Three Pillars: Second Chance
Session 14
The Enemy Within
The Flaming One
So, I guess we'll do Eagle Lake (as Justin has dropped [Any word on when he'll be back])?
Jamey Minnis
It was just Demeter and I in the girl's appartment.
Jamey Minnis
what was the live girl's name?
Penny Gronbeck
Julia.
The Flaming One
Yup.
The Flaming One
Okay, we'll start w/o Justin (as we don't need him yet), but keep me abreast of problems if he has any.
Penny Gronbeck
I will.
The Flaming One
So, Eagle Lake...
The Flaming One
Julie looks a bit pale, and almost faint. You can see that she has been crying. A lot. She leans heavily against the wall be her door.
The Flaming One
Demeter, are you still in the other girl's room, or not?
Penny Gronbeck
I think so.
The Flaming One
Runs: You were int he kitchen, looking at phone numbers, correct?
Jamey Minnis
Yep - I presume that she can see me?
The Flaming One
Yes: She is looking at Runs. Demeter can see her through the doorway, you don't think she has seen you yet.
The Flaming One
Runs: What are you dressed in right now?
Jamey Minnis
'You know, Cindy might be alive if you two had helped us. We were trying to stop that thing before it could do anything more than it had already.'
Jamey Minnis
OOC: which of them was the one who worked at blockbuster?
The Flaming One
Julie.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
An, we're back!
Justin Robinson-Prickett
er.. and, that is
The Flaming One
<yeah!>
Jamey Minnis
hey Justin!
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Yo.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
My computer has been eating guatemalan insanity chilis, methinks.
The Flaming One
:)
The Flaming One
Runs: Did you get my question? What you be dressed in?
Jamey Minnis
I was dressed in street clothes (I didn't get your question). Flannel shirt and jeans, most likely.
Matthew Hammer
Mmmm the merciless peppers of takatinanga.
The Flaming One
Julie staggers a little bit when you say that. "I was doing *my* job. You're the ones that threatened Xanadu!"
Jamey Minnis
'I never threatened her. She did not understand why we were asking her questions.'
The Flaming One
Julie looks at you like you are addled in the head. "Oh, come on! You were dressed up in that strange Indian-scalping-shit and that damn Canuk was all over her like a dog. You were lucky we didn't call the cops. you bastard." She seems to break down again as she says that. "Yo-you sent those men, didn't you? DIDN'T YOU!"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]And she doesn't mention the debonair Indian cop... that hurts, that really hurts
Jamey Minnis
'I was hoping you could tell me who the men were. We were trying to rescue you - we thought that the men were kidnapping you.'
The Flaming One
She looks at you very confused when you say that. "Wha-you... hel-..". She collapses to her knees, holding her head. "No, no. Wild dogs. Dogs. Must be dogs. Not you. Not Tom."
The Flaming One
She seems to be on the edge of mental collapse.
Jamey Minnis
'Come on. Why don't you go lay down. This has been a very trying day for you.'
Jamey Minnis
OOC: do we know tom?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
I have an Uncle Tom...
The Flaming One
Runs: No, you don't know any Tom. Are you approaching her?
Jamey Minnis
I'm going to slowly walk toward her - hands held open and unthreateningly.
The Flaming One
She waves her arms weakly in your direction. "No, you stay away, you Indian fuck." She's beginning to cry again. "Just leave me alone. Why won't you all leave me alone..."
Jamey Minnis
'Did you see the thing with tentacles? That is why. If there are others here, it is my job to kill them before they can harm anyone else.'
The Flaming One
She hiccups and sputters. She's shaking her head violently from side to side. "No. NO! Not Tom. It's not Tom." Her voice trails off.
Jamey Minnis
'Tom? Why don't you tell me about Tom.'
The Flaming One
Her voice is faint. She's not well, you can tell. "Stupid fuck. Stupid angry fuck. Cindy should have never have dated that fuck'n bastard."
Jamey Minnis
'No, probably not.'
Jamey Minnis
I'm not going to encroach too far on her - I just want to be able to grab her before she could call 911, mostly.
The Flaming One
She looks at you, pleadingly. "I told her. I told her he'd hurt her. And he did. But she didn't listen to me." Her look turns distant, bitter. "'Dear Julie' my ass."
The Flaming One
She isn't anywhere near the phone.
Jamey Minnis
yeah, but if she has one in her room...
The Flaming One
True. She is still very much in the hall.
Jamey Minnis
'Was Tom the one who turned into the beast with tentacles?'
The Flaming One
As you say that, she starts clawing at her self, drawing welts. You don't know if she is concious of it. "No! NO! Not Tom. Not Tom! Stop saying THAT!"
Jamey Minnis
I'm going to walk closer, and if she doesn't freak too much, I'm going to pry her hands off of her.
Jamey Minnis
Was there a phone number for Tom there? Address?
The Flaming One
When you ar eabout 5-10 feet way, she stumbles back, hands in front of her. "STAY AWAY FROM ME!"
The Flaming One
Hmm... Tom? There was a Tom written on the autodial, but you didn't find a number.
Jamey Minnis
'I'm sorry, I just don't want you hurting yourself. Look at your (insert whereever she was clawing at herself).'
The Flaming One
She looks at herself, stupified. "Oh my god. What have I done? What is wrong with me? Why? Oh god, WHY?" She breaks down again.
Jamey Minnis
I will take a step back and hold my hands out.
Jamey Minnis
Can I see Demeter hiding behind the door?
Penny Gronbeck
she's been watching quietly, so probably.
Jamey Minnis
I'm going to glance at her, then glance at the girl and back, then shrug...
Penny Gronbeck
Demeter glances at the girl a little nervously, then back at Runs, returning the shrug.
The Flaming One
The girl doesn't seem to see you. She is muttering to herself.
Jamey Minnis
'Julie. Where does Tom live?'
Jamey Minnis
TJ - I'm presuimg there is no SOP for dealing with people like this - we just leave them to fend for themselves, right?
The Flaming One
Well, you really haven't dealt with that many broken insane people before.
Jamey Minnis
About what I figured - I was making sure I wasn't missing anything obvious I could do to help her...
The Flaming One
She doesn't seem to hear you for a moment. Then, very quite. "Tom. Tom's dead."
Jamey Minnis
'Where is his appartment, Julie?'
Penny Gronbeck
<well, there's always calling 911 and telling them that she's attempting suicide...>
Jamey Minnis
OOC: and runs would think of this?
Penny Gronbeck
ooc: k, probably not...
The Flaming One
Still very quiet. "138 Hazelwood, Apt 531. But he's dead. He'll never cut me with that knife again."
Jamey Minnis
Runs' lip kinda curls up in a very wolf-like expression. 'He cut you with a knife?' Runs will sniff the air for Wyrm taint.
The Flaming One
The taint is here. Just like it was on Cindy/Xanadu. It covers her like a light oil.
Jamey Minnis
Damn. What sort of options do we have for dealing with this sort of taint? Killing her seems a bit extreme... I don't know what else to do with a tainted person - would Runs have any other ideas?
Jamey Minnis
'What about the man who brought you back home? Do you know who he is?'
The Flaming One
The level of taint on her is not very strong. But it is attached to her. It *may* fade w/ time; assuming the source as been destroyed and it hasn't changed her much. Its your call.
The Flaming One
You can hardly hear the whisper. "No. He just wanted to know where we Tom kept it. He took it and left. Didn't even hurt me. Didn't even touch me..."
Jamey Minnis
'What did he take?'
The Flaming One
"...the paper. The one Tom got from the old man." Her eyes flicker with something.. hunger? Disgust? "He said it would make him *do* things...." She shivers. "My god, why did we do that?"
Jamey Minnis
'Where is the old man?'
The Flaming One
She says something too faint for you to hear.
Jamey Minnis
Very gently... 'Tell me about the old man.'
The Flaming One
She looks at you, a mad glimmer in her eye. "He's DEAD, allright! Tom and Gary killed him!" She mimes two young toughs bragging. "'Heh, we showed old man Ezra good!'" She slumps again. "We knew the stories. those things they whispered in the hall. We though it was fake." She shudders. "That paper showed up wrong."
Jamey Minnis
'Where did Ezra live?'
The Flaming One
She mutters an address. It means nothing to you, of course.
Jamey Minnis
So, I have the two addresses?
Jamey Minnis
'Can you tell me anything about the man who brought you back home? If you can help me, I will be going now.'
The Flaming One
Julie looks very, very tired. "He didn't even tell me his name. He was just asking for the paper when Tom got all mad... and... and..." She trails off again.
Jamey Minnis
'And then we saw what happenned.'
The Flaming One
She doesn't respond, only nods mutely.
Penny Gronbeck
[private]brb
Jamey Minnis
'I'm sorry for your friends, but you have gotten into something bigger than you know. You have touched a world that is larger than you. Larger than nations and peoples. It is a struggle for survival. For the very existance of this world. Find some friends who can help you. I am sorry that we cannot.'
Jamey Minnis
'Can you tell me what was on the paper?'
The Flaming One
She shakes her head. "I never saw it. Tom was too damned protective. He just followed it as if it was some ritual."
Jamey Minnis
'The poor fool. Proabably never even realized that his soul is damned for all eternity. To an oblivion of seving the beast that he called into himself. Take this lesson to heart, or some day it will be you who will suffer his fate. It is not many who get a second chance.'
The Flaming One
She doesn't say anything. She is too lost in herself.
Penny Gronbeck
[private]back.
Jamey Minnis
Runs looks Demeter in the eye and nods toward the door.
Penny Gronbeck
Demeter nods and heads towards the door.
The Flaming One
Julia never looks up.
Jamey Minnis
Runs will follow. He will lock the door behind him, slipping the key under the door if he has to.
The Flaming One
Done and done. What now, kemosabe?
Jamey Minnis
Gonna look on a map for Tom's address and Ezra's address.
The Flaming One
You fumble around in a jeep for a map. It seems George has one, but its stuffed *way* in the back. Tom's address isn't too far from here. Ezra's... well... its on the outskirts of town.
Jamey Minnis
Let's hit Tom's first.
The Flaming One
Its a worn down apartment complex. Trash is everywhere. This is not a good neighborhood.
Jamey Minnis
That's a big surprise... ; >
The Flaming One
:) brb (dinner's ready..)
Jamey Minnis
I'm going to find his appartment.
Jamey Minnis
Yay dinner!
The Flaming One
Its not quite done yet, I'll have to go back in a min. Anyway...
The Flaming One
531.
Jamey Minnis
That is what she said.
The Flaming One
You're there. Its a door. Closed. There is no window on this side.
Jamey Minnis
I'd like to note the cars on the block - any of them like the one the guy was driving who rescued Julie?
The Flaming One
Nope.
Jamey Minnis
I'm going to sniff for taint, then I'm going to try the doorknob...
The Flaming One
[Poor Justin)
The Flaming One
Okay... and [microwave buzzed... guess the answer on the taint and win a prize... brb]
Jamey Minnis
big yes?
The Flaming One
DING! This place has taint. Strong too. But its a residue (again, as if something *really* tainted was here, nto the place was tainted---unlike the factory).
Jamey Minnis
I'm going to try the doorknob - does it open?
The Flaming One
Locked.
Jamey Minnis
It's on the 5th floor, right?
Jamey Minnis
What time is it now?
The Flaming One
5th floor, late nite.
Jamey Minnis
Was there a fire escape on his side of the building?
The Flaming One
Yes.
Jamey Minnis
'Fire Escape.'
Jamey Minnis
Runs will climb up the fire escape and will look in his window.
Penny Gronbeck
Demeter will look surprised, shrug, and follow.
Jamey Minnis
Hey, Runs doesn't quite get the society, but he has seen some TV... ; > Besides, he is a smart wolfie.
The Flaming One
The apartment is dark. The window is open though. Looks like someone has been this way before.
Jamey Minnis
Shocking. Runs will carefully enter, looking to see if anyone else is in there. I'd like to transform my eyes to wolf eyes to better see in the dark, if I can.
The Flaming One
Neato. You don't see anyone. Its dead silent in here. The place hasn't been ransacked, but things are open and mussed up.
Jamey Minnis
I'm going to try to tell if there is a center to the taint in here and follow it.
Jamey Minnis
Failing that, I want to give the place a once over and see if there is anything that looks interesting to Runs (e.g. ritual implements, a pentagram on the floor, that sort of thing.) Failing that, I want a ring of keys, if one is in here...
Penny Gronbeck
Demeter will check for papers.
The Flaming One
The taint has coated the entire area. But it is strongest in one area: the bed. Both above and below.
Jamey Minnis
I'm going to search above and below the bed.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
And we're back.
Jamey Minnis
If I don't find anything, I'm going to look at the mattress and look to see if it has been openned to hide something in it.
Jamey Minnis
Yay Justin!
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Gonna go kill Bill Gates, now.
The Flaming One
Nothing above (you suspected that is where he slept). Below is empty too--but nearby is a folder...empty now.
The Flaming One
That's murder, Justin! :)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
That's euthanasia
Jamey Minnis
I got a fiver to help you defray costs, big J.
Jamey Minnis
Damn.
Jamey Minnis
I'm going to look for notes he might have made, and anything ritual like, as I said above.
The Flaming One
Nothing. All gone. You suspect the man took it.
Penny Gronbeck
do we know it was a man?
Jamey Minnis
The man in the suit that grabbed Julie, most likely.
Penny Gronbeck
ah. yes.
Jamey Minnis
'Let's see if we can find Ezra's place.'
Penny Gronbeck
Demeter nods, and heads towards the door.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]Do I have time for a break to go get food?
The Flaming One
Ezra's place is on the outskirts of town. It was a old, mansion-like thing that has fallen into haunted house-like decay. But only recently, you think.
The Flaming One
[private to Justin Robinson-Prickett] How long?
Jamey Minnis
Let's head on up to it...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]half hour
The Flaming One
No lights, and the windows are boarded. There is a no tresspass and for sale signs out front.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]It's edging up on 9:30...
The Flaming One
[private to Justin Robinson-Prickett] I could go on that long, if you wish, but I wanted to split equal (that means at 9:30), so if you leave now, It'll be hard to do that.
The Flaming One
The door has been kicked in. There is a chain around it, but you think you can wiggle it off.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]I'll stay, then... enter no longer works on this cursed program. I HATE MY COMPUTER!!!
Jamey Minnis
Riiight.
The Flaming One
[private to Justin Robinson-Prickett] Is it the same old one you had in Pitzer? Duuuude...
Jamey Minnis
I'll take a quick walk around the house to see if there are any broken basement windows or open back doors...
The Flaming One
You find a window that can be pried open.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]The one I got my junior year, yeah. Not the super old one.
The Flaming One
[private to Justin Robinson-Prickett] Sorry.
Jamey Minnis
I'm going to pry it open and pop in. Oh, let me guess - taint here?
The Flaming One
Yes. Old but very strong. Makes you feel all dirty inside.
Jamey Minnis
'We should come back here tomorrow. This place is strong with taint.'
Penny Gronbeck
"Sleeping first would be a good idea, then."
Jamey Minnis
'Yes.'
The Flaming One
So, back to camp?
Jamey Minnis
'Let's go back to the others.'
Jamey Minnis
yeah.
The Flaming One
Okay, eveyone is dead. just kidding. :) We'll segue there, then.
Jamey Minnis
The plan is to rest the night, then to meditate to get some Gnosis back...
Jamey Minnis
or, we can segue...
The Flaming One
Or both! :)
Darkness and Light
The Flaming One
Portland. Land of the free and home of the dead.
Matthew Hammer
I'm going to bail at this point. 'nite all.
Penny Gronbeck
night Matt.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Night!
Jamey Minnis
g'night matt!
Jamey Minnis
I'll BRB.
The Flaming One
So, everyone is staring at Ivy ('cept Ivy, of course, who is has the "why me" look).
The Flaming One
Upcoming Monika message....
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy's still in the 'what's going on?!' phase.
The Flaming One
Laptop is quite insistent that I tell you all "MEOW!". I think it's encoded. Have fun gaming. Don't die. Avoid the brownies...
The Flaming One
Oh, and Justin, I send my platonic love, as always.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Werd up, sistah!
Jamey Minnis
hey kids... I'm baaaack...
The Flaming One
Okay, I'm back too. Yes, Ivy's very confused.
Penny Gronbeck
how's the spidey sense?
The Flaming One
Not active.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon's just looking at her with a bitter expression.
Penny Gronbeck
"What?"
The Flaming One
Wordlessly, Routterage fetches a mirror.
Penny Gronbeck
what do I see?
The Flaming One
A black circle (like a lance wound) beneath the skin. Oily. Out of place.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy will touch it.
The Flaming One
The area is numb. There is no feeling of you touching it ('cept from your fingers).
Penny Gronbeck
I'd like to check myself with life.
Penny Gronbeck
9, 9, 9, 6.
The Flaming One
You are alive. The area registers as normal to your life senses.
Penny Gronbeck
can I heal it out?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Ivy, it's not in your physical pattern. It's a spiritual scar."
The Flaming One
Let me put it this way: as far as you can tell, thre is nothing physically wrong, and thus nothing to heal.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"The bastard tattooed your soul."
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy stares at the mark.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon fidgets with the box, his fingers white.
The Flaming One
Routterage shakes her head. "I believe it be me. Da... taint?... on me soul reacted to the blackness, deary. I be so sorry, but I cannot be helping you."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon turns to Routterage, his eyes narrowing into slits.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy doesn't look up. "How long?"
The Flaming One
She notices the look. "I do be trying to 'elp, boy. I not be knowing this be happen'n."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"I believe you," Damon says tonelessly.
The Flaming One
Routterage looks at the fragments of the mask spilled across the table and floor. She starts to gather them, muttering something about the cost in favors.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon rises. "Thank you for your help, Mrs. Routterage."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
He turns to Ivy. "We should go."
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy stops staring at the mark.
Penny Gronbeck
She looks at Ms. Routterage. "Thank you for trying."
The Flaming One
She nods, but doesn't say anything. She seems very upset.
The Flaming One
As you are getting ready to go, Damon, a bout of nasuea comes over you. You feel a sudden chill.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon opens his mouth as if about to speak, then sways and puts a hand on the wall to steady himself.
The Flaming One
As he does that, Ivy, you feel a sudden, powerful pickling in your skull. Spidey is going off.
Penny Gronbeck
oh, great... where's it coming from?
The Flaming One
Hard to be sure, but... outside?
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy heads outside, glad to have something else to think about.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon fights his weakness and tries to continue on his way.
The Flaming One
Ivy, as you fling open the door, you see a two roughly dressed men flailing at something that cannot be seen. Behind them are three more rough dressed men. They are holding something beneath their long coats.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Do I see this?
Penny Gronbeck
are the two groups of men facing each other?
The Flaming One
Damon: You are stumbling from the hall behind. You look up just in time to see a very distrubuing sight: Sebastian, phantom blood flowing everywhere, being swallowed by a nihil.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Shit...
The Flaming One
Ivy: One group is in front of the other. The first is facing something unseen. The others are looking at the door, a bit back. As they see you, one of them pulls a shotgun from underneath his coat and aims it at the door.
Penny Gronbeck
I'd like to get Damon on the floor, and out of the line of fire if possible.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Initiative?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
I'd like to kill the nihil, please.
The Flaming One
Ivy tackles Damon to the floor just as the shotgun blast fires, tearing into the door. Now we can do init.
Penny Gronbeck
15.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
9
The Flaming One
Both of you are going before the men. The first group is now turning to the door. The others seem to be reading their weapons (you can't see what the other two have yet). What are your plans?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Wouldn't you know it? They're putting far too much strain on those boards. They are gonna collapse, spilling these assholes several floors straight down.
Penny Gronbeck
I'd like to hit them with static electricity.
The Flaming One
Damon: I hate it when that happens. Ivy: Going vulgar on us? ;)
Penny Gronbeck
who, me?
Penny Gronbeck
superheroes never do vulgar things. ;)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Just old boards and big guys... nobody's fault, really.
The Flaming One
Okay, Ms. Storm, you do your thing (okay, It's not storm, excactly, but I have negative dots in comic book lore).
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Storm works. So does Jenny Sparks.
Penny Gronbeck
(hey, at least you know who Storm is...)
Penny Gronbeck
or Shock-Headed Peter.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
And... whathisname from Cyberforce.
Penny Gronbeck
okay, that one's beyond me. Never read it.
The Flaming One
Thats Forces 2 + Vulgar w/ Witnesses so thats diff 7? Is this going to be an area affect, or are you targetting?
Penny Gronbeck
well, I'd like to hit them rather than us, but other than that, not really.
Penny Gronbeck
2 successes at dif 7.
The Flaming One
Well, if it is a ray, you can target to hit and add those success to damage (but if you miss, you miss). If it is area, you need to spend a success per person to hit, but you are guaruanteed to hit.
Penny Gronbeck
I was going to go for area - I was thinking more like Storm than Cyclops.
The Flaming One
Suddenly, blue-white sparks fly in the room, trying to strike all around. The area is small, but you manage to strke the trenchoats. You can see the scorches on their clothing and hair. They look hurt.
Penny Gronbeck
good.
The Flaming One
Damon: The pattern of the floor is yours...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
diff?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
TJ?
The Flaming One
Its entropy 3 but coinkydink, so 6.
The Flaming One
I'm typing...
The Flaming One
You'll need 3 successes to get the entire floor.
The Flaming One
Less and you either can get one person, or weaken the floor for another attempt.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
3 spot on.
Penny Gronbeck
nice.
The Flaming One
Suddenly there is a groan as if something is straining... the men look apprehensive. Then, with a loud *CRACK*, the floor collapses beneath the men.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon smiles a poor excuse for a smile.
The Flaming One
Of the two in front, one tries to leap aside, but cannot manage a grip and slips.
The Flaming One
The other does the same, but trips on a beam, and impales himself.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Botch, huh?
Jamey Minnis
Ouch. that's all gotta hurt...
Penny Gronbeck
yeah, no kidding.
The Flaming One
Of the three in back, two barely manage to catch themselves (they are hanging on to the hole). However, the one with the shotgun manages to jump clear to the the far side of the hole from you, shotgun still in hand.
The Flaming One
Yes, Mr. Man botched.
The Flaming One
The two hanging dropped whatever weapon they held (you can't tell what they were).
The Flaming One
Next round?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
What's the status on the nihil?
The Flaming One
It closed. Sebastian is gone (those things go very quick)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Okay... next time I'd like a warning about that kind of thing...
Penny Gronbeck
14
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Well... the poor fellow seems to have bought defective shotgun shells. They just burn out, harmlessly.
The Flaming One
One of the disadvantages of being in a spiritually warded room.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
16
Penny Gronbeck
how close is this guy to me?
The Flaming One
Again, you act before them. The two hanging on are trying to get up, the other is trying to blast you.
The Flaming One
He is on the other side of the hole. Its pretty large. You'd have to be brazen to jump it or careful to go around.
The Flaming One
Oh, take a point of dox, Ivy, btw.
Penny Gronbeck
thanks... wondered when we were getting to that.
The Flaming One
I forget these things, sometimes. How much does everyone have, anyway?
Penny Gronbeck
that'd be one, as of now.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
zero
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Matt is the paradox magnet.
The Flaming One
Justin: You feel the box, trying to twist the fates: Entropy 3 + 3 = 6 again....
The Flaming One
with one success you'll get what is in the gun. More, his backup.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
3 again.
The Flaming One
Okay. You feel the shell's burn. You think you got it all.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Man, that must've been a bad box he bought. Should get his money back.
The Flaming One
ivy?
Penny Gronbeck
I'd like to start getting tougher, and head towards him.
The Flaming One
Life 3+3=diff 6
Penny Gronbeck
2.
The Flaming One
That's be str 4 now, then.
Penny Gronbeck
I was going for stamina, in case he shoots me.
The Flaming One
Thats' stam 5 then.
Penny Gronbeck
cool. how close can I get this round?
The Flaming One
If you make the leap, close. If you are reckless, you can close 3/4 the distance. If not, 1/3.
Penny Gronbeck
she's reckless.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
That's my girl.
Penny Gronbeck
didn't raise my stamina for nothing here.
The Flaming One
Okay, make a dex + athletics roll, diff 7. You need 2 to stay a foot, if you get 1 you will close to 1/2. Zero... well, you can imagine. Don't botch.
Penny Gronbeck
am I being graceful?
The Flaming One
Recklessly graceful?
Penny Gronbeck
they're not mutually exclusive....
The Flaming One
I think you can pull it off...sure.
Penny Gronbeck
3 successes.
The Flaming One
You easily close 3/4 of the distance.
The Flaming One
Meanwhile, the man aims, the main shoots and ... nothing. A look of confusion and anger shows on his face.
Penny Gronbeck
my boyfriend is so cool.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon begins a low chuckle.
The Flaming One
One of the men hanging on loses his grips and falls to the story below. The other, on the other hand, manages to pull himself. He is now between Ivy and the gunman.
Penny Gronbeck
well, he's picked the wrong place to be then.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
I'll say...
The Flaming One
Next round.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Am I inside the wards?
Penny Gronbeck
10
Justin Robinson-Prickett
13
The Flaming One
Damon: Yes, you are inside the apartment.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Well, damn.
The Flaming One
You need 3 success over anything to get through.. so any spirit effect would have to be an extened ritual.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Looks like it's time to get creative...
The Flaming One
Okay. Ivy, what are you planning to do (they have the jump on you this time)
Penny Gronbeck
I'm planning to get stronger and kick someone.
The Flaming One
Okay. Damon: It looks like one of the men is waiting to disfuse Ivy. The gunman is probably going to reload.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Let him! Ha!
The Flaming One
What you doing?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon would like to jump down his own hole... only to luckily land on the one soft spot. A bed or something. Or a gunman...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Beginner's Luck, please.
The Flaming One
Luckily for you, you didn't look down first, so... blinld luck... Entropy 2 + 3 = 5....
Justin Robinson-Prickett
3 again!
The Flaming One
You're jinxing! ;)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
This is sooo cool. Making up for my computer woes.
The Flaming One
You leap and land upon Mr. Man's spiked corpse. He cushions your with a soggy sound. You land in a half crouch.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Works for me.
The Flaming One
You are in the downstair hall. There are two men down here. One of them, you can tell now, is one of the "walking dead."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Ah. Won't feel bad about killing him, then.
The Flaming One
ivy?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Hello Gentlemen. You won't get away from me that easily."
Penny Gronbeck
yes?
The Flaming One
What you doing? You notice one of the men has reloaded their shotgun. The other seems to be waiting for you.
Penny Gronbeck
well, I was going to get stronger, and then kick the nearer one out of my way.
Penny Gronbeck
or, better, kick him into the other one if I can.
The Flaming One
Arete then. YOu'll have to get a bit closer to do that.
Penny Gronbeck
5, 5, 5, 4.
The Flaming One
Perfect self is Life 3, so being a diff 6 maneuver, I don't think that cuts it.
Penny Gronbeck
no, I didn't think so either. ah well.
The Flaming One
Leaping to the kick... Dex+Brawl, diff 6.
Penny Gronbeck
am I being graceful?
The Flaming One
Why not.
Penny Gronbeck
6 successes.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Who needs Buffy?
The Flaming One
Was anticipating, and was able to dodge. But only a little. You still connect cleanly with his gut. Roll 8 damage.
Penny Gronbeck
dif? and do botches count here?
The Flaming One
Its just damage. Diff 6, no botch.
Penny Gronbeck
5.
Penny Gronbeck
who needs to be strong?
The Flaming One
Theere is a *crack* and the man kneels over, throwing up blood.
The Flaming One
Next?
Penny Gronbeck
16
Justin Robinson-Prickett
What are these schmucks in the hall doing?
The Flaming One
Well, if you have high enough init, you'll know...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
13
Justin Robinson-Prickett
I mean do they have guns in their hands?
The Flaming One
And you do: The "live" one is giong to beat you with the bat he dropped earlier. The other is going to do ... something... spiritual you think.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Oh, good...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
His antics shall doubtless amuse.
The Flaming One
ivy. The gun man is going to shot you.
The Flaming One
What are you two going? Ivy?
Penny Gronbeck
can I knock the gun out of his hands?
Penny Gronbeck
also, I would like to get stronger this round.
The Flaming One
You can attempt to. Dex + Brawl. You'll need 3 successes. less and you'll make it harder for him to shoot, but he can still do it.
Penny Gronbeck
am I being graceful?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
The bat turns out to be one of those hollow ones. Just a carrying case for something else. Should have looked at the display more carefully when he bought it.
The Flaming One
Sure, Ivy.
Penny Gronbeck
3, then.
The Flaming One
With a fancy Tae Kwon do move, you manage to disarm your opponent. Want to do the strength now?
Penny Gronbeck
yes, please. one success.
The Flaming One
Str 3 now. Damon...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
On diff 6, 4 successes.
The Flaming One
The entropic currents are beginning to resist this tampering.. so diff is 1 higher. 7.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
3 then
Justin Robinson-Prickett
It's just not their day!
The Flaming One
You can't be sure, but you believe you have succeeded.
Penny Gronbeck
apparently it's your day with 3s.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
I'll find out when he thwacks me, I suppose...
The Flaming One
The man with the back swings... Its connects, but shatters. You still have to soak a level of brusing damage, though.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
I do
Justin Robinson-Prickett
I smile at him. "That was fun. Care for another try?"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Intimidation roll please?
The Flaming One
Sure. Diff 6.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
So 3 :)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
5 successes
The Flaming One
The man is angry, but steps back, hands up. "Hey, I don't need this."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"But you're going to get it all the same."
The Flaming One
Meanwhile, you feel a twist, and solid punch in your ribs. The force was from no where... you suspect the "dead" man had something to do with it. Soak 3 levels of bashing damage.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Countermagick, please?
The Flaming One
Couter and magical action? I've always wondered about that... you did have fair warning, but the actions where simultaneous, you were focusing on the bat man. Counter arguments?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
If it's a spirit effect, Damon is a medium, which makes him preternaturally aware of the spirit realm.
The Flaming One
I'm going to be charitable this time. but I will think about what I'll do in the future (as my instincts don't like it). Its diff 8 countermagic.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
2 successes
The Flaming One
You manage to dilute the punch, but it still connects. Soak a level.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
I do
The Flaming One
Next round?
Penny Gronbeck
9
Justin Robinson-Prickett
13
The Flaming One
Actually, hold a bit. What are your plans for this combat?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Plans for this combat? As in eventual goals?
Penny Gronbeck
I wanted to question the guy with the gun, shake him a few times, that kind of thing.
The Flaming One
Yes. So I can faster resolve it (unless you want to do it this way...)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
5 unconscious men to question, basically...
The Flaming One
4. One is picked.
The Flaming One
*piked*
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Right... my heart is breaking, really it is...
Penny Gronbeck
at least it isn't piked.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
I have it in for the dead guy. I think he's got Sebastian.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
I can let "Bat-man" go.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
I mean I won't mind if he does...
The Flaming One
How are you goign to take them down, spirit boy? Spirit againt the dead guy?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Hell yes! With a Dim Mak Entropy effect to find where he's weakest.
The Flaming One
Okay. Justin: YOu need 5 success on an arete diff 5 roll (w/ modifiers). Tell me how many rounds.
The Flaming One
Ivy. You need 5 successes on Dex+Brawl rolls. Tell me how many rounds.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
2
Penny Gronbeck
graceful?
The Flaming One
Yes
Penny Gronbeck
1
The Flaming One
Okay. Ivy: The man manages to club you once (soak 3 levels of bashing damage). But you manage to beat him into submission fairly quickly.
Penny Gronbeck
soaked 2.
The Flaming One
Justin: You're rage against this thing is a living thing. Though it manages to bloody you some (take a level of bashing damage), you soon return it to Hell... or Oblivion.
The Flaming One
The bat man fled during the ensuing combat.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Take or soak?
The Flaming One
Take. (Else you woundn't be bloodied :)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
And is the body still there?
The Flaming One
Yes. But it is a dead thing now.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Good. I search the two corpses.
The Flaming One
They are not carrying any identification. One of them has a set of keys. Not markings, but it appears to be a vehicle key.
The Flaming One
Ivy?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Taken. Does the dead man have anything of note? Prime scan and spirit scan.
Penny Gronbeck
I'd like to shake the guy who had the gun. "Do you want to talk to me or should I hit you some more?"
Penny Gronbeck
also, is he alive?
The Flaming One
Yes. Both of yours are alive. The one your kicked is out of it. The other is still with you, but beat up. He just spits on you.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
I summon Precario as I walk upstairs to rejoin Ivy.
The Flaming One
Damon: No, both come up clear. This body is dead. You feel Precario's pressence.
Penny Gronbeck
I'll pinch a pressure point near his neck. "Why are you here?"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Precario? I want you to look at the faces of these men."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Now please look through computer records for them, if you would."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon continues upstairs.
The Flaming One
The spirit flutters about, and then vanishes.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon shuts his eyes and thanks the spirit silently.
The Flaming One
Ivy: The man yelps in pain. "Fucking bitch. What do you want?!?"
Penny Gronbeck
I'll keep hold of the pressure point. "Are you not listening to me or are you stupid? Why are you here?"
The Flaming One
Man: "We were here to get that Routterage bitch. Seems she turned on the boss, is all."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]Actually the Prime and Spirit scans were looking for fetishes and talismans.
Penny Gronbeck
I'll let go, and hit a different point. "Tell me about the boss."
The Flaming One
Damon: None of those either.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
K. Am I there yet?
The Flaming One
Damon: Yes.
Penny Gronbeck
if he hesitates, I'll apply more pressure.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
I approach the my girl and her captive, smiling like a sadistic cheshire cat.
The Flaming One
Man: "OUCH! Hey, I just do this for a living. They paid me. I don't ask the questions."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"They pay you? How much?"
Penny Gronbeck
"Who paid you?"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon calmly places one foot lightly on the chest of the other unconscious man.
The Flaming One
Man: "Standard. 2K. He didn't say who he was w/. Just said to take his two freaks with us."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"2K?" Damon smiles. "Play ball and I'll double it."
Penny Gronbeck
I'll increase the pressure again. "Pay attention. Who paid you?"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Ivy, Ivy. I believe we can speak with this man... please. Don't hurt him. Yet."
Penny Gronbeck
"I think I already did."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon laughs a bit. "Please stop for the time being."
The Flaming One
The man winces. "Fuck!"
Penny Gronbeck
I'll decrease the pressure. "Don't think about doing anything funny."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Now. Answer our questions or more unpleasantness will ensue."
Penny Gronbeck
I'll wipe the spit off.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Good thing Damon didn't see the guy do that...
Penny Gronbeck
would've flipped, eh?
The Flaming One
The man rubs the sore spot. He looks Damon up and down. "I don't know if you can afford 4k, kid."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
He'd be wearing his guts like a lei...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"You have absolutely no idea who you're dealing with, old man. Now answer my questions. Who paid you?"
The Flaming One
The man thinks for a moment. "His freaks drove. I think you'll find the info you need in there. Like I said, I don't know the man."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Give me a description. An address. A phone number. Do it now. Or I'll give you to a friend of mine for a chew toy."
The Flaming One
He describes the man. Suite. Late 30s-early 40s. Suite called them, met in an empty warehouse downtown. As "freaks" were to see the job done, so no contact info was given.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"These freaks... what were they like? Were they the men I killed downstairs?"
The Flaming One
He nods. "They gave me the creeps, you know. I've seen some messed up shit, but just looking at them bothered me." He seems a little embarrassed mentioning this.
Penny Gronbeck
"Where was the wearhouse, what streets?"
The Flaming One
He gave you the address.
Penny Gronbeck
sorry. tired.
The Flaming One
We'll wrap as soon as this interrogation is over.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"I'm going to give you a choice. Leave down in this life, or stay on to haunt it. Your choice."
The Flaming One
He looks a bit confused.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Leave and live. Stay and die. Jesus, does this Suite man hire illiterates?"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
oops.. that should have been "town" not "down"
The Flaming One
Okay, that makes more sense. If Ivy lets him go, he's gone. Doesn't even look back at his "buddy."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
End of session, then?
The Flaming One
Yup.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
K. Once Ivy tells Damon they were after Routterage, it's time to have a talk with her...
The Flaming One
Got to make combat faster, damnit. Grr... Well, that's what experimentation is for.
The Flaming One
Fine by me.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
XP?
The Flaming One
5000 for me, 0 for you.
The Flaming One
Oh, wait...
The Flaming One
LC?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damn.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Aha. Well, I learned that I can't protect Sebastian all the time, and I learned that the hard way. Gotta go look for him.
The Flaming One
Check.
The Flaming One
You two?
Penny Gronbeck
I learned that it's easier to get people to talk if you offer them money than if you hurt them a lot.
The Flaming One
Though Damon didn't actually give him anything, you noticed.
Penny Gronbeck
yes, I did notice that.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
I briefly considered hiring him, though :) Would've been funny...
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy wouldn't have gone for that.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
And I don't have 4K in my wallet, unfortunately...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
2K, yeah, probably.
The Flaming One
So the question was did he stop cuz if he got paid, good; otherwise, he wouldn't be hurt? You never know.
The Flaming One
Jamey? Still awake?
Penny Gronbeck
no, never.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Gone, poor bastard...
The Flaming One
I still see him, but never mind...
The Flaming One
Okay. I'm going to say 3 for both of you. K?
Penny Gronbeck
k.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
k
The Flaming One
Then goodnight, y'all.
Even Death must die.
