Kintobor

"There was an infestation of those on an space liner I worked on, once. Was not a pretty sight." Mr. Grumble comments. Peering into the chute, her leaves brushing against the side's of the chute's entrance, Valesia could tell the garbage was packed densely, but it was possible to crawl through the garbage. What was down at the bottom of the garbage, and what it led to, was a mystery. "Wait a minute, can I see that device?" Mr. Grumble reaches his hand out to look the device over. Enson lifts himself up and into the chute. While crawling in was easy, crawling up or down would prove more difficult, as he would have to move through the garbage while keeping his footing steady. A creeping, unnatural sense of unease begins to wash over Enson as he looks around the dark, unlit trash tunnel.

The Party Ensonvilterayquis (Enson) 60 cycles old male Quo'ri Vitality: 5/5 Velocity: 2 Strength: 1 Skill: 2 Smarts: 2 Spirit: 2/2 Credits: 5 Proficiencies: Insight 1, Medicine 1, Melee Weapons 1, Religion 2 Spells: Healing Light, Purging Font Credits: 10 Equipment: Void Star Hammer (+1 Melee Elemental) Inventory: Nanite Elixir 2x, Plasma Potion 2x, Broom (Standard Kinetic Melee Weapon) Valesia (Waterbrick Down)110 Year Old Female CladrasithCharacter Points: 1/11 Vitality: 4/5Velocity: 2Strength: 1Skill: 2Smarts: 1Spirit: 0/3Proficiencies: Insight 1, Medicine 1, Nature 2Known Spells: Elemental Evocation, Healing Light, Mystic Binding, Photonic ManipulationCredits: 5Equipment: Holo-scroll, Chef's Kit (Standard Kinetic Melee Weapon) Inventory: Ætherbrew, Essence of Precaution Aysu Kundakçı (Peppermint_M) 22 Rotations Old, Female? Adopted Human Character Points: 1/11 Vitality: 6/6 Velocity: 2 Strength: 2 Skill: 3 Smarts: 1 Spirit: 1 Proficiencies: Long Range Weapons 2, Nature 1, Survival 1 Spell: Enhanced Vision Credits: 15 Equipment: Environment Safe Ammunition "ESA" Rifle (Calibrated Long Range, Energy), Farsight Goggles Inventory: Plasma Potion, Essence of Glibness "Ergh... no, I should be fine, I don't think I'm bleeding." Mr. Grumble does take Enson's hand as he gets up to his feet. "Thank you, once again." Nature Check (DC 2): Three Success (1,2,4,5,5) Valesia ponders on the subject of the rats, thinking to what she's heard and knows. The thought approaches Valesia that the rat's may be Cranium Rats, a particular breed of rat known to have a hive mind-like connection to their brood mother and the rest of their pack, and are capable of basic psychic communication and spell casting-like abilities. The more rats in a given area, the more powerful their spell-like abilities become. As they are still animals, they have been known to attack people in large groups. Opening up the bag, Aysu finds a metal spherical device, and a small box with four rotating dials, a large red button, and a cheap looking speaker on the side. In the bottom of the bag is a piece of paper with a brief note on it.

Zaria huffed in frustration. She did not mind being called a traveller: she technically was one, but this talking down to was a little much. She was never one to spread the good word of Varuth, but perhaps here it would help? "You did not confuse me in the slightest, Yelana. Perhaps I should explain my faith to you a little bit better. Varuth's teachings say a lot about how to treat those around us, after all, he is referred to as the Joyful Hotelier, we travel to gain and then spread wisdom. As such, he considers those in the service industry, such as waiters, chefs, and attendants to be individuals one should respect and give thanks to. It's not common for the faithful of Varuth to become the owners of such establishments, so those who work to keep travellers in good spirits while they travel should be given reverence, and not strong armed into doing something when they ask for assistance. We help them where we can, when we can, while still allowing them to do their job, as they do for us for a living. This gentleman is clearly coming to us for aid, and so, we help him." Zaria returned to Yelana with a smile. "Hopeful now you understand, yes?" Zaria's chest puffed out as she inhaled a deep breath, exhaling as she took a moment to calm her nerves. This chef immediately rubbed her off the wrong way. As much as Varuth said regarding the treatment of service workers, he had choice words to say about those who abused them. "Well, let's see this issue resolved so I can give my... compliments to the chef."

Pretty much this, exactly. I imagine a god known as the Hotelier has quite a bit to say about respecting and being polite towards attendants and servers.

"Seeing as how you nominated me as the group leader, I would appreciate it if you did not dangle our assistance towards any waitstaff or employee of the train on the condition that they must do as we say. It is obvious this waiter needs our assistance, and we should feel honoured to help him." Zaria smiled in an attempt to lighten the mood. "I have no issues with you sending drinks off to people, but when someone needs help, we do our best to help them, especially when it is someone like him, who helps make other's journeys as memorable as possible."

Zaria turned towards the server. "We will handle the situation, and if my associate wishes to do something, she may discuss it with you, sir." Zaria clamped her hands together into a fist as a sign of respect and reverence and bowed slightly in her seat in the direction of the server. "Varuth, I apologize on my associates behalf, she does not know your teachings." "She seemed fairly irritable towards the Society. She believed she was being slighted." Zaria replied. "I did not catch much, unfortunately." "Well," Zaria leans back in thought, "the aetherspace was discovered when I was... one hundred and one. I left the abbey when I was one hundreed and two." Zaria straightens her posture again. "I would return to the abbey on occasion in my travels, staying for a week some times, years on other occasions, but I cannot say that I've had much experience with the aetherspace." Zaria smiles in reminiscence.

After a moment of walking, the party reaches a locked iron gate, beyond which they can see the garbage chute room. The room is surprisingly bare, save for a lone bag on the floor. A ripe, stale odour emits from the room. "Right, stand back." Mr. Grumble begins to pat down his bright yellow coat before retrieving a large metal ring, choked with keys. He quickly begins fingering through the keys, until a few second seconds later he finds the one he's looking for and inserts it into the lock of the gate, opening the door. As the party enters the room, the sound of scurrying and shuffling can be heard around them, the clanging of air ducts and pipes above. The party isn't quite sure if it's just the age of the building showing, or something more sinister. "I've got this chute door, heroes, no need to worry." With a great show strength, Mr. Grumbles grabs the handle to the garbage chute and heaves it open! ...only for garbage from the overflowing chute to come crashing down on the concierge! The newly formed pile in front of the party quakes as Mr. Grumble begins to crawl his way out of the pile. "...ow." Scratches and squeaking can be heard from inside the chute, as more garbage shuffles around inside.

"Maybe. It might be information worth nothing to us." Zaria replies. "It might be worth everything. Who knows just yet." "Again: not one for piloting." She smiled. "I spent so much time travelling around that I didn't really have time to keep up with all that diving and social stuff with aetherspace. I do remember when it was discovered though. It was shortly before I left the monastery and explored my home planet."

"Heh, well, I never met Ms. Laserie. I heard a lot about her before I joined, but I cannot say I met her while she was among the living, may her soul find peace." Mr. Grumble makes a motion with his hands across his chest which Valesia recognizes as being a sign of reverence in the faith of the Boundless Sky. "I believe we have a portrait of her we're putting up in the entrance hall if it's not already there, but Rachel and myself been quite busy with other matters. Well, I did not work here prior to this place becoming a guild hall for mercenaries, but I did make an attempt on a few occasions to try and be head concierge here a few times while it was still a functioning and profitable hotel. Apologies for the misconception my part. I didn't get the job for head concierge when I applied, but maybe that's for the best. This place gained a... reputation prior to Laserie's purchasing of the hotel and it's grounds." Mr. Grumble grows dour in his tone of voice, implicating nods after being requested to speak more on the subject. "That being said, I am quite knowledgeable on this building's history. What good as a concierge would I be if I was not knowledgeable regarding this building and it's once illustrious history. I would be more than honoured to speak to you about it, madame."

I've considered writing up a document in the style of the old Theatre thread explaining how battles are run, both for Mission Master and player use. I understand it, having run it, but for others it might it being a little confusing, as it's radically different from Heroica 1.0 and different from how Dungeons and Dragons' combat is run.

Zaria shifted in her seat, putting her hand to her chin in thought. "Maybe, Soren. I overheard the figure stating they were slighted, seemingly angry about something the society was doing. It might have something to do with our current predicament but I am not entirely sure." Zaria, sitting up right, smiled at a curious thought as it entered her mind. "Have you ever been to Ætherspace? Part of me was kind of curious about getting on that other mission just to say I have been there, but then again I would also miss travelling on a train." Zaria ran her hands along the back rest of her seat. "Such an exquisite and expedient way to travel."

Mr. Grumble nods, looking to Aysu. "I can understand that. To be quite honest, I haven't seen any of my kind in many a lunar cycle. It hasn't been lonely, though, not in this occupation. I've met my fair share of people in my time. I'm certain you'll find out where you're from eventually. The galaxy's a big place, but I find it has a funny way of helping you find what you're looking for. Besides, joining up with a guild like Heroica's a good way to help you look for something you've lost. You wind up seeing a lot of people and places. I'd say it's better than my line of work, honestly. I tend to see many people, but get stuck in one place." "Heh, yeah, the history." Mr. Grumble lets out a sigh. "I've been around longer than I might look, and let me tell you, this place had definitely seen better days before young miss Laserie came along and bought the place up. I heard the bidding wars only got so heated because certain individuals involved started throwing money around like no one's business. Seems like Laserie wound up on top, though. Hopefully this organization can turn this place's reputation around." "Eh, fair enough." Mr. Grumble replies. He opens up his flask and downs the contents, muttering "Water from the Gornyon," under his breath. MM Note: I'll have a lengthier update tomorrow. Today wound up getting a little busy.

Zaria sits back and watches the dwarf stow the suitcase away before moving her attention back to the group. "I think there's someone from the Thaumaturgical Society on the train with us. She didn't sound too impressed based on what I overheard."

The Party Ensonvilterayquis (Enson) 60 cycles old male Quo'ri Vitality: 5/5 Velocity: 2 Strength: 1 Skill: 2 Smarts: 2 Spirit: 2/2 Credits: 5 Proficiencies: Insight 1, Medicine 1, Melee Weapons 1, Religion 2 Spells: Healing Light, Purging Font Credits: 10 Equipment: Void Star Hammer (+1 Melee Elemental) Inventory: Nanite Elixir 2x, Plasma Potion 2x, Broom (Standard Kinetic Melee Weapon) Valesia (Waterbrick Down)110 Year Old Female CladrasithCharacter Points: 1/11 Vitality: 4/5Velocity: 2Strength: 1Skill: 2Smarts: 1Spirit: 0/3Proficiencies: Insight 1, Medicine 1, Nature 2Known Spells: Elemental Evocation, Healing Light, Mystic Binding, Photonic ManipulationCredits: 5Equipment: Holo-scroll, Chef's Kit (Standard Kinetic Melee Weapon) Inventory: Ætherbrew, Essence of Precaution Aysu Kundakçı (Peppermint_M) 22 Rotations Old, Female? Adopted Human Character Points: 1/11 Vitality: 6/6 Velocity: 2 Strength: 2 Skill: 3 Smarts: 1 Spirit: 1 Proficiencies: Long Range Weapons 2, Nature 1, Survival 1 Spell: Enhanced Vision Credits: 15 Equipment: Environment Safe Ammunition "ESA" Rifle (Calibrated Long Range, Energy), Farsight Goggles Inventory: Plasma Potion, Essence of Glibness "A cleaning bot? Huh. Didn't think of that. I'll have to suggest it to the higher ups around here. Kreri might be the one to ask.." Valesia uses the last of her ether to invole a Sustaining Heal towards Enson, healing his wounds (2 successes 5,5 +1 =3 restored hit points). After finishing her spell, the group heads down the hall, towards the garbage chute, the lights in the basement flickering on occasion. Mr. Grumble scoffs angrily, growling under his breath before speaking. "By the gods, was this place even maintained by the previous owners? Bleh. Well, I have to admit, you three are quite capable individuals. Shooting off spells, swinging weapons around, firing off that rifle, there. What made you want to join this organization? If it's alright to ask, of course." Mr Grumble pats himself down, pulling out a flashlight, which he holds but doesn't turn on.

Zaria took a seat and crossed her legs in a comfortable position. She eyed the snack cart enviously as it trundled down the aisle, wishing she had some spare credits to purchase something from it. She instead discreetly took a brief swig of water from her reusable water bottle before she began looking over the individuals present in the economy car with her, looking for any identifying logos or apparel that would indicate working for a company or organization. "Steady, everyone. Let us not get too hasty, now." Zaria comments to the group, looking at Yelana more than Soren. "We have a long journey ahead of us. No reason to rush."

Round 3 of Combat A B C D E 1 2 3 4 5 Battle Order Enson vs. Rat C: (1 Success: 4+ Auto Success vs. 1 Success: 5) 1 Damage KO! Valesia Rallies Asyu (+1 Die added to Asyu's next weapon check Aysu vs. Rat A: (1 Success: 6, 3,1+ 2 Auto Success vs. 1 Failure: 2) 3 Damage KO! Combat comes to a close as the heroes make swift work of their quarry, Aysu's rifle making quick work of one of the rats as Valesia provides words of encouragement, while Enson splats one of the rats into the ground with his mighty hammer. The battle is victorious! The Party Ensonvilterayquis (Enson) 60 cycles old male Quo'ri Vitality: 2/5 Velocity: 2 Strength: 1 Skill: 2 Smarts: 2 Spirit: 2 Proficiencies: Insight 1, Medicine 1, Melee Weapons 1, Religion 2 Spells: Healing Light, Purging Font Credits: 10 Equipment: Void Star Hammer (+1 Melee Elemental) Inventory: Nanite Elixir 2x, Plasma Potion 2x Valesia (Waterbrick Down)110 Year Old Female CladrasithCharacter Points: 0/10 Vitality: 4/5Velocity: 2Strength: 1Skill: 2Smarts: 1Spirit: 1/3Proficiencies: Insight 1, Medicine 1, Nature 2Known Spells: Elemental Evocation, Healing Light, Mystic Binding, Photonic ManipulationCredits: 0Equipment: Holo-scroll, Chef's Kit (Standard Kinetic Melee Weapon) Inventory: Ætherbrew, Essence of Precaution Aysu Kundakçı (Peppermint_M) 22 Rotations Old, Female? Adopted Human Character Points: 0/10 Vitality: 6/6 Velocity: 2 Strength: 2 Skill: 3 Smarts: 1 Spirit: 1 Proficiencies: Long Range Weapons 2, Nature 1, Survival 1 Spell: Enhanced Vision Credits: 10 Equipment: Environment Safe Ammunition "ESA" Rifle (Calibrated Long Range, Energy), Farsight Goggles Inventory: Loot: 1x Plasma Potion: (Consumable) Heals character 1d6 Vitality + user's Medicine proficiency 15 Credits All heroes gain one point of experience! As combat winds down, Mr. Grumble speaks up, looking at the dead rats that now smear the floor. "Well... someone's going to have clean this mess up.... eventually. That was good work, heroes. Rats or not, you have some fine shooting, smashing, and casting prowess among you three."

Fixed.

Round 2 of Combat A B C D E 1 2 3 4 5 Battle Order Enson vs. Rat A: (1 Failure: 1+ Auto Success vs. 1 Success: 5) 0 Damage Valesia invokes Elemental Bolt vs. Rat C: (5,1: Success!) 1 Damage Aysu vs. Rat C: (1 Success: 6, 3+ 2 Auto Success -1 for not being in optimal range vs. 1 Failure: 1) 2 Damage Rat A invokes Singing Dose on Aysu (Roll of 1, Failure!) 0 Damage Rat C vs. Enson: (1 Success: 4 + 1 Auto Success vs. 1 Success: 5,3) 1 Damage Combat continues as the party sweeps up their attackers. Valesia and Aysu team up again, as a blast of energy and the elements severely wounds off one of the rats swarming Enson. However, Enson fails to connect another attack with the final remaining rat, which strikes out with it's claws, leaving wounds on Enson's legs which are beginning to accumulate. Although the party was tipping the scales heavily in their favour, this last rat was proving troublesome. The battle continues... The Enemies: Unusually Large Rat A (B2) Vitality: 3/4 Velocity: 2 Strength: 1 Skill: 1 Smarts: 1 Spirit: 0/1 Proficiencies: Melee Weapons 1, Nature 1 Inventory: Claws (Standard Kinetic Melee Weapon) Spells: Sickening Radiance Drops: 10 Credits Unusually Large Rat C (C3) Vitality: 1/4 Velocity: 2 Strength: 1 Skill: 1 Smarts: 1 Spirit: 0/1 Proficiencies: Melee Weapons 1, Nature 1 Inventory: Claws (Standard Kinetic Melee Weapon) Spells: Sickening Radiance Drops: 5 Credits MM Note: For the sake of this combat, the Rat's proficiency for Sickening Radiance is Nature instead of the usual proficiencies needed to cast the spell. The Party Ensonvilterayquis (Enson) 60 cycles old male Quo'ri Vitality: 2/5 Velocity: 2 Strength: 1 Skill: 2 Smarts: 2 Spirit: 2 Proficiencies: Insight 1, Medicine 1, Melee Weapons 1, Religion 2 Spells: Healing Light, Purging Font Credits: 10 Equipment: Void Star Hammer (+1 Melee Elemental) Inventory: Nanite Elixir 2x, Plasma Potion 2x Valesia (Waterbrick Down)110 Year Old Female CladrasithCharacter Points: 0/10 Vitality: 4/5Velocity: 2Strength: 1Skill: 2Smarts: 1Spirit: 1/3Proficiencies: Insight 1, Medicine 1, Nature 2Known Spells: Elemental Evocation, Healing Light, Mystic Binding, Photonic ManipulationCredits: 0Equipment: Holo-scroll, Chef's Kit (Standard Kinetic Melee Weapon) Inventory: Ætherbrew, Essence of Precaution Aysu Kundakçı (Peppermint_M) 22 Rotations Old, Female? Adopted Human Character Points: 0/10 Vitality: 6/6 Velocity: 2 Strength: 2 Skill: 3 Smarts: 1 Spirit: 1 Proficiencies: Long Range Weapons 2, Nature 1, Survival 1 Spell: Enhanced Vision Credits: 10 Equipment: Environment Safe Ammunition "ESA" Rifle (Calibrated Long Range, Energy), Farsight Goggles Inventory: Please select actions for the next round of combat!

MM Note: Hopefully I have remedied all errors. Sorry for the delay, everyone, I'm learning this system along with some of you, and combat's always the thing I struggle with the most in any system. If there are any new issues, let me know.

"Good, I am glad I was not the only one uncomfortable." Zaria comments. "I imagine if we have an attempt at sabotage, we may not be the only ones aware of the device."

MM Note: I'll allow Peppermint_M the option to decide and re roll the round. Movement for the rats will remain the same.

Right. So in this instance, as an example, Asyu's dice pool should be two dice rolled plus two automatic hits? And Enson's should be one rolled die plus one automatic hit?

To address your first point: no. To address your second point: it likely is an issue on mobile. I'm currently trying to preserve what space I have on my Flickr account, and as much as I would love to provide what WBD is for his mission (which looks fantastic, I have to say ) it's not something I want to try doing just yet. I want to see if just using images together on a grid works. So far it's fine, but we'll see where it goes. Also, gotta say, running combat's pretty simple. Took me a little under 15 minutes to roll everything up. Once you understand how everything works, having less number crunch is going to make attacks that do 5 or 6 damage hurt, and that is something I'm looking forward to.

Round 1 of Combat A B C D E 1 2 3 4 5 Battle Order Enson vs. Rat A: (1 Failure: 3+ Auto Success vs. 1 Failure: 2) 1 Damage Valesia invokes Elemental Bolt vs. Rat B: (5,1: Success!) 1 Damage Aysu vs. Rat B: (1 Success: 5,1+ 2 Auto Success vs. 1 Failure: 1) 3 Damage KO! Rat A vs. Enson: (1 Success: 4 + 1 Auto Success vs. 2 Failures: 2,2) 2 Damage Rat C invokes Singing Dose vs. Valesia: (5, Success!) 1 Damage The first attacks go off as combat begins! Enson charges into the fray, battlehammer in hand. He whacks the rat directly from him, leading for it to retreat from the Quo'ri's might. Valesia fires a bolt of elemental energy towards one of the rats as Aysu lays down a series of shots with her rifle, cornerning their quarry in their cross fire and sending it flying across the floor like a ragdoll. The small patrol reacts in kind, advancing on the heroes, one of them managing to invoke a magical aura of their own, their body glowing with a sickening, putrid green glow. The battle continues... Initiiative: Enson: 1 Success (5,3) Valesia: 2 Failures (2,3) Aysu: 2 Successes (1,4,5) The Enemies: Unusually Large Rat A (B2) Vitality: 3/4 Velocity: 2 Strength: 1 Skill: 1 Smarts: 1 Spirit: 1/1 Proficiencies: Melee Weapons 1, Nature 1 Inventory: Claws (Standard Kinetic Melee Weapon) Spells: Sickening Radiance Drops: 10 Credits Unusually Large Rat C (C3) Vitality: 4/4 Velocity: 2 Strength: 1 Skill: 1 Smarts: 1 Spirit: 0/1 Proficiencies: Melee Weapons 1, Nature 1 Inventory: Claws (Standard Kinetic Melee Weapon) Spells: Sickening Radiance Drops: 5 Credits MM Note: For the sake of this combat, the Rat's proficiency for Sickening Radiance is Nature instead of the usual proficiencies needed to cast the spell. The Party Ensonvilterayquis (Enson) 60 cycles old male Quo'ri Vitality: 3/5 Velocity: 2 Strength: 1 Skill: 2 Smarts: 2 Spirit: 2 Proficiencies: Insight 1, Medicine 1, Melee Weapons 1, Religion 2 Spells: Healing Light, Purging Font Credits: 10 Equipment: Void Star Hammer (+1 Melee Elemental) Inventory: Nanite Elixir 2x, Plasma Potion 2x Valesia (Waterbrick Down)110 Year Old Female CladrasithCharacter Points: 0/10 Vitality: 4/5Velocity: 2Strength: 1Skill: 2Smarts: 1Spirit: 2/3Proficiencies: Insight 1, Medicine 1, Nature 2Known Spells: Elemental Evocation, Healing Light, Mystic Binding, Photonic ManipulationCredits: 0Equipment: Holo-scroll, Chef's Kit (Standard Kinetic Melee Weapon) Inventory: Ætherbrew, Essence of Precaution Aysu Kundakçı (Peppermint_M) 22 Rotations Old, Female? Adopted Human Character Points: 0/10 Vitality: 6/6 Velocity: 2 Strength: 2 Skill: 3 Smarts: 1 Spirit: 1 Proficiencies: Long Range Weapons 2, Nature 1, Survival 1 Spell: Enhanced Vision Credits: 10 Equipment: Environment Safe Ammunition "ESA" Rifle (Calibrated Long Range, Energy), Farsight Goggles Inventory: MM Note: So, I believe combat should be correct. You are arranged currently as your actions will go out during combat, with Asyu going first, then Valesia, then Enson.

"We are not even on the train yet. We have no idea what we are stepping into." Zaria responded, speaking in a hushed tone. "All we do know is that someone knows that we were going to be on the Boreal Express, and took our tickets as a means of either hindering us, or ensuring we did not get on the train. I want to first observe our battlefield before we make any moves. The individuals who stole our tickets are possibly on the train. I would prefer to get the jump on them."