, and prefer to not allow Navis clean shots at them. They have one passive movement per turn, which can be used as either a movement or dodge.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Okuden Valley, Beach, NetVegas

HP: 90
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Blast 2 x 2 bombs
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Launches a pair of bombs that explode in a small radius.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null + Blast 1 + Seeking
Secondary Attack Accuracy: C
Secondary Attack Description: Launches a bomb that ignores invisibility.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): DoubleBomb, SeekerBomb1, Zenny
: 90Hp [Normal, a little to the side]
NeoMetoolNeoMetool (NeoMetool)

NeoMetool not currently attacking will guard. Entering guard mode requires an action. Exiting guard mode does not require an action.

Area: ACDC, Electown, Okuden Valley, Kotobuki Town, Dentech, Beach

HP: 40
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Spits out a bullet that penetrates an enemy to hit another one directly behind it.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Shotgun, ShieldGuard, Zenny
Special: Can hide in its helmet to negate damage.
Special: If hit while hiding with a non-Break attack, its next attack will do 30 damage instead of 10. This effect does not stack across multiple hits.
: 40Hp [Normal, in front of Astraea]

Spikey EXSpikey EX (Spikey)

Spikey viruses are a little faster than the average virus, allowing them to cover more ground than normal with movements and dodges. They may attack while moving, but as normal, they cannot attack while dodging without expending a second action to do so. Spikey viruses are also able to use something called 'pack tactics' when 3 or more of them are present. Simply put, the Spikey viruses attack and dodge as a wolf pack. In addition, they are treated as having a reduced power Haste and Accuracy Enhancement effect which grants them a +5% bonus to evasion and accuracy while this effect is active. The effect is passive, and only expires when their numbers drop below 3.

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Yumland, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 140
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Fire + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description - Fires HeatShot
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): HeatShot, Spikey, Zenny
Special: Uses pack tactics when with at least 2 other Spikeys
A: SPLOOSH
Spikey EXSpikey EX (Spikey)

Spikey viruses are a little faster than the average virus, allowing them to cover more ground than normal with movements and dodges. They may attack while moving, but as normal, they cannot attack while dodging without expending a second action to do so. Spikey viruses are also able to use something called 'pack tactics' when 3 or more of them are present. Simply put, the Spikey viruses attack and dodge as a wolf pack. In addition, they are treated as having a reduced power Haste and Accuracy Enhancement effect which grants them a +5% bonus to evasion and accuracy while this effect is active. The effect is passive, and only expires when their numbers drop below 3.

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Yumland, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 140
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Fire + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description - Fires HeatShot
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): HeatShot, Spikey, Zenny
Special: Uses pack tactics when with at least 2 other Spikeys
B: SPLOOSH
BunnyEXBunnyEX (Bunny)

Bunny viruses move by hopping. They are adept at jumping, and can reach higher terrain or hop onto objects with ease. They are also very good at dodging, and are treated as having Haste (+10%) for Evasion purposes only at all times. Omega Bunny has double Haste (+20%). These effects cannot be removed except by Glitch. They attack by launching a ZapRing from their ears.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Dentech

HP: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Elec + Stun1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Hops around randomly before lining up a shot and firing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): ZapRing1, Bunny, Zenny
Special: Slightly better dodges.
A: SPLOOSH
BunnyEXBunnyEX (Bunny)

Bunny viruses move by hopping. They are adept at jumping, and can reach higher terrain or hop onto objects with ease. They are also very good at dodging, and are treated as having Haste (+10%) for Evasion purposes only at all times. Omega Bunny has double Haste (+20%). These effects cannot be removed except by Glitch. They attack by launching a ZapRing from their ears.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Dentech

HP: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Elec + Stun1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Hops around randomly before lining up a shot and firing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): ZapRing1, Bunny, Zenny
Special: Slightly better dodges.
B: DELETED

-=Navis=-
Astraea.Exe: 65Hp [Normal][Stunned!(1)]

-=Terrain=-
15% Missing
  • Permanent bottomless hole.
  • Doubles dodge penalties for bad RP.
  • EJO if you fall in.
[Large sinkhole]
10% Cracked
  • Changes to Broken when stepped on, chance to fall in when triggered.
  • Burrow: Change terrain to Broken, Null 50 to burrower.
  • Panel Crack attacks, >100 Damage Break/Impact/Drop attacks: Change terrain hit to Broken.
  • PanelShot: Splash1.
[Cracked earth surrounding sinkhole]
10% Broken
  • Not bottomless.
  • Reverts to Normal after a time, if no one is inside.
  • Doubles dodge penalties for bad RP.
  • 1-4 Movements actions to climb back out depending on method.
[Crumbled section at the edge of the sink hole]
70% Normal
  • No effects.
[Everywhere else]

-=Objects=-
GMD: 35Hp [Cracked][Next to edge of the sinkhole]
The surge of electricity and viral-supplied coding through Astraea left her limbs numb and useless. Her arms hung limply and her ray gun slipped from her fingers to the Net below.

"Hey, hey! Are you okay?"

Astraea opened her mouth to respond but her tongue felt thick and stiff. She shut her mouth again and blinked. Abruptly the sensation was diminished as her systems rode out the remnants of the rabbit's attack. She pressed one hand against the side of her face and straightened up.

"I will be. I was careless."

"Heeey, it happens. Don't be down. But we should get revenge! Lets knock these guys down!"

Astraea's lips twitched. Was he not aware the rabbit was already dead? "Of course Alex. May I suggest DashAttack and Sword?"

"DashAttack...DashAttack...Uhm, which one was that? Oh wait new one, green with a weird bird! Here it comes!" With a decisive swipe of his fingers the chip was sent. Astraea scooped up her raygun and reholstered it before activating the new chip.

A green ring of light appeared on the ground beneath her feet. Smoothly rising upwards from the floor was an altered form of the virus pictured on the DashAttack's chip. This one had a short horizontal bar attached on top and after Astraea grabbed on it soon became obvious why.

With a piercing shriek the craft darted forward to directly charge the kabutank. Astraea was left stumbling as the remnants of the chip broke apart. A small silver stick dropped into her open hand. A blade of blue plasma burst from the end and she twisted to slice at the NeoMetool.

-------------
Action Report:
1) Stunned!
2) DashAttack1Damage: 90 + Impact + LineAttack(5) + Movement
Accuracy: C
Description: The user charges forward at a great speed to ram a line of enemies. Hits a maximum of 5 enemies before the momentum is lost.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Special: Direction of travel may be altered with chip, terrain, and sig use.
Trader Rank: D
@ Kabutank1
3) SwordDamage: 80 + Slashing
Accuracy: B
Description: Creates a sword made of solidified energy, with a very short blade. Hits one target per slash
Duration: Until Overridden/Broken. Breaks automatically after 6 swings.
Element: Null
Trader Rank: D
@ NeoMetool
Shaking off the stun took a moment, while the tank manoeuvred, Astraea saw it trying to arc around her position. It fired a shell towards the alien as her new machine formed, but hit only the ground where she had been as Astraea grabbed the handle and shot forward, crashing through the virus and destroying both it and her difficult-to-control craft. As she gathered her footing, the remaining met in its mask shot a bullet at her, striking the engineer in the behind with a shot that was more insulting than actually painful. She turned and responded with a slash from her laser blade, putting an end to the fight before the offending met could hide under its helmet.

With that done, Astraea had a moment of peace, and a chance to examine the data crystal that remained.

-=Viruses=-
CannonDumb EXCannonDumb EX (CannonDumb)

CannonDumb viruses attack any targets in sight every action they are able to. They can and will attack objects, but only objects they can damage. They will not waste cannon fire on IronBody, Shadow, or Invisible targets. The exception is Canodumb DS, which will fire at anything with its DarkCannon's beam blasts. All CannonDumb viruses may opt to spend one action prior to attacking marking their opponent with target lock. They gain the 10% accuracy benefit of Take Aim against this opponent for any and all follow-on attacks until they lose sight of the target, or switch targets.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Yoka

HP: 90
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 40 Null
Primary Attack Accuracy: A
Primary Attack Description: Fires its cannon after aiming.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: Mark Target
Secondary Attack Accuracy: S
Secondary Attack Description: Marks an enemy within line of sight with a target lock that raises the accuracy of this virus by +1 Rank (10%) until the virus is forced to switch targets or loses sight of the marked target (they take cover).
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Cannon, Zenny
Special: Immobile
: DELETED
KabutankKabutank (Kabutank)

While closely related to Beetank, Kabutank are a bit smarter and faster. They will use terrain and objects to their advantage if possible, and prefer to not allow Navis clean shots at them. They have one passive movement per turn, which can be used as either a movement or dodge.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Okuden Valley, Beach, NetVegas

HP: 90
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Blast 2 x 2 bombs
Primary Attack Accuracy: C
Primary Attack Description: Launches a pair of bombs that explode in a small radius.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Null + Blast 1 + Seeking
Secondary Attack Accuracy: C
Secondary Attack Description: Launches a bomb that ignores invisibility.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): DoubleBomb, SeekerBomb1, Zenny
: DELETED
NeoMetoolNeoMetool (NeoMetool)

NeoMetool not currently attacking will guard. Entering guard mode requires an action. Exiting guard mode does not require an action.

Area: ACDC, Electown, Okuden Valley, Kotobuki Town, Dentech, Beach

HP: 40
Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Null + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Spits out a bullet that penetrates an enemy to hit another one directly behind it.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Shotgun, ShieldGuard, Zenny
Special: Can hide in its helmet to negate damage.
Special: If hit while hiding with a non-Break attack, its next attack will do 30 damage instead of 10. This effect does not stack across multiple hits.
: DELETED

Spikey EXSpikey EX (Spikey)

Spikey viruses are a little faster than the average virus, allowing them to cover more ground than normal with movements and dodges. They may attack while moving, but as normal, they cannot attack while dodging without expending a second action to do so. Spikey viruses are also able to use something called 'pack tactics' when 3 or more of them are present. Simply put, the Spikey viruses attack and dodge as a wolf pack. In addition, they are treated as having a reduced power Haste and Accuracy Enhancement effect which grants them a +5% bonus to evasion and accuracy while this effect is active. The effect is passive, and only expires when their numbers drop below 3.

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Yumland, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 140
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Fire + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description - Fires HeatShot
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): HeatShot, Spikey, Zenny
Special: Uses pack tactics when with at least 2 other Spikeys
A: SPLOOSH
Spikey EXSpikey EX (Spikey)

Spikey viruses are a little faster than the average virus, allowing them to cover more ground than normal with movements and dodges. They may attack while moving, but as normal, they cannot attack while dodging without expending a second action to do so. Spikey viruses are also able to use something called 'pack tactics' when 3 or more of them are present. Simply put, the Spikey viruses attack and dodge as a wolf pack. In addition, they are treated as having a reduced power Haste and Accuracy Enhancement effect which grants them a +5% bonus to evasion and accuracy while this effect is active. The effect is passive, and only expires when their numbers drop below 3.

Area: ACDC, Kotobuki Town, Yumland, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 140
Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Fire + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description - Fires HeatShot
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): HeatShot, Spikey, Zenny
Special: Uses pack tactics when with at least 2 other Spikeys
B: SPLOOSH
BunnyEXBunnyEX (Bunny)

Bunny viruses move by hopping. They are adept at jumping, and can reach higher terrain or hop onto objects with ease. They are also very good at dodging, and are treated as having Haste (+10%) for Evasion purposes only at all times. Omega Bunny has double Haste (+20%). These effects cannot be removed except by Glitch. They attack by launching a ZapRing from their ears.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Dentech

HP: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Elec + Stun1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Hops around randomly before lining up a shot and firing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): ZapRing1, Bunny, Zenny
Special: Slightly better dodges.
A: SPLOOSH
BunnyEXBunnyEX (Bunny)

Bunny viruses move by hopping. They are adept at jumping, and can reach higher terrain or hop onto objects with ease. They are also very good at dodging, and are treated as having Haste (+10%) for Evasion purposes only at all times. Omega Bunny has double Haste (+20%). These effects cannot be removed except by Glitch. They attack by launching a ZapRing from their ears.

Area: ACDC, SciLab, Electown, Dentech

HP: 60
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Elec + Stun1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description: Hops around randomly before lining up a shot and firing.
Element: Elec
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): ZapRing1, Bunny, Zenny
Special: Slightly better dodges.
B: DELETED

-=Navis=-
Astraea.Exe: 55Hp [Normal]

-=Terrain=-
15% Missing
  • Permanent bottomless hole.
  • Doubles dodge penalties for bad RP.
  • EJO if you fall in.
[Large sinkhole]
10% Cracked
  • Changes to Broken when stepped on, chance to fall in when triggered.
  • Burrow: Change terrain to Broken, Null 50 to burrower.
  • Panel Crack attacks, >100 Damage Break/Impact/Drop attacks: Change terrain hit to Broken.
  • PanelShot: Splash1.
[Cracked earth surrounding sinkhole]
10% Broken
  • Not bottomless.
  • Reverts to Normal after a time, if no one is inside.
  • Doubles dodge penalties for bad RP.
  • 1-4 Movements actions to climb back out depending on method.
[Crumbled section at the edge of the sink hole]
70% Normal
  • No effects.
[Everywhere else]

-=Objects=-
GMD: 35Hp [Cracked][Next to edge of the sinkhole]

-=Battle 8, Victory!=-
Spoils: 900z, ShieldGuardEffect: (1 Hit Shield) + (Reflect(40 + Piercing + Line Attack + Ground Attack) + Strengthen 40: On Hit)
Accuracy: S
Description: Description: Generates a 1-Hit Shield upon activation. When this shield blocks one hit from a non-Break attack, it responds with a shock wave, and some of the produced kinetic energy is bestowed onto the user.
Duration: Until broken or overridden.
Element: Null
Special: Negated by Break. Ignores Impact.
Special: Reflect: Damage returned is equal to the damage of the attack blocked or the damage cap listed, whichever comes first. Reflect is not subject to negation by Impact.
Special: Status Guard: This chip blocks debuffs.
Trader Rank: D
, 32 BugFrags
"Victory! This calls for another drink!" Alex cheered.

Astraea wiped the back of her hand across her chin as she deactivated the chip. She spared a couple processes to check the time and Alex's class schedule.

"You have an appointment in four hours." She reminded him with a frown, her face popping up on the tv as she peered through the PET's camera to examine his face. It was still morning and she wasn't sure if this was was the 'hair of the dog' strategy or something else.

"Oh, shit that's right. Hm, hm." Alex threw back the rest of his drink then stood up with a sigh. "Alright, let me grab a water then we'll open the treasure then we'll continue on our hunt for a home for our friend!" He walked off with a lazy wave of his hand.

Astraea nodded and surveyed the battlefield. There were left over bits of the enemies, those weird fragments that were only identified as 'BugFrags' and chip data laying where the NeoMetool had been. She started there first, frowning as she considered the fight. Previously she had been vaguely allied with a quartet of the virust-type. Why were some of them hostile to Navis and others not?

"The party is back lets-Hrm, you're health is has been hovering there for a while." Alex squinted at the half-filled bar on the PET then looked at it up on the tv. "You go open the chest and I'll take care of that."

"Understood." Astraea rose from collecting the last of the loose goodies and nodded. She made her way to the sinkhole and the mystery data, attempting to be mindful of the broken panels. They wouldn't drop her into the abyss like the missing ones but she suspected bad things would happen if she was in them when the network restore program ran.

"Aha! Found it." A blue light ran over Astraea and instantly her pain decreased. Holes and burnt patches on her overalls repaired themselves and most of the wounds she had sustained closed up without a trace. She smiled and stepped decisively forward onto the cracked terrain and reached a hand out towards the glimmering green mystery data.

"Thank you, accesssing data now.""

"I bet it's another chip! Although zenny would be good too. I still don't know what those BugFrags are for so screw 'em..."

[Used Subchip Mini Energy, 1 remaining]
[Opening GMD]
[Health: 105/120]
With complicated grey-are thoughts on her mind, Astraea received a refresh from her operator, and then moved to unpack the data crystal that was their extra prize after the battle. Once she reached out to it, the crystal oriented itself towards her, then unpacked in a rapid series of data shifts, leaving behind a small capsule containing battlechip data for her. Not the most impressive of chips, but a bonus was still a bonus.

GMD: LilBombDamage: 80 + Blast 2
Accuracy: C
Description: Lobs a bomb that deals damage in a moderate range.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Trader Rank: D
The capsule hovered above and between Astraea's hands for a moment as she analyzed it. With a quick blip she transferred the data away to their chip storage. Astraea's mind began to whirl as she calculated changes to her battle strategy, retroactively considered how it could have made the fights easier or hrader. The data packets she "It is a bomb, a rather straight forward one."

"Sound's like it'll be good for some distance throws." Alex mused. His speech was sloppy and a bit slurred still, but at least he was responsive. "You good to keep going? We're still lookin' for, whazzit? The safe place the Metool told us about for your backhoe friend right?"

The fanciful calculations were ended as Astraea brought that particular problem back to the front of her consideration. "Of course, we have a duty."

Alex made a pleased sound at her assertion and she walked on. Eventually she found herself before a gateway to another net. She studied it closely, jumping only a little when Alex butted in.

"So, ya going through? We don't have to, but it was along the direction that Met pointed so it's probably the best lead we've got."

Astraea thought it over then nodded as she initiated the transfer to the unknown net. "Yes, it would seem foolish to put our target somewhere as travelled as the ACDC Net."

With a flash of light she disappeared.

>>TO:: Netfrica