Mechanicus (CVnU planet)

Many aeons ago, there existed a world called Utokron. It was a world of great civilization and enlightenment, where the inhabitants had developed a means of blending science and sorcery into a strangely harmonious force. Using this advanced skill and knowledge, the Utokronians developed their culture to dazzling heights, managing to eliminate war and disease, and relegate virtually all menial tasks to machines and constructs, leaving them with much leisure time in which to perfect many disciplines of art, music, and study.

As such stories typically go, however, this paradise was not eternal. Though accounts of exactly what precipitated the calamitous end of Utokron, some say it was greedy overuse of the world’s resources, others some new technological development that was put into use before its consequences could be adequately considered, the entire planet was torn apart in a devastating cataclysm that left it just another collection of barren rocks floating in the unforgiving vacuum of space.

Though most of the Utokronians perished in this disaster, some managed to escape, and the weary refugees wandered long and far in search of a new home. After generations of searching the stars, they finally located an uninhabited planet with conditions that were conducive to colonization. Recognizing that they were now a new people, and to keep ever present in their minds the power that had stripped them of their homeworld, they named their new world Mechanicus.

The leaders of this exodus were a cadre of technomages that had foreseen their world’s destruction, but whose warnings had fallen upon deaf ears. Eager to avoid another such occurrence, the mages established strict laws governing the uses of both magic and technology, and in a rather extreme (but deemed to be necessary) step, they pooled their skill and power and covered the entire world in an arcane aura that would actually limit the technological development of the world.

The Planet

Mechanicus is very similar to Earth, in terms of its biological, chemical, geological, and meteorological patterns. Though the continents and landmarks would not be recognizable, it has different seasons, climate zones, and environments. Vast oceans cover swaths of its surface, and the land contains forests, mountains, plains, swamps, and other such familiarities. The weather can occasionally be difficult to predict, as usage of magic will occasionally disrupt the conventional weather patterns, but the Council of the Arcanum works diligently to minimize this.

The most unique aspect of the world is that, due to the magical aura it has been infused with, any technology more advanced than clockwork mechanisms and steam engines will simply not function. The technology is not permanently damaged in any way (although, to a spacecraft that enters the planet’s atmosphere and suddenly flies about as well as a boulder, this may seem a moot point); it will resume normal function once it leaves Mechanicus.

In terms of flora and fauna, Mechanicus is both similar and dissimilar to Earth. Plants and animals strikingly similar to those found on the Blue Planet coexist with creatures summoned and altered through sorcery, and even beasts who have partially or totally merged with the world’s curious technology.

The People

Mechanicans physically resemble humans, although it is not uncommon for them to have incorporated elements of their esteemed clockwork technology into their own bodies, whether to compensate for an injury or other physical deficiency, or simply to allow them to better perform some function. While many might consider the limitations placed on their technology a serious hindrance, the Mechanicans have developed within this restriction to an almost staggering degree, and are masters at adapting their existing technology to be as versatile and adaptable as possible.

Their personalities run the gamut, but as a whole they tend to be devoted to their families and their world. They also highly value expertise, and the respect accorded to an individual has less to do with what they do, and more to do with their dedication to and mastery of it. A simple laborer will hold his head as high as an archmagus or a master tinker, provided that their labor is considered to be of high quality.

Their leaders are the descendents of the original technomages that orchestrated the escape from the death of Utokron, some related by blood, and others initiated into the order after having demonstrated the necessary aptitude for their art. In addition to general administration of the planet’s governance, they also directly oversee the usage of all sorcery. Though they are as prone to disputes and conflicting personal agendas as any other government, they maintain a strong devotion to preserving their world and culture. Perhaps the most legitimate criticism that can be levied against them is that they do sometimes veer dangerously close to zealousness, in this regard.

Locations of Note

The largest city on Mechanicus is its capital: Cogopolis. Though other settlements are scattered across the planet, often near some hub of travel or important resource deposit, the center of government and culture is here. It is a massive sprawling city, one whose growth was very obviously dictated by need more than by any careful planning, and crossing from one street to the next can lead a visitor suddenly standing in a completely different type of neighborhood. Crime and pollution are not exactly rampant, but they exist, and a visitor should be prepared to take the necessary precautions if they decide to go wandering without a guide.

Within the city, one of the most notable landmarks is the Keep Arcanum. Despite the rather medieval-sounding title, it is a wondrously advanced structure, having employed by magic and clockwork mechanics to create a truly unique edifice. The lower levels are open to all, and contain cultural and historical records, administrative offices, and a college of sorts where inclined Mechanicans can study and test their aptitude for the arcane.

Another location of note is Voidsteam Station. The station hovers in the sky above the planet, right on the edge of the atmosphere, and through the unique synthesis of sorcery and limited technology, actually contains a fully supportive interior environment. It is also the closest that most ships of higher technology can get to the planet, and those who come to Mechanicus for business may dock their vessels here and arrange for transportation to the world’s surface. It serves as a “customs office,” of sorts, where the rules and expectations are explained to outsiders, and as such, anyone magically transporting themselves to Mechanicus is expected to make their arrival here (although first-time infractions are usually subject to nothing worse than a firm warning), unless given special authorization by the Technomages.

Rules

• Anyone with the requisite knowledge (which would include most characters with some background in interstellar affairs or arcane practices) and ability can come here.
• Upon arrival on the planet (defined as being within its atmosphere), anything of a technological nature more advanced than what you would typically find in a steampunk setting (which usually means anything more advanced than clockwork or steam technology) will simply cease to function. Such tech will resume function immediately upon leaving the planet.
• Anyone is welcome to create their own NPCs, locations, organizations, etc, within the boundaries of the OP. Likewise, creation of Mechanican characters is also fine. PM me with any questions about doing so.
• Site and CVnU rules apply, as per usual.

Dope! That last image is badass. Steampunk JLA

@ali_sani_bashir: High praise, made all the better by the source. Many thanks! ^_^

This is actually something I told someone I'd do some time ago, but...you know how those sorts of things tend to go around here, lol.

But if better tech stops working, how're they supposed to leave the planet? (Nice work!)

Amazing!

Great question. Strands you here.

Steampunk! Yay!

Seriously, though. This is great. Might visit, but I'm also somewhat busy elsewhere.

@arquitenens: Voidsteam can get them on an outbound ship. Or they can pay a mage for teleportation.

Or they can be trapped here forever. >:)

This is incredibly cool and I hope it does well!

Halahan's Ridge;

A rough up village bordering the mountain edge also known as The World Spine. It is here the central mines of production can be found and yea, hardly a metallic piece of importance exists --weather function or architecture-- that does not find its genesis in these mines. Though veined with prosperity it is not what you would call a pleasant sort of place to reside. The wealth received from the labors flow out like a filthy river, drawn away by holders little known and less caring, leaving behind people as bitter and inhospitable as the toxic lake beyond the refinery grounds. It is a place where the cursed rain brings mudslides. Where free men live the lives of slaves. In such a place only those with wings may fly away, those who can craft the ore-- who can speak to machines and work the gears as a musician plays a song. These and only these find their way to something brighter. To one of the gleaming cities in the far distance shining with possibility.

It is here in the sloughs that Karai Inyntae Antaliue Meredith lived with her adopted father whom worked the hellish forges, poring and shaping the molten ore into gears that would go out to move the cities and give life to the great machines, the replacement limbs of those so inclined towards such. Her father, like most of the village was a hard man, but not as hard as some and in fact you might call him a jolly sort, in that he on occasion smiled. Karai likewise was more chipper than most, being found in abundance of both imagination and talent by those whom knew her. Everyone else would think her a simple mechanic with her grubby clothing and oft grease smeared face. That is not to speak of her whoreish red hair that brought its own social stigma.

What you would not tell at a glance or even a prolonged stare about Karai is that she was more than a mere mechanic, but in fact a borderline Archanic when it came to putting bolts to gears and widgets to couplings. She had a book of drawing for things she imagined but could not presently create. Vehicles and weapons and homunculai powered by grinding bits and turning keys. And fair yes, as much as the father desired a better life for her he also was hesitant. For a flower may be beautiful. but the luster does fade in memory given time, and who than will remind that it was beautiful?

Too soon come that days when things must change. That day being today with the new load of parts being shipped. He would giver her what money he had saved and put her on the back of a cargo transport heading for Cogopolis and whatever future the city could provide

[Redo? Redo]

@wildvine: I thought it was great, but then, you've always been your own harshest critic. :P

@nordok: @rubear

Gotta love engine failure...right? No. Actually, Elite hates engines failures, but the ship she was piloting suffered one just before planetfall. The nearest inhabited planet was only a few systems away so she plotted a course and managed to limp there before the second engine failed. Dumb Saurian technology! Piece of crap ship!

And down they went. If the planetary government detected her ship and tried to open communications, Elite would respond with a mayday and that she is going down. And that's when the communications failed. No, that is when everything failed. One second, the screens were lit up and the alarms were blaring in her ears and the next second everything went dead. They could have glided to a crash landing, but now they didn't even have that luxury. The ship was now dropping from the sky like a rock. "Everyone out! If you can't survive the fall, grab a parachute!" She points to a locker that she smashes open, throwing one to Jun (if she was there) and Grey (if he was there too).

Elite, though, she didn't need a parachute. She knew she could survive the fall, in fact...she could still land on her feet even at this height. This was cakewalk. Easy. She opens the escape hatch and jumps out, falling with the ship. Sure enough, she slams into the ground, causing dirt and debree to fly everywhere. A small crater formed where she was standing. The ship explodes behind her as it smacks into the ground, impossible to repair now. She will have to find some other way off this planet.

Elite begins moving with a singular purpose towards the nearest inhabited city.

@nordok: @elitex01@jungala

- Beware my power!
Shadows. Light. That smiling thing, it... And fairie, all that damned fairie. Tree. Something lost, something found.
Could that be a dream? No. He saw no dreams for a long time, since that fateful day somewhere far, far away. Then what it was? Oh, no, no... Grey's eyes opened wide. He grimaced, feeling mother of all headaches. Sudden lurch of ship... Head hitting ceiling... There is actully a dent... And roar all around. Not good, not good at all.
"Everyone out! If you can't survive the fall, grab a parachute!"
- Goddammit! - He cought parachute and started to run. No time to look around, no time to think, but trained eyes still saw details. Smoke, sparks, gravitation weighting down. Ship was falling. Fast. - Can we land on at least one planet without crashing? - He donned a parachute, - Guess not, - Grey smiled grimly, trowing away some falling peace of metal, - Hell, i hope i'm the last one jumping and everbody are descending already... I'm talking to much, yes? Must be a concussion. Well, here goes nothing. Jeronimo!
And with that fitting but unknown word he jumped out of hatch.
Recall emergency procedures. Breath deep. Access situation while chute is unfolding.
Good: he has parachute. Bad: with such headache it's hard to concentrate, so he'd not be able to use telekinesis in full force. Good: during fall he don't have to. Slight push would be enough to deflect debris. Speaking of debris. Ship spiralling down some hundred metres away. Most likely it'd be it's last flight. Bad: he is stranded on this planet for now. Good: planet looks inhabitated.
Priority: find others and/or locals. Or they'd find me.
- Oh, trees. Now what'd be more lovely than engine failure, crash landing and falling on 'chute on trees? - Grey gimaced after hearing distant explosion. - Dammit. Contact in thirteen seconds... - Then he fell crushing trough tree crown and 'chute caught on branches. Grey slowly disengaged harness and jumped down. Head was spinning as weathercock and aching, but otherwise he was unharmed. With heavy branch as staff he begun to walk towards place where he saw some houses during fall.

(ooc: Cydrus Knightfall would flipping love this place for visiting purposes. Technomage stuff!)

@rubear: @elitex01:

Despite her often "primitive" manner of action, technology was no alien to Jungala. The planet Eristes, which was the closest thing to a homeworld that she could remember, contained numerous spaceports and could often be a hub of vibrant, if illicit trade. Because of this, the huntress had been exposed to a wide range of sciences from across the inhabited universe, and could fully appreciate what it was capable of. However, she tended to make very little personal use of it, owing in part to her own considerably abilities generally being all she required for survival, and in part to the fact that she had found technology to be often unreliable, subject to failure and breakdown at less than convenient times.

This situation very clearly fell into the latter category. Losing all functionality to the only thing holding them aloft miles above a planet's surface was not, in her estimation, a point in technology's favor. She glanced briefly at the parachutes as Grey and Elite made their respective exits, but a quick look outside of the plummeting shuttle ultimately caused her to reject that course of action. In a moment, the shuttle's crashing course would carry it over a large body of water, and the warrior would leap out at this point, aiming for the aquatic landing zone in a perfect dive that would have left many an Olympian envious. With the parachute, she would have been at the mercy of the wind, but at least now she could pick a spot of her own choosing, trusting in the water and her own durability to allow her to survive the long fall.

Impeccable form or not, the dive would have immediately killed any human, but the ultra-dense tissues of the alien woman withstood the force of the plunge. She shot below the surface of the lake for what felt like an eternity, before she was able to check her momentum and send herself towards the surface with powerful strokes of her limbs. Pulling herself ashore in a far less dignified fashion than she had entered the water with, she brushed her wet hair from her face and took a moment to survey her surroundings. Satisfied that her environment offered no immediate threat, she set out to locate her companions, hoping that they were able to make their own successful planetfalls.

@rubear: @jungala:

Elite stops dead in her tracks, sniffing the air and then smiles. Good, they made it. Her enhanced senses allowing her to detect Jungala's scent as well as Grey's. She also knew where they were at the moment judging by sounds they made while walking through this forest. Both of them were close, but Jun was closer. So, Elite decides to go after Jun first.

Soon, Elite emerges from the trees and into a clearing by a lake. She sees the giant of a woman known as Jun who was dripping wet. Being only one inch taller than Elite herself, the green amazon had to smile. The two had quickly become friends and admiration and respect for each other. She waves at the other woman, speaking up so the other warrior can hear her, "Jun, glad you made it. Let's go find Grey. I can hear the noise he's making over that way." She gestures over her shoulder with a thumb.

@jungala: @elitex01:
- Interesting, - Grey slowly, but purposefully walked through forest. Head was still slightly spinning, but otherwise all was well. Was it? Forest around looked so familiar, so natural, unlike that otherworldly flora of farie world. As if he was was back in home. But hadn't he saw as well strenge reflections of his world? Or was his own world just a reflection? Honestly, Grey didn't care about it. For him his home was first... Eur? No, wrong word. Eath? Closer. Yes, Earth. Earth-1. Walking through forest gave him time to think in silence... to remember... without buzzing he heard before. Grey was so lost in thoughts that he stumbled and for a second lost balance. Only then he noticed corpse laying right under his feets. He didn't flinch. He saw dead people before... perhaps too many. In battles... or on that forbidden world... now that was a bad memory he had no wish to remember.
- What happened to you, poor soul? - Grey take a sit alongside body to take a closer look. Whoever and whatever this man was in live he looked as human... well, as far as Grey himself with his wierd skin and red eyes looked like human. Not every day you find average human with mechanical cog implant instead of left eye and some strange tatoo matching symbol on clothes - divided on mechanical and organic part skull in cog. Most likely this specimen died a day or two before. Cause of death - three wounds in upper torso, perhaps inflicted by shots from something akin to pistol. Clothes are worn and cheap. Was that messanger? If so what he was doing in the middle of forest and who killed him? For a second Grey thought about if he should act like an investigator here on unknown planet, then he made a choice and started body search. If he'd find some documents poiting on identity of dead man he'd take it and show it to locals.

@rubear: @elitex01:

Jun nodded to Elite as she cleared the water from her ears. Her own senses were keen and ever-alter, but those of her green-skinned companion still impressed her. She followed the jade giantess, her footfalls making startlingly little sound for her large frame.

When they reached their enigmatic companion, Jun cocked her head and peered at what he was doing with interest. He'd evidently found some unfortunate being who'd not fared as well in this wilderness as they had, and was busily investigating the body. "What have you found, Grey?" Jun approached the corpse herself and squatted down for a closer look, although she refrained from disturbing Grey's search.

@jungala: @rubear:

(Sorry for the late reply my friends -.- )

Elite finally finds Grey, along with Jun, and she remains silent as Jun asked the questions. The green amazon takes one look at the dead man and notes he has a distinctive steam punk look about him. If the tech on this planet was only at that level, she thought, then there was no way off of it. Elite was smart, but not smart enough to build themselves a starship. Fortunately, Elite didn't believe in giving up. No matter what, she'd find a way off this rock.

For the moment, Elite is just glad to have found Grey. The man has become an interesting companion. But even as she watches Grey do his thing with the dead body, she keeps an ear out for sounds of trouble. An unknown planet could be full of them. Especially if that dead man was murdered and it looked liked he was.

@elitex01: @jungala: Also sorry for delay, busy week.

Grey was so wrapped up in search that he didn't notice that his companions were coming close. In fact he noticed them only when he heards a voice right behind. First reaction was instinct to grasp branch and hit hard whoever tried to sneak on him. Second was recognition of voice and relief. And then came confusion - how i did not heard them and how they found me so fast? Guess between senses of metahuman and skills of alien, but human-looking huntress it's be not that hard.
- If i'd hug you both, would it be considered breach of protocol? - Grey chuckled. - Glad you both came out of that ship... Too bad that this bird'd fly again nowhere. What i found here? Something impossible - eye implant in age of steam and cogs. Most likely it was working, which is even more impossible. Perhaps it's kind of magic. Not of highlander kind, of course. Also some scroll - can't read it, some unknown to me language. It ends with words "Deus Mechanicus", so. Guess he was from some order of priests. About what happened with him, well, i can't say anything except that he was killed and that his killer used some kind of gun - this wounds are too accurate to be inflicted by cutting weapon and too big for a rapier. So... what we're going to do?

@rubear: @elitex01:

Jun stood for several moments in silence, her powerful arms folded across her chest as she pondered this new development. "Well...we are now stuck on this world, and will likely need the help of the locals if we ever hope to escape it. Having them find us standing over a dead body would probably not be the best way to meet them, so...I suppose we need to get moving and try to find a settlement. As for the scroll...I'm not sure." That scroll could be anything, as far as they knew. Whoever had killed this person had obviously not considered it valuable enough to take, or did they want someone to find it on the body? This entire episode spoke of politics at play, and that was not the huntress' area of expertise. She glanced over at Elite, one eyebrow cocked in question.

@jungala: @rubear: (It's ok, my friend. Glad your back. ^_^ )

Elite smiles when Grey greets them, "I'm fine with hugs, Grey, but only if I can give you kiss." She winks teasingly. Honestly, she did find Grey attractive. As Grey and Jun exchanged words, Elite rubbed the bridge of her nose with her right hand. Stuck on a world that was not very advanced was NOT good. Jun was right, they would need help from the locals and that was no guarantee they would know of a way off this rock.

Then she chimes in, "I agree with Jun on this one. We need to get going before any authorities arrive. I would also put back everything you found exactly where you found it. We don't want to be caught with a dead man's things, especially when we don't know the context of why he died. But, you are right, Grey, this man was murdered. Unfortunately, there isn't a whole lot that we can do about it right now."

@jungala: @elitex01:

Grey smiled in turn. Yes, interesting turn of events... But why he had a vague feeling that he saw her face before they met with faeries?
- Having them find us standing over a dead body would probably not be the best way to meet them...
- We don't want to be caught with a dead man's things...
- Yes, good points, - Grey sighed. He should have see them himself. - Of course you are right, Eli. After all we are not in some computer RPG game. Makes me wonder who i was in live before i lost memories. Perhaps some detective like Shelmes Horlock. Or was it Holmes? - Grey slowly and carefuly placed scroll just in pocket where he found it. He looked right in unseeing eyes of corpse. - Sorry, guy. Guess you'll have to wait for another group. Okay, i'm ready to go, - he smiled again. - Well, more or less. I'm feeling myself weird since fall of ship.

@rubear: @elitex01:

With a nod, Jun turned her practiced gaze to the ground, seeking for telltale signs of where the dead man had come from. With luck, he hadn't traveled excessively far from his civilization before he had met his untimely end. "This way," she said, gesturing towards the southeast. As she set off on the corpse's last path, she stooped and picked up a rock about the size of her fist, tossing it speculatively up in the air and catching it, getting a feel for its heft and balance. This was, after all, an alien world to all three of them, and there was no telling what they might encounter. While her own fists were often the only weapon she truly needed, having something to throw might come in handy. Even a small rock became a deadly missile when hurled with 25 tons of strength behind it.

@rubear: @jungala:

As Jun relied on rocks as weapons, Elite herself was a weapon. At least, that's how she felt while being brainwashed to do an organizations dirty work. The thought of them makes her blood boil, but like always she contains her anger. Nevertheless, it boils just beneath the surface, behind every smile, behind every action. It's very subtle, it may not be noticed except to those who know Elite best.

Elite follows Jun, she's the tracker of the group. But where Jun can track, Elite can smell. "Yes, the dead man definitely traveled this way. I can smell him, other scents too but I don't recognize them."

She curls up her nose at some the foul smells she is detecting. "Some, not so pleasant. He was being followed by at least two others." But, unfortunately, smelling bad things comes with the territory when one has enhanced senses.

@rubear: @jungala: Did I lose you two?

@paragonxxx: I'm still here.

@jungala: @paragonxxx: Wow, that's... awkward. I somehow did not get notifications after both your posts here.

@rubear: No worries! I'm very seldom in a rush. ^_^

@jungala: @paragonxxx:
So... good part - we are all here. Bad part - i'm kinda out of ideas right now after exams.
So perhaps one of you can make next post...?)

@rubear: @jungala: Sounds good Rubear. Jun? Any ideas? If not, I can go ahead and post. But since this planet is one you created, Jun, perhaps you have an idea? If so, go ahead and post. ^_^

@paragonxxx: @rubear: How about a fight? Fights are fun. I like fights.

I can try and come up with something by tonight, if desired.

@jungala: A fight sounds good. :-)

@paragonxxx: @rubear: @elitex01:

With a sudden abruptness, the relative tranquility of their wilderness surroundings was shattered by the arrival of a pack of six bizarre creatures. They approached from downwind of the party, and moved with a noiseless stealth that was incongruous with their bulky appearance, and it was immediately apparent that these were natural, seasoned hunters and killers. They resembled nothing so much as bipedal canines, but their claws, heads, and backs were covered with a bizarre form of technology. Their mechanical additions did not seem to affect their speed or ability to move silently at all, but once they spotted their prey, these elements crackles to life, and the creatures' claws began emitting sparks of high-voltage electrical energy.

With howls that sounded disturbingly hollow and metallic, the creatures charged the party...

[Not my best work, but apparently I ate something I shouldn't have, so my attention is not altogether here, lol.]

@rubear: @jungala: (Well, don't do that. *Winks* Hope you feel better soon. ^_^)

Elite heard them before she saw them. Well, heard their roar and THEN she saw them. She nearly jumped at the sound of their roar, totally surprising her. Even with her enhanced senses, she failed to hear them or even smell them. A pack of six werewolf things that looked like they were enhanced with some kind of cybernetics. Cyborg Werewolves?! Now she's seen everything...

Once the feral things charge at them, Elite screams a battle cry and charges in turn. She has no feat of these things. She also heads directly for the pack leader, which should be the strongest of the group. Take him out, Elite reasons, and the rest of the pack might scatter.

So, Elite jumps and extends her right leg out in a karate like kick as she attempts to slam her foot into the pack leader's snout.

@elitex01: @jungala:
Then.
Never before he saw such devastation. Not in ancient ruins on red world, not during alien invasion so far, far away. All around he could see only rubble and crumbling buildings under sad grey skies. Nothing living. No trees, no people, not even a single dog or rat... Shock, fear, confusion. He could see it on faces of companions, he felt it as well. Ajar fell on knees. Of course empath get it worse then all.
- This world... it's dead, serg. I feel nothing. Only gnawing emptiness.
- That's not Earth-2, - He looked on scanner. Small consolation, of course. But he had to say something, to give orders. That was his duty, - Competly different signature. Spread out. Search for... - he wanted to say "survivors", but deep within he felt that empath is right. - Any clue. We need to know what happened here.

Now
Howl. Hollow, metallic. Unnatural. Battle reflexes kicked in, right hand rushed towards belt trying to take... what? Weapon, most likely. But except long branch he had nothing. No matter. Grey took defensive pose and concentrated his thoughts. And then he saw... them. Walking cyber-wolves. Werewolves. With lighting claws. In past that could shock him. Make him shiver. But not now, not after all seen and fought... Beasts charched, and Eli charched at them with obvious idea of taking enemy leader. Grey started to charge as well. Sure he knew how fomidable is green giantess, but somebody had to cover her back. He ducked under claws of one cyberwolf, at the same time hitting other with telekinetically-enchanced power and jumped. Grey was trying to leap over one of this beast to see if damage of implants would be enough to take it out...

@rubear: @elitex01:

Despite the massive creature's obvious combination of mechanical and muscular strength, Elite's kick sent it tumbling backwards, head-over-heels, as its fellows scattered to the side to avoid being bowled over by its careening mass. Any instincts that they may have had to follow their pack leader, however, were now subsumed by the bloodlust incited by having their quarry within reach, as two more of the creatures leaped at the jade giantess.

As the creature struck by Grey's telekinetically-charged attack likewise was knocked from the fray, the one whose electrical implants he targeted began behaving in an erratic fashion. It did not necessarily seem to be in pain, but it's movements suddenly became halting and jerky, as though its very joints were locking up and its muscles seemingly to flex at random. It was almost as though the odd technology that was fused with their physiology was directly controlling them.

Jun, meanwhile, did not charge into the attack with her fellows. Rather, she stood her ground as three of the beasts zeroed in on her, one taking the lead with its compatriots flanking it. As it leapt for the huntress, she lashed out with a speed that was incongruous with her size, connecting a savage uppercut to its jaw and knocking it flying.

This caused one of the remaining creatures to hesitate ever-so-slightly, while its companion pressed its attack. Locking an arm around this creature's neck as it lunged at her throat, she dropped to the ground, using the beast's own weight and momentum to flip it over her own body, smashing its lower body against its slower pack-mate on its way down. She then smashed a fist into its snout before leaping back to her feet.

@jungala: @rubear:

Elite stole a glance at her friends to see how well they were doing and they seemed to be doing well enough. Then Elite gives her full attention at the two charging beasts. So much for chopping off the head. Or perhaps Elite failed to take out the leader and one of others was the leader. Whatever. She waited until the very last second before she leaped into the air with an acrobatic flip then kicked out with her foot at one beast, trying to hit it, then swinging a two green fists at the other beast. Elite lands on the ground on her feet, hoping to see her attack succeed.

@elitex01: @jungala:
Sorry for such delay, some family circumstances knocked me sideways. I'll make a post in 24 hours.

@rubear: No worries; we're not on a deadline, here. It's all for fun!

@jungala: @elitex01:

Yeah, i just prefer to be punctual)

Then

Ten days before they came to this barren world. Because of electromagnetic storm they managed to establish contact with base only on second day. On fourth day small recon ship "Argus" came through larger breach with group of scientists and guards on board. Ten days and yet they still had no understanding of what happened. Scanners detected nothing - no trace of radiation or biohazard. However investigation teams on ground found plasma burns on some buildings and something more disturbing - anomalies in centers of dead cities, where it seemes that time itself was somehow damaged. Messages came before they were sent, equipment rusting or becoming as good as made yesterday... It seemed that this planet was unwilling to reveal it's secrets so easily. Nobody called it Earth 3, because it was no longer Earth they were able to recognize. Instead they gave this world name Carthago in memory of devasted city of Old Ages...

Now
Electrical discharge coming right through branch. Grey grimaced and hissed because of pain, but shrugged it off. Somehow he knew that he felt worse. He recoiled to avoid counterstroke of this beast, yet it didn't came. Instead this creature started to trash and jump, spin and swing with claws randomly, without any purpose. Grey frowned, almost mechanically blocking strike on yet another beast. Then he undestood.
- You do not have a free will, do you? - He smiled sadly. - Whoever implanted you with this... - Another step back, another block, - he made you his guard dogs. Or hounds... - Step forward, feigned stroke... - Now who you were before it, hairy? Criminal, poor slave or just some beast? - Step leftward to avoid claws. - Whoever you were... i will end your slavery today, - Grey rushed forward, ducking under claws, and then he thurst branch like a spear right in the middle of mechanism. - And perhaps, - his smile became angry, - i'll have a little talk with your master!

@rubear: @elitex01:

A quick glance assured Jun that her companions were all holding their own. Elite was keeping her attackers on the defensive with a flurry of attacks, kicking one partways across the clearing before bringing another to the ground with a two-fisted axe-handle blow. Again Jun briefly wondered if her mysterious friend wasn't at least part Eristian; in addition to her green skin and nigh-unkillability, she fought with the ferocity of one of the four-armed aliens, even with her fewer appendages.

Grey was likewise doing well, and seemed to have disabled one of the beasts by targeting the strange machinery that seemed to have merged with the thing's body. The beast's already jerky flailing gave way to spasmodic twitching as it collapsed on the ground, the odd device emitting jets of greenish electricity as it was disabled. So then, at least these things seemingly could be stopped.

She returned her attention to her own foes. Two lay stunned, but one was still on its feet and crouching to renew its attack. As it charged her, she counter-charged, colliding with the creature with bone-crushing force, and grappling with it. While it struggled to bring its fangs and claws to bear against its unexpectedly close target, she reached behind it and jammed the rock she had picked up earlier into its control mechanism. The result was instantaneous, and the beast went into a similar rage of thrashing movements. Jun was thrown a dozen feet from it in its uncontrolled violence, but as she picked herself up, she grinned as she noted the effectiveness of the attack. And people wonder why I don't rely on technology...

@jungala: @rubear: (Me too, Rubear, no worries, though. ^_^)

Elite smiled softly, glad to see her attack succeed so well. She rose to her full height and cracked her neck before she leaps towards one of the beasts, tries to grab it's tail if it had one (if not, the back, gabbing it's fur and skin) and picking it up. Then Elite begins spinning around like a top before releasing the beast and tries to slam it against the other one that attacked her. She wanted to be sure both of them stayed down and did not get up again. That should finish them off.

Elite then looks over at her companions and is pleased to see they have done just as well as she has. But then a question settles over in her mind. Why the attack? These things had embedded technology, most likely to control them. Which means their master might know Elite and her friends are here and tried to take them out. But why?

@jungala: I'll make a post in Saturday. Just a question so - how much of beasts are still walking?

@rubear: I think at least two have to be disabled.

@jungala: @elitex01:
Then
Thirteen days of long and fruitlsess search. And only now they detected strange signal coming from one of ruined cities. Of course his squad get dubious honour of leading investigation... They landed three hours ago, but chronos were indicating time spans between two minutes and four days. Of course they were advanving slowly and with caution to evade worst anomalies. Of course they were covering each other backs. And still he felt... trepedation? Alarm? Perhaps untrained human would call it fear. Or foreboding. Perhaps it was because this atmosphere of desolation... or because of this strange noise in comms? Almost if he was hearing hissing... or moans. In Old Age people would think about ghosts or other wayward souls...
- Sergeant, - calm, but stern voice of Johan returned him to more practical matters. - I found something. We are not alone here.

Now
Beast fell. But before Grey was able to tear his ad hoc weapon he heard something from behind - growl, crackling of electricity and whistling of air. At the same moment trashing werewolf hitted him hard in leg with elbow. He fell. Not forward, but backwards. It seemed like time became as slow as a snail. Above him he saw jumping beast, he saw sparks falling from claws, he saw eyes devoid of any feeling except rage... Rage Grey felt as well. With roar of fury he striked beast with all force he had. Then he connected with ground. What he saw in next moment was pleasant surprise - beast fell right on first one and it claws sinked deep in already damaged implants. Electrical discharge was strong - even stronger then after his hits so it fired controlling mechanism. Eli and Jun were closing to last beast from both sides. It seemed that fight is over... for now. Only then Grey noticed big scratches in his leg. They were closing, but not as fast as he remembered...

@rubear: @elitex01:

The battle was theirs now, seemingly. Most of their attackers had been..."killed" probably wasn't the right word, as what they were and whether they were even truly alive was never entirely clear, but more of them lay disabled on the ground than still stood and fought. What ones remained were now in retreat, although even their withdrawal was unsettling; they did not flee like panicked animals, but rather just seemed to abruptly switch modes of being and dart for the heavier undergrowth of the wilderness, although responding to some unspoken command or program.

Jun stopped, fighting the hunter's urge to give chase. It was possible that this was a feint, and their foes sought to draw them into an ambush now that their initial attack had failed. Besides, if the group determined that pursuit was the best option, they could always be tracked. She gave a quick glance to her compatriots, noting that Gray seemed to have suffered some injury. "You are hurt?"

@jungala: @rubear:

Elite didn't bother chasing them, she didn't see a point to it. So, she was left feeling satisfied that the two remaining beasts were leaving. It wasn't without some small amount of satisfaction at a job well done. Turning her head after she smiles, she sees that Grey was injured. The wound looked like it was healing already but, from the look on Grey's face, perhaps it wasn't to his satisfaction?

Regardless, Elite makes her way to him quickly and asks with concern etched in her voice, "Grey, are you alright?" Elite had basic medical training but she was no doctor.

I'm going to thread this in length later, but i like the idea of another planet with life on it. Hopefully I can find a way to contribute :)

@dominus_: Awesome!