FEBRUARY EVENT LOG

[monstertruckers]

code

The Convoy begins a slow path through the forest, and a long road winding between the trees. The vegetation hangs thick overhead, with a perpetual state of dim light hanging over the surroundings. Sunlight and moonlight both have a hard time piercing the gloom. And alongside that is a sense of danger looming in the shadows.

01: DEPARTURE/MINGLE

Dawn arrives after a long and demanding night. As wane sunlight leaks through the forest, the forcefield flickers out. In its place, the Convoy hums to life. Engines thrum, breakfast appears in the dining car, and the speakers crackle with a pre-recorded, automated voice.

“The Convoy will depart in three hours. Please ready yourself for the trip. Secure your belongings, prepare your vehicle, remain as human as possible. End destination… Nirvana. Repeat, the Convoy will depart in three hours.”

The recording drones on a loop, before fading out in a crackle of static. Before departure there’s a few matters to attend to, some more pressing than others:
+Breakfast consists of bland porridge. Some might want better food, and with a decently stocked kitchen, one can make better.
+The showers have lost any hot water. Surely there’s some way to fix the heater or provide some hot water? Or otherwise grumble through a cold shower.
+There’s plant growth where the Husks have been felled. Flowering vines grow over the Convoy, and need to be pruned for departure. The foliage has an odd effect if directly touched, instilling wanderlust and curiosity. The affected feel compelled to wander… Or be curious about others!

02: HAUNTED GROVE

The trees grow into a tangle just a few paces off the road. They almost envelop the buildings, absorbing the structures until only the roofs are visible. The branches become more twisted, and almost arm-like when reaching out to you.

Vines hang like nooses from the trees. And a closer look shows moss ridden Husks draped in the branches. Still, those who ignore those ominous signs can find supplies growing and hanging from the branches; repair materials, and unnerving types of food like canned ham and frozen pizza.

And then… There’s the effect from staying in the shade of the trees for too long. There’s a lethargy that clings to you, even as it eases the changes wracking your body. Resting underneath the grove can heal a Drifter of one change, and leave them feeling soothed… But all of this is by design. The grove WANTS you to stay there and become a part of it, so that it can ensnare you with vines or absorb you into trees. It can restore Drifters, but if they stay there for too long they’re going to need some rescuing.

03: WRECK

There’s a collection of abandoned cars in the forest clearings. Some cars are better preserved than others, some even containing cargo, weapons, and ammo, with a possibility to scavenge equipment off them…

…If not for the traps, set around the wreckage in the form of steel jaw bear traps and snares. All of them are coated in something that leaves the vision blurry and sets hearts into overdrive. If exposed to too much of it, there’s suddenly a reason for that near panic; hallucinations of fears can easily flare up.

There’s also things prowling the wreckage on four metallic canine legs, with gleaming chrome teeth and red headlights for eyes. The guidance computers on nearby vehicles flash an alert as they draw close; identifying them as chromehounds, though these have seen better days. Dented, damaged, but still fierce enough. And still ready to pounce on anyone caught in the traps or drugged with fear toxin.

While the chromehounds can be dispatched, the fear toxin will have to run its course. Closer examination of the hounds and traps shows an insignia of a sword piercing the moon.

03-A: MONSTER NEST

Hostile beasts lurk in the woods. Many are cautious, nocturnal creatures that prefer to emerge at night, and hunt any Drifter who has strayed outside the reach of the Convoy forcefield.

A massive monster nest dwells in a crumbling, abandoned overpass in the middle of the forest. The Convoy does its best to give the area a wide berth, but it’s entirely possible Drifters might still stumble across it: particularly if some of the more annoying creatures like Great Jagras steal food and take it back to the den.

Many of the beasts make their dens in abandoned vehicles littering the overpass: Jagras and Slicemargl take up the better spots, while noxicaps and scavengers linger on the fringes. But the most territorial are the mutant bears, occupying the darker parts of the underpass.

04: SHRINE

The moon glows balefully overhead some nights. An eerie light glows across the sky, like a burning aurora that exacerbates any symptoms the Drifters have picked up this month. Sometimes the trees help to muffle this maddening light. But not always.

There is however a remedy that blocks out the light; dotted near the road or just off the forest paths are shrines carved from stone and wood. The aurora dims near these shrines, and offers breathing room. Small offerings dot the alters, and some are even medicines that can alleviate hallucinations, wanderlust, and the like.

But there’s a price for taking these offerings; the various candles dotting the shrines ignite, flames reaching for the intruder, and burn either a monster change, or a message into their skin. It’s equal odds which one a Drifter receives. The message fades in the span of the month, but offers cryptic words regarding the world, and can be logged in the Convoy database.

05: STASIS WARNING

Pockets of something… Wrong lurk on the road, or just off the path. Many of them are lined with Husks twisted into horrified expressions. Others are little more than a faint distortion and ripple in the air. But once a Drifter wanders into the pockets, the effects become all too clear.

The pockets are alarmingly still when stepped inside. This stillness tries to seep into anyone in the pocket, making them stiffen, their thoughts go sluggish and almost halt… But the Sigils on their skin dispel this before it can completely overtake a Drifter. Sigils disperse the field with explosive results; bursts of fire or electricity, surges of plant grown, rock explosions all burst as the field is dispelled.

The one warning for these pockets are strange symbols and the words ‘STASIS’ inscribed on rocks, trees, and signs around these pockets, warning about them. A couple crisscross the roads needed to take out of the forest. It seems that a Tough vehicle could easily wade in and survive the explosions of magic, while a Fast vehicle would be capable of outracing any trouble… While those on foot will need to hope for the best, or for fast healing.

06: RADIO HOUR

After several days of travel, and around nightfall the Convoy approaches a resting point ringed in Husks. It resembles a log cabin, with some unnerving traits; first, the trees near the cabin become more rigid and geometric, almost like pylons. Second is the large radio tower growing out of the cabin itself. Once the Convoy is in range, the radios, phones, and screens all crackle to life. Screens display a broadcasting logo, followed by an emergency signal drone. Astute Drifters can check the dates that pop up, and realize that this is an old recording.

“Attention, this is an emergency broadcast. Seek shelter immediately. A moon warp is imminent. Repeat, a Moon Warp is imminent. Impact: falling moon shards will cause destruction and distortions. Prepare by seeking cover inside shields. Those caught outside will be twisted. Seek shelter immediately.”

Outside the Husks pulse, and the broken moon shimmers. Several bright spots in the sky grow brighter… And larger, as shards of moon fall. The Convoy comes to a wrenching halt. A warning siren echoes, before the Convoy deploys its shield. Those inside are safe from the worst of the Warp, able to hide out in the Convoy. Nothing like a good time to bond with whoever you’ve been shut in with, right?

07: MONSTER HOUR

Those outside the Convoy will be in for a rougher time. The glow from the falling moon shards has a way of piercing into the brain and forcing a full transformation for as long as the Moon Warp lasts.

During the Warp, there’s plenty of trouble for Drifters. The Husks glow before bursting into a pack of violent, wolf-esque gryphons called Nargacuga, and a host of other beasts. These monsters favor scaling trees for dive attacks, or hauling Drifters up into the branches. But with their focus on the Drifters, the Nargacuga are easy prey for the chromehounds nearby, which pounce in a tangle and clash.

By dawn, the Warp has worn off. The Nargacuga are dead, while the chromehounds have been smashed. Transformed Drifters have two options in the aftermath; either they've burned off so much energy fighting they revert into an exhausted state. They will likely be suffering from disorientation and require rest, healing, and anchoring from others. Alternately, Drifters run wild ahead of the Convoy as something draws them north; they will have a chance to revert next month, in the Messages prompt!

07-A: MONSTER BRAWL

One particularly large and ferocious Nargacuga leads the pack of monsters… And seems to have a particular hatred for technology. He attacks the radio tower, doing his best to knock it down, and then strikes at the Convoy only to be deflected by the shields. Once he’s deflected, he vents his rage on the Chromehounds.

The radio picks up something from the lead Nargacuga each time he bleeds, and a patchy broadcast happens, with different fragments heard by different people:
1. “Serenith has ordered. I obey. Obliterate every trace of Wardens, cull their human flock. Justice for the packs they murdered.”
2. “Keep bleeding them until the moon Breaks, just like she ordered.”
3. “They gave me a place and a pack, where I could hunt.”
4. “Be ruthless. The Steel Wardens aren’t different, with the children they cull.”
5. “Hate… Loss… Blood. Always more blood.”

In its death throes the Nargacuga obliterates any remaining Husks, littering the area with quicksilver pools. Drifters must be careful around these pools, as contact with them will cause all pre-assigned monster traits next month to linger without special treatment.

MICRO ENCOUNTERS:

PLEASE NOTE! These are small bits of set dressing for players to include in threads if they wish, rather than full fledged prompts or events. You may handwave your exploration of these areas, or thread them out.

Radio Trees: A strange line of geometric trees leading towards the radio tower cabin. The closer a Drifter gets, the more they can hear faint music and old broadcasts regarding moon phases.

Hunting Grounds: An area of burnt out husks that have already burst open. There’s a few monster carcasses scattering the area, along with broken weapons and bullet casings. A symbol has been carved into the monsters, or a moon pierced by a sword.

Forest Flowers: A clearing that lacks the grasping trees from before, and instead is taken up by crystalline flowers. They give off a pleasant fragrance, and help to relax characters. Can be crushed into a medicine to help cure long lasting fear toxin effects.

Falling Trees: Drifters are advised to be careful of falling trees obstructing the road, and which may need to be hacked through. Granted, what’s knocking over the trees is another question entirely!

Lakeside: streams and rivers thread the forest, occasionally creating marshy areas. These rivers eventually feed into a massive lake that borders the radio tower cabin. The water is cloudy, and the bottom of the lake covered with the remains of destroyed chrome hounds: they’ve clearly been torn apart by the nargacuga prowling the area.

NAVIGATION

Comments

Goro Akechi | Persona 5

[undyingcrow]

Departure:

[Though Akechi has collected some food and provisions from the gas station, he sluggishly drags himself to the dining car and resigns himself to the bland porridge. However, with his new talons, gripping silverware proves a bit more irritating than he expected. Not impossible, but those entering may see him awkwardly adjusting his grip in his left hand and glowering at the bland bowl.]

It shouldn't be this difficult. My gauntlets already had claws attached...

[The showers prove irritating. The lack of heat makes him want to scream, but... No. He's endured worse. The shower gives him the opportunity to take a better look at his arms and hands, blackened and scaled like limbs of a corvid. The sigil provides a further reminder of how his body is now subject to the whims of this world...

So, before long, he heads out with his crowbar in hand, ready to vent some frustrations before their departure. The foliage draws his attention. He could touch the growths, but instead, he prods the vines with his crowbar. They seem... sturdy. An obstacle, to be sure.]

Lovely. As if this morning didn't have enough complications...

Haunted Grove:

[It's impossible to ignore the trees as Akechi blazes down the road on his motorcycle. All consuming, branches like arms, not to mention the supplies and food stocked inside...

He slows just long enough to get a cursory look. He could always tempt fate and have Hereward loose the supplies with an attack. It would give him something more palatable than the porridge, at least, even if he's nearly expended the goods he stored in his attache case by now.

Yet, on closer inspection... Akechi squints. Are those Husks mixed in with the moss?

Something's off here. A strange, soothing feeling. It's subtle, but it's still noticeable enough to put him on edge.

Akechi does not take well to mental manipulation, and in a kneejerk moment, he screams out:]

HEREWARD!

[His Persona, clad in black and red, lets loose a violent explosion that consumes the nearby tree, freeing some of the goods, but more worryingly, cracks the shells of the Husks.

So now there's a new problem: the monsters unleashed by Akechi's kneejerk attack.

Care to lend a hand?]

Wreck:

[What a predicament. The cars contain useful equipment. Akechi's been meaning to upgrade from a crowbar. The trouble is, this entire trip so far as proven treacherous.

Still, he slows his motorcycle and dismounts. There must be a way to get closer without getting hurt, but first...]

Eigaon.

[Hereward responds by sending a crackling blast of dark energy into the surrounding foliage. A loud, metallic SNAP confirms his suspicion that the path forward is far from safe.]

Quite the predicament. If I had my full navigational capabilities, this wouldn't be an issue, and yet—

[A low growl foretells something more ominous in the distance. The warning lights flashing on his motorcycle is just as worrying, and as others draw near, he calls out:]

Get ready to fight!

[Regardless of whether or not anyone intercepts, Akechi will battle his way toward the spoils. There's a gun and some ammo, and he's been craving more ranged options that won't drain Hereward's abilities.

He can later be found after the battle, having seized one of the traps with his crowbar. He's trying his best to keep a clear head, but fighting so close to the traps and toxins isn't doing him many favors, and he's desperate to ground himself.

Squinting, he looks over the insignia. He's trying to keep his composure. Trying to clear his mind. This, at least, gives him a mystery to latch onto.]

This seems deliberate. Even those mutts bore this sigil... Have you any thoughts?

Shrine:

[The shrines proved far too tempting to overlook. As he draws near, he feels calmness wash over him. Moreover, the altar provides him an opportunity to inspect the offerings. In many regards, it feels wrong to touch these offerings. This is clearly a sacred place, but what looks like herbal medicine makes him curious. Normally, he wouldn't be so reckless, but he picks up one of the offerings just long enough to study it.

Big mistake.

Those in the vicinity will hear anguished screams as the fire from the candle ignires his flesh, charring a message into his left arm.

It reads:

The First Tenant: Faithful to the Blessing
“I shall never falter from any blessing the moon bestows on me or my kin. I shall embrace my gifts, no matter what strife may stem from them.”

Akechi drops the offering, wincing as he stares down at his arm, the burn still fresh.]

Ngh... Well, I suppose I got answers in some capacity. Don't make the same mistake as me.

Radio Hour / Monster Hour (CW transformation):

[Akechi intended to investigate the area, once he noticed the strange reactions from the trees. Curiosity has already burned him, but he's come too far, and now he's ready for anything.

Besides, radio signals may provide more information, so however exhausted and tired he may be, it's worth the risk. The music and moon broadcasts seem promising as well. Should anyone else find him, he'll turn to converse:]

What do you make of all this? Functioning radio signals may well be signs of civilization, to say nothing of the emblem strewn throughout the forest...

[But then his radio and phone burst to life. A broadcasting logo, the drone... All of these are far more concerning signs, even with the outdated message.

Akechi stiffens as the message plays out. His eyes widen, but it's too late. He's too far from the Convoy. The shields flash to life, and he doubles over, clawed fingers digging into his hair as his shoulders throb, swell, and huge, feathery wings burst from his flesh.

And that's only the beginning...]

Monster Brawl (CW transformation):

[A monster tears through the battlefield, cackling wildly. The mess of honey brown hair should ring familiar, but much of his features are decidedly... inhuman. Huge horns curve forward from his forehead, with black and white stripes. An elongated snout, sharpened teath, and a hooked beak at the tip create the visage of something most frightening, even disregarding the flames that spew from his maw when enemy monsters draw too close.

He still has a bipedal stance at first, albeit with hind paws like a white tiger and striped fur reaching up to his waist.]

So this is what this world has in store for me!

[More cackling erupts from his maw, and he pivots, spewing fire at a Nargacuga that dares draw too close.

However, as he fights, his more bipedal stance eventually shifts to something more overtly monstrous.

His neck extends, thick, black feathers coat his upper body. A serpentine, barbed tail sprouts from behind, and his body swells to the size of a large horse.

In this more bestial state, he takes to the air, spewing flames and diving down to tear through any enemies in his path with a guttural roar. That being said, that isn't all he's doing, and some may even spot the familiar shape of an archer clad in black materializing in the air alongside him.

That should at leat provide a clue to his identity as he eyes the largest Nargacuga and sets his sights on it. Take out the leader, and the rest will fold, certainly...

But as others draw near, and the Nargacuga shifts targets, Akechi growls:]

Make yourself useful or get out of my way!

Aftermath:

[After a night spent fighting, clarity soon returns to Akechi. Most of his monstrous traits recede, save for the talons and now a set of sharp teeth to go with them. He touches his face, back to its familiar human shape. It's almost as though he's awakened from a bad dream.

Sore and sluggish, he shambles back toward the convoy, hissing between clenched teeth.]

So much for staying human.

[To others like him, he'll extend a simple question:]

How much do you recall from last night?

[To those who spot him closer to the convoy, he raises another question entirely:]

Did anyone within the shields change?

[Either way, he's in pretty rough shape, dragging his feet in a sluggish limp. He needs to rest, and he certainly needs a shower.]

Wildcard:

[Open to other ideas, too! c: Very flexible.]

( aftermath ) cw: mild injury description

[airskate]

[ Akechi's not the only one looking a little worse for the wear. Shadow is disheveled and exhausted, bits of forest stuck in his quills, half scabbed over cuts shining wetly in his fur, and his eyelids drooping with exhaustion. He drags himself back towards the convoy, wincing with every other step, and he barely even glances at Akechi when the other Drifter asks his question. ]

... I think I ate one of those robot dogs.

[undyingcrow]

[It's even more jarring, with how small Shadow is. Still larger than Morgana, of course, but the prospect of him getting so scuffed up...

Damn it. It's not that Akechi is soft, but his eyes widen in surprise at Shadow's words.]

...Do you still feel it your stomach?

[That's rather concerning.]

[airskate]

[ ... Does he still feel it in his stomach? Shadow frowns and slows to a stop, pressing a hand to his belly. He takes a long moment to really think about it before he speaks. ]

I don't think so. I might have...

[ Not actually eaten it? Regurgitated it later? The latter is more appealing than having actually eaten it, and the former is the best option of them all.

Really, it's not being sure either way that's disturbing him. He lets his hand fall and turns to regard Akechi properly. ]

I'm not sure. It's hard to remember anything after the pieces of the moon started falling.

[undyingcrow]

Truthfully, I think the only reason I remained as cognizant as I did was due to Hereward's influence.

[He reaches up, tapping a temple with a talon.]

He resists psychic abilities, though my temperament shifted all the same.

[Not unlike being under Call of Chaos, if a tad more in control. A surreal feeling, to be sure.]

Monster Brawl

[solitarysoul]

[The biggest creature was often the largest threat, so the black dog was stalking the huge Nargacuga as well. He'd been going for a slow approach to try get behind it, but Akechi's snapped remark pinged as 'order' to both his dog brain and his soldier training. He rushes forward, leaping at the beast and snapping his jaws on a wing.]

[undyingcrow]

[It's hard to recognize Levi in his present form, but Akechi growls out a chuckle at the sight of the canine down below.

But then something strange happens. A radio signal corresponding to the blood dripping from the fresh bite wound:

“Serenith has ordered. I obey. Obliterate every trace of Wardens, cull their human flock. Justice for the packs they murdered.”

Akechi's eyes widen at the sound. Tiger-like ears twitch at the sound, but there's little time to dwell on the shock.

No. As cumbersome as this four-legged form is, he has work to do, and so he dives down, spewing flames at the beast's opposing wing.]

[solitarysoul]

[The radio signal goes in one ear and out the other for Levi. It was hard to tell if he even understood it because he'd put his full focus on the beast. As the bite is successful he locks his jaw and shakes his head. Blood goes flying as he tears a hunk from the wing; its mostly membrane but it should hinder flight at least a bit.

The Nargacuga doesn't let this go, swinging its tail around to knock the dog over.]

[undyingcrow]

[Jaws still smoking, Akechi dives down and, without much thought, snaps his mouth shut around the Nargacuga's tail.

As he does so, heat bursts from the back of his throat. With luck, it'll at least distract the accursed beast long enough for the dog to either escape or land another blow.

Problem is, the Nargacuga's thrashing in retaliation.]

Wreck/A bit of Wildcard, as mentioned on plurk! (cw: game-typical violence, hallucinations)

[constantvrunning]

[V misses the initial proclamation, but the resulting clamor jolts them into action.

Which would be good, since they at least have a functional lighter to hand, and a taser for M-Bot to deploy - but the chromehounds manage to manipulate them into racing ahead into one of the toxin traps.]

Gah!

[It does good things for their fighting reflexes - and bad things for their state of mind. It's all too easy to imagine the fight as an attack by the Red Empire.

M-Bot's distress chirps are just as likely to draw attention as the animalistic growls of the fight's participants. Whatever's actually happening, V won't be captured again.]

[undyingcrow]

[Akechi gasps at the sight. That further confirms that something's amiss. Traps, and... something more?

Damn it.

Akechi growls at the surrounding Chromehounds.]

Hey, mutts! It's time to 'play...'

[For now, he'll stick to another Eigaon, summoning Hereward to his side.

His Persona nods, then fires off an arrow at one of the Chromehounds that explodes into a crackle of crimson-black energy, and a powerful one at that.

This should, at least, draw their attention away from V.]

[constantvrunning]

[V's attention, in turn, is drawn from Akechi - they can't easily classify the Persona based on what they know from Tamaris, but distracting the rogue fighters angered strike force Chromehounds isn't something V expects an 'enemy' to do.

M-Bot swoops in, and even though V still flinches they at least recognize their friend.]

They're- they're weak to electricity!

[That much clarity they can retain, even through fear.]

[undyingcrow]

[When another Chromehound lunges his way, he hops back, swinging his crowbar in an attempt to drive it back. Though the blow staggers the beast, it does little else, and he follows up with another Eigaon.]

I don't possess electrical skills, but I do have an attack that could sweep through the area.

[He'd prefer to save it for a more dangerous foe, but a warning at least will prepare V and M-Bot ahead of time.]

Aftermath, on the way to the showers. cw: blood and injuries

[bufudine]

[Serph also had a pretty rough time of it. With the worst of his wounds taken care of in the sick bay -- stitches holding closed the gouges on his left arm, minor cuts semi-healed from devouring -- Serph staggers his way to the washrooms.

It's a testament to how bad his night has been that his step is unsteady as he walks to the washrooms. He's not prone to showing hurt, but even looking at him makes it rather obvious why he's having difficulty; gone is the jacket and body armour that usually covers his torso, revealing rivulets of dried blood caking his back where six wings have burst forth, their feathers bloody. The wings unfortunately mean he's taking up a lot of space in the Convoy on the way. A symbol and text is burned into the exposed skin of his right arm.

He lifts his head to look at the sound of another person, blood dried on his face from when he had torn skin off his forehead where his third eye -- hidden by his hair -- had appeared.]

Akechi. [His gaze isn't as focused as it was last time they spoke.] You're alright.

[In a manner of speaking.]

[undyingcrow]

[Serph isn't the only one bearing a brand. Akechi's runs down his left arm, fully visible without a shirt, along with dried wounds along his torso.

Thankfully for Akechi, he's mostly human again, save for the blackened, scaled skin on his lower arms, matching with his crow-like hands. Everything else, from the fur to his snout have all receded.

His jaw still aches, though, as does his head. Walking flat on his feet feels strange after all that gallivanting in a more bestial state.

A deep sigh blows out of him, but he nods all the same.]

As good as I can be, after last night. I just hope the damn shower is more cooperative, because I am not in the mood for cold water.

[bufudine]

[Why would a cold water shower even be a problem? (Considering he spent the last 5 years drenched by near constant rain, Serph really fails to see the issue.) It takes some effort for Serph to coordinate his new limbs, but he manages to fold the wings blocking Akechi's path up and out of the way.]

You were caught outside.

[Serph starts walking again to the washrooms, though his steps are small and his gait unsteady, making his pace snail-like.]

Was your mind affected?

Wildcard - this is stupid lmao

[killjoyprince]

[Naoto had a license! It was literally on her person, in her wallet.

Her scooter wasn't flying towards him because she couldn't drive. It was because as she'd been carefully driving along the paths of the grove, navigating around the the roots. The lack of roof and the lack of speed made her a very easy target for...vines.

Naoto would never admit the indignant squeak was her. Or the scream as she something wrapped around her waist and yoinked her off her vehicle. Leaving it careening onwards. ]

[undyingcrow]

[Shit. When the scooter rushes his way, Akechi abruptly jerks his motorcycle in...

Well, he was going for an Akira slide. Unfortunately, he's still adjusting to his new vehicle, so it's much bumpier and much less cool looking, on top of kicking up a lot of dirt.

That squeak coming from Naoto Shirogane is an unexpected sight, but no matter. He'll stop his bike and dismount.]

Hold on, Shirogane-san!

[This is... tricky, and perhaps a bit impractical, but he summons Hereward to at least try and catch the scooter, while he rushes over to try and smash the vine with his crowbar.]

[killjoyprince]

[Nothing strange here. Just a scooter wheezing by, slowly losing speed now it had no rider. It started to wobble after hitting a bump in the path, but... it was just a scooter. The bushes and dirt would have been enough to slow it and knock it over.

As for Naoto. The vine was making a valiant attempt to drag her higher up into the trees. Akechi's crowbar just about hooking it, slowing it's ascent. Mostly because the vine wasn't strong enough to lift Naoto and Akechi.

She struggled, trying to get the vines to loosen. Dropping several foot would be painful, but she'd rather not be thrown.]

Can you see where it's coming from?

[She couldn't. It was swinging her around too much for that.

And her gun was useless...Great....]

Shrine

[thelastb1]

[Roger is making his way toward the alter when the sound of screaming causes the droid to pivot, turning around and walking away with only the word:] Nope.

[He only takes a few steps away before he worriedly turns around again, and decides to actually investigate. Someone could need help, and he doesn't know what use he'll be if someone does, but he needs to see anyway.

The robot approaches Akechi at the Shrine. Hesitantly, he asks,] You, uh, all good here?

[undyingcrow]

[Oh, it's... a robot. Not the first he's seen here, of course, but the sight of Roger gives Akechi brief pause as he takes in his mechanical form.]

I've dealt with worse than an unsightly burn.

[His voice is a bit strained; the burn still hurts, but it is what it is.]

[thelastb1]

[Looking to figure out what Akechi means by "unsightly burn". He's still pretty distant, but his vision is quite good. Once he determines that Akechi means the text, though, he becomes much more worried.]

Did you get branded!? Right here?

[He swivels around in search, expecting someone to be nearby with a very detailed branding iron.]

Aftermath! (With hints of Monster Brawl?)

[electrifyking]

"I... Can barely remember anything. Just a lot of violent motions, pain... Dealing it out and taking it. Guess I'm lucky I didn't walk away with broken ribs again. But I..."

[Oh, he's certainly seen better days. He's not as changed as Akechi, but his ears are both changed and matched. Akihiko isn't standing straight either, looking heavily drained.]

"The Dark Hour never threw anything this bad at me.

The one thing I know is that... I changed into something."

[undyingcrow]

[Akechi nods, rubbing his face with the back of his hand. At the very least, the snout is gone for now. His sense of hearing is back to normal, but...

Ah.]

Your ears match.

[Very astute, he knows. In his defense, he's still a bit wiped out from the fighting, and yet...]

I changed considerably, though I was still largely 'myself.' It was quite alarming, however, between the wings, the horns, my ears... I grew a snout with a beak at the tip.

[Most of which is gone, but he wonders how recognizable he even was in such a hodgepodge state.]

[electrifyking]

"They finally evened out, huh...?"

[And he's too wiped out to protest that observation. At the moment, he feels lucky that two canine ears are the limit on what stuck to him.]

"I don't know how many changes latched onto me. But it felt like..."

[He lifts up his hands, slowly flexing the fingers, considering each one. And the fact that they are currently blunted and human, rather than ending in wicked talons. But he can still remember flashes of red at the tips of them, or coating his hands with each strike.]

"No wings or horns for me. But I felt like... I wasn't entirely me anymore. And not the same as calling my Persona. It was more... Angry, wanting to bleed anything that got too close-

But talking about it is rattling a few things loose in my head. The one thing that was still me, was not backing down from any of those fights."