Sanjana
F
Engineer

>>727666
This sounds good.

>>727666
yep

Kharam
M
Death Knight

>>727666
kay

Magic of a type considered ancient in your time long past awakens, pooling in the air and forging anew your body. Your naked form is lithe and decidedly feminine, though not so curvy as to attract much male attention. Your black hair is pulled into a pony-tail behind you, to keep the hair from your intelligent blue eyes during your work, whether that be combat or invention. Then again, in the land where you'd grown up, it was your intelligence and skill that had attracted attention. But then, the land of your birth had prized ingenuity, and the construction of the Mechanical Heart had been your prized work, catapulting you into the limelight of your society and its various persons of note. It was the same device that had allowed you to best the great angel Vaulius, the very being that had put your home city to the torch and shattered the great works of progress. It had been that victory, and many others, that had solidified your desire to keep others from the same fate, that had led to you volunteering to be put to sleep, and await the coming of being the outsiders once again.

The magic finished constructing your new body for you, even seeing fit to clothe you in the simple working man's clothing of your home, the shirt hugging your body to keep it from interfering in work, the leather and cloth pants coming complete with numerous pockets for gadgets of all kinds and leather work boots to complete it. Sadly, you are left without a weapon, but surely that won't hinder you for long.

The man at your feet notices you just as you finish coming to life once again, and he smiles faintly at the sight of you.

"You... You've come... my Lady..."

You crouch down, pressing a finger to the man's neck to check his heart-beat. You're face darkens as you realize that he hasn't much longer to live, and you doubt even with medical supplies you could have done anything to prevent the loss of his life. The man himself, however, seems uncaring. He pushes the Heart towards you, clear purpose in his eyes.

"We... we had to... they... came so fast... so fast... My Lady... you are... weaker... time... needed to... you must... save the others... before... its... too... late..."

The light dies from his eyes even as he finishes his last request, and he slumps into the stone floor. You take a moment to close his eyes, offering a silent wish that he find peace in death, before retrieving the Heart. You don't have the materials or time to construct a form for the Heart, but for you'd be loath to leave it unguarded. A cursory glance reveals the room exactly as you remember it upon falling asleep, only the altar that had been the resting place of your relic occupying the stone room. You quickly cross to the door and peer out, cautious of the sounds of fighting beyond. The hallway the door leads into, however, remains undisturbed it seems. Another door lays directly opposite you, if you recall it was a storage room for some of your things. Farther down the corridor, you spot another door, and further beyond that, a flickering light and the likely source of much of the ringing of steel and shouts of pain and anger.

>Input

>>728187
Check the storage. You're going to need tools or weapons if you are to contribute to this fight.

Check the walls. Estimate how long you've been in stasis.

A quick look at the walls, in an attempt to ascertain how long you'd been asleep, reveals little of value. Though they are certainly more worn and weathered than you recall, you had never had much interest in the science of geology or archaeology, and therefore can garner little from the stone walls. You'd much preferred the more blunt practices of mechanics and gunsmithy over the less directly applicable. Though the newfangled "electricity" had struck your fancy before you'd been rudely dragged from your normal studious lifestyle by war.

You quickly turn your attention to more immediately concerning tasks, such as acquiring tools you could use, and you cross the corridor swiftly to the storage room. A quick test of the handle reveals it unlocked, and you enter quickly, detecting no threats awaiting you on the other side. The room itself is dimly lit by a torch on the wall, which allows you to pick out a number of boxes, crates and shelves. Most seem to be occupied by various dried goods or worn clothing, things a small group might need to survive for extended period on the their own. Tucked into a corner, however, you find the real prize, a small chest which you promptly open to reveal the items you'd stored there so long ago. It seems your guardians had held to your instructions. Excellent.

You extract the items carefully, giving each a once over before donning or storing it as necessary. A pistol belt smelling of fresh oil, comprised of a holster strapped to a belt lined with small spaces for storing the munitions required for such a device, is swiftly strapped to your waist and leg, securing it in place. A small bag of carefully preserved pistol rounds is the next on the list. Many, even with careful care and storage, had not survived the press of time, it seemed, but you found some eighteen in usable condition, a decent number, all things considered. You would have to see about replenishing that number as soon as you were able. The last you spend a few more moments with, checking its function quickly to ensure no significant damage to its function. The revolver had, unfortunately, seen better days, time and likely the unskilled hands of someone unfamiliar with its workings doing much to reduce its effectiveness. Still, it was better than nothing, and it still functioned well enough to be used, if only for a short time. You quickly load the weapon, for the first time in who knew how long, and you close the chamber with a satisfying click. It would certainly do.

You return swiftly to the corridor as soon as you deem yourself ready, taking another moment to regard your choices. There remains the last door, as yet unexplored, which you recall being empty at the time of your internment. Still, perhaps it would instead be best to continue on towards the sound of conflict instead, and help whoever should require it in defending this place from further attack.

>Input

>>728386
Lives first. These people are under attack, they looked after you and your possessions while you slept, and they need and deserve your protection.

Ignore the unexplored door, to battle.

You move quickly down the corridor, ignoring the door and instead heading straight for the sounds of conflict. As you pass through the opening, you emerge into an open courtyard you only vaguely recall. A fountain is placed at its center, water gently cascading down it, and simple flowers have been planted along the edges of the space. Most notable, however, are the bodies that litter the ground, blood pooling around them. Each is dressed in simple robes or plain unadorned armor. Clearly the ones who have watched over your slumber for all these years. You can spare them little more than a passing thought as more pressing concerns demand your focus. Others still live, battling desperately against the demons that threaten them.

Across the courtyard, a man armored in steel and wielding sword and shield stands defiant against a demonic warrior, the two clashing as the man stands guard over a robed figure lying seemingly unconscious on the floor. Others similarly armored are scattered about, battling to defend themselves, with limited success. One of their number, only a few feet away, is impaled upon his attacker's blade, blood pouring from his wound even as he is tossed aside. His demon attacker has already noticed you, and he stocks toward you, his bloody hellblade raised to strike at you as soon as he reaches you.

The remaining warriors, however, are already faltering, the demon's superior strength and endurance gradually overpowering them. One is of particular note, the man who stands guard over the robed one, as his charge prevents him from moving to effectively engage his opponent. If something is not done, immediately, he will die and the robed one will be left defenseless.

>Input

Health: 2
Revolver: 6/12

Surviving Guards: 4
Demons: 5

>6 bullets
>5 demons
I sure hope you can one-shot these things. And you can't really afford any misses either. Every shot has to count, or this is going to go badly.

>what do
Assist the man who is about to be overcome. His demon will be focused on the imminent kill, and not have a chance to react before you put a bullet between its eyes. (Not dealing with the one coming for you first places you at risk, but unlike these men, this is a risk you are prepared to handle).

Dodge away from the one closing towards you, take a point-blank shot after it tries (and fails) to strike you with the hellblade. It will be most exposed right after it commits to an attack.

Are there any demons among the dead? Did the defenders overcome any of them?

Work as a team! Command the guards to stun their opponents, then headshot one at a time!

>>728772
six bullets in the gun. have 12 more on us.
shoot the demon attacking the man, and move to assist, roll or something to avoid the demon after you.

You don't hesitate as you bring your revolver up and squeeze the trigger. The sharp report of the firearm cuts through the sounds of ringing steel, and all present seem to falter slightly. The round punches through your target, ichor blossoming out of the demon as it howls in pain. The guard facing him wastes little time in taking advantage of the opening, his sword finishing the deed and cutting the demon down for good. It shrieks in its death, body dissolving into embers of fire and ash, the burst of heat and flame scorching the earth in a permanent marking of its banishment. The guard, now having room to breath and take in his surroundings, begins to shout for his fellows, besieged as they are, to fall in around him. You, however, can spare him little attention, as your own demonic adversary reaches you and lashes out with its blade. You side step the attack, pulling the hammer back on your revolver and firing point blank into the demon's chest in retaliation. Once more the sharp crack cuts through the air, and the demon falls back shrieking as it dissolves just as its ally had. You pull the hammer back again, turning once more to the courtyard to assess where the battle is now.

One more of the guards has fallen, cut down without remorse, while those that remain are continuing to struggle against their own assailants. A quick inspection of the grounds reveals the telltale mark of dead demons among the bodies, the scorched earth marking where they had stood at their death. It seems the guards had managed to hold their own, to some degree. You hope to settle the score before the day is done, and send the hellspawn back to the pit they'd come from.

>Input

[b]Health: 2
Revolver: 4/12

Surviving Guards: 3
Demons: 3

>>728906
If you're not being attacked yourself, it's time to pick another target and shoot it. Either pick off one pressing another guard, or pick whichever you have the best shot on.

shoot whichever is attacking the most tired looking guard, be sure to watch your back in case there are any hiding for a chance to strike.

You take aim at another demon and pull the trigger once more, the round forcing the thing to falter, after which it is quickly cut down. The freed guard quickly moves to aid his fellow, and between the two, they manage to cut down another of the demons. The last one, perhaps seeing the tables turn, roars its anger and charges you, though it has little chance of success. Another shot from your revolver banishes the thing back to the pit, and you take a moment to center yourself and reload your firearm. The guards gather together as you do so, apparently conferring with each other about what to do and glancing at you nervously, before the one who'd been guarding the robed figure steps closer to you, raising his voice to a level you can hear.

"I thank you for your kind help, stranger. I don't know where you came from, or who you are, but I appreciate it. I'm Sergeant Aimsworth, Privates Jacobs and Miller." Both of the surviving guards nod to you in turn at the mention of their names. "I'm afraid we can't offer much in hospitality, seeing how most of our number have... passed on. I hope you don't find me too forward, but might I ask after your name, and more importantly, your business here?"

You can tell, just from watching them, that despite the Sergeant's friendly manner, he's still on his guard. Understandable, given what they've just been through. Still, given the robed one's similarity to the one who'd awoken you, at least clothing wise, you gather they'd likely know more regarding what's going on exactly, and hopefully be able to help you begin the task you'd been awoken for.

>Input

>I hope you don't find me too forward, but might I ask after your name, and more importantly, your business here?
Introduce yourself, including surname, rank / profession, and (likely long dead) city of origin.

Your business, simply enough, is the opposition of demons.

Draw the mechanical heart from your pocket and address the holy man / scholar / robed person. "You know who I am, don't you?"

Name, Rank, and ID. Don't blab about your hero title, there might be demon infiltrators hiding behind their allies' corpses.

Ask about their commanding officer and where to find other caches of ancient, overpowered hand cannons. You're going to need ammo for this thing.

"Professor Sanjana dun Fleurelle, of the Free-City of Lorienna. My business, simply enough, is the opposition of demons."

At the sound of your name, the robed figure starts slightly, scrambling to their feet and pulling their hood back. This reveals them to be a young women, you'd guess at late teens early twenties, who's eyes are wide as she stares at you in disbelief. Her eyes only grow wider as you reveal your relic, the metal of it glinting slightly.

"You know who I am, don't you?"

The girl nods, words seeming to escape her. You let her be a moment, turning instead to this Aimsworth. He seems to be skeptical of the entire affair, but while he's still cautious, he seems more inclined to respond with information at the moment.

"I would like to inquire as to the wherabouts of your commander, as well as where I might find more caches of usable weapons, particularly where I might find firearms."

The man gives you an odd look before responding, gesturing towards one of the corpses on the ground.

"That's our commander right there. Like I said, I'm acting leader at this point... not that there's much to lead. As for these... firearms... I don't know what those are, though if I had to take a guess, I'd say-"

"My lady! I'm sorry, I didn't recognize you sooner, but then I guess I wouldn't I've never actually seen you outside of the scriptures, and those are more artistic depictions anyways, but still I should have recognized you, you're using the ancient weapon, that was depicted too but I should have recognized it anyway and you actually have the Heart, but this means things are bad very bad that means you needed to wake up which I guess is true since demons are around so maybe it more a good thing you woke up to fight the bad things I don't know and-"

The girl keeps going, babbling on without end. You never studied psychology, such sciences held little interest to you, but if you had to guess you think she's gone into some sort of shock, her mind trying to compensate for the all the death by distracting her from it. Regardless, you can't get anything useful out of her if she keeps on like this.

"Excuse me."

"- there's no way to- YES MA'AM!" The girl snaps to attention, her robes fluttering slightly with the speed of it, and her eyes remained locked on you. You pause a moment to let out a short sigh of exasperation, but you quickly refocus. You don't have time for self indulgent worries.

"I am who you think I am. Still, I've only just woken, and I'm afraid I have little knowledge of where or when I am. Seeing as you're aware of who I am, and no doubt have the answer I seek, I was hoping I might ask some questions of you Miss...?"

"Acolyte Lily Vorone! Of course, my lady! Whatever I can help with!"

>Input

Oh my goodness we're a gun-slinging professor. This makes my day.

>questions
One immediate concern might be our tactical situation, here. How isolated is this temple? Is our position defensible, or even viable after the attack? (Withdrawal might well be advised if we are undermanned and your position is known. We need time to build and prepare to be effective as an engineer, and we may well be sitting ducks if we stay).

How long have the demons been back? Has there been mounting pressure, an invasion, or was this strike without warning? (Surgical first strikes against sealed heroes?).

Are there more firearms or equipment stored here? Or elsewhere. You have the knowledge and skill to produce more ammunition and construct automata, but that requires tools and time we may not have if the demons are already attacking this location.

(Your first real objective is probably to find some kind of workshop as soon as possible, as your ability to contribute in battle is currently constrained by a scarce resource).

I doubt records are accurate enough for more than a rough estimate, but how long has it been since the great war?

If there's time amid the more practical concerns, a brief history since the last war would be nice.

"How isolated is this location? More importantly, is it defensible?"

"Uh..." The acolyte looks suddenly lost at your question, but the Sergeant steps forward in her place, answering quickly and smoothly.

"This particular monastery was never meant to be heavily defended. It relied more on secrecy than defensive ability. If the demons know about it, it's lost any of its use." Aimsworth's tone has shifted in the few minutes the acolyte was speaking, carrying a note of respect now, though he is still clearly cautious. It seems even an acolyte of whatever group they are apart of holds some weight, even with just her excited reaction.

"I see. And the demons? Is their presence a new development, or have they and their attacks been building in size over time?"

Again, it's the Sergeant who answers, though this time he seems a bit more uncertain.

"I can't speak for the anywhere else, beyond the occasional disturbing rumor coming from the western kingdoms and northern mountain ranges, but the Shattered Lands have certainly seen... better days. Demon attacks are still scarce, but they have been happening, usually in select areas."

"... Known home regions of the Old Heroes... like you, Ma'am... I heard some of the Elders talking about it..."

You close your eyes to let that process a moment. If what they said is true, then that means that the demons at least know you, and the others like you, existed. The attack here wasn't an accident, or a strike against a random exposed target. You were the intent of the attack the entire time.

"Are there any more firearms here? Or the munitions for them?"

"Ah, no Ma'am! Only the barest minimum was brought here to be stored with you, the Elders felt too many of the ancient artifacts gathered in one place would attracts bandits and raiders and worse! I know where more are though! The ruins, we have a storage cache there, hidden away, the Elders said it was important that one be there! It's not too far from here, only a few days travel!"

"I see. Do you know how long it's been since the Great War?"

"Great War? Since you were made to sleep? I-I don't know ma'am. I'm only an acolyte, I'm not allowed near the libraries much... but I can read! They said I'm one of the best at that! Said I'd be a Keeper before the year was over! Or even an "Engineer"... whatever that is... I swear I wasn't eavesdropping ma'am, honest, I only sorta heard them talking about me!"

She seems very adamant that you know she didn't mean to overhear her superiors plans for her, not that it means anything to you. You debate questioning her on the history since the war, but she doesn't seem like she'd know anything anyway, so you decide against it. If the guard Sergeant is to be believed, then this place isn't going to last against another assault on its own, more so when you consider that many of its guards are dead and you can provide little aid as you are.

This only leaves finding somewhere else to go. Lily seems sure she can lead you to this supply cache within these "ruins", wherever that is, so that is certainly an option, and hopefully one that will make it much easier for you to aid in fighting against future threats. Similarly, however, further prodding reveals that there is a functioning city relatively nearby as well, serving as a trade center of sorts for the Shattered Lands, which you gather is the name of the region you are currently inhabiting. There's apparently a group of these monks that were watching over you there, occupying a library that could provide information and aid as well. The Sergeant says that he knows of another city a bit farther along that he is certain could provide a few more able bodied men to the cause, especially if you are who you say you are(which you'd like to think you are, given you know who are you), who could help defend you and serve as a personal bodyguard, instead of just the three you currently have at your disposal.

Despite all these options, you think that one of your most important goals should be the set-up of a workshop. Without one, the skills and knowledge you've gained over the years are of little use, and as an engineer you find this to be a travesty beyond measure. Perhaps it would be best to find a suitable location for one and build up a base around it, to properly defend it. A proper workshop will be a building in and of itself, after all, particularly if you plan on constructing an automaton to help you in your mission. Or several.

>Input Command

>>730646
If the location of the cache at the ruins has been compromised in the same way the location of this monastery has, then we would need assistance to assault it. However, if it is not, then it is not only a source for more equipment but also an excellent place to start a workshop.
Let's scout the location with our small group. If there is any hint of a demon presence, then break of immediately and head for the nearest city to contact the order and gather reinforcements. If there is not, then visit the cache to restock and start setting up a workshop while the acolyte and one/two of the remaining guards head for the narest city.

>I can read! They said I'm one of the best at that! Said I'd be a Keeper before the year was over! Or even an "Engineer"... whatever that is...
Possibly this indicates she might have potential as a student or assistant later, if you train her as such. Although it's a sad sign for modern civilization if being literate is exceptional or uncommon.

>Despite all these options, you think that one of your most important goals should be the set-up of a workshop
A workshop is a goal, but you currently lack the resources to set one up. We lack the necessary location and equipment.

If we're abandoning this location we need to gather whatever useful supplies we can carry (food, water, traveling supplies, etc). If there is information here that would direct the enemy towards the cache in the ruins, or other important locations, that information must come with us. Or as loathsome as it is to say, be destroyed.

Whether we head to the ruins first or town first I think depends on what supplies we can gather here, what kind of ruins these are, and the terrain on the way there. (We're not running through a monster infested swamp or up a mountain with low food and improper equipment, for example). There's also the question if the ruins are guarded, or if specific knowledge is required to enter (which the acolyte may not posses). Assuming no significant known obstacles, I would favor the ruins first, but it depends.

Reload your weapon as you talk, just in case. Explain that until further supplies are recovered, or you have the leisure to set up a workshop and manufacture ammunition yourself, your weapon can only fire... 14 times more before it is depleted. As such, you would advise avoiding hostile engagements. (While this does reveal a weakness, it is important they don't overestimate your capabilities and put us in a fight we can't win).

If there's time, we should probably pay some kind of respect to the dead. (There's probably not enough time to bury all of them or other more involved rites, and it's not as if you know what the traditions are in this day and age. But if we're not actively fleeing or fighting for our lives, some gesture of respect would be appropriate).

show the acolyte a bullet. and show you putting one into the cylinder. explain that your weapon uses one every time it is fired, that is the cost of it's power. but you can make more once your have supplies.

and yeah, the fact that literacy is uncommon and gun care has become a lost art something has gone wrong. perhaps misinformation, or even outright lies have been spread about the power of knowledge. gonna guess that its become a hoarded thing rather then a shared thing.
also we can head back inside and check out that last door now that we don't have an attack breathing down our neck.