Tess stood over Claw's hilt and shattered blade, feeling that the magic from it was completely gone. She knew she'd get other weapons, probably far better ones - but none would compare to Claw. Her first life-and-death battle, overcoming the darkness inside of her , and looking death in the damned eye before stabbing it in the brain. Claw had been more than just a reward for killing a bear, it had been a reward for remaking herself into a predator, earned through blood, teeth, and broken limbs.
She spared it one last moment of reflection, accepting Claw's death, then stepped over it to the massive sword laying on the ground. It was almost as tall as her and she had no idea how she'd carry it, but when fighting with the guard she'd assessed that it was lighter than its size implied. She picked it up and realized that the composite material that seemed like a futuristic combination of plastic and ceramic was much lighter than steel. Despite being triple its length, the sword weighed the same as Claw. She admired the pure white blade and razor-capped edges. It looked like an anime version of a broadsword, two-palms wide for her, sharply tapered to be as thick as her wrist in the middle of the blade, but tapering down to an edge on both sides. I'm going to have to get used to this. It won't be as mobile or fast as Claw but my reach is insane now.
She swung it around experimentally a few times before identifying it.
Item Name: Goliath's Edge
Type: Weapon (Two-Handed Sword)
Description: A massive sword forged from a futuristic composite material, deceptively light despite its imposing size. Circuitry runs throughout the blade, faintly glowing with energy, and enhancing its abilities in combat. Once wielded by Goliath Prime, a towering security guard enhanced by cybernetic augmentations, the pure white blade with razor-sharp edges makes this sword deadly in the hands of a skilled warrior. The circuitry running along the length of the blade channels energy for devastating attacks, merging technology and lethal precision.
Stats:
Attack: +7 Agility: -1
Abilities:
Cybernetic Precision: Attacks with Goliath's Edge have a 15% chance to strike with pinpoint accuracy, ignoring 25% of the enemy's armor and dealing additional damage. Energy Discharge: The circuitry within the sword stores kinetic energy from each successful strike. Once fully charged, it can release a powerful energy wave, dealing AoE (Area of Effect) damage to all enemies in a 10-foot radius. Adaptive Armor Piercing: The blade's energy-enhanced cutting power increases by 10% with each successive hit against the same target, stacking up to 3 times. Overclock Mode (Passive): When the wielder's health falls below 30%, the sword's circuitry activates an overclock state, boosting attack speed and damage by 20% for 30 seconds. This effect can only be triggered once per battle.
Note: This effect is only applicable to wielders with cybernetic enhancements.
"It looks like we've all been left gifts," Zavier noted as he looked around. They moved around, picking up the items that had replaced the guards. The only body remaining was the boss guard - Zavier figured that was due to them still needing the head.
They met back in a group, the newly discovered items sitting in a pile in front of them. They identified them individually, Zavier disturbed by the trend he was seeing.
"These are obviously for me," Cass held up two batons and a bracer made of the same material as the guards' exoskeletons.
Item Name: Strike Force Batons
Type: Dual-Wielded Collapsible Batons (Melee)
Description: The Strike Force Batons are a pair of collapsible, lightweight melee weapons designed for momentum-based combatants. These batons store kinetic energy generated by the wielder's high-speed movement, amplifying their offensive power. The more the wielder moves and accelerates, the more energy is stored, allowing the wielder to unleash devastating effects based on the stored momentum. Built from incredibly durable materials, the batons can withstand extreme forces while providing lethal precision.
Stats:
Attack: +4 Agility: +4
Ability:
Kinetic Charge:
The Strike Force Batons store kinetic energy as the wielder moves at high speeds. The faster and longer the wielder is in motion, the more energy is accumulated. The stored kinetic energy can be released in various ways to amplify attacks and create powerful effects in combat.
Note: The Strike Force Batons accumulate kinetic energy as long as the wielder remains in motion. The stored energy will rapidly dissipate after prolonged inactivity.
Uses and Effects:
Shockwave Impact:
When the wielder strikes the ground or a solid object, all stored kinetic energy is released in a focused shockwave, damaging and knocking back enemies within the immediate vicinity. The size and intensity of the shockwave are directly proportional to the stored kinetic energy. Momentum Strike:
Upon striking an enemy, the batons release a portion of the stored kinetic energy, significantly amplifying the force of the blow. The increased damage can destabilize or knock back enemies, depending on the amount of energy stored. This effect triggers automatically with each successful hit. Sonic Boom:
By clashing the batons together at high speed, the wielder releases a focused sonic blast of kinetic energy in a forward arc. This creates a ranged attack that can destabilize or damage enemies from a distance. The power and range of the blast depend on the stored kinetic energy. Whirlwind Burst:
The wielder can release kinetic energy in all directions by performing a rapid, wide motion with both batons. This creates a 360-degree shockwave, knocking back any nearby enemies. The force and radius of the burst are based on the wielder's accumulated speed and momentum. Dash Discharge:
While moving at high speed, the wielder can channel stored energy into a sudden, short-range dash that releases the built-up momentum into a powerful strike against the first target they collide with. This concentrated burst of energy can pierce through defenses or shatter obstacles. The damage scales with the wielder's speed and the amount of energy stored.
Zavier whistled in appreciation. "You're going old school Flash now." He saw the blank stares and continued, "You know, his helmet? He could do sonic attacks with his helmet and his super speed?" The explanation obviously didn't help. "Ugh. Fine, what's the other thing?"
They identified the next item Cass was holding.
Item Name: Mag-Charge Arm Brace
Type: Shield (Defensive/Offensive)
Description: The Mag-Charge Arm Brace is a compact arm-mounted shield designed to unfold into a medium-sized square shield at the user's command. When not in use, it appears as a sleek, military-style brace that offers minimal hindrance to mobility. Once deployed, the shield features a reinforced opaque gray viewing window, providing excellent protection while maintaining visibility. Designed with advanced magnetic technology, the shield can attract or repel metal objects, allowing the user to control incoming metallic attacks and projectiles with precision.
Stats:
Defense: +4 Agility: +1 Strength: +1
Abilities:
Magnetic Deflection: The Mag-Charge shield generates a magnetic field that can repel incoming metallic attacks, deflecting bullets, blades, or shrapnel with 40% effectiveness. It also allows the user to manipulate the trajectory of projectiles, making the shield invaluable in ranged combat. Metal Attraction: The user can activate the shield's magnetic charge to pull metal objects or enemies wielding metallic weapons closer, disrupting their balance or disarming them entirely. This allows for strategic takedowns or traps. Charge Impact: The shield stores energy from blocked attacks and allows the user to discharge it into an enhanced shield bash, sending a magnetic pulse that can stagger or disable opponents within a short range.
He slipped it on with a smile, opening it to full size by some mental command. He retracted it again, the shield folding instantly into a neat space on his forearm that looked too small to hold all of it. He strapped the baton sheaths on each leg, sliding them in and tossing the baseball bat to the side like an old pair of shoes.
"Well obviously I'm taking this," Tess pointed to the massive sword that was magnetically attached to her back by a small harness that spanned her shoulders.
"You sure you can handle that thing?"
She fixed him with a glare. "Don't."
"I mean, it's HUGE."
"I said don't."
"You definitely need two hands if you're going to work it right." His boyish smile was not returned. Cass groaned and turned his head.
"That was the last one, Z."
He shrugged. "Fine. I guess you've had experience…" he grunted at the punch to his arm that rocked him to the side.
"ANYWAY, if we're done with the childish comments during a life and death situation, I'm also taking these." She held up two futuristic looking guns that had been magnetically attached to straps around each leg.
Item Name: Arc-Talon Mark IV
Type: Semi-Automatic Energy & Kinetic Pistol
Description: The Arc-Talon Mark IV is a high-tech firearm built from futuristic composite materials, capable of firing electrically charged rounds or kinetic impact projectiles. Its sleek design integrates digital readouts for ammunition and power, making it a versatile and deadly weapon in both ranged and close combat. The Arc-Talon uses a unique Material Absorption Ammunition Pack that allows it to convert physical materials into ammunition, making it adaptable in a world where conventional bullets are scarce.
Stats:
Attack: +6 Agility: +2
Abilities:
Electric Rounds: Fires electrically charged bullets that deal additional electric damage to targets. These bullets can disrupt electronic equipment, disable robotic enemies, or stun living targets. Kinetic Rounds: When electrical charge is low, the gun automatically switches to kinetic rounds that use physical impact to damage targets. These rounds are non-elemental and rely on force alone. Ammunition System: The Arc-Talon Mark IV does not use conventional ammunition. Instead, it relies on an ammunition pack that converts absorbed materials into usable bullets.
Ammunition Pack: Material Absorption System:
Function: The Material Absorption Ammunition Pack is a removable module located in the pistol's grip. This pack can be placed on various materials—metal, stone, organic matter—and, when activated, begins to absorb and break down those materials into raw energy, which is then converted into bullets for the gun. Absorption Time: The stronger or denser the material, the longer it takes for the pack to fully absorb it and create bullets. Common materials (wood, stone): 5 minutes to convert into 5-10 rounds. Basic metals (iron, copper): 10 minutes for 10 rounds. Advanced materials (steel, titanium): 15 minutes for 10 rounds. Rare or magically enhanced materials: 30 minutes for 10 rounds. Capacity: Each ammunition pack holds up to 50 rounds.
"HO. LY. SH"
"Crap," Tess interrupted him. "Holy crap, and yes - they're very cool. I was worried about running out of ammo, especially since they're going to be in short supply when we get back. This takes care of that." She looked at a glowing blue line on the side of each grip. "I'm pretty sure this is the round count. Looks like they're fully stocked, I'm guessing with conventional rounds that can be electrified."
They turned to Luna, who was watching them with a stoic expression. When she didn't say anything Zavier continued.
"Well, I guess it's my turn." He held up a length of chain that shone with a dangerous edge.
Item Name: Razorlink Chain
Type: Weapon (Chain)
Description: The Razorlink Chain is a specialized combat chain weapon, designed to be versatile in both its use and configuration. The first few links of the chain are made of smooth, unsharpened links, allowing the user to grip the chain comfortably and safely during combat. The remaining portion, from the third link onward, is razor-sharpened to deliver lethal slashing damage with each strike.
Stats:
Attack: +4 Agility: +3
Abilities:
Rapid Attachment: The Razorlink Chain's first and last links have the ability to attach on a microscopic level to any object when powered by the user's energy. Attachment uses one Core Stat point for each end, but may require more if the strain on the connection becomes too great.
Note: User may choose which stat points to allocate. Core Stat points will be returned to the user when the connection is severed.
Warning: If the connection is forcibly broken without the user choosing to disconnect the chain the Core Stat point will be lost. Gauntlet Sheath: Due to the dangerous nature of the Razorlink Chain, a sheath has been provided. The Razorlink Chain will automatically coil onto the gauntlet at the command of the user and cannot be removed by anyone else as long as the user is alive.
"So obviously this can be used on its own, which is super cool, but check this out!" He set one end against the tip of his chain and concentrated, watching it fuse to the end. "I just gave it a point of Charisma and now," he pulled at the connected chains that refused to come apart. "And it even has a spot for the Sonic Screwdriver!" He pulled the pen from its spot and moved it to the spiked tip of the Razorlink Chain. It snapped neatly into place, locked in tight enough to hold up during battle.
"You gave it Charisma? Well that explains all this," Cass waved his hand in the direction of Zavier's face. Tess burst out laughing, quickly followed by Zavier.
"Please, son - I could lose half my Charisma and still be the best looking pendejo around."
He sent another command and the links separated. He moved the pen back to the original chain. "It's sharp as hell and, check this out," he looped the chain near the gauntlet he now wore and it coiled neatly into place, edges overlapping each other in a dragon scale pattern that covered all the razored edges.
"And I think this is for me too. Something to make my chain hit harder. I'm sure you guys have noticed, but the only dangerous part of my chain is the tip. The rest is just for deflection and tying up creatures, which it's becoming bad at as the strength of the monsters increase. This should help with that some."
Item Name: Fara's Gift
Type: Accessory (Ring)
Description: Fara's Gift is a powerful ring crafted from non-radioactive plutonium, further enhanced by The System to grant its wearer the ability to alter the density of any object they hold. With a simple thought, the ring increases the mass and impact potential of the item, making it hit significantly harder in combat. Its energy reserves allow for short bursts of increased density, giving the user a tactical advantage when it counts most.
Abilities:
Attack Boost (when active): +5 Weight Increase: Up to 3x the original density of the object being held Recharge Time: 10 minutes after each use
They all shared a look when they saw the name.
"Yeaaahhh…" Zavier said, "not a big fan of that." He turned to Luna. "You're up, hon."
She looked like she'd rather be doing anything but this, but held up her items silently.
Item Name: Voidpiercer
Type: Weapon (Rapier)
Description: A sleek, deadly rapier with a thin, reflective blade made from a rare, composite alloy. Circuitry runs subtly through the center of the blade, allowing for enhanced precision and speed in combat. Originally used by an agile, spider-like guard, this weapon is designed for piercing strikes and lightning-fast thrusts. Its near-weightless feel allows the wielder to move with unmatched agility, striking at vulnerable points with ease. Despite its delicate appearance, the blade is sharp enough to slice through most materials with ease, and the circuitry amplifies its lethality.
Stats:
Attack: +5 Agility: +2
Abilities:
Void Strike: Each thrust with the rapier has a 20% chance to ignore enemy armor, delivering a direct hit to a vital point and dealing bonus damage. Volt Strike: The circuitry embedded in the blade can discharge a small electrical charge with every successful hit, briefly stunning the enemy and disrupting their movements for 1 second.
Note: Weapon's battery is charged through kinetic energy of the attacks or can be charged rapidly with an external power source. Precision Focus: The rapier's design increases the wielder's critical hit chance by 10%, making each strike more likely to hit weak spots and deal extra damage.
Zavier whistled. "Damn, mija, that's going to come in useful. You okay with using a sword?"
Her face was solemn and her eyes were stone hard with resolute determination as she nodded. She slipped the next item over her head, shrugging into the item that looked like a shirt made of white ceramic and plastic - gapped at the joints. They all gasped when it began to shift and shrink, snugging against her body like a second skin. In moments she was covered from collar to wrist in the armor.
Item Name: Exo-Shell Combat Vest
Type: Upper Body Armor (Lightweight)
Description:
The Exo-Shell Combat Vest is crafted from the same advanced composite material as the exoskeletons of the security guards. This armor offers exceptional flexibility and protection, providing the wearer with superior mobility while maintaining a high degree of defense against both physical and energy-based attacks. The composite structure is lightweight, allowing the wearer to move at high speed without hindrance, while its interlocking plates offer resistance against slashing, blunt force, and ballistic damage. It's designed for combatants who prioritize speed and agility while still needing reliable protection.
Stats:
Defense: +4 Agility: +2
Abilities:
Energy Deflection:
The composite material is partially resistant to energy-based attacks, absorbing and dispersing a portion of the energy on impact. This reduces the damage taken from energy weapons or system-based attacks, making it particularly effective in fights against ranged energy weapons. Impact Resistance:
The armor is highly resistant to blunt force, allowing the wearer to withstand heavy strikes from melee attacks or environmental hazards like debris. The interlocking plates absorb and redirect the force, preventing the wearer from being stunned or knocked back as easily. Adaptive Fit:
The armor automatically adjusts to the wearer's body size and shape, ensuring a perfect fit and balanced distribution of weight. This adaptive fit provides comfort for extended use while optimizing protection coverage, allowing the wearer to focus on combat without distractions.
"I think we're as ready as we're ever going to be."
They shared a look, nodding at Tess's pronouncement.
Zavier slapped his thighs and stood up. "I guess there's nothing for it but to do the damned thing. Let's see what's behind door number one."