A Ruinous Meet and Beat [Dorian, Tessia]

[Tessia]

Moving along silently and under brush, Tessia keeps her Eagle Track in sight on that new Golem.  Usually she didn't travel so far out to fight the but she hadn't seen this one before.  A bit more stable looking and bigger, it lumbered just ahead of her hiding spot in a clearing next to a graveyard.  Luckily it didn't seem to meander far from this area and she hand't seen any more nearby.  Still, there was always the possibility of ambush and so she crept along, hiding and observing it as it shuffled about and glowed ominously.  By now Tessia had a clear understanding of how Golems worked.  Being that her first invention had been made after a Soil Golem, she couldn't pass up the chance to study a higher form of one.  Slipping her bow from her back she stayed very low to the ground and still.  Listening for the rumbles and timing her movement so as not to be spotted.

Perhaps since she had fought so many it was now routine almost.  Staying behind the thing, tracking its turn and leg movements, where its head was pointing.  And so on.  She didn't get bored with it as there was enough going on to always keep ones attention.  Always always was one supposed to stay alert and on guard.  A broken twig, maybe a loose rock clattering nearby would be enough to garner these things attentions.  They where always vigilant and always ready.  Tessia liked the idea of taking them on and even hunting the stray ones.  It was helpful to have someone nearby too, but she didn't always count on that.  It was nice to be out of her shop, still in the midst of being repaired since her little mana experiment.  On she went, determined to stay out of the things sight until she was well within shot range.  

She could always shoot at it now, but previous fights had told her that would not be wise.  As with any new creature she would thoroughly study its movement patterns and reactions.  Well aware of their tremor sensing and earth shaking punches.  Being a Alchemist she had a minor damage bonus, but unlike a fair few of them she had met, most did not understand what it felt like.  It was as if her very mana would guide her eyes to know exactly where to hit a Artificial Life form creature.  Maybe in its eye socket or perhaps a limb held on by mana forces.  After around ten or so battles with he things you get used to how they function.  And this insight fuels her research in hopes of making some never before seen Alchemy item.  Quietly she continued pursuit of the Golem and watched how its body moved about, sliding between rock covers and some of the headstones.  Taking care not to step on the graves themselves.

[Deleted]

Slowly and gracefully, the Shaman made his way down the path towards the legendary Stonehenge, a derelict landmark near Sarum that had since been made dormant for quite some time; or so Dorian had been told. "Though, the local inhabitants don't seem to agree," he had explained softly during the journey, talking of course to his fellow companion Skrowe, the spiritual Shikigami that lay dormant within the Shaman's mind. When he had first arrived in Sarum, Dorian had heard of the area being quite hostile due to the lingering creations known as Magicked Ruin Golems, creatures of rock that had been animated by the flow of energy that now permanently permeated the air around the once dangerous Stonehenge. Alas, they proved to be too much for the Landers that lived in Sarum, and so Dorian had been recommended here to try and quell their numbers. Being the magic user he was, he saw it as a good chance to give back to the community. After all, Landers were people too.

Eventually, as he came closer, he was able to spot the image of the infamous landmark known as Stonehenge; supposedly it had been quite the troublesome beast for Adventurers to handle some time back. That was a long time ago though, when Dorian hadn't even begun doing his part, and so all that was left was rubble and dust, and of course the few stray mobs that lurked the area. The Shaman had spent a long time coming to grips with his new reality then, and even after he had finally started doing work as an Adventurer, it still took him quite a while before he was able to accept the Unfounded Kingdom as his new home; though, it took death to shake his mindset back to reality. But he was here now, focused and in charge of his own abilities, and he was ready to use them. "What do you say, Skrowe, shall we rough up some hunks of rock? I promise it'll be fun." The Shikigami simply nodded, eager to get back out into the thick of the battlefield; it was where he was most useful, after all.

Dorian had to be careful here, however; the Golems around Stonehenge had a nasty habit of picking on those with magical abilities, and as one such Adventurer, he'd be a prime target for the lumbering beasts. With a bit of luck, he hoped he'd find a common soul in the area, another lone Adventurer who would be there to aid him in his endeavour. As he approached the outskirts of the area, his eyes were drawn to a slight slip of movement in his peripheral vision, blinking slowly as he turned to catch the commotion. As luck would have it, a female Adventurer was stalking one such golemic creature, scanning it's movements as it patrolled the tombstones and graves in a protective stance. Peering over at the Golem itself, Dorian noted it's statistics; a level 20, though with monsters as strong as this it was safe to assume them a couple levels higher, not that the Shaman couldn't handle it.

Keeping himself light on his feet, Dorian moved to approach the female as she stopped to watch the Golem, keeping himself as quiet as possible in his movements; Golems were magical constructs, not living beings, and usually didn't rely on visuals to detect. No, with their forms being made of rock and stone, it was safe to assume the beast was using a seismic sense of some kind, which meant any change of sound or vibration would tip it off. Luckily, as a Dancer, being light on his feet was all too easy for Dorian. With quick, silent movement, he approached the female from behind, shuffling himself up beside her to hide alongside, making a quiet cough so as to tip her off that he was there. Hopefully he wouldn't spook her.

---

Notes: N/A
Words: 652
Tags: Tessia
Party Buff: Heavenly Defense

HP: 100%
MP: 100%

SPOILER: Click to show

{Available Skills}

Leaping Apricot Technique: This spell will instantly transport the user to a location a certain distance away, leaving behind apricot flower petals from where the user stood. What seems like a powerful technique actually has some drawbacks, including a maximum range of 6 meters and the ability to travel within eight directions, not to mention the in-game restrictions for using this skill. However, it seems that these restrictions have been lifted following the Catastrophe, allowing more striving Shamans to learn this skill with less constraints. Also, using this skill post-Catastrophe also gives off an apricot scent, giving it an aromatic purpose outside of battle. This skill consumes about 20% of the Shaman's MP, has a casting time of 1.5 seconds, and has a cooldown of 40 seconds. The MP cost decreases by 5% for every 30 levels.

Demon's Eye: This skill when activated will slightly increases accuracy rate of the user's weapons. It also causes the weapon to be immune to hit spirit-type mobs whom normally nullify incoming physical damage. Of course, a successful hit requires an active attack towards a desired foe regardless. There was one time when the developers received e-mails saying that "I've used the Demon's Eye and I still keep on missing on ghost mobs!" among others. For this reason, several balance changes were implemented. When used, this skill adds a blue radiance on one's eyes, a rather scary sight post-Catastrophe. This skill has a casting time of 4 seconds, a duration of 60 seconds, and a cooldown of 70 seconds.

Divine Subjugation: The Shaman's body is infused with the blessings of the spirits, increasing the damage of the user's physical attacks for the next 8 seconds. The Shaman's body glows a bright yellow at this time and all their attacks also contribute to an increased amount of aggro. It is oriented towards Battle Shaman builds that use swords or bows as primary weapons. This skill has a casting time of 2 seconds and a cooldown of 20 seconds.

Damage Interception: A barrier skill known as the signature move of the Shaman. Forms either a stationary barrier or a barrier around a target that continues to exist until the "energy" of the barrier expires. Energy will decrease slowly over time and decrease from damage taken. This skill has a casting time of 1.5 seconds and a cooldown of 5 seconds.

Cardinal Rose: A skill that distinguishes a character's ability to be a good navigator. It is a toggle skill that uses a negligible amount of mana when it is activated, causing an icon of a compass to appear in the bottom right corner of the character's vision. As long as this skill is active, the character will always know which direction is north. This skill is particularly effective when exploring in uncharted territory.

Exorcism of a Cursed Lotus: A self-cast barrier that boosts the caster’s attack speed against a specific target without boosting movement speed. Upon taking any damage, the barrier shatters and the caster lose all benefits. Since this leaves the caster vulnerable to attack it is often better to combine this with attacks from other party members or with another barrier level underneath so as to keep the target preoccupied. This skill has a casting time of 2 seconds, a maximum duration of 10 seconds, and a cooldown of 15 seconds.

Soulcutter: A good contender in terms of Shaman DPS, this skill transforms the summoned Shikigami's body into a violent stream of magic energy. The energy is concentrated into a material form, creating a cutting-wave projectile as sharp as a sword. The attack is then shot up to 5 meters forward, after which the familiar spirit travels back to the Shaman. This skill has a casting time of 1 second, followed by an animation time in seconds equal to 0.2 x distance in meters traveled. Its cooldown time is 3 seconds. If Shikigami Astral Seal is active when this skill is used, it is temporarily disabled for this skill's duration.

Shikigami Astral Seal: This skill transforms the physical body of the summoned Shikigami into a ghost-like form, making it intangible to all attacks. Conversely, the Shikigami retains the ability to affect its environment, allowing it to move and control objects like a poltergeist. Many Shamans typically have their Shikigami control objects like weapons in order to make them appear as though they were possessed. Others tend to utilize the summon to grab an enemy's limbs and prevent their movement, but the generally low offensive specs of the Shikigami makes this strategy not quite as effective. The duration of this skill lasts for a full minute, but it will automatically cancel if the Shikigami's duration runs out. This skill has a casting time of 2 seconds. There is a 30 second cooldown period after this skill's deactivation before it may be used again.

Barrier Channel: This skill allows the Shaman to infuse a barrier with additional mana, allowing it to last a little longer. When this skill is used, the Shaman must select a Barrier-type skill. That skill's duration is increased by 5 seconds. This skill has a casting time of 2 seconds and a cooldown time of 10 seconds.

Hybrid Barrier: A Barrier skill that allows for the caster to combine two barrier styles together for a hybrid effect. This allows for a Shaman to stack more barriers onto a single target in a shorter timespan. When this skill is used, two other Barrier skills can be cast at the same time onto a single target. The duration of the two barriers become the average of their maximum durations. This skill has an instant casting time and triggers a global cooldown of 1 second.

Blood Oath: An offensive shaman skill focuses on close combat. When the skill is initiated, the caster must land a blow with a melee weapon within the next 10 seconds. If successful, the caster gains a damage buff against the specific target. This buff lasts for a single hit and is broken if the caster takes damage. This skill has a casting time of 2 seconds and a cooldown of 20 seconds.

Anima-Gathering Talisman: A Shaman skill that collects life energy from the surrounding atmosphere into the Shaman's hand. Upon contact with a friendly target, a rune will temporarily appear over the contact area where energy will disperse into their body and restore a moderate amount of HP. If performed on a fallen teammate, it will possess the ability to revive the target with low HP. The flexibility provided by this skill makes it the Shaman's best option if they wish to perform on par with the healing abilities of the Cleric and Druid. This skill has a casting time of 3 seconds. It has a cooldown time of 5 seconds if used as a healing spell but 30 seconds if used as a revival spell.

Pacifying Dance: A skill that allows the dancer to perform beautiful dances to momentarily captivate those who see it. For the next 30 seconds, monsters within 25 meters have their nature changed. Aggressive and Predatory monsters become Wary. Wary, Aloof, and Cowardly monsters become Docile. Docile monsters become Friendly. This effect does not work against monsters that are already engaged in battle when this skill was used.

[Tessia]

"Always be ready for unexpected guests.  Friendly and hostile." her Fathers words rang in her head as she heard the stifled cough from behind.  Holding up her arm and two fingers she motioned to her forehead and extended her hand backwards.  In a moment the Party Request would pop up on the fellow adventurers HUD.  Hopefully they where friendly, but since they had managed to get up behind her, Tessia assumed they had some sense of stealth.  Not waiting for the system to activate, she slid on ahead and kept her vision forward.  This time slipping away her bow and drawing out her Blackfire battle ax.  the blackened two handed weapon on her shoulder as she activated Hiding Entry.  Her Ritual crescent tattoos glowed a soft silver as they closed upon her skin, the marks going transparent then that transparency flooding her form and causing her to fade from sight.  

On she went as she begun to near a ruined wall.  Nodding she hopped up on it and got almost within the detection range of the Golem.  It wasn't a sure fire thing but she was sure that from here she could strike it before it would be aware of her.  It was true that Golems could see but they preferred using their seismic sensing to feel out threats.  The use of her magic had barely dented her Ritual MP gauge as she sat still and activated Fatal Ambush.  As time seemed to slow and she focused on the Golem, she sent out to the hopeful party member via telepathy "I am in position, if you would be kind enough to draw its ire I will be ready to strike in a moment.  Tessia Meier by the way."  She hoped it didn't seem too businesslike of her, but at the moment she couldn't think of much else.  Her skill now causing her tattoos to glow a hot red as her translucent form began to melt away.

It would be time soon and all she could hope for is that her possible alley was ready and willing to take this thing on.  And hopefully he would have a new customer after this.  Looking forward to the possibility Tessia waited as her eyes scanned the Golem all over for its weaknesses.  Fatal Ambush revealed a lot to her about it.  How the magic kept its form together like other Golems.  How it too possessed the inner chassis of energy and flow.  but unlike its predecessors the magic stitching was much stronger.  Even programmed to make the thing patrol set routes and attack anything that may enter.  It was odd to think that someone had made these things for that sole purpose, but then again the Egyptians had similar ideas.  Leaving mental notes in her had for later, Tessia now more than ever wanted to break it open and see its core.  Grinning a little through her face mask she awaited her friends response.

[Deleted]

For a moment, it seemed like the stranger hadn't noticed him, despite his gentle and soft attempt at getting her attention. But, before he could attempt another cough, he noted the strange gesture she made towards him, not even bothering to turn back to look at him; she was good. With the gesture finished, a bleep of a notification appeared on his interface, his digits lifting to interact with the screen and open up the party invite that she had no doubt sent. With a little pressure of his index finger, he had accepted it, watching the party list flip up in front of him, with his name underneath the other's, an Assassin known as Tessia. What is it with you and female Assassins, big guy? The Shikigami's voice interrupted Dorian's train of thought, causing him to rub at the back of his neck in frustration. Right now wasn't the time to be making stupid jokes. Before he could introduce himself, Tessia had vanished from thin air, no doubt an invisibility skill, and was likely moving into an advantageous position to strike.

Repositioning himself into a more comfortable crouched position, he peeked out from behind his now solo cover, catching the view of the Golem and keeping it in his sights; no doubt the Assassin was somewhere near it, poised to leap down into it's vicinity and attack. As if in answer, a soft voice came through on telepathy, Dorian lifting his hand to his ear to activate his own to answer. "A pleasure to meet you, Tessia, I'm Dorian; as for your Golem, I can probably direct it's ire towards myself. After all, I hear they like magic." He chuckled softly before moving out from behind cover, keeping light on his feet as he approached the colossus of rock and stone, but not bothering to keep himself unnoticed. Eventually he was fairly within it's range of sight, and it didn't take long before it turned it's body and focused his attention on the Shaman. Staring up at the large beast, Dorian smiled politely, before swinging his hand down to grasp at the hilt of his longsword, brandishing it from it's sheath and swinging it up at the ready.

"Let's tango, shall we?" Curving his free hand around to tuck his arm into his back, he positioned his form into a somewhat fencing-like posture, right arm out at the ready with his digits gripped around the hilt of his weapon. Peering past the Golem, he noticed a faint red glow out of the corner of his eye, finally picking out where the Assassin had hidden herself. "I'll bring the party to you, shall I?" Not waiting for an answer over telepathy, he activated Divine Subjugation, calling upon the blessings of the spirits to imbue his body with their power. As his form suddenly took on a bright yellow glow, Dorian rushed forward between the Golem's legs, cutting his blade in a slash along the inside of it's foot. It wouldn't do much damage - even with his skill's boost - due to the Golem's stone armour, but the mix of magic and the aggro boost from the skill was more than enough to catch it's attention. Swerving himself around to face the creature once more, the Shaman quickly backed up, leading it towards the spot where Tessia was hidden. "Ready for you."

---

Notes: N/A
Words: 560
Tags: Tessia
Party Buff: Heavenly Defense

HP: 100%
MP: 90%

SPOILER: Click to show

{Available Skills}

Leaping Apricot Technique: This spell will instantly transport the user to a location a certain distance away, leaving behind apricot flower petals from where the user stood. What seems like a powerful technique actually has some drawbacks, including a maximum range of 6 meters and the ability to travel within eight directions, not to mention the in-game restrictions for using this skill. However, it seems that these restrictions have been lifted following the Catastrophe, allowing more striving Shamans to learn this skill with less constraints. Also, using this skill post-Catastrophe also gives off an apricot scent, giving it an aromatic purpose outside of battle. This skill consumes about 20% of the Shaman's MP, has a casting time of 1.5 seconds, and has a cooldown of 40 seconds. The MP cost decreases by 5% for every 30 levels.

Demon's Eye: This skill when activated will slightly increases accuracy rate of the user's weapons. It also causes the weapon to be immune to hit spirit-type mobs whom normally nullify incoming physical damage. Of course, a successful hit requires an active attack towards a desired foe regardless. There was one time when the developers received e-mails saying that "I've used the Demon's Eye and I still keep on missing on ghost mobs!" among others. For this reason, several balance changes were implemented. When used, this skill adds a blue radiance on one's eyes, a rather scary sight post-Catastrophe. This skill has a casting time of 4 seconds, a duration of 60 seconds, and a cooldown of 70 seconds.

Divine Subjugation: The Shaman's body is infused with the blessings of the spirits, increasing the damage of the user's physical attacks for the next 8 seconds. The Shaman's body glows a bright yellow at this time and all their attacks also contribute to an increased amount of aggro. It is oriented towards Battle Shaman builds that use swords or bows as primary weapons. This skill has a casting time of 2 seconds and a cooldown of 20 seconds.

Damage Interception: A barrier skill known as the signature move of the Shaman. Forms either a stationary barrier or a barrier around a target that continues to exist until the "energy" of the barrier expires. Energy will decrease slowly over time and decrease from damage taken. This skill has a casting time of 1.5 seconds and a cooldown of 5 seconds.

Cardinal Rose: A skill that distinguishes a character's ability to be a good navigator. It is a toggle skill that uses a negligible amount of mana when it is activated, causing an icon of a compass to appear in the bottom right corner of the character's vision. As long as this skill is active, the character will always know which direction is north. This skill is particularly effective when exploring in uncharted territory.

Exorcism of a Cursed Lotus: A self-cast barrier that boosts the caster’s attack speed against a specific target without boosting movement speed. Upon taking any damage, the barrier shatters and the caster lose all benefits. Since this leaves the caster vulnerable to attack it is often better to combine this with attacks from other party members or with another barrier level underneath so as to keep the target preoccupied. This skill has a casting time of 2 seconds, a maximum duration of 10 seconds, and a cooldown of 15 seconds.

Soulcutter: A good contender in terms of Shaman DPS, this skill transforms the summoned Shikigami's body into a violent stream of magic energy. The energy is concentrated into a material form, creating a cutting-wave projectile as sharp as a sword. The attack is then shot up to 5 meters forward, after which the familiar spirit travels back to the Shaman. This skill has a casting time of 1 second, followed by an animation time in seconds equal to 0.2 x distance in meters traveled. Its cooldown time is 3 seconds. If Shikigami Astral Seal is active when this skill is used, it is temporarily disabled for this skill's duration.

Shikigami Astral Seal: This skill transforms the physical body of the summoned Shikigami into a ghost-like form, making it intangible to all attacks. Conversely, the Shikigami retains the ability to affect its environment, allowing it to move and control objects like a poltergeist. Many Shamans typically have their Shikigami control objects like weapons in order to make them appear as though they were possessed. Others tend to utilize the summon to grab an enemy's limbs and prevent their movement, but the generally low offensive specs of the Shikigami makes this strategy not quite as effective. The duration of this skill lasts for a full minute, but it will automatically cancel if the Shikigami's duration runs out. This skill has a casting time of 2 seconds. There is a 30 second cooldown period after this skill's deactivation before it may be used again.

Barrier Channel: This skill allows the Shaman to infuse a barrier with additional mana, allowing it to last a little longer. When this skill is used, the Shaman must select a Barrier-type skill. That skill's duration is increased by 5 seconds. This skill has a casting time of 2 seconds and a cooldown time of 10 seconds.

Hybrid Barrier: A Barrier skill that allows for the caster to combine two barrier styles together for a hybrid effect. This allows for a Shaman to stack more barriers onto a single target in a shorter timespan. When this skill is used, two other Barrier skills can be cast at the same time onto a single target. The duration of the two barriers become the average of their maximum durations. This skill has an instant casting time and triggers a global cooldown of 1 second.

Blood Oath: An offensive shaman skill focuses on close combat. When the skill is initiated, the caster must land a blow with a melee weapon within the next 10 seconds. If successful, the caster gains a damage buff against the specific target. This buff lasts for a single hit and is broken if the caster takes damage. This skill has a casting time of 2 seconds and a cooldown of 20 seconds.

Anima-Gathering Talisman: A Shaman skill that collects life energy from the surrounding atmosphere into the Shaman's hand. Upon contact with a friendly target, a rune will temporarily appear over the contact area where energy will disperse into their body and restore a moderate amount of HP. If performed on a fallen teammate, it will possess the ability to revive the target with low HP. The flexibility provided by this skill makes it the Shaman's best option if they wish to perform on par with the healing abilities of the Cleric and Druid. This skill has a casting time of 3 seconds. It has a cooldown time of 5 seconds if used as a healing spell but 30 seconds if used as a revival spell.

Pacifying Dance: A skill that allows the dancer to perform beautiful dances to momentarily captivate those who see it. For the next 30 seconds, monsters within 25 meters have their nature changed. Aggressive and Predatory monsters become Wary. Wary, Aloof, and Cowardly monsters become Docile. Docile monsters become Friendly. This effect does not work against monsters that are already engaged in battle when this skill was used.

[Tessia]

She had to admit that having a party was more effective than solo hunting.  Though never really a fan of it because she feared getting people into just as much trouble that she would be in.  then again it was their choice much like her own to venture pat the walls and make something of themselves.  Still it perturbed her even now to be teamed up with someone.  At least he was good at drawing attention.  She thought of Bunji Bro when he drew his sword but focus was demanding on the Golem.  Fatal Ambush caused her aura of invisibility to melt away but the Golem was already well within striking range.  The skill being heavy and taxing made up for it with damage output.  

As if in slow motion Tessia bolted forward, body low to the ground as her tattoos blared a deep red color.  Her Blackfire Ax low and off to her left, as she surged forward with sights locked on the Golems midsection.  Like the others, Fatal Ambush had a tendency to locate and target weak points as well as easily sever-able energy spots on some beings.  Striking these was easy as just a sharp blow to a pressure point on a human brought significant pain and swelling.  Hitting this spot would no doubt cause the Golem to stagger and allow for her to dash away before that headache caught up to her.  Being a Ritual was nice as having the high mana helped with the withdraw.  But she would still be a bit lightheaded after exerting such a huge amount into a single physical blow of timing and weight.

Out came her Ax as she dashed up off her perch atop the rock wall and twirled effortlessly in midair.  Twisting her body around and as if dancing, cleaving her ax in a blazing slash across the creatures midsection.  Red hot sparks and the smell of burnt wood resulted as the trail of embers flowed after her weapon, its fire based element not doing too much extra damage but lighting the thing anyway.  The Golem let out a roar that sounded a bit more menacing then the usual ones and swung at her.  Luckily she had spun away after her strike and under its flailing arm.  Only to tumble and roll into some nearby brush.  Already her vision swelled a little as she activated Accel Dance and lashed out with two throwing knives.  Missing with one but still hitting the Golems leg.  

Feeling her legs swell with a burst of speed she bolted away and out of it's striking range and almost out of its seismic range too.  That headache there already as she crouched and relaxed.  Hidden for now she had hoped to cause it significant pain as she reviewed its HP.  It was a little less than half already thanks too Dorians strike and her own strong follow up.  Seeing the long glaring slash across the creatures chest still smoldering with embers she sent to her alley.  "I will be a second need to recover from that strike.  If you can it would be ideal to focus on the creatures joints and if possible any ranged at the laceration I left on it.  You wont get a bonus but at least you would find it easier.  Hopefully."  Sighing a bit she let her mind rest for the moment.  Practically laying on her cloak as she watched the Shaman fight.  

It was nice though to be teamed up again if only temporary.  Or even not so temporary.  In a world like this one needed all the friends and aid one could get.  Tessia just hoped to pull her own weight and make sure she could do her best.  Slipping away her ax she drew out her bow and felt the headache slipping away finally.  A few good moments of fighting had passed as she rested and she was eager to rejoin the fray.  

[Deleted]

Standing with the Golem's attention trained down on him, Dorian held his longsword aloft with one hand, the other stretched out to his side in wait, patiently anticipating the chance to be utilised in any kind of skill. Once the battle began, adrenaline was in abundance for the Shaman, but still he kept his calm, holding the aggro for just enough time so as to let Tessia make her strike. The Magicked Ruin Golem, despite being rather large in it's stature - easily reaching perhaps 7 or 8 feet in height - was surprisingly quick in it's attacks; having found it's target in the magic-user at it's feet, the Golem swung a sudden aggressive fist down at the Shaman. Noticing the incoming blow just in time, Dorian parried his longsword blade across it for a deafening screech sound to emit, that of metal on stone, just managing to narrowly deflect most of the damage off of himself. Thanking his own intelligence for acquiring leather armour, he made a quick glance at his health, making sure it was still doing strongly.

With that, the Assassin made her move, moving almost in a slow, cinematic like charge at the large creature, her axe crashing down with the mana infused in her body to wrench a decisive cut, her form moving in quite a flamboyant display; as a Dancer by subclass, Dorian was no doubt impressed by her abilities in her artistic form of attack. The crack of steel snapping through stone echoed out through the air, no doubt perhaps attracting unwanted attention from any other nearby Golems, but for now the focus was on the one before them, who had staggered backwards upon it's feet from the sudden blow, attempting a flailed swing at the assailant; luckily, Tessia seemed to fast for it, dashing out of it's reach and sending two daggers to skewer into the beast's leg, only missing with one. The Shaman quickly looked back up at the fumbling titan, it's body slowly returning back upright as it pushed off the ground and attempted to correct itself before it could sustain any more damage. "Nice one," the Shaman complimented over telepathic communications, giving a nod in the direction of where she disappeared.

Investigating the Golem's health, Dorian noted that it was just under the halfway point; no doubt it would be in an amplified rage at this point, which meant it needed to be dealt with sooner rather than later. As if on cue, he heard the voice of his party member, beckoning him to use the weaker points to deal more effective strikes. "Don't worry, this thing won't be standing much longer. You rest up for a bit, get your strength back; you did well, Tessia." Once their brief conversation came to a close, Dorian swept his concentration forward, brandishing his blade up to direct his ire towards the Golem. "Stay right there, big guy." Surging forward, Dorian activated Demon's Eye, a special ability that would boost the decisive edge to his attacks; as his eyes burst open with a blue radiance, the glow a menacing addition to his appearance as he felt the accuracy of his body quickly build up. With this, he'd be able to focus attention on the more vulnerable joints of the titan form before him, hopefully dealing a good amount of damage.

Using the Golem's downed form as it still remained gathering itself from its stumble, Dorian leapt forward, bouncing up off the creature's knee and running an upwards cut, guiding the tip of his blade through the jagged mess of the creature's chest. With a resounding crack and another echoed scrape of steel on stone, the Golem's chest was rent open further, the stone peeling back as it fell back with a cacophonous roar. The Shaman kept himself up, using his blade to hoist his feet up onto the stone of it's chest, riding out the slow fall of the beast's body until it landed with a giant thud against the ground, cracking it in somewhat due to it's size. "And... done," Dorian muttered under his breath as he lifted his longsword up, only to drive it down with full force into the opened cavity of it's chest, splitting into the Golem's body and dropping it's health to zero. As the creature's form swiftly dissolved into data bubbles, as all monsters did, the Shaman quickly descended back onto solid ground, dusting himself off and instantly starting a scan of the vicinity for where the Assassin went. "Tessia? Are you alright?"

---

Notes: N/A
Words: 755
Tags: Tessia
Party Buff: Heavenly Defense

HP: 90%
MP: 85%

SPOILER: Click to show

{Available Skills}

Leaping Apricot Technique: This spell will instantly transport the user to a location a certain distance away, leaving behind apricot flower petals from where the user stood. What seems like a powerful technique actually has some drawbacks, including a maximum range of 6 meters and the ability to travel within eight directions, not to mention the in-game restrictions for using this skill. However, it seems that these restrictions have been lifted following the Catastrophe, allowing more striving Shamans to learn this skill with less constraints. Also, using this skill post-Catastrophe also gives off an apricot scent, giving it an aromatic purpose outside of battle. This skill consumes about 20% of the Shaman's MP, has a casting time of 1.5 seconds, and has a cooldown of 40 seconds. The MP cost decreases by 5% for every 30 levels.

Demon's Eye: This skill when activated will slightly increases accuracy rate of the user's weapons. It also causes the weapon to be immune to hit spirit-type mobs whom normally nullify incoming physical damage. Of course, a successful hit requires an active attack towards a desired foe regardless. There was one time when the developers received e-mails saying that "I've used the Demon's Eye and I still keep on missing on ghost mobs!" among others. For this reason, several balance changes were implemented. When used, this skill adds a blue radiance on one's eyes, a rather scary sight post-Catastrophe. This skill has a casting time of 4 seconds, a duration of 60 seconds, and a cooldown of 70 seconds.

Divine Subjugation: The Shaman's body is infused with the blessings of the spirits, increasing the damage of the user's physical attacks for the next 8 seconds. The Shaman's body glows a bright yellow at this time and all their attacks also contribute to an increased amount of aggro. It is oriented towards Battle Shaman builds that use swords or bows as primary weapons. This skill has a casting time of 2 seconds and a cooldown of 20 seconds.

Damage Interception: A barrier skill known as the signature move of the Shaman. Forms either a stationary barrier or a barrier around a target that continues to exist until the "energy" of the barrier expires. Energy will decrease slowly over time and decrease from damage taken. This skill has a casting time of 1.5 seconds and a cooldown of 5 seconds.

Cardinal Rose: A skill that distinguishes a character's ability to be a good navigator. It is a toggle skill that uses a negligible amount of mana when it is activated, causing an icon of a compass to appear in the bottom right corner of the character's vision. As long as this skill is active, the character will always know which direction is north. This skill is particularly effective when exploring in uncharted territory.

Exorcism of a Cursed Lotus: A self-cast barrier that boosts the caster’s attack speed against a specific target without boosting movement speed. Upon taking any damage, the barrier shatters and the caster lose all benefits. Since this leaves the caster vulnerable to attack it is often better to combine this with attacks from other party members or with another barrier level underneath so as to keep the target preoccupied. This skill has a casting time of 2 seconds, a maximum duration of 10 seconds, and a cooldown of 15 seconds.

Soulcutter: A good contender in terms of Shaman DPS, this skill transforms the summoned Shikigami's body into a violent stream of magic energy. The energy is concentrated into a material form, creating a cutting-wave projectile as sharp as a sword. The attack is then shot up to 5 meters forward, after which the familiar spirit travels back to the Shaman. This skill has a casting time of 1 second, followed by an animation time in seconds equal to 0.2 x distance in meters traveled. Its cooldown time is 3 seconds. If Shikigami Astral Seal is active when this skill is used, it is temporarily disabled for this skill's duration.

Shikigami Astral Seal: This skill transforms the physical body of the summoned Shikigami into a ghost-like form, making it intangible to all attacks. Conversely, the Shikigami retains the ability to affect its environment, allowing it to move and control objects like a poltergeist. Many Shamans typically have their Shikigami control objects like weapons in order to make them appear as though they were possessed. Others tend to utilize the summon to grab an enemy's limbs and prevent their movement, but the generally low offensive specs of the Shikigami makes this strategy not quite as effective. The duration of this skill lasts for a full minute, but it will automatically cancel if the Shikigami's duration runs out. This skill has a casting time of 2 seconds. There is a 30 second cooldown period after this skill's deactivation before it may be used again.

Barrier Channel: This skill allows the Shaman to infuse a barrier with additional mana, allowing it to last a little longer. When this skill is used, the Shaman must select a Barrier-type skill. That skill's duration is increased by 5 seconds. This skill has a casting time of 2 seconds and a cooldown time of 10 seconds.

Hybrid Barrier: A Barrier skill that allows for the caster to combine two barrier styles together for a hybrid effect. This allows for a Shaman to stack more barriers onto a single target in a shorter timespan. When this skill is used, two other Barrier skills can be cast at the same time onto a single target. The duration of the two barriers become the average of their maximum durations. This skill has an instant casting time and triggers a global cooldown of 1 second.

Blood Oath: An offensive shaman skill focuses on close combat. When the skill is initiated, the caster must land a blow with a melee weapon within the next 10 seconds. If successful, the caster gains a damage buff against the specific target. This buff lasts for a single hit and is broken if the caster takes damage. This skill has a casting time of 2 seconds and a cooldown of 20 seconds.

Anima-Gathering Talisman: A Shaman skill that collects life energy from the surrounding atmosphere into the Shaman's hand. Upon contact with a friendly target, a rune will temporarily appear over the contact area where energy will disperse into their body and restore a moderate amount of HP. If performed on a fallen teammate, it will possess the ability to revive the target with low HP. The flexibility provided by this skill makes it the Shaman's best option if they wish to perform on par with the healing abilities of the Cleric and Druid. This skill has a casting time of 3 seconds. It has a cooldown time of 5 seconds if used as a healing spell but 30 seconds if used as a revival spell.

Pacifying Dance: A skill that allows the dancer to perform beautiful dances to momentarily captivate those who see it. For the next 30 seconds, monsters within 25 meters have their nature changed. Aggressive and Predatory monsters become Wary. Wary, Aloof, and Cowardly monsters become Docile. Docile monsters become Friendly. This effect does not work against monsters that are already engaged in battle when this skill was used.

[Tessia]

Watching each moment after her strike, Tessia focused on how Dorian moved and where he struck.  Letting her ideas flow as she spotted the Golems open circuits.  A tiny bit of mana escaping with each blow against the creatures body, revealing more and more of the inner workings of how that energy stirred in its form and kept it powered.  Unfortunately, Dorian struck again just as she knocked her own arrow and defeated the Golem.  Its form dissipating in a blast of bubbles and items and such.  Sighing a little she stayed crouched as she sent a message.  "I am fine thank you.  So far, I was trying to research how the Golems inner workings stir and how the are held together.  I base a lot of my Alchemy works on such things.  Who better to tech us then them right?"

"So, if it is alright with you, I would like to hunt out another and take off its chest plate.  Like before it would give me a decent idea of what is different about this Golem versus others.  I am sure the mana is just denser but if it turns out they use even more circuitry this will al be worth it.  If your feeling it that is."  Slipping her bow back into her inventory she began to sneak along the gravestones and seeking out another one.  Truth be told, she just had to seek out the truth about these things.  They had been the basis for her more famous creation, the Mana Liner Shield, and the only way to improve the design was to mimic how it appeared in nature.  Alchemy did not like to separate too much from how things worked in naturally.  Even if it was the process and creation of unnatural objects and structures.

Patiently she went ahead a bit north towards some distant rumblings.  Since it was close to sunset, light was still about and helped her see ahead.  And also since the Golems liked to sense they would not rely so much on sight.  Weather or not Dorian decided to help her would be fine.  She had gained a potential customer and friend.  But she just had to go fight another.  And this time hopefully see something new about this ones form and function.  Her own Mana Liner Shield glowing against her simple leather armor as she gave it a gentle pat.  It would get better, even if she had to remake the entire thing.  Hopefully it would just be another effect but a denser shield would be invaluable.  Spotting just around a corner, a Golem trudging about she nodded and Drew out her Blackfire Ax once more.  Work was here and ready to be done.  "Over here, just past the larger graves." she sent and awaited her allies response.

[Deleted]

Without pause, an answer came back over his telepathy, no doubt Tessia had wished to keep quiet so as not to alert any unwanted attention. Dorian caught a tiny glimpse of her from nearby, and began making his way over, only to stop and listen to what she was saying over her communications. "I am glad to hear you're alright, just wanted to make sure since you disappeared on me for a second there," he smiled contently, giving her a nod within his reply. "I did not realise you had been studying the Golem; if I had known, I might have preserved it before... well, impaling it's chest with my sword." He looked back at where the remnants of the Golem once lay, scratching at his head absentmindedly. But, it seemed the Assassin was already over it, quickly suggesting that the two of them hunt down another of the looming titans that roamed the area nearby. He looked about at a glance, trying to pick out any silhouettes or figures in the distance, the light playing over his eyes as he looked towards the glare of the sun.

"If it's what you came out here to do, and I can be of any assistance, than of course I'd be happy to help." The Shaman bowed his head respectfully towards where he assumed the Assassin remained, before noticing her moving forward stealthily, darting along the gravestones and using them as cover. Giving a curt nod of approval, he moved swiftly to try and catch up to her, remaining light on his feet as he brought up the rear, slinking through the shadows of the stones just as she did, albeit a little more haphazardly. This was quite the dismal place, Stonehenge; it had been the location of a grand battle, one that many Adventurers had supposedly taken a part in. If only he had been here to see what must have been a marvellous sight to behold. But, there were more pressing matters to attend to, and Dorian brandished his longsword in his right hand carefully, keeping it close to his person so as to be ready to strike out at a moment's notice.

The sunset was beginning to dance brilliant arrays of colours over the horizon, various oranges and yellows and purples flooding the sky as the bright glowing orb slowly descended to signal the turn of day into night. It was a spectacular and highly mesmerising view, one that he would never tire of watching; he made sure to look out for any particular places in his future travels that would make great locales for sundowners. Just as he was reminiscing on the beauty of the sky, Tessia's voice indicated she had found another target, his attention quickly and surprisingly averting itself towards where she was located ahead of him. Quickly slipping past to crouch down beside her, Dorian readied his blade, nodding his head to signal he was prepared. "Just give the signal and we'll bring this thing down to the ground for a closer inspection."

---

Notes: N/A
Words: 508
Tags: Tessia

[Tessia]

"I will want to attempt to at least touch it's inner circuits this time.  As odd as it sounds, that would most likely provide me with the information I need.  First, Let's weaken it's chest plate and either I or you can pry it off.  Might take a hit or two but as long as I can just touch the inner workings, I will have the mana readings I need to attempt another device."  Sighing at the thought as she eyed her basic leather armor crisscrossed and marked with the magical formula for her Mana Liner Shield.  A useful device to be sure, but since she had already been struck this fight, it had already powered down for now.  There had to be a way of making something similar.  Something more profound and useful than just a simple extra lining to armor.  She would find it.  She would have too.

 Noting Dorian was listening she flashed a gentle smile as she tugged her face mask back up around her nose.  Then she drew out her bow and readied a well placed shot aimed at the Golem's 11 o'clock.  Once the arrow would hit, it would trigger the creatures seismic detection and make it turn about exposing it's back to them.  Giving her and Dorian enough time to close distance and at least land a few hits upon its back and chest area.  "I will make it turn.  You lead and I will follow up.  The work I will put into your Alchemy item after this should help pay you for any um.......damage."   Truthfully she had hoped that last line seemed sincere.  When faced with a enemy she tended to be a bit direct and almost cold.  At least she had agreed to give Dorian his one free visitor item.  Work was fun when you enjoyed it she supposed.

Putting aside those thoughts, Tessia aimed her Crescent Arc bows mana arrow at the creatures shadow and slowly held her breath to steady her aim.  "Wait till it approaches the bolt.  The mana will interfere with its own too a little.  Even if it does not strike it."  Flashing a tiny smile once more towards him, Tessia let fly her silver glowing mana arrow.  Silently it shot forward and nailed a spot roughly ten feet from the Golem.  As expected, it lumbered around and began to approach the glowing quarrel.  Tessia nodded and began to sneak forward matching the Golems pace.  Sure to not wander into its invisible detection range.  Bow out and ready as she took cover behind another large tombstone.  If this went well, she would owe Dorian more than just a simple free trinket.  Maybe even a new invention for her to test out.

[Deleted]

The Shaman was eager to listen to Tessia's words; he had seen an Alchemist work their 'magic' before, and it was a sight to behold. To be able to help another with their machinations, it was a blessing unto itself. "Right, weaken the chest plate. Sounds easy enough; with a few well-placed strikes, it'll practically be groaning with pressure." As he spoke, he watched with curious anticipation as the Assassin drew her bow out, readying it for a well-aimed shot; but, for some reason, she was aiming off to one side, as if... Ah, it seemed Tessia was giving them an edge in this coming fight - after all, the seismic detection of the Golems had one weakness, and that was all noise became dangerous. One arrow, hitting off towards it's left, would send it booming off in that direction to investigate, leaving it's back turned and it's body vulnerable to attack from behind. Dorian rubbed at his chin, contemplating if Golems could ever be made to see through actual eyes... Whenever they were made, they seemed to always be designed with a flaw built in.

Turning back to Tessia, he gave a curt nod of agreement as he stepped forward slightly, longsword readily gripped in his right hand. "Nonsense," he finally replied, at the mention of compensation. "I don't help people for rewards, miss Tessia; I'll take the lead, follow close behind me. We'll have this lumbering oaf down on the ground for you to inspect to your heart's content." He curled his palette into a grin, attempting to reassure her of his intentions here; it would not do to have mistrust between them. Moving further out from their hiding spot, he began to close the gap between himself and the Golem, it's form slightly glancing around as it investigated the source of the noise. The Shaman took his time, letting the Golem close in on the bolt that Tessia had released; sure enough, the glowing mana arrow seemed to impact on the creature's own systems, causing it to malfunction for a few seconds. This was his chance...

Lunging forward with light and silent speed, the Shaman clenched his free hand, channelling some of his own mana into his own body. As he activated his Hybrid Barrier technique skill, he combined the speed-enhanced attributes of Exorcism of a Cursed Lotus, with the damage protection from Damage Interception; this combo would keep him from taking damage from the first hit the Golem would swing, as well as giving his attacks that added boost of energy. Moving up to the titan's rear, he leapt off the ground slightly, slashing into the Golem's back with two well-placed swipes of his blade, causing two visible dents in the plate of the Golem's armour. Retaliating, the creature swung backwards, slow enough for Dorian to parry it off of his blade as well as bounce the damage off his newly formed barrier, waves of light cracking slightly from the impact. "Fire when ready, Tessia," the Shaman alerted over their telepathic link, before slipping to the side, and slashing once more into the crease beneath the Golem's chest plate, wrenching it open slightly.

---

Notes: N/A
Words: 526
Tags: Tessia

[Tessia]

Watching Dorian move forward and advance on the distracted Golem, Tessia knocked another arrow and activated her Quick draw in tandem with her weapon.  Marking mentally where Dorian strikes, Tessia looses arrow after arrow in a concentrated dolly against the Golems chest plate.  The damage well under his weapon since they are small mana shots.  Nailing the creatures chest area as she activates Accel Dance again and looses one more shot.  Darting about the stones she maintains her distance and snaps a few throwing knives at the things body.  Unluckily they bounce off even after causing such small damage.  She was attempting to hit the fastening bolts that kept the things chest closed.  Golems where large batteries essentially.  Trying to see the inner workings was difficulty but well worth the reward should one manage it.

As her speed picked up she darted about easily out of range of the fight between Dorian and the large lumbering thing.  She had to maintain close quarters to be able to leap upon it and at least grab its coils.  Hopefully that would give her the insight that she needed to imitate the Golems infrastructure and create at the least a harder stronger Mana Liner.  Truthfully she wanted to invent a type of mana assisted striking device.  Golem blueprints where nice to copy and at times reinvent them for other uses.  The will to make new things was nice but there had to be proper inspiration for such things.  These monsters where good for this since they where constructs and assembled in a simple manner.  Just like the Mana Khemia games monsters that where metal in make provided not only items but ideas.

Darting to a nearby low hanging tombstone she began to focus and activate Spark Shot.  The mana arrow changing color and beginning to spark and sputter.  "I will send a Spark Shot at its uncovered chest.  Hopefully it will be enough to stun it so I can dash to it and touch its workings.  I only need that timing and then we can end it.  Though I do not know what it could do.  Here's hoping!"  she sent as she listened to the clanging of metal and rock and the ensuing battle just a few paces from her.  She had to hope that just like the other Golems one strong electric attack to the coils of its insides would stun it.  She had gathered information on the inner workings before in the same manner.  It was more like the mana forces sculpted the golems chest into a temporary engine of movement and force.

And she wanted it so much.  To make something better and stronger than before was a constant task.  And at least now she had a little help.  Even if she begrudged asking for it.  Thankfully most Adventurers where more than willing to lend a hand.  Even if only on the one time, it proved a invaluable resource.  Maybe she would have to mingle a bit more and get to know some people.  It couldn't hurt.  Waiting patiently, her tattoos glowing the same shimmering purple of the bolt she had knocked and ready, she peek out and watches Dorian fight.  It was refreshing to see another Ritual just like her.  Though his tattoos didnt flicker he still fought fiercely and with no regard to his lower than average Ritual HP.  The mana was the nice part, its what allowed her to perform some of her mechanics and feel out so much of her work.  How funny it would be if her shop sign said "I have no idea how I thought of all this!"  

[Deleted]

Despite his manoeuvre to slip aside and out of the Golem's strike range, the large hulking mass of rock and mana was all too able to sense what was going on around it, thanks to it's Seismic Sense. It's body turned with an unnatural agility compared to it's size, as it made to ready it's next strike; with his current barrier dwindling, and his increased speed at jeopardy should he take enough damage, it wasn't going to end well should he take a hit from one of the Golem's fists. Luckily, the Shaman was in luck, as his fellow Ritual came through with her own volley; in the split moment that the Golem had pulled it's fist back, the arrows found their purchase in the chest plate that Dorian had managed to wrench open slightly. Reeling back from the surprise of being volleyed, the Golem turned to spy out where the source of the attack was hiding. Maintaining her distance, Dorian watched as Tessia darted through the shadows, hurling a selection of throwing knives; alas, the whistle of the steel upon the air alerted the hulking creature, it's bulbous rock arm shifting up to deflect the knives off of him for only a small amount of damage.

"Looks like we're making him mad," Dorian voiced over their telepathic connection, turning his attention back to the Golem itself as the Assassin slipped away to ready herself for her next strike. Brandishing his longsword once more, he utilised his still bountiful amount of speed, striking at the titan's arms to reel them back away from the Golem's front, rendering him weaponless for a brief moment. It was then that the Shaman heard Tessia's voice, explaining her plan to use her Spark Shot to try and stun the creature. With the added time, it would give her the needed window to get a glimpse at it's workings, and then the fight could be finished. "Sounds good, if a little far-fetched, but I'm not about to argue with a good plan. I'll set up the shot for you," he replied; while he was curious as to how such a short viewing of the workings would be enough for the Alchemist, he didn't currently have any other ideas as to how to stop the Golem for a long enough time. He did, however, have a good idea of how to stabilise it long enough for Tessia's arrow to strike true.

"Alright, you big hunky rock thing... Time to even the playing field." Spinning the blade of his weapon in his hand, he gripped the handle tight, dashing forward; using the moment granted by the Golem's lack of armaments available, Dorian launched himself with a firm run up, leaping up off of the titan's knee and driving his long blade of steel into the gap he had previously made in it's chest plate cover. Holding himself on top of it's chest, the Shaman gave a tug of his longsword and pulled it back, using some of his unheard of strength as he dragged the chest plate open from it's hinges, some of the bolts springing out from the pressure. Eventually, he had the plate pulled away enough to give a clean opening for Tessia to fire her arrow; with a more internal placement, it would likely stun the Golem even longer than she planned for. "Whenever you're ready!"

---

Notes: N/A
Words: 562
Tags: Tessia

[Tessia]

Watching Dorian fight was a little nerve wracking.  She didn't want the man hurt over her little insight hunt.  But he had gone along willingly so there was that.  Quite the fighter he was too, flowing the battle between himself and his larger than life adversary as he moved in to strike.  Hearing his words in her mind, she kept her arms relaxed but taught as she slipped atop the gravestone she hid behind.  Part of archery was to not draw and fire untill you were sure you could hit.  As her father had taught her, she had shown a talent for the bow as a child and even preferred it too her fathers rifle later in life.  Still using her beautiful oaken bow up until she had to leave for collage.

That same training served her well as she kept knocked the mana bolt inside the bizarrely frail looking bow that she now held.   As Dorian leaped she twitched just slightly and held her breath as he stabbed his blade into the creatures chest and practically pried the plate away from it.  It was very difficult with her own ax to do such a thing as it tended to sheer off a good portion of a Golem's plate.  Dorian had set her up a perfect shot as her arms rose and she slipped up from her low stance.  Still holding her breath like she was taught, in one fluid motion the mana charging along her frame jumped down into her weapon as her tattoos went dim for a moment.  Feeling the bolt depart her weapon was just like firing a gun almost, except it was silent as the Spark Shot launched unerringly into the creatures inner workings.  

The Golem let out a odd grinding noise as it seemed to be frozen but shaking slightly.  Just like before when she had his a Lesser one with a bolt that pierced its thing plate, this one too was unable to react right away.  On her heels with Accel Dance still going, Tessia dropped her bow and ran right at Dorian and the prone Golem.  Leaping upon it as she tossed off her glove to grab at the bare exposed mana filaments.  The only indicators of how the thing worked, and soon would be imprinted within her own mind.  In a flash of sudden light her tattoos blared bright silver as her hand grasped the thin coils sending a revolting shock throughout her own body.

Feedback was still a issue but it was far from her mind as she seemed to go into a daze.  In front of her a giant blue hued machine ran like mad.  Pumping mana into a artificial heart and out to the limbs.  She could feel it.  Pulse.  Pulse.  Pulse.  Over and over as all she could do was reach out to touch the giant monstrosity.  As soon as she did the programming language just like the Old Circuit Alchemist item began to flood her thoughts.  Over and over the same pattern was repeated with perfect analytical procession.  The blueprints did not exist here.  Form did not matter.  It simply was thought transferred into a physical being and powered by the users mana energy.  A beautiful construct of mind, will, and process made real.

She did not notice as the Golem shook her off and she banged into a nearby gravestone.  Her crescent moon tattoos blaring still with silver white light like on a cloudless night against her skin.  Even bright enough to somewhat overshadow the evening setting sun.  Laying there she tried to come back to reality, her mind so far removed she had no real thought then that of the machine.  But gradually, the sound of Dorian fighting brought her back to reality somewhat.  Peering over in his direction somewhat unfocused.  Her HP bar depleted almost past 20%.  "Heh.....seems I forgot.....the electrical feedback....heh...." she managed to say as she hoisted herself upon the stone.  Immediately regretting it as her own marks still sparked here and there and reminded her to next time use insulating gloves.

[Deleted]

The Shaman had himself planted firmly atop the Golem's torso, his sword planted firmly underneath it's chest plating, having pried it away far enough to give a clean shot for Tessia's arrow. However, what he hadn't considered in his attempt to make things easier for the Assassin, was that his longsword was also made of metal. The Spark Shot whistled towards the spot left open, the Golem's circuits whizzing and whirring as the arrow sunk between them, sending a colossal jolt through it's system. Blinking quickly, Dorian realised his mistake just in time to brace his body for what came next. Jolts of blue lightning suddenly sparked off the machinery and followed up the Shaman's blade, shocking him considerably as he gritted his teeth; as his body convulsed, he did his best to resist, gripping the hilt of his blade tightly and pulling up on it to remove it from the circuitry, letting the rest of the voltage spark into the Golem's body.

Kicking off with his feet, Dorian swiftly and gracefully landed back on the ground, watching as the Golem tumbled to the ground, laying prone as it's form was knocked into a frozen state of zero power. Watching, he saw as Tessia ran forward and leapt up onto the monster's body, grasping at the inner workings with her bare hand to no doubt inspect what was inside while she still had time. Turning to leave her to it, the Shaman swung his blade down, implanting it into the ground and shaking himself off, getting rid of the residual static electricity moving through his form. "You really know how to fry a circuit... Yowza..." It was around this time that Dorian heard the unusual sound of machinery whirring back to life, but he was too focused on his body still feeling tingly to realise what that meant until it was too late. His eyes went wide as he turned to watch as the Golem sparked back to life, it's body sitting back up as it threw the Assassin off of itself, sending her careening into a nearby gravestone.

Looking back to where she had fallen, Tessia seemed to be out cold, her Ritual tattoos - much more visible than his own, thanks to his leather armour covering up most of his body - still glowing bright enough to make her a rather obvious beacon to any other Golems in the near vicinity. Gritting his teeth, Dorian decided to face the current threat first; the Assassin seemed to be safe, so as long as he finished off the Golem quickly, he could rush back over and tend to her wounds. With a rather sudden and violent motion, he dragged the blade of his longsword out of the ground and grasped the hilt in his right hand. His eyes focused on the titan of rock, aiming for it's vulnerable neck as he readied his blade. Just as before, he activated the surge of mana in his body, turning on Demon's Eye and closing his eyes as the magic empowered his form. "Time to end this," he muttered under his breath, opening his eyes to reveal the fearsome blue glow that now emanated from them.

Dorian lunged forward with an unseen ferocity, the demonic name of his ability quite vivid in his sudden surge of strikes as he utilised his newly imbued accuracy to crack the blade of his longsword across the Golem's neck. Leaping off it's chest, he spun his body around to make a spun slash in the same place, cutting deeper into the rocky throat. Landing back down on it's chest, he flashed his blade back behind him, only to slash it forward and pierce it through the opening he had made, plunging straight through with a yell to split the Golem's head off of it's shoulders. With a tumbled sound of rocks falling onto the ground, the body of the Golem dissipated into a fantastic display of bubbles, leaving Dorian standing in it's wake. Sheathing his longsword and dispelling his skill, his body turned instinctively to rush over towards where Tessia was still lying, though she had managed to gain consciousness.

Watching her struggle to her feet, he quickly reached out to help, seeing the markings on her body spark occasionally. "You look rough, Tessia; here..." Leaving her to rest on the stone of the grave beside her, he held his hand out to gently rest it upon her shoulder. With a close of his eyes, his let his mana surge from his body once more, this time in a special Shaman healing skill known as Anima Gathering Talisman. Coalescing into her skin where he had placed his hand, the mana infused past her Ritual markings to create a vibrant green runic crest, which began to moderately refill her health, before it slowly dissipated, leaving her skin as if she had not been marked at all. "There we are, that should keep you going." Curling his palette into a polite smile, he stepped back to give the Assassin space, hands resting by his sides. "If you've gotten the data you need, we shouldn't hang around much longer; the other Golems could swarm us at any moment."

---

Notes: N/A
Words: 866
Tags: Tessia

[Tessia]

Feeling her HP return to normal she nodded in thanks to Dorian.  "I couldn't agree more.  I....whew...got my new plans.  Once I have a new prototype I will let you know."  Getting up after a short rest she followed Dorian out of the Graveyard area.  Being more then grateful for his help she could only hope that a small modification to his armor would be a good reward.  Luckily the Mana Liner Shield upgrades ones armor by ten levels regardless of its own rarity.  Once they were back to town, Tessia showed Dorian where her shop was on the map and sent him a friend request.

"You certainly can hold your own and well, I need more people that I can rely on at times.  Thank you for following me on this crazy endeavor."  Giving him a small smile she wandered off into her second story shop to check on the remaining repairs.  But luckily the outside was finished.  No more burns on the walls and such.  She was eager to get to work on her next device and even more so what it could mean for her Shield.  It was one thing to affect density of a given piece of armor with a mana based filament system.  But what she had in mind for this new plan was to perhpas make a sort of support field.

What exactly that field would do was still up in the air she had hopes of maybe making it be capable of cloaking.  Or healing maybe.  Wondering if Dorian would decide to come in she hung around her shop a little longer.  Knowing he had his own things to tend too and didnt want to rush him into anything.  Writing out her plans a bit she began to gather a few necessary parts from her tables and began to work on them a little.  This would hopefully be all worth the damage and dragging another into it.

[Deleted]

After his brief healing stunt, the Assassin's vitals slowly returned to a more suitable level; she wasn't quite at full strength yet, but she at least had enough energy left in her to escape the Graveyard. Dorian listened as she reaffirmed that the plans she was here for had been obtained, and that she was happy to leave, a fact that eagerly brought a smile to the Shaman's palette. "Good, good, then we've done all we can here. More golems will arrive soon, so best we get going now before things get hairy." Once the two of them had sorted themselves out, the Shaman gestured towards the exit of the Graveyard; after a gruelling process of darting through stones and rubble, doing their best to keep quiet and silent, eventually the duo made it to the edges of the area, and it wasn't long before they were passing through the gateway and heading back down the main road that led to the city, away from the remnants of Stonehenge and it's... inhabitants.

Once their uneventful journey back to town was over, Dorian turned to Tessia, he made to part his lips and speak when he was abruptly brought to inspect his map. Through his interface, the Assassin showed the location of her shop; having an Alchemist on call would be handy, especially once more advanced technologies became readily available. Noticing the request for friendship in his mail, he opened the folder and swiftly hit accept, gladly nodding his head as Tessia's name was added to his friend list. "You're more than welcome," he finally replied, closing his interface and bowing his head to the Assassin for her thanks. "It was nothing really, though; I was in the vicinity and you looked like you could use a hand." Rubbing at the back of his neck idly, he shrugged his shoulders, lifting his free arm up to direct a thumb over his shoulder, a metaphorical gesture towards the past. "I'll admit, that was some fun adventure you managed to take me on with those Golems. I'd be happy to help out further whenever you require my services."

With nothing else left planned for his day, he gladly followed Tessia to her shop, stepping into the doorway of her quaint set up and nodding his head, a gentle smile crossing his lips. "You seem to be doing well for yourself, I trust this new research will prove fruitful in your endeavours." Glancing over the plans she had already begun to write down, he gave a gentle pat to her shoulder before stepping towards the door. "I'll leave you be then, let you get to work. Should you ever need a test subject for any of the more lucrative inventions you come up with in the future, feel free to give me a call. Until then, I'll get out of your hair, and look forward to perhaps someday meeting you again!" With a parting wave, he stepped back out of the door, into the bustling streets of the town and venturing forward. He had made an interesting discovery today, and even more interesting friend; why he had waited so long to start adventuring, he would never know.

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Notes: Apologies for the late reply! The thread should be all wrapped up now, but if you wish to post a follow up, feel free to.
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Tags: Tessia