In Search of Sanctuary

"On her second run through the netscape of ACDC Astraea discovered the ruins of an old weapons factory. Deep in the bowels of the crumbling infrastructure she discovered a massive program referred to as Metangler. Discussion was cut short as Metangler's core programs forced it to view Astraea as an intruder and chase her from the hallowed halls!

After successfully keeping ahead of the machinery behemoth, Astraea was able to talk him down in the clearing outside of now collapsed ruins. A pact was made, a tentative alliance forged: Metangler compacted himself into an easy to carry size and was transported to Astraea's PET while she searched for a place he could live in peace.

Following the instructions of a mysteriously non-hostile and intelligent Metool, Astraea set off across ACDC Net armed with a set of network coordinates in search of something called 'Sanctuary'.

The direction of Astraea's search led her to a cross-network portal: destination unknown! In order to complete her promise to Metangler our protagonist took the risk and stepped through! Now her eyes are opening on a new, unfamiliar netscape never before seen by her or her Netop. What challenges await her? Will her quest end in failure or will she find Sanctuary and a new home for her friend?"

Astraea blinked several times before she broke into a small grin. She wasn't quite sure why Alex had broke out into such a long-winded recount of her task, or why it seemed to refresh her spirits. She clenched a fist in front of her and grinned before setting off across the Net in search of Sanctuary.

"Make sure you stay hydrated after that."

Or a fight, she felt different somehow and a quick bout against viral foes would be just the thing to figure out why she felt so different.

"On it! Already grabbed a bottle of gatorade while you were transferring. Isn't that process suppose to be instantaneous? Whatever, did you like the recap? I styled it after a show I watched a while ago." Alex sounded quite pleased with himself even though his speech wasn't quite back to his sober standards.

"It is important to go over project requirements to make sure they are met, and I felt reinvigorated after listening to you."

"Ah yeah! Maybe I should do it everytime we swap between nets."

|| Searching for Battle #1
HP: 120.
Subtype:
Passive: Self-Destruct:
Active: Masterwork ||

Following the transition, it seemed as though Astraea had indeed landed in a distant, wilder part of the netfrica nets, unwatched and untamed. Behind her, the baked hard ground and brown earth stretched back for miles, with the distant shapes of flat-topped hills in the distance, while ahead, the earth crumbled into red sands, and heat mirages rose over the stretching desert. A coarse, dry wind blew against her, carrying grainy particulates of desert snad with it.

Ahead, shapes moved at the edge oft he desert, taking note of the new arrival. The transit she'd followed to arrive here had apparently not been a permanent or stable connection; behind her, it had winked out by the time she'd taken a few steps away and finished listening to her operator's recap.

The most obvious figure was a swordy virus, hovering in the shade of a tall stone pillar that rose up at a slight angle from the ground. Its sword blazed with fire, unlike some other versions she had seen in the past. Much further back, a spikey dog had been digging in the sand but now turned and began barking at her, flecks of flame dripping from its mouth and creating small melted patches on the red sand.

A smaller, lumpier stone directly ahead of Astraea shifted about an revealed itself to be a heavy that had been resting there, while further away, a volgear huffed and blew small flame jets as it moved closer. There was also a high-pitched buzzing sound, emanating from a swarm of bugs just off to the engineer's right as well; this part of the net seemed quite wild, at a first glance.

-=Viruses=-
HeavyHeavy (Heavy)

Heavy viruses move slowly, and only dodge when they attack. When a Heavy attacks, it teleports to a position to the left or right of the intended target, and proceeds to try to ram the target with a quick sideways motion. The number of times it will consecutively attempt to ram the target before teleporting back to its starting position depends entirely on the number of actions the virus has. Teleporting before and after the attack do not require an action. Movement and attacking are one and the same to this virus, thus even a non-attack collision with it is damaging.

Area: Yoka, Kotobuki Town, Netfrica, Netopia

HP: 75
Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Null + Line Attack + Impact + Break
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Teleports into enemy area, shakes side to side, and slams into everything in it's path. Can attack up to 3 enemies at once.
Element: None.
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Shake1, Zenny
Special: Uses Areagrab as a free action.: 75Hp [Sand][Middle centre]
VolgearVolgear (Volgear)

This virus family is positively deadly when fighting on Furnace Terrain, to the point where the players are at a severe disadvantage. Unless you just have it in for the player, try not to combine the two very often. I'm serious about this. -Pally

Area: Electown, Kotobuki Town, Netopia, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 80
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Fire + Wide Attack + Ground Attack
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: Fries enemy with a firewall that bursts suddenly from the ground.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Fire + Group Attack + Ground Attack
Secondary Attack Accuracy: D
Secondary Attack Description: Fries the enemy with a marching line of fire pillars.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): FlameLine1, FireTower1, Zenny: 80Hp [Sand][Back left]
Swordy-FSwordy-F (Swordy-F)

Area: Kotobuki Town, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 80
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Fire + Long Range Attack + Slashing
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: When this virus is 2 panels away from the target, or its enemies are 2-deep, it will attack with Fire Blade.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Fire + Wide Range Attack + Slashing
Secondary Attack Accuracy: B
Secondary Attack Description: When this virus is standing directly adjacent to its target, or diagonally from it, it will attack with Fire Sword.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): FireKnife, Zenny
Special: Swordy-F's are immune to Blind Status.
Special: Uses Area Grab to get into attack range.: 80Hp [Soil][In front tall stone]
SkeeterSkeeter (Skeeter)

Area: Yoka, Okuden Valley, Beach, Yumland, Netfrica

HP: 30
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Drain (Null)
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: A swarm of Skeeters flies at the target. They will drain HP if they connect.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Drain1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes: 30Hp [Normal][Hovering to Astraea's right]
SpikeySpikey (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: 90
Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Fire + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description - Fires HeatShot
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): HeatShot, Zenny
Special: Uses pack tactics when with at least 2 other Spikeys: 90Hp [Sand][Far back, right]

-=Navis=-
Astraea.Exe: 120Hp [Normal]

-=Terrain=-
45% Normal

• No effects.

[Area where Astraea is]
20% Soil

• Wood Elementals get +10% Evasion.
• Wood attacks: +100% Source Damage, change terrain hit to Grass.
• 100 Damage Aqua attacks: Change terrain hit to Mud.
• 100 Damage Fire attacks: change terrain hit to Coal.
• PanelShot: Imbue Wood.

[Transitional terrain]
35% Sand

• -20% Evasion and reduced movement speed to all.
• Can Burrow as standard action, incurable Blind1 until turn after exiting Burrow.
• Wind attacks: +100% Source Damage + Blind1, change terrain hit to Normal, trigger Sandstorm for 3 turns: Lose 5 HP/action, Blind1, Fire attacks gain Slashing.
• Fire attacks: Change terrain hit to Glass.
• Terrain changes between Sand and QuickSand do not inflict damage upon burrowed entities, nor do they eject burrowed entities to the surface.
• PanelShot: Blind1.

[Desert beyond]

-=Objects=-
Tall Stone: 40Hp [HardBody][Buried in Soil, near left]
Broad Stone: 120Hp [StoneBody][Buried in Sand, mid range, right]

-=Battle Mode=-
Extermination:
Win Condition: Defeat all enemies
Additional Failure Condition: None

-=Battle 1, Start!=-

"Viruses already? Is this really a trap?" Alex scrolled through their selection of chips for a moment then hesitated. "What do you want? They're a bit spread out for testing out the newest chip but..."

"This Net appears less populated than ACDC, it is natural more viruses would appear." She shook his head at the offer of the bomb chip. It was a shame but she didn't think it would be necesscary or useful here. "It's fine."

Astraea took a moment to observe the battlefield as she felt the chip data load in, her eyes narrowing at the forces arrayed against her. She traced vectors and pulled virus information from the publicly available database. This would be a tricky fight but if she could get her planning right she could minimize damages.

"Requesting Cannon, DashAttack, SonicWave, and ShieldGuard." The chips highlighted themselves on the PET's selection window and they were very swiftly dragged onto Astraea's image without Alex bothering to open the information window on each one. After everything on the previous Net he felt he could trust her judgement.

"Chips sent! Give 'em hell!"

Astraea nodded and pulled her raygun as its' casing shifted to green to match the chip. She fired off a quick blast of light at the swarm of bugs and reholsted her gun as she moved. Several quick can careful steps brought her in line with her targets: the Heavy and Swordy-F.

Bright green sheets of metal folded themselves into shape around her as she activated the chip and she was lifted off the ground onto the fierce-looking construct's back. She crouched down and clung to the bar there as the Fishy-look alike charged forward. At the end of the line it abruptly veered upwards and she hopped off, landing on one knee with a wince.

She got back onto her feet, her eyes narrowed with concentration as she followed her preplanned battle routine. She wasn't quite agile enought to make it look smooth or easy or natural but she wasn't going to aesthetics anyways.

She pulled her wrench from her belt and raised it overhead, struggling as it's weight suddenly increased several fold. She swung it down hard at the ground, sending a shockwave of force tearing through the ground at the flame-spewing Volgear, sweat beginning to trickle down her face.

It was comfortably warm on the Net but moving so fast so quickly was taxing. She stumbled to the side as she pulled her wrench up and it's weight returned to normal and then brought up her arm were her trusty one-hit shield normally sat. Instead of the expanding sheets of white plastic her wristband emitted a glowing disc that hoved in front of her as she turned to face the firey dog. With luck that would be the only virus left and then she could relax.

---Battle Log---
1) CannonDamage: 60 + Knockback
Accuracy: A
Description: A decent sized cannon with a single shot.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Trader Rank: E: 60 + Knockback (Acc: A) @ Skeeter
2) Movement - Lining up Heavy, Swordy-F
3) 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: 90 + Impact + LineAttack(5) + Movement (Acc: C) @ Heavy, Swordy-F
4) SonicWaveDamage: 80 + Line Attack + Ground Attack
Accuracy: C
Description: Sends a narrow, but long, shock wave rolling in front of an enemy. Slow, but difficult to jump over due to its length.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Trader Rank: C: 80 + Line Attack + Ground Attack (Acc: C) @ Volgear
5) Dodge
6) 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: (1 Hit Shield) + (Reflect(40 + Piercing + Line Attack + Ground Attack) + Strengthen 40: On Hit) (Acc: S)

Astraea quickly assessed the viruses around her while chips were sent to her, then acted with her usual measured efficiency. Despite the array of dangerous creatures around her, the engineer identified one of the more dangerous threats and quickly eliminated the insect swarm before it could descend on her with their biting and stings.

As she fired, the Spikey launched a fireball in her direction, and though the small alien was beginning to dart away from her starting position, the attack still managed to scorch her slightly. Attempting to line up a few more viruses, she readied her next shot, but just as her armoured construct blasted forward, the Swordy warped around to her other side, flaming sword raised to strike. The swing that followed missed as Astraea shot forward towards the Heavy. The heavy wobbled and rushed headlong towards here as well, and a spectacular impact followed. Astraea herself was thrown roughly to the ground and rolled over once or twice before stopping, and her fishy creation was more or less obliterated for now, but the Heavy had fared worse, given that it no longer seemed to be present at all.

After picking herself up, Astraea took some brief evasive manoeuvres, avoiding a column of fire erupting beneath her, from the distant Volgear, and dodging away from a second fireball from the Spikey, before she countered with a fierce shock wave that rocked the distant virus and shook it apart. In the brief moment that followed, the alien navi was able to ready her shield to fend off future attacks; there were still a few viruses left in the area.

-=Viruses=-
HeavyHeavy (Heavy)

Heavy viruses move slowly, and only dodge when they attack. When a Heavy attacks, it teleports to a position to the left or right of the intended target, and proceeds to try to ram the target with a quick sideways motion. The number of times it will consecutively attempt to ram the target before teleporting back to its starting position depends entirely on the number of actions the virus has. Teleporting before and after the attack do not require an action. Movement and attacking are one and the same to this virus, thus even a non-attack collision with it is damaging.

Area: Yoka, Kotobuki Town, Netfrica, Netopia

HP: 75
Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Null + Line Attack + Impact + Break
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Teleports into enemy area, shakes side to side, and slams into everything in it's path. Can attack up to 3 enemies at once.
Element: None.
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Shake1, Zenny
Special: Uses Areagrab as a free action.: DELETED
VolgearVolgear (Volgear)

This virus family is positively deadly when fighting on Furnace Terrain, to the point where the players are at a severe disadvantage. Unless you just have it in for the player, try not to combine the two very often. I'm serious about this. -Pally

Area: Electown, Kotobuki Town, Netopia, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 80
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Fire + Wide Attack + Ground Attack
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: Fries enemy with a firewall that bursts suddenly from the ground.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Fire + Group Attack + Ground Attack
Secondary Attack Accuracy: D
Secondary Attack Description: Fries the enemy with a marching line of fire pillars.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): FlameLine1, FireTower1, Zenny: PING!
Swordy-FSwordy-F (Swordy-F)

Area: Kotobuki Town, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 80
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Fire + Long Range Attack + Slashing
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: When this virus is 2 panels away from the target, or its enemies are 2-deep, it will attack with Fire Blade.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Fire + Wide Range Attack + Slashing
Secondary Attack Accuracy: B
Secondary Attack Description: When this virus is standing directly adjacent to its target, or diagonally from it, it will attack with Fire Sword.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): FireKnife, Zenny
Special: Swordy-F's are immune to Blind Status.
Special: Uses Area Grab to get into attack range.: 80Hp [Soil][In front tall stone]
SkeeterSkeeter (Skeeter)

Area: Yoka, Okuden Valley, Beach, Yumland, Netfrica

HP: 30
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Drain (Null)
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: A swarm of Skeeters flies at the target. They will drain HP if they connect.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Drain1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes: DELETED
SpikeySpikey (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: 90
Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Fire + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description - Fires HeatShot
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): HeatShot, Zenny
Special: Uses pack tactics when with at least 2 other Spikeys: 90Hp [Sand][Far back, right]

-=Navis=-
Astraea.Exe: 90Hp [Normal][ShieldGuard: (1-hit Shield, Counter(OnHit))]

-=Terrain=-
45% Normal

• No effects.

[Area where Astraea is]
20% Soil

• Wood Elementals get +10% Evasion.
• Wood attacks: +100% Source Damage, change terrain hit to Grass.
• 100 Damage Aqua attacks: Change terrain hit to Mud.
• 100 Damage Fire attacks: change terrain hit to Coal.
• PanelShot: Imbue Wood.

[Transitional terrain]
35% Sand

• -20% Evasion and reduced movement speed to all.
• Can Burrow as standard action, incurable Blind1 until turn after exiting Burrow.
• Wind attacks: +100% Source Damage + Blind1, change terrain hit to Normal, trigger Sandstorm for 3 turns: Lose 5 HP/action, Blind1, Fire attacks gain Slashing.
• Fire attacks: Change terrain hit to Glass.
• Terrain changes between Sand and QuickSand do not inflict damage upon burrowed entities, nor do they eject burrowed entities to the surface.
• PanelShot: Blind1.

[Desert beyond]

-=Objects=-
Tall Stone: 40Hp [HardBody][Buried in Soil, near left]
Broad Stone: 120Hp [StoneBody][Buried in Sand, mid range, right]

-=Battle Mode=-
Extermination:
Win Condition: Defeat all enemies
Additional Failure Condition: None

Astraea stood with her shield up as she composed herself. Her breathing was heavier, sure, but she wasn't panting or gasping for air the way she had almost been expecting. She was also finding herself doing a lot better than she had expected.

She had taken a hit and there were still two virus threats to deal with. There was still further to go but she had time with the shield.

"Oh man, you pretty much mopped the floor with those guys! I guess I can leave the chip selection to you now huh?"

A pause before she answered. She didn't want to shut Alex out, and while she had crunched the raw numbers successfully that didn't mean she always would. "..If you would continue to provide chips it would be appreciated."

"Whoa, why are you acting so, so that! I'm gonna help you, you nerd, I'm just glad to see you're getting the hang of it! Still, if you want chips I've got 'em!" With quick flicks of his fingers he sent the chip data to Astraea. Meanwhile she took a moment to compose herself by breathing deeply.

"Chips sent! Clean up the rest!"

"Will do, Alex." She smiled softly. She awkwardly pull edher blaster out of its holster as she activated the chip data. Blue washed over the body of the blaster. She sighted on the Spikey and pulled the trigger.

Her blaster returned to its normal state and she reholstered it, taking a couple quick steps backward and twisting to the side in an attempt to avoid any retailitory strikes. She lifted her hand again and above her head a twinkling of light suddenly burst into streak of silver harm that flashed toward the Swordy.

That might have been enough to finish off her foes but she kept moving, shuffling away from the immediate area where she had been standing as she activated her last chip. A faint green glow coated her and her hurts and pain faded away beneath its light.

-------Battle Log---------
Assuming it doesn't take an action to maintain 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: (1 Hit Shield) + (Reflect(40 + Piercing + Line Attack + Ground Attack) + Strengthen 40: On Hit) (Acc: S)
1) Starmight -- 20 Strengthen
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: 70 + Seeking + Lock-on (Acc: A) + 20 Strengthen @ Spikey
3) Dodge
4) 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: 80 + Lunar Drain (Acc: A) @ Swordy-F
5) Dodge
6) Recover30Recovery: 30 HP
Accuracy: S
Description: Heals 30 HP.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Trader Rank: D: Recover 30 HP (Acc: S)

The slight tumble hadn't done much to dissuade Astrea as she picked herself up and drew on the strength she'd need to finish the battle quickly. The Spikey barked and launched another bolt of fire in her direction, but the critters usually precision aim seemed to be off this time, and the shot streaked off to her right. Astraea's return fire was far more accurate, and the empowered shot struck the noisy virus cleanly, deleting it.

The sword virus, left behind by her earlier dash warped close to her and swung its blade, but the little alien stepped aside before her lunar-powered counter hammered down and obliterated the virus in a solid beam of moonlight. With the field clear, Astraea had an extra moment to apply some quick restoration to herself before collecting her spoils for the battle.

-=Viruses=-
HeavyHeavy (Heavy)

Heavy viruses move slowly, and only dodge when they attack. When a Heavy attacks, it teleports to a position to the left or right of the intended target, and proceeds to try to ram the target with a quick sideways motion. The number of times it will consecutively attempt to ram the target before teleporting back to its starting position depends entirely on the number of actions the virus has. Teleporting before and after the attack do not require an action. Movement and attacking are one and the same to this virus, thus even a non-attack collision with it is damaging.

Area: Yoka, Kotobuki Town, Netfrica, Netopia

HP: 75
Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Null + Line Attack + Impact + Break
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Teleports into enemy area, shakes side to side, and slams into everything in it's path. Can attack up to 3 enemies at once.
Element: None.
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Shake1, Zenny
Special: Uses Areagrab as a free action.: DELETED
VolgearVolgear (Volgear)

This virus family is positively deadly when fighting on Furnace Terrain, to the point where the players are at a severe disadvantage. Unless you just have it in for the player, try not to combine the two very often. I'm serious about this. -Pally

Area: Electown, Kotobuki Town, Netopia, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 80
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Fire + Wide Attack + Ground Attack
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: Fries enemy with a firewall that bursts suddenly from the ground.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Fire + Group Attack + Ground Attack
Secondary Attack Accuracy: D
Secondary Attack Description: Fries the enemy with a marching line of fire pillars.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): FlameLine1, FireTower1, Zenny: PING!
Swordy-FSwordy-F (Swordy-F)

Area: Kotobuki Town, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 80
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Fire + Long Range Attack + Slashing
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: When this virus is 2 panels away from the target, or its enemies are 2-deep, it will attack with Fire Blade.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 10 Fire + Wide Range Attack + Slashing
Secondary Attack Accuracy: B
Secondary Attack Description: When this virus is standing directly adjacent to its target, or diagonally from it, it will attack with Fire Sword.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): FireKnife, Zenny
Special: Swordy-F's are immune to Blind Status.
Special: Uses Area Grab to get into attack range.: PING!
SkeeterSkeeter (Skeeter)

Area: Yoka, Okuden Valley, Beach, Yumland, Netfrica

HP: 30
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 30 Drain (Null)
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: A swarm of Skeeters flies at the target. They will drain HP if they connect.
Element: None
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Drain1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes: DELETED
SpikeySpikey (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: 90
Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Fire + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description - Fires HeatShot
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): HeatShot, Zenny
Special: Uses pack tactics when with at least 2 other Spikeys: PING!

-=Navis=-
Astraea.Exe: 120Hp [Normal][ShieldGuard: (1-hit Shield, Counter(OnHit))]

-=Terrain=-
45% Normal

• No effects.

[Area where Astraea is]
20% Soil

• Wood Elementals get +10% Evasion.
• Wood attacks: +100% Source Damage, change terrain hit to Grass.
• 100 Damage Aqua attacks: Change terrain hit to Mud.
• 100 Damage Fire attacks: change terrain hit to Coal.
• PanelShot: Imbue Wood.

[Transitional terrain]
35% Sand

• -20% Evasion and reduced movement speed to all.
• Can Burrow as standard action, incurable Blind1 until turn after exiting Burrow.
• Wind attacks: +100% Source Damage + Blind1, change terrain hit to Normal, trigger Sandstorm for 3 turns: Lose 5 HP/action, Blind1, Fire attacks gain Slashing.
• Fire attacks: Change terrain hit to Glass.
• Terrain changes between Sand and QuickSand do not inflict damage upon burrowed entities, nor do they eject burrowed entities to the surface.
• PanelShot: Blind1.

[Desert beyond]

-=Objects=-
Tall Stone: 40Hp [HardBody][Buried in Soil, near left]
Broad Stone: 120Hp [StoneBody][Buried in Sand, mid range, right]

-=Battle 1, Victory!=-
Spoils: 900z, 21 BugFrags, Drain1Damage: Drain 50
Accuracy: C
Description: Summons a cloud of Skeeter viruses, and sends them flying at one enemy. They surround the target, proceed to drain HP from it, and send the stolen energy back to their summoner before vanishing. This attack has a slow travel speed.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Trader Rank: D

"Ah yeah, that wasn't too bad. I was worried at first but some of the most recent fights on the ACDC net had some high hitpoint totals too. There certainly was a lot of fire here though."

"It appears that despite my natural inclination for heat I will still be harmed by the flames."

"That sucks but I guess it make sense. Hey! A chip drop, maybe you'll be able to add some fire to your arsenal. It'd be cool if we got a fire dragon to go with the water one."

[color=#CC6600]"Analyzing chip data...I must report it is not related to the fire element but appears to still be useful."

"It's basically a better heal as long as those bugs hit. Man, giant mosquitos...I can't imagine what I'd do if I had to deal with ones that size."

"Most standard deterrants would be unequal to the task."

"Yeah no joke. I'd need a flyswatter the size of a car. Although I guess we could just use powerlines as bug zappers. Anyways, continuing on? Watch your step, its pretty sandy."

"This substrate does appear more permeable. Perhaps it can be used for avoiding hostile action."

"Hah! Sorry, I'm trying to imagine you digging in the sand to hide. I mean-it's not a bad idea, just a funny one. Might as well give it a try."

"Mmm..."

[Searching for Battle #2. Heading into the desert. HP: 120]

Moving on through the desert sand-scape, Astraea could feel the sweltering heat bearing down and see the ripples of heat haze wavering almost as far as the eye could see. Occasional large structures – rock and sandstone protrusions, most likely, dotted the way forward, but nothing that yet looked like any kind of home or sanctuary yet.

As she pushed on further, the alien began to see odd tracks in the desert sand – wildly curving streaks of melted glass arcing and crossing back and forth, cutting up the sand. The tracks started out as occasional oddities but grew denser over the next few minutes of travel, until Astraea began to hear sounds like the roar of fire from up ahead.

Through the heat haze she began to see the shapes of other figures, and before long the engineer could identify them as viruses One, like a hovering puppet, blew a small trail of fire in her direction before whipping up to the air, high above the battle field, seemingly pulled by strings that tapered off into invisibility. Just to her right, a dull thump and an explosion of sand announced a flamey bursting up through the ground to settle on the sand not far the the hole it had made.

Astraea began to see more shapes. To either side, viruses that looked somewhat like fishy viruses flew at speed across the sand. They were bright read and vented flames as the arced and spun, and the sand beneath them melted into slick glass tracks. One more shape, further off ahead of Astraea, seemed squatter and more bulky, but it too radiated heat and fire, whatever it was.

-=Viruses=-
WhomperWhomper (Whomper)

Whomper viruses drop down from way up high, execute a breath attack, and rise back up. Dropping and attacking is an action, while moving back upward is a second action. They may also adjust where on the battlefield they drop next while in High Altitude as a free action. These are the only actions this virus family performs.

Area: Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 80
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Fire + Small Lava Terrain Change + Cone Attack
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Uses a scorching hot breath weapon to slag the enemy and the ground.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): HeatBreath1, Zenny
Special: Has High Altitude every other action. This virus cannot attack while in High Altitude, but may adjust its positioning as a free action.: 80Hp [High Altitude]
VolgearVolgear (Volgear)

This virus family is positively deadly when fighting on Furnace Terrain, to the point where the players are at a severe disadvantage. Unless you just have it in for the player, try not to combine the two very often. I'm serious about this. -Pally

Area: Electown, Kotobuki Town, Netopia, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 80
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Fire + Wide Attack + Ground Attack
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: Fries enemy with a firewall that bursts suddenly from the ground.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Fire + Group Attack + Ground Attack
Secondary Attack Accuracy: D
Secondary Attack Description: Fries the enemy with a marching line of fire pillars.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): FlameLine1, FireTower1, Zenny: 80Hp [Sand][Distant, directly ahead]
FlameyFlamey (Flamey)

Area: Kotobuki Town, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 60
Attack: 20 Fire + Break Terrain x 2 Targets
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Flies into the sky, then crashes through the ground. Crashes back up through the ground again, usually beneath the feet of a Navi.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): LineOut1, Zenny
Special: Greatly enhanced evasion when attacking.
- Second attack's accuracy is unchanged, but is harder to avoid.: 60Hp [Sand][Forward and right of astraea]
BlazerBlazer (Blazer)

Blazers are a modified strain of Fishy virus made to fully exploit their previous possession of Burner battlechip data. While they retain, for the most part, the appearance of a Fishy virus, their fins are more heavily rounded and there are a set of specialized gills on either side of their underbelly that can spew flames. In addition, all Blazers are now a stark reddish color, with the intensity varying from a charcoal-ish gray-red at the first tier to a violent intensity with the Omegas.

Area: Kotobuki Town, Netopia, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 80
Attack Damage/Effect: Movement + 15 Nova 2 Fire Damage
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Flies forward and then SPINS, unleashing a gout of flame from specialized vents on its' flanks.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Burner1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes A: 80Hp [Glass][To Astraea's right]
BlazerBlazer (Blazer)

Blazers are a modified strain of Fishy virus made to fully exploit their previous possession of Burner battlechip data. While they retain, for the most part, the appearance of a Fishy virus, their fins are more heavily rounded and there are a set of specialized gills on either side of their underbelly that can spew flames. In addition, all Blazers are now a stark reddish color, with the intensity varying from a charcoal-ish gray-red at the first tier to a violent intensity with the Omegas.

Area: Kotobuki Town, Netopia, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 80
Attack Damage/Effect: Movement + 15 Nova 2 Fire Damage
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Flies forward and then SPINS, unleashing a gout of flame from specialized vents on its' flanks.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Burner1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes B: 80Hp [Glass][To Astraea's left]

-=Navi=-
Astraea.Exe: 120Hp [Sand]

-=Terrain=-
60% Sand

• -20% Evasion and reduced movement speed to all.
• Can Burrow as standard action, incurable Blind1 until turn after exiting Burrow.
• Wind attacks: +100% Source Damage + Blind1, change terrain hit to Normal, trigger Sandstorm for 3 turns: Lose 5 HP/action, Blind1, Fire attacks gain Slashing.
• Fire attacks: Change terrain hit to Glass.
• Terrain changes between Sand and QuickSand do not inflict damage upon burrowed entities, nor do they eject burrowed entities to the surface.
• PanelShot: Blind1.

[Most of the area]
20% Glass

• Slip Effect: -10% Accuracy, -10% Evasion to all.
• Non-Ice Aqua attacks causes it to be Wet, doubles slip effect for Non-Aqua Elementals for 1 turn. Wet can expire early with Fire attacks. Can cause slippage for poor RP or heavy impacts on Non-Aqua Elementals, 1-2 actions to recover.
• 200 Damage attacks: Change terrain hit to Broken. Damage threshold cut in half for Ground, Break, and Impact, to a minimum threshold of 25 when all 3 are present. Null 25 + Slashing + Nova 2 per panel broken, up to 200 (8 panels).
• Burrow: Change terrain to Broken, 50 Null + Slashing to burrower, Null 25 + Slashing + Nova2 to surroundings.
• PanelShot: Spread1.

[Several arcing tracks across the sand]
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.

[A patch forward and right of Astraea]
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.

[A hole in the centre of the cracked section]

-=Battle Mode=-
Extermination:
- Win Condition: Defeat all enemies
- Additional Failure Condition: None

-=Battle 2, Start!=-

The swoops of glass were interesting and Astraea allowed herself to alter her course a little to follow the path they sketched through the sands.

The tiny grains of the sand skittered and shifted and were risky foot placement. She stumbled several times when it suddenly shifted beneath her. At that point she tried walking on the glass when it cut across her path to find it was only slightly more secure than the sand. With a shrug she straightened her path out again.

"Heh, it's tricky to walk on huh? That'll cause issues."

Astraea nodded her agreement. [color=#CC6600]"I do have the Terraformer for firmer footing but if the first fight was indictive of the elemental inclination of the natural virus population that might not be the best course of action."

[color=#008080] "Whoa, whoa, that was waaaay too many large words all together for drunk me. Repeat please?"

Astraea frowned thoughtfully before giving a decisive nod, satisfied she had come up with a proper translation. "Terraformer make grass. Fire make grass burn. Viruses make fire. Burn bad, grass bad."

[color=#008080] "Yeah that makes se-HEY!" He startled as he realized what she'd done. A gesture of the tv brought her face up in size and he was able to confirm the slight smirk on her face with disbelieving eyes. "You did it! You made a joke! You're wits about as dry as that sand but there's a sense of humor in there after all!"

She let her smile show more clearly then let it slowly bleed away into a focused frown as the figures of the next group of viruses appeared in front of her. With a pang of regret she directed her attention to the fight. "Viral signatures detected, library resources indicate strong Fire-element preferences for all present."

"Hm, well know we know what's making the glass." Alex muttered as he refreshed the chip library and began to scroll through it. Inspiration struck and he straightened up from his slouch on the couch. "Hey, do you mind if I pick some chips? I've got some ideas!"

"Of course, do you have a specific strategy in mind?"

"Honestly? I just want to see you destroy stuff." He said as he flicked several icons onto her frame. "These guys seem to hit harder though so keep being careful."

"Understood." She flicked her good dependable shield out as the first chip came into effect. The smooth white surface shifted into Metool-yellow as the green plus appeared in the middle. Two lines of green stretched away to the edges and as the colors finished shifting she raised her non-shield hand to the sky.

Her hand and lower arm began to glow a pale silver before it condense into a ball in the palm of her hand. It slowly lifted upward above her It twirled above her hand then stopped and suddenly launched itself forward to streak past the Flamey and straight toward the Whomper.

Astraea let her hand drop, flexing it experimentally before turnning her attention back to the fight in front of her. She stepped to the side, turning the right to face the Blazer there. She pulled her wrench from its loop, twirled it once, then slammed the head of it down with enough force to send a shockwave speeding on a collision post.

The wrench was lifted again as a metal box formed in front of her. It was very clearly some kind of heavy-duty container - thick constraining bands with an obvious electronic lock. Condensation gathered on the top and dripped down the sides leaving tiny trails clear of water droplets. Astraea took a deep breath and brought her wrench down on the lock.

With a crash and a roar the lid flew off and a massive serptine dragon made of water and bad attitude rushed out into the desert. Constrained by the chip code it could not wreck havoc on it's summoners but it could vent its rage on the viruses present. It reared up with a snarl then dove forward to change the gritty terrain into a more pleasing substrate as it drove a line toward the Flamey immediately ahead and then veered abruptly to the left in an attempt to strike fear into its summoner's heart by acting unpredictably. If it could get away with it it'd twist back and drive across the terrain toward Blazer A.

The abrupt movement change was successful at sending Astraea stumbling backwards a startled yelp. She managed to keep her footing and twisted to step another square away from the newly appeared Sea tile.

"Woohoo! Now that's what I'm talking about!"

-----------BATTLE LOG-----------
Astraea HP: 120
1) 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
2) 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 @ Volgear A
3) Dodge
4) SonicWaveDamage: 80 + Line Attack + Ground Attack
Accuracy: C
Description: Sends a narrow, but long, shock wave rolling in front of an enemy. Slow, but difficult to jump over due to its length.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Trader Rank: C @ Blazer A
5) 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 @ Flamey, Blazer B
6) Dodge backwards, away from probable new Sea terrain.

The two Blazers had started to streak in lazy arcs towards the engineer navi as she prepared to defend herself and take care of the hostile element. Fortunately for Astraea, the pair of spinning fish viruses wheeled past her at close angles but didn't manage to graze her close enough to strike with their flaming spin attacks. They didn't seem particularly accurate, all told, and spinning to vent flames only seemed to make them more ungainly.

Astraea focused on other threats, pulling down moonlight to release a bolt of draining power at the far back virus, eliminating it before it could cause the little alien any problems. Just as she'd finished this attack, the puppet virus dropped down suddenly, twisting in place just in front of her, before lifting its broad-brimmed hat and evoking a wide cone of fire that first melted the sand into glass, then further into liquid, bubbling magma. Astraea, most fortunately, had jumped back just in time to avoid this blast of fire, and stood safely at the edge of the new lava pit.

Amidst the close range attack, she had missed the crashing sound of the flamey virus leaping up and crashing into the sand again, out of sight, but now, as she steadied herself and prepared her next attack, the ground rumbled and the virus burst up from underneath her, striking with its burning body from underneath her guard. It settled into place, floating on the surface of the magma just beside her, seeming quite pleased with its connecting strike.

The shock was enough to throw Astraea's aim off, and her shock-wave went wide, before the two Blazers looped around and swung back at her a second time, spinning madly. One missed again, but though the other was more accurate, it only struck her shield and was blasted in return of its efforts.

Now was the perfect moment for Astraea's last attack, while most of the remaining viruses were close to her position; the dragon burst out and moved at unexpected angles, crossing back and forth around Astraea as it lashed out at viruses. Steam hissed as its watery body interacted with the lava panels nearby, and for a moment Astraea's vision was obscured, but as it sounds quieted again and the fog dissipated, the alien navi found herself standing on a tiny island of sand, amidst streams of sea water, the occasional glint of glass, and a thin arc of still bubbling lava.

the area looked clear, but it wasn't quite over yet; at the last moment, the puppet virus had pulled itself up and out of the way of the angry dragon, tugged back up into the sky in a desperate act of preservation. Less fortunate for it was the rush of additional strength Astraea was already feeling from the energy conversion of her now-broken shield. Only one target left.

-=Viruses=-
WhomperWhomper (Whomper)

Whomper viruses drop down from way up high, execute a breath attack, and rise back up. Dropping and attacking is an action, while moving back upward is a second action. They may also adjust where on the battlefield they drop next while in High Altitude as a free action. These are the only actions this virus family performs.

Area: Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 80
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Fire + Small Lava Terrain Change + Cone Attack
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Uses a scorching hot breath weapon to slag the enemy and the ground.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): HeatBreath1, Zenny
Special: Has High Altitude every other action. This virus cannot attack while in High Altitude, but may adjust its positioning as a free action.: 80Hp [High Altitude]
VolgearVolgear (Volgear)

This virus family is positively deadly when fighting on Furnace Terrain, to the point where the players are at a severe disadvantage. Unless you just have it in for the player, try not to combine the two very often. I'm serious about this. -Pally

Area: Electown, Kotobuki Town, Netopia, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 80
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Fire + Wide Attack + Ground Attack
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: Fries enemy with a firewall that bursts suddenly from the ground.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Fire + Group Attack + Ground Attack
Secondary Attack Accuracy: D
Secondary Attack Description: Fries the enemy with a marching line of fire pillars.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): FlameLine1, FireTower1, Zenny: PING!
FlameyFlamey (Flamey)

Area: Kotobuki Town, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 60
Attack: 20 Fire + Break Terrain x 2 Targets
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Flies into the sky, then crashes through the ground. Crashes back up through the ground again, usually beneath the feet of a Navi.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): LineOut1, Zenny
Special: Greatly enhanced evasion when attacking.
- Second attack's accuracy is unchanged, but is harder to avoid.: DELETED
BlazerBlazer (Blazer)

Blazers are a modified strain of Fishy virus made to fully exploit their previous possession of Burner battlechip data. While they retain, for the most part, the appearance of a Fishy virus, their fins are more heavily rounded and there are a set of specialized gills on either side of their underbelly that can spew flames. In addition, all Blazers are now a stark reddish color, with the intensity varying from a charcoal-ish gray-red at the first tier to a violent intensity with the Omegas.

Area: Kotobuki Town, Netopia, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 80
Attack Damage/Effect: Movement + 15 Nova 2 Fire Damage
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Flies forward and then SPINS, unleashing a gout of flame from specialized vents on its' flanks.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Burner1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes A: DELETED
BlazerBlazer (Blazer)

Blazers are a modified strain of Fishy virus made to fully exploit their previous possession of Burner battlechip data. While they retain, for the most part, the appearance of a Fishy virus, their fins are more heavily rounded and there are a set of specialized gills on either side of their underbelly that can spew flames. In addition, all Blazers are now a stark reddish color, with the intensity varying from a charcoal-ish gray-red at the first tier to a violent intensity with the Omegas.

Area: Kotobuki Town, Netopia, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 80
Attack Damage/Effect: Movement + 15 Nova 2 Fire Damage
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Flies forward and then SPINS, unleashing a gout of flame from specialized vents on its' flanks.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Burner1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes B: DELETED

-=Navi=-
Astraea.Exe: 120Hp [Sand][Strengthen: 40]

-=Terrain=-
50% Sand

• -20% Evasion and reduced movement speed to all.
• Can Burrow as standard action, incurable Blind1 until turn after exiting Burrow.
• Wind attacks: +100% Source Damage + Blind1, change terrain hit to Normal, trigger Sandstorm for 3 turns: Lose 5 HP/action, Blind1, Fire attacks gain Slashing.
• Fire attacks: Change terrain hit to Glass.
• Terrain changes between Sand and QuickSand do not inflict damage upon burrowed entities, nor do they eject burrowed entities to the surface.
• PanelShot: Blind1.

[Most of the area]
15% Glass

• Slip Effect: -10% Accuracy, -10% Evasion to all.
• Non-Ice Aqua attacks causes it to be Wet, doubles slip effect for Non-Aqua Elementals for 1 turn. Wet can expire early with Fire attacks. Can cause slippage for poor RP or heavy impacts on Non-Aqua Elementals, 1-2 actions to recover.
• 200 Damage attacks: Change terrain hit to Broken. Damage threshold cut in half for Ground, Break, and Impact, to a minimum threshold of 25 when all 3 are present. Null 25 + Slashing + Nova 2 per panel broken, up to 200 (8 panels).
• Burrow: Change terrain to Broken, 50 Null + Slashing to burrower, Null 25 + Slashing + Nova2 to surroundings.
• PanelShot: Spread1.

[Several arcing tracks across the sand]
25% Sea

• Fire Elementals lose 10 HP/action standing, 20 HP/action submerged. Other Non-Aqua Elementals lose 5 HP/action submerged. Nullified for Aqua Elementals.
• Ice attacks: 50% Freeze1 chance, Changes terrain hit to Ice.
• Terrain changes between Sea and Onsen do not inflict damage upon submerged entities, nor do they eject submerged entities to the surface.
• Elec attacks: +100% Source Damage.
• PanelShot: Imbue Aqua.

[Most of the area directly around Astraea]
10% Lava

• Non-Fire Elementals lose 5 HP/action standing, 10 HP/action submerged. Doubled for Wood Elementals, nullified for Fire Elementals.
• Aqua attacks: Panel explodes, +100% Source Aqua Damage, change terrain hit to Normal.
• PanelShot: Imbue Fire.

[Small crescent behind Astraea, separated from the sea by the thin strip of sand.]

-=Battle Mode=-
Extermination:
- Win Condition: Defeat all enemies
- Additional Failure Condition: None

Astraea surveyed the battlefield with a critical look, her head tipping back as she followed the puppet's rise upwards with her eyes. The shield on her wrist had collapsed back down to its simple form so with a flick she brought it back out.

"Heeeh, the lesson I'm taking away from this probably shouldn't be to throw our coolest chips at the enemy all at once but it was so effective!~"

She nodded, a small smile on her face. Overwhelming firepower certainly had its appeal. "One combatant is still remaining. What other weapons in our arsenal would you like me to employ?"

"Mmm, it's pretty high up there. Got it! Lets get some target practice in!"

Astraea put away her wrench and pulled her ray gun. This would be done without taking forward or back, no matter how enticing the lava behind her was. The water in front seemed ominous and she didn't know if she could swim.

She took a moment to steady her hand and waited for the puppet to descend. Once it had she lifted her ray gun and fired three times in quick succession.

PEW PEW PEW PEW-PEW

Once finished she holstered her ray gun and waited to see the state of her foe..

======Combat Log=======
1) Shield NC: +1 1-Hit shield
2) Wait for puppet to descend/Take Aim
3) 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 +Take Aim
4) CannonDamage: 60 + Knockback
Accuracy: A
Description: A decent sized cannon with a single shot.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Trader Rank: E + 40 Strengthen
5) Pulsar1Damage: 70 + Object Triggered Blast 2
Accuracy: A (Primary) / B (Blast)
Description: Fires a sound wave. If it hits an object, its range is amplified, hitting anything near that object in a blast of noise.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Special: Object Triggered Blast: Blast effect that only works if the attack hits an Object, such as a RockCube.
Trader Rank: D
6) 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

With a mostly clear field, Astraea was left the leisure of preparing herself properly and lining up a ready series of shots for the last virus. It seemed to lack any real self-preservation instinct and, after a moment or two, dropped down directly in front of her. It was quick to spray fire and magma everywhere, and the alien mechanic had to raise her shield for a moment before the air was clear enough to take her shot, but as soon as the breath abated she was quick to fire off a quick succession of different rounds and blasts, annihilating the virus in short order. Beneath her feet, the ground felt crinkly and warm, and a glance down showed her that she'd been left standing on exposed magma, which was now hissing and spitting as it formed a thickening obsidian barrier against the sea panels behind her... strange as it felt, though, it didn't hurt her... just tingled in a warm, pleasant way.

-=Viruses=-
WhomperWhomper (Whomper)

Whomper viruses drop down from way up high, execute a breath attack, and rise back up. Dropping and attacking is an action, while moving back upward is a second action. They may also adjust where on the battlefield they drop next while in High Altitude as a free action. These are the only actions this virus family performs.

Area: Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 80
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Fire + Small Lava Terrain Change + Cone Attack
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Uses a scorching hot breath weapon to slag the enemy and the ground.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): HeatBreath1, Zenny
Special: Has High Altitude every other action. This virus cannot attack while in High Altitude, but may adjust its positioning as a free action.: DELETED
VolgearVolgear (Volgear)

This virus family is positively deadly when fighting on Furnace Terrain, to the point where the players are at a severe disadvantage. Unless you just have it in for the player, try not to combine the two very often. I'm serious about this. -Pally

Area: Electown, Kotobuki Town, Netopia, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 80
Primary Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Fire + Wide Attack + Ground Attack
Primary Attack Accuracy: B
Primary Attack Description: Fries enemy with a firewall that bursts suddenly from the ground.
Secondary Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Fire + Group Attack + Ground Attack
Secondary Attack Accuracy: D
Secondary Attack Description: Fries the enemy with a marching line of fire pillars.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): FlameLine1, FireTower1, Zenny: PING!
FlameyFlamey (Flamey)

Area: Kotobuki Town, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 60
Attack: 20 Fire + Break Terrain x 2 Targets
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Flies into the sky, then crashes through the ground. Crashes back up through the ground again, usually beneath the feet of a Navi.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): LineOut1, Zenny
Special: Greatly enhanced evasion when attacking.
- Second attack's accuracy is unchanged, but is harder to avoid.: DELETED
BlazerBlazer (Blazer)

Blazers are a modified strain of Fishy virus made to fully exploit their previous possession of Burner battlechip data. While they retain, for the most part, the appearance of a Fishy virus, their fins are more heavily rounded and there are a set of specialized gills on either side of their underbelly that can spew flames. In addition, all Blazers are now a stark reddish color, with the intensity varying from a charcoal-ish gray-red at the first tier to a violent intensity with the Omegas.

Area: Kotobuki Town, Netopia, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 80
Attack Damage/Effect: Movement + 15 Nova 2 Fire Damage
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Flies forward and then SPINS, unleashing a gout of flame from specialized vents on its' flanks.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Burner1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes A: DELETED
BlazerBlazer (Blazer)

Blazers are a modified strain of Fishy virus made to fully exploit their previous possession of Burner battlechip data. While they retain, for the most part, the appearance of a Fishy virus, their fins are more heavily rounded and there are a set of specialized gills on either side of their underbelly that can spew flames. In addition, all Blazers are now a stark reddish color, with the intensity varying from a charcoal-ish gray-red at the first tier to a violent intensity with the Omegas.

Area: Kotobuki Town, Netopia, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 80
Attack Damage/Effect: Movement + 15 Nova 2 Fire Damage
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Flies forward and then SPINS, unleashing a gout of flame from specialized vents on its' flanks.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Burner1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes B: DELETED

-=Navi=-
Astraea.Exe: 120Hp [Lava]

-=Terrain=-
40% Sand

• -20% Evasion and reduced movement speed to all.
• Can Burrow as standard action, incurable Blind1 until turn after exiting Burrow.
• Wind attacks: +100% Source Damage + Blind1, change terrain hit to Normal, trigger Sandstorm for 3 turns: Lose 5 HP/action, Blind1, Fire attacks gain Slashing.
• Fire attacks: Change terrain hit to Glass.
• Terrain changes between Sand and QuickSand do not inflict damage upon burrowed entities, nor do they eject burrowed entities to the surface.
• PanelShot: Blind1.

[Most of the area]
15% Glass

• Slip Effect: -10% Accuracy, -10% Evasion to all.
• Non-Ice Aqua attacks causes it to be Wet, doubles slip effect for Non-Aqua Elementals for 1 turn. Wet can expire early with Fire attacks. Can cause slippage for poor RP or heavy impacts on Non-Aqua Elementals, 1-2 actions to recover.
• 200 Damage attacks: Change terrain hit to Broken. Damage threshold cut in half for Ground, Break, and Impact, to a minimum threshold of 25 when all 3 are present. Null 25 + Slashing + Nova 2 per panel broken, up to 200 (8 panels).
• Burrow: Change terrain to Broken, 50 Null + Slashing to burrower, Null 25 + Slashing + Nova2 to surroundings.
• PanelShot: Spread1.

[Several arcing tracks across the sand]
25% Sea

• Fire Elementals lose 10 HP/action standing, 20 HP/action submerged. Other Non-Aqua Elementals lose 5 HP/action submerged. Nullified for Aqua Elementals.
• Ice attacks: 50% Freeze1 chance, Changes terrain hit to Ice.
• Terrain changes between Sea and Onsen do not inflict damage upon submerged entities, nor do they eject submerged entities to the surface.
• Elec attacks: +100% Source Damage.
• PanelShot: Imbue Aqua.

[Most of the area directly around the lava Astraea]
20% Lava

• Non-Fire Elementals lose 5 HP/action standing, 10 HP/action submerged. Doubled for Wood Elementals, nullified for Fire Elementals.
• Aqua attacks: Panel explodes, +100% Source Aqua Damage, change terrain hit to Normal.
• PanelShot: Imbue Fire.

[Area around Astraea]

-=Battle 2, Victory!=-
Spoils: 1200z, 17 BugFrags

Astraea relaxed and dusted ash and soot from the fire attack off her arm. She glanced down as she realized the warmth she had felt before had gotten closer and took a moment of guilty pleasure to wiggle her toes in the warm liquid. By all rights she should be in agony right now as it melted flesh and incinerated bone but luckily for her she was made of neither of those things. Nor was this apparently much like its real-life counterpart.

Her eyes slipped shut and she stood there for a moment, basking in the warmth of the lava and her victory before giving her head a shake and starting to wander around the battle field.

"Heh, if you want to keep basking for a bit I don't mind." Alex chirped up, his amusement easy to hear. She contemplated taking his word for it...but she had an old program who had been waiting for years to deliver. A window with his face popped up on it and she had the sight of him lounging on the end of the couch hovering slightly in front of her. He had a small satisfied smirk. "Guess I'm not so bad at picking chips after all. That fight was pretty smooth sailing!"


"Yes. It seems the key to victory is a careful mix of offense and defense." She eyed the sea around her with a small fron, her nose crinkling as she made out the single-panel wide path that lead away from her island of warmth. She followed it out and scooped up the remains from the viral enemies along the way. There was plenty of zenny, and more of those curious BugFrags she had yet to discover a use for.

"Of course I can't take all the credit, you've really picked up using them. Wham-blam~! They almost didn't have time to respond."

Astraea considered his words then nodded, a small shiver of unease travelling down her back. "I will admit I feel that through these live trials I have grown more adept at effectively utilizing our arsenal. I must admit some chips still elude me as to their proper handling."

"The dragon you mean? It didn't seem too happy." She pictured the panels of water around her little pool of warmth and nodded. "Eh, whatever. I'm sure the more you use it the easier it'll get! I mean, it's just a chip right?"

[Searching for Battle #3, Astraea: 120 HP, Masterwork, Self-Destruct.]

While discussing the effectiveness of various chips, and her improving ability to use them, Astraea moved on into the unexplored Netfrican wilds. Her journey continued through gradually changing desert terrain, rising to tall dunes, and steep outcroppings of stone, layered and streaked with colours on the spectrum between pale gold through to reddish brown.

The faint sensation of being watched by viruses just beyond range for being properly detected never quite went away. If anything it grew stronger the deeper the engineer explored along the path she'd been sent. It was a short while later that something new appeared on the horizon, and as Astraea drew closer, it turned out to be a small circle of dusty metal panels, with a single squat cylinder in the middle, rising about two feet off the ground.

The closer she got, the more the sensation of being watched got, until as arrived at the odd patch of technology in the middle of the wastes. The pillar lit up as she stepped on the metal panels, green lights flooding across the cracks an seam, until, atop the flat top of the cylinder, the image of a holographic Metool appeared, waving its pick-axe with happy arches for eyes. The hologram formed into a green crystal that started to construct itself into a physical form atop the pillar, while scrollings of illegible viral text began to circle on the surface of the metal. Some kind of message was reading across a section meant as a screen, but Astraea didn't have time to work out much about it, because all hell broke loose the moment the data crystal finished forming.

A scattering of sudden meteors began to drop from the sky all around Astraea, though none of them hit her directly. Two sounds of bursting sand revealed a pair of strange candle-like viruses appearing on either side of the metal circle, wicks atop their heads burning brightly, while behind each one, a robed virus waving a staff seemed to be responsible for the sudden meteor shower.

If Astraea attempted to grab the crystal and run, she would discover that it came away from the podium freely enough, but that a green energy tether remained to connect the two – she probably couldn't leave the immediate vicinity with it. Worse luck, the crystal still seemed to be heavily encrypted and locked down by scrambled viral code, for now, so unpacking it on the fly was not going to be an option either. The viruses that had arrived were making a lot of noise, and didn't seem to want her to have whatever the strange marker had tried to give her.

-=Viruses=-
HauntedCandleHauntedCandle (HauntedCandle)

This virus attacks every action if able.

Area: Kotobuki Town, Netfrica, Hades Isle, NetVegas

HP: 100
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Fire + Square Attack + Ground Attack
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Creates flame spire in a square. Targets panels.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): BurnSquare1, Zenny
Special: Immobile.
Special: Heat Body: This virus is immune to Fire damage and associated effects.
Special: Square Attack: Attacks a 2 panel x 2 panel square area.
Special: Candle: Can be snuffed by Wind, which prevents it from attacking. Fire relights it. A: 100Hp [Sand][To Astraea's immediate left]
HauntedCandleHauntedCandle (HauntedCandle)

This virus attacks every action if able.

Area: Kotobuki Town, Netfrica, Hades Isle, NetVegas

HP: 100
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Fire + Square Attack + Ground Attack
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Creates flame spire in a square. Targets panels.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): BurnSquare1, Zenny
Special: Immobile.
Special: Heat Body: This virus is immune to Fire damage and associated effects.
Special: Square Attack: Attacks a 2 panel x 2 panel square area.
Special: Candle: Can be snuffed by Wind, which prevents it from attacking. Fire relights it. B: 100Hp [Sand][To Astraea's immediate right]
MettFireMettFire (MettFire)

Area: Kotobuki Town, Netfrica, Hades Isle, NAXA, NetVegas

HP: 100
Attack: 20 Fire + Drop Attack x 3 hits + Variable Targeting
Attack Accuracy: D
Attack Description: Drops 3 meteors onto enemies' heads.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Meteor9, Asteroid1, Zenny
Special: Attacks every other action. Right before it attacks, it can move behind the nearest object as a free action. If there are no objects on the field, they may instead move behind an ally.
Special: This virus's dodges are treated as Teleport for the purposes of movement only. It gains no effectiveness over a regular dodge. A: 100Hp [Sand][Behind the Haunted Candle A (left)]
MettFireMettFire (MettFire)

Area: Kotobuki Town, Netfrica, Hades Isle, NAXA, NetVegas

HP: 100
Attack: 20 Fire + Drop Attack x 3 hits + Variable Targeting
Attack Accuracy: D
Attack Description: Drops 3 meteors onto enemies' heads.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Meteor9, Asteroid1, Zenny
Special: Attacks every other action. Right before it attacks, it can move behind the nearest object as a free action. If there are no objects on the field, they may instead move behind an ally.
Special: This virus's dodges are treated as Teleport for the purposes of movement only. It gains no effectiveness over a regular dodge. B: 100Hp [Sand][Behind the Haunted Candle B (right)]

-=Navis=-
Astraea.CMD: 120Hp [Metal]

-=Terrain=-
70% Sand

• -20% Evasion and reduced movement speed to all.
• Can Burrow as standard action, incurable Blind1 until turn after exiting Burrow.
• Wind attacks: +100% Source Damage + Blind1, change terrain hit to Normal, trigger Sandstorm for 3 turns: Lose 5 HP/action, Blind1, Fire attacks gain Slashing.
• Fire attacks: Change terrain hit to Glass.
• Terrain changes between Sand and QuickSand do not inflict damage upon burrowed entities, nor do they eject burrowed entities to the surface.
• PanelShot: Blind1.

[Majority]
20% Normal

• No effects.

[Exposed sections of sandstone rock, scattered]
10% Metal

• Cannot be Broken or Cracked except with Geddon/PanelShot, cannot be Burrowed into.
• Elec attacks: +100% Source Damage.
• 100 Damage Aqua attacks: Change terrain hit to Cracked.
• 100 Damage Fire attacks: Change terrain hit to Furnace.
• PanelShot: Imbue Elec + Break.

[Circle of panels in the middle of the area]

-=Objects=-
Metool Data Node (Also Green and Mysterious): 20HP [Metal][Right by Astraea]

-=Battle Mode=-
MD Defence:
- Victory Condition: Protect Mystery Data for 3 full turns
- Additional Failure Condition: Mystery Data Destroyed
- 2 Additional viruses will join at the end of each turn, up to 7 maximum viruses at one time
- Viruses will actively target the MD over players when possible
- MD is locked until win condition is cleared
- Players will be given a guaranteed, voluntary escape when the win condition is fulfilled, which they can use at any time thereafter, and receive full rewards for their performance in battle.

-=Battle 3, Start!=-

Something prickled at the back of Astraea's neck. She didn't notice it at first but as she stopped to examine one of the more intriguing outcroppings of layered stone it struck up on her. She stood still in front of the rock, mindlessly staring at it while her thoughts went back.

Back to the meeting with the Metool who had pointed her in this direction. Back to the steps that had led her here. Back to her actions since arriving on this Net.

Had she acted like someone who believed a place like Sanctuary should exist? Could she have wiggled out of the previous fights with more diplomacy? A place like the one she sought would be protected, would probably have observers. What if she-

"Hellooo, earth to Astraea! You gonna keep moving anytime soon?" She jerked upright, her face flushed a bright yellow before she nodded.

"Yes Operator."

"I thought we were over the operator thing." He complained. She pursed her lips as the blush faded quickly and she began walking again.

She walked on in quiet while she mused over her previous train of thought. Right up until the Metool Data Node and its attendants came into view. She continued to walk until her footsteps brought her beside the base of the machine and she dropped her hand to her wrench.

"Time to kick ass and take names! Who's picking chips?" Alex asked. He sounded cheerful about the situation and that made Astraea pause as meteors rained down around her and her heart beat strongly in her chest. What was she going to do? What should she do? She had to secure the data node, no matter her thoughts.

"I do not wish to engage in conflict with you." She told the viruses, her eyes narrowed as she thought quickly. The non-hostile group before had been Metools, troubled by non-Metool viruses. This data cache was very clearly Metool related in some way. She had made a promise to Metangler. She slipped her wrench free and sent a silent text message to Alex. "But I will not allow you to interfere with my objective. I need the data in this cache, I wish not to fight for it."

Very carefully she activated the chip data he sent, positioning it away from herself. Activating it this way was likely lose her the benefit of the Strengthening effect, and a single blow from one of her foes could destroy the information but in order to start following the ideals of the place she was looking for it was an attempt that

A round yellow shield popped up in front of the Data Node, marked with the characteristic green plus of Metool kind. Just another defense from the structure being deployed, really!

"Surrender, or depart and no one needs to get hurt."



Battle Log
Astraea: 120hp
Passive: Self-Destruct: When reduced to 0 HP, your summoned Objects explode in a Nova 2 radius for (max HP)/2 damage. The summoner can disable or re-enable this per object as a free action, using direct contact. Objects consumed by triggering their Damage Method do not activate this ability.

Masterwork: Add 20+(Lvl) Hp to Object as free action once per object/turn.

Action 1) 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- on Metool Data Cache to protect it
-Turn Splice-

Seemingly ambushed, Astraea's observations of other encounters led to to attempt reason first; placing a precautionary defence on the data crystal seemed to integrate well with the small podium it had emerged from, and while the met helmet guard expanded to cover the top of the data node, the podium itself broadened and rose slightly, locking into the edges of the guard from below. It didn't look too study, admittedly, but it had adapted at least slightly to further encase the data.

Meanwhile, Astraea gave her own plea for a non-violent solution, but none of the four new viruses seemed to be listening. They eyes the data crystal, seemingly without paying any attention to the navigator herself, and even as she made it clear that her request came with a warning, they only seemed to grow more aggressive. If anything it was odd to see such fixated attention; as the two MettFires darted in close behind their respective candles, they had eyes only for the data node, ignoring Astraea completely. Each raised its staff skyward and the air above rumbled as the crystals in each glowed red again. In front of them, the two candles also reached outward with hungry, fixated expressions in their wax. Atop each one's head, the flame perched at the tip of their wicks grew larger and brighter. The metal beneath the podium started to glow red hot as they did; more trouble. It did seem as though their wicks were somehow tie to their power, however... perhaps putting them out might remove their threat. Astraea didn't have too long to think about it.

-=Viruses=-
HauntedCandleHauntedCandle (HauntedCandle)

This virus attacks every action if able.

Area: Kotobuki Town, Netfrica, Hades Isle, NetVegas

HP: 100
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Fire + Square Attack + Ground Attack
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Creates flame spire in a square. Targets panels.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): BurnSquare1, Zenny
Special: Immobile.
Special: Heat Body: This virus is immune to Fire damage and associated effects.
Special: Square Attack: Attacks a 2 panel x 2 panel square area.
Special: Candle: Can be snuffed by Wind, which prevents it from attacking. Fire relights it. A: 100Hp [Sand][To Astraea's immediate left]
HauntedCandleHauntedCandle (HauntedCandle)

This virus attacks every action if able.

Area: Kotobuki Town, Netfrica, Hades Isle, NetVegas

HP: 100
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Fire + Square Attack + Ground Attack
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Creates flame spire in a square. Targets panels.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): BurnSquare1, Zenny
Special: Immobile.
Special: Heat Body: This virus is immune to Fire damage and associated effects.
Special: Square Attack: Attacks a 2 panel x 2 panel square area.
Special: Candle: Can be snuffed by Wind, which prevents it from attacking. Fire relights it. B: 100Hp [Sand][To Astraea's immediate right]
MettFireMettFire (MettFire)

Area: Kotobuki Town, Netfrica, Hades Isle, NAXA, NetVegas

HP: 100
Attack: 20 Fire + Drop Attack x 3 hits + Variable Targeting
Attack Accuracy: D
Attack Description: Drops 3 meteors onto enemies' heads.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Meteor9, Asteroid1, Zenny
Special: Attacks every other action. Right before it attacks, it can move behind the nearest object as a free action. If there are no objects on the field, they may instead move behind an ally.
Special: This virus's dodges are treated as Teleport for the purposes of movement only. It gains no effectiveness over a regular dodge. A: 100Hp [Sand][Behind the Haunted Candle A (left)]
MettFireMettFire (MettFire)

Area: Kotobuki Town, Netfrica, Hades Isle, NAXA, NetVegas

HP: 100
Attack: 20 Fire + Drop Attack x 3 hits + Variable Targeting
Attack Accuracy: D
Attack Description: Drops 3 meteors onto enemies' heads.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Meteor9, Asteroid1, Zenny
Special: Attacks every other action. Right before it attacks, it can move behind the nearest object as a free action. If there are no objects on the field, they may instead move behind an ally.
Special: This virus's dodges are treated as Teleport for the purposes of movement only. It gains no effectiveness over a regular dodge. B: 100Hp [Sand][Behind the Haunted Candle B (right)]

-=Navis=-
Astraea.CMD: 120Hp [Metal]

-=Terrain=-
70% Sand

• -20% Evasion and reduced movement speed to all.
• Can Burrow as standard action, incurable Blind1 until turn after exiting Burrow.
• Wind attacks: +100% Source Damage + Blind1, change terrain hit to Normal, trigger Sandstorm for 3 turns: Lose 5 HP/action, Blind1, Fire attacks gain Slashing.
• Fire attacks: Change terrain hit to Glass.
• Terrain changes between Sand and QuickSand do not inflict damage upon burrowed entities, nor do they eject burrowed entities to the surface.
• PanelShot: Blind1.

[Majority]
20% Normal

• No effects.

[Exposed sections of sandstone rock, scattered]
10% Metal

• Cannot be Broken or Cracked except with Geddon/PanelShot, cannot be Burrowed into.
• Elec attacks: +100% Source Damage.
• 100 Damage Aqua attacks: Change terrain hit to Cracked.
• 100 Damage Fire attacks: Change terrain hit to Furnace.
• PanelShot: Imbue Elec + Break.

[Circle of panels in the middle of the area]

-=Objects=-
Metool Data Node (Also Green and Mysterious): 20HP [Metal][Right by Astraea][Shield Guard: Facing up]

-=Battle Mode=-
MD Defence:
- Victory Condition: Protect Mystery Data for 3 full turns
- Additional Failure Condition: Mystery Data Destroyed
- 2 Additional viruses will join at the end of each turn, up to 7 maximum viruses at one time
- Viruses will actively target the MD over players when possible
- MD is locked until win condition is cleared
- Players will be given a guaranteed, voluntary escape when the win condition is fulfilled, which they can use at any time thereafter, and receive full rewards for their performance in battle.

-=Turn 1=-
- Astraea has 5 Actions remaining
- Haunted Candle A and B have 2 Actions remaining
- MettFire A and B have 1 Action remaining

"Well, you tried. Doesn't look like they care about you though."

Astraea gave a sharp nod as the meteors fell. Her suspicions seemed all but confirmed. Non-Metools wanted information on Sanctuary as much as she did, but she couldn't trust their intentions to be as pure hearted as her own.

She slipped her wrench free and snuck the tip into the cradle to tap the Data Cache, a thin plating of metal spreading from her to the cache to bolster it.

She quickly withdrew her wrench and sent another message to Alex while she drew her raygun and activated her waiting two chips. The light of her ray gun turned white at the edges and she grinned as she raised the weapon and fired twice in quick succession at the enemies to her right.

pew pew!

Two white blasts of light fired at the viruses, their edges flickering with static as the corruptive influence of the WhiteCapsule coated the energy. Astraea couldn't afford the time to watch though, immediately her attention was swapped to the enemies on the left.

The next chip slid home and she activated it immediately. The condesation covered metal box appeared in front of her and she brought the grip of her gun down hard on the lock then stepped back immediately. She crinkled her face as the smell of salt hit and then the echoing roar of the dragon as if it had been somewhere far away and was now rapidly approaching. The noise grew and grew, and with it the spreading water beneath the box before the dragon itself knocked the lid off the box and spiraled into the sky. It twisted around in a tight loop and plunged into the Net beside the box before it began snaking its way toward the MettFire and HauntedCandle that Astraeaa had locked it on to. It rampaged across the Net then swerved back along its own trail, swinging wide to avoid the Data Cache and it's alien protector as it attempted to reach the last two viruses and crush them in its jaws.

Again though Astraea could not afford to wait and watch the effects. The gun was raised, its coloration dyed in the green of the Cannon chip as Astraea drew a bead on the HauntedCandle she had fired at earlier. She fired and a blast of green light lanced out.

pew!

Her ray gun shifted again, this time into a white megaphone. She brought it to her mouth and drew in a long breath, holding it while she sighted at the Mettfire whose candle she had just fired at. She screamed and soundwaves rippled out from the mouth of the megaphone to beat against the opponent with the very air itself.

At least that was the hope.

She stopped screaming and lowered her hand, the megaphone shifting back into raygun shape. She panted and wiped a hand across her brow. Now she could finally survey the scene and see what destruction had been wrought. With luck, and the hopefully good position of the shield, the Data Node would survive this onslaught.



Combat Log
*Free Action: Masterwork: Add 20+(5) Hp to Object as free action once per object/turn. to Metool Data Node
2) WhiteCapsuleEffect: Add Stun
Accuracy: S
Description: Grants one damaging chip attack the ability to stun on-hit. Rare
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Trader Rank: A to Shotgun
3) 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 + Stun @ HauntedCandle B, Mettfire B
4) 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 @ HauntedCandle A, Mettfire A, maaaybe HauntedCandle B, Mettfire B
5) CannonDamage: 60 + Knockback
Accuracy: A
Description: A decent sized cannon with a single shot.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Trader Rank: E @ HauntedCandle B
6) Pulsar1Damage: 70 + Object Triggered Blast 2
Accuracy: A (Primary) / B (Blast)
Description: Fires a sound wave. If it hits an object, its range is amplified, hitting anything near that object in a blast of noise.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Special: Object Triggered Blast: Blast effect that only works if the attack hits an Object, such as a RockCube.
Trader Rank: D @ Mettfire B

With her warning unheeded, the engineer was forced to return to more direct methods of protecting her goal. The viruses didn't give her much time to respond, however, and even as she prepared her weapons for use, the two candles blazed for a moment, and the heated panels beneath the data node's podium erupted into gouts of fire. Perched o the top of the podium as it was, the data crystal was spared briefly, but the pair pair of fire bursts were still too much for it together; the first destroyed the column and the enhanced covering it provided; the second battered the data node itself, and it was only thanks to Astraea's own strengthening of it that the crystal survived. Any more like that would be too risky.

Astraea responded with a piercing shot that struck through both the candle and the Mettfire behind it with a crackling energy that began to interfere with the pair, but it wasn't quite enough to stop the staff-waving virus from finishing its incantation. Four burning meteors crashed down from the reddened sky above, all aiming roughly for the data node. Fortunately, the aim was only roughly; of the four, only one was on target to strike, and that one crashed off the domed guard that Astraea had given the crystal, which tilted forward as it took the blow, dropping to face the offending virus. A moment later a laser burst erupted the from compromised shield, piercing through both the candle and the mettfire beyond, and bring both viruses to the edge of their existence, though they clung on, just barely. Oddly, though Astraea herself missed out on the energy absorption from the chip, the data node itself seemed to glow, before a mist vented from its seams and formed a faint barrier around it instead.

On the other side, Astraea attempted to wrangle her dragon again, and released it to crash about the nearby terrain hunting viruses. Its first lunge seemed to catch the surrounding foes off guard, and it tore through both the candle and the mettfire on that side effortlessly. As it backtracked, it managed to finish off the other candle, but the remaining staff-wielder dodged away before it could close its watery jaws on it.

Less fortunately for the virus, it dodged more or less directly into the alien navi's own sights, and she finished it off with a decisive blaster shot. Good fortune and good aim ended up saving Astraea the need to use her next chip right away, but that was probably a good thing... the fall of the fourth attacking virus clearly wasn't the end of matters just yet.

Just beyond the crystal, only a moment later, a tall shape erupted from the sand and began streaking towards the engineer and her valuable prize. As it drew closer, however, Astraea would be able to notice that it wasn't a single unusual virus at all... rather the profile was formed of a blazer, racing across the sand with its flame jets burning. It was being 'surfed' on, by a Spikey virus, wind in its fur and flames in its mouth. The Spikey, in turn, had a smaller ninja-like virus riding on its back, an assortment of bladed weapons at the ready as the virus stack raced towards her.

-=Viruses=-
HauntedCandleHauntedCandle (HauntedCandle)

This virus attacks every action if able.

Area: Kotobuki Town, Netfrica, Hades Isle, NetVegas

HP: 100
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Fire + Square Attack + Ground Attack
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Creates flame spire in a square. Targets panels.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): BurnSquare1, Zenny
Special: Immobile.
Special: Heat Body: This virus is immune to Fire damage and associated effects.
Special: Square Attack: Attacks a 2 panel x 2 panel square area.
Special: Candle: Can be snuffed by Wind, which prevents it from attacking. Fire relights it. A: DELETED
HauntedCandleHauntedCandle (HauntedCandle)

This virus attacks every action if able.

Area: Kotobuki Town, Netfrica, Hades Isle, NetVegas

HP: 100
Attack Damage/Effect: 20 Fire + Square Attack + Ground Attack
Attack Accuracy: B
Attack Description: Creates flame spire in a square. Targets panels.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): BurnSquare1, Zenny
Special: Immobile.
Special: Heat Body: This virus is immune to Fire damage and associated effects.
Special: Square Attack: Attacks a 2 panel x 2 panel square area.
Special: Candle: Can be snuffed by Wind, which prevents it from attacking. Fire relights it. B: DELETED
MettFireMettFire (MettFire)

Area: Kotobuki Town, Netfrica, Hades Isle, NAXA, NetVegas

HP: 100
Attack: 20 Fire + Drop Attack x 3 hits + Variable Targeting
Attack Accuracy: D
Attack Description: Drops 3 meteors onto enemies' heads.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Meteor9, Asteroid1, Zenny
Special: Attacks every other action. Right before it attacks, it can move behind the nearest object as a free action. If there are no objects on the field, they may instead move behind an ally.
Special: This virus's dodges are treated as Teleport for the purposes of movement only. It gains no effectiveness over a regular dodge. A: DELETED
MettFireMettFire (MettFire)

Area: Kotobuki Town, Netfrica, Hades Isle, NAXA, NetVegas

HP: 100
Attack: 20 Fire + Drop Attack x 3 hits + Variable Targeting
Attack Accuracy: D
Attack Description: Drops 3 meteors onto enemies' heads.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Meteor9, Asteroid1, Zenny
Special: Attacks every other action. Right before it attacks, it can move behind the nearest object as a free action. If there are no objects on the field, they may instead move behind an ally.
Special: This virus's dodges are treated as Teleport for the purposes of movement only. It gains no effectiveness over a regular dodge. B: DELETED

BlazerBlazer (Blazer)

Blazers are a modified strain of Fishy virus made to fully exploit their previous possession of Burner battlechip data. While they retain, for the most part, the appearance of a Fishy virus, their fins are more heavily rounded and there are a set of specialized gills on either side of their underbelly that can spew flames. In addition, all Blazers are now a stark reddish color, with the intensity varying from a charcoal-ish gray-red at the first tier to a violent intensity with the Omegas.

Area: Kotobuki Town, Netopia, Netfrica, Hades Isle

HP: 80
Attack Damage/Effect: Movement + 15 Nova 2 Fire Damage
Attack Accuracy: C
Attack Description: Flies forward and then SPINS, unleashing a gout of flame from specialized vents on its' flanks.
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Burner1, Zenny
Special: Omnishoes: 80Hp [Over Sand][About 1 movement from Astraea]
SpikeySpikey (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: 90
Attack Damage/Effect: 15 Fire + Spread 1
Attack Accuracy: A
Attack Description - Fires HeatShot
Element: Fire
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): HeatShot, Zenny
Special: Uses pack tactics when with at least 2 other Spikeys: 90Hp [Riding Blazer]
GeninGenin (Genin)

Area: Beach, Yumland, Netfrica

HP: 60
Attack: 30 Null + Slashing + Group Attack (MoonBlade) / 10 Null + Slashing x 3 Attacks x 2 Targets (Kunai)
Attack Accuracy: B / B
Attack Description: Counter attacks with either a spinning cut or a volley of Kunai.
Element: Null
Possible Rewards (Per Virus): Kunai1, MoonBlade1, Zenny
Special: This virus does not initiate attacks on it's own.
- Seeks cover behind objects when not attacking.
- If no objects are present, this viruses evasion is enhanced.
- Counters Battlechip use with Kunai once per turn.
- Counters Buster use with MoonBlade once per turn.
- Counters Sig Attack use with either Kunai, or Moonblade once per turn.: 60Hp [Riding Spikey]

-=Navis=-
Astraea.CMD: 120Hp [Metal]

-=Terrain=-
50% Sand

• -20% Evasion and reduced movement speed to all.
• Can Burrow as standard action, incurable Blind1 until turn after exiting Burrow.
• Wind attacks: +100% Source Damage + Blind1, change terrain hit to Normal, trigger Sandstorm for 3 turns: Lose 5 HP/action, Blind1, Fire attacks gain Slashing.
• Fire attacks: Change terrain hit to Glass.
• Terrain changes between Sand and QuickSand do not inflict damage upon burrowed entities, nor do they eject burrowed entities to the surface.
• PanelShot: Blind1.

[Majority]
25% Sea

• Fire Elementals lose 10 HP/action standing, 20 HP/action submerged. Other Non-Aqua Elementals lose 5 HP/action submerged. Nullified for Aqua Elementals.
• Ice attacks: 50% Freeze1 chance, Changes terrain hit to Ice.
• Terrain changes between Sea and Onsen do not inflict damage upon submerged entities, nor do they eject submerged entities to the surface.
• Elec attacks: +100% Source Damage.
• PanelShot: Imbue Aqua.

[Broad strip crossing on one side of the metal circle, where hte dragon attacked]
20% Normal

• No effects.

[Exposed sections of sandstone rock, scattered]
5% Metal

• Cannot be Broken or Cracked except with Geddon/PanelShot, cannot be Burrowed into.
• Elec attacks: +100% Source Damage.
• 100 Damage Aqua attacks: Change terrain hit to Cracked.
• 100 Damage Fire attacks: Change terrain hit to Furnace.
• PanelShot: Imbue Elec + Break.

[Circle of panels in the middle of the area]

-=Objects=-
Metool Data Node (Also Green and Mysterious): 25Hp [Master-worked][Metal][Right by Astraea][40Strengthen converted: 40Hp Barrier]

-=Battle Mode=-
MD Defence:
- Victory Condition: Protect Mystery Data for 3 full turns
- Additional Failure Condition: Mystery Data Destroyed
- 2 Additional viruses will join at the end of each turn, up to 7 maximum viruses at one time
- Viruses will actively target the MD over players when possible
- MD is locked until win condition is cleared
- Players will be given a guaranteed, voluntary escape when the win condition is fulfilled, which they can use at any time thereafter, and receive full rewards for their performance in battle.

-=Turn 2=-
((Pulsar Chip has not been used))

Success! Or at least the beginnings of.

There had been a terrifying moment where it was unclear if the Data Cache would survive the bursts of flame. She had not been quick enough to disrupt the attacts against it completely from that pair. The barrier from the strengthen was an unexpected but welcome boon

The strange trio emerged from the sand and she sucked in a deep breath. At least they were stacked on top of each other. The Pulsar chip buzzed in her ears and in her hand. She dismissed it from her systems, let it fizzle out without being used. It was a shame and a waste of a chip but the set up to hit hard enough with it would take too much time.

"Requesting SonicWave, CactusBall, and MoonRay."

"Got it! Incoming!"

She holstered her now raygun-shaped buster and pulled her wrench free. She pulled the next chip data into her systems. She lifted her wrench as high as she could and held it with both hands as energy accumulated within the wrench itself. She swung down to strike the metal panel in front of her, all the energy transferring immediately. She could follow its path through the Net by the spray it left in its wake. Sand and water were flung upwards as the energy moved through them in a straight line toward the marauding viruses.

Astraea lifted her wrench as four linked pieces of barrel cactus appeared in front of her. She lined up carefully, adjusting her position to try and ensure the bouncing trio of cacti would follow the same path as the shockwave before them. She couldn't be certain her calculations were right, if anything she had learned the Net could be very unpredictable, but she could at least take steps to point her tools in the right direction.

She pulled her arm back then swung. Her wrench only hit the first cacti-segment but it was enough to send the whole wave bouncing and tumbling toward the cluster of marauders.

She holstered her wrench and raised her hand but faltered as she debated her next move.

-- Combat Log --

1) SonicWaveDamage: 80 + Line Attack + Ground Attack
Accuracy: C
Description: Sends a narrow, but long, shock wave rolling in front of an enemy. Slow, but difficult to jump over due to its length.
Duration: Once
Element: Null
Trader Rank: C @ Blazer, Spikey, Genin
2) Take Aim
3) CactusBall1Damage: 30 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: D + Take Aim @ Blazer, Spikey, Genin

Cooldowns
Starmight: 0/1

-- Turn Splice --

Had the Blazer been focused on anything but the promise of attacking the shiny, shiny data, it might have thought to fly up and out of range of the incoming shockwave. Instead, it gunned its engines, blasted off straight for the defending duo, and SPUN. The blast of flame missed the data node completely, though Astraea got a bit scorched from the proximity.

The Spikey's tight hold was enough to keep it on the virus' back and away from the gouts of flame. The laws of centrifugal force were less kind to the Genin, who couldn't maintain hold of both its sword and the Spikey's neck and was unceremoniously flung off. Despite the damage to its dignity, it managed to twist in midair to avoid the Blazer's flames, and was far better off in avoiding the onslaught Astraea had interposed in the Blazer's path. The shockwave blasted the meleefishflying flaming fish to pieces.

The Spikey leaped off just as its ride disintegrated and managed to reach safe ground, spitting a fireball in retaliation. The fire punched into Astraea's side and splashed over the mysterious node, though the barrier soaked up the flames handily. The CactBall Astraea tossed back at it made a valiant roll across the metal, through the sand, caught a breeze, stopped by the exposed rock to roll itself in a bit of exposed twig and brambles, and rode off into the sunset to begin its new life as a tumbleweed. It made a delightful image, but perhaps it wasn't quite the result Astraea had imagined when she threw it.

-=Viruses=-
HauntedCandle A: DELETED
HauntedCandle B: DELETED
MettFire A: DELETED
MettFire B: DELETED

Blazer: DELETED
Spikey: 90Hp [Perched on Normal]
Genin: 60Hp [Sand]

-=Navis=-
Astraea.CMD: 90Hp [Metal] [3 Actions Remaining]

-=Terrain=-
50% Sand [Majority]
25% Sea [Broad strip crossing on one side of the metal circle, where the dragon attacked]
20% Normal [Exposed sections of sandstone rock, scattered]
5% Metal [Circle of panels in the middle of the area]

-=Objects=-
Metool Data Node (Also Green and Mysterious): 25Hp [Master-worked] [Metal] [Right by Astraea] [25Hp Barrier]

-=Battle Mode=-
MD Defence:
- Victory Condition: Protect Mystery Data for 3 full turns
- Additional Failure Condition: Mystery Data Destroyed
- 2 Additional viruses will join at the end of each turn, up to 7 maximum viruses at one time
- Viruses will actively target the MD over players when possible
- MD is locked until win condition is cleared
- Players will be given a guaranteed, voluntary escape when the win condition is fulfilled, which they can use at any time thereafter, and receive full rewards for their performance in battle.

-=Turn 2 - SPLICED=-