The Cracking Ice - Chapter 1

Kyron can tell that the key line is a half mile into the snowy area, which is too far to draw energy from at this time.

"Chay, is there any way you can scan the area to find out how big the snowy terrain is currently covering, or if there's a particular point where it seems to be most intense than anywhere else?" Ben turns to the others, "Ana, how is it coming with your prep? Have you got yourself ready, or did you need some assistance?"

"Sir Volent, They are probably close to the Ley Line at least the big one since it seemed to be a spell weaver. The line is about half a mile that way." He points.

[I'm ready, Mister! Kyron helped me!]

"Ben, Chay, this sniper rifle they loaned us is a bit heavy but I think you two could handle it. Whichever of you would like to use it." He passes the Rifle to them.

Looking around, "Way too cold, and I hate shoveling snow, we have got to stop this invasion."

He wraps his hands the way his mentor had taught him.

"Sir Volent, your our team leader and commander. We look towards you for direction in how we should approach this our teams first mission together. You have my backing and counsel. I have a number of things I would like to bring up, and now is the time we should all discuss how we might all best aid in this particular mission. Powers, skills, knowledge, experience. I don't want to end up like Justice Hammer, Demons are terrifying and one of the things we should do is boost our morale as much as possible against such a foe. A rousing speech, a shot of alcohol, or bond of friendship might all help us on some level."

Kyron for all his gregarious nature is doing his best to stand at attention and look militaristic.

"Sure, I can take this rifle if Chay doesn't want it. I've used ones such as these before. Its not as elegant as my blade, but I'll do my best to put it to good use. Additionally, if you have anything you feel you want to bring up to the group, please do so. I won't stop you unless it's harmful," Ben says to Kyron. "My reason for asking about the size and center of the snowy terrain was to get an idea of how it compares to the information we received from the Coffin Nails. I'm concerned that someone, or something may be trying to create a hold here. So close to the ley lines would be problematic if our adversaries are magical. As for a rousing speech, I'm sorry. That's not something I've ever been very good at. So goes the quote, "Valor is superior to numbers", and I've always believed in that, even when things were at their worst. Maybe it's naive, but you're all here to risk your lives to help the world have a brighter future. There's not really anyone can ask for beyond that. If you have ideas for how we might make this a more successful mission, I'd be more than happy to entertain them."

Kai touches down kicking up much debris and doesnt bother to shift forms.

"Snows bout half mile wide, center has more dense snow might be getting bigger from how its shaped. Funny shaped box shadow in the center maybe made out of snow and ice." he states his long neck motioning the way deeper into the coldzone.

I'll pass on the rifle, Kyron. I got a hankering to play with Echo's missile launcher, truth be told.

...Me was thinking, maybe me should use hammer to honor Justice?...

Kyron nods to Ben, "I am still, looking forward to seeing that blade of yours. Heard about the Cyberknights and their Psi Swords. As far as a rousing speech, I think you did fine."

When Kai touched down and kicked up snow Kyron turned quickly and let his eyes take in the sight. Hearing Kai's voice was reassuring. "Good job, scouting things out Kai."

"Chay, I kind of figured you might want to launch a volley or two."

"We were going to tie the Hammer to Kai's tail but if you want to honor Justice by using it instead of that huge sword of yours, would that be ok with you Kai ?"

"As for suggestions, I know in the military there is usually a commander and second in command. I think Tripolei with his military experience would probably make a good second in command for you Sir Volent. With Kai being able to fly, that gives us air superiority, since we never heard of enemy fliers. If the battle is along the Ley Line I will be able to fly as well. I remember Justice saying that he and the Coffin Nails walked in a particular formation. I really don't know much about such things so will have to rely on those who do. I have many abilities but am not really a blast type mage. I could provide you my companions magic armor and enhance your weapons, I think that would be the best use of my magic and then hang back taking the occasional shot with a weapon, while maintaining my magic on all of you. If the fight is on the Ley Line I will be able to unleash the occasional spell also. These demons were not described as having ranged weapons, mostly axes and shields. So perhaps if they could be lead into a trap of ranged weapons that might help whittle them down. The big Ice one sounds like it could go invisible I might be able to sense it's presence, and Tipolei your nose will be pretty helpful also."

Ana just sits and watches them all, well out of her element. She's used to running AWAY from the danger.

"If you would prefer me to have a 2nd in command, so to speak, then I'm fine with that. I'll leave that up to all of you. Whichever group member you'd be comfortable with following in my place, your choice. Until then, I remain accountable for what happens to us. The larger notion of a tactical approach to the impending battle is only proper. I'm happy to take that rifle, but I'll probably be best in the thick of things. Spells that might impede movement could be handy as well, and of course, Kai, I'm assuming we have something we can use to communicate with while airborne. Correct? If not, we'll have to remedy that. We'll need to be in constant communication with one another. Chay, you'll likely need to be covering us if you're going to be using the rocket launcher. Maybe we could even mount that rifle on top of Echo. Then you could use both. Sound possible?" Turning to Ana, who is at the moment trying to blend into the background, Ben asks "how close will you need to be to participate in combat? Will you need to be right up front, or will you placing yourself at a distance, like Kyron?"

Kyron looks to Tipolei, "How about it, you have the experience and military knowledge are you ok with being second in command ?"

Kyron then glanced to Ana with an almost apologetic look. She looked like she didn't want to be part of this.
"Chay might need a copilot if you wish to stay with the Echo."

Ana seems to be surprised she's addressed. She thinks for a second before holding up her pistol. It was her only weapon. She then writes out a number in the air [60]

Addressed by Kyron as well (woah, she's so popular), Ana furrows her brow, thinking, before typing [If he needs one, i might be able to...but I want to be able to help]

"Maybe we can get a spare rifle for Ana ? Something with more punch. I have the same pistol as her. It's a good pistol but a rifle might be nice if we have one that she would be able to use."

...Sorry, me think I not be good leader. Me was made to kill. Only time Tipolei was leader, other soldiers all dog boys. Only have to be strong to lead dog boys...

Kyron nods to Tipolei, "You have more then strength my friend. I have seen you have empathy and strength of character, not just of arms. I will respect your decision though."

The wind picks up a bit. Is it getting colder? And there is snow behind Echo, filling in the shallow tracks it left in the ground.