Duvors

We already know he's in C2, all this will do is commit you to a perception check at -1. I'd really recommend just moving to F3 and attacking. I'll even shuffle the initiative order since I forgot earlier. Initiative Jonk Enson Billeck Aysu Wollipog

Are you also returning the ghanta to the society?

Why are you having him cast it on yourself if you're not going to attack? Wouldn't it make more sense to cast it on someone else? Enson will move to E2 and rally Billeck. Billeck will move to F2 and attack.

Just to be clear, you can both choose the same option if you want.

Aysu will assist Wollipog with nature.

The man sighs. "We suspected the worst, but it is still depressing to have it confirmed. I would be glad if you were to show me the location of his body, but I'll let that wait until you've concluded your business with Mr. Milver. One thing though, I would like to have Machen's effects retuned to the Society. I won't force you to give them up, but it would be appreciated." "Well, with that outta th' way, guess it's on to your payment. I'm 'fraid you won't get ta keep those outfits I lent ya, but you might get t' hang on to those flashlights if nothin' else on offer suits ya." Leading you into the building, he take you into the locker room where you first acquired the gear Arno lent you. After helping you remove the encumbering outfits, he give the both of you 60 credits and gestures you to an array of items laid out on one of the benches. "Since you managed t' bring Greg back alive, y' get to take one each. Just like the poster said." Exo Suit: (Tool) Grants +1 Acrobatics or Athletics Success Utility Belt: (Tool) Grants +1 Engineering or Medicine Check Success Flashlight: (Tool) Reduces non-magical darkness Obscurement by 2 steps, -3 Stealth successes when equipped.* Structural Scanner: (Tool) +2 to Engineering Successes Wrench: (Standard Kinetic Melee Weapon) Reduces Engineering DC's by 1 *MM Note: I decided to increase the stealth penalty for the flashlight. Reducing Obscurement by that amount is a big deal.

As you mention Avery's name, Szizekh's hands visibly clench. When you mention Machen however, he leans in slightly, pressing his hands on a nonexistent railing. When you finish talking, he and Arno look at each other before speaking to you. "That's about what I expected." he says, miming the act of taking off and cleaning a pair of glasses. "When we learned about Mr. Milver's request for Heroica's assistance we immediately connected it to our missing man and his quarry. Unfortunately however I didn't arrive until you had already left, otherwise you would've had far more information to begin with than you did. Still," he puts the nonexistent glasses back on, "You did remarkably well. But what happened to Machen? You have his effects - the journal and the ghanta - where did you find them?"

"Well, that is your prerogative." He nodded to his companions. "Kill him." Enson will move to G4 and use a plasma potion on Aysu. Billeck will attack the Chimeran.

"Yes, yes. That's... probably the best thing to do. Oh gods..." And with your minds filled with distressing suspicions an unanswered questions, you manage to hotwire the main door open and make your way back to where all this started. ~~~ Arriving back at the central maintenance building, you have no need to go back inside. Arno is out front, conversing with a robed person you haven't met before. The moment you come into view, Arno starts in surprise, before running over to you with an effusive grin. "Greg! Y' bastard, you're alive! What the hell happened t' ya?" "I- I think these gentlemen have a better idea than I do. I'm afraid I don't remember much sir." "Hey hey hey, that's okay. If what mister... er, wassyername again?" "Szizekh." the robed figure says, stepping forward so the emblem of the Thaumaturgic Society is plainly visible on his robes. "Right, Zizek. I what he's been tellin' me is even halfway related to what happened, you've been though some nasty stuff." "I- yes sir. I think I'll be taking some time off for a while." "Take all th' time you need. But what happened t' your hair?" he turns to face the two of you. "An' what happened t' you two?"

"Oh. Gods that's awful." he looks aghast. Decker Insight Check (DC 1): (4,6,6) Three successes. The moment you say, 'the meatblob could very well have been the culprit' you realize that statement can't be true. For one thing, the first two bodies had no displaced water near them, which would've been the case if the blob had killed them. Secondly, their injuries indicate a human sized assailant of immense speed and strength, with at last some of the deaths and injuries caused by knife wounds, and the death of the Reid Catlow displaying notable sadisim. The creature displayed neither the manual dexterity to wield a knife, nor the speed to successfully pursue fleeing opponents. Finally, the creature would be far too large to enter the ritual chamber without destroying its contents, and far too heavy to pass over the bodies of its victims without crushing them. Erik Sharpey's body was probably removed by the creature for sustenance, but that could've happened after he was already dead, and none of the other bodies were treated in this manner. "Bob was telling the truth? I'd always assumed he was trying to scare us with dumb stories." He shakes his head at your question. "N-no. I don't have any idea who this 'Flatfoot' is. I guess I must've met this 'Avery' you're talking about but... I- I can't remember that name." he laughs nervously.

"I genuinely have no idea."

Enson nodded to Jonk, then turned to the Chimeran. "Sir," he said, "I apologize for my friend here shooting you, he's new and a bit excitable. I assure you, we have no quarrel with you or any associates you my have. However, myself and my companions are currently settling a dispute with the owners of this establishment. For your own safety I recommend that you remove yourself to a safe distance." Enson will attempt to persuade the Chimeran. Billeck will move to F3 and attempt to calm the Gold Feather.

"No, no it's fine." he says, pushing away the potion. "Yes, I can stand. Err, who are you?" "Oh, nice to meet you. Before? Well, I remember walking down a part of the sewer where a lot of lights were broken and thinking it was a great place to be snuck up on. I was right. These guys in cloaks jumped me and knocked me out. Things are a little blurry after that. I remember being tied up in a small room with some other guy, and there was a lot of other junk around. I kind of remember people in dark robes wandering around. And there was this guy, I don't remember what he looked like, who told e that what was being done had to happen. That it was right and good for me and... I believed him. Must've been the condition I was in, because he kept saying horrible things but I still trusted him. Then I remember being strapped down in something, then..." he shudders, "Then I don't know. Darkness, fear."

Due to the time pressure, I'll run the round as if Ronin is assisting Decker. Round 4 Ronin moves to B4 Ronin assits Decker with Melee Weapons (+2) Decker attempts to ring ???'s bell (Athletics) - (5,6,2,6,5,4) Five successes vs. (6,1,4,2,3) Two successes - ??? Stunned With no time to loose, and the ritual on the point of failure, decisive action was needed. Ronin, his protection gone, darted towards the figure atop the containers, lashing out with his sword. The thing flicks away from the feint with mocking ease, but it was never intended to strike to begin with. This momentary distraction is enough for Decker, who with a lightly heave, threw his shotgun directly at the creature's hand. At almost the last possible moment, the thing saw what was happening, but it was already too late. The gun struck the bell with the full force of the throw, emitting a single tone - long and clear, silencing all other sound. At once, the candle in Decker's hand flared up like a firecracker, this amber light expanding to fill the whole room. In the office, the radio began to emit a high pitched static noise that sounded oddly like distant screaming. The creature itself was rigid, seemingly paralyzed. Its skin once again writhed and boiled as it had when the candle was first lit. Finally, with a great effort, the creature seemed to break free of whatever was holding it. All at once it began flashing around the room, desperately trying to find some place free of the holy radiance. It struck the main entrance with enough force to leave a massive dent in the rolling door, it pressed itself against the walls, it tried to escape into the office, but the light drove it back. Finally it stopped, pinned against one of the stacks of containers, its skin squirming more furiously than ever. As it cowered against the containers, its boiling hide began to peel back, vanishing into clouds of black steam. Even so, it raised its arm before its face in a desperate attempt to shield itself before falling on all fours and briefly vanishing in a dark cloud. After a moment, the cloud dissipates, and you see what has become of your opponent. "Oh, oh sweet Irvator..."

I require an action from Ronin before I can run this round.

Just a quick reminder, the bell has no clapper. It has to be struck from the outside in order to be rung. I'll also say that he'll be using Skill to oppose this roll, and if you don't provide a proficiency for this action, or change it to one that would require a different proficiency, i'll default to using athletics for your end.

"Do what you think best, at this point I'm not picky!"

Enson raised a finger toward the Chimeran. "Please do not do that," he said, "I assure you I'll be with you shortly." Enson will use a plasma potion on Billeck. Billeck will shoot the magnificent mosquito man. Wollipog will cast Speak with Distance on the horsie and attempt to calm it down. @Scubacarrot, since he's riding on your shoulder, do you think you could take control of Wollipog for the remainder of the fight?

I'll say no, any use of the book counts. By-the-by, you can make as many attempts as you have candles if you can't ring the bell this round.

Billeck will move to E2 and attack the Daraki Head Thug.

Round 3 Ronin attempts to ring the Ghanta (Athletics vs. Skill) Decker assists with Occult (+1 automatic success) Final Check - (1,3,1,6,+1) Two successes vs. (4,1,2,3,6) Two successes ??? strikes Ronin - (2,1,4,4,4,1,2,+3) Six successes vs. (1,2,2,5,+6) Seven successes ??? makes another attack - (5,1,2,3,6,2,4,+3) Six successes vs. (5,2,5,1,+6) Eight successes ??? moves to A4 Filled with bravado, Ronin seizes the hand holding the bell and attempts to ring it by force. Decker, desperate to end the fight as soon as possible, reads from the book in an attempt to aid his companion. Even though the creature's hand does not move, Ronin hears, on the very edge of sound, a faint humming. Then the creature punched Ronin in the face. Twice. He saw it this time, the thing lingering longer on its striking pose. The failing protection of Neros' spell was enough to turn aside the force of the blows, but it broke his concentration. There was another pulling sensation, and the creature disappeared, appearing once more atop a pile of containers. Its eyes, once triumphant, were now filled with rage - and fear. Enemy ??? ??? cycles old ??? Pugilist Vitality: 8/8 Velocity: 6 Strength: 7 Skill: 5 Smarts: 4 Proficiencies: Athletics 5, Insight 5, Intimidation 5, Stealth 5. Equipment: Ghanta (Tool) Once per battle, may be used to Stun all unholy enemies as an action. Can be used with Machen's Notebook and a Holy Candle to conduct an exorcism. Spatial Incoherence: Is immune to Restrained and being moved against its will. Iron Grip: Adjacent Restrained enemies move with this creature. Impossible Speed: May act twice in a round. Soul Bound: If killed, Greg Smiles will also die. Party Ronin (Yzalirk)[REDACTED] Male [REDACTED]Character Points: 0/19Vitality: 7/7Velocity: 3Strength: 1Skill: 4Smarts: 3Spirit: 0/0Proficiencies: Athletics 1, Artillery 1, Deception 1, Melee Weapons 2, Perception 1, Stealth 1, Survival 1Known Spells: NoneCredits: 222Equipment: Hard Light Katana (Calibrated Energy Melee Weapon), Workman's Outfit (Standard Kinetic Armor) Filtration.Inventory: Gator Tooth (Can be converted into either a Kinetic or Elemental Standard Melee Weapon by a craftsman), Ion Laser (Calibrated Energy Artillery Weapon), Haast Flamethrower (Substandard Short Range Elemental Weapon) Overcharge: Once per battle, add +2 to next attack, all subsequent attacks have -2, Rocketpack - Armor Attachment (+1 to Velocity when wearing this armor), Cloaking Generator, Flashlight (Tool), Frozen Blood (Consumable) ???, Lamplight (Consumable) ???, Æther Shroud (Consumable) ???, Cytherian Salts x2 (Consumable) ???, Plasma Potion. Decker DaCabe (Endgame) Warded! (4 Attacks) Protected (2 Rounds)24 year old male Human Caracter Ponts: 0/19Vitality: 7/7 Velocity: 2 Strength: 4Skill: 3Smarts: 1Proficiencies: Melee Weapons 1, Short Range Weapons 2, Medicine 1, Perception 1, Athletics 1Credits: 52Equipment: Double Barrel Voltaic Shotgun (Calibrated Energy Short Range Weapon), Telescopic Stock - Weapon Attachment (Spend an action to change this weapon's optimal range by 1 category), Workman's Outfit (Standard Kinetic Armor) Filtration, Machen's Notebook (Tool) Adds +1 Occult and Religion successes, my be used with the Ghanta and a Holy Candle to conduct an exorcism.Inventory: Unloaded Pistol (Calibrated Kinetic Melee Weapon), Sandblasted Cuirass (Standard Kinetic Armor), Old Wolfclaw Veteran's Shield (Substandard Kinetic Armor) Dented Iron, Plasma Potion, Holy Candle 2x, Flashlight (Tool).

Correct!

Dammit, I made a mistake. I confused the range of the candle with it's duration, you shouldn't have been moved there and are still in D4. However, since it only prevents enemies from entering adjacent squares, it won't effect any of the actions taken by ??? last round. Please proceed with the assumption that you are still in D4.

"A magical pony apparently," Enson said with feigned disinterest, "Now if you'll excuse me." Enson turned away from the horse and pretended to pay it no mind, though he fully expected to be kicked in the back of the head, moving over to Billeck. Enson will move to E1 and down a plasma potion. Wollipog will jump on Jonk's shoulder and defend him. Maybe try nature? You have a rank in it.

Round 2 Ronin Moves to D3 Ronin equips the Ghanta Decker lights a Holy Candle ??? Moves to D2 ??? attempts to take the Ghanta by force - Athletics (4,6,5,5,1,5,3,4) Six successes vs. Strength (4) One success ??? attacks Ronin - (5,2,3,5,5,2,3,+3) Six successes vs. (5,3,6,3,+6) Eight successes Ronin fumbles with the object in his hand as he steps away from the thing before him. In his hand was a beautiful golden bell, albeit one with no clapper. Feeling their triumph near, Decker lifts up one of his candles and lights it, spreading a ring of amber light around him the two heroes felt their hearts fill with warmth and a sense of safety. This is when things went sideways. As he looked at the creature, Decker saw that under the light the blackness covering Greg was no longer smooth. Under the light of the blessed candle it appeared to writhe and squirm like a million tiny worms being boiled alive. Its eyes, unreadable orbs as they were, were filled with in indescribable expression of hate and rage. Suddenly, Ronin felt an immense force tugging on the holy bell in his hand. Looking down, he caught the briefest glimpse of a black hand grasped around it before it was yanked out of his hand so fast it nearly pulled him to the floor. He looked up. Before him, carefully standing just outside the candle's light, was the thing. It's eyes now shone with a triumphant exultation that filled the warrior's heart with fear. He the caught the faintest flicker - not of movement, but of a different static pose - and he felt his protection lessen once more. Enemy ??? ??? cycles old ??? Pugilist Vitality: 8/8 Velocity: 6 Strength: 7 Skill: 5 Smarts: 4 Proficiencies: Athletics 5, Insight 5, Intimidation 5, Stealth 5. Equipment: Ghanta (Tool) Once per battle, may be used to Stun all unholy enemies as an action. Can be used with Machen's Notebook and a Holy Candle to conduct an exorcism. Spatial Incoherence: Is immune to Restrained and being moved against its will. Iron Grip: Adjacent Restrained enemies move with this creature. Impossible Speed: May act twice in a round. Soul Bound: If killed, Greg Smiles will also die. Party Ronin (Yzalirk) Warded! (2 Attacks)[REDACTED] Male [REDACTED]Character Points: 0/19Vitality: 7/7Velocity: 3Strength: 1Skill: 4Smarts: 3Spirit: 0/0Proficiencies: Athletics 1, Artillery 1, Deception 1, Melee Weapons 2, Perception 1, Stealth 1, Survival 1Known Spells: NoneCredits: 222Equipment: Hard Light Katana (Calibrated Energy Melee Weapon), Workman's Outfit (Standard Kinetic Armor) Filtration.Inventory: Gator Tooth (Can be converted into either a Kinetic or Elemental Standard Melee Weapon by a craftsman), Ion Laser (Calibrated Energy Artillery Weapon), Haast Flamethrower (Substandard Short Range Elemental Weapon) Overcharge: Once per battle, add +2 to next attack, all subsequent attacks have -2, Rocketpack - Armor Attachment (+1 to Velocity when wearing this armor), Cloaking Generator, Flashlight (Tool), Frozen Blood (Consumable) ???, Lamplight (Consumable) ???, Æther Shroud (Consumable) ???, Cytherian Salts x2 (Consumable) ???, Plasma Potion. Decker DaCabe (Endgame) Warded! (4 Attacks) Protected (3 Rounds)24 year old male Human Caracter Ponts: 0/19Vitality: 7/7 Velocity: 2 Strength: 4Skill: 3Smarts: 1Proficiencies: Melee Weapons 1, Short Range Weapons 2, Medicine 1, Perception 1, Athletics 1Credits: 52Equipment: Double Barrel Voltaic Shotgun (Calibrated Energy Short Range Weapon), Telescopic Stock - Weapon Attachment (Spend an action to change this weapon's optimal range by 1 category), Workman's Outfit (Standard Kinetic Armor) Filtration, Machen's Notebook (Tool) Adds +1 Occult and Religion successes, my be used with the Ghanta and a Holy Candle to conduct an exorcism.Inventory: Unloaded Pistol (Calibrated Kinetic Melee Weapon), Sandblasted Cuirass (Standard Kinetic Armor), Old Wolfclaw Veteran's Shield (Substandard Kinetic Armor) Dented Iron, Plasma Potion, Holy Candle 2x, Flashlight (Tool).